WO2004046486A1

WO2004046486A1 - A Railing System including a Coupling Device

Info

Publication number: WO2004046486A1
Application number: PCT/SG2003/000275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hua Joo Tan; Teow Koon Raymond Loo
Original assignee: COMPACT METAL INDUSTRIES Ltd
Current assignee: COMPACT METAL INDUSTRIES Ltd
Priority date: 2002-11-21
Filing date: 2003-11-20
Publication date: 2004-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2005-05-21
Also published as: AU2003283944A1

Abstract

A coupling device (100) is disclosed for connecting two runners (300) of a railing system. The coupling device (100) comprises two connection elements (101, 102). Each connection element (101, 102) is connected to a runner (300) by an intermediate member (200). The connection elements (101, 102) are connected pivotally to each other such that the angle between the length directions of the two connection elements (101, 102) is adjustable.

Description

A Railing System including a Coupling Device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a coupling device for connecting two hollow members, and to a railing system employing the coupling devices. The term "railing" is used in a wide sense in this document, for example to include a balustrade.

Background of the Invention

Railings are generally employed as supports for walking up a flight of stairs, as safety barriers such on the edge of a balcony, or as fences to limit access to a designated area. Typically, the railings comprise a framework of vertical or inclined posts or balusters supporting a handrail and it is common to have railings that stretch many metres.

The handrail may include a plurality of runners, which may be tubes made of aluminium or stainless steel. The runners are connected together pairwise when the tubes are generally horizontal. The runners may be connected using a connecting member having an outer diameter that is smaller or larger than the inner diameter of the runners. The two ends of the connecting member are inserted into respective hollow ends of the two runners and the arrangement is welded together. It is common that the railings are arranged along an angled stairway and this means that the runners may have to be connected at an angle with each other (i.e. rather than being parallel) and thus the connecting member needs to be angled or bent accordingly to interface between the two runners.

Such a technique has the disadvantage of requiring welding in situ, which increases the time and cost of the installation. If there is an error in the railing arrangement, it is difficult to "unweld" and adjust the arrangement of the railings.

Moreover, when the connecting member needs to be angled, this normally requires precise bending of the connecting member, with a cost in terms of both time and money. Furthermore, if the assembly process involves welding then subsequently painting is required on site. Such painting will usually have to be a low quality painting in comparison to the level of painting which is possible for prefabricated components.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coupling device which alleviates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art and/or provides the public with a useful choice.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a railing system comprising one or more coupling devices and two or more elongate hollow runners, each coupling device comprising two connection elements, the connection elements being connectable to respective ones of the runners and being connected pivotally to each other, whereby the angle between respective length directions of the two connection elements is adjustable. This makes it possible to connect two runners at a desired angle without an angled connection element. The result is great flexibility on site, for example when a railing is arranged along an angled staircase.

Preferably, each connection element of the coupling device includes a circular- symmetric cylindrical rod extending away from the pivot. The rod is located at a desired angular position about the axis of the runner, and fixed in this position. Thus, the relationship of the direction of the axis of the hinge about the axis of the runner is selected.

Preferably, a intermediate member is used to interface. the coupling device and a runner. The intermediate member defines an aperture to receive the cylindrical rod of one of the connection elements, and an outer wall arranged to fit slidably in one of the hollow members.

The invention also relates to a coupling device for use in the railing system described above, to a combination of such a coupling device with an intermediate member, and to a runner suitable for use with the coupling device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 shows perspective views of a railing system which is an embodiment of the invention and includes a coupling device, an intermediate member and a runner member; and

Figure 2 shows perspective views of the runner member of Figure 1 arranged to receive a connector for connecting the runner to a support post.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

Figure 1 shows perspective views of a railing system including a coupling device 100, an intermediate member 200 and a runner 300 in the form of a hollow cylindrical bar.

In this embodiment, the coupling device 100 comprises a first connection element 101 and a second connection element 102. The first and second connection elements 101 , 102 are coupled using a pin 103 such that the connection elements 101 , 102 are mutually hinged about the pin 103. The first and second connection elements 101 , 102 may be made of stainless steel, cast aluminium alloy, zinc or any other suitable alloy. Presently, the preferred material is aluminium.

In this embodiment, the connection elements 101, 102 are identical to each other. Each connection element 101 , 102 has two sections with a first section comprising two arms 104, 104'. The arms 104, 104' of the connection elements 101, 102 are interleaved with each other as shown in Figure 1. The pin 103 is then used to connect the arms 104,104' together such that the first and second connection elements 101 ,102 are hinged with respect to each other as described earlier.

Each connection section has a respective circular surface 107,107' facing away from the arms 104, 104'. From each surface 104, 104' projects a circular- cylindrical rod 105,105'. The axial direction of the cylindrical rods 105, 105' defines a length direction of the respective connection elements 101, 102. Typically, the diameter of the first section of each of the connection elements 101 , 102 is at least 5cm and the diameter of the cylindrical rods 105,105' is substantially smaller in diameter than the diameter of the first section. Each cylindrical rod 105, 105' comprises a recess 106 which extends around the circumference of the cylindrical rods 105,105'.

