U.S. patent application number 16/801446 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-03 for baluster shoes.
The applicant listed for this patent is Anthony B. Calderone, Effie L. Calderone. Invention is credited to Anthony B. Calderone, Effie L. Calderone.
Application Number | 20200277793 16/801446 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004747809 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200277793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Calderone; Anthony B. ; et
al. |
September 3, 2020 |
Baluster Shoes
Abstract
An adjustable shoe has a first part and a second part with
respective bodies with inner, outer, top, and bottom surfaces. The
second part is attachable to first part to define an opening itself
defining a central axis and being configured for receiving the
baluster therethrough. The opening is configured so that the first
part and the second part may be adjustably attached to the baluster
with compensation for any misalignment of the baluster and the
mounting surface. The adjustable shoe may include only one of the
first parts and only one of the second parts, each extending about
180 degrees around the central axis. If so, the only one first part
and the only one second part may be identical, and/or generally
L-shaped when viewed along a line parallel to the central axis. A
related assembly includes an adjustable shoe and a baluster.
Inventors: |
Calderone; Anthony B.;
(Simpsonville, SC) ; Calderone; Effie L.;
(Simpsonville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Calderone; Anthony B.
Calderone; Effie L. |
Simpsonville
Simpsonville |
SC
SC |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004747809 |
Appl. No.: |
16/801446 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62811678 |
Feb 28, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 11/1814 20130101;
E04F 11/1834 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04F 11/18 20060101
E04F011/18 |
Claims
1. An adjustable shoe for a baluster attached to a mounting surface
and having a longitudinal axis and cross-section of a predetermined
size, the adjustable shoe comprising: a first part having a body
with an inner surface, an outer surface, a top surface, and a
bottom surface; and a second part having a body with an inner
surface, and outer surface a top surface and a bottom surface, the
second part attachable to first part to define an opening between
the at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the first part and
the second part, the opening defining a central axis and being
configured for receiving the baluster therethrough, the opening
being configured so that the first part and the second part may be
adjustably attached to the baluster with the central axis and the
longitudinal axis at an angle of up to about 10 degrees to
compensate for any misalignment of the baluster and the mounting
surface.
2. The adjustable shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion
of the inner surfaces of the first part and the second part include
a wall parallel to the central axis.
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The adjustable shoe of claim 2, wherein the angle between the
central axis and the longitudinal axis is about 8 degrees.
6. The adjustable shoe of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion
of the inner surfaces of the first part and the second part include
a wall non-aligned with the central axis so as to form a
frustum.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The adjustable shoe of claim 6, wherein the angle between the
central axis and the longitudinal axis is about 8 degrees.
10. The adjustable shoe of claim 6, wherein the angle between the
central axis and the wall is about 8 degrees.
11. (canceled)
12. The adjustable shoe of claim 1, wherein the first part and the
second part are removably attachable to each other.
13. The adjustable shoe of claim 12, wherein the first part and
second part have cooperating tabs and slots for removable
attachment via sliding in a direction along the central axis.
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. The adjustable shoe of claim 1, further including a cap
attachable to the top surfaces of the first part and the second
part.
17. The adjustable shoe of claim 16, wherein the top surfaces of
the first part and the second part define a recess for receiving
the cap in a snap fit.
18. The adjustable shoe of claim 16, wherein the cap defines an
opening sized for receipt of the baluster therethrough.
19. (canceled)
20. The adjustable shoe of claim 16, wherein the cap is formed of a
resiliently deformable material.
21. The adjustable shoe of claim 16, wherein the cap on one hand
and the first part and the second part on the other hand are sized
for frictional engagement wherein upon assembly the cap is secured
to the first part and the second part thereby and the first part
and the second part are secured to the baluster thereby.
22-24. (canceled)
25. The adjustable shoe of claim 1, wherein the adjustable shoe
includes only one of the first parts and only one of the second
parts, the only one first part and the only one second part each
extending about 180 degrees around the central axis.
26. The adjustable shoe of claim 25, wherein the only one first
part and the only one second part are identical.
27. The adjustable shoe of claim 25, the only one first part and
the only one second part are generally L-shaped when viewed along a
line parallel to the central axis.
