TOP-LOAD VERTICAL RAILING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/680,972, filed on Aug. 8, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002]Aspects hereof relate to a vertical railing system configured for easier installation.

BACKGROUND

[0003]A vertical railing is traditionally used in connection with decking and other surfaces as a barrier. Vertical railing is formed from a plurality of discrete balusters positioned between a top rail and a bottom rail. The assembly of individual vertical balusters between the top rail and the bottom rail is a tedious and labor-intensive task during installation.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004]Aspects hereof provide for a railing barrier having vertical balusters maintained between a top rail and a bottom rail. The vertical balusters are positioned between the top rail and bottom rail in a top load manner. The bottom rail and a spacer are positioned between two vertical railing posts. The bottom rail is secured between and to the vertical posts in any suitable manner. The bottom rail has structures, such as square, rectangular, circular, or oval apertures, for receiving the bottom ends of the balusters. The spacer also has structures, such as square, rectangular, circular, or oval apertures, for receiving the bottom ends of the balusters. The spacer is temporarily positioned above the bottom rail, such that the apertures of the bottom rail and the apertures of the spacer align. The balusters are then positioned in the apertures of the spacer and the apertures of the bottom rail. The top rail also has structures, such as a channel, and/or square, rectangular, circular, or oval apertures, for receiving the upper ends of the balusters. The top rail is secured between and to the vertical posts in any suitable manner and the upper ends of the balusters are positioned in the apertures of the top rail. In order to secure the balusters in place, the spacer is slid upwardly with the balusters held in place between the bottom rail and the upper rail. The spacer has a structure that engages with the top rail to secure the balusters in place. The spacer can “snap” onto the top rail such that the balusters are pinched by the spacer and held in secure attachment to the top rail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005]The present disclosure is described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0006]FIG. 1 depicts an example of a top loading railing having a spacer in an intermediate position, in accordance with exemplary aspects hereof;

[0007]FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a top loading railing with balusters in an intermediate position, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0008]FIG. 3 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0009]FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top loading railing with the spacer moving into position towards the top rail, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0010]FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of an assembled top loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0011]FIG. 6 depicts a cross section taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 and showing the engagement of the spacer with the top rail, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0012]FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the engagement of the spacer with the top rail, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0013]FIG. 8 depicts a cross section of another example top railing, in accordance with aspects hereof; and

[0014]FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the engagement of the spacer and top rail shown in FIG. 8, in accordance with aspects hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015]Aspects hereof provide apparatuses, systems and/or methods directed to a top load vertical railing structure. Specifically, a top load vertical railing is comprised of a top rail, a bottom rail, a spacer, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail. The bottom rail and the spacer have corresponding apertures for receiving the lower ends of the balusters. The spacer is temporally positioned on the bottom rail such that the apertures of the bottom rail align with the apertures of the spacer. The balusters are then positioned through the aligned apertures. The top rail is then positioned along the upper ends of the balusters. The top rail can have a channel to receive the upper ends of the balusters. To finalize assembly, the spacer slides upwardly toward the top rail to engage a connecting structure on the top rail. As the top rail and the spacer are connected to one another, the spacer exerts force on the balusters to hold the balusters in place. The spacer can be “snapped” into place on the top rail.

[0016]Installation of traditional vertical railing is a labor-intensive process that includes initially mounting a bottom rail between two post members or other structures. The bottom rail typically has holes precut therein to receive the balusters. After the bottom rail is installed, the individual balusters are positioned in the holes on the bottom rail. The top rail is then positioned above the upper ends of the balusters positioned on the bottom rail. The top rail also has precut holes therein that will receive the top ends of the balusters. The top ends of the balusters will have to be aligned with the holes in the top rail as the top rail is put in place between the post members. The balusters during this process are often not maintained in exact vertical position and may in essence “flop” around in the holes on the bottom rail. This makes positioning the top rail difficult and labor intensive, often requiring two people to do the installation. The above type of installation is referred to a “stick build” type installation. Another type of traditional installation is a “lay flat” or prebuilt installation where the balusters are positioned between a top and bottom member or rail and secured thereto before the railing section is positioned between the vertical posts. This is also a labor-intensive process where the entire railing framework needs to be lifted into place and secured to the posts. This can be particularly unwieldy as the rail sections can be anywhere from 6 to 10 feet long. In a flat built scenario, it may be difficult to securely fasten the railing framework/panel to the vertical supports. Especially if it requires multiple fasteners to be tightened while supporting the framework/panel in a vertical position.

[0017]Aspects herein contemplate a top load vertical railing comprised of a top rail, a bottom rail, a spacer, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail. The bottom rail and the spacer have corresponding apertures for receiving the lower ends of the balusters. The spacer is temporally positioned on the bottom rail such the apertures of the bottom rail align with the apertures of the spacer. The balusters are then positioned through the aligned apertures. The top rail is then positioned along the upper ends of the balusters. The top rail can have a channel to receive the upper ends of the balusters. To finalize assembly, the spacer slides upwardly toward the top rail to engage a connecting structure on the top rail. As the top rail and the spacer are connected to one another, the spacer exerts force on the balusters to hold the baluster in place. The spacer can be “snapped” into place on the top rail.

[0018]The aspects contemplated will be discussed in greater detail and with respect to the figures.

[0019]Turning to FIGS. 1-5, which depicts an example of a top loading vertical railing system 100 in accordance with aspects hereof. Railing system 100 is comprised of a top rail 102, a plurality of balusters 104 and 106, and a bottom rail 108. The railing system 100 can include a spacer 110 that is used to mount the balusters 104, 106 and maintain the balusters in their horizontal spacing arrangement. The bottom rail 108 can be connected to the posts 112 and 114 via, for example, brackets (not shown) or any other suitable attachment structure including any sort of fasteners such as screws, nails, or bolts. With reference to FIG. 4, the bottom rail 108 can have a plurality of horizontally spaced apertures 120 extending along a bottom rail top surface 122. The apertures 120 correspond to the laterally spaced locations of the balusters 104, 106.

[0020]With general reference to FIGS. 1-7, spacer 110 is described. Spacer 110 includes a bottom wall 130 and a back vertical sidewall 132 and a front vertical sidewall 134. Spacer 110 is open at the top and thus has a generally inverted U shape. The spacer has a plurality of apertures 140 spaced along its bottom wall 130 for receiving the balusters 104, 106. Each aperture 140 has a pair of compressing flanges 138 associated therewith and for engaging the sides of the balusters 104, 106. When the top rail 102 is connected to spacer 110, flanges 138 exert pressure on the balusters 104, 106 to hold them in place, as will be more fully explained below. The top railing 102 has channel 142 that extends longitudinally along its bottom surface 144. Channel 142 is configured to engage the upper ends 146 of the balusters 104, 106. The spacer 110 snaps into the top rail 102 such that the flanges 138 exert pressure on the upper ends 146 of the balusters 104, 106. More specifically, when the spacer 110 is “snapped” into the top rail 102, detents 148 formed on the back sidewall 132 and the front sidewall 134 engage with a connecting ledge 150 of the top rail 102. This “snapping” connection results in the channel 142 exerting inward pressure on the flanges 138 to engage and firmly grip the upper ends 146 of the balusters 104, 106 and secure them in place, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0021]In some embodiments, such as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the ledges 250 overhang the corresponding detents 248. Said another way, the detent associated with the back sidewall 232 is overhung by corresponding the ledge. Similarly, the detent associated with the front sidewall 234 is overhung by the corresponding ledge.

[0022]The spacer reaches the top rail 102, channel 142 engages flanges 138 to put inward pressure on the upper ends 146 of the balusters 104, 106. Further movement results in the back sidewall 132 and the front sidewall 134 being deflected outwardly until detents 148 pass over the ledge 150. Once the detents 148 pass over the ledge 150, the sidewalls 132, 134 are biased back inwardly such that the spacer is “snapped” into engagement with the top rail 102. Spacer 110 is secured to the top rail 102 by detents 148 engaging the ledges 150.

[0023]Returning to FIGS. 1-9, the top loading assembly of the railing system 100 will be described. First, side posts 112 and 114 are secured in a vertical manner to a horizontal surface, such as a decking surface or other patio surface. Posts 112 and 114 can have an outer decorative sleeve 152 that has a square cross section and that fits around a square inner core 154 made of any suitable material such as wood, metal, or plastic. The inner core 154 can be secured to the deck surface and the sleeve 152 positioned around it.

[0024]As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the bottom rail 108 is first secured to the posts 112, 114 in any suitable fashion, for instance be utilizing brackets similar to the top brackets 116. Once the bottom rail is positioned between the posts 112, 114, spacer 110 is positioned on top of the bottom rail 108, such that the apertures 120 of the bottom rail 108 align with the apertures 140 of spacer 110. Next, the lower ends 156 of the balusters 104, 106 are positioned through the apertures 120 and the apertures 140 as shown in FIG. 2. The engagement of the lower ends 156 with the apertures 120 and 140 allow the balusters to be held in an upright position prior to the top rail 102 being installed.

[0025]With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the top rail 102 is installed utilizing brackets 116. The brackets 116 can be attached to the posts 112, 114 in any suitable manner, for instance with fasteners such as screws, nails, or bolts. Channel 142 engages the brackets 116 to secure the top rail 102 between the posts 112, 114. Any sort of fastener can be used to secure attachment between the top rail 102 and the brackets 116. Channel 142 also engages and receives the upper ends 146 of the balusters 104, 106.

[0026]With reference to FIG. 4, the final step in assembly is sliding the spacer 110 upwardly such that its apertures 140 slide along the balusters 104, 106. As spacer 110 reaches the top rail 102, channel 142 engages flanges 138 to put inward pressure on the upper ends 146 of the balusters 104, 106. Further movement results in the back sidewall 132 and the front sidewall 134 being deflected outwardly until the detents 148 engage with ledge 150. Once the detents 148 engage the ledge 150, the sidewalls 132, 134 are biased such that the spacer is “snapped” into engagement with the top rail 102. Spacer 110 is secured to the top rail 102 by detents 148 engaging the ledges 150.

[0027]Continuing, the top rail 102, the bottom rail 108, and the balusters 104, 106 may be formed from any materials, such as aluminum, steel, wood, or any sort of plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, acrylic, and so forth). The rails and balusters may have any cross-section shape. For example, in some aspects the rails have a “U” cross-section shape, an “H” cross-section shape, a “T” cross-section shape, and the like. The balusters can also have any cross-section shape such as rectangular, circular, or oval. The rails and balusters may be any length (e.g., 4 ft. to 8 ft.). For example, the rails may come in standard lengths, such as 2 ft., 3 ft., 4 ft., 5 ft., 6 ft., 7 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., or the like.

[0028]Turning with specific reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a cross-sectional view and a perspective cross-sectional view of a railing assembly 200 are depicted, in accordance with some aspects described herein. The railing assembly 200 includes a top rail 202 with channel 242 formed along its length. A bottom wall 230 connects to vertical sidewall 232 and vertical sidewall 234. Compressing flanges 238 extend inward from the sidewalls and align with apertures 240 in the assembly. The structure includes detents 248 along the sidewalls, with connecting ledges 250 extending from each sidewall. A bottom surface 244 and upper ends 246 are positioned within the assembly. It should be understood that the railing assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 8-9 could be used as an alternative embodiment to replace the top rail 102 and associated components shown in FIGS. 1-4. In such an implementation, the railing assembly 200 would function in the same manner between posts 112 and 114, with balusters 104, 106 extending between the bottom rail 108 and the top rail 202. The spacer with the compressing flanges 238 would slide upwardly along the balusters to engage with channel 242 of top rail 202, providing the same secure connection mechanism but with the alternative structural configuration shown in FIGS. 8-9.

[0029]In the railing assembly 200, channel 242 may be configured to engage the upper ends of balusters. The compressing flanges 238 may be associated with each aperture 240, and in some cases, the compressing flanges 238 may engage with channel 242 to squeeze the balusters to hold them in place.

[0030]The back vertical sidewall 232 and the front vertical sidewall 234 form part of a spacer structure. In some cases, this spacer structure may have a first position adjacent a bottom rail with balusters in the apertures 240, and a second position where the spacer structure may be slid upwardly along the balusters and into engagement with the top rail 202.

[0031]A notable feature of the railing assembly 200 is the overhanging relationship between the connecting ledges 250 and their corresponding detents 248. Specifically, the ledge associated with the back vertical sidewall 232 overhangs its corresponding detent. Similarly, the ledge associated with the front vertical sidewall 234 overhangs its corresponding detent. This overhanging configuration may contribute to the secure connection between components of the railing assembly 200.

[0032]In a deployed environment, the railing assembly 200 may be integrated into a larger railing system. For example, the top rail 202 may extend between two posts, with multiple balusters extending between the top rail 202 and a bottom rail. The apertures 240 in the railing assembly 200 may align with apertures in a bottom rail, allowing for consistent spacing and secure positioning of the balusters throughout the railing system.

[0033]From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well-adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages which are obvious, and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

[0034]While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to one another, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided herein is contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or steps regardless of explicit provision of the same while still being within the scope provided herein. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0035]As used herein and in connection with the claims listed hereinafter, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to be interpreted such that features of claims/clauses may be combined in any combination. For example, an exemplary clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any of clauses 1 through 3, which is intended to be interpreted such that features of clause 1 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 3 and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, and/or other variations. Further, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology is intended to include “any one of clauses” or other variations of such terminology, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.

[0036]The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein.

[0037]Clause 1. A railing system comprising: a top rail; a spacer positioned having a plurality of apertures formed therein and configured to be connected to the top rail; a bottom rail; and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail; wherein the balusters are positioned in the apertures of the spacer; and wherein the spacer has a first position adjacent the bottom rail with the balusters in the aperture and a second position wherein the spacer is slide upwardly along the baluster and into engagement with the top rail.

[0038]Clause 2. The railing system of clause 1, wherein the top rail has a channel for engaging upper ends of the balusters.

[0039]Clause 3. The railing system of clause 2, wherein the spacer has pressure flanges associated with each aperture, wherein the pressure flanges engage with the channel to squeeze the balusters to hold the balusters in place.

[0040]Clause 4. The railing system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the bottom rail has a plurality of apertures configured to receive lower ends of the balusters and wherein the bottom rail apertures align with the apertures of the spacer.

[0041]Clause 5. The railing system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the spacer comprises a bottom wall connected to a back vertical sidewall and a front vertical sidewall.

[0042]Clause 6. The railing system of clause 5, wherein the spacer further comprises detents formed on the back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall for engaging with a connecting ledge of the top rail.

[0043]Clause 7. The railing system of clause 6, wherein the detents are configured to snap into engagement with the connecting ledge when the spacer is in the second position.

[0044]Clause 8. The railing system of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising posts positioned at opposite ends of the bottom rail and the top rail.

[0045]Clause 9. The railing system of clause 8, further comprising brackets for attaching the bottom rail and the top rail to the posts.

[0046]Clause 10. The railing system of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the balusters are formed from a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, steel, wood, and plastic.

[0047]Clause 11. A method of assembling a railing system, comprising: securing a bottom rail between two posts; positioning a spacer on the bottom rail, the spacer having a plurality of apertures aligned with apertures in the bottom rail; inserting balusters through the aligned apertures of the spacer and bottom rail; securing a top rail between the posts above the balusters; and sliding the spacer upwardly along the balusters into engagement with the top rail.

[0048]Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the spacer comprises a bottom wall connected to a back vertical sidewall and a front vertical sidewall.

[0049]Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein the spacer further comprises detents formed on the back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall for engaging with a connecting ledge of the top rail.

[0050]Clause 14. The method of clause 13, further comprising snapping the detents into engagement with the connecting ledge when sliding the spacer into engagement with the top rail.

[0051]Clause 15. The method of any of clauses 11-14, further comprising securing the bottom rail and the top rail to the posts using brackets.

[0052]Clause 16. The method of clause 15, wherein the top rail comprises a channel for engaging upper ends of the balusters, and wherein sliding the spacer upwardly comprises engaging pressure flanges of the spacer with the channel to squeeze the balusters and hold them in place.

[0053]Clause 17. A railing assembly kit, comprising: a top rail having a channel for engaging upper ends of balusters; a bottom rail having apertures for receiving lower ends of balusters; a plurality of balusters configured to extend between the top rail and the bottom rail; and a spacer having apertures for receiving the balusters, the spacer configured to slide along the balusters from a position adjacent the bottom rail to a position engaging the top rail.

[0054]Clause 18. The railing assembly kit of clause 17, wherein the spacer comprises a bottom wall connected to a back vertical sidewall and a front vertical sidewall, the spacer further comprising detents formed on the back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall for engaging with a connecting ledge of the top rail.

[0055]Clause 19. The railing assembly kit of clause 18, wherein the detents are configured to snap into engagement with the connecting ledge when the spacer is slid into the position engaging the top rail.

[0056]Clause 20. The railing assembly kit of clause 19, further comprising posts configured to be positioned at opposite ends of the bottom rail and the top rail, and brackets for attaching the bottom rail and the top rail to the posts.

