RAILING SYSTEM

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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.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to railing systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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.

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

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

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of an assembled railing system;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railing system in FIG. 1, taken along lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a sectional side elevation view of the first rail member of the railing system;

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevation view of the second rail member of the railing system;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an assembled railing system;

FIG. 6 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railing system in FIG. 5, taken along lines 6-6;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of an assembled railing system;

FIG. 8 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railing system in FIG. 7, taken along lines 8-8;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an assembled railing system;

FIG. 10 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railing system in FIG. 9, taken along lines 10-10;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of an assembled railing system; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional side elevation view of the assembled railing system in FIG. 11, taken along lines 12-12.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There is provided a railing system for constructing a railing.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

In some embodiments, for example, the locator space 114 is defined within a recess provided in the corresponding rail member.

In some embodiment, for example, the width of the locator space 114 is marginally wider than the corresponding locator space-insertable barrier member 106.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Patent History
Publication number: 20120181496
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 14, 2011
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2012
Applicant:
Inventors: Tony Curatolo (Woodbridge), Vince Vigliatore (Woodbridge)
Application Number: 13/007,029
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Earth, Stone, Plastic, And Wooden (256/19); Bracket (256/65.03); Rail Inside Bracket (e.g., Sleeved Bracket) (256/65.04)
International Classification: E04H 17/16 (20060101);