28-30. (canceled)
31. An adjustable shoe for a baluster attached to a mounting
surface and having a longitudinal axis and cross-section of a
predetermined size, the adjustable shoe comprising: a first part
having a body with an inner surface, an outer surface, a top
surface, and a bottom surface; a second part having a body with an
inner surface, and outer surface a top surface and a bottom
surface, the second part attachable to first part to define an
opening between the at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the
first part and the second part, the opening defining a central axis
and being configured for receiving the baluster therethrough, the
opening being configured so that the first part and the second part
may be adjustably attached to the baluster with the central axis
pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis to compensate for any
misalignment of the baluster and the mounting surface; and a cap
attached to the top surfaces of the first part and the second part
and around the baluster, the cap defining an opening sized for
receipt of the baluster therethrough, the cap being formed of a
resiliently deformable material softer than the first part, the
second part, and the baluster so that the cap secures the first
part and the second part to the baluster.
32-36. (canceled)
37. The adjustable shoe of claim 31, wherein the adjustable shoe
includes only one of the first parts and only one of the second
parts, the only one first part and the only one second part each
extending about 180 degrees around the central axis.
38. The adjustable shoe of claim 37, wherein the only one first
part and the only one second part are identical.
39. The adjustable shoe of claim 37, the only one first part and
the only one second part are generally L-shaped when viewed along a
line parallel to the central axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a Non-Provisional patent
application and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/811,678, filed Feb. 28, 2019, which is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to shoes for
balusters, and in some aspects relates to adjustable baluster
shoes.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Handrails, safety railings and the like are often supported
by a number of spaced-apart vertical members often called
balusters. Balusters may be uniformly square or rounded in
cross-section along their lengths, may vary in cross-section along
their lengths, and/or may include decorative elements that differ
from other more linear portions along their lengths. Balusters may
be made of wood, metal, stone, plastic, etc., or combinations of
materials.
[0004] Balusters are attached at a bottom end to a mounting
surface, which could be a horizontal or angled relative to
horizontal footing, stair step, floor surface or other surface.
Balusters are attached at a top end to a mounting surface such as a
handrail, railing, etc., which again may be horizontal or angled
relative to horizontal.
[0005] Often "shoes" that surround a baluster are used to cover
imperfections, mounting holes, etc., and/or add decorative appeal
to the point of connection between the ends of the balusters and
the top or bottom mounting surfaces. However, existing shoes that
are single pieces cannot be attached after installation of a
baluster. Also, many balusters are made with ends in standard sizes
for modular use in the building and renovation industry (e.g.,
0.25, 0.375, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 inch, etc., squares or diameters,
or similar ranges of metric sizing). If sizing of the shoes (i.e.,
the openings for receiving the balusters) is closely selected to
match the sizing of the balusters, and if balusters are installed
with slight variation to desired orientation (i.e., skewed slightly
from vertical), the shoes may not sit with bottom surfaces aligned
with the mounting surface producing gaps between the baluster shoe
and the mounting surface and or the baluster. Such gaps can
sometimes be produced in baluster shoes secured to balusters by set
screws, where tightening of the set screw causes such a
misalignment of the shoe relative to the surface(s) adjacent the
baluster end(s).
[0006] Accordingly, a baluster shoe that addresses one or more
drawbacks of existing baluster shoes or one or more of the above
issues, that is readily manufactured and installed, that is cost
effective, and/or that addresses any other issues would be
welcome.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, an
adjustable shoe is disclosed for a baluster attached to a mounting
surface and having a longitudinal axis and cross-section of a
predetermined size, the adjustable shoe including, for example, a
first part having a body with an inner surface, an outer surface, a
top surface, and a bottom surface; and a second part having a body
with an inner surface, and outer surface a top surface and a bottom
surface. The second part is attachable to first part to define an
opening between the at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the
first part and the second part, the opening defining a central axis
and being configured for receiving the baluster therethrough. The
opening is configured so that the first part and the second part
may be adjustably attached to the baluster with the central axis
and the longitudinal axis at an angle of up to about 10 degrees to
compensate for any misalignment of the baluster and the mounting
surface. Various options and modifications are possible.
[0008] For example, at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the
first part and the second part include a wall parallel to the
central axis. If so, the wall may include four walls arranged so
that a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis is a square,
or the wall may be annular. The angle between the central axis and
the longitudinal axis may be about 8 degrees.
[0009] At least a portion of the inner surfaces of the first and
second parts may include a wall non-aligned with the central axis
so as to form a frustum. If so, the wall may include four walls
arranged so that a cross-section perpendicular to the central axis
is a square, or the wall may be annular. The angle between the
central axis and the longitudinal axis of such wall may be about 8
degrees, and the angle between the central axis and the wall may be
about 8 degrees.
[0010] If the shoe includes four walls, three of the walls may be
on the first part and a fourth of the walls being on the second
part. The first and second parts may be removably attachable to
each other. The first and second parts may have cooperating tabs
and slots for removable attachment via sliding in a direction along
the central axis. The first part may include three detachable
sections, each of the detachable sections and the second part
encompassing about one quarter of the opening, and the three
detachable sections and the second part may all be substantially
identical.
