HANDRAIL PARTICULARLY FOR HELICOIDAL STAIRCASES

Abstract: A handrail which, intended to connect the uprights of a spiral staircase, is formed in assembly with a bundle of strips (1,4,8,11,13,16,21,26,35,36,37) with low thickness and simply placed adjacent so as to easily curve them manually according to the helicoid passing through the uprights (2,5,9,12,14,20,25,30,32,34) already fixed to the staircase and the head whereof, shaped according to the transverse profile to be imposed to the bundle which rests thereon, allows the transverse perforation of the handrail and the subsequent fixing to the uprights with coupling means (3,7,10,15,18,23,28) adapted to keep the strips rigidly adjacent.

Description: The present invention relates to a handrail particularly for helicoidal staircases. Normally, the banisters of helicoidal staircases are constituted by vertical supporting elements (uprights) fixed to the steps and connected, at their head, by a continuous handrail suitably shaped according to the radius and the inclination of each staircase. This has hitherto made impossible the prefabrication of a wooden handrail, since even helicoidal staircases with prefabricated composable elements allow a certain variability in the rise and in the step of the steps, the arrangement whereof is therefore adapted to the specific requirements of each individual installation. In lower-quality spiral staircases, such as iron ones, the handrail is formed with an extruded profiled element in plastic material the flexibility whereof allows its easy adaptation while assembling the staircase,while instead, if a similar handrail is to be provided in wood, assembling times and costs are considerably higher. In fact the wooden helicoidal handrail is formed by glueing wooden strips kept locked together for the time required for drying by adapted clamps. Subsequently, expert craftsmen execute the shaping according to the required profile, prepare the mortises for the uprights coupling and finally perform the finishing treatments, such as painting, polishing, lacquering or others. This mode of operation, qualitatively appreciable but onerous, obviously contrasts with what should be a prefabricated composable staircase: a structure completely composed of mass-produced elements assemblable during installation with simple operations of adjustment and assembly. US-A-3,879,026 teaches a universal work holder or jig for manufacturing curved supports and railings and the like from a plurality of associated laminas, and supports made thereby, as defined in the precharacterizing part of claim 1 and 15. Each support is in the form of a helix for use in a spiral stairway. Pairs of approximately dimensioned helical supporting units are used to carry the individual stair treads and other appropriately dimensioned helical units may he used with the stairs as inner and outer rails carried by the balusters mounted on the tread supporting units. However, the universal work holder or jig known from US-A-3,879,026 cannot he used to form the handrail of a helicoidal staircase during installation of such helicoidal staircase, because the conventional centre post of the helicoidal staircase would prevent the universal workholder from being positioned for formation of the handrail. Accordingly, an aim of the invention is to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks encountered in the known handrails for helicoidal staircases. According to one aspect of the invention, this aim is achieved by a method of manufacturing a handrail as defined in the characterizing part of claim 1. According to another aspect of the invention, this aim is achieved by the handrail as defined in the characterizing part of claim 15. Indeed to eliminate the above described limitations, the present invention proposes a new type of handrail to be formed with a bundle of strips, having adequate length and low thickness, which are curved manually in assembly during their fixing to the uprights of the banister. Moreover, the head of the uprights is shaped according to the transverse profile to be imposed to the bundle of strips which rests thereon during the execution of holes to be provided with a drill in alignment with holes of the uprights, to allow the insertion therein of adapted screw means by means of which the bundle of strips is fastened and fixed to the uprights. The face-to-face fastening of the strips provides the handrail with the required solidity, while offsets in the packing allow to obviate, in an aesthetically appreciable manner, the difficulties of a perfect alignment of all the strips when the bundle is subject to the combined stresses of helicoidal curving. It must he added that, even by providing the alignment of the edges during the perforation for assembly, this alignment would have in any case an interim nature due to the differentiated shrinkages of the strips arranged side to side to form a handrail. Once the helicoidal curvature of the strips has been performed, it is sufficient to intervene with a saw at one or both ends of the handrail so that they precisely reach the adapted seats or the simple recesses of the two staircase-head uprights. Further details will become apparent from the description of some embodiments, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings, wherein figures 1 to 16 show, for each example, a lateral view of the coupling of the handrail with one of the intermediate uprights and a transverse cross section referring to the preceding figure. Figures 17-20 are cross-sectioned views of four different handrails according to another aspect of the invention. The example of figures 1 and 2 illustrates a handrail formed by a bundle of wood strips 1 identical to one another and symmetrically offset in height since they repeat the inner profile of the fork-like head of the upright 2. The screw coupling element 3 is provided with heads with a hexagonal recess which, though trapped in the appropriate holes of the upright, only perform the locking of the strips. In the example of figures 3 and 4 the handrail, formed by the bundle of strips 4, is fixed to the upright 5 by means of a screw coupling element 7 the heads whereof, with a hexagonal recess, act lockingly on the upright and on the removable insert 6. The example of figures 5 and 6 illustrates a split handrail the strips 8 whereof are divided into two specularly identical groups locked by the screw means 10 against the two outer faces of the upright 9, suitably narrowed, in the region affected by the coupling, with a step-like pattern which determines the offset of the strips. If required, in order to further stiffen the handrail, simple spacers, to be interposed and fixed to the two groups of strips, are used. In all the uprights described up to now, the offset of the strips of the handrail is determined by their resting on the shaped profile preset, inside or outside said uprights, according to the required offset and to the inclination of the staircase. Though the inclination set on the uprights does not condition in any way the one adopted in each case for the handrail, the solution of figures 7 and 8, illustrating the strips 11 of the handrail inserted and fixed to the head of the upright 12, the offsetting profile whereof has a convex curvilinear pattern, may be preferable, most of all for the aesthetical aspect. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the strips 13 of the handrail fastened and fixed, by the screw means 15, against a depressed region of the upright 14 downwardly delimited by as many concentric curved steps as there are strips to be offset. Said steps then continue along the upright, lightening its cross section and making the combination with the handrail more harmonious. The example of figures 11 and 12 illustrates a handrail formed by the bundle of offset strips 16, tangentially resting in the steps provided in the rounded end of the upright 20 at the center whereof a hole is provided for the screw means 19 which pivot the two lateral blocks 17 which lock, by virtue of the screw means 18, the bundle of strips 16. The example of figures 13 and 14 illustrates a handrail formed by the bundle of offset strips 21 inserted and locked, by means of the screw means 23, in the element 22 which also couples astride the rounded head of the upright 25 in which it is pivoted by the screw means 24. The example of figures 15 and 16 illustrates a split handrail the strips 26 whereof are divided into two specularly identical groups locked, by virtue of the screw means 28, to the two sides of the element 27 suitably shaped so as to effect the offset of the strips and also to be coupled fork-wise to the rounded head of the upright 30 where it is pivoted by the screw means 29. As for other split handrails, also in this case spacers, to be interposed and fixed to the two groups of strips, can be used if required. Since the illustrated and described examples show only some of the different possible embodiments, the invention must therefore be understood to extend also to all those modifications and variations not illustrated but equally comprised within the scope of the invention as specified by the appended claims. It is convenient to consider, among the possible variations of the invention, also the possible use of removable shaped elements which, alternately to the shaped resting in the uprights, would determine the offset of the strips during perforation and insertion of the screw coupling means. Finally the possible combination is not excluded of the wooden strips with other ones in plastic or in other suitable material, to be interposed among the first ones, to give greater consistency to the bundle-handrail or, more simply, to achieve an aesthetical characterization. The offset of the strips can also be obtained by using strips 37 of different height resting on a substantially planar resting region 31 of the upright 32 as illustrated in figures 17,19 and 20, or on a substantially concave resting region 33 of the upright 34 as illustrated in figure 18. In figure 19 a handrail is shown having the strips 35 of different height, the tops whereof are shaped so that the higher strips overlap the lower ones; this way, if the strips are not perfectly side to side, the overlapping conceals the imperfection occurred in assembling. Figure 20 shows a different way of overlapping the tops of the strips 36, the inner strips 36b having dents housing corresponding projections of adjacent strips 36a; the strips 36b also have projections engaging corresponding dents formed in the central strip 36c.

Claims: Method of manufacturing a handrail particularly for helicoidal staircases comprising the steps of; providing a plurality of manually bendable strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) having a length not shorter than the extension of the entire helicoid of said staircase, arranging the strips adjacent face to face and manually bending them into a helicoidal shape, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of providing banister uprights (2, 5, 9, 12, 14, 20, 25, 30, 32, 34), forming seats (31, 33) in said bannister uprights, - accommodating the manually bent strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) in said seats, perforating said strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) for insertion of coupling means (3, 7, 10, 15, 18, 23, 28) therein, whereby to lock and fix said plurality of strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) in said seats (31, 33). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of forming a profile in said seat, and resting said strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) on said profile of said seat (31, 33), whereby to impart an offset configuration to said strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing on each of said banister uprights (2, 12, 25, 32, 34) a fork-like head, providing said seat between said fork-like head, forming holes in said fork-like head, passing said screw coupling means (3) through said holes formed through said fork-like heads of said bannister uprights for engaging the outermost strips of said plurality of strips (1, 11, 21, 35, 36, 37). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing a removable insert (6), retaining said strips (4) in each of said seats between an upper lateral portion of the bannister upright (5) and said removable insert (6), said coupling means (7) having heads engaging said upper lateral portion of said bannister upright (5) and said removable insert (6) for clamping said strips (4) therebetween. Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claim 2, characterized in that said seats are defined on outer faces of said bannister uprights, and in that it further comprises the steps of; dividing said plurality of strips (8)into two groups, and locking said bannister upright (9) between said two groups of strips (8) with said coupling means (10). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises the step of imparting to said profile defined by said seat, a curvilinear convex pattern, suitable for any inclination of the handrail, whereby to impart a cross-sectional convex configuration to said strips (1, 11, 21, 37). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; locking and fixing the strips (13), with the screw coupling means (15), against a depressed region of the upright (14), downwardly delimiting the depressed region by forming a succession of curved and concentrical steps, and dimensioning the steps according to the thickness of the strips which rest thereon and according to the offset to be provided. Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing on the bannister upright (20), a rounded end having steps formed thereon, resting the strips (16) on said steps, providing two lateral blocks (17) and pivoting them to said upright (20), rigidly associating and locking said bundle of strips (16) between said two lateral blocks with said screw coupling means (18). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing a rounded head on the bannister upright (25), positioning an element (22) astride the bannister upright and pivotally connecting it thereto, inserting the strips (21) in an offset configuration into the element (22), locking the strips (22) in the element (22) by means of the screw means (23). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; dividing the strips (26) into two groups, providing a fork-like head on the bannister upright (30), providing an element (27) shaped to position the strips (26) in an offset configuration and also to be pivotally coupled in the fork-like head of the upright (30), fastening the strips (26) to the two sides of element (27) with the screw coupling means (28). Method of manufacturing a handrail according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing shaped elements, applying said shaped elements temporarily to said strips and arranging said strips so as to have marked offsets determined by shaped elements, removing said shaped elements upon fixing said strips to said uprights. Method of manufacturing a handrail according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises providing strips (37) having different heights, and forming a seat (31) with a substantially rectangular section. Method of manufacturing a handrail according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing shaped edges on said strips (35), and overlapping adjacent strips with said shaped edges when assembling said handrail. Method of manufacturing a handrail according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of; providing longitudinal dents in the upper edges of said strips (36b, c), providing corresponding projections on strips (36a, b) adjacent to said longitudinal dents, housing the projections in adjacent dents when assembling said handrail. Handrail particularly for helicoidal staircases comprising a plurality of manually bendable strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) having a length not shorter than the extension of the entire helicoid of said staircase and being arranged adjacent face to face, characterized in that it further comprises bannister uprights (2, 5, 9, 12, 14, 20, 25, 30, 32, 34) defining seats (31, 33) accommodating said manually bendable strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37), said strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) having been perforated for insertion of coupling means (3, 7, 10, 15, 18, 23, 28) locking and fixing said plurality of strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) in said seats (31, 33), whereby said manually bendable strips can be retained in a curved condition in said seats during assembly of a helicoidal staircase. Handrail according to claim 15, characterized in that said seat defines a profile, said strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) resting on said profile of said seat (31, 33) and defining an offset configuration, said offset configuration being imparted to said strips (1, 4, 8, 11, 13, 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, 37) by said profile of said seat (31, 33). Handrail according to claim 16, characterized in that said banister uprights (2, 12, 25, 32, 34) each have a fork-like head, said seat being provided inside said fork-like head, said fork-like head transversely delimiting said profile and having holes formed therein, said screw coupling means (3) passing through said holes formed through said fork-like heads of said bannister uprights and engaging the outermost strips of said plurality of strips (1, 11, 21, 35, 36, 37). Handrail according to claims 15 or 16, characterized in that it further comprises a removable insert (6), said strips (4) being retained in each of said seats between an upper lateral portion of the bannister upright (5) and said removable insert (6), said coupling means (7) having heads engaging said upper lateral portion of said bannister upright (5) and said removable insert (6) for clamping said strips (4) therebetween. Handrail according to claim 16, characterized in that said seats are defined on outer faces of said bannister uprights, and in that said plurality of strips (8) is divided into two groups, said coupling means (10) locking the bannister upright (9) between said two groups of strips (8). Handrail according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that said profile defined by said seat has a curvilinear convex pattern, suitable for any inclination of the handrail for imparting a cross-sectional convex configuration to said strips (1, 11, 21, 37). Handrail according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the strips (13) are locked and fixed, with the screw coupling means (15), against a depressed region of the upright (14) downwardly delimited by a succession of curved and concentrical steps dimensioned according to the thickness of the strips which rest thereon and according to the offset to be provided. Handrail according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the strips (16) rest, on steps formed at a rounded end of the upright (20), two lateral blocks (17) being pivoted to said upright (20), said screw coupling means (18) rigidly associating and locking said bundle of strips (16) between said two lateral blocks. Handrail according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the strips (21) are inserted and offset, as well as locked by means of the screw coupling means (23), in an element (22) which also couples astride to the rounded head of the upright (25) to which it is pivoted. Handrail according to claims 15 and 16, characterized in that the strips (26), divided into two groups, are fastened, by the screw coupling means (28), to the two sides of an element (27) shaped to effect the offset of the strips and also to he coupled to the fork-like head of the upright (30) to which it is pivoted. Handrail according to claim 15, characterized in that said strips are arranged so as to have marked offsets determined by shaped elements applicable temporarily to the bundle of said strips and removable upon fixing said strips to said uprights. Handrail according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strips (37) have different heights, and in that said seat (31) has a substantially rectangular section. Handrail according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strips (35) have shaped edges overlapping the adjacent strips when assembled. Handrail according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said strips (36b, c) have longitudinal dents at their tops adapted to house corresponding projections, formed in said strips (36a, b) when assembled.

Inventors: TALENTI, RINO
Applicants: TALENTI, RINO
Application year: 1987
Main classification: E04F11
IPC codes: B27M3, E04F11