SWIVEL CONNECTOR

Abstract

A railing assembly may include a first rail portion including a first aperture, a second rail portion including a second aperture, a first swivel connector disposed in the first rail portion and extending through the first aperture, a second swivel connector disposed in the second rail portion and extending through the second aperture, and a baluster. The baluster may be secured to the first rail portion via the first swivel connector and may be secured to the second rail portion via the second swivel connector.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,523, filed Mar. 5, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This instant disclosure relates generally to an apparatus for connecting a baluster to a rail of a railing and/or a fence.

BACKGROUND

Conventional railing designs often require a discrete fastener, such as a bolt or a screw to connect a baluster to a rail or a fence. Relative to a design that does not require a discrete fastener, assembling and/or manufacturing railings or fences that require such discrete fasteners may require additional time, cost, and/or effort, which may be associated with centering components, measuring distances between balusters, locating drilling locations, drilling holes, and/or driving fasteners into the holes. A design that may eliminate and/or simplify one or more of the above activities from an assembly process may be desirable.

Conventional railing designs are often directed only to configurations in which balusters are disposed at a single angle relative to a rail, such as entirely perpendicular to a rail. A design that may be capable of accommodating more than one angle may be desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes a railing that may include first and second rail portions, a baluster, a cover, an insert, and/or a swivel connector. A swivel connector may be retained by a rail portion and a cover, and/or may be retained by an insert and a rail portion, and the retaining may be accomplished without the use of a fastener.

In embodiments, a railing assembly may comprise a first rail portion including a first aperture, a second rail portion including a second aperture, a first swivel connector disposed in the first rail portion and extending through the first aperture, a second swivel connector disposed in the second rail portion and extending through the second aperture, and/or a baluster. The baluster may be secured to the first rail portion via the first swivel connector and may be secured to the second rail portion via the second swivel connector.

In embodiments, a swivel connector for a railing assembly may comprise a swivel connector body that may include a first side wall, a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall, a curved third side wall disposed between and perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall, and/or a planar fourth side wall disposed perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments may be set forth or become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description and drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary and the following detailed description are exemplary only and intended to provide explanation without limiting the scope of the disclosure as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view generally illustrating portion of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view generally illustrating portion of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view generally illustrating portion of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

FIGS. 6A and 7A are perspective views generally illustrating portions of embodiments of swivel connectors, projections, and fasteners.

FIGS. 6B and 6C are perspective views generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

FIGS. 7B and 7C are perspective views generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a railing assembly in accordance with teachings of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure to these embodiments. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a railing assembly 10 may include a swivel connector 20_N, an insert 40, a baluster 60_M, a first rail portion 70, a second rail portion 80, and/or a cover 90.

In embodiments, railing 10 may include one or more swivel connectors 20_N that may include a body having a first side wall 22_N, a second side wall 24_N, a third side wall 26_N, a fourth side wall 28_N. For example, and without limitation, railing 10 may include swivel connectors 20₁, 20₂, 20₃, 20₄, 20₅, 20₆. Swivel connectors 20₁, 20₂, 20₃, 20₄, 20₅, 20₆ may include first side walls 22_k, 22₂, 22₃, 22₄, 22₅, 22₆, second side walls 24_k, 24₂, 24₃, 24₄, 24₅, 24₆, third side walls 26_k, 26₂, 26₃, 26₄, 26₅, 26₆, and/or fourth side walls 28_k, 28₂, 28₃, 28₄, 28₅, 28₆, respectively. A swivel connector 20_N may be configured as a single, unitary component.

In embodiments, a swivel connector 20_N may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, and without limitation, a swivel connector 20_N may include a generally cylindrical shape and/or may include a generally planar side wall, such as fourth side wall 28_N. Fourth side wall 28_N may be configured such that a portion of swivel connector 20_N may be squared and/or leveled off and/or may be configured such that a shape of swivel connector 20_N may generally resemble a partially filled cylinder.

In embodiments, first side wall 22_N and second side wall 24_N may be disposed generally parallel to each other and/or may be spaced from each other. Third side wall 26_N may be disposed generally perpendicular to first side wall 22_N and/or second side wall 24_N, and/or may be curved and/or at least partially curved and/or arced. In embodiments, fourth side wall 28_N may be disposed generally perpendicular to first side wall 22_N and/or second side wall 24_N. Fourth side wall 28_N may be generally planar and/or may connect first end 26A_N (e.g., first ends 26A₁, 26A₂) and second end 26B_N (e.g., second ends 26B₁, 26B₂) of third side wall 26_N.

In embodiments, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. In embodiments, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80 may include lengths 70A, 80A, first ends 70B, 80B, second ends 70C, 80C, and/or longitudinal axes 70D, 80D. First rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80 may include a generally U-shaped cross section. Lengths 70A, 80A may generally correspond to a length of a section of a railing 10. For example, and without limitation, lengths 70A, 80A may be about six feet long and/or may be about eight feet long.

In embodiments, a baluster 60_M (e.g., balusters 60₁, 60₂, 60₃, 60₅, 60₆, 60₇) may be configured to extend between first rail portion 70 and second rail portion 80. Baluster 60_M may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. Baluster 60_M may include portions that may be generally solid and/or may include portions that may be generally hollow. For example, and without limitation, baluster 60_M may include an generally hollow and elongated rectangular shape (e.g., a rectangular prism), a generally hollow and elongated cylindrical shape, and/or an irregular shape. Baluster 60_M may include a height 60D that may correspond to (e.g., may be greater than) the distance between the first and second rail portions 70, 80. Balusters 60_M may include longitudinal axes 60A_M (e.g., axes 60A₁, 60A₂, 60A₃). In embodiments, each baluster 60_M may include a width 60B, and/or a length 60C, which may or may not be the same. In embodiments, a baluster 60_M may include a rectangular, square, annular, and/or rounded cross-section (e.g., if viewed along a longitudinal axis 60A_M). In embodiments, it may be desirable to connect a baluster 60_M to first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80.

In embodiments, swivel connector 20_N may include one or more projections 50_N. Projections 50_N may be configured for connecting a baluster 60_M to a rail portion (e.g., first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80). Projections 50_N may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, and without limitation, projections 50_N may include a generally cylindrical shape that may extend from third side wall 26_N. Projections 50_N may or may not extend between planes of first side wall 22_N and second side wall 24_N. Projections 50_N may include a height 50A and/or a width 50B. In embodiments in which projections 50_N may be generally annular and/or cylindrical, width 50B may correspond to a diameter of the projection 50_N. Width 50B may generally correspond to width 60B of baluster 60_M. Height 50A may correspond to a desired amount of retaining force between a projection 50_N and a corresponding baluster 60_M. For example, a height 50A that is relatively tall may correspond to a greater retaining force and/or a height 50A that is relatively short may correspond to a smaller retaining force. In embodiments, all projections 50_N may be of substantially the same size and/or at least one projection may be of a different size than at least one other projection.

In embodiments, projections 50_N of swivel connectors 20_N may include one or more ribs 52 that may be arranged vertically and/or horizontally. Ribs 52 may be configured to increase width 50B of a projection 50_N and/or provide a press fit and/or interference fit between the projection 50_N and a corresponding baluster 60_M. An outer diameter of ribs 52 may be at least as large as an inner dimension (e.g. length and/or width) of a corresponding baluster 60_M. A press fit and/or interference fit may provide a connection between the baluster 60_M and the projection 50_N that may be permanent and/or semi-permanent. For example, and without limitation, a press fit and/or interference fit may permit the baluster 60_M to be initially pushed onto and/or connected to the projection 50_N, and/or may prevent and/or limit subsequent movement of the baluster 60_M in at least one direction (e.g., along axis 60A_M). A press fit and/or interference fit may allow for connection of a baluster 60_M with a rail portion (e.g., first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80) without the use of fasteners and/or tools, such as, for example, a screw, a bolt, a screwdriver, and/or a wrench. In embodiments, ribs 52 may be disposed around an axial middle portion of projections 50_N and/or projections may include one or more axial portions (e.g., top and/or bottom axial portions) that do not include ribs 52 that may be at least as large, in combination and/or individually, the axial middle section having ribs 52.

In embodiments, swivel connectors 20_N and/or projections 50_N of swivel connectors 20_N may be spaced from each other and may be spaced equally and/or unequally. In embodiments, the spacing between projections 50_N may depend upon the orientation of one swivel connector 20_N relative to another swivel connector 20_N.

In embodiments, the spacing of swivel connectors 20_N may correspond to compliance with legal requirements, such as federal, state, and/or local building codes, that may set forth requirements regarding spacing of balusters 60_M. Additionally or alternatively, in embodiments, swivel connectors 20_N may be spaced to correspond to and/or align with apertures (e.g., apertures 78, 88) in a rail portion (e.g., first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80). Aligning apertures 78, 88 with swivel connectors 20_N may permit at least a portion of a swivel connector 20_N, which may include a projection connecting portion/element 30 and/or a projection 50_N, to extend through apertures 78, 88 and/or to connect with a baluster 60_M.