[0011] The shoe may further include a cap attachable to the top
surfaces of the first part and the second part. The top surfaces
may define a recess for receiving the cap in a snap fit, and the
cap may define an opening sized for receipt of the baluster
therethrough, and the cap may include two sections. Also, the cap
may be formed of a resiliently deformable material. The cap on one
hand and the first part and the second part on the other hand may
be sized for frictional engagement wherein upon assembly the cap is
secured to the first part and the second part thereby and the first
part and the second part are secured to the baluster thereby.
[0012] The bottom surfaces of the first and second parts may
include portions substantially perpendicular to the central axis
and configured for use with a substantially horizontal mounting
surface, or may include portions at an angle relative to the
central axis and configured for use with a substantially
non-horizontal mounting surface.
[0013] An adhesive may be located on at least one of the bottom
surfaces of the first part and the second part for securing the
first part and the second part to the mounting surface.
[0014] The adjustable shoe may include only one of the first parts
and only one of the second parts, the only one first part and the
only one second part each extending about 180 degrees around the
central axis. If so, the only one first part and the only one
second part may be identical, and/or the only one first part and
the only one second part may be generally L-shaped when viewed
along a line parallel to the central axis.
[0015] An assembly may be created including the adjustable shoe and
the baluster. The baluster may have a cross-section perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis, wherein the cross-section is rectangular,
square, or circular.
[0016] According to other aspects of the disclosure, an adjustable
shoe is disclosed for a baluster attached to a mounting surface and
having a longitudinal axis and cross-section of a predetermined
size, the adjustable shoe includes, for example, a first part
having a body with an inner surface, an outer surface, a top
surface, and a bottom surface, and a second part having a body with
an inner surface, and outer surface a top surface and a bottom
surface. The second part is attachable to first part to define an
opening between the at least a portion of the inner surfaces of the
first part and the second part, the opening defining a central axis
and being configured for receiving the baluster therethrough. The
opening is configured so that the first part and the second part
may be adjustably attached to the baluster with the central axis
pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis to compensate for any
misalignment of the baluster and the mounting surface. A cap is
attached to the top surfaces of the first part and the second part
and around the baluster. The cap defines an opening sized for
receipt of the baluster therethrough. The cap is formed of a
resiliently deformable material softer than the first part, the
second part, and the baluster so that the cap secures the first
part and the second part to the baluster. Various options and
modifications are possible.
[0017] For example, the top surfaces of the first part and the
second part may define a recess for receiving the cap in a snap
fit. The cap may include two sections, or may include a radially
extending slit from the opening to an outer edge. The first part
and the second part may be configured so that the central axis is
pivotable relative to the longitudinal axis by up to about 10
degrees. An adhesive may be located on at least one of the bottom
surfaces of the first part and the second part for securing the
first part and the second part to the mounting surface.
[0018] The adjustable shoe may include only one of the first parts
and only one of the second parts, the only one first part and the
only one second part each extending about 180 degrees around the
central axis. If so, the only one first part and the only one
second part may be identical, and/or the only one first part and
the only one second part may be generally L-shaped when viewed
along a line parallel to the central axis
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a close-up perspective view of a six-part baluster
shoe installed along an adjacent horizontal lower mounting
surface.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the baluster shoe
as in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of baluster shoes placed at tops and
bottoms of balusters installed along horizontal upper and lower
mounting surfaces.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a side view of baluster shoes placed at tops and
bottoms of balusters installed along non-horizontal upper and lower
mounting surfaces.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exaggerated diagrammatical sectional view
showing adjustability of the baluster shoe as in FIG. 1 relative to
the baluster and/or mounting surface.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an exaggerated diagrammatical sectional view as in
FIG. 5, with an alternate baluster configuration.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of a modified
four-part baluster shoe installed along an adjacent horizontal
lower mounting surface.
[0026] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the baluster shoe
as in FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a close-up perspective view of another modified
four-part baluster shoe installed along an adjacent non-horizontal
lower mounting surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which
examples embodying the present disclosure are shown. The detailed
description uses numeral and letter designations to refer to
features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the
drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar
parts of the disclosure.
[0029] The drawings and detailed description provide a full and
enabling description of the disclosure and the manner and process
of making and using it. Each embodiment is provided by way of
explanation of the subject matter not limitation thereof. In fact,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed subject
matter without departing from the scope or spirit of the
disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part
of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a
still further embodiment.
