# US 2020/0399907 A1 · Bracket system and method for installation of horizontal balusters > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2020/0399907 A1 - Document ID: US20200399907A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 16/445,527 - Filed: 2019-06-19 - Published: 2020-12-24 - Earliest claimed: 2019-06-19 - Assignees: Vinylast, Inc. - Applicants: Vinylast, Inc. - Inventors: Steven J. Leary - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20200399907A1 ## CPC - E04F 11/1817: {Connections therefor (E04F11/1812 and E04F11/1836 take precedence)} - E04F 11/1834: {with adjustable angle, e.g. pivotal connections} - F16B 5/0283: {with an externally threaded sleeve around the neck or the head of the screw-threaded element for adjustably fastening a plate or frame or the like to a fixed element} - F16B 7/18: using screw-thread elements {(F16B7/025 takes precedence; for turnbuckles F16B7/06)} - E04F 2011/1819: {between balustrade posts and horizontal or sloping balustrade members} - E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B) - F16B: DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING (couplings for transmitting rotation F16D) ## Abstract In one example, a baluster bracket for securing a baluster in a perpendicular orientation relative to a support surface includes a button bracket and a tube bracket. The button bracket includes a cylindrical body, wherein an outer surface of the cylindrical body is threaded, and a first aperture defined through the cylindrical body. The tube bracket includes a hollow cylindrical body, wherein an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body is threaded to engage the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the button bracket. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A baluster bracket for securing a baluster in a perpendicular orientation relative to a support surface, comprising: a button bracket, comprising: a cylindrical body, wherein an outer surface of the cylindrical body is threaded; and a first aperture defined through the cylindrical body; and a tube bracket, comprising: a hollow cylindrical body, wherein an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body is threaded to engage the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the button bracket. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The baluster bracket of claim 1, further comprising: a screw sized to fit through the first aperture. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The baluster bracket of claim 2, wherein a length of the screw is greater than a length of the button bracket. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The baluster bracket of claim 1, wherein the first aperture is defined through a center of the cylindrical body. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The baluster bracket of claim 1, wherein the tube bracket further comprises: a first aperture defined in an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The baluster bracket of claim 5, wherein the tube bracket further comprises: a second aperture defined in the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body, wherein the second aperture is sized and shaped to accept an end of an Allen wrench. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The baluster bracket of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical body of the tube bracket is greater than an outer diameter of the cylindrical body of the button bracket. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The baluster bracket of claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical body of the tube bracket is greater than a diameter of the baluster. ### Claim 9 A baluster bracket for securing a baluster in an angled orientation relative to a support surface, comprising: a button bracket, comprising: a cylindrical body, wherein an outer surface of the cylindrical body is threaded; and a first aperture defined through the cylindrical body; an adjustable angle bracket, comprising: a first segment including a threaded portion and a seat portion, wherein threads of the threaded portion are designed to engage the outer surface of the cylindrical body of the button bracket; and a second segment positioned within the seat portion and secured to the first segment via a hinge, wherein an interior surface of the second segment is threaded; and a tube bracket, comprising: a hollow cylindrical body, wherein an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body is threaded to engage the threaded portion of the first segment of the adjustable angle bracket. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The baluster bracket of claim 9, further comprising: a screw sized to fit through the first aperture. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The baluster bracket of claim 10, wherein a length of the screw is greater than a length of the button bracket. ### Claim 12 (depends on 9) The baluster bracket of claim 9, wherein the first aperture is defined through a center of the cylindrical body. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The baluster bracket of claim 9, wherein the tube bracket further comprises: a first aperture defined in an outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The baluster bracket of claim 13, wherein the tube bracket further comprises: a second aperture defined in the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical body, wherein the second aperture is sized and shaped to accept an end of an Allen wrench. ### Claim 15 (depends on 9) The baluster bracket of claim 9, wherein an inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical body of the tube bracket is greater than an outer diameter of the cylindrical body of the button bracket. ### Claim 16 (depends on 9) The baluster bracket of claim 9, wherein an inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical body of the tube bracket is greater than a diameter of the baluster. ### Claim 17 (depends on 9) The baluster bracket of claim 9, wherein the first segment of the adjustable angle bracket and the second segment of the adjustable angle bracket are rotatable relative to each other about the hinge, such that an angle defined between the first segment and the second segment is adjustable. ### Claim 18 A method for securing a baluster to a support surface, comprising: installing a button bracket in a through-hole in the support surface, wherein the button bracket comprises: a cylindrical body, wherein an outer surface of the cylindrical body is threaded; and a first aperture defined through the cylindrical body, wherein the installing comprises inserting a screw through the aperture and the through-hole to secure the button bracket flush against the support surface; fitting an end of the baluster within a first end of a tube bracket, wherein the tube bracket comprises: a hollow cylindrical body, wherein an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body is threaded; sliding a second end of the tube bracket over the button bracket; and turning the tube bracket so that threads on the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical body engage the outer surface of the cylindrical body, until the tube bracket is secured flush against the support surface. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The method of claim 18, wherein the support surface is a post of a railing system. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The method of claim 19, wherein the installing, the fitting, the sliding, and the turning secures the baluster in an orientation that is perpendicular relative to the post.