UNIVERSAL BALUSTER CONNECTOR

Abstract

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector. In one embodiment, a connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing includes a body having a first end and a second end and a stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction. Expansion of the stem allows the connector to be used to secure a baluster to a railing of substantially any thickness.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to railing systems and relates more specifically to support hardware for use in railing installations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Balusters are frequently used in the construction of decks, porches, stairs, and other structures that include railings. FIG. 1, for example, is a schematic illustration of a portion of an exemplary railing system 100, including a plurality of balusters 1061-106n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “balusters 106”). The railing system 100 comprises a support surface or bottom railing 102, a top railing 104, and the plurality of balusters 106 positioned between the bottom railing 102 and the top railing 104. Generally, the bottom railing 102 is supported in a spaced-apart relation relative to the top railing 104 by the balusters 106.

In order to secure the balusters 106 to the bottom and top railings 102 and 104, connectors are often first attached to the bottom and top railings 102 and 104. For example, the baluster 106₂ is secured to the bottom and top railings 102 and 104 by two respective connectors 108 (illustrated in phantom). Specifically, the connectors 108 are attached to the bottom and top railings 102 and 104 in a secure manner, and the baluster 106₂ is then fitted over the connectors 108 (the baluster 106₂ may be partially or completely hollow to accommodate the connectors). In this manner, the baluster 106₂ is supported securely between the bottom and top railings 102 and 104.

Conventionally, the connectors are attached to the railings using screws. Because the railings used in different railings systems (and even the bottom and top railings used in the same railing system) may have different thicknesses, one must first verify the sizes of the screws needed to assemble the railing system before attempting to install the balusters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector. In one embodiment, a connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing includes a body having a first end and a second end and a stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction. Expansion of the stem allows the connector to be used to secure a baluster to a railing of substantially any thickness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1, for example, is a schematic illustration of a portion of an exemplary railing system, including a plurality of balusters;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of a baluster connector, according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the baluster connector illustrated in FIG. 2, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the baluster connector illustrated in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for installing a baluster, according to the present invention.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector. Embodiments of the present invention provide an expandable fastening mechanism that allows a baluster connector to be attached to a railing of substantially any thickness (hence, the baluster connector is “universal”). A railing system can therefore be assembled quickly and easily, regardless of the thicknesses of the components being used.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating one embodiment of a baluster connector 200, according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the baluster connector 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a top view of the baluster connector 200 illustrated in FIG. 2. FIGS. 2-4 may be referred to simultaneously in connection with the following discussion for a better understanding of the present invention.

As illustrated, the baluster connector 200 comprises a substantially cylindrical body 202 having a first end 206 and a second end 208. A substantially cylindrical stem 204 extends from the second end 208 of the body 202. The diameter, d₁, of the body 202 is greater than the diameter, d₂, of the stem 204; thus, the circumferences of the body 202 and the stem 204 are substantially concentric. In addition, the baluster connector 200 comprises a bore 212 that is disposed through the center axis, c, of the baluster connector 200. The bore 212 extends from the first end 206 of the body through the stem 204. In one embodiment, the baluster connector 200 is formed from a high density polymer or composite, such as high density polyethylene.

The body 202 comprises a plurality of ribs 210₁-210_n (hereinafter collectively referred to as “ribs 210”) extending radially outward therefrom. Specifically, the ribs 210 extend radially outward along the length of the cylindrical body 202. The ribs 210 may all have substantially the same diameter, or they may have differing diameters. For example, in FIG. 3, the rib 210₂ has a slightly greater diameter than the ribs 210₁ and 210_n. In this case, the rib 210₂ is positioned between the ribs 210₁ and 210_n, such that the baluster connector's overall diameter is greatest at substantially the midpoint of the body's length.