The intermediate member 200 includes an aperture 201 for receiving one cylindrical rod 105,105'. In the example of Figure 1 , the cylindrical rod 105' of the second connection element 102 is to be received in the aperture of the intermediate member 200. The intermediate member 200 is also provided with a rectangular slot 202 which extends along the length direction of the intermediate member 200. The intermediate member 200 further comprises a threaded hole 203 for a screw 204 to thread through the intermediate member 200. Preferably, there are multiple such threaded holes 203, spaced circumferentially around the intermediate member 202 and for receiving respective screws 204. However, for simplicity only one such screw is shown in Fig. 1. Also for simplicity, the internal structure of the intermediate member 200 is not shown in Fig. 1 , but it usually includes an inner wall defining the aperture 201, and an outer wall defining the outer profile of the intermediate member. The inner wall and outer wall are connected by radially extending walls, including the walls which define the sides of the slot 202.

When a rod 105,105' of the coupling device 100 is initially inserted into the aperture 201 , it is rotatable within the aperture 201 around the axis of the rod 105, 105'. However, when the rod 105, 105' is inserted into the aperture 201 such that the recess 106, 106' is in register with the threaded hole 203, a screw 204 may be inserted through the threaded hole 203 to sit on the recess 106 of the cylindrical rod 105,105' of the coupling device 100 to secure the coupling device 106 in fixed angular position relative to the intermediate member 200.

In this embodiment, the runner 300 is a tube having an inner surface 301 and an outer surface 302. The inner surface surrounds a cavity 303 which extends along the length direction of the support runner 300. The runner 300 is also provided with a section 304 which projects inwards creating a channel 305 on the outside of the runner 300 which extends along at least part of the length of the rail 300.

The diameter of the inner surface 301 conforms to the outer diameter of the intermediate member 200 so that the intermediate member 200 slidingly fits into the end of the runner 300. The guide member 304 is adapted to fit the slot 202 of the intermediate member 200, so that when the intermediate member 200 sits in the cylindrical runner 300, the guide member 304 prevents rotational movement of the intermediate member 200.

The channel 305 formed by the guide member 304 serves a further purpose of facilitating coupling the runner 300 to a connector 400 as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the connector 400 is in the form of a T-shaped connector having a first support member 401 and a second support member 402 connected substantially perpendicular to each other. The first support member

401 is designed to fit into the channel 305 of the rail 300 and in this example, a rectangular member 401 is used. The first support member 401 is fixed to the rail 300 by screws which are inserted into holes in the first support member 401 from the underside as viewed in Fig. 2. For simplicity these holes are not shown in Fig. 2.

The second support member 402 is adapted to fit into a support post 401 (baluster). The support post 401 has a hole extending along its length which is the correct size to receive and support the second support member 402. The second support member is then fixed to the port 401 by screws passing through holes (not shown in Fig. 2) in the sides of the support post 401. Preferably, an intermediate connector 403 is used which fits into the support post 410 and which contains a central aperture through which the second support member

402 is threaded.

In other possible arrangements the angle between the first and second support members 401 , 402 need not be 90 degrees. This enables the rail 300 to be connected to a support post 410 in a specific orientation, such that for example when the support post 410 is vertical the runner 300 need not be horizontal.

To set up a railing or balustrade arrangement using the embodiment of the invention, a user positions a plurality of support posts 410 at designated locations along for example a pathway or staircase. The user then inserts intermediate connectors 403 into the ends of each of the support posts 410. Next the user slides the second support members 402 of respective connectors 400 into the apertures of each of the intermediate connectors 403.

Then the user inserts the first support member 401 of one or more of the connectors 400 into the channel 305 of a first of the runners 300, and secures the connector 400 in place.

Next, the user slides the cylindrical rod 105' of the second connecting element 102 of coupling member 100 into the aperture 201 of a intermediate member 200 and rotates the coupling device 100 so that the cylindrical rod 105' of the second connecting element 102 is in a particular angular configuration. The screw 204 is then guided into the threaded hole 203 such that the tip of the screw 204 sits on the recess 106 of the second cylindrical rod 105' and secures the coupling device 100 in a given angular position with respect to the intermediate member 200. The intermediate member 200 is then inserted into the end of the first runner 300 which is mounted on the support posts 410. A further intermediate member 200 is now located on the rod 105 of the first connecting element 101 , and fixed in angular position using a screw 204. The first connecting element 101 is still movable about the hinge (pivoted by the pin 103). For example, the length directions of both connection elements 101,102 may form a right angle with respect to each other. The relative position of the first and second connection elements 101 , 102 is selected according to the desired angular relationship of the first runner 300 and a second runner which is to be fixed to it using the coupling device 100. The intermediate element 200 which is attached to the rod 105 of the first connection element 101 is inserted into the end of this second member, with the relative angle between the first connecting element 101 and the second connecting element 102 adjusted to be equal to the desired angular relationship of the first and second runners 300. This second runner 300 is again supported by a further support post 410 using a further connector 400. This process is repeated until the railing arrangement is formed. Two covers (not shown) are preferably provided and attached to the exposed sides of the respective coupling elements 101 , 102 to cover the respective ends of the pin 103. These covers are preferably also formed of aluminium.

It should be apparent that the sequence in which the various components are assembled together may be varied. For example two or more runners 300 could be connected to each other pairwise using the coupling devices 100 before any of them is connected to the support posts 410. In any case, the coupling device 100 allows easy set up of railings since no welding is required. The angle between two cylindrical runners 300 can be easily adjusted, in contrast to the known elbow coupling device described above. In addition, since the runner 300 has a channel 305 it may be connected to the support posts without welding via the connector 400 and intermediate connector 403. The above flexibility thus makes assembling the railing easier (for example by reducing, or even eliminating, the need for welding), and further makes it possible for the railing arrangement to be re-arranged, for example if the support post are not permanently cemented to the ground.

The use of the intermediate member 200 means that it is not necessary for the runner 300 to be formed defining an aperture to fit the size of the rods 105, 105'. This results in a considerable material saving.

The described embodiment should not be construed as limitative, and many variations are possible within the scope of the invention as will be clear to a skilled reader. For example, it may not be necessary to provide an intermediate member 200 if the rods 105 of the coupling device 100 are shaped be connected directly to the rail 300.

In another variation of the embodiment, the outer wall of the runner 300 may have a different shape for example a square or rectangular shape, instead of a circular cylindrical shape. However, the cavity 303 may still have a substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively the cavity 303 may also have a square or rectangular shape, and in this case the intermediate member 200 may have a different suitable outer profile, such that the intermediate member 200 can still be inserted into the cavity 303 of the runner 300. However, the size and shape of the aperture 201 of the intermediate member 200 may still be circular to mate with the cylindrical rod 105,105'.

In another variation, the guide member 304 may not be formed as a rectangular channel as described in the preferred embodiment. For example, the guide member 304 may be formed as an inverted trapezoidal shaped channel and the first member 401 of the connector 400 modified accordingly.

In a further variation, the cylindrical rod 105,105' may not have a circular cross- section, but may also take another shape, such as an octagonal shape. In this case, the shape of the aperture 201 of the intermediate member will be modified accordingly, so that the cylindrical rod 105,105' fits into the intermediate member 200 only at one of eight specified angles (instead being of freely rotatable). This variation is not preferred, however, since it reduces the flexibility of the railing system.

Claims

1. A railing system comprising one or more coupling devices and two or more elongate hollow runners, each coupling device comprising two connection elements, the connection elements being connectable to respective ones of the runners and being connected pivotally to each other, whereby the angle between respective length directions of the two connection elements is adjustable.

^' 2. A railing system according to claim 1 , wherein each connection element includes a cylindrical rod for connection to one of the runners in a desired angular position around the axis of the hollow runner.

3. A railing system according to claim 2, further comprising a intermediate member having an inner wall defining an aperture to receive the cylindrical rod of one of the connection elements and an outer wall arranged to fit slidably in one of the runners.

4. A railing system according to claim 3 including locking means for locking the angular position of the rod within the aperture.

5. A railing system according to claim 4 wherein the locking means includes an opening in the intermediate member for receiving a locking element for bearing against a selected position of the rod located in the aperture.

6. A railing system according to claim 5 in which the rod includes a recess which extends around the circumference of the rod.

7. A railing system according to any of claims 3 to 6, wherein the intermediate member comprises engagement means for engaging with the runner and fixing the angular position of the intermediate member in relation to the axis of the runner.

8. A railing system according to any preceding claim further including one or more connectors, and in which each runner includes a slot for receiving a portion of connector for connecting the runner to a support post.

9. A railing system according to claim 8 in which the connectors have a first support member for reception in the slot of one of the runners, and a second support member for connection to a support post.

10. A railing system according to claim 9 further comprising one or more

intermediate connectors, each having a cavity arranged to receive the

second member of one of the connectors and being adapted to be received within an opening in the support post.

1 1. A railing system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first and

second support members of the connector are connected substantially perpendicular to each other.

12. A railing system according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the first and second support members are not at right angles to each other.

13. A coupling device for connecting two hollow members, the coupling device comprising: two connection elements, each connection element being for connection to the end of an elongate hollow runner, the connection elements being connected pivotally to each other such that the angle between the two connection elements is adjustable.

14. A coupling device according to claim 13, wherein each connection element includes a cylindrical rod extending away from the pivot between the connection elements.

15. A coupling device according to claim 14, wherein the cylindrical rod includes a recess which extends around the rod.

16. A combination of a coupling device according to claim 14 or 15 and an intermediate member having an inner wall defining an aperture arranged to receive the cylindrical rod of one of the connection elements, and an outer wall arranged to fit slidably in one of the hollow runners.

7. A runner arranged to be connected to a coupling device according to any of claims 13 to 15, the runner having a channel extending along at least part of the length of the runner, the channel being arranged to receive a first member of a connector for connecting the runner to a support post.