Patent Application
20240110384
The present invention relates generally to a railing system and, in particular, to a cable railing system with a rail cable tensioner and a method of assembling thereof.
A railing system, or railing, is a type of barrier or fencing which generally includes one or more infills secured to a plurality of posts and/or rails. The infills of cable railing systems, for example, are cables or wires secured between the posts and/or rails. In conventional cable railing systems, the cables are either secured or oriented vertically between two or more rails or horizontally between two or more posts. However, each cable is installed and tensioned by hand one at time which can be extremely tedious and time-consuming. Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved cable railing systems and methods of assembling thereof. It is to the provision of solutions to these and other problems that the present invention is primarily directed.
Generally described, the present invention relates to railing systems and more particularly a rail with a cable. In a first example embodiment, a cable-style railing apparatus is disclosed having a pair of spaced-apart upright posts and having a plurality of cable returns and a cable extending in a serpentine fashion between the upright posts and threaded around the cable returns such that multiple portions of the cable each span between the upright posts. Preferably, a tensioning device is provided for tensioning the cable.
Optionally, the plurality of cable returns includes a plurality of rollers or pulleys or curved non-rotating cable guides. The curved non-rotating cable guides can be low-friction polymer guides.
In one form, the cable is affixed at one end to one of the upright posts and the opposite end of the cable is attached to the tensioning device. Alternatively, a second tensioning device can be provided and the cable attached at one end to one of the tensioning devices and the opposite end of the cable attached to the second tensioning device.
Optionally, a rigid beam extends between the spaced-apart posts and is in contact with upper portions of the spaced-apart posts such that as the cable is tensioned by the tensioning device, the rigid beam keeps the upper portions of the spaced-apart posts a predetermined distance apart from one another. Preferably, the rigid beam defines a channel therein and the tensioning device is housed within the channel of the rigid beam. Preferably, the rigid beam or the posts include supports for vertically and loosely supporting the rigid beam at the posts until the tensioning device is operated to create tension in the cable, effectively clamping the rigid beam between space-part posts and holding the posts apart.
Preferably, the tensioning device includes a threaded adjuster such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable simply by turning the threaded adjuster to a predetermined extent. Also, preferably, the tensioning device includes a compression spring and wherein turning the threaded adjuster to a predetermined extent includes turning the threaded adjuster until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount.
Preferably, the tensioning device includes a compression spring and wherein turning the threaded adjuster to a predetermined extent includes turning the threaded adjuster until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount, and wherein with substantially no tension in the cable a visible gap is present between two portions of the tensioning device and wherein the compression spring is compressed the predetermined amount when the threaded adjuster is turned until the visible gap is eliminated between the two portions of the tensioning device.
Preferably, the tensioning device includes a tensioner body to be positioned near an adjacent one of the upright posts and a movable carriage slidably mounted adjacent the tensioner body and including a cable clamp for gripping the cable. A threaded adjuster bolt is operative for moving the movable carriage away from the adjacent upright post and a base portion is provided having a bore for receiving a portion of the compression spring. Preferably, the base portion is movably connected to a distal end of the tensioner body. A compression spring is positioned between the base portion and the tensioner body for biasing the tensioner body away from the base portion, and wherein the threaded adjuster bolt can be operated to urge the movable carriage away from the base portion causing the tensioner body to be urged toward the base portion in opposition to the biasing of the tensioner body away from the base portion by the compression spring. Preferably, when the threaded adjuster bolt is turned enough that the spring is compressed between the tensioner body and the base portion to such an extent that the tensioner body is brought into close contact with the base portion, a predetermined amount of tension force is developed in the cable.
Preferably, the tensioner body, movable carriage, and actuator comprising a threaded adjuster bolt are configured and adapted such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable simply by turning the threaded adjuster bolt to a predetermined extent.
Preferably, with zero or minimal tension in the cable, the base portion is positioned at a predetermined distance from an end of the tensioner body.