[0057]Clause 21. A railing assembly comprising: a top rail having a channel extending longitudinally along a bottom surface; a bottom wall connected to a back vertical sidewall and a front vertical sidewall, the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall each having a detent; connecting ledges extending from the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall, wherein each connecting ledge overhangs its corresponding detent; and compressing flanges extending inward from the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall, the compressing flanges aligned with apertures in the bottom wall.

[0058]Clause 22. The railing assembly of clause 21, wherein the channel is configured to engage upper ends of balusters.

[0059]Clause 23. The railing assembly of clause 22, wherein the compressing flanges are configured to engage with the channel to squeeze the balusters and hold them in place.

[0060]Clause 24. The railing assembly of any of clauses 21-23, wherein the detents are configured to snap into engagement with the connecting ledges when a spacer structure comprising the bottom wall, back vertical sidewall, and front vertical sidewall is slid into engagement with the top rail.

[0061]Clause 25. The railing assembly of clause 24, wherein the spacer structure has a first position adjacent a bottom rail with balusters in the apertures, and a second position where the spacer structure is slid upwardly along the balusters and into engagement with the top rail.

[0062]Clause 26. The railing assembly of clause 25, wherein the bottom rail comprises apertures aligned with the apertures in the bottom wall of the spacer structure for receiving lower ends of the balusters.

[0063]Clause 27. The railing assembly of clause 26, further comprising posts configured to be positioned at opposite ends of the bottom rail and the top rail, and brackets for attaching the bottom rail and the top rail to the posts.

[0064]Clause 28. A method of assembling a railing system, comprising: providing a top rail having a channel extending longitudinally along a bottom surface; providing a spacer having a bottom wall connected to a back vertical sidewall and a front vertical sidewall, the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall each having a detent, and connecting ledges extending from the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall, wherein each connecting ledge overhangs its corresponding detent; inserting balusters through apertures in the bottom wall of the spacer; and sliding the spacer upwardly along the balusters until the detents engage with the connecting ledges of the top rail.

[0065]Clause 29. The method of clause 28, further comprising providing a bottom rail having apertures aligned with the apertures in the bottom wall of the spacer for receiving lower ends of the balusters.

[0066]Clause 30. The method of clause 29, further comprising securing the bottom rail between two posts before inserting the balusters through the apertures.

[0067]Clause 31. The method of clause 30, further comprising securing the top rail between the two posts after sliding the spacer upwardly along the balusters.

[0068]Clause 32. The method of any of clauses 28-31, wherein the spacer further comprises compressing flanges extending inward from the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall, the compressing flanges aligned with the apertures in the bottom wall.

[0069]Clause 33. The method of clause 32, wherein sliding the spacer upwardly along the balusters causes the compressing flanges to engage with the channel of the top rail to squeeze the balusters and hold them in place.

[0070]Clause 34. The method of clause 33, wherein the detents snap into engagement with the connecting ledges when the spacer is slid into engagement with the top rail, securing the balusters between the bottom rail and the top rail.

[0071]Clause 35. A railing system kit comprising: a top rail having a channel extending longitudinally along a bottom surface; a spacer having a bottom wall connected to a back vertical sidewall and a front vertical sidewall, the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall each having a detent, and connecting ledges extending from the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall, wherein each connecting ledge overhangs its corresponding detent; and a plurality of balusters configured to extend through apertures in the bottom wall of the spacer and engage with the channel of the top rail when the spacer is slid upwardly along the balusters.

[0072]Clause 36. The railing system kit of clause 35, wherein the spacer further comprises compressing flanges extending inward from the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall, the compressing flanges aligned with the apertures in the bottom wall.

[0073]Clause 37. The railing system kit of clause 36, wherein the compressing flanges are configured to engage with the channel of the top rail to squeeze the balusters and hold them in place when the spacer is slid upwardly along the balusters.

[0074]Clause 38. The railing system kit of any of clauses 35-37, further comprising a bottom rail having apertures aligned with the apertures in the bottom wall of the spacer for receiving lower ends of the balusters.

[0075]Clause 39. The railing system kit of clause 38, further comprising posts configured to be positioned at opposite ends of the bottom rail and the top rail.

[0076]Clause 40. The railing system kit of clause 39, further comprising brackets for attaching the bottom rail and the top rail to the posts.