In embodiments, a swivel connector 20_N may include a projection connecting portion 30 that may be configured to connect swivel connector 20_N with a projection 50_N. A projection connecting portion 30 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. Projection connecting portion 30 may extend generally perpendicularly from fourth side wall 28_N and/or may include an enlarged portion 30A that may be larger (e.g., include a larger width and/or diameter) than the rest of projection connecting portion. Enlarged portion 30A may be disposed at an end 30B of projection connecting portion. Enlarged portion 30A may be configured to retain a projection 50_N. For example, and without limitation, enlarged portion 30A may be configured such that a projection 50_N may be initially pushed onto projection connecting portion 30 and/or may be configured such that if a projection 50_N is pushed onto projection connecting portion 30, projection 50_N may not be able to move and/or may be resistant to moving in at least one direction (e.g., a direction away from swivel connector 20_N).

In embodiments, more than one swivel connector 20_N may be disposed in and/or inserted into a rail portion (e.g., first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80). In embodiments, the number of swivel connectors 20_N inserted into a rail portion 70, 80 may correspond to the length of the rail portion.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 4, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail 80 portion may include a first side wall 72, a second side wall 74, and/or a third side wall 76. In embodiments, second rail 80 portion may include a first side wall 82, a second side wall 84, and/or a third side wall 86. Side walls 72, 74, 82, 84 may include one or more protrusions. For example and without limitation, first side wall 72 may include first protrusion 72A, second protrusion 72B, third protrusion 72C, fourth protrusion 72D; second side wall 74 may include first protrusion 74A, second protrusion 74B, third protrusion 74C, fourth protrusion 74D; first side wall 82 may include first protrusion 82A, second protrusion 82B, third protrusion 82C, fourth protrusion 82D; and/or second side walls 84 may include first protrusion 84A, second protrusion 84B, third protrusion 84C, fourth protrusion 84D. In embodiments, first rail portion 70 and second rail portion 80 may be substantially and/or exactly the same and descriptions herein relating to embodiments of first rail portion 70 may also be applicable to embodiments of second rail portion 80. In embodiments, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80 may include a generally U-shaped configuration, which may open away from the other of first rail portion 70 and second rail portion 80.

In embodiments, first side wall 22_N and/or second side wall 24_N of swivel connector 20_N may be configured to cooperate with a rail portion, such as, for example, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80. As generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, a length 22A of the longest portion of first side wall 22_N and/or a length 24A of the longest portion of second side wall 24_N, either or both of which may generally correspond to a diameter of swivel connector 20_N, may correspond to the length 78B of aperture 78 and/or correspond to the length 88B of aperture 88. For example, and without limitation, length 22A and/or length 24A, which may or may not be equal, may be longer than lengths 78B, 88B, which may at least help hold swivel connector 20_N in a particular lateral position and/or prevent all of swivel connector 20_N from passing through aperture 78 and/or aperture 88.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80 may include one or more apertures, such as, for example, apertures 78, 88. Apertures may be configured to receive at least a portion of a baluster 60_M and/or may be configured to prevent and/or reduce rotation of a baluster 60_M after the baluster 60_M has been connected with a swivel connector 20_N. Apertures 78, 88 may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. In embodiments, the shape of an aperture 78, 88 may correspond to a shape of a baluster 60_M. For example, and without limitation, apertures 78, 88 may include a generally rectangular shape that may correspond, for example, to a baluster 60_M having a generally square and/or rectangular cross-section. The dimensions of apertures 78, 88 may be configured such that if a baluster 60_M is at least partially received in the aperture 78, 88, baluster 60_M may not be able to rotate. For example, and without limitation, width 78A and/or width 88A of apertures 78, 88 may be substantially equal to width 60B of a baluster 60_M, and/or length 78B and/or length 88B of apertures 78, 88 may be substantially equal to length 60C of baluster 60_M.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, a protrusion of a rail portion side wall (e.g., protrusion 72A and/or protrusion 82A) may include a flange portion, such as flange portions 72E, 74E and/or flange portions 82E, 84E. Flange portions may correspond to recesses 42A, 44A of an insert 40 and/or to recesses 92A, 94A of a cover 90.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, railing 10 may include an insert 40. Insert 40 may be configured to cooperate with a rail portion, such as, for example, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80. In embodiments, insert 40 may include a side wall 40A that may be planar and/or snapping portions 42, 44 that may extend generally normal to side wall 40A. Snapping portions 42, 44 may include recesses 42A, 44A, respectively, that may correspond to flange portions 72E, 74E, 82E, 84E of side walls, 72, 74, 82, 84. For example, and without limitation, snapping portions 42, 44 may be configured to cooperate with first protrusions 82A, 84A of second rail portion 80. Insert 40 may be configured to slide into second rail portion 80 from first end 80B and/or second end 80C, and/or insert 40 may be configured to be pressed toward third side wall 86 into second rail portion 80 until flange portions 82E, 84E engage recesses 42A, 44A. For example, and without limitation, snapping portions 42, 44 may be configured to deflect upon being pressed into rail portion 80 until recesses 42A, 44A engage flange portions 82E, 84E. In embodiments, insert 40 may be configured to hold or help hold a swivel connector 20_N in a particular location/orientation.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, a railing 10 may include a top profile, such as a cover 90. Cover 90 may include a first side wall 90A, a second side wall 90B, and one or more snapping portions 92, 94 that may generally extend from a center portion 90C of cover disposed between first side wall 90A and second side wall 90B. Snapping portions 92, 94 may include a recesses 92A, 94A that may correspond to flange portions 72E, 74E of side walls 72, 74. For example, and without limitation, snapping portion 92 may be configured to cooperate with first protrusion 72A of first rail portion 70 and/or cover 90 may be configured to be pressed into (e.g., vertically) first rail portion 70 until flange portions 72E, 74E engage recess 92A, 94A.

In embodiments, cooperation of insert 40 with second rail portion 80 and/or cooperation of cover 90 with first rail portion 70 may permit one or more swivel connectors 20_N to be retained (e.g., axis 34 may not move) without the use of a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt.

In embodiments, a process of assembling a railing 10 may include inserting a swivel connector 20_N, with projection connecting portion 30 directed toward aperture 78, between first rail portion first wall 72 and first rail portion second wall 74 until third side wall 26_N of swivel connector 20_N contacts first rail portion third wall 76 and/or projection connecting portion 30 is disposed beyond third wall 76. If third wall 26_N of swivel connector contacts first rail portion third wall 76 and/or projection connecting portion 30 is disposed beyond first rail portion third wall 76, a projection 50_N may be pushed onto projection connecting portion 30 and/or a cover 90 may be inserted/snapped into first rail portion 70.

In embodiments, a similar assembly process may be used in relation to second rail portion 80. For example, a swivel connector 20_N, with projection connecting portion 30 directed toward aperture 88, may be inserted between second rail portion first wall 82 and second rail portion second wall 84 until third side wall 26_N of swivel connector 20_N contacts second rail third wall 86 and/or projection connecting portion 30 is disposed beyond second rail portion third wall 86. If third side wall 26_N of swivel connector 20_N contacts second rail portion third wall 86 and/or projection connecting portion 30 is disposed beyond second rail portion third wall 86, a projection 50_N may be pushed onto projection connecting portion 30 and/or an insert 40 may be inserted into first rail portion 70.

In embodiments, swivel connector 20_N may be configured to be disposed at least partially in a rail portion (e.g., first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80) such that swivel connectors 20_N are able to rotate and/or swivel about an axes 34_N (e.g., axes 34_k, 34₂, 34₃, 34₄, 34₅, 34₆) that may be perpendicular to baluster axis 60A_M, longitudinal axis 70D of first rail portion 70, and/or longitudinal axis 80D of second rail portion 80. For example, and without limitation, cover 90 may cooperate with first rail portion 70 to retain swivel connector 20_N in lateral directions (e.g., axis 34 may not move) and/or may permit swivel connector 20_N to rotate about axis 34. Additionally or alternatively, insert 40 may cooperate with second rail portion 80 to retain a swivel connector 20_N in lateral directions (e.g., axis may not move) and/or may permit swivel connector 20_N to rotate about axis 34. Rotation may permit swivel connector 20_N and/or rail portions to accommodate disposing a baluster 60_M at more than one angle relative to rail portions (e.g., not just at a right angle to rail portions 70, 80). Additionally or alternatively, rotation of swivel connector 20_N may correspond to railing being rackable (see, e.g., FIG. 5). In embodiments, a swivel connector 20_N may be configured to rotate up to or more than 45 degrees.

In embodiments, a swivel connector 20_N may be disposed at least partially in first rail portion 70 such that swivel connector 20_N is in frictional contact with a plurality of points. The plurality of frictional contact points may include one or more of second, third, and/or fourth protrusions 72B,C,D and/or 74B,C,D, and/or may include one or more of snapping portions 92, 94. In embodiments, swivel connector 20_N may be in contact with at least six frictional contact points, which may include second protrusions 72B, 74B, third protrusions 72C, 74C, and/or first and second snapping portions 92, 94.

In embodiments, a swivel connector 20_N may be disposed at least partially in second rail portion 80 such that swivel connector 20_N is in frictional contact with a plurality of points. The plurality of frictional contact points may include one or more of second, third, and/or fourth protrusions 82B, 82C, 82D and/or 84B, 84C, 84D, and/or may include one or more of snapping portions 42, 44. In embodiments, swivel connector 20_N may be in contact with at least six frictional contact points, which may include second protrusions 82B, 84B, third protrusions 82C, 84C, and/or first and second snapping portions 42, 44.

In embodiments, first rail portion 70 and/or second rail portion 80 may at least partially comprise extruded aluminum.

In embodiments, press fitting, interference fitting, and/or frictional contact points may permit one or more swivel connectors 20_N to be retained (e.g., axis 34 may not move) without the use of a fastener, such as a screw or a bolt, and/or may permit faster and/or easier installation.

In embodiments, a swivel connector 20_N may include a recess 32_N (e.g., recess 32₁, 32₂, 32₃, 32₄, 32₅, 32₆, 32₇, 32₈, 32₉, 32₁₀, 32_ii, 32₁₂, 32₁₃, 32₁₄). Recess 32_N may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example, and without limitation, recess 32_N may be configured to extend all the way through swivel connector 20_N (e.g., recess 32_N may include a through hole). Recess 32_N may include a polygonal shape that may include a first linear side and a second linear side intersecting at respective first ends and/or disposed at a substantially right angle to each other, and/or the polygonal shape may include a curved side that may connect respective second ends of the first and second sides, all of which may form a shape that may generally resemble the shape of an infield of a baseball field.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, a projection 50_N (e.g., projections 50₇, 50₈, 50₉, 50₁₀) may be secured to a corresponding swivel connector 20_N (e.g., swivel connectors 20₇, 20₈, 20₉, 20₁₀) via a fastener (e.g., 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D), which may include, for example, a screw. Baluster 60₄ may be connected to first rail portion 70 via swivel connector 20₉, projection 50₉, and fastener 54C. Baluster 60₄ may be connected to second rail portion 80 via swivel connector 20₇, projection 50₇, and fastener 54A. Baluster 60₅ may be connected to first rail portion 70 via swivel connector 20₁₀, projection 50₁₀, and fastener 54D. Baluster 60₅ may be connected to second rail portion 80 via swivel connector 20₈, projection 50₈, and fastener 54B.

In other embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C, a projection 50_N (e.g., projections 50₁₁, 50₁₂, 50₁₃, 50₁₄) may be secured to a corresponding swivel connector 20_N (e.g., swivel connectors 20₁₁, 20₁₂, 20₁₃, 20₁₄) via a different type of fastener (e.g., fasteners 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D), which may include, for example, a pop rivet.

Baluster 60₆ may be connected to first rail portion 70 via swivel connector 20₁₃, projection 50₁₃, and fastener 56C. Baluster 60₆ may be connected to second rail portion 80 via swivel connector 20₁₁, projection 50_H, and fastener 56A. Baluster 60₇ may be connected to first rail portion 70 via swivel connector 20₁₄, projection 50₁₄, and fastener 56D. Baluster 60₇ may be connected to second rail portion 80 via swivel connector 20₁₂, projection 50₁₂, and fastener 56B.

In embodiments, projections 50_N may be preassembled to respective swivel connectors 20_N with fasteners (e.g., fasteners 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D) such that an installer may assemble a railing assembly 10 without any additional fasteners and/or without any tools. In embodiments, projections 50_N secured to swivel connectors 20_N via fasteners may not include a projection connecting portion 30.

