Railing system

Abstract

The present invention provides a railing system that is modular and can be interconnected in an easy manner. The railing system comprises a top elongated member having a downwardly opening channel and a bottom elongated member having an upwardly opening channel. A number of spaced apart vertical members span the distance between the top and bottom members, wherein one end of a vertical member is inserted into the channel in the top member and the opposite end is inserted into the channel provided in the bottom member. The orientation and position of the top and bottom members is provided by the interconnection of these elongated members to supports, or posts. Due to the spaced apart relation of the vertical members positioned in the channels, portions of the top and bottom channels are exposed. These exposed portions between the vertical members are enclosed by top and bottom spacers, which interconnect with the top and bottom members, respectively. A particular spacer is secured in a location within the cross section of the top member or the bottom member by one or more interconnection mechanisms. The interconnection mechanisms associated with the edges of the spacers, mate with interconnection mechanisms provided along the length of the top and bottom members that are located on the interior of a channel at the open face thereof. By providing interconnection mechanisms within the interior of a channel, the spacers may be more effectively secured to the top and bottom members thereby potentially limiting their accidental removal. In addition this method of interconnection within the cross section of a top or bottom member may enhance the structural integrity of the top and bottom members as well as possibly improve the aesthetics thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention pertains to the field of railings, in particular to railings of the type having upper and lower members with a plurality of elements extending therebetween. BACKGROUND [0002] Component railing systems, typically made of aluminium, have become increasingly popular because of their pleasing appearance, relatively low cost and general ease of assembly and installation. [0003] Aluminium railings have many advantages over more traditional railing systems of steel, wrought iron or wood and, consequently, are widely used in many buildings for balconies, elevated decks and the like. They are light in weight, relatively inexpensive and can be painted to match any colour scheme. Furthermore, they have a virtually unlimited life span. [0004] Many such railing systems incorporate a plurality of spaced-apart pickets extending between top and bottom members. The top and bottom members may have channels for receiving the tops and bottoms of the p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, they have a virtually unlimited life span.

However, some prior art aluminium railing systems have offered disadvantages which have limited their market.

For example, some systems do not provide a clean, pleasing

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