U.S. patent application number 13/007029 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-19 for railing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to VISION OUTDOOR PRODUCTS LIMITED. Invention is credited to Tony Curatolo, Vince Vigliatore.
Application Number | 20120181496 13/007029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46490088 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120181496 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Curatolo; Tony ; et
al. |
July 19, 2012 |
RAILING SYSTEM
Abstract
There is provided a railing system having a first rail member, a
second rail member, and at least one locator space-insertable
barrier member. Each space-insertable barrier member is connectable
to both of the first and second rail members so as to occupy space
between the first and second rail members and thereby interfere
with movement of matter between the first and second rail members.
At least one of the first rail member and the second rail member
includes at least one locator structure. The locator structure
defines a locator space for receiving insertion of at least one
locator space-insertable barrier member and thereby effecting
positioning of the at least one received locator space-insertable
barrier member relative to the rail member whose locator structure
is effecting the positioning.
Inventors: |
Curatolo; Tony; (Woodbridge,
CA) ; Vigliatore; Vince; (Woodbridge, CA) |
Assignee: |
VISION OUTDOOR PRODUCTS
LIMITED
|
Family ID: |
46490088 |
Appl. No.: |
13/007029 |
Filed: |
January 14, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/19 ;
256/65.03; 256/65.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/1439
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/19 ;
256/65.03; 256/65.04 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/16 20060101
E04H017/16 |
Claims
1. A railing system comprising: a first rail member; a second rail
member; and at least one locator space-insertable barrier member,
wherein each one of the at least one locator space-insertable
barrier member is connectable to both of the first and second rail
members so as to occupy space between the first and second rail
members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the
first and second rail members; wherein at least one of the first
rail member and the second rail member includes at least one
locator structure, wherein the locator structure defines a locator
space for receiving insertion of at least one of the at least one
locator space-insertable barrier member and thereby effecting
positioning of the at least one received locator space-insertable
barrier member relative to the rail member whose locator structure
is effecting the positioning, such that, when at least one of the
at least one locator space-insertable barrier member is received
within the locator space, for each one of the at least one received
locator space-insertable barrier member, a corresponding visible
exterior surface portion of the received locator space-insertable
barrier member is disposed outside of the locator space for
receiving a fastener and effecting connection, with the fastener,
of the received locator space-insertable barrier member to the
positioning-effecting rail member such that the connection of the
received locator space-insertable barrier member to the
positioning-effecting rail member is a locator-assisted connection,
and such that after the locator-assisted connection is effected,
the received locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed
adjacent to a first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member; such that, when any one of the
at least one locator space-insertable barrier member is connected
to both of the first and second rail members and thereby effects
joinder of the first and second rail members, wherein the
connection of the locator space-insertable barrier member to at
least one of the first and second rail members is the
locator-assisted connection, and when the joined first and second
rail members are oriented in a vertically spaced-apart relationship
relative to one another, the first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member, to which the locator
space-insertable barrier member is disposed in adjacent
relationship, is an exterior surface portion on an exterior side
surface of the positioning-effecting rail member.
2. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein at least one
of the at least one locator space-insertable barriers is
connectable to both of the first and second rail members to effect
joinder of the first and second rail members by connection to each
one of the first and second rail members with the locator-assisted
connection.
3. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for each
one of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier
member: the received locator space-insertable barrier member is
positioned in opposition to the first exterior surface portion of
the positioning-effecting rail member, such that the received
locator space-insertable barrier member is connectable to the
positioning-effecting rail member by a fastener penetrating: (i)
through the received locator space-insertable barrier member, and
(ii) through the first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member.
4. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for each
one of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier
member: the received locator space-insertable barrier member is
positioned in opposition to the first exterior surface portion of
the positioning-effecting rail member, such that the received
locator space-insertable barrier member is connectable to the
positioning-effecting rail member by a fastener penetrating: (i) in
through the corresponding visible surface portion of the received
locator space-insertable barrier member, and (ii) out through a
surface portion of the received locator space-insertable barrier
member that is opposite to the visible surface portion, and (iii)
in through the first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member.
5. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 3; wherein the first
exterior surface portion is any surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member that is opposing the surface
portion of the received locator space-insertable barrier member
that is opposite to the corresponding visible surface portion.
6. The railing assembly as claimed in claim 1; wherein each one of
the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member includes a
maximum width of less than 0.375 inches.
7. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for each one
of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier
member, the received locator space-insertable barrier member is
connectable to the other one of the rail members with another
fastener, and such that after the connection of the received
locator space-insertable barrier member to the other one of the
rail members is effected, the received locator space-insertable
barrier member is disposed adjacent to a second exterior surface
portion of the other one of the rail members; such that, when any
one of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member is
connected to both of the first and second rail members and thereby
effects joinder of the first and second rail members, wherein the
connection of the locator space-insertable barrier member to one of
the first and second rail members is the locator-assisted
connection, and when the joined first and second rail members are
oriented in a vertically spaced-apart relationship relative to one
another, the second exterior surface portion of the other one of
the rail members, to which the locator space-insertable barrier
member is disposed in adjacent relationship, is an exterior surface
portion on an exterior side surface of the other one of the rail
members.
8. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for each one
of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier
member, after the locator-assisted connection is effected, the
received locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed in
abutting contact with the first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member.
9. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein, for each one
of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier
member, after the locator-assisted connection is effected, the
received locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed in
contact engagement with the first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member;
10. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein the locator
space includes a recess.
11. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein the locator
structure includes a frangible member that is positioned to
interfere with insertion of any one of the locator space-insertable
barrier members into the locator space, and wherein the frangible
member is breakable, upon application of a manual force to the
frangible member, so as to permit the insertion.
12. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein the at least
one locator structure includes a wider barrier member-locator
structure and a thinner barrier member-locator structure; wherein
each one of the at least one received locator space-insertable
barrier member that is received by the wider barrier member-locator
structure is wider than any one of the at least one received
locator space-insertable barrier member that is received by the
narrower barrier member-locator structure.
13. The railing system as claimed in claim 12; wherein each one of
the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier member
that is received by the wider barrier member-locator structure is a
multiple of at least 1.2 wider than any one of the at least one
received locator space-insertable barrier member that is received
by the narrower barrier member-locator structure.
14. The railing system as claimed in claim 12; wherein the wider
barrier member-locator structure is disposed on a side of the rail
member that is opposite to the side on which the narrower barrier
member-locator structure is disposed.
15. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein each one of
the rail members includes plastic material.
16. The railing system as claimed in claim 14; wherein each one of
the rail members is an extruded lineal.
17. The railing system as claimed in claim 1; wherein the at least
one locator space-insertable barrier member includes a plurality of
substantially identical locator space-insertable barrier members of
a first set of locator space-insertable barrier members.
18. The railing system as claimed in claim 17; wherein the at least
one locator space-insertable barrier member further includes a
plurality of substantially identical locator space-insertable
barrier members of a second set of locator space-insertable barrier
members; and wherein the locator space-insertable barrier members
of the first set of locator space-insertable barrier members are
characterized by a different shape in comparison to the locator
space-insertable barrier members of the second set of locator
space-insertable barrier members.
19. The railing system as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a
set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a
plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable
barrier members, wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable
barrier members is connectable to both of the first and second rail
members so as to occupy space between the first and second rail
members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the
first and second rail members; such that, when any one of the at
least one locator space-uninsertable barrier member is connected to
both of the first and second rail members and thereby effects
joinder of the first and second rail members, and when the joined
first and second rail members are oriented such that the first rail
member is disposed vertically above the second rail member, the
locator space-uninsertable barrier member extends from a third
exterior surface portion on a lower exterior side surface of the
first rail member and also extends from a fourth exterior surface
portion on an upper exterior side surface of the second rail
member.
20. The railing system as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a
set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a
plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable
barrier members, wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable
barrier members is connectable to both of the first and second rail
members so as to occupy space between the first and second rail
members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the
first and second rail members; such that, when any one of the at
least one locator space-uninsertable barrier member is connected to
both of the first and second rail members and thereby effects
joinder of the first and second rail members, and when the joined
first and second rail members are oriented such that the first rail
member is disposed vertically above the second rail member, the
longitudinal axis of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member
is oriented so as to intersect a third exterior surface portion on
a lower exterior side surface of the first rail member and so as
also to intersect a fourth exterior surface portion on an upper
exterior side surface of the second rail member.
21. The railing system as claimed in claim 19; wherein the third
exterior surface portion on the lower exterior side surface of the
first rail member opposes the fourth exterior surface portion on
the upper exterior side surface of the second rail member.
22. The railing system as claimed in claim 21; wherein an axis
normal to any one of the first and second exterior surface portions
is disposed in a transverse relationship to an axis normal to any
one of the third and fourth exterior surface portions.
23. The railing system as claimed in claim 21; wherein an axis
normal to any one of the first and second exterior surface portions
is orthogonal to an axis normal to any one of the third and fourth
exterior surface portions.
