Railing and support structures with internal illumination

A railing assembly includes a bottom rail and a top rail extending parallel thereto and spaced apart therefrom. Both rails include a beam defining through-holes and corresponding pocket-holes located opposite from the other rail to define ledges facing away from the other rail. A plurality of balusters of light-transmissive material each extend between the bottom rail and the top rail, through a corresponding through-hole and pocket-hole in each railing. Retaining rings are disposed around each of the balusters within each of the pocket-holes for engaging the ledges and thereby holding the balusters to each rail. Each rail may include a plate of light-transmissive material extending in a plane adjacent the beam and configured to project light along a length thereof. One or more illumination sources are disposed in the top rail and/or the bottom rail to direct light into the balusters and/or the plate(s) to provide options for multiple illumination effects.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to railings and guardrails (“railings”) for structures, such as decks, porches, balconies, lofts, elevated walkways, and border separations. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to railings with internal illumination.

BACKGROUND

Railings are commonly provided around borders or edges of elevated structures and along ramps and stairways. Such railings may provide an important safety function to help support people navigating such areas and to prevent people and animals from crossing a border or falling off an edge of the corresponding structure. Railings also serve important aesthetic functions, delineating and defining the usable space of an area and/or providing views therethrough to make the space feel more open to the surrounding area.

Some railings may include illumination, such as lights disposed in or protruding from posts, balusters and other parts of the railing assembly.

Some materials, while suitably strong for use as railing balusters, such as wood, aluminum, steel, vinyl, composite or concrete, are opaque which tends to obstruct a view from a structure and are not capable of internal illumination.

Some materials, while also suitably strong for use as railing balusters, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, may also be light-transmissive to reduce obstruction of a view and be capable of internal illumination, but are too flexible to safely use as balusters without the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a railing assembly that includes a rail. The rail includes a beam defining a through-hole and a pocket-hole adjacent to and in line with the through-hole to define a ledge. The railing assembly also includes a baluster extending from within the pocket-hole, through the through-hole, and away from the beam in a direction opposite the ledge. The railing assembly also includes a baluster anchor which includes a retaining ring disposed around the baluster and configured to fit within the pocket-hole for engaging the ledge and thereby holding the baluster to the rail.

The present disclosure also provides a railing assembly that includes a rail. The rail includes a beam. The railing assembly also includes a plate of light-transmissive material extending in a plane adjacent the beam along substantially an entire length of the beam and configured to project light from an edge thereof. The railing assembly also includes one or more illumination sources disposed in the rail and configured to direct the light into the plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, the present invention will be described in detail in view of following embodiments. The present disclosure provides a railing assembly10that includes one or more railing sections12. The railing assembly10may be installed along a border or periphery of an elevated structure, such as a deck, porch, balcony, loft, or an elevated walkway.FIG.1shows a railing assembly10having only one railing section12that extends horizontally. However, the railing assembly10of the present disclosure may include any number of railing sections12. Furthermore, the railing sections12may have any orientation, including generally horizontal sections, as shown inFIG.1, vertical sections, and/or inclined sections for use with an inclined structure, such as a stairway or a ramp.

A railing section, such as12shown inFIG.1, may be mounted to a post20at each end thereof, with a top rail22and a bottom rail24extending horizontally therebetween. The top rail22is located above the bottom rail24and extends parallel to the bottom rail24and spaced apart therefrom. All or parts of the posts20, the top rail22, and the bottom rail24may be made of wood. Alternatively or additionally, the posts20, the top rail22, and/or the bottom rail24may include parts made of other materials, such as aluminum, steel, vinyl, plastic, a composite material, fiberboard, etc. and the size, configuration and thickness of corresponding structures, such as through-holes and/or pocket-holes in the rails22,24, may also vary accordingly.

The railing section12also includes a plurality of balusters26each extending vertically between the bottom rail24and the top rail22and spaced apart from one another at regular intervals. The balusters26may be made of light-transmissive material, such as acrylic, polycarbonate, or glass. The light-transmissive material may be translucent or transparent. In some embodiments, the light-transmissive material may be tinted one or more different colors. Alternatively, the light-transmissive material may be clear and/or white to transmit light therethrough without any change in the color of the light. Alternatively or additionally, some or all of the balusters26may be made of a non-light-transmissive material, such as an opaque acrylic or polycarbonate material. The balusters26may be spaced apart by 100 mm center-to-center. However, other spacing may be used including 4 inches on-center. The balusters26may each have a circular cross-section, with a diameter of three-quarters (¾) of an inch. However, the balusters26may have a different cross-sectional shape and/or a different size. The light-transmissive material, such as acrylic rod, may have some flexibility, which may limit their use in the balusters26, unless they are sufficiently supported and retained at the bottom rail24and/or the top rail22. When properly supported and retained, as provided in the present disclosure, a provided ¾ inch diameter baluster consisting of a flexible material such as acrylic rod can provide rigidity and strength sufficient to withstand load forces, such as for preventing a child from being able to climb or fall between the balusters26. The provided ¾ inch acrylic rod, being light-transmissive balusters, may also provide desirable characteristics, such as providing less obstructed view therethrough, and for providing illumination effects.

As shown in the cross-sectional view ofFIG.2, the top rail22includes a top beam30that defines a top through-hole32configured to receive one of the balusters26. The top beam30also defines a top pocket-hole34of greater diameter than the top through-hole32formed adjacent-to and in-line with the top through-hole32and located opposite from the bottom rail24to define a top ledge36that faces away from the bottom rail24. The top through-hole32and the top pocket-hole34may each have a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical shapes of the top through-hole32and the top pocket-hole34may be coaxial with one-another and coaxial with a corresponding one of the balusters26. However, either or both of the top through-hole32and/or the top pocket-hole34may have another shape. For example, if the baluster26had a non-circular cross-section, such as an oval or a rectangular shape, one or both of the top through-hole32and/or the top pocket-hole34may have a corresponding oval or rectangular shape. The one of the balusters26may extend though the top through-hole32and into the top pocket-hole34. An upper end27of the baluster26may be retained in the top pocket-hole34to prevent the baluster26from being pulled through the top through-hole32. This retention may be critical to ensure that a rod of relatively flexible material, such as some diameters of acrylic or polycarbonate, can provide the rigidity required of the baluster26. In some embodiments, a similar retaining structure may be provided in the bottom rail24or in each of the top rail22and the bottom rail24, and/or for each of the plurality of balusters26in the railing assembly10. However, for the sake of simplicity, a retaining structure is shown and described for retaining a single one of the balusters26to a top rail22.

As also shown inFIG.2, a top retaining ring40is disposed around the baluster26adjacent to the upper end27. The top retaining ring40may be spaced apart from the upper end27of the baluster26by a predetermined distance. The top retaining ring40may have a lower end that is positioned to be a preset distance, such as 0.25 inch from the upper end27of the baluster26. The top retaining ring40is configured to fit within the top pocket-hole34for engaging the top ledge36of the top pocket-hole34and thereby holding the baluster26to the top rail22, and preventing the upper end27of the baluster26from moving downwardly through the top through-hole32.

A top lateral support ring42is disposed around the baluster26and within the top pocket-hole34between the top retaining ring40and a corresponding end of the baluster26, i.e. the top end, and is configured to limit lateral movement of the corresponding end of the baluster26. By limiting lateral movement of the end of the baluster26, the top lateral support ring42may reduce flexibility and/or increase rigidity of the baluster26. The top lateral support ring42may oppose a lateral movement of the end of the baluster26caused by a lateral force applied to a central region of the baluster26, and which may be reacted by the top retaining ring40acting as a fulcrum. For example, the top lateral support ring42may counteract a bending force from a child or small animal trying to squeeze between two adjacent balusters26. The top lateral support ring42may be made of a rigid material such as metal or plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the top lateral support ring42may include a hardening adhesive material, such as polyurethane glue. Additionally or alternatively, the top lateral support ring42may further secure the baluster26with the top beam30. In some embodiments, the top lateral support ring42may extend around the top retaining ring40.

The top retaining ring40may be made of metal, such as spring steel. However, other materials may be used. The top retaining ring40, as shown inFIG.3A, includes an annular portion44and plurality of internal teeth46extending radially inwardly from the annular portion and configured to engage a peripheral wall of the baluster26. Each of the internal teeth46may have a generally rectangular shape, although other shapes may be used. The internal teeth46may be angled upwardly in order to pass over the upper end27of the baluster26and to bite into the peripheral wall to prevent the baluster26from pulling out of the top retaining ring thereby preventing the baluster26from pulling out of the top through-hole32. The top retaining ring40thereby holds the baluster26within the top pocket-hole34, as shown inFIG.3B.

Alternatively or additionally some embodiments, the bottom rail24may include one or more retaining structures (not shown in the FIGS.) configured to retain corresponding ones of the balusters26and to prevent the balusters26from pulling out of the bottom rail24. These retaining structures in the bottom rail24may be similar or identical to the retaining structures in the top rail22, described above. For example, the bottom rail24may define a second through-hole for receiving one of the balusters26. The second through-hole may be similar or identical to the top through-hole32in the top beam30. The bottom rail24may define a second pocket-hole adjacent to and in-line with the second through-hole and located opposite from the top rail22to define a second ledge facing away from the top rail22. This second pocket-hole and second ledge may be formed as a mirror-image of the top pocket-hole34and top ledge36in the top beam30. A second retaining ring (not shown in the FIGS.) may be disposed around the baluster26adjacent to a lower end thereof and configured to fit within the second pocket-hole for engaging the second ledge and thereby holding the baluster to the bottom rail. The second retaining ring may be similar or identical to the top retaining ring40.

