US 8,167,275 B1Granted

Rail system and method for assembly

AssigneeThe Crane Group Companies Limited

InventorsPaul M. Bizzarri, Chip Herr, John M. Previte, Kevin T. Burt, William G. Taylor, Matthew T. Fenneman, Jeffrey R. Burr, Timothy C. Rothwell

Life of this patent

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Abstract

A rail system that may be comprised of various components such as an upper rail, support rail, bottom rail, squash blocks, balusters, post covers, and ancillary components, such as post skirts and caps. In one exemplary embodiment, the rail system may be uniquely designed to accommodate perpendicular and angled installations (e.g., both in the horizontal and vertical planes). Furthermore, in another exemplary embodiment, the rail system may be easily assembled such that the support hardware is substantially hidden from view after installation, thereby enhancing the appearance of the railing.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A rail system adapted to be connected to a support structure, said rail system comprising:

a top support rail;
a top rail adapted to receive and extend over said top support rail such that a cavity is defined between said top support rail and said top rail, said top support rail adapted to be received by said top rail in a first position in a first instance and a second position in a second instance relative to said top rail, said first position facilitating angled connections between said top support rail and said support structure in a first plane, and said second position facilitating angled connections between said top support rail and said support structure in a second plane different from said first plane;
and
a top support bracket adapted to be positioned in said cavity between said top support rail and said top rail, said top support bracket adapted to be used to secure said top support rail to said support structure;
wherein said top support bracket is adapted to be substantially hidden from view in said cavity when installed during normal use of said rail system.

2 more elements

A rail system comprising:

a rail post;
a top support rail having a cavity;
a top rail having a cavity such that said top support rail is adapted to be situated in said cavity of said top rail, said top support rail adapted to be received by said top rail in a first position in a first instance and a second position in a second instance relative to said top rail, said first position facilitating angled connections between said top support rail and said rail post in a first plane, and said second position facilitating angled connections between said top support rail and said rail post in a second plane different from said first plane;
and
a support bracket adapted to be positioned in said cavity of said top support rail, said support bracket adapted to secure said top support rail to said rail post such that said support bracket is adapted to be substantially hidden from view within said cavity of said top support rail when installed during normal use of said rail system.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 12/831,064Filed 6 Jul 2010 · continuation
Priority: 30 Nov 2005
Granted: 1 May 2012
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

E04H 17/1417
Post-and-rail fences, e.g. without vertical cross-members: with vertical cross-members
E04F 11/181
Balustrades; Handrails: balustrades
E04F 11/1834
Connections therefor: with adjustable angle, e.g. pivotal connections
E04H 17/1488
Details of connections between rails and posts: brackets for connections between rails and posts