Optionally, the base portion has a cable bore for receiving the cable therethrough and the cable can extend through the compression spring and into the cable clamp of the movable carriage.
Preferably, as the threaded adjuster bolt is turned one way the movable carriage is translated in one direction along the tensioner body until movement of the movable carriage creates sufficient tension in the cable that the compression spring begins to be compressed between the tensioner body and the base portion.
Optionally, when the threaded adjuster bolt is turned enough that the spring is compressed between the tensioner body and the base portion to such an extent that the tensioner body is brought into close contact with the base portion, a predetermined amount of tension force is developed in the cable.
Preferably, tensioner body, movable carriage, and actuator comprising a threaded adjuster bolt are configured and adapted such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable simply by turning the threaded adjuster bolt to a predetermined extent.
Preferably, the predetermined extent of turning the threaded adjuster bolt comprises turning the threaded adjuster bolt until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount, resulting in a predetermined tension force in the cable.
Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of between about 150 pounds per inch and about 700 pounds per inch. Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of between about 250 pounds per inch and about 600 pounds per inch and, more preferably, about 500 pounds per inch.
The specific techniques and structures employed to improve over the drawbacks of the prior devices and accomplish the advantages described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments and the appended drawings and claims.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
Generally, posts 300 are rigid, upright columns configured to be positioned and mounted to a ground or support surface, such as, for example, decks, staircases, flooring, and/or backyards. Each post 300 includes one or more channels adapted to receive at least a portion of one or more cable guide assemblies 200.
The cable guide assembly 200 generally includes a first cable guide insert or brace 220, a second cable guide insert or brace 230, and a cable or wire 210 engaged between the cable guide inserts. The cable guide inserts generally include a plurality of cable-guiding members or returns 222, 232 in a staggered manner between the first and second cable guide inserts. As shown in
The tensioner 500 is a tensioning apparatus used to add tension or tighten the cable 210. Generally, the tensioner 500 includes a tensioner base 518, a tensioner body or carriage housing 502, a compression spring 520 positioned between the tensioner base and the tensioner body for biasing the tensioner body away from the base portion, a movable carriage assembly 504 slidably mounted adjacent the tensioner body and comprising a cable clamp 512 for gripping the cable, and a threaded adjuster secured to the body and operative for moving the movable carriage along the body. The tensioner carriage 504 includes a first carriage portion or threaded slider 506 having a threaded bore 524 therein and a second carriage portion or cable clamp housing 508 having a cable slot or channel 522 with a one-way jaw or cable clamp 512 biased by a compression spring 514 provided therewith. The compression spring 514 is adapted to bias the cable clamp 512 towards the cable channel 522 for allowing the cable to move through the cable channel in one direction but not in the opposite direction. The threaded adjuster bolt 516 is received in the threaded bore 524 of the carriage 504 such that operation of the threaded adjuster bolt causes the carriage to slide laterally along the tensioner body 502. The tensioner 500 is described in greater detail below.
The beam 400 is a rigid support structure adapted to be secured between two spaced-part posts 300 and/or between the two cable guide inserts 220 and 230. Generally, the beam 400 provides lateral support to the posts so as to prevent the posts from deflecting away from the vertical under external load such as for example lateral load placed on the posts from tensioned cables 210 during use. The beam 400 is described in greater detail below. The beam cover or rail 600 may be placed over or seated onto the beam 400 and tensioner(s) 500 to provide coverage. Similarly, trim pieces 308 and 310 and post caps 700 may also be incorporated onto the post for both protective and aesthetic coverage.
As described briefly above, the cable-style railing 100 includes a pair of posts 300, with the posts being configured to be installed upon a support surface or ground. As shown in
In example embodiments, the cable guide assembly 200 includes a single cable threaded between the posts in serpentine fashion. However, the cable assembly can comprise multiple separate cables.