A second, bottom lateral support ring (not shown in the FIGS.) may be disposed within the second pocket-hole around the baluster26to further secure the baluster26with the bottom rail24and/or to reduce flexibility and/or increase rigidity of the baluster26. The bottom lateral support ring may be similar or identical to the top lateral support ring42.

FIG.4shows a cut-away view of the top beam30of the railing assembly10. In an assembled configuration, this view of the top beam30may be covered by a top cap (not shown) that overlies the top beam30.FIG.4shows a plurality of the top pocket-holes34in a top face of the top beam30, with each of the top pocket-holes34aligned with a corresponding one of the balusters26protruding through the corresponding top through-hole32.

FIG.4also shows a groove50, which may also be called a dado or trough, cut in a top surface of the top beam30and extending along a length of the top beam30. The groove50is aligned with each of the balusters26. More specifically, the groove50runs along a centerline of the top beam30and intersects a center of each of the top pocket-holes34. An illumination source is disposed in the top rail22and is configured to direct light into the upper end27of each of the balusters26. Each of the balusters26may radiate the light from the illumination source along a length thereof. For example, the balusters26may appear to glow along the visible length between the top rail22and the bottom rail24. The color and/or intensity of the light radiated or projected from each of the balusters26may be predetermined and/or adjustable at any given time. Alternatively or additionally, the illumination source may be disposed in the bottom rail24and configured to direct light into a corresponding lower end of the baluster26. In some embodiments, the illumination source may provide white light. Alternatively or additionally, the illumination source may be configured to provide multi-colored light, or light that can be changed to different colors. In one example configuration, the top rail22may include a first illumination source configured to produce white light, and the bottom rail24may include a second illumination source configured to produce multi-colored light, and the balusters26may be illuminated by either or both the first and/or second illumination sources, or vice-versa.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.4, the illumination source includes a lighting strip52with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)54disposed thereupon. For example, the lighting strip52may include a substrate tape56that extends within the groove50along a length of the top rail22, to illuminate some or all of the balusters26. The illumination source may include other types of devices, such as incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, organic LED (OLED) devices, lasers, etc. The illumination source may include one or more lenses, mirrors, light pipes, optical fibers, etc. to direct and/or to focus the light to provide a desired effect. In some embodiments, the illumination source includes point sources, such as individual LEDs54on one or both of two opposite faces thereof. For example, the lighting strip52may include the LEDs54on a bottom surface and/or on a top surface thereof. The LEDs54may be embedded in the lighting strip52and spaced apart from one another along a length of the lighting strip52. In some embodiments, at least some of the LEDs54may be aligned with the regular intervals of the balusters26. For example, the illumination source may be configured with a corresponding one of the LEDs54aligned with the upper end27of each of the balusters26to produce and direct light directly into the upper ends27of the balusters26. Some or all of the LEDs54may be spaced apart by 100 mm on-center, corresponding to the spacing between the balusters26and/or have additional LEDs in the groove50between the balusters26. Such additional LEDs may be used for additional illumination effects. For example, the additional LEDs may illuminate a plate of light-transmissive material, described below.

FIG.5shows a cut-away view through a vertical plane extending through a centerline of the railing assembly10, including internal details of the top rail22. As shown inFIG.5, the top rail22includes the top beam30, with a top cap60overlying the top beam30and covering the lighting strip52. The lighting strip52may, therefore, not be directly visible to an observer viewing the railing assembly10.

In some embodiments, and as shown inFIG.5, a plate62of light-transmissive material, such as acrylic, polycarbonate or glass, is located between the top beam30and the top cap60and just above the lighting strip52. The light-transmissive material may be translucent or transparent. In some embodiments, the light-transmissive material may be tinted one or more different colors. Alternatively, the light-transmissive material may be clear and/or white to transmit light therethrough without any change in the color of the light. The plate62may be sandwiched between the top cap60and the top beam30and configured to project light outwardly along a length thereof. The plate62may have a thickness of 0.25 inch. However, the plate62may have a different thickness that may be larger than or smaller than 0.25 inch. The illumination source, such as the lighting strip52, may be configured to direct light into the plate62, thus providing an additional or alternative lighting effect. For example, the plate62may appear as a thin horizontal bar of light extending along the top rail22of the railing assembly10. In some embodiments, some of the LEDs54may be dedicated to illuminating the balusters26, while other ones of the LEDs54may be dedicated to illuminating the plate62and in some embodiments, some or all of the LEDs54may illuminate both the balusters26and the plate62. For example, the lighting strip52may include LEDs54mounted on each of two opposite faces, with the LEDs54mounted on one face configured to illuminate the balusters26, and with the LEDs54mounted on an opposite face configured to illuminate the plate62. In this way, the railing assembly10may be operated to include independently illuminating the balusters26and the plate62. The balusters26and the plate62may be set with different colors, brightness levels, etc.

The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the foregoing descriptions of the top rail and its embodiments is equally applicable to the bottom rail or to a railing assembly in which the rails are vertical and the balusters are horizontal.