In embodiments, a method of assembling a railing may include providing a first rail portion 70, a second rail portion 80, a first swivel connector 20₁, a second swivel connector 20₄, and a baluster 60₁. The method may include inserting the first swivel connector 20₁ into the first rail portion 70 so that the first swivel connector 20₁ extends at least partially through an aperture 78 in the first rail portion 70. The method may include inserting the second swivel connector 20₄ into the second rail portion 80 so that the second swivel connector 20₄ extends at least partially through an aperture 88 in the second rail portion 80. The method may include securing, without fasteners or tools, the baluster 60₁ to the first rail portion 70 by pressing the baluster 60₁ over a projection 50₁ of the first swivel connector 20₁. The method may include securing, without fasteners or tools, the baluster 60₁ to the second rail portion 80 by pressing the baluster 60₁ over a projection 50₄ of the second swivel connector 20₄. The method may include rotating the first swivel connector 20₁ and/or the second swivel 20₄ connector such that either or both of an angle α between the baluster 60₁ and the first rail portion 70 and an angle β between baluster 60₁ and the second rail portion 80 change.

Additional details regarding railing assemblies may be described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,545, filed Mar. 5, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein.

Although particular embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. Numerous specific details are set forth and/or illustrated to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional.

Although at least one embodiment of this disclosure has been described and illustrated with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiment without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosure. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and can include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A railing assembly, comprising:

a first rail portion including a first aperture;

a second rail portion including a second aperture;

a first swivel connector disposed in the first rail portion and extending through the first aperture;

a second swivel connector disposed in the second rail portion and extending through the second aperture; and

a baluster;

wherein the baluster is secured to the first rail portion via the first swivel connector and is secured to the second rail portion via the second swivel connector.

2. The railing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first swivel connector comprises:

a first side wall;

a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall;

a curved third side wall disposed between and perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall; and

a planar fourth side wall disposed perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall.

3. The railing assembly of claim 1, wherein the baluster is secured to the first swivel connector via a projection coupled to a projection connecting element of the first swivel connector.

4. The railing assembly of claim 3, wherein the projection connecting element includes an enlarged top portion.

5. The railing assembly of claim 2, wherein the first swivel connector comprises a projection connecting element that extends from the fourth side wall.

6. The railing assembly of claim 5, wherein the first swivel connector comprises a projection connected to the projection connecting element.

7. The railing assembly of claim 6, wherein the projection includes a plurality of ribs, and an outer diameter of the ribs is at least as great as an inner dimension of the baluster.

8. The railing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first swivel connector is configured to rotate at least 45 degrees while at least partially disposed in the first aperture.

9. The railing assembly of claim 2, wherein the first swivel connector includes an aperture extending through the first side wall and the second side wall.

10. The railing assembly of claim 9, wherein the aperture extending through the first side wall and the second side wall includes at least two linear sides and one curved side.

11. The railing assembly of claim 1, wherein the first swivel connector and the second swivel connector permit the railing assembly to be rackable.

12. A swivel connector for a railing assembly, the swivel connector comprising:

a swivel connector body comprising: a first side wall; a second side wall disposed opposite the first side wall; a curved third side wall disposed between and perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall; and a planar fourth side wall disposed perpendicular to the first side wall and the second side wall.

13. The swivel connector of claim 12, comprising a projection connecting portion extending from the fourth side wall, the projection connecting portion configured to secure a projection to the swivel connector body.

14. The swivel connector of claim 12, comprising a projection secured to the fourth side wall.

15. The swivel connector of claim 14, wherein the projection is secured to the fourth side wall via a projection connecting portion of the swivel connector body.

16. The swivel connector of claim 15, wherein the swivel connector body is formed as a single unitary component.

17. The swivel connector of claim 14, wherein the projection is secured to the fourth side wall via at least one of a screw and a pop rivet.

18. The swivel connector of claim 14, wherein the projection includes a plurality of ribs configured for securing a baluster to the swivel connector body.

19. The swivel connector of claim 12, wherein the swivel connector body includes an aperture that extends through the first side wall and the second side wall, and the aperture includes at least two linear sides and a curved side.

20. A method of assembling a railing, the method comprising:

providing a first rail portion, a second rail portion, a first swivel connector, a second swivel connector, and a baluster;

inserting the first swivel connector into the first rail portion so that the first swivel connector extends at least partially through an aperture in the first rail portion;

inserting the second swivel connector into the second rail portion so that the second swivel connector extends at least partially through an aperture in the second rail portion;

securing, without fasteners or tools, the baluster to the first rail portion by pressing the baluster over a projection of the first swivel connector;

securing, without fasteners or tools, the baluster to the second rail portion by pressing the baluster over a projection of the second swivel connector; and

rotating the first swivel connector and the second swivel connector such that an angle between the baluster and the first rail portion and/or the second rail portion changes.