[0030] Generally speaking, the Figures depict several examples of
adjustable shoes for a baluster and attachable to a mounting
surface (either upper or lower). The adjustable shoes are made of
more than one part and can be assembled around the baluster after
installation of the baluster, and thus need not be placed on (i.e.,
slid onto) the baluster before the baluster is secured to the
mounting surfaces. The shoes are adjustable within a range allowing
for secure, decorative placement that takes into account minor
misalignment between the baluster and mounting surface (upper or
lower) to which the baluster is connected. The adjustable shoes can
be configured to be mounted adjacent horizontal surfaces or sloped
surfaces, at upper or lower ends of balusters. A flexible,
resilient, and/or frictional fit of some sort, and/or an adhesive,
may be used to hold the adjustable shoe in place adjacent the
mounting surface.
[0031] As shown, baluster shoe 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes
multiple (four) parts 22, 24, 26, and 28 that surround baluster 30
for placement adjacent mounting surface 32. Baluster 30 has a
central longitudinal axis 31 therethrough adjacent mounting surface
32 where shoe 20 will be located.
[0032] Mounting surface 32 as shown is horizontal and is a lower
surface, but it could be an upper surface and/or non-horizontal as
well. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, baluster shoes 20 may be installed
in locations as follows: shoes 20a for mounting on a bottom
horizontal surface 32a or shoes 20b for mounting on a top
horizontal surface 32b. FIG. 4 shows alternate shoe designs
(discussed in more detail below), with shoes 20c and 20d
respectively mounted to bottom and top non-horizontal (angled)
mounting surfaces 32c and 32d.
[0033] As shown, the four parts 22-28 each extend about 1/4 of the
way (about 90 degrees circumferentially) around baluster 30, with
structures for interlocking with adjacent parts to form a completed
shoe. As illustrated as and will be described in more detail below,
the ends of parts 22-28 meet and interlock roughly at
circumferential corners of the resulting generally square baluster
shoe 20 around a generally square portion of baluster 30, although
the interlock locations may be elsewhere around the circumference.
Also, baluster shoe 20 once assembled need not be generally
externally square. For example, baluster shoe 20 could be
externally curved, circular, irregularly shaped, etc., in any
desired fashion for functional covering of the baluster/mounting
surface interface and/or design appearance.
[0034] It should be understood that in a broad sense, the invention
requires only two such shoe parts. Thus, one part may be as
illustrated and extend about 1/4 of the way (about 90 degrees)
around baluster 30, and the other part may modified to be a unitary
part extending 3/4 of the way (about 270 degrees) around, in a
generally "U" shaped configuration. In other words, part 22 could
remain as shown, and parts 24-28 could be combined into one
U-shaped part.
[0035] Alternatively, parts 22 and 24 could be formed unitarily and
parts 26 and 28 could be formed unitarily. The resulting to two
parts would thus both extend about 1/2 of the way (about 180
degrees) around baluster 30 in a generally "L" shaped
configuration. The resulting two parts (22+24 and 26+28) could be
symmetrical and thus identical, thereby providing manufacturing,
supply, and inventory efficiencies. As above, the resulting parts
of such a modified shoe could be made to have differing exterior
shapes for functional and/or design reasons. Other amounts of parts
greater than two could be used (i.e., three) if desired for square
or round balusters.
[0036] As illustrated (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 5), each part 22-28 has
a body with an inner surface 34, an outer surface 36, a top surface
38, and a bottom surface 40. Therefore, the at least two parts of
shoe 20 are attachable together to define an opening 42 between the
at least a portion of the inner surfaces 34 of the parts 22-28.
Opening 42 defines a central axis 44. Opening 42 is sized and
configured for receiving baluster 30 for placement near mounting
surface 32. Note that in FIG. 5, the slant of baluster 30 relative
to surface 32 is exaggerated, and the width of baluster 30 is
reduced compared to the width of opening 42 for illustrative
purposes, as noted below.
[0037] Opening 42 is sized and configured to allow for some degree
of adjustability of baluster shoe 20 relative to baluster 30 and/or
mounting surface 32 to account for any potential imperfection or
misalignment that may be present. For example, it may be desired to
allow parts 22-28 to pivot relative to baluster 30 by an angle a of
up to 10 about degrees, or more particularly about 8 degrees. Such
ranges generally account for commercially acceptable minor
misalignment, as opposed to for example, poor or substandard
installation. Again, angle a as illustrated is substantially
greater than 10 degrees, for purposes of clearer illustration of
disclosed adjustability concepts. Such degree of pivot could be
achieved in multiple ways.
[0038] First, parts 22-28 can be configured so that opening 42 is
sized lightly larger than baluster 30 so that a relative pivoting
of up to about 10 degrees, or about 8 degrees is possible. Inner
surfaces 34 of parts 22-28 can be made with contact portions 46
that are generally parallel to each other and desirably to sides 48
of baluster 30 if installed perpendicularly to mounting surface 32.
Such holds true whether the cross-section of baluster 30 and
opening 42 is square, angular, curved, round, etc.
[0039] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in similarly
exaggerated FIG. 6, parts 22-28 can be configured so that inner
surfaces 34a have contact portions 46a that are not substantially
parallel to each other. Thus, contact portions 46a may flare
outward in a direction (downward as shown) toward mounting surface
32, for example in a frustum shape. Again, such structure can be
employed regardless of the cross-sectional shape of baluster 30 and
opening 42a.
[0040] To facilitate assembly of parts 22-28 around baluster 30,
each part may have connecting elements, such as a cooperating tab
50 and/or slot 52. As shown, 50 tabs are provided on parts 22 and
26 and slots 52 slots are provided on parts 24 and 28 to allow for
assembly via sliding and/or a snap fit in a direction generally
along central axis 44. However, each of parts could have one tab
and one slot if desired, so that instead of two types of parts only
one type is required. Also, sliding and/or a snap fit in a
direction perpendicular to central axis 44 is also possible. Again,
two or more of such parts 22-28 (i.e., four identical parts, two
identical L shapes, two identical U shapes, or two non-identical
parts: one being a U shape, etc.) may be employed in shoe 20 with
corresponding placement of such connecting elements.
[0041] If desired, a cap 54 may be provided attachable to top
surfaces 38 of parts 22-28, and such cap may fit into a recess 56
in such top surfaces. Cap 54 may be made of a hard plastic or
elastomer that is resiliently deformable. Cap 54 may comprise two
parts 54a,54b as shown, or a single part with a slit which can be
useful for attaching to balusters already in place. Cap 54 provides
a cosmetic cover covering seams between parts 22-28 and the
interface with baluster 30.
[0042] Cap 54 may also at least assist in securing parts 22-28 in
place on baluster 30 adjacent mounting surface 32. Cap 54 may
define a central opening 55 sized for snugly fitting around
baluster 30 when cap is placed into recess 56. Thus, use of cap 54
to secure shoe 20 in place can eliminate the need for tools or a
conventional set screw to hold shoe 20 in place, wherein a set
screw might undesirably align shoe 20 with baluster 30 but not
mounting surface 32. If cap 54 is used for decorative and/or
securement purposes, it should therefore be configured to permit
the relative adjustment of shoe 20 relative to baluster 30 up to
about 10 degrees noted above. Such securement can be used on top
and bottom baluster shoes 20a and 20b.
[0043] The securement can also or alternatively be provided by an
adhesive 58 located between at least one bottom surface 40 and the
corresponding mounting surface 32. The adhesive may be supplied
separately (i.e., squeezed from a tube or the like), or may be
incorporated and placed onto shoe 20 during manufacture or assembly
(i.e., in the form of an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape
covered by a release paper). Again, use of an adhesive allows
connection of shoe 20 to baluster 30 flush with mounting surface 32
without use of a set screw that might interfere with the desired
alignment. Use of adhesive and an elastomeric cap can assist with
placement, alignment, securement, and visual appeal, although both
are not required in all aspects.
[0044] FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternate embodiment of a shoe 120
having two u-shaped parts 122 and 124 and cap 154 (parts 154a and
154b and opening 155). Tabs 150 fit in slots 152 to hold shoe parts
122 and 124 together, similar as to above. Each surfaces 146 on
parts 122 and 124 may extend along three sides of the resulting
opening 142 to potentially contact three sides of baluster 30 when
assembled thereon. The embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8 shows that edges
between parts need not be at corners of the shoe (if square), but
could instead be between the corners.
[0045] FIG. 9 show another alternate embodiment of a shoe 220
having four parts 222, 224, 226, 228, and a cap 254. Shoe is
essentially similar to shoe 20, except the bottom edges 242, 244,
and 246 of parts 222, 224, and 226 are modified so that shoe 220
can be used on a non-horizontal surface 232 (such as 32c or 32d in
FIG. 4).
[0046] While one or more preferred embodiments have been described
above, it is to be understood that any and all equivalent
realizations of the disclosed subject matter are included within
the scope and spirit thereof. Thus, the embodiments depicted are
presented by way of example only and are not intended as
limitations upon the present invention. Thus, while particular
embodiments have been described and shown, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in this art that the present invention is
not limited thereto since many modifications can be made.
Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are
included in the present invention as may fall within the literal or
equivalent scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *