HANDRAIL ARRANGEMENTS

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handrail arrangement. The handrail arrangement comprises a handrail defining a grippable exterior surface and a recess in the handrail. The handrail arrangement also comprises an attachment device (40, 42) which is receivable in part in the recess defined in the handrail, the attachment device being configured in respect of a part not received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support (32). The handrail comprises first and second parts (34, 36) which are configured to releasably attach to each other, the first and second parts when attached to each other defining a substantially continuous exterior surface of the handrail in a circumferential direction, the first part defining more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail and the second part defining less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a handrail arrangement and in particular but not exclusively a modular handrail arrangement. The present invention also relates to a structure configured to form part of a construction, the structure comprising at least one such handrail arrangement.

BACKGROUND ART

It is known to provide a handrail along the distal side of the like of a walkway to provide support and stability for persons on the walkway and more generally to delimit an open side of the walkway where there is a risk of persons falling from the walkway. Modular handrail arrangements are often present in commercial or industrial environments, such as in the like of factories and offshore oil or gas exploration, recovery or processing facilities. Modular handrail arrangements offer advantages of flexibility of configuration for different applications from a stock of standard components and ease of transport of handrail components in unassembled form to a place of use, such as an offshore facility, where the handrail is assembled and installed in-situ.

Handrails are often mounted on spaced apart vertically extending posts. It is desirable for a handrail to be continuous whereby a person who is relying on the handrail for support encounters no discontinuity as his hand progresses along the handrail which might otherwise prejudice his safety. It is normally straightforward to have a continuous run of handrail between upright posts. However it is less straightforward to attach a handrail to an upright post whilst providing for continuity as one's hand progresses along the handrail from one side to the other side of the post.

Configurations of handrail which provide for continuity across upright posts are known. JPH 0988290 discloses a handrail of elliptical cross-section having two lengths which are joined such that there is little discontinuity when the two lengths are joined at an upright. According to the arrangement of JPH 0988290, an upright has two spaced apart arms which each extend generally upwards and then outwards in the direction of the handrail. The outwardly extending parts of the arms are received in respective shaped internal profiles of the two lengths. In addition a first end of a joining member is received in the shaped internal profile of one of the two lengths and a second opposite end of the joining member is received in the shaped internal profile of the other of the two lengths. U.S. Pat. No. 4,650,164 discloses a continuous length of handrail of circular cross-section which defines spaced apart slots on the underside thereof. Each slot receives the distal ends of shaped arms with the proximal ends of the arms being attached to a support. EP 0875640 discloses a continuous length of handrail of elliptical cross-section which defines a recess in the underside thereof. The distal part of each of plural spaced apart posts is received in the recess defined in the underside of the handrail.

The present inventor has become appreciative of shortcomings to handrail arrangements comprising a handrail which are configured to provide for continuity for a hand progressing along the handrail. The present invention has been devised in the light of the inventor's appreciation of such shortcomings.

It is therefore an object for the present invention to provide an improved handrail arrangement which is configured to provide for substantially no discontinuity or at least no material discontinuity being presented to the hand of a person who is holding the handrail. It is a further object for the present invention to provide an improved handrail arrangement which comprises a handrail and is configured for attachment to a handrail support such that there is substantially no discontinuity or at least no material discontinuity presented to the hand of a person who is holding the handrail at or near the handrail support.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail arrangement comprising:

• • a handrail defining a grippable exterior surface and a recess in the handrail; and
  • an attachment device which is receivable in part in the recess defined in the handrail, the attachment device being configured in respect of a part not received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support,
  • the handrail comprising first and second parts which are configured to releasably attach to each other, the first and second parts when attached to each other defining a substantially continuous exterior surface of the handrail in a circumferential direction, the first part defining more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail and the second part defining less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail.

A handrail arrangement according to the present invention comprises a handrail defining a grippable exterior surface and a recess in the handrail. The handrail may be elongate. The recess in the handrail may extend along at least part of the handrail. More specifically the recess may extend between ends of the handrail. The exterior surface of the handrail may be elliptical in cross-section and more specifically circular in cross-section. The words circumferential and circumference used hereinabove refer to a path entirely around a longitudinal axis of the handrail. The path may extend through 360 degrees about the longitudinal axis irrespective of whether the handrail is circular in cross-section or the handrail has some other cross-sectional shape such as elliptical. The handrail further comprises an attachment device which is receivable in part in the recess defined in the handrail. The attachment device is configured in respect of a part not received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support, for example by way of clamping to a vertically extending handrail post or by way of fixing of screws to a vertical surface such as is defined by a wall. The handrail comprises first and second parts which are configured to releasably attach to each other. When the first and second parts are attached to each other they define a substantially continuous exterior surface of the handrail in a circumferential direction. The first part defines more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail and the second part defines less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail. The second part, in use, may define an underside of the handrail. Thus where the second part is absent for a part of the length of the first part, as is described in more detail below, a person may perceive no discontinuity in the handrail when his hand is gripping the handrail from above or no more than little discontinuity with the like of tips of his fingers depending on the size of his hand and how the handrail is held. The person's progress along the handrail may thereby not be imperilled.

The first and second parts may be configured such that when they are attached the second part is of lesser longitudinal extent than the first part. The first and second parts may therefore be fitted around a handrail support, such as a vertically extending post, or around the attachment device itself. An exterior surface of the first part of the handrail may be substantially the same in cross-section along the first part and more specifically along a direction of a longitudinal axis of the first part. An exterior surface of the second part of the handrail may be substantially the same in cross-section along the first part and more specifically along a direction of a longitudinal axis of the second part.

According to one approach the first and second parts may be configured in respect of their relative lengths and relative disposition such that an end of the first part extends beyond an end of the second part, such as by 6 cm. In this approach, the handrail may be configured and attached by way of the attachment device towards the top of a handrail support, for example a handrail support of 6 cm depth in a direction of the handrail, which is installed at the end of a run of handrail such that the first part extends over the top of the handrail support and the end of the second part is adjacent to a side of the handrail support. The handrail may, for example, extend along a side of a walkway which ends at a doorway with the handrail support abutting one side of the doorway. A person who is moving his hand over the handrail may perceive no discontinuity or no more than little discontinuity when his hand reaches the handrail support. Alternatively, the attachment device may have the form of a bracket as described below and may be attached to the like of a wall. Furthermore the attachment device may be attached at an end of the handrail with the second part abutting against a side of the attachment device furthest from the end of the handrail. A person who is moving his hand over the handrail may perceive no discontinuity or no more than little discontinuity when his hand reaches the attachment device.

According to another approach, the handrail may comprise a first part and two second parts with each second part being attached to the first part such that facing ends of the second parts are spaced apart. There may therefore be a gap between facing ends of the two second parts. The facing ends of the second parts may be spaced apart to an extent that a handrail support or the attachment device itself may be present therebetween. In use, the thus configured handrail may be attached towards the top of a handrail support such that the first part extends over the top of the handrail support, the end of one second part is adjacent to a first side of the handrail support and the end of the other second part is adjacent to a second side of the handrail support which is oppositely directed to the first side. The handrail may thus bridge the handrail support such that a person who runs his hand over the handrail may perceive no discontinuity or no more than little discontinuity when his hand moves over the handrail support. Alternatively, the attachment device may have the form of a bracket as described below and may be attached to the like of a wall. Furthermore the first part may extend over the top of the attachment device, the end of one second part may be adjacent to a first side of the attachment device and the end of the other second part may be adjacent to a second side of the attachment device which is oppositely directed to the first side. A person who is moving his hand over the handrail may perceive no discontinuity or no more than little discontinuity when his hand reaches the attachment device.

