TOP-LOAD VERTICAL RAILING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/680,981, 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 top spacer are positioned between two vertical railing posts. The bottom rail is secured between and to the vertical posts in any suitable manner. The top spacer is also secured between and to the vertical posts in any suitable manner. The spacer may also have a structure, such as square, rectangular, circular, or oval apertures, for receiving the bottom ends of the balusters and sliding them downwardly through the apertures until they engage the bottom rail. The spacer apertures maintain a horizontal spacing between the individual balusters. The bottom rail can have any suitable structures to maintain horizontal spacing between the balusters as they are top-loaded through the apertures of the spacer and to secure the bottom ends of the balusters to the bottom rail. The system includes a top rail that is configured to engage the spacer to secure the balusters in their vertical orientation.

[0005]For example, in a first aspect, a railing system is provided. The railing system includes a top rail, a spacer positioned adjacent to the top rail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail. The bottom rail has a plurality of securing structures horizontally securing a bottom portion of each baluster. The spacer has a plurality of apertures that receive upper ends of the balusters to allow the balusters to slide downwardly through the apertures and into engagement with the securing structures of the bottom rail. This railing system allows for efficient top-loading installation of balusters, providing a secure and aesthetically pleasing barrier while simplifying the assembly process.

[0006]The railing system may further include a plurality of plugs positioned along the bottom rail and engaging the bottom portion of each baluster to secure the balusters to the bottom rail after top loading. The use of plugs provides additional security and stability to the balusters, ensuring a robust connection between the balusters and the bottom rail.

[0007]The bottom rail may have a plurality of apertures for engaging a first portion of the plugs. This feature allows for precise positioning and secure attachment of the plugs to the bottom rail, enhancing the overall stability of the railing system.

[0008]Each plug may have a second portion for engaging a lower end of the baluster. The dual-engagement design of the plugs facilitates a strong connection between the balusters and the bottom rail, reducing the risk of loosening or detaching over time. The top rail may have a channel that engages the spacer along its length to hold the balusters in place. This channel design provides a seamless integration of the top rail with the spacer, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while securely holding the balusters in their vertical orientation.

[0009]The railing system may further include a buffer strip extending along the spacer to prevent rattling of the balusters. The buffer strip reduces noise and vibration, enhancing the comfort and perceived quality of the railing system.

[0010]The spacer may comprise a bottom wall, a back vertical sidewall, and a front vertical sidewall forming a U-shape. This U-shaped design of the spacer provides structural integrity and allows for easy installation and removal if necessary.

[0011]The back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall may each have an inwardly extending flange for engaging a bracket to hold the spacer between vertical supports. These flanges facilitate secure attachment of the spacer to vertical supports, ensuring proper alignment and stability of the entire railing system.

[0012]In a second aspect, a method of assembling a railing system including a bottom rail, a top rail, a spacer, and a plurality of balusters is provided. The method comprises passing a baluster through an aperture in the spacer in a downward motion toward the bottom rail, securing the baluster to the bottom rail, and positioning the top rail onto the spacer to secure the baluster. This method allows for efficient top-down assembly of the railing system, reducing installation time and complexity compared to traditional bottom-up assembly methods.

[0013]The method may further include positioning plugs along the bottom rail to secure lower ends of the balusters. The use of plugs provides a secure and adjustable means of attaching the balusters to the bottom rail, allowing for fine-tuning of baluster positioning during installation. The plugs may comprise a cylindrical pin for engaging an aperture in the bottom rail and a rectangular protrusion for engaging a bottom aperture of a baluster. This dual-engagement design of the plugs facilitates a strong and precise connection between the balusters and the bottom rail, enhancing the overall stability of the railing system.

[0014]Each plug may further comprise a laterally extending flange that rests on an upper surface of the bottom rail. The laterally extending flange provides additional support and prevents the plug from sinking too deeply into the bottom rail, ensuring proper alignment of the balusters.

[0015]The spacer may comprise a bottom wall, a back vertical sidewall, and a front vertical sidewall forming an inverted U-shape. This U-shaped design of the spacer provides structural integrity and allows for easy installation and removal if necessary.

[0016]The method may further comprise snapping the spacer into place between vertical supports by engaging flanges on the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall with brackets attached to the vertical supports. This snapping mechanism allows for quick and secure installation of the spacer, reducing assembly time and ensuring proper alignment of the railing components.

[0017]The method may further comprise positioning an anti-rattle strip between the top rail and upper ends of the balusters when positioning the top rail onto the spacer. The anti-rattle strip reduces noise and vibration, enhancing the comfort and perceived quality of the railing system.

[0018]In a third aspect, a railing system is provided. The railing system includes a top rail, a bottom rail, a spacer positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail, a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, and a plurality of plugs positioned along the bottom rail, each plug engaging a bottom portion of a baluster to secure the baluster to the bottom rail after top loading. This railing system combines the benefits of top-loading installation with secure bottom rail attachment, providing a versatile and easily assembled barrier solution.

[0019]The spacer may comprise a bottom wall, a back vertical sidewall, and a front vertical sidewall forming a U-shape, and wherein the back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall each have an inwardly extending flange for engaging a bracket to hold the spacer between vertical supports. This U-shaped design with inwardly extending flanges provides structural integrity and allows for secure attachment to vertical supports, ensuring proper alignment and stability of the entire railing system.

[0020]The top rail may have a channel that engages the spacer along its length to hold the balusters in place, and the railing system may further comprise an anti-rattle strip positioned between the top rail and upper ends of the balusters. The combination of channel design and anti-rattle strip provides a secure and quiet railing system, enhancing both the functionality and user experience.

[0021]Each plug may comprise a cylindrical pin for engaging an aperture in the bottom rail, a rectangular protrusion for engaging a bottom aperture of a baluster, and a laterally extending flange that rests on an upper surface of the bottom rail. This plug design facilitates a secure connection between the balusters and the bottom rail while providing proper alignment and support, contributing to the overall stability and longevity of the railing system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022]The present disclosure is described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 depicts an example of a top-loading railing having balusters installed, in accordance with exemplary aspects hereof;

[0024]FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a bracket engaging a vertical support used with top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0025]FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a bracket used with top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0026]FIG. 4 depicts an exploded perspective view of a bottom rail of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0027]FIG. 4A depicts a cross-section taken along line 4A-4A of FIG. 4, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0028]FIG. 5 depicts an exploded perspective view of a bottom rail in an interim construction position of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0029]FIG. 6A depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0030]FIG. 6B depicts a spacer for use in a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0031]FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of a top-loading railing, showing an interim position before the balusters are locked in place with a top rail, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0032]FIG. 8 depicts an exploded perspective view of a railing, in accordance with exemplary aspects hereof;

[0033]FIG. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of a bracket for a top-loading vertical railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0034]FIG. 10 depicts an exploded perspective view of a bracket for a railing system in an interim state of assembly, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0035]FIG. 11 depicts a cross-section view of a bracket for a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0036]FIG. 12 depicts an exploded perspective view of a bracket for a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0037]FIG. 13 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0038]FIG. 14 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0039]FIG. 15 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0040]FIG. 16 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0041]FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a top-loading railing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0042]FIG. 18 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0043]FIG. 19 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0044]FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a bracket for use in a top-loading stair railing system, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0045]FIG. 21 depicts a perspective view of a bracket for use in a top-loading stair railing system, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0046]FIG. 22 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0047]FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of a bottom rail of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0048]FIG. 24 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0049]FIG. 25 depicts an exploded perspective view of a spacer and top rail of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0050]FIG. 26 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0051]FIG. 27 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0052]FIG. 28 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0053]FIG. 29 depicts an exploded perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0054]FIG. 30 depicts a perspective view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0055]FIG. 31 depicts a perspective view of a plug for top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0056]FIG. 32 depicts a section view of a top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0057]FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of a plug for top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0058]FIG. 34 depicts a perspective view of a plug for top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof; and

[0059]FIG. 35 depicts a perspective view of a plug for top-loading railing for a stair section, in accordance with aspects hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060]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 balusters are loaded into the structure by sliding each baluster through a corresponding aperture in the spacer towards the bottom rail. The bottom end of the baluster engages a securing structure on the bottom rail. The apertures of the spacer hold the balusters in a spaced horizontal relationship. Once all the balusters are in place, the top rail is positioned adjacent the spacer to secure the balusters into the railing framework.

[0061]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 as 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 (e.g., posts), especially if it requires that multiple fasteners be tightened while supporting the framework/panel in a vertical position.

[0062]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 balusters are loaded into the structure by first sliding each baluster through a corresponding aperture in the spacer and towards the bottom rail. The lower ends of the balusters are secured to the bottom structure through appropriate securing structures such as pins or pegs. The spacer has structure that holds the balusters in a spaced horizontal relationship. Once all the balusters are in place, the top rail is positioned adjacent the spacer to secure the balusters into the railing framework. The provision of the spacer in conjunction with the top rail allows the balusters to be securely held in a vertical horizontally-spaced position during installation. A single individual can install the bottom rail and the spacer between the corresponding vertical posts. The top-load nature of the structure allows the balusters to be individually dropped into place one at a time and secured in their proper vertical and horizontal position. Once all the balusters are installed, they are permanently held in place by positioning the top rail into engagement with the spacer to secure the balusters and the railing framework.

[0063]The aspects contemplated will be discussed in greater detail and with respect to the figures.

[0064]Turning to FIG. 1, the figure 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 top mount the balusters 104, 106 and maintain the balusters in their horizontal spacing arrangement. Spacer 110 is attached to and extends between the vertical posts 112 and 114. The spacer 110 can be attached to posts 112 and 114 by any suitable structure, for instance the brackets 116, as will be more fully described below. The bottom rail 108 can also be connected to the posts 112 and 114 via, for example, the brackets 118, as will be more fully described below. With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 4A, 5, 6A, and 7, 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. Each of the apertures 120 can have a corresponding plug 124 that is snapped into the corresponding aperture 120, as will be more fully described below. Each plug 124 has a cylindrical bottom rail engaging pin 126 and a generally square/rectangular protrusion 128 for engaging a corresponding baluster 104, 106. Each pin 126 can be snapped into the bottom rail 108 during installation. Each plug 124 also has a laterally extending flange 129 that sits on the upper surface 122 of the bottom rail 108.

[0065]With reference to FIGS. 6B and 7, a spacer 110 is described. Spacer 110 includes a bottom wall 130, a back vertical sidewall 132, and a front vertical sidewall 134. Spacer 110 is open at the top and thus has a generally U shape. In FIG. 6B the spacer is depicted lying on its side to show the structure thereof more clearly. The back vertical sidewall 132 specifically has an inwardly extending flange 138, and the front vertical sidewall 134 has an inwardly extending flange 139. The flanges 138, 139 are used to engage the brackets 116 to hold the spacer 110 between the vertical supports 112, 114, as will be more fully described below. The top rail 102 has channel 140 that extends longitudinally opposite surface 142. Channel 140 friction fits around the back vertical sidewall 132 and the front vertical sidewall 134 of spacer 110. The friction fit between channel 140 of the top rail 102 and the spacer 110 serves to secure the balusters in their vertical final position and to provide a smooth upper hand-engaging surface 142 of the top rail 102. In order to prevent rattling of the balusters 104, 106, a strip 141 can be provided to engage the upper ends of the balusters 104, 106 when the top rail engages the spacer 110. The strip is positioned in channel 140 and can be made of any suitable compressible material such as foam or plastic. The top rail 102 can have any suitable structure (such as an inward-extending detent or ridge) that engages the bottom edges 144 and 146 of spacer 110. As best depicted in FIG. 6B, the bottom wall 130 has a plurality of horizontally spaced square apertures 148 and 150 that receive balusters 104, 106 as they slide downwardly through the apertures 148, 150 towards the bottom rail 108 in a top-load action that will be more fully described below.

[0066]With reference to FIGS. 1-7, the top-loading assembly of the railing system 100 will be described. First, the posts 112 and 114 are secured in a vertical manner to a horizontal surface, such as a decking surface or other patio surface. Post 112 and post 114 can have an outer decorative sleeve 150 that has a square cross-section and that fits around the 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 150 positioned around it. After the sleeve 150 is positioned around the inner core 154, an end cap (not shown) is positioned on the top edge of the sleeve 150 and inner core 154 to seal each of the posts 112, 114. The end caps can be secured to sleeve 150 and/or inner core 154 in any suitable manner, for instance by fasteners or adhesive.