24. The railing system as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a
set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a
plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable
barrier members, wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable
barrier members is connectable to both of the first and second rail
members so as to occupy space between the first and second rail
members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the
first and second rail members; and also further comprising a
plurality of coupling adaptors connectable to either one of the
first and second rail members, wherein, for each one of the
coupling adaptors, after the coupling adaptor has been connected to
the rail member, the coupling adaptor is configured to effect
connection of one end of a locator space-uninsertable barrier
member to a one of the rail members by interference fit engagement
of one end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member to the
coupling adaptor; wherein, for each one of the plurality of
substantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members,
one end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member is
engageable in an interference fit relationship with a coupling
adaptor that has been connected to the first rail member, and a
second end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member is
engageable in an interference fit relationship with a coupling
adaptor that has been connected to the second rail member, so as to
effect the connection of the locator space-uninsertable barrier
member to both of the first and second rail members; such that, for
any one of the at least one locator space-uninsertable barrier
member, when a one end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier
member is disposed in an interference fit relationship with a
coupling adaptor that is connected to the first rail member and is
also disposed in an interference fit relationship with a coupling
adaptor that is connected to the second rail member, such that the
locator space-uninsertable barrier member is connected to both of
the first and second rail members and thereby effects joinder of
the first and second rail members, the assembly of the interference
fit engaged coupling adaptors and the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member, to which the coupling adaptors are interference fit
engaged, defines a modified locator space-uninsertable barrier
member, and when the joined first and second rail members are
oriented such that the first rail member is disposed vertically
above the second rail member, the modified locator
space-uninsertable barrier member extends from a third exterior
surface portion on a lower exterior side surface of the first rail
member and also extends from a fourth exterior surface portion on
an upper exterior side surface of the second rail member.
25. The railing system as claimed in claim 17; further comprising a
set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a
plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable
barrier members, wherein each one of the locator space-uninsertable
barrier members is connectable to both of the first and second rail
members so as to occupy space between the first and second rail
members and thereby interfere with movement of matter between the
first and second rail members; and also further comprising a
plurality of coupling adaptors connectable to either one of the
first and second rail members, wherein, after the coupling adaptor
has been connected to the rail member, each one of the coupling
adaptors is configured to effect connection of one end of a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member to a one of the rail members by
interference fit engagement of one end of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member to the coupling adaptor; wherein,
for each one of the plurality of substantially identical locator
space-uninsertable barrier members, one end of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference
fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to
the first rail member, and a second end of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference
fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to
the second rail member, so as to effect the connection of the
locator space-uninsertable barrier member to both of the first and
second rail members; such that, for any one of the at least one
locator space-uninsertable barrier member, when a one end of the
locator space-uninsertable barrier member is disposed in an
interference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that is
connected to the first rail member and is also disposed in an
interference fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that is
connected to the second rail member, such that the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is connected to both of the first
and second rail members and thereby effects joinder of the first
and second rail members, the assembly of the interference fit
engaged coupling adaptors and the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member, to which the coupling adaptors are interference fit
engaged, defines a modified locator space-uninsertable barrier
member, and when the joined first and second rail members are
oriented such that the first rail member is disposed vertically
above the second rail member, the longitudinal axis of the modified
locator space-uninsertable barrier member is oriented so as to
intersect a third exterior surface portion on a lower exterior side
surface of the first rail member and so as also to intersect a
fourth exterior surface portion on an upper exterior side surface
of the second rail member.
26. The railing system as claimed in claim 24; wherein, for each
one of the plurality of substantially identical locator
space-uninsertable barrier members, one end of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference
fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to
the first rail member and is disposed in contact engagement with
the third exterior surface portion, and a second end of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference
fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to
the second rail member and is disposed in contact engagement with
the fourth exterior surface portion.
27. The railing system as claimed in claim 24; wherein, for each
one of the plurality of substantially identical locator
space-uninsertable barrier members, one end of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an interference
fit relationship with a coupling adaptor that has been connected to
the first rail member with a fastener that penetrates through the
coupling adaptor and the third exterior surface portion, and a
second end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member is
engageable in an interference fit relationship with a coupling
adaptor that has been connected to the second rail member with a
fastener that penetrates through the coupling adaptor and the
fourth exterior surface portion.
28. The railing system as claimed in claim 24; wherein the third
exterior surface portion on the lower exterior side surface of the
first rail member opposes the fourth exterior surface portion on
the upper exterior side surface of the second rail member.
29. The railing system as claimed in claim 28; wherein an axis
normal to any one of the first and second exterior surface portions
is disposed in a transverse relationship to an axis normal to any
one of the third and fourth exterior surface portions.
30. The railing system as claimed in claim 28; wherein an axis
normal to any one of the first and second exterior surface portions
is orthogonal to an axis normal to any one of the third and fourth
exterior surface portions.
31. The railing system as claimed in claim 29; wherein each one of
the first and second rail members includes a respective plurality
of connecting regions, wherein each one of the connecting regions
is formable into a locator space-uninsertable barrier member
receiving recess for receiving an end of any one of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier members such that an interference fit
relationship is provided between the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess and the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member; and wherein, for each one of the plurality of
substantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members,
a first end of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member is
engageable in an interference fit relationship with a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess that has been
formed within the first rail member, and a second end of the
locator space-uninsertable barrier member is engageable in an
interference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess that has been formed within the
second rail member, so as to effect the connection of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member to both of the first and second
rail members.
32. The railing system as claimed in claim 31; wherein for each one
of the plurality of substantially identical first locator
space-uninsertable barrier members, a first protuberance is
provided proximate to a first end of the first locator
space-uninsertable barrier member and a second protuberance is
provided proximate to a second end of the first locator
space-uninsertable barrier member, wherein the first protuberance
is engageable in an interference fit relationship with a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess that has been
formed within the first rail member, and the second protuberance is
engageable in an interference fit relationship with a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess that has been
formed within the second rail member, so as to effect the
connection of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member to both
of the first and second rail members.
33. The railing system as claimed in claim 31; wherein, for each
one of the connecting regions of each one of the first and second
rail members, the connecting region is formable into the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess by cutting the
connecting region to effect exposure of a cavity provided within
the respective rail member, wherein the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess includes the exposed cavity.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to railing systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Railing systems have long been used for both safety and
aesthetic purposes. Traditionally, railing systems have been
constructed from wood because wood is relatively inexpensive, easy
to work with, and possesses suitable strength characteristics.
However, there are disadvantages with constructing railing system
from wood, including its tendency to splinter, as well as its
susceptibility to decay.
[0003] More recently, suitable material substitutes have been
developed, such as plastics, to overcome these problems encountered
with using wood materials. It is desirable for plastic railing
systems to be convenient to work with during construction of the
railing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In one aspect, there is provided a railing system comprising
a first rail member, a second rail member, and at least one locator
space-insertable barrier member. Each one of the at least one
locator space-insertable barrier member is connectable to both of
the first and second rail members so as to occupy space between the
first and second rail members and thereby interfere with movement
of matter between the first and second rail members. At least one
of the first rail member and the second rail member includes at
least one locator structure, wherein the locator structure defines
a locator space for receiving insertion of at least one of the at
least one locator space-insertable barrier member and thereby
effecting positioning of the at least one received locator
space-insertable barrier member relative to the rail member whose
locator structure is effecting the positioning, such that, when at
least one of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier
member is received within the locator space, for each one of the at
least one received locator space-insertable barrier member, a
corresponding visible exterior surface portion of the received
locator space-insertable barrier member is disposed outside of the
locator space for receiving a fastener and effecting connection,
with the fastener, of the received locator space-insertable barrier
member to the positioning-effecting rail member such that the
connection of the received locator space-insertable barrier member
to the positioning-effecting rail member is a locator-assisted
connection, and such that after the locator-assisted connection is
effected, the received locator space-insertable barrier member is
disposed adjacent to a first exterior surface portion of the
positioning-effecting rail member. When any one of the at least one
locator space-insertable barrier member is connected to both of the
first and second rail members and thereby effects joinder of the
first and second rail members, wherein the connection of the
locator space-insertable barrier member to at least one of the
first and second rail members is the locator-assisted connection,
and when the joined first and second rail members are oriented in a
vertically spaced-apart relationship relative to one another, the
first exterior surface portion of the positioning-effecting rail
member, to which the locator space-insertable barrier member is
disposed in adjacent relationship, is an exterior surface portion
on an exterior side surface of the positioning-effecting rail
member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of an
assembled railing system;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled
railing system in FIG. 1, taken along lines 2-2;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation view of the first rail
member of the railing system;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevation view of the second rail
member of the railing system;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of
an assembled railing system;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled
railing system in FIG. 5, taken along lines 6-6;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of an
assembled railing system;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled
railing system in FIG. 7, taken along lines 8-8;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of
an assembled railing system;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled
railing system in FIG. 9, taken along lines 10-10;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of
an assembled railing system; and
[0016] FIG. 12 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled
railing system in FIG. 11, taken along lines 12-12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] There is provided a railing system for constructing a
railing.
[0018] The term "substantially identical", when used in the present
disclosure with respect to a member of a set, means that each one
of the members is not significantly visually different from any one
of the other members and that any visual differences are not
apparent or not sufficiently noticeable.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, the railing system 100 includes a first
rail member 102, a second rail member 104, and at least one locator
space-insertable barrier members 106. Each one of the at least one
locator space-insertable barrier member 106 is connectable to both
of the first and second rail members 102, 104 so as to occupy space
between the first and second rail members 102, 104 and thereby
interfere with movement of matter between the first and second rail
members 102, 104.
[0020] In some embodiments, for example, each one of the first rail
member 102 and the second rail member 104 includes plastic
material. For example, suitable plastic material includes polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polyolefin material, and composite plastic material
(e.g. wood flour and/or rice hulls combined with PVC or a
polyolefin. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the first
rail member 102 and the second rail member 104 includes a constant
cross-sectional profile along its longitudinal axis. In some
embodiments, for example, each one of the first rail member 102 and
the second rail member 104 is an extruded lineal.
[0021] In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least
one locator space-insertable barrier member 106 is of tempered
glass material. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the
at least one locator space-insertable barrier member 106 is any one
of a picket, a baluster, a fence panel, a board, or a slat. In some
embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 includes a substantially
constant lateral thickness along its longitudinal axis. The locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 may assume any number of
suitable shapes or configurations. For example, the member 106 can
assume the form of a board (see FIG. 1) or a classical baluster
(see FIG. 3).
[0022] In some embodiments, for example, each one of the at least
one locator space-insertable barrier member 106 includes a first
end 108 and a second end 110 that is opposite to the first end 108.
In some embodiments, for example, for each one of the at least one
locator space-insertable barrier member 106, each one of the first
and second ends 108, 110 of the locator space-insertable barrier
member 106 includes a maximum width of less than 0.375 inches. In
some embodiments, for example, the maximum width is 0.34
inches.
[0023] At least one of the first rail member 102 and the second
rail member 104 includes at least one locator structure 112. The
locator structure 112 defines a locator space 114 for receiving
insertion of at least one of the at least one locator
space-insertable barrier member 106. By receiving insertion of at
least one of the at least one locator space-insertable barrier
member 106, positioning of the at least one received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 is thereby effected relative to
the rail member whose locator structure 112 is effecting the
positioning. When at least one of the at least one locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 is received within the locator
space 114, for each one of the at least one received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106, a corresponding visible
exterior surface portion 116 of the received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 is disposed outside of the
locator space 114 for receiving a fastener and effecting
connection, with one or more fasteners 118, of the received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 to the positioning-effecting
rail member 102. The connection of the received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 to the positioning-effecting
rail member 102 is a locator-assisted connection. After the
locator-assisted connection is effected, the received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 is disposed adjacent to a first
exterior surface portion 120 of the positioning-effecting rail
member 102.
[0024] In some embodiments, for example, the locator space 114 is
defined within a recess provided in the corresponding rail
member.
[0025] In some embodiment, for example, the width of the locator
space 114 is marginally wider than the corresponding locator
space-insertable barrier member 106.
[0026] In some embodiments, the locator structure 112 includes a
frangible member 122 that is positioned to interfere with insertion
of any one of the locator space-insertable barrier members 106 into
the locator space 114. The frangible member 122 is breakable, upon
application of a manual force to the frangible member 122, so as to
permit the insertion of any one of the locator space-insertable
barrier members 106 into the locator space 114. In some of these
embodiments, for example, the frangible member 122 is provided to
conceal the locator space 114 from view for aesthetic purposes,
when the locator structure 112 is not being used to construct a
railing system 100 with the at least one locator space-insertable
barrier member 106.
[0027] In some embodiments, for example, the at least one locator
structure 112 includes a wider barrier member-locator structure
112a and a thinner barrier member-locator structure 112b. Each one
of the at least one received locator space-insertable barrier
member 106 that is received by the wider barrier member-locator
structure 112a is wider than any one of the at least one received
locator space-insertable barrier member 106 that is received by the
narrower barrier member-locator structure 112b. In some of these
embodiments, for example, each one of the at least one received
locator space-insertable barrier member 106 that is received by the
wider barrier member-locator structure 112a is a multiple of at
least 1.2. In some embodiments, for example, the multiple is at
least 1.25 wider than any one of the at least one received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 that is received by the
narrower barrier member-locator structure 112b. In some of these
embodiments, for example, the wider barrier member-locator
structure 112a is disposed on a side 124 of one of the first and
second rail members that is opposite to the side 126 on which the
narrower barrier member-locator structure 112b is disposed. In some
of these embodiments, for example, for each one of the wider
barrier member-locator structure 112a and the narrower barrier
member-locator structure 112b, the locator structure is defined by
a recess provided in the rail member.
[0028] When any one of the at least one locator space-insertable
barrier member 106 is connected to both of the first and second
rail members 102, 104 and thereby effects joinder of the first and
second rail members 102, 104, and the connection of the locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 to at least one of the first
and second rail members 102, 104 is the locator-assisted
connection, and when the joined first and second rail members 102,
104 are oriented in a vertically spaced-apart relationship relative
to one another, the first exterior surface portion 120 of the
positioning-effecting rail member 102, to which the locator
space-insertable barrier member 106 is disposed in adjacent
relationship, is an exterior surface portion on an exterior side
surface of the positioning-effecting rail member 102.
[0029] In some embodiments, for example, at least one of the at
least one locator space-insertable barriers 106 is connectable to
both of the first and second rail members 102, 104 to effect
joinder of the first and second rail members 102, 104 by connection
to each one of the first and second rail members 102, 104 with the
locator-assisted connection.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in some embodiments, for
example, the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member
106 includes a plurality of substantially identical locator
space-insertable barrier members 106a of a first set of locator
space-insertable barrier members.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, for
example, the at least one locator space-insertable barrier member
further includes a plurality of substantially identical locator
space-insertable barrier members 106b of a second set of locator
space-insertable barrier members. In this respect, the locator
space-insertable barrier members 106 of the first set of locator
space-insertable barrier members are characterized by a different
shape in comparison to the locator space-insertable barrier members
106a of the second set of locator space-insertable barrier members.
In some embodiments, for example, the barrier members 106b are made
from aluminum, such as extruded aluminum
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, for
example, the railing system further includes a set of locator
space-uninsertable barrier members defined by a plurality of
substantially identical locator space-uninsertable barrier members
128. The barrier members 128 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 are made
from plastic material (as above-described), and are manufactured by
extrusion followed by blow-moulding. Each one of the locator
space-uninsertable barrier members 128 is connectable to both of
the first and second rail members 102, 104 so as to occupy space
between the first and second rail members 102, 104 and thereby
interfere with movement of matter between the first and second rail
members 102, 104. In some embodiments, for example, when any one of
the at least one locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128 is
connected to both of the first and second rail members 102, 104 and
thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail members 102,
104, and when the joined first and second rail members are oriented
such that the first rail member 102 is disposed vertically above
the second rail member 104 (see FIG. 5), the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 128 extends from a second
exterior surface portion 130 on a lower exterior side surface 132
of the first rail member 102 and also extends from a third exterior
surface portion 134 on an upper exterior side surface 136 of the
second rail member 104. In some embodiments, for example, when any
one of the at least one locator space-uninsertable barrier member
128 is connected to both of the first and second rail members 102,
104 and thereby effects joinder of the first and second rail
members 102, 104, and when the joined first and second rail members
102, 104 are oriented such that the first rail member 102 is
disposed vertically above the second rail member 104, the
longitudinal axis of the locator space-uninsertable barrier member
128 is oriented so as to intersect a second exterior surface
portion 130 on a lower exterior side surface 132 of the first rail
member 102 and so as also to intersect a third exterior surface
portion 134 on an upper exterior side surface 136 of the second
rail member 104. In some of these embodiments, for example, the
second exterior surface portion 130 on the lower exterior side
surface 132 of the first rail member 102 opposes the third exterior
surface portion 134 on the upper exterior side surface 136 of the
second rail member 104.
[0033] In some embodiments, for example, each one of the plurality
of substantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier
members 128 includes plastic material (such as for the embodiment,
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and the embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 9 and 10. Alternatively, the barrier members can be made from
aluminum, such as extruded aluminum (such as the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10). In some embodiments, for example,
each one of the plurality of substantially identical first locator
space-uninsertable barrier members is any one of a picket, a
baluster, a fence panel, a board, or a slat. In some embodiments,
for example, each one of the plurality of substantially identical
first locator space-uninsertable barrier members includes a
substantially constant lateral thickness along its longitudinal
axis. The first locator space-uninsertable barrier member may
assume any number of suitable shapes or configurations. For
example, the member 128 can take the form of a classical baluster
(see FIGS. 7 and 8, plastic material that has been extruded and
then blow-moulded), or a square-shaped picket (see FIGS. 9 and 10,
extruded plastic material), or a tubular picket (FIGS. 11 and 12,
extruded aluminum).
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, for
example, the set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members is a
first set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members, and the
plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable
barrier members 128 is a plurality of substantially identical first
locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128a. FIGS. 9 and 10
illustrate the railing system assembled with another set of
substantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier
members 128b, wherein the manner of connection of the members 128b
to both of the rail members 102, 104 is similar to the members
128a. In these embodiments, each one of the first and second rail
members 102, 104 includes a respective plurality of connecting
regions 142, wherein each one of the connecting regions 142 is
formable into a locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving
recess 144 for receiving an end of any one of the plurality of
substantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier
members 128a such that an interference fit relationship is provided
between the first locator space-uninsertable barrier member
receiving recess 144 and the locator space-uninsertable barrier
member 128a. For each one of the plurality of substantially
identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128a, a
first end 138 of the first locator space-uninsertable barrier
member 128a is engageable in an interference fit relationship with
a locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144
that has been formed within the first rail member 102, and a second
end 140 of the first locator space-uninsertable barrier member
128a, opposite to the first end 138, is engageable in an
interference fit relationship with a locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess 144 that has been formed within the
second rail member 104, so as to effect the connection of the first
locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128a to both of the first
and second rail members 102, 104. In some of these embodiments, for
example, for each one of the plurality of substantially identical
first locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128a, a first
protuberance 150 is provided proximate to the first end 138 of the
first locator space-uninsertable barrier member and a second
protuberance 152 is provided proximate to the second end 140 of the
first locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128a that is
opposite to the first end 146, wherein the first protuberance 150
is engageable in an interference fit relationship with a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 that has
been formed within the first rail member 102, and the second
protuberance 152 is engageable in an interference fit relationship
with a locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess
144 that has been formed within the second rail member 104, so as
to effect the connection of the locator space-uninsertable barrier
member 128a to both of the first and second rail members 102, 104.
In some of these embodiments, for example, at least one of the
protuberance 150 or 152 and the rail member portion defining the
formed locator space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess
144 resiliently deforms to accommodate insertion of the
protuberance 150 or 152 into the formed locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess 144. In some of these embodiments,
for example, for each one of the connecting regions 142 of each one
of the first and second rail members 102, 104, the connecting
region 142 is formable into the locator space-uninsertable barrier
member receiving recess 144 by cutting the connecting region 142 to
effect exposure of a cavity 154 provided within the respective rail
member, wherein the locator space-uninsertable barrier member
receiving recess 144 includes the exposed cavity 154. In some of
these embodiments, for example, for each one of the connecting
regions 142 of each one of the first and second rail members 102,
104, the connecting region 142 is formable into the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 by using a
secondary manufacturing process after the respective one of the
first and second rail members 102, 104 has been extruded, such that
the secondary manufacturing process effects exposure of the cavity
154 provided within the respective rail member, wherein the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 includes the
exposed cavity 154. A suitable example of the secondary
manufacturing process is any one of cutting, routing, machining, or
milling.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12. In some embodiments, for
example, the set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members is a
third set of locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128, and
the plurality of substantially identical locator space-uninsertable
barrier members is a plurality of substantially identical second
locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128c. In these
embodiments, the railing system 100 further includes a plurality of
coupling adaptors 156 connectable to either one of the first and
second rail members 102, 104. For each one of the coupling adaptors
156, after the coupling adaptor 156 has been connected to the rail
member, the coupling adaptor 156 is configured to effect connection
of one end of any one of the second locator space-uninsertable
barrier members 128c to the rail member that is connected to the
coupling adaptor 156 by interference fit engagement of one end of
the locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128c to the coupling
adaptor 156. For each one of the plurality of substantially
identical second locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128c, a
first end 158 of the second locator space-uninsertable barrier
member 128c is engageable in an interference fit relationship with
a coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to the first rail
member 102, and a second end 160 of the second locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 128c, that is opposite to the
first end 158, is engageable in an interference fit relationship
with a coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to the second
rail member 104, so as to effect the connection of the second
locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128c to both of the first
and second rail members 102, 104. In some embodiments, for example,
for each one of the second locator space-uninsertable barrier
members 128c, the first and second ends 158, 160 of the second
locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128c are open ended, and
for each one of the first and second ends 158, 160 of each one of
the second locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128c, the
engagement in an interference fit relationship with the coupling
adaptor 156 is effected by pressing the end of the second locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 128c over the coupling adaptor
156. In some embodiments, for example, each one of the coupling
members 156 includes a protrusion 158, such that the connected
coupling member defines a protrusion extending from the rail member
to which the coupling member 156 is connected.
[0036] In some embodiments, for any one of the plurality of
substantially identical second locator space-uninsertable barrier
member 128c, when the first end 158 of the second locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is disposed in an interference
fit relationship with a coupling adaptor 156 that is connected to
the first rail member 102 and the second end 160 of the second
locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128c, opposite to the
first end 158, is also disposed in an interference fit relationship
with a coupling adaptor 156 that is connected to the second rail
member 104, such that the second locator space-uninsertable barrier
member 128c is connected to both of the first and second rail
members 102, 104 and thereby effects joinder of the first and
second rail members 102, 104, an assembly of the interference fit
engaged coupling adaptors 156 and the second locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 128c, to which the coupling
adaptors 156 are interference fit engaged, defines a modified
second locator space-uninsertable barrier member 162. In some
embodiments, when the joined first and second rail members 102, 104
are oriented such that the first rail member 102 is disposed
vertically above the second rail member 104, the modified second
locator space-uninsertable barrier member 162 extends from an
exterior surface portion on a lower exterior side surface of the
first rail member 102 and also extends from an exterior surface
portion on an upper exterior side surface of the second rail member
104. In some embodiments, for example, when the joined first and
second rail members 102, 104 are oriented such that the first rail
member 102 is disposed vertically above the second rail member 104,
the longitudinal axis of the modified second locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 104 is oriented so as to
intersect a fourth exterior surface portion 164 on a lower exterior
side surface of the first rail member 102 and so as also to
intersect a fifth exterior surface portion 166 on an upper exterior
side surface of the second rail member 104. In some of these
embodiments, for example, the fourth exterior surface portion 164
on the lower exterior side surface of the first rail member 102
opposes the fifth exterior surface portion 166 on the upper
exterior side surface of the second rail member 104.
[0037] In some embodiments, for example, the coupling adaptor 156
that has been connected to the first rail member 102 is disposed in
contact engagement with the fourth exterior surface portion 164,
and the coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to the second
rail member 104 is disposed in contact engagement with the fifth
exterior surface portion 166. In some embodiments, for example, the
coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to the first rail
member 102 is connected with a fastener 168 that penetrates through
the coupling adaptor 156 and the fourth exterior surface portion
166, and the coupling adaptor 156 that has been connected to the
second rail member 104 is connected with a fastener 170 that
penetrates through the coupling adaptor 156 and the fifth exterior
surface portion 166.