The handrail arrangement may be configured such that, in use, the first part is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a vertical plane that lies in a direction of the handrail. Thus, for example, where the first part defines 240 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail, the exterior surface of the first part may define an arc of 120 degrees from the vertical plane on each side of the vertical plane.

The first part may define at least 185 degrees, 190 degrees, 195 degrees, 200 degrees, 205 degrees, 210 degrees, 215 degrees, 220 degrees, 225 degrees, 230 degrees, 235 degrees, 240 degrees, 245 degrees, 250 degrees, 255 degrees, 260 degrees, 265 degrees, 270 degrees, 275 degrees, 280 degrees, 285 degrees, 290 degrees, 300 degrees, 310 degrees, 320 degrees, 330 degrees or 340 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail. The first part may define no more than 350 degrees, 340 degrees, 330 degrees, 320 degrees, 310 degrees, 300 degrees, 295 degrees, 290 degrees, 285 degrees 280 degrees, 275 degrees, 270 degrees, 265 degrees, 260 degrees, 255 degrees, 250 degrees, 245 degrees, 240 degrees, 235 degrees, 230 degrees, 225 degrees, 220 degrees, 215 degrees, 210 degrees, 205 degrees, 200 degrees, 195 degrees or 190 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail. The second part may define an exterior surface of corresponding extent such that the first and second parts define 360 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail when they are attached to each other. In a form of the invention, the first part may define at least 240 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail and the second part may define no more than 120 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail, the second part, in use, defining an underside of the handrail. In a first embodiment, the first part may define 267 degrees and the second part may define 93 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail. In a second embodiment, the first part may define 345 degrees and the second part may define 15 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail.

The first and second parts may define inter-engaging profiles. The first and second parts may be attached thereby to each other. The inter-engaging profiles may be defined so as to resist separation of the first and second parts when attached. A formation defining a profile of one of the first and second parts and more specifically of the second part may be configured to be displaced when the first and second parts are being brought into engagement with each other, with the displaced formation returning from displacement under spring bias when the first and second parts are properly engaged with each other. Spring bias may be inherently provided by the material of the formation. One of the profiles may comprise an indent in which part of the other profile is received when the first and second parts are properly engaged with each other whereby separation of the first and second parts is resisted.

The second part may define first and second spaced apart flanges which extend in a longitudinal direction. The first and second flanges may be substantially parallel. Each flange may extend from a proximal end to a distal end in a direction away from an exterior surface of the second part.

According to a first embodiment, each flange may extend from a base planar portion. More specifically each flange may extend from a respective base planar portion. Each flange may extend and more specifically may extend orthogonally from a distal end of the base planar portion, a proximal end of the planar portion extending and more specifically extending orthogonally from an edge of a side planar portion. An opposite edge of the side planar portion may extend from an edge of the exterior surface defined by the second part. The flange may therefore be substantially parallel to the side planar portion.

According to a second embodiment, each flange may extend from a side of a base portion, an opposite side of the base portion defining an exterior surface of the second part.

A flange may comprise a protrusion extending therefrom. The protrusion may be disposed at a distal end of the flange. The protrusion may extend longitudinally along the flange, i.e. in a direction of the handrail. As is described in more detail below, the profiles of the first and second parts may be configured such that a part of the profile of the first part is received behind the protrusion comprised in the flange of the second part whereby separation of the first and second parts is resisted.

According to the first embodiment, a section of the second part extending from an end of the second part may lack a profile defining formation extending therefrom. More specifically the section may lack a formation extending from opposite edges of the exterior surface defined by the second part. The formation may comprise at least one of the parts described above, i.e. side planar portions, base planar portions and spaced apart flanges. The end of the second part may thus be configured to fit around the attachment device.

The second part may be integrally formed. For example the second part may be formed by moulding such as from plastics material, such as ABS, or extrusion such as of aluminium. By way of another example, the second part may be formed from sheet material such as from sheet aluminium.

The first part may define first and second members which extend inwardly from opposing edges of the first part. The first and second members may extend longitudinally. Each of the first and second members may be spaced apart from an edge of the exterior surface defined by the first part whereby each of the first and second members is recessed. The inside of the first part between the first member and the edge of the exterior surface and the adjoining surface of the member and the inside of the first part between the second member and the edge of the exterior surface and the adjoining surface of the member may define a recess.

According to a first embodiment, the recess may receive an attachment member of the attachment device. The attachment device may comprise a clamp arrangement. More specifically the clamp arrangement may comprise a clamping member and a fixing arrangement. The attachment member, the clamping member and the fixing arrangement may be configured such that operation of the fixing arrangement moves the attachment member and the clamping member relative to each other to thereby provide for clamping between the attachment member and the clamping member. The fixing arrangement may comprise a bolt which threadedly engages with one of the clamping member and the attachment member and bears against the other of the clamping member and the attachment member. In use, the attachment member may be received in the recess defined in the first part and the clamping member may be disposed on an interior side of the first and second members with the fixing arrangement being operative to clamp the first and second members between the attachment member and the clamping member. The first part thus may be attached to the attachment device.

According to a second embodiment, the spacing apart of each of the first and second members from the edge of the exterior surface defined by the first part may be to a small extent. Thus a thin base member of the second part may be received in the steps defined between each of the first and second members and the respective edge of the exterior surface whereby the exterior surfaces of the first and second parts are aligned with each other. Alternatively or in addition, the first and second members may extend inside the first part towards each other such that there is a gap between their opposing distal edges. In addition the recess in the first part may extend into the first part beyond the first and second members. The recess may be of greater width beyond the first and second members whereby a part of the attachment device may abut against the first and second members to resist removal of the attachment device from the recess. The form of the attachment device according to the present embodiment is described further below.

According to either embodiment, the first and second members may extend inside the first part towards each other such that there is a gap between their opposing distal edges. The opposing distal edges may be substantially planar. The opposing distal edges of the first and second members may constitute the profile of the first part which engages with the profile of the second part to provide for attachment of the first and second parts to each other. As described above the second part may define two spaced apart flanges which each comprise a protrusion at its distal end with the two protrusions being oppositely directed. The distance between the outer side of one of the two protrusions and the outer side of the other of the two protrusions may be greater than the distance between the opposing distal edges of the first and second members whereby upon insertion of the two spaced apart flanges between the first and second members the distal ends of the flanges flex towards each other to allow for admission of the flanges between the first and second members. Upon further admission of the flanges between the first and second members the protrusion bearing distal ends of the flanges may extend beyond the first and second members whereupon the distal ends of the flanges may return under spring bias to their original position with separation of the first and second parts being resisted by the protrusions bearing against the interior surfaces of the first and second members.

The first part may be integrally formed. For example the first part may be formed by moulding or extrusion such as from plastics material, such as ABS, or aluminium.

According to a first embodiment, the attachment device may comprise an attachment member. A part of the attachment member may be received in the recess defined in the handrail. The attachment member may be configured at a part other than the part received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support. The attachment member may comprise first and second sections which are oriented at an angle to each other and more specifically substantially orthogonally to each other. The first section may be received at least in part in the recess defined in the handrail and the second section may be configured to be attached to a handrail support. At least one of the first and second sections may be planar. The first section may substantially have the form of a rectangular cuboid. Corners of the rectangular cuboid may be rounded, for example, to provide for ease of reception in the recess defined in the handrail. The second section may be configured for attachment to a handrail support in the same fashion as the first section is configured for attachment to the handrail. More specifically the attachment member may comprise a clamp arrangement as described elsewhere herein in respect of attachment of the attachment member to the handrail. The first and second sections may be configured in respect of shape and attachment to handrail support and handrail such that either one of the first and second sections may be attached to the handrail support.

According to an embodiment, the second section of the attachment member may substantially have the form of a rectangular cuboid. This embodiment may be appropriate for attachment towards an upper end of a handrail support.

According to a further embodiment, the second section of the attachment member may have the form of a disk. This embodiment may be appropriate for attachment at a location spaced apart from an upper end of a handrail support.

The attachment device may be formed at least in part from aluminium.

The handrail arrangement may be configured for attachment at a location spaced apart from an upper end of a handrail support. A handrail may be provided towards the top of the handrail support and at least one further handrail may be provided at a location spaced apart from the top handrail. For example a first handrail may be provided towards the top of the handrail support, a second handrail may be provided one third of the way down the handrail support and a third handrail may be provided two thirds of the way down the handrail support. As described above the second section of the attachment member may have the form of a disk where a handrail is to be attached at a location spaced apart from the top of the handrail support. More specifically the ends of the first and second parts of the handrail may lie in substantially the same plane. Such ends of the first and second parts of the handrail may, in use, abut against a second section of the attachment member having the form of a disk. The circumference of the disk and the circumference of the handrail may be substantially the same. The handrail arrangement may comprise two sets of handrails and respective attachment devices, a first set being configured for attachment to a first side of a handrail support and the second set being configured for attachment to a second opposite side of the handrail support.

The handrail arrangement may comprise at least one side member which is configured to span a gap between first and second handrails which are on opposite sides of a handrail support. The side member may be configured to cover a side of the handrail support between the first and second handrails. A side member may define an arced exterior surface. The radius of the arced exterior surface may be substantially the same as the radius of the exterior surface of the handrail. The handrail arrangement may comprise first and second side members, the first side member covering one side of the handrail support and the second side member covering the other opposing side of the handrail support. The at least one side member may, in use, provide for a measure of continuity of the handrail across a handrail support. The side member may be configured to be attached to at least one attachment device. More specifically the side member and the attachment device may define cooperating surface profiles which provide for releasable engagement of the side member and the attachment device. The side member and the attachment device may be configured for an interference fit of the cooperating surface profiles. One of the side member and the attachment device may define a protrusion and the other of the side member and the attachment device may define a recess, the protrusion and the recess being configured for reception of the protrusion in the recess.

According to a second embodiment, the attachment device may have the form of a bracket. The attachment device may comprise a support arrangement which is configured to be attached to the like of a wall such as by way of screws. The support arrangement may be configured such that a distal end of the attachment device, i.e. the end attached to the handrail, is spaced apart in a horizontal direction from the proximal end of the attachment device, i.e. the end attached to the like of a wall, when the handrail arrangement is in use. The support arrangement may comprise a first portion which defines a first surface which, in use, abuts against the like of a wall, a second portion which extends substantially orthogonally to the first surface and a third portion which extends substantially parallel to the first surface.

The attachment device may comprise two spaced apart attachment members. Each attachment member may comprise a protrusion on a distal end thereof. The protrusions may extend in opposite directions whereby the attachment members are wider at their distal ends. The distal ends of the attachment members may be configured to be displaced towards each other. More specifically the distal ends of the attachment members may be configured to be displaced by flexing of the attachment members. The distal ends of the attachment members may return from displacement under spring bias when a force causing displacement is removed. The spring bias may be inherently provided by the material and shape of the attachment members. The attachment device may be attached to the first part by inserting the attachment members into the recess defined by the first part. A distance between the first and second members of the first part may be less than the distance between the exterior surfaces of the protrusions on the distal end of the attachment members whereby the distal ends of the attachment members are forced towards each other. Each protrusion may be shaped to provide for a progressive increase in displacement. A depth of the first and second members of the first part may be less than a length of the attachment members whereby upon further insertion of the attachment members into the recess in the first part the protrusions are received in a wider part of the recess beyond the first and second members of the first part. The distal ends of the attachment members may then return from displacement whereby the protrusions are received behind the first and second members of the first part to thereby present resistance to removal of the attachment members from the recess and separation of the attachment device and the first part.

The attachment device may comprise a key member which is configured to be received between the attachment members so as to prevent or reduce an extent of displacement of the distal ends of the attachment members towards each other. The key member may be a component apart from the rest of the attachment device. In use, the key member may be received between the attachment members when the attachment members have been received in the recess defined by the first part as described above. The key member may comprise a planar member, which is received between the attachment members, and a head at an end of the planar member, the head being wider than the planar member. The key member and the attachment members may be configured such that the head of the key member is located beyond the distal ends of the attachment members.

The handrail arrangement may comprise a non-linear part and more specifically an angled part. Opposite ends of the non-linear part may be at an angle to each other such as an angle of 90 degrees. The non-linear part may be cylindrical in form and more specifically a hollow cylinder. The non-linear part may be for installing a handrail system around a corner or providing for continuity of a handrail system which follows other than a straight path along its length.

The handrail arrangement may be configured for attachment of the non-linear part to a handrail. The handrail arrangement may therefore comprise an attachment device which is configured for attachment to each of the non-linear part and a handrail to thereby attach the non-linear part to the handrail. An attachment member of the attachment device may be in accordance with the further embodiment described above. The handrail arrangement may comprise a non-linear part attachment member which is configured to be received in a recess in an end of the non-linear part. There may be an interference fit between the non-linear part attachment member and the recess in the end of the non-linear part. The non-linear part attachment member may be cylindrical. In use, the disk of the further embodiment of the attachment member of the attachment device may be attached to the non-linear part attachment member such as by way of a bolt. The attachment member may be attached to the handrail by being received in part in a recess in the end of the handrail as described elsewhere herein.

The handrail arrangement may comprise at least one handrail support. The handrail support may be configured to be floor supported. More specifically the handrail support may, in use, extend vertically from the floor. The handrail support may be elongate. The handrail support may define a channel. The handrail support may comprise a base member and two spaced apart arms which extend from the base member to define the channel therebetween. The two arms may extend from opposite sides of the base member. Such a structure may provide for rigidity whilst saving on material used to form the handrail support. Each arm may define a lip at a distal end thereof with the lips of the two arms extending towards each other. A fixing arrangement as described elsewhere herein may engage with the lips extending from the arms. The attachment device and the handrail may be attached thereby to the handrail support. The handrail support may comprise two further spaced apart arms. The two further spaced apart arms may extend from an oppositely directed face of the base member to the two spaced apart arms to thereby define a second channel between the two further spaced apart arms. Openings to the first and second channels may be thus substantially oppositely directed. First and second attachment devices and first and second handrails may be attached thereby to opposite sides of the handrail support.