In example embodiments, the posts 300 include a plurality of cable-guiding members or cable returns 222 and 232. The cable returns can take one of several forms, including rollers, pulleys, fixed curved guides, etc. Moreover, and especially in the instance of fixed curved guides, the cable returns can be constructed of a low friction polymer to reduce friction and make it easier to pull the railing assembly apart and expand the cable assembly within the railing assembly.
Preferably, the threaded adjuster bolt 516 comprises trapezoidal-style threads and the movable carriage 504 has a corresponding threaded portion or bore 524 for receiving the threaded adjuster bolt such that as the bolt 516 is turned one way or another the movable carriage 504 is translated in one direction or another relative to the tensioner body 502. In example embodiments, with zero or minimal tension in the cable, the base portion 518 is positioned at a predetermined distance from an end of the tensioner body 502. The base portion 518 has a cable bore 510 for receiving the cable 210 therethrough and the cable can extend through the compression spring 520 and into engagement with the cable clamp 512 in the channel 522 of the movable carriage 504.
As the threaded adjuster bolt 516 is turned one way the movable carriage is translated in one direction along the tensioner body 502 until movement of the movable carriage 504 creates sufficient tension in the cable 210 that the compression spring begins to be compressed between the tensioner body 502 and the base portion 518. When the threaded adjuster bolt 516 is turned enough that the spring 520 is compressed between the tensioner body 502 and the base portion 518 to such an extent that the tensioner body is brought into close contact with the base portion, a predetermined amount of tension force is developed in the cable. In other words, the tensioner body 502, movable carriage 504, and actuator having a threaded adjuster bolt 516 are configured and adapted such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable 210 simply by turning the threaded adjuster bolt to a predetermined extent, wherein the predetermined extent of turning the threaded adjuster bolt comprises turning the threaded adjuster bolt until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount, resulting in a predetermined tension force in the cable.
In example embodiments, the compression spring 520 has a spring rate of between about 150 pounds per inch and about 700 pounds per inch. Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of between about 250 pounds per inch and about 600 pounds per inch and, more preferably, about 500 pounds per inch.
A rigid beam 400 extends between the spaced-apart posts adjacent upper portions of the spaced-apart posts 300″, 300″ such that as the cable 210 is tensioned by the tensioning device, the rigid beam 400 keeps the upper portions of the spaced-apart posts a predetermined distance apart from one another. In other words, despite the force exerted on the posts by the cable, the beam 400 keeps the posts 300′, 300″ from deflecting toward each other and away from vertical.
Preferably, the rigid beam 400 is made from an aluminum extrusion, such that it has the same profile all along its length. Using an aluminum extrusion provides good strength without excessive weight, while also providing inherent resistance to corrosion. The beam 400 defines a channel 410 therein and the tensioning device 500 is housed within the channel 410 of the rigid beam 400. Also optionally, channel 410 of the rigid beam 400 has a generally U-shaped profile and the tensioning device is housed within the channel 410 of the rigid beam. Further, a cover 600 can be provided for concealing the rigid beam 400 (and the tensioning device 500).
Preferably, the rigid beam 400 or the posts 300 include supports 224, 234 for vertically and loosely supporting the rigid beam 400 at upper portions 350 of the posts until the tensioning device 500 is operated to create tension in the cable 200, effectively clamping the rigid beam 400 between the spaced-apart posts 300 and holding the posts apart. As best seen in
Optionally, the apparatus can be sold as a kit suitable for D-I-Y installation or for installation by professional installers. The cable-style railing kit is for assembly and installation upon a surface. The cable-style railing kit includes a pair of posts 300, with the posts being configured to be installed upon the surface. A cable assembly 200 includes a single cable 210 that extends in serpentine fashion between a pair of cable guide assemblies 220, 230. The cable guide assemblies are adapted to be attached to the posts 300. Further, the cable assembly 210 is threaded and configured such that the cable guide assemblies can be pulled or moved apart from one another while the cable remains threaded in the cable guide assemblies 220, 230 and while the cable expands its span. At least one tensioner 500 is provided for tensioning the cable once the cable guides are attached to the posts.
With this arrangement, the user/installer can install the posts 300, expand the cable assembly 200 and attach the cable guides 220, 230 to the posts 300, such that multiple portions of the cable assembly 200 each span between the posts. Once the cable is spanning the posts, the cable can be tensioned with the tensioning device(s) 500.
In the kit, the cable guides can be pre-attached to the posts and the posts are initially in close proximity with one another. The user/installer then pulls the posts apart from one another for installation. With this construction, the cable assembly is threaded between the posts and expands as the posts are pulled away from one another, in somewhat or more-or-less accordion style. Again, once the posts are installed upon the surface with the cable extending back and forth between the posts in serpentine fashion, the user/installer can tension the cable with the tensioning device. Optionally, there can be two tensioning devices, one for each end of the cable.
Optionally, a rigid beam 400 can be provided to be placed between the posts and in initial contact with upper portions of the posts such that as the cable assembly is tensioned by the tensioning device, the rigid beam 400 keeps the upper portions of the posts a predetermined distance apart from one another—it keeps them vertical and avoids or minimizes deflection of the posts despite the substantial forces on the posts from the tension in the cable 200.
Once the post placements are determined, the posts are secured in place with appropriate fasteners and base trims are installed on each post as shown in
With the posts installed, the level cable guide assemblies can be assembled to the posts. As shown in
As shown in
Once the cable guide assembly is properly secured between two posts (i.e., the first and second posts 300′, 300″), the beam 400 is measured and cut to a length approximate to the distance between the posts. Preferably, the beam is cut to a length that is about 0.5 inches less than the distance between the posts. As best shown in
With the beam secured in place between the beam brackets 224 and 234, each free end of the cable is fed through a cable tensioner 500, as shown in
In example embodiments, tensioners 500 are used to further tighten or introduce further tension in the cable. With the movable carriage assembly 504 positioned as close to the tensioner base portion 518 and a gap visible between the tensioner base portion 518 and the tensioner body portion 502 (i.e., pre-tensioned state or configuration, as shown in
With the cable ends 212 and 214 pulled hand-taut through the cable tensioners 500′ and 500″, respectively, additional tension can be introduced in the cable using the tensioners. In example embodiments, a threaded adjuster bolt 516 is threaded through the threaded bore 524 of the threaded slider 506 such that carriage 504 moves back and forth laterally along and relative to the tensioner body 502 when the adjuster bolt 516 is turned one way or the other. In example embodiments, as the threaded bolt is turned for example clockwise, the sliding carriage 504 moves away from the tensioner base portion 518 which thereby pulls the cable further away from the base portion and introduces additional tension in the cable 210. When the tension in the cable is sufficiently high, the tension or tensile force of the cable 210 overcomes the opposing force of the compression spring 520 and urges the tensioner body 502 to move towards the tensioner base portion 518 compressing the spring 520 in the process. According to example embodiments, the threaded bolt 516 is turned until the tensioner body portion 502 comes into contact with the tensioner base portion 518 thereby eliminating any gap therebetween (i.e., tensioned state or configuration), as shown in
To eliminate or reduce any remaining slack in the cable, additional tension is added by first firmly deflecting the top and bottom rows of the cable (for example, by stepping or pushing down on the cable). For example, deflection of the top and bottom rows of cable 210 (as shown in
Once the cable is properly tensioned, a mid-support post assembly 800 may be added to provide additional support to the beam 400, as shown in
Finally, the top, open ends of the posts 300 are covered with post caps 700 (i.e., end cap 700′ for post 300′ and end cap 700″ for post 300″) and the rail or beam cover 600 is secured over the beam 400. As shown in
In other example embodiments, the cable railing assembly 100 may be installed on a staircase or a sloped support surface as shown in
While the claimed invention has been shown and described in example forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications, additions, and deletions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63412242 | Sep 2022 | US |
