Method and apparatus for attaching spindles to rails in a fence assembly

Abstract

A racking assembly for adjustably mounting a spindle to a rail. The racking assembly includes a first member which engages the rail and a second member pivotally secured to the first member. The second member retains the spindle at an angle relative to the first member and therefore relative to the rail. As the second member pivots, the angle of the spindle relative to the rail is changed. In a fence rail assembly, each spindle is secured between a pair of rails by a pair of racking assemblies. Each racking assembly is mounted on one of the rails and is individually adjustable so as to set the angle of the spindle relative to the rails. The rails are secured between a pair of vertical posts. Each rail is secured to one of the posts by a bracket that is adjustable to set the angle of the rail relative to the posts.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This invention generally relates to fencing systems. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for attaching spindles to a rail assembly. Specifically, the invention relates to a spindle racking assembly that includes a first member that engages the rail and a second member that engages the spindle and is pivotally mounted to the first member and movable relative thereto to set the angle of the spindle relative to the rail.[0003]2. Background Information[0004]One of the problems encountered when building a vinyl fence assembly is that of being able to quickly and easily connect spindles between spaced apart rails. Because of the type of material involved, the installer cannot simply place the spindle on the rail and drive a toe nail into the same. One of the easiest solutions is for the rail to be made with a plurality of apertures cut at predefined intervals. One end of each spindle in inserted into t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The device of the present invention is a racking assembly for adjustably mounting a spindle to a rail. The racking assembly includes a first member which engages the rail and a second member pivotally secured to the first member. The second member retains the spindle at an angle relative to the first member and therefore relative to the rail. As the second member pivots, the angle of the spindle relative to the rail is changed. The racking assembly gives an installer the ability to correctly set the angles of the spindles in a stair rail assembly that is to be used on stairs that range in steepness from between 25 and 40 degrees and preferably between 28 and 38 degrees.

Problems solved by technology

One of the problems encountered when building a vinyl fence assembly is that of being able to quickly and easily connect spindles between spaced apart rails.

Because of the type of material involved, the installer cannot simply place the spindle on the rail and drive a toe nail into the same.

While the method sounds easy, any differences between the size of the apertures and the ends of the spindle can be problematic.

Firstly, if the aperture is too small or is slightly incorrectly cut, the end of the spindle will not be able to be inserted into the same.

On the other hand, if the aperture is too big then the spindle will be easily inserted but will tend to move around in the aperture making the installation of the upper rail difficult.

Additionally, there will tend to be a gap around the end of the spindle and the rail thus giving the finished product an unfinished and unpolished appearance.

The problem is especially pronounced in the construction of stair rail assemblies.

Even if the spindles can be installed, they may not be angled correctly relative to the rails.

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