The handrail arrangement may be of modular form. More specifically, the handrail arrangement may comprise plural components described elsewhere herein which are releasably attached to each other, such as by way of bolts or attachment devices described elsewhere herein.

The handrail support may be integrally formed. For example the handrail support may be formed by moulding or extrusion such as from plastics material or aluminium.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for assembly and installation as a handrail system, the kit of parts comprising the handrail arrangement according to the first aspect of the present invention or indeed any other aspect of the present invention. Where the handrail system comprises plural handrails, for example supported on spaced apart handrail supports and spaced apart down the handrail supports, the handrails may be of substantially the same cross-sectional configuration. For example first parts of plural handrails may be cut from the same length of material and second parts of plural handrails may be cut from the same length of material. Further embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a structure configured to form part of a construction, such as a building or an offshore oil or gas exploration or recovery facility, the structure comprising at least one handrail arrangement, the handrail arrangement being according to the first aspect of the present invention or indeed any other aspect of the present invention. The structure may be a walkway such as an elevated walkway when in-situ. The structure may be of modular form. More specifically, the structure may comprise plural components which are releasably attached to each other, such as by way of bolts or attachment devices described elsewhere herein.

Further embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention.

The present inventor has appreciated that the feature of the side member is of wider applicability than hitherto described. Therefore and according to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail arrangement comprising:

• • first and second handrails;
  • first and second attachment devices, each attachment device being configured to attach a respective one of the first and second handrails to a handrail support; and
  • a side member which is configured for attachment to each of the first and second attachment devices when the first and second attachment devices are in use and spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the handrail support such that the side member spans the handrail support between the first and second handrails.

The side member may be thus configured to cover a side of the handrail support between the first and second handrails. A side member may define an arced exterior surface. The radius of the arced exterior surface may be substantially the same as the radius of an exterior surface of the handrail. The handrail arrangement may comprise first and second side members, the first side member covering one side of the handrail support and the second side member covering the other opposing side of the handrail support. The at least one side member may, in use, provide for a measure of continuity of the handrail across a handrail support.

Further embodiments of the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail arrangement comprising: a handrail having a recess; and an attachment device which is receivable in part in the recess defined in the handrail, the attachment device being configured in respect of a part not received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support, the handrail comprising first and second parts which are configured to releasably attach to each other, the first and second parts when attached to each other defining a substantially continuous exterior surface around the handrail. Embodiments of the further aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail arrangement comprising:

• • at least one handrail;
  • at least one handrail support; and
  • a joint comprising a first joint part and a second joint part, the joint being configured for hinged movement of the first and second parts in relation to each other, the first joint part being configured to releasably attach to a handrail and the second joint part being configured to releasably attach to one of: another handrail; and a handrail support.

The handrail arrangement comprises at least one handrail, at least one handrail support and a joint. The joint comprises a first joint part and a second joint part. The joint is configured for hinged movement of the first and second parts in relation to each other. The first joint part is configured to releasably attach to a handrail. The second joint part is configured to releasably attach to one of: another handrail; and a handrail support. The hinged configuration of the joint may provide for installation of the handrail arrangement where the handrail follows a non-linear path or where the handrail is other than orthogonal to the handrail support. Such circumstances may, for example, arise where the handrail arrangement is installed on a stairway.

Where the second joint part is configured to releasably attach to another handrail, the hinged configuration of the joint provides for orientation of the two handrails in relation to each other at a desired angle. For example the two handrails may be at an angle of 140 degrees to each other where a stairway extends up at an angle of 40 degrees from a horizontal area or, by way of further example, where the stairway reaches a landing.

Where each of the two parts of the joint is configured to releasably attach to a handrail, each part may be configured to releasably attach to an end of a handrail and more specifically a first part of a handrail as described hereinabove. Each of the two parts may comprise an attachment member which is received in a recess defined in the end of the handrail. More specifically the attachment member may have the form of a rectangular cuboid. The present attachment member may be configured as per the second section described hereinabove. The part may further comprise a clamp arrangement which is of a form and function as described elsewhere herein.

Where the second joint part is configured to releasably attach to a handrail support, the hinged configuration of the joint provides for orientation of the handrail and the handrail support in relation to each other at a desired angle. For example the handrail may be at an angle of 35 degrees to the handrail support where a stairway extends upwards at an angle of 35 degrees to the ground.

According to a first embodiment, the first part may be configured to releasably attach to an end of a handrail and more specifically to a first part of a handrail as described hereinabove. The first part may comprise an attachment member which is received in a recess defined in the end of the handrail. Further features of the attachment member are defined hereinabove. The first part may further comprise a clamp arrangement as described hereinabove. The second part may comprise a clamp arrangement as described hereinabove. The second part may be configured such that a part of the clamp arrangement bears against the second part during use. More specifically the second part may define an aperture through which an elongate member such as a bolt passes. The elongate member may bear against the second part by way of a threaded profile or by way of a protrusion such as a bolt head comprised in the elongate member. The second part may releasably attach to a handrail support of a form as described above.

According to a second embodiment, the first part of the joint may be configured to releasably attach part way along a handrail and more specifically to a first part of a handrail as described hereinabove. The first part of the joint may be configured to releasably attach to the handrail in accordance with the second part of the joint as described above with reference to the first embodiment. The second part of the joint may be configured to releasably attach to an end of the handrail support. More specifically the second part of the joint may comprise two spaced apart members. Each of the two spaced apart members may have the form of a rectangular cuboid whereby each is configured to be received in a recess defined in the handrail support. The second part of the joint may further comprise first and second clamp arrangements with each cooperating with a respective spaced apart member to provide for releasable attachment to the handrail support. The handrail support may be of a form as described above.

The first and second parts of the joint may define inter-engaging profiles which are configured for movement of the first and second parts in relation to each other during hinged movement. One of the first and second parts of the joint may define a recess and more specifically a slot and the other of the first and second parts may define a protrusion which is received in the recess. The joint may comprise a hinge pin and the first and second parts of the joint may define apertures which receive the hinge pin and provide for hinged movement. The hinge pin receiving apertures may be in registration and thereby able to receive the hinge pin when the protrusion is received in the recess.

Further embodiments of the fifth aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention and vice-versa.

The present inventors have appreciated the second embodiment of attachment device to be of wider applicability than hitherto described. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail arrangement comprising:

• • a handrail defining a grippable exterior surface and a recess in the handrail; and
  • an attachment device comprising two spaced apart attachment members which are receivable in the recess defined in the handrail, the attachment device being configured in respect of a part thereof not received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support,
  • the attachment device and the handrail being configured such that distal ends of the attachment members are displaced towards each other when the attachment members are inserted into the recess and such that the distal ends of the attachment members return from displacement when the attachment members are received in the recess to thereby releasably lock the attachment device and the handrail together.

Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more features of any previous aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following specific description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handrail system in situ on a structure;

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of a handrail support comprised in the handrail system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a handrail arrangement at the top of a handrail support;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a handrail arrangement at the middle of a handrail support;

FIG. 5A is a cross-section through first and second parts of a handrail when attached to each other to form a handrail;

FIGS. 5B and 5C are cross-sections through the first and second parts respectively of the handrail of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a non-linear part of the handrail system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a staircase with a handrail arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8A shows a first embodiment of joint of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 7 when in use;

FIG. 8B shows an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A shows a second embodiment of joint of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 7 when in use;

FIG. 9B shows an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A shows a third embodiment of joint of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 7 when in use;

FIG. 10B shows an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of handrail arrangement and;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 11A when assembled.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Part of a handrail system 10 in situ on a structure 12, such as a walkway, is shown in FIG. 1. The structure 12 of FIG. 1 forms part of a construction or part thereof such as a building or an offshore oil or gas exploration or recovery facility. The part of the handrail system 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises four spaced apart handrail supports 14 which are each fixed at one end to the structure 12 and extend vertically up from the structure 12. Each handrail support 14 is formed from a length of material of the same form. Each handrail support 14 may therefore be cut from a long length of the material. Each handrail support is 5.3 cm deep in a direction of the handrails and 4.2 cm wide in a direction orthogonal to the handrails. The handrail support 14 is described in more detail below. Three handrails are attached at spaced apart locations on the handrail supports 14 such that they are substantially parallel to each other. A first handrail 16 is attached at the top of each handrail support 14. A second handrail 18 is attached around the middle of each handrail support 14. A third handrail 20 is attached towards the bottom of each handrail support 14. The first handrail 16 is attached to each of the handrail supports 14 by way of a first arrangement which is described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. Each of the second and third handrails 18, 20 is attached to each of the handrail supports 14 by way of a second arrangement which is described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. Each handrail has a diameter of 6 cm. As can be seen from FIG. 1, the handrail system defines a corner with the three handrails being shaped to follow the corner. A non-linear part arrangement 22 which provides for each of the three handrails to follow the corner is described below with reference to FIG. 6.

A detailed view of a handrail support 14 comprised in the handrail system 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. The detailed view of FIG. 2 shows parts of the first handrail 16 extending from opposite sides of the top of the handrail support 14 and parts of the second handrail 18 extending from opposite sides around the middle of the handrail support 14.

An exploded view of a handrail arrangement at the top of a handrail support 32 is shown in FIG. 3. The handrail arrangement comprises a handrail formed from a long length of a first part 34, two lengths of a second part 36, which are a little shorter than half the length of the first part 34 and two short sections 38. Each second part 36 and short section 38 is configured to releasably attach to the first part to form the handrail. The form and function of the second part 36, the short section 38 and the first part 34 are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C below. The formations extending from each of the second part 36 and the short section 38 are of the form shown in FIG. 5C. The handrail arrangement further comprises a first attachment device 40 and a second attachment device 42 which are operative to attach the handrail to the handrail support 32 at each of respective opposite sides of the handrail support. Each attachment device 40, 42 comprises an attachment member 44. The attachment member 44 has first and second sections which are joined at abutting edges and are substantially orthogonal to each other. Each of the first and second sections has the form of a rectangular cuboid. The attachment member 44 is formed integrally from aluminium. An aperture is provided in each of the first and second sections. One of the first and second sections is received in a recess defined in the first part 34; the recess is described below with reference to FIG. 5B. The other of the first and second sections is positioned such that it abuts against the handrail support 32. Each attachment device 40, 42 comprises first and second clamp arrangements. Each clamp arrangement comprises a clamping member (not shown) and a bolt 46. The clamping member is a plate of rectangular cuboid form which is of a size that it can be received on the interior side of a formation defined in the first part 34 and on the interior side of a formation defined in the handrail support 32. The formation defined in the first part 34 is described below with reference to FIG. 5B. The formation defined in the handrail support 32 is described below with reference to the present figure. In use, the clamping member is located on the interior side of a formation and the bolt 46 is inserted through the aperture in the appropriate section of the attachment member 44 and then threadedly engaged with the clamping member such that the head of the bolt abuts against the section of the attachment member 44. The bolt is then rotated to pull the clamping member and the section of the attachment member 44 towards each other whereby the formation is clamped between the clamping member and the section of the attachment member 44. The attachment member 44 is thus attached firmly to the first part 34 or the handrail support 32 as appropriate.

Considering the handrail support 32 of FIG. 3 further, the handrail support 32 defines a channel on each of two oppositely directed sides. Each channel is defined between two spaced apart arms 48 which extend from opposite sides of a base member 50. Each arm defines a lip at a distal end thereof with the lips of the two arms extending towards each other. The clamping member described above is received in an end of the handrail support 32 behind the lips at the end of the two arms and moved along the handrail support 32 until it is at an appropriate position to receive the bolt 46 for clamping of the lip bearing distal ends of the arms as described above. The handrail support 32 is integrally formed by extrusion from aluminium.

Considering assembly of the above described parts shown in FIG. 3 further, the attachment members 44 are clamped to opposite sides of the handrail support 32. The attachment members 44 are then clamped at respective locations on opposite sides of the handrail support 32 to the first part 34. The first part 34 is attached thereby to the top of the handrail support 32 such that the first part 34 defines a grippable surface which extends continuously over the handrail support 32. A first one of the two short sections 38 is attached to the first part such that an edge of the short section abuts against one of the attachment members 44. As can be seen from FIG. 3, part of each short section 38 lacks a formation extending therefrom to enable the short section to fit closely around the section of the attachment member 44 received in the recess of the first part 34. The second of the two short sections 38 is attached to the first part such that an edge of the short section abuts against the other attachment member 44 on the other side of the handrail support 32. Then one of the two lengths of the second part 36 is attached to the first part such that an end of the second part abuts against the end of one of the short sections 38 that is directed away from the handrail support 32. The other of the two lengths of the second part 36 is likewise attached to the first part on the other side of the handrail support 32 such that it abuts against the end of the other of the short sections 38. FIG. 2 shows the second parts 36 and the short sections 38 when attached to the first part 16, 34. The handrail arrangement further comprises two further short sections 52 which are of the same shape and form as the two short sections 38 with the exception of the end lacking the formation extending therefrom defining an arced recess. Each of the two further short sections 52 is attached to a respective side of the handrail support 32 by way of cooperation of the formation extending from the short section with the channel defining arms of the handrail support 32 and such that the end with the arced recess fits around the arced exterior surface of the short section 38 already attached to the first part. The lack of formation extending from the further short section 52 provides for close fit around the section of the attachment member 44 attached to the handrail support 32. Thereafter two further lengths of the second part 54 are attached to a respective side of the handrail support 32 such that an end of the second part 54 abuts against an end of the already attached further short section 52 directed away from the first part 34. The further short sections 52 and the further lengths of the second part 54 are thus operative to cover the channels of the handrail support 32.

The first part 34, the short sections 38, the second parts 36, the further short sections 52 and the further second parts 54 are formed from ABS by moulding or more usually by extrusion from aluminium.

An exploded view of a handrail arrangement at the middle of a handrail support is shown in FIG. 4. Components in common with the arrangement of FIG. 3 are designated by like reference numerals and therefore the reader's attention is directed to the description provided above with reference to FIG. 3 for a description of such components in common. Differences in form and function of the arrangement of FIG. 4 will now be described. The handrail arrangement of FIG. 4 comprises attachment members 62 each having a first section in the form of a rectangular cuboid of the same shape and form as the arrangement of FIG. 3 and a second section in the form of a disk. The circumference of the disk is substantially the same as the circumference of the first and second parts when attached to each other. An aperture is present in the centre of the disk. The first and second sections are orthogonal to each other. Each of the first and second sections are formed separately from each other from aluminium and attached to each other by welding. The arrangement of FIG. 4 further comprises a pair of side members 64. Each side member 64 defines an exterior surface having an arc of 90 degrees with the radius of the arced exterior surface being substantially the same as the radius of the exterior surface of the handrail formed from the first and second parts. Each side member 64 further defines a ridged rib which extends from an interior surface of the side member. The side members are formed from ABS by moulding or more usually by extrusion from aluminium. The disk shaped second section of each attachment member 62 is attached to a respective side of the handrail support 32 at a location spaced apart from the top of the handrail support 32 by way of a bolt 46 and a clamping member of a form described above with reference to FIG. 3. The first section of each attachment member 62 is attached to a respective one of the two lengths of first part 34 disposed on opposite sides of the handrail support 32 by way of a clamp arrangement of a form described above. Then a short section 38 is attached to each of the two lengths of first part 34 as described above with reference to FIG. 3 followed by an abutting length of the second part 36 (not shown in FIG. 4).

Thereafter one of the pair of side members 64 is fitted to one side of the spaced apart second sections and the other of the pair of side members 64 is fitted to the other side of the spaced apart second sections whereby each side member 64 bridges the gap between the spaced apart second sections and covers the part of the handrail support 32 therebetween. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the edge of the disk shaped second section defines a slot which is shaped to receive the rib extending from a side member 64 for attachment thereby of the side member to the second section. Furthermore the diameter of the disk shaped second section is reduced over a 90 degree arc whereby the part of the side member 64 that defines the arced exterior surface is received in the recess defined thereby. Otherwise attachment of further short sections 52 and of further second parts 54 (not shown in FIG. 4) above and below the now attached handrail is as described above with reference to FIG. 3.

A cross-section through first and second parts of a handrail when attached to each other to form a handrail is shown in FIG. 5A with FIGS. 5B and 5C showing cross-sections through the first and second parts respectively of the handrail of FIG. 5A. As can be seen from FIG. 5A, the first part 72 and the second part 74 define a handrail of circular cross-section when they are attached to each other. It should be noted that FIGS. 5A to 5C show the first part 72 and the second part 74 upside down; in use, the second part 74 defines the underside of a handrail. The exterior surface of the first part 72 defines an arc of 267 degrees and the exterior surface of the second part 74 defines an arc of 93 degrees. The first part 72 defines first and second members 76, 78 which extend inwardly from opposing edges of the first part. The first and second members extend longitudinally along the first part. Each of the first and second members 76, 78 is spaced apart from an edge of the exterior surface defined by the first part whereby a recess is defined by the inside of the first part between the first member and the edge of the exterior surface and the adjoining surface of the first member and by the inside of the first part between the second member and the edge of the exterior surface and the adjoining surface of the second member. In use, this recess receives a second section of an attachment member 44, 62 as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The first and second members 76, 78 extend inside the first part such that there is a gap between their opposing distal edges. The opposing distal edges are substantially planar. The opposing distal edges of the first and second members constitute a profile of the first part which engages with a profile of the second part to provide for attachment of the first and second parts to each other. Furthermore a clamping member, as described above, is received in an end of the first part 72 on the interior side of the first and second members 76, 78 with the dimensions of the clamping member being such that it bridges the gap between the first and second members 76, 78. A bolt is received between the first and second members 76, 78 and threadedly engages with the clamping member to provide for clamping of the first and second members 76, 78 between the second section of the attachment member 44, 62 and the clamping member as described above.

The second part 74 defines first and second spaced apart flanges 80, 82 which extend in a longitudinal direction along the second part. The first and second flanges 80, 82 are substantially parallel. Each flange extends orthogonally from a distal end of a respective base planar portion, with a proximal end of the planar portion extending orthogonally from an edge of a side planar portion. An opposite edge of the side planar portion extends from an edge of the exterior surface defined by the second part. The flange is therefore substantially parallel to the side planar portion. A protrusion extends from both sides of a distal end of each flange, with the protrusion extending longitudinally along the flange. The distance between the outer side of one of the two protrusions and the outer side of one of the other of the two protrusions is smaller than the gap between the opposing distal edges of the first and second members 76, 78 of the first part 72 whereby upon insertion of the two spaced apart flanges 80, 82 between the first and second members 76, 78 the distal ends of the flanges flex towards each other to allow for admission of the flanges between the first and second members. As can be seen from FIG. 5A, upon further admission of the flanges between the first and second members the protrusion bearing distal edges of the flanges extend beyond the first and second members whereupon the distal ends of the flanges return under inherent spring bias to their original position with separation of the first and second parts being resisted by the protrusions bearing against the inside surfaces of the first and second members.

An exploded view of a non-linear part arrangement 22 of the handrail system of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 6. The non-linear part arrangement 22 comprises an angled part 92. Opposite ends of the angled part 92 are at an angle to each other of 90 degrees. The angled part 92 has the form of a hollow cylinder. The non-linear part arrangement 22 further comprises two attachment devices 94 of a form and function as described above with reference to FIG. 4 and two non-linear part attachment members 96 which are each of cylindrical form. Each non-linear part attachment member 96 is received in a respective end of the angled part 92 with the non-linear part attachment member being an interference fit therein. The disk shaped second section of an attachment device 94 is attached to an outwardly facing end of each non-linear part attachment member 96 by way of a bolt which threadedly engages with a bore defined in the non-linear part attachment member. The first section of each attachment member 96 is attached to an end of a first part 98 of the handrail by being received in a recess in the end of the handrail before clamping as described above. The angled part 92 is thus attached at each end to a respective length of handrail.

A staircase 110 with a handrail arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 7. The staircase 110 comprises a stairway 112 and a handrail arrangement 114. The handrail arrangement 114 comprises three handrails 116 which are spaced apart from each other and supported by plural spaced apart handrail supports 118. Each handrail support is fixed at its lower end to the edge of the stairway 112. The form and function of the handrails 116 and the handrail supports 118 are as described above with reference to the preceding drawings. Differences in form and function will now be described. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the handrails are non-linear along their length from the bottom of the staircase to the top of the staircase. Furthermore the handrails define an acute angle to the handrail supports where the staircase is rising. The handrail arrangement 114 is adapted to follow the staircase by way of three embodiments of joint which are described below with reference to FIGS. 8A to 10B.