[0067]As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, bottom brackets 118 are secured to each of the posts 112 and 114. The bottom brackets 118 can be secured to the post 112 and 114 in any suitable manner, for instance via fastener, such as a screw, bolt or nail, and/or adhesive. The bottom brackets 118 are generally of a block shape and have a generally rectangular cross-section that engages and matches a rectangular channel 158 formed along the bottom surface of the bottom rail 108, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A. Each bracket 116, 118 can also have a slanted surface 117 that is used to attach the spacer 110 and the bottom rail 108 at an appropriate angle, when necessary, as shown in FIG. 7. With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the angle of the slanted surface 117 can be any suitable angle such as a 35- or 45-degree angle. The brackets 116, 118 can also have mounting apertures 119 that are configured to receive suitable fasteners to secure the brackets 116, 118 to the posts 112, 114. The apertures 119 can be used to configure a linear rail connection as shown in FIG. 1 or an angled rail connection as shown in FIG. 7. Each bracket 116, 118 can also have an attachment ridge 121 that can be used to attach the spacer 110 or the bottom rail 108, as will be more fully explained below. Once the bottom brackets 118 are secured to the posts 112, 114, the top brackets 116 can be secured to the posts 112, 114 in any suitable manner, for instance via fastener, such as a screw, bolt, nail, and/or adhesive. The top brackets 116 are configured to engage the front vertical sidewall 134 and the back vertical sidewall 132 of the spacer 110. The attachment ridge 121 can engage with sidewalls 132, 134 to hold spacer 110 in place.

[0068]After the top bracket 116 and the bottom bracket 118 are secured to the respective posts 112, 114, the top rail 102, the bottom rail 108, and the spacer 110 can be cut to the appropriate length to span the distance between the posts 112, 114. The bottom rail 108 can then be positioned between the posts 112, 114 such that the bottom rail channel 158 engages with the cross-section of brackets 118. The attachment ridges 121 can also be used in conjunction with channel 158 to secure the bottom rail 108 to the brackets 118. The bottom rail 108 can be secured to brackets 118 in any suitable manner, for instance with a friction fit, or a fastener can be positioned to engage both the bottom rail 108 and the bottom bracket 118. The apertures 160 formed in brackets 116, 118 can be used to receive such fasteners. It may also not be necessary to have a friction fit or a fastener between the bottom rail 108 and the bottom bracket 118. It may be sufficient to have securement between bracket 116 and spacer 110 to ensure that the top rail 102 is maintained in position.

[0069]With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 4A, 5, and 6A, the plugs 124 may be placed in the appropriate apertures 120. In particular, with reference to FIG. 4B, the bottom cylindrical pin 126 of each plug 124 is positioned in respective aperture 120 such that the flange 129 of each pin 126 rests on the top wall 122 of the bottom rail 108. The plugs 124 are held in place by biasing wedges 164, which are biased inwardly as the pin 126 of each plug 124 is positioned in its respective aperture 120. After biasing wedges 164 pass the lower surface 166 of the bottom rail 108, they snap outwardly to engage the lower surface 166 and secure the plug 124 to the bottom rail 108 to prevent vertical movement. The plugs 124 still can be rotated within the apertures 120 to allow alignment of the balusters 104, 106. Still further, in some embodiments of bottom rail 108, after the plugs are installed in the apertures 120, a screwdriver or pliers can be used to depress the biasing wedges 164 inwardly to allow removal of the plug 124. In such an embodiment, the bottom rail channel 158 allows any sort of tool access to the biasing wedges 164 to allow removal of plugs 124.

[0070]The spacer 110 can then be positioned to extend between the post 112 and the post 114 by utilizing brackets 116. More specifically, the top bracket 116 is configured such that the spacer 110 can be snapped into place from the bottom up between the post 112 and the post 114. Spacer 110 is pushed upwardly onto bracket 116 such that the flange 138 of the back vertical sidewall 132 and the flange 139 of the front vertical sidewall 134 engage the upper surface 161 of the bracket 116. The attachment ridge 121 can also be used to help hold spacer 110 in place. Still further, a fastener can be used to pass through the bottom wall 130 of the spacer 110 and into an appropriate aperture 160 of the bracket 116. Flange 139 extending inwardly from the back vertical sidewall 132 and the flange 138 extending inwardly from the front vertical sidewall 134 snap around the bottom surface (i.e., opposite of top surface 161) of the bracket.

[0071]Once the spacer 110 is positioned between the posts 112, 114, the balusters 104, 106 can then be assembled one at a time in a top-load fashion. With reference to FIGS. 6A and 7, each baluster 104, 106 can be made with a generally square cross-section and can be hollow along its interior. In such a construction, each of baluster 104, 106 presents a generally square bottom aperture 170 that can be received over the similarly configured square projection 128 of the plug 124. Still further, the square exterior cross-section of the balusters 104, 106 is configured to slide through the appropriate apertures 148, 150 in the bottom wall 130 of the spacer 110. Each baluster 104, 106 is dropped through its respective apertures 148, 150 until the aperture 170 of balusters 104, 106 engages the corresponding rectangular projection 128 of the plug 124. Each upper end 172 of each baluster 104, 106 is positioned and held in a horizontal orientation in its respective aperture 148. Once each of the balusters 104, 106 are in place, the bottom channel 140 of the top rail and the anti-rattle strip 141 are positioned over the spacer 110 to “lock” the balusters in place. Channel 140 securely fits around the back vertical sidewall 132 and front vertical sidewall 134 of spacer 110. Channel 140 can be sized to provide a friction fit around spacer 110 so that the balusters are held in place between the strip 141 and the upper ends 172 of the balusters 104, 106. The top rail 102 can be held in place further by a screw or fastener extending through the top rail 102 and into the bracket 116. The screw can pass through either the top surface 142 or the front surface 174 of the top rail 102. Additionally, or alternatively, a screw can pass through the bracket 116, through strip 141, and into the top rail 102. The top rail 102 completely covers the upper ends 172 of the balusters 104, 106.

[0072]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 suitable plastic. 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 feet (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.

[0073]With reference to FIGS. 8-17, a quick-attach bracket 180 is depicted. The quick-attach bracket 180 includes a panel bracket member 182 that is configured to be attached to one of or both of the top rail 102 and the bottom rail 108 of a railing panel 179. The panel bracket member 182 includes a vertically extending tang 184 that includes a cavity 186. The quick-attach bracket 180 also includes a support bracket member 188 that is configured to be attached to a vertical support member such as posts 112, 114. The support bracket member 188 includes a vertically extending channel 190 that is adapted to receive the tang 184 of the panel bracket member 182. The support bracket member 188 also includes a cam 192 that is pivotally mounted thereto about a pin 194. The cam 192 has a tab 196 configured to engage the cavity 186 of the tang 184. The cam 192 also includes a flange 198 that has an aperture 200 therein configured to receive a fastener 202 such that tightening of the fastener 202 rotates the cam 192 into engagement with the cavity 186 of the tang 184. The fastener 202 extends through aperture 200 and into hole 204 of the support bracket member 188. Thus, by rotating the fastener 202, cam 192 is pivoted into the cavity 186 of the tang 184. Such rotation and resulting pivoting action results in panel bracket member 182 and support bracket member 188 being pulled together. Thus, this action results in panel 179 with the bracket member 182 attached thereto being pulled into engagement with post 112 with the bracket member 188 attached thereto. The panel bracket member 182 can have attachment apertures 206 formed therein for attachment to the top rail 102 and/or the bottom rail 108 of the rail panel 179. The support bracket member 188 can have attachment apertures 208 formed therein for attachment to the posts 112, 114.

