Patent Publication Number: US-2023160229-A1

Title: Railing systems and brackets for same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to railing systems, and in particular, to brackets for use with railing systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Railing systems for any number of outdoor applications are well known. For example, residential decks, pool decks, and playgrounds all utilize any number of conventional railing systems. Such railing systems typically comprise top and bottom longitudinal rails, with a number of vertical pickets spanning between the rails. 
     Brackets are typically used to connect the rails to the posts. For example, the post may comprise surfaces on opposite faces on which the brackets may be attached. This would generally be appropriate when the rails that are attached to the post are colinear with each other. However, when the railing system involves rails and posts that are not aligned either colinearly (or orthogonally) to each other, it may be difficult to securely attach the rails to the posts using conventional brackets. For example, when two rail extends from the post at an angle to each other, the brackets used to connect the rails to the post may need to account for the angularity of the rails. Because the angle may differ from case to case, different brackets with different, predetermined angles may be used. However, where the actual angle of the rails and the post does not match one the predetermined angles, the fit between the post, the bracket, and the rails may not be ideal. 
     Therefore, it is desirable for an improved railing system for use with rails that extend from posts at different angles. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment of the invention, a railing comprises first and second rails, one or more posts, a first bracket connecting the first rail to one of the posts, and a second bracket connecting the second rail to one of the posts. Each of the posts comprises a post surface. The first bracket comprises a first plate, a first pivot member, a first receiving portion, and a first base. The first plate is adapted to be attached to the post surface. The first pivot member extends from and is attached to the first plate. The first pivot member comprises first upper and lower surfaces, with the first upper surface comprising a first upper opening and the first lower surface comprising a first lower opening. The first upper opening and the first lower opening are aligned. The first receiving portion is adapted to receive one end of the first rail, with the first receiving portion comprising first sidewalls and a first cover. The first cover comprises a first cover protrusion adapted to engage with the first upper opening. The first base is connected to the first receiving portion, with the first base comprising a first base protrusion adapted to engage with the first lower opening. The first receiving portion and the first base are adapted to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the first pivot member to adjust a first angle between the first rail and the post surface. The second bracket comprises a second plate, a second pivot member, a second receiving portion, and a pin. The second plate is adapted to be attached to the post surface. The second pivot member extends from and is attached to the second plate. The second pivot member comprises second upper and lower surfaces, with the second upper surface comprising a second upper opening and the second lower surface comprising a second lower opening. The second receiving portion is adapted to receive one end of the second rail. The second receiving portion comprises second sidewalls, a second cover, and a second base. The second cover comprises a second cover opening and the second base comprises a second base opening. The second cover opening, the second upper opening, the second base opening, and the second lower opening are substantially aligned. The pin extends through the second cover opening, the second upper opening, the second base opening, and the second lower opening. The second receiving portion is adapted to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the second pivot member to adjust a second angle between the second rail and the post surface. 
     In another embodiment, the first plate comprises one or more first plate openings adapted to receive first post fasteners therethrough for attaching the first plate to the post surface. 
     In yet another embodiment, the second plate comprises one or more second plate openings adapted to receive second post fasteners therethrough for attaching the second plate to the post surface. 
     In a further embodiment, the first upper opening and the first lower opening are circular in shape. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the second cover opening, the second upper opening, the second base opening, and the second lower opening are circular in shape. 
     In yet another embodiment, the first cover protrusion extends downwardly and fits within the first upper opening. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the first base protrusion extends upwardly and fits within the first lower opening. 
     In another embodiment, each of the first sidewalls comprise two sidewall portions, with the two sidewall portions angled with respect to each other. 
     In yet another embodiment, the first receiving portion further comprises first lower members extending from the first sidewalls, with the first lower members comprising first lower member openings adapted to receive first rail fasteners therethrough for attaching the first receiving member to the first rail. 
     In still yet another embodiment, the first receiving portion further comprises a first support portion extending between the first lower members. 
     In a further embodiment, the first base is connected to the first support portion. 
     In still a further embodiment, the first sidewalls, the first cover, and the first lower members are adapted to receive the one end of the first rail. 
     In still yet a further embodiment, the first pivot member comprises a first channel extending therethrough, with the first channel providing access to at least one of the first plate openings. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the second receiving portion further comprises a second lower member, with the second sidewalls and the second lower member adapted to receive the one end of the second rail. 
     In still a further embodiment, the second receiving portion further comprises a wall, with the wall extending substantially perpendicularly to the second sidewalls and with the wall extending between the second base and the second lower member. 
     In still yet a further embodiment, the second pivot member comprises a second channel extending therethