Pyramid Bracket

Abstract

In cable railing systems, existing brackets that allow the connection for square/rectangular posts to curved or flat top rails are not sturdy enough to sustain, overtime, applied loads from the top rail and pulling forces from the cables. The Pyramid Bracket is the preferred connection between square/rectangular posts and the top rail tubing for cable railing and guardrail in general.

Description

The Pyramid Bracket (PB) is a connecting piece of a railing system that attaches a square vertical post to a horizontal or inclined top rail. It is made of two main parts: the sleeve and the saddle. The sleeve is the bottom part of the bracket that's shaped like a pyramid (hence the name Pyramid Bracket) with a recessed lower area that fits into a vertical post. The saddle is the top part of the bracket that connects the top rail to a post. The saddle connects to the sleeve by a screw which allows it to swivel or pivot and thus accommodates inclined top rails (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 1 is a side view

FIG. 2 is a cut view

FIG. 3 is an isometric view

The PB is suitable for many different Handrail or Guardrail Systems and styles. The pyramid shape of the sleeve provides the PB with superior stability and rigidity while the sleeve gives it the convenient ability to swivel any angle. This means the PB can be used in both horizontal/flat situations (decks, balconies mezzanines etc.) and angled one (stairs, ramps etc.) The saddle can also be made flat or curved in order to accommodate any shaped top rail (see FIG. 2) while keeping a sturdy connection that creates better stability and safer Handrail or Guardrail Systems. The PB can be used with Handrail and guardrail systems made of cable, glass, rod, or etc etc. but are ideal for cable systems as they can handle applied loads from the top rail as as well as the pulling forces of the cables over time.

Mounting the PB on top of a post can be achieved in two different ways. One is by compression fitting while using a glue (like ePoxy) on the inside sleeve. The second way is by welding the PB to the top of the Post. Grinding and Polishing is recommended after the welding process like the case of a stainless steel post (see FIG. 3). Additionally, the PB is compatible with most solid materials (stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, plastic, etc)

FIG. 4: An application of cable railing using square Post with PB on top

FIG. 5: An application of bar guardrail using the PB to connect to top rail

FIG. 6: An application in glass railing on stair using the PB

Claims

1. The Pyramid Bracket (PB) connects a square or rectangular shaped post to a square, rectangular or spherical top rail.

2. The PB consists of one top and one bottom part; the saddle and the sleeve. The bottom piece, the sleeve, is in the shape of a pyramid and can be secured in a square or rectangular post. The saddle connects the top rail to a post and can either be flat or rounded to accommodate to the shape of the top rail. The two pieces are connected by a single screw which allows it to pivot at an angle, making the PB applicable in a straight run (decks, balconies mezzanines etc.) or a project with any degree of angle (stairs, ramps etc.).

3. The PB can be assembled as either a separate item from the railing post or as one piece. As on piece the PB is welded on the post. If in the post and the PB are two separate pieces, they can put together by compression fitting and using any steel glue (such as ePoxy). The PB provides a sturdy connection, creating better stability for safer guardrail, whether cable, glass, rod, or other guardrail system.