STANCHION FOR HANDRAIL SYSTEMS

Abstract

A novel stanchion, for insertion into and support of a tubular post of a handrail system for installation on a horizontal surface, slope or staircase, is configured with a baseplate attached to a upwardly-extending column configured with at least one pair of identical enclosed vertical slot openings located on diametrically opposite sides of the column. In a first embodiment, the column is configured with only one such pair, extending between a lower web at the bottom end region of the column and an upper web at the top end region of the column. In a second embodiment, the column is configured with eight slots arranged in two quad slot sets, each set configured with two diametrically opposed slot pairs, each pair being vertically co-linear, separated by an intermediate web. The two intermediate webs of each quad slot set are aligned at a designated height made different for each quad slot set, thus the intermediate webs of the two sets are located offset from each other vertically. This offset, in conjunction with the two quad slot sets being located perpendicular to each other about the central vertical axis of the column, enables selection of either quad slot set for deployment at installation by rotating the column a quarter turn, thus facilitating installation by always enabling selection of a quad slot set whose intermediate web height does not interfere with a designated safety member location

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the field of handrails including indoor and outdoor handrail systems installed over flat horizontal surfaces, inclined surfaces and stairs. More particularly, in stanchions for supporting posts of handrail systems with code-required railing structure including a lower safety member extending between posts., the invention yields overall cost savings through structural simplification and enhanced ease of installation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/33,552 filed Nov. 5, 2014 for UNIVERSAL BIFORCATED STANCHION FOR HANDRAIL SYSTEMS, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Handrails, whether above horizontal surfaces, sloping surfaces or stairs, are generally supported on a series of posts whose lower ends are fastened to the underlying base surface via some form of stanchion. As the structural “backbone” of a handrail system, the stanchion is required to withstand high levels of stress whenever the handrail is impacted by strong external force. For child protection and public safety, building code regulations call for some form of safety grillwork or mesh extending across the space between the posts, typically extending down to a bottom safety member. Safety, building and code regulations limit the separation between safety members, and also limit the spacing between the bottom safety member and the underlying base surface, thus raising physical interference issues since installation of the bottom safety member requires it to pass through the posts in the same low end region already necessarily occupied by the stanchions.

Many different design approaches have been created to balance the conflicting demands of facilitating installation and meeting code requirements while also enabling freedom in ornamental and architectural design. Virtually all known handrail systems have as a common basis a bottom safety member which is often implemented as a wire, rod, twisted or braided cable or equivalent, usually of metal, e.g. stainless steel, or alternatively, suitably strong plastics, fiberglass/epoxy, carbon fiber and the like. Commonly the bottom safety member is procured in continuous length and passed through each post; typically requiring drilling through the posts as required at installation.

If the post is hollow and based on an inserted stanchion, the stanchion column must extend from a baseplate far enough up into the lower end of the post to ensure required overall handrail structural strength, especially to withstand strong lateral forces impacting the handrail region, which by leverage, translate to extremely high compressive and bending stresses on the stanchions at the low end of the posts. In practice, the stanchion height is typically made to extend above the upper limit for height of the bottom safety member allowed by code, while the height selected for ornamental design purposes can range far below the code limit, consequently installation of handrail systems using stanchions of known art routinely requires drilling not only through the hollow post walls but also through the (usually solid steel) stanchion column, a burden that makes installation very tedious, time-consuming and costly.

In practice of the present invention and the invention in the parent application, the stanchion columns are configured with clearance slots for through-passage of railing structure, typically cables, thus facilitating railing installation by eliminating any need for drilling holes in the stanchions columns at installation as required in conventional known art.

For security purposes, the stanchion height is typically made to extend above a bottom safety cable member of the railing structure, required by code to be located within a limited elevation above the baseplate. The safety member height location selected for ornamental design purposes can range far below the code limit, requiring the clearance slots to extend vertically uninterrupted throughout a working range that accommodates all potential cable locations in order to eliminate any need for drilling the stanchion column at installation.

In the parent application, the stanchion column is bifurcated to form a pair of diametrically opposed clearance slots separating the two arcuate wall portions, as shown in the drawings As pointed out in the parent application, the stanchion column must extend far enough up from the baseplate into the lower end of the post to ensure required overall handrail structural strength, especially to withstand strong lateral forces impacting the handrail region, which by leverage due to their cantilevered location at the low end of the posts, translate to extremely high compressive and bending stresses on the stanchion.

As discussed above, bifurcated tubular stanchions require additional reinforcement in the form of compression spacers such as internal plugs, sleeves or bushings interposed between the two arcuate walls. However, spacers cannot be affixed at an elevation that would interfere with the desired location of the bottom safety member. The invention disclosed in the parent application overcame this problem by utilizing two reinforcement spacers and configuring the stanchion column with three potential fixed spacer mounting locations, i.e. diametrically opposed hole pairs, each located at a different elevation, so that when an installer has established the desired location for the bottom safety member, there will always be at least two of the three locations left available for mounting the two spacers.

The downside tradeoff of the additional costs, i.e. for reinforcing components and associated skilled labor installer time, left open the opportunity and challenge to seek further improvement, leading to the novel solution and refined stanchion structure of the present invention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary object of the invention provide a stanchion with a column configured to allow through-passage of railing system members including a bottom safety member, typically cables, with no need for stanchion-drilling at installation.

It is a further object to make the stanchion with sufficient strength to adequately support a post of a handrail system with no need for additional reinforcing components.

It is a still further object to configure the column with a closed-end vertical slot pattern that provides a full and uninterrupted working range of elevation for a desired location for through-passage of a required safety-member and of railing structure for ornamental and safety purposes.

It is a still further object to provide an embodiment wherein the column is tubular with wall thickness made sufficient to provide required strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects have been accomplished in the present invention by configuring the stanchion column with a plurality of enclosed vertical slots. In a first embodiment, the stanchion column is configured with a pair of vertical slots located on diametrically opposite side locations extending between a lower web at the bottom end region of the column and an upper web at the top end region of the column. In a second embodiment, the column is configured with two sets of quad enclosed clearance slots, each set configured with two diametrically opposed slot pairs, each pair being vertically co-linear, separated by an intermediate web region, the pair otherwise extending, as in the first embodiment, between a lower web at the bottom end region of the column and an upper web at the top end region of the column. The two intermediate web regions of each set are aligned at a designated height for that set on the column, however this designated height is made different for each set, thus the intermediate web regions of the two sets are located offset from each other vertically. This offset, in conjunction with the two sets being located perpendicular to each other about the central vertical axis of the column, enables selection of either set for deployment at installation by rotating the column (typically by rotating the stanchion) a quarter turn, thus facilitating installation by always enabling selection of a set whose intermediate web height does not interfere with a designated safety member location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a stanchion configured a pair of vertical slots in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in a version for handrail posts of square cross-sectional shape.

FIG. 2 is a left hand side view of the stanchion of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a right hand side view of the stanchion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stanchion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the stanchion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the stanchion of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 7-12, corresponding to FIGS. 1-6 respectively, depict a stanchion configured with two working quad sets of vertical slots in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged front elevational view of a lower portion of a handrail post assembled onto a stanchion of the present invention, traversed by a bottom safety member of the handrail system at a first designated height above the stanchion flange.

FIG. 14 is a central cross-section of the post assembly of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a view of a lower portion of a handrail post assembled onto a stanchion rotated ¼ turn relative to FIG. 13 and traversed by a bottom safety member of the handrail system at a second and lower designated height above the stanchion flange.

FIG. 16 is a central cross-section of the post assembly of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a further enlarged front elevational view of a lower portion of a handrail post assembled onto a stanchion with a fixed-angle baseplate for mounting onto a sloping surface.

FIG. 18 is a central cross-section a bolted two-part stanchion in the post assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a central cross-section of an alternative stanchion for mounting onto a sloping surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a stanchion 10 configured a pair of vertical slots in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, shown in a version for handrail posts of square cross-sectional shape. A baseplate 10A and corner gussets 10D are attached integrally to an upwardly-extending tubular column 10B configured with two enclosed vertical slots, of which a first slot 10C′ is visible in this view.

FIG. 2 is a left hand side view of the stanchion 10 of FIG. 1 showing the column 10B to be non-configured in this view.

FIG. 3 is a right hand side view of the stanchion 10 of FIG. 1 showing the column 10B to be non-configured in this view.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stanchion 10 of FIG. 1 showing the column 10B configured with a second enclosed vertical slot 10C″, visible in this view.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the stanchion 10 of FIG. 1, showing the top end of square tubular column 10B and the square outline of baseplate 10A, with four fastening holes.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the stanchion 10 of FIG. 1 showing baseplate 10B with the four fastening holes.

