Railing system and method of manufacture

Abstract

An improved railing connection and method of manufacture and assembly for use in assembling railings. A railing connection fastener is secured to one railing member and is concealed within the proximal end of a second railing member. The proximal end of the second railing member is shaped to fit the shutting profile of the first railing member, thereby resisting rotational movement around the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member. The railing connection fastener is secured to the second railing member, thereby resisting movement along the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member. The contour of the proximal end of the second railing member is shaped to fit the profile of the first railing member. The use of the connection fastener and the contour of the proximal end of the second railing member create a smooth, continuous joint with limited complex manufacture.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is the non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 788,660 filed Mar. 15, 2013, invented by Paul Breuer, and upon which the present application relies for priority.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention pertains to railing systems and railing assembly, and components therefor, which have railings interconnected at various angles, and more particularly is directed to an improved pipe railing system.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0003]Railing assemblies, bannisters and railing systems are known its the art, serving as barriers to elevated platforms, handholds for stairways, and methods to control the direction and flow of pedestrians, among other uses. They typically comprise railings interconnected lacking a streamlined appearance, or require the services of a welder to join vertical posts to horizontal railing members.[0004]Smooth, continuous joints are desirable where the exterior surfaces of the pipe members ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a simple railing system connection that requires few parts, is easily manufactured, and can be assembled without welding. The shaped joint connection utilizes the properties of the railings in the joist connection. The use of the U-shaped railing connection fastener and the secured configuration of the railing members provides a structurally rigid barrier that is easy to assemble, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to install. Overall, the technical effects of the invention include a simplified railing system connection that is efficient to produce and assemble.

Problems solved by technology

Common quick-connect style railing connectors (as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,568,658, issued to Strome, May 23, 2003) do not provide the smooth continuous joints sought, such as where the connector body is visible.

Other methods of connecting railing members are also expensive, require significant tooling, machining, molding, welding, other complex manufacture, are unreliable, time consuming, expensive and may require skilled assembly or employ relatively complex mechanical devices with undesirable numbers of parts and assembly.

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