The stem 204 is split along its length, such that it forms at least two distinct sections. FIGS. 2 and 3, for example, illustrate a split 218 that extends along the diameter, d₂, of the stem 204. The stem 204 also comprises a plurality of ribs 214 extending radially outward therefrom. Specifically, the ribs 214 extend radially outward along the length of the stem 204. In one embodiment, the ribs 214 that extend from the stem 204 are shorter than the ribs 210 that extend from the body 202. In one embodiment, the ribs 214 all have substantially the same diameter, such that the stem 204 has a substantially uniform cross section, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In a further embodiment, the ribs 214 that extend from the stem 204 are angled toward the body 202, as also illustrated in FIG. 3. In other words, the ribs 214 extend outward from the stem 204 at an angle, as opposed to extending directly outward. Thus, the ribs 214 create a pattern of “teeth” along the length of the stem 204.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 500 for installing a baluster, according to the present invention. The method 500 makes use of the baluster connector 200 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4; as such, reference is made in the discussion of FIG. 5 to various elements of FIGS. 2-4.

The method 500 is initiated at step 502. In step 504, a hole is pre-drilled into a railing (e.g., a top railing or a bottom railing) of a railing system being assembled. The hole is drilled at a point at which a baluster is to be connected to the railing. In one embodiment, the diameter of the hole is slightly smaller than the diameter, d₂, of the stem 204.

In step 506, a baluster connector 200 of the type illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 is positioned in the hole. In particular, the baluster connector 200 is positioned such that the stem 204 extends into the pre-drilled hole, while the body 202 sits substantially flush along the surface of the railing. In one embodiment, it may be necessary to tap the baluster connector 200 into the hole (e.g., using a hammer) to achieve this result.

A fastener (e.g., a nail) is driven through the baluster connector 200 in step 508. In particular, the fastener is driven through the bore 212, moving in a direction from the body 202 toward the stem 204. FIG. 3, for example, shows a fastener 216 disposed through the bore 212. Driving the fastener 216 through the bore 212 will cause the stem 204 to expand radially and exert a force against the walls of the pre-drilled hole. Specifically, the sections of the stem 204 that are formed by the split(s) 218 will be forced in opposite directions. In addition, the ribs 214 of the stem 204 will grip the walls of the pre-drilled hole. The baluster connector 200 is therefore securely set in the railing.

In step 510, a baluster is installed over the baluster connector 200. The method 500 ends in step 512. The method 500 may be repeated as many times as is necessary to install a series of balusters. In addition, the method 500 may be performed twice for each baluster to be installed (i.e., so that a baluster connector 200 connects the baluster to both the top and bottom railings of the railing system).

Because the baluster connector 200 is expandable, it can be installed in railings having widely varying material thicknesses. The baluster connector 200 is therefore “universal” in that it can be used to connect a baluster to a railings have substantially any material thickness. This allows for quick and easy baluster installation without the need for specialized or multiple types of hardware.

Although various embodiments which incorporate the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings.

Claims

1. A connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing, the connector comprising: a body having a first end and a second end; anda stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the body and the stem are substantially cylindrical in shape.

3. The connector of claim 2, wherein a diameter of the body is larger than a diameter of the stem.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the stem is split along a length of the stem.

6. The connector of claim 5, wherein the split extends along a diameter of the stem.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the stem further comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.

8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the plurality of ribs is angled toward the body.

9. The connector of claim 1, further comprising: a bore disposed through a central axis of the connector.

10. The connector of claim 1, wherein connector is formed from a high density polymer.

11. A railing system, comprising: a support surface;a top railing;a plurality of balusters positioned between the support surface and the top railing; anda plurality of connectors connecting the plurality of balusters to the support surface and to the top railing, where at least one of the plurality of connectors comprises: a body having a first end and a second end; anda stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction.

12. The railing system of claim 11, wherein a diameter of the body is larger than a diameter of the stem.

13. The railing system of claim 11, wherein the body further comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.

14. The railing system of claim 11, wherein the stem is split along a length of the stem.

15. The railing system of claim 14, wherein the split extends along a diameter of the stem.

16. The railing system of claim 11, wherein the stem further comprises: a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.

17. The railing system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of ribs is angled toward the body.

18. The railing system of claim 11, wherein the connector further comprises: a bore disposed through a central axis of the connector.

19. The railing system of claim 11, wherein connector is formed from a high density polymer.

20. A method for installing a baluster to a material comprising a support surface or a railing, the method comprising: positioning a connector in a hole formed in the material, such that a first portion of the connector is disposed in the hole and a second portion of the connector sits substantially flush with a surface of the material;expanding the first portion of the connector within the hole; andinstalling the baluster over the second portion of the connector.