FIGS. 7-12, corresponding to FIGS. 1-6 respectively, depict a stanchion configured with two working quad sets of vertical slots in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a stanchion 12, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, showing in this view, a baseplate 12A attached integrally to upwardly-extending tubular column 12B configured with a co-linear vertical slot pair 12C′ and 12D′, separated by an intermediate web.

FIG. 8 is a left hand side view of the stanchion 12 of FIG. 7 showing the column 12B configured with a second co-linear vertical slot pair 12E′ and 12F′as seen in this view, oriented 90 degrees, i.e. ¼ turn, from slots 12C′ and 12D′ of FIG. 7, separated by an intermediate web that is located lower than that of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a right hand side view of the stanchion 12 of FIG. 7 showing the column 12B configured with a third co-linear vertical slot pair 12E″ and 12F″ as seen in this view, co-axial with and diametrically opposite identical slot pair 12E′ and 12F′ of FIG. 8, and forming therewith a first working quad slot set.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the stanchion 12 of FIG. 7 showing the column 12B configured with a fourth co-linear vertical slot pair 12C″ and 12D″ as seen from this viewpoint, co-axial with and diametrically opposite identical slot pair 12C′ and 12D′ of FIG. 7, and forming therewith a second working quad slot set, oriented 90 degrees, i.e. ¼ turn, and having a higher intermediate web location relative to the first working quad slot set (FIGS. 8 and 9).

FIG. 11 is a top view of the stanchion 12 of FIG. 7, showing the square top end shape of column 12B and the square outline of flange 12A, with four fastening holes.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the stanchion 12 of FIG. 7 showing flange 12B with the four fastening holes.

Both the first embodiment, i.e. with two slots as in FIGS. 1-4, and the second embodiment, i.e. with eight slots constituting two working quad slot sets as in FIGS. 8-10, can be practiced in versions with the column portion made to fit known railing posts of any cross-sectional shape, including a rectangular or square post version as in FIGS. 5 and 6, or circular as in FIGS. 11 and 12. Although the baseplates are typically shaped according to the post-column shape as shown, any column version can be practiced in conjunction with any baseplate version.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged front elevational view showing the lower portion of a handrail post assembly with a hollow post 14 installed surrounding the column of a stanchion according to the present invention, exposing only the baseplate 10A. Although normally held in place by gravity alone, for added security the post 14 is preferably fastened in place on the stanchion using epoxy or equivalent industrial adhesive. Also shown is a portion of a horizontal bottom safety member 16 traversing the post-stanchion assembly.

FIG. 14 is a central cross-section showing safety member 16 passing through a pair of holes drilled in post 14 at the designated height above the flange 10A, and through two diametrically opposed slots 10F′ and 10F″ the upper slots of the selected first quad slot set in column.10B. Slots 10C″ and 10D″ are of the unused second quad slot set which is unusable in this case because, as shown, its central web location is at a height that interferes with the designated height location of safety member 16.

FIG. 15 shows the subject matter of FIG. 13 with the height of safety member 16 designated to be at lower height above the flange 10A

FIG. 16 is a cross-section showing the stanchion having been rotated a quarter turn to select the second quad slot set, since the first quad slot set, as shown by slots 10E′ and 10 is now unusable in this case because its central web location is at a height that interferes with the lower designated height location of safety member 16.

FIG. 17 is a further enlarged front elevational view of a lower portion of a handrail post 14 assembled onto a stanchion having an angled baseplate 18, for mounting onto a sloping surface.

FIG. 18 is a central cross-section of a first version of the post assembly of FIG. 17. A separate column part 18A is made with a closed bottom end with a threaded central opening engaged by bolt 20 holding the baseplate part 18A attached to column part 18A.

FIG. 19 is a central cross-section of a second version of the post assembly of FIG. 17.stanchion for mounting onto a sloping surface. Separate column part 22B is tubular with the bottom end open as shown. The top of baseplate part 22A is configured to extend upwardly close-fitted into column part 22B as shown and attached there with epoxy, industrial adhesive, pinning and/or bolting.

There are numerous variations possible in the flange portion 10B with which the principle of the invention could be practiced within its spirit and scope, including outline shapes other than circular or square as shown, integrated with or enclosed in underlying structure, e.g. embedded in concrete.