A first embodiment of joint 130 of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 7 is shown when in use in FIG. 8A and an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 8A is shown in FIG. 8B. The joint 130 comprises a first joint part 132 and a second joint part 134. Each of the first and second joint parts 132, 134 is configured to releasably attach to a respective length of first part of handrail 136, 138. The first parts of handrail 136, 138 are as described hereinabove. Each of the first and second joint parts 132, 134 comprise an attachment member 140 extending orthogonally from a distal end thereof. Each attachment member 140 has the form of a rectangular cuboid and defines an aperture therethrough. The attachment member 140 is therefore configured as per the second section described hereinabove. Each of the first and second joint parts 132, 134 further comprises a clamp arrangement of a form and function as described above. The attachment member 140 of each joint part 132, 134 is received in the recess defined in a length of first part of handrail 136, 138 and the clamp arrangement is used, as described above, to clamp the attachment member 140 and hence joint part to the length of first part of handrail. Thereafter a length of a second part 36 and a short section 38 are releasably attached to each first part of handrail 136, 138 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The first joint part 132 defines a slot and the second joint part 134 defines a protrusion which is received in the slot. The joint 130 further comprises a hinge pin 142 which is received though apertures defined in the proximal ends of the first and second parts to thereby provide for hinged movement of the first and second joint parts 132, 134 in relation to each other. The joint 130 of FIGS. 8A and 8B is used to join two lengths of handrail which are angled in relation to each other such as at the bottom or top of a staircase.

A second embodiment of joint 150 of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 7 is shown when in use in FIG. 9A and an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 9A is shown in FIG. 9B. The joint 150 comprises a first joint part 152 and a second joint part 154. The first joint part 152 is configured to releasably attach part way along a first part of a handrail 156 of a form as described hereinabove. The first joint part 152 comprises a member in the distal base thereof which defines an aperture therethrough. The first joint part 152 further comprises a clamp arrangement of a form and function as described hereinabove. The bolt of the clamp arrangement is inserted through the aperture in the base member of the first joint part 152, the clamping member of the clamp arrangement is received in the first part of the handrail 156 and the distal end of the bolt threadedly engages with the clamping member whereby the first joint part 152 is clamped to the first part of the handrail 156 as described above. The second joint part 154 is configured to releasably attach to an end of a handrail support 160. More specifically the second part comprises two spaced apart members 158. Each of the two spaced apart members 158 has the form of a rectangular cuboid whereby each is configured to be received in a recess defined in the handrail support 160. The second joint part 154 further comprises first and second clamp arrangements with each clamp arrangement cooperating with a respective spaced apart member 158 to provide for releasable attachment to the handrail support 160. The handrail support 160 is of a form as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The first joint part 152 and the second joint part 154 are hingedly attached to each other as described above with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. The second embodiment of joint 150 provides for orientation of a handrail running over the top of handrail supports at a desired angle in relation to the handrail supports. For example the handrail may be at an angle of 35 degrees to the handrail supports where a stairway extends upwards at an angle of 35 degrees to the ground. Lengths of second part of handrail 162 are releasably attached to the exposed underside of the first part of handrail 156 and to the exposed sides of the handrail support 160.

A third embodiment of joint 170 of the handrail arrangement of FIG. 7 is shown when in use in FIG. 10A and an exploded view of the joint 170 of FIG. 10A is shown in FIG. 10B. The joint 170 comprises a first joint part 172 and a second joint part 174. The first joint part 172 is configured to releasably attach part way along a handrail support 176 of a form as described hereinabove. The first joint part 172 comprises a member in the distal base thereof which defines an aperture therethrough. The first joint part 172 further comprises a clamp arrangement of a form and function as described hereinabove. The bolt of the clamp arrangement is inserted through the aperture in the base member of the first joint part 172, the clamping member of the clamp arrangement is received behind the channel in the handrail support 176 and the distal end of the bolt threadedly engages with the clamping member whereby the first joint part 172 is clamped to the handrail support 176. The second joint part 174 is configured like the second joint part 134 of the embodiment of FIG. 8B in respect of comprising an attachment member 140 and a clamp arrangement whereby the second joint part 174 is releasably attached to the end of a first part 176 of handrail. The first joint part 172 and the second joint part 174 are hingedly attached to each other as described above with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. Lengths of second part of handrail 162 are releasably attached to the exposed sides of the handrail support 160. The third embodiment of joint 170 provides for orientation of a handrail running along the middle of handrail supports at a desired angle in relation to the handrail supports.

An exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of handrail arrangement 190 is shown in FIG. 11A. A perspective view of the handrail arrangement 190 of FIG. 11A when assembled is shown in FIG. 11B. The further embodiment of handrail arrangement 190 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B. The further embodiment of handrail arrangement 190 comprises a handrail which in turn comprises a first part 192 and a two second parts 194. The further embodiment of handrail arrangement 190 further comprises an attachment device 196 which in turn comprises a support arrangement 198 and two spaced apart attachment members 200.

Considering the first part 192 further and as can be seen from the end of the first part 192 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, first and second members 202 extend inwardly from opposing edges of the first part towards each other to define a mouth to a recess defined by the first part. Each of the first and second members 202 extends longitudinally along the entire length of the first part. Each of the first and second members is spaced apart from the edge of the exterior surface defined by the first part such that an outwardly directed planar surface of the member is recessed to a small extent. The extent of recess is such as to admit a thin base member of the second part 194, as described further below, whereby the exterior surfaces of the first and second parts are aligned with each other. The first and second members 202 extend inside the first part towards each other such that there is a gap of 9 mm between their opposing distal planar edges. The outwardly directed surface and the inwardly directed surface of each of the first and second members 202 are substantially parallel and the distal edge of each of the first and second members 202 is substantially orthogonal to the outwardly and inwardly directed surfaces of the member. The inwardly directed planar surface of each of the first and second members 202 is wider than the outwardly directed surface of the member whereby the recess defined by the first part widens beyond the first and second members 202 before tapering as one progresses farther into the recess. The first part is integrally formed. For example the first part is formed by moulding or extrusion such as from plastics material, such as ABS, or aluminium.

Considering the second part 194 further and as can be seen from the end of the second part 194 shown in FIG. 11A, the second part 194 defines two spaced apart flanges 204 which each extend from a side of a base portion. An opposite side of the base portion defines an exterior surface of the second part. Each flange 204 comprises a protrusion 206 at its distal end with the two protrusions being oppositely directed. The distance between the outer side of one of the two protrusions and the outer side of the other of the two protrusions is greater than the distance between the opposing distal edges of the first and second members 202. The two flanges 204 are formed such that their distal ends are capable of flexing in relation to their proximal ends upon application of force. Upon insertion of the two spaced apart flanges 204 between the first and second members 202 the distal ends of the flanges flex towards each other to allow for admission of the flanges between the first and second members. As shown in FIG. 11B, upon further admission of the flanges 204 between the first and second members 202 the length of the flanges is such that the protrusion 206 bearing distal ends of the flanges extend beyond the inwardly directed surfaces of the first and second members 202 whereupon the distal ends of the flanges return under spring bias to their original position. Separation of the first and second parts 192, 194 is therefore resisted by the protrusions 206 bearing against the inwardly directed surfaces of the first and second members 202. The second part is integrally formed. For example the second part is formed by moulding or extrusion such as from plastics material, such as ABS, or aluminium. The exterior surface of the first part 192 defines a 345 degree arc and the exterior surface of the second part 194 defines a 15 degree arc. The first part 192 has a radius of 22.5 mm.