[0074]With reference to FIG. 8, use of the quick-attach bracket 180 is depicted in conjunction with a preassembled panel 179. Panel 179 can be assembled utilizing a bottom rail 108 with the apertures 120 into which are disposed the plugs 124. Panel 179 also includes balusters 104, 106 that are configured to have a hollow square cross-section to receive the generally rectangular projections 128 of the plugs 124. Panel 179 also has a top rail 102 that is configured to have corresponding apertures therein (not shown) to receive the plugs 124. The plugs 124 associated with the top rail 102 receive the upper ends 173 of the balusters 104, 106. Panel 179 is designed to be built on a flat surface and then lifted into place between the posts 112, 114 and attached thereto by the quick-attach bracket 180. With reference to FIGS. 12, 16, and 17, the panel bracket members 182 are attached to the ends of the top rail 102 and the ends of the bottom rail 108. Still further, the support bracket members 188 are attached to the posts 112, 114. With reference to FIG. 17, panel 179 can be lowered into place such that the tangs 184 are received in their respective channels 190. Thus, panel 179 is held in place between the posts 112, 114. By simply tightening the fastener 202 of the support bracket members 188, a respective cam 192 is rotated, such that the respective tab 196 engages tang cavity 186 of panel bracket member 182 through the respective channel 190 of the support bracket member 188. In such a manner, the panel 179 can be “tightened” and secured in place between posts 112, 114.

[0075]The quick-attach brackets 180 can also be used in a build-in-place scenario. With reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, in this scenario, quick-attach brackets 180 are first used to secure the bottom rail 108 between the posts 112, 114. Thereafter, plugs 124 are positioned in apertures 120 and balusters 104, 106 are connected to plugs 124. The balusters 104, 106 can have upper plugs 124 positioned in their upper ends 173. Thereafter, the upper plugs 124 can be positioned in the apertures (not shown) of the top rail 102. Further, the quick-attach brackets 180 can then be used to secure the top rail 102 in place and complete construction of the railing.

[0076]With reference to FIGS. 18-35, a top-load stair rail system 300 is depicted. The stair system has many of the same features of the railing system 100 described above. Some differences include a stair attachment bracket 302 and a stair baluster plug 304. The stair rail system 300 also depicts the balusters 104, 106 as having a rectangular cross-section and a square cross-section. As is apparent, the balusters 104, 106 can have any cross-section shape. In assembly, the brackets 302 are first attached to posts 112, 114 at an upper and lower location. Brackets 302 will be further described below. Thereafter the bottom rail 108 is positioned and attached to the brackets 302 between the posts 112, 114. The bottom rail 108 has apertures 120 that receive stair plugs 304. Stair plugs 304 will be further described below. Spacer 110 is then connected between the posts 112, 114 via brackets 302. Spacer 110 has apertures 148 formed therein to receive the balusters 104, 106 in a top-load fashion. The balusters 104, 106 are slid downwardly through the aperture 148 and into engagement with the top rim 316 of the plugs 304. After the balusters 104, 106 are in place, the top rail 102 along with the anti-rattle strip 141 can be positioned on spacer 110 to complete construction of the stair railing system 300.

[0077]With reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, stair bracket 302 is depicted. The bracket 302 has a first section 306 attached to the post 112 via fasteners 308. The first section 306 has an angled surface 310 for abutting the post 112. This provides a beginning stair angle for bracket 302. Bracket 302 also includes a second section 312 that is attached to the bottom rail 108 and the spacer 110. The second section 312 can have a pivot point 314 with the first section 306. This pivot point allows fine-tuning of the angle between sections 306 and 312 to allow for tolerances.

[0078]FIG. 31 depicts the stair baluster plug 304. The stair baluster plug 304 has many similarities to the plug 124. It has a pin 126 for engaging the bottom rail 108 and a rectangular/square projection 128 for engaging the apertures 170 of the balusters 104, 106. The stair baluster plug 304 is different in that the axes of the pin 126 and the projection 128 are at an angle to each other to ensure that the balusters 104, 106 are in a vertical orientation.

[0079]A further stair plug design 320 is depicted in FIGS. 32-35. This design 320 has a top section 322 designed to fit within the aperture 170 of the balusters 104, 106 when the bottom edges of the balusters are cut at an angle. In combination with the stair baluster plug 304, this design is provided to help prevent water leakage into the bottom rail 108, because the balusters 104, 106 sit directly on top of the bottom rail 108.

[0080]From the foregoing, it will be seen that this disclosure 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.

[0081]While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to one another, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided herein are 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.

[0082]As used herein and in connection with the claims listed hereinafter, the terminology “any of clauses” or similar variations of said terminology are 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 are intended to include “any one of clauses” or other variations of such terminology, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.

[0083]The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein.

[0084]Clause 1. A railing system comprising: a top rail; a spacer positioned adjacent the top rail; a bottom rail; and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail; wherein the bottom rail has a plurality of securing structures horizontally securing a bottom portion of each baluster; and wherein the spacer has a plurality of apertures that receive upper ends of the balusters to allow the balusters to slide downwardly through the apertures and into engagement with the securing structures of the bottom rail.

[0085]Clause 2. The railing system of clause 1, further comprising a plurality of plugs positioned along the bottom rail and engaging the bottom portion of each baluster to secure the balusters to the bottom rail after top loading.

[0086]Clause 3. The railing system of clause 2, wherein the bottom rail has a plurality of apertures for engaging a first portion of the plugs.

[0087]Clause 4. The railing system of clause 3, wherein each plug has a second portion for engaging a lower end of the baluster.

[0088]Clause 5. The railing system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the top rail has a channel that engages the spacer along its length to hold the balusters in place.

[0089]Clause 6. The railing system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the balusters have a square cross-section.

[0090]Clause 7. The railing system of any of clauses 1-6, further comprising a buffer strip extending along the spacer to prevent rattling of the balusters.

[0091]Clause 8. The railing system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the spacer comprises a bottom wall, a back vertical sidewall, and a front vertical sidewall forming an inverted U-shape.

[0092]Clause 9. The railing system of clause 8, wherein the back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall each have an inwardly extending flange for engaging a bracket to hold the spacer between vertical supports.

[0093]Clause 10. A method of assembling a railing system including a bottom rail, a top rail, a spacer, and a plurality of balusters, the method comprising: passing a baluster through an aperture in the spacer in a downward motion toward the bottom rail; securing the baluster to the bottom rail; and positioning the top rail onto the spacer to secure the baluster.

[0094]Clause 11. The method of clause 10, further comprising positioning plugs along the bottom rail to secure lower ends of the balusters.

[0095]Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the plugs each comprise a cylindrical pin for engaging an aperture in the bottom rail and a rectangular protrusion for engaging a bottom aperture of a baluster.

[0096]Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein each plug further comprises a laterally extending flange that rests on an upper surface of the bottom rail.

[0097]Clause 14. The method of any of clauses 10-13, wherein the spacer comprises a bottom wall, a back vertical sidewall, and a front vertical sidewall forming an inverted U-shape.

[0098]Clause 15. The method of clause 14, further comprising snapping the spacer into place between vertical supports by engaging flanges on the back vertical sidewall and front vertical sidewall with brackets attached to the vertical supports.

[0099]Clause 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising positioning an anti-rattle strip between the top rail and upper ends of the balusters when positioning the top rail onto the spacer.

[0100]Clause 17. A railing system comprising: a top rail; a bottom rail; a spacer positioned between the top rail and the bottom rail; a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail; and a plurality of plugs positioned along the bottom rail, each plug engaging a bottom portion of a baluster to secure the baluster to the bottom rail after top loading.

[0101]Clause 18. The railing system of clause 17, wherein the spacer comprises a bottom wall, a back vertical sidewall, and a front vertical sidewall forming an inverted U-shape, and wherein the back vertical sidewall and the front vertical sidewall each have an inwardly extending flange for engaging a bracket to hold the spacer between vertical supports.

[0102]Clause 19. The railing system of clause 18, wherein the top rail has a channel that engages the spacer along its length to hold the balusters in place and further comprising an anti-rattle strip positioned between the top rail and upper ends of the balusters.

[0103]Clause 20. The railing system of clause 19, wherein each plug comprises a cylindrical pin for engaging an aperture in the bottom rail, a rectangular protrusion for engaging a bottom aperture of a baluster, and a laterally extending flange that rests on an upper surface of the bottom rail.