Regarding overall handrail system strength considerations: assuming a given required width of slots 10D to provide a clear passageway for a traversing safety element, the main parameters in the design tradeoffs are the strength of the material of the stanchion and the wall thickness of the column.

Increasing the column wall thickness up to the ultimate causes the column to evolve from tubular to solid cylindrical; the slots become tunnel passageways traversing the solid column.

The invention may be embodied and practiced in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all variations, substitutions and changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A stanchion, for installation into the lower end of a hollow post to form a post assembly of a handrail system which includes an inter-post bottom safety member of designated size passing through a pair of clearance holes drilled in the post at coaxial locations on opposite sides thereof, comprising:

a baseplate adapted for fastening to an underlying surface; and

a column extending upwardly from said baseplate, shaped to fit into the lower end of a hollow post, configured with at least one through passageway, sized and located to allow traverse of the bottom safety member, and terminated at opposite ends by a pair of identical enclosed vertical slots located at directly opposite side surfaces of said column;

the at least one through passageway being provided in such quantity and location that, at installation of the handrail system, at least one through passageway and an associated pair of surface-located slots is always available for traverse of the stanchion and the post, so that there in never any need for drilling the stanchion at installation.

2. The stanchion as defined in claim 1, in a first embodiment, comprising:

one and only one a pair of identical enclosed vertical slots, located at directly opposite side surface of said column, the slots extending between bottom an top web regions of said column, dimensioned to include a working range of height locations required by the safety member.

3. The stanchion as defined in claim 2 wherein said column is hollow and made with sufficient material strength and wall thickness to provide the handrail system with designated required strength.

4. The stanchion as defined in claim 3 wherein said column is made tubular with a circular cross-sectional shape.

5. The stanchion as defined in claim 3 wherein said column is made square in cross-sectional shape.

6. The stanchion as defined in claim 2 wherein said column is made solid and said one through passageway is a tunnel having a cross sectional shape simulating the associated pair of surface-located slots.

7. The stanchion as defined in claim 6 wherein said column is made tubular with a circular cross-sectional shape.

8. The stanchion as defined in claim 6 wherein said column is made square in cross-sectional shape.

9. The stanchion as defined in claim 1, in a second embodiment, comprising:

said column configured with eight vertical enclosed slots arranged in two quad slot sets, each set configured with two diametrically opposed slot pairs, each pair being vertically co-linear, separated by an intermediate web, each pair extending between a lower web at a bottom end region of said column and an upper web at a top end region of said column;

the two intermediate web regions of each set being aligned at a designated height, made different for each set, thus locating the intermediate webs of the two sets at a vertical offset relative to each other; and

the vertical offset, in conjunction with the two quad slot sets being located perpendicular to each other about the central vertical axis of the column, enabling selection of either set for deployment at installation by rotating said column a quarter turn;

whereby installation is facilitated by always enabling selection of a quad slot set whose intermediate web height does not interfere with a designated safety member location.

10. The stanchion as defined in claim 9 wherein said column is hollow and made with sufficient material strength and wall thickness to provide the handrail system with designated required strength.

11. The stanchion as defined in claim 10 wherein said column is made tubular with a circular cross-sectional shape.

12. The stanchion as defined in claim 10 wherein said column is made square in cross-sectional shape.

13. The stanchion as defined in claim 9 wherein said column is made solid and each through passageway is a tunnel having a cross sectional shape simulating the associated pair of surface-located slots.

14. The stanchion as defined in claim 13 wherein said column is made tubular with a circular cross-sectional shape.

15. The stanchion as defined in claim 11 wherein said column is made square in cross-sectional shape.

16. The stanchion as defined in claim 1 wherein said baseplate is fixedly attached to said column in a horizontal orientation for installation onto a horizontal underlying surface.

17. The stanchion as defined in claim 1 wherein said baseplate is fixedly attached to said column at a designated angle for installation onto a sloping underlying surface.

18. The stanchion as defined in claim 1 wherein said baseplate is attached to said column by adjustable means for setting said baseplate at a designated angle for installation onto a sloping underlying surface.

19. The stanchion as defined in claim 9 wherein said baseplate is angled and is attached to said column by adjustable means for rotating said column relative to said baseplate for purposes of selecting a quad slot set.