As described above, the attachment device 196 comprises a support arrangement 198 and two spaced apart attachment members 200. As may be seen from FIGS. 11A and 11B, the attachment device has the form of a bracket. The support arrangement 198 comprises a first portion 208 which defines a first surface which, in use, abuts against the like of a wall, a second portion 210 which extends substantially orthogonally from the first portion and a third portion 212 which extends from the second portion substantially parallel to the first portion. The first portion is configured by way of apertures (not shown) to be attached by way of screws to a handrail support in the form of the like of a wall. The distance between the first surface and the oppositely directed surface defined by the third portion 212 is 60 mm. The third portion 212 is 15 mm deep, i.e. in a direction of separation of the attachment members 200. The attachment device 196 further comprises two spaced apart attachment members 200. Each attachment member 200 comprises a protrusion 214 on a distal end thereof. The protrusions 214 extend in opposite directions whereby the attachment members 200 are wider at their distal ends and of greater width than the distance between the opposing sides of the first and second members 202. The attachment members 200 are formed such that their distal ends 214 are capable of flexing in relation to their proximal ends upon application of force. Upon insertion of the attachment members 200 between the first and second members 202 of the first part 192 the distal ends of the attachment members 200 are forced towards each other to allow for admission of the attachment members 200 between the first and second members. The side faces of the protrusions 214 are sloped whereby there is a progressive increase in displacement as the attachment members 200 are inserted farther into the recess defined by the first part. As shown in FIG. 11B, upon further admission of the attachment members 200 between the first and second members 202 the length of the attachment members 200 is such that the protrusion 214 bearing distal ends of the attachment members 200 extend beyond the inwardly directed surfaces of the first and second members 202 whereupon the distal ends of the attachment members 200 return under spring bias to their original position. Separation of the first part 192 and the attachment device 196 is therefore resisted by the protrusions 214 bearing against the inwardly directed surfaces of the first and second members 202.

The attachment device 196 further comprises a key member 216 which is a component apart from the rest of the attachment device. The key member 216 comprises a planar member 218 and a head 220 at an end of the planar member, the head 220 being wider than the planar member 218. The width of the planar member 218 is such that it can be received between the two spaced apart attachment members 200 when the latter are not displaced towards each other. Furthermore the key member 216 and the attachment members 200 are of a relative length such that the head 220 of the key member is beyond the distal ends of the attachment members when the key member is received between the attachment members. As is described above, the attachment members 200 are inserted into the recess defined by the first part until the protrusions 214 on the distal ends of the attachment members lock behind the inwardly directed surfaces of the first and second members 202 of the first part. Then the key member 216 is inserted into the recess at a location along the first part 192 from the attachment members 200. The key member 216 is then moved along the recess and inserted between the attachment members 200 whereby the thus inserted key member 216 prevents the distal ends of the attachment members from flexing towards each other. The key member 216 therefore provides for secure attachment of the attachment device to the first part and prevents separation of the attachment device from the first part. Two lengths of second part 194 are then clipped into place on opposite sides of the attachment device as shown in FIG. 11B.

Claims

1. A handrail arrangement comprising: a handrail defining a grippable exterior surface and a recess in the handrail; andan attachment device which is receivable in part in the recess defined in the handrail, the attachment device being configured in respect of a part not received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support,the handrail comprising first and second parts which are configured to releasably attach to each other, the first and second parts when attached to each other defining a substantially continuous exterior surface of the handrail in a circumferential direction, the first part defining more than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail and the second part defining less than 180 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail.

2. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the recess extends between ends of the handrail.

3. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the exterior surface of the handrail is elliptical in cross-section.

4. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the first and second parts are configured such that when they are attached the second part is of lesser longitudinal extent than the first part.

5. The handrail arrangement according to claim 4 in which the first and second parts are configured in respect of their relative lengths and relative disposition such that an end of the first part extends beyond an end of the second part, the attachment device being receivable in the recess where the second part is absent.

6. The handrail arrangement according to claim 4 in which the handrail comprises a first part and two second parts with each second part being attached to the first part such that facing ends of the second parts are spaced apart whereby there is a gap between facing ends of the two second parts, the attachment device being receivable in the recess in the gap.

7. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 configured such that, in use, the first part is substantially symmetrically disposed in relation to a vertical plane that lies in a direction of the handrail.

8. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the first part defines at least 240 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail and the second part defines no more than 120 degrees of the circumference of the exterior surface of the handrail.

9. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the first and second parts define inter-engaging profiles, the first and second parts being attached thereby to each other.

10. The handrail arrangement according to claim 9 in which a formation defining a profile of one of the first and second parts is configured to be displaced when the first and second parts are being brought into engagement with each other, with the displaced formation returning from displacement under spring bias when the first and second parts are properly engaged with each other.

11. The handrail arrangement according to claim 9 in which one of the profiles comprises an indent in which part of the other profile is received when the first and second parts are properly engaged with each other whereby separation of the first and second parts is resisted.

12. The handrail arrangement according to claim 9 in which the second part defines first and second spaced apart flanges which are substantially parallel and extend in a longitudinal direction, each flange extending from a proximal end to a distal end in a direction away from an exterior surface of the second part.

13. The handrail arrangement according to claim 12 in which each flange extends orthogonally from a distal end of a respective base planar portion, a proximal end of the base planar portion extending from an edge of a side planar portion, an opposite edge of the side planar portion extending from an edge of the exterior surface defined by the second part.

14. The handrail arrangement according to claim 12 in which each flange extends from a side of a base portion, an opposite side of the base portion defining an exterior surface of the second part.

15. The handrail arrangement according to claim 12 in which each of the flanges comprises a protrusion extending therefrom at a distal end of the flange.

16. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the first part defines first and second members which extend inwardly from opposing edges of the first part, each of the first and second members being spaced apart from an edge of the exterior surface defined by the first part whereby each of the first and second members is recessed.

17. The handrail arrangement according to claim 16 in which the first and second members extend inside the first part towards each other such that there is a gap between their opposing distal edges, the opposing distal edges of the first and second members constituting a profile of the first part which engages with a profile of the second part to provide for attachment of the first and second parts to each other.

18. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the recess receives an attachment member of the attachment device, the attachment device comprising a clamping member and a fixing arrangement, the attachment member, the clamping member and the fixing arrangement being configured such that operation of the fixing arrangement moves the attachment member and the clamping member relative to each other to thereby provide for clamping of part of the first part between the attachment member and the clamping member.

19. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which at least one of the first and second parts is formed integrally.

20. The handrail arrangement according to claim 1 in which the attachment device comprises an attachment member, a part of the attachment member being received in the recess defined in the handrail, the attachment device being configured at a part other than the part received in the recess to be attached to a handrail support.

21-27. (canceled)