Self-locking handrail system

A method of assembling a self-locking handrail system, the method comprising:

• providing a female profile having a first leg, a first locking extension that is approximately parallel to the first leg, having a gap formed therebetween, the female profile including a first vertical leg that extends orthogonally from the first locking extension;
• positioning the first leg on a base material, such that the first leg is between the base material and the first locking extension;
• providing a male profile having a second vertical leg that is opposite the first vertical leg, and a second locking extension that extends from a free end of the second vertical leg, forming a fulcrum at an intersection region of the second locking extension and the second vertical leg;
• positioning the second locking extension of the male profile within the gap of the female profile;
• positioning a panel between the first vertical leg and the second vertical leg;
• obtaining a bar having first and second surfaces opposite one another that are not parallel with one another;
• and
• positioning the first surface of the bar against the panel, and the second surface of the bar against the second vertical leg, causing the female and male profiles to engage between a first locking tip of the first locking extension and a second locking tip of the second locking extension by tilting the second vertical leg outward from the panel and about the fulcrum.

A self-locking handrail system comprising:

• a female profile comprising:
• a lower leg and a first locking extension that form a gap therebetween, the lower leg positioned on a base material and attachable thereto;
• and
• a first vertical leg extending from the first locking extension;
• a male profile comprising:
• a second vertical leg opposite the first vertical leg, and a second locking extension that extends from a fulcrum formed between the second vertical leg and the second locking extension, the second locking extension extending into the gap of the female profile;
• a panel positioned between the first vertical leg and the second vertical leg;
• and
• a bar having first and second surfaces opposite one another that are tapered with respect to one another;
• wherein the first surface of the bar applies a first force against one surface of the panel, and the second surface of the bar applies a second force against the second vertical leg;
• and
• wherein the first locking extension and second locking extension are configured to engage between a first locking tip of the first locking extension and a second locking tip of the second locking extension due to application of the first and second forces.