[0038] Assembly of an embodiment of a railing section 200 (see
FIGS. 1 and 2) using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and
the first set of a plurality of substantially identical locator
space-insertable barrier members 106a will now be described. The
frangible member 122 is broken and removed so as to expose the
locator cavity 114. A first locator space-insertable barrier member
106a is inserted into and received by the locator space 114 of the
first rail member 102. While inserted within the locator space 114,
a visible exterior surface portion 116 of the received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106a is disposed outside of the
locator space 114, thereby providing a visual locationing tool for
locating one or more fasteners 118 (in this case, a screw) for
effecting connection of the first rail member 102 with the first
locator-space insertable barrier member 106a. The screw 118 is
forced to penetrate through both of the received locator
space-insertable barrier member 106a and the first rail member 102
so as to effect connection of the received locator space-insertable
barrier member 106a and the first rail member 102. When connected,
the received locator space-insertable barrier member 106a is
disposed adjacent to a first exterior surface portion 120 of the
first rail member 102. An opposite end of the locator
space-insertable barrier member 106a is then connected to an
exterior side surface of the second rail member 104 using fasteners
172, such as screws, such that the first and second rail members
102, 104 are disposed in substantial vertical alignment. This
effects connection of any one of the first locator space-insertable
barrier member 106a to both of the first and second rail members
102, 104. This procedure of connecting a first locator
space-insertable barrier member 106a to the first and second rail
members 102, 104 is repeated for each one of the first locator
space-insertable barrier members 106a to effect assembly of an
embodiment of the railing section 200. Of course, it is understood
that a railing section 300 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) can be assembled
using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and the second set
of a plurality of substantially identical locator space-insertable
barrier members 106b.
[0039] Assembly of an embodiment of a railing section 400 (see
FIGS. 7 and 8) using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and
the first set of a plurality of substantially identical first
locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128a will now be
described. For each one of the first and second rail members 102,
104, the connection region 142 is formed into the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 by using a
secondary manufacturing process. The secondary manufacturing
process (in this case, routing) effects exposure of the cavity 154
provided within the respective rail member, wherein the locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 includes the
exposed cavity 154. The first end 138 of a first locator
space-uninsertable barrier member is pressed into a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 that has
been formed within the first rail member 102 such that the
protuberance 150 is forced into the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess 144 and an interference fit
relationship is effected with the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess 144 that has been formed within the
first rail member 102. The second end 140 of the first locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 128a is pressed into a locator
space-uninsertable barrier member receiving recess 144 that has
been formed within the second rail member 104 such that the
protuberance 152 is forced into the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess 144 and an interference fit
relationship is effected with the locator space-uninsertable
barrier member receiving recess 144 that has been formed within the
second rail member 104. This effect the connection of any one of
the first locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128a to both of
the first and second rail members 102, 104. This procedure of
connecting a first locator space-uninsertable barrier member to the
first and second rail members 102, 104 is repeated for each one of
the first locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128a to effect
assembly of the railing section 300. Of course, it is understood
that a railing section 500 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) can be assembled
using the first and second rail members 102, 104 and the other set
of substantially identical first locator space-uninsertable barrier
members 128b.
[0040] Assembly of an embodiment of a railing section 600 (see
FIGS. 11 and 12) using the first and second rail members 102, 104
and the third set of a plurality of substantially identical second
locator space-unnsertable barrier members 128c will now be
described. Each one of the plurality of substantially identical
second locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128c includes
opposite open ends 158, 160 that are open-ended. A coupling adaptor
156 is connected to the first rail member 102 with a fastener 168,
such as a screw so as to present a boss (or protuberance) that
extends from the second rail member. A coupling adaptor 156 is also
connected to the second rail member with a fastener 170, such as a
screw. The first end 158 of the second locator space-uninsertable
barrier member 128c is pressed over the coupling adaptor 156
connected to the first rail member 102 such that an interference
fit relationship is effected with the coupling adaptor 156 that has
been connected to the first rail member 102. The second open end
160 of the second locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128c,
opposite to the first open end 158, is pressed over the coupling
adaptor 156 connected to the second rail member 104 such that an
interference fit relationship is effected with the coupling adaptor
156 that has been connected to the second rail member 104. This
effects the connection of any one of the second locator
space-uninsertable barrier member 128c to both of the first and
second rail members 102, 104. This procedure of connecting a second
locator space-uninsertable barrier member 128c to the first and
second rail members 102, 104 is repeated for each one of the second
locator space-uninsertable barrier members 128c to effect assembly
of the railing section 600.
[0041] Any of the above-described embodiments of the assembled
railing section 600 can be installed between a pair of support
members 180 including posts, columns, or walls. For each one of the
railing sections 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, the railing section is
installed between a pair of posts 180.
[0042] While this invention has been described with reference to
illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not
intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various
modification of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other
embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled
in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore
contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such
modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby
incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred
embodiments.
* * * * *