Splice coupling for connection of tubular handrail sections

A handrail splice joining first and second handrail sections, said handrail splice comprising:

• a splice body having a generally cylindrical outer surface portion and a non-cylindrical segment portion;
• said generally grooved cylindrical outer surface portion including a plurality of first longitudinal grooves and a plurality of second longitudinal grooves;
• said first longitudinal grooves including a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves;
• said second longitudinal grooves including a plurality grooves disposed between each of said first longitudinal grooves;
• said first longitudinal grooves each defining a first groove volume and said second longitudinal grooves each defining a second groove volume, wherein said first groove volume is larger than said second groove volume;
• and
• said non-cylindrical segment portion including a pair of opposing inwardly projecting legs, each of said legs terminating in an outwardly projecting tab;
• said tabs having force bearing surfaces disposed in spaced parallel relation, whereby application of a compressive force upon said tabs reduces the spacing between said tabs thereby reducing the diameter of said splice body to allow for insertion thereof within the handrail sections;
• said splice body expanding upon release of the compressive force and without additional hardware such that said grooved cylindrical outer surface contacts the inner surface of handrail sections disposed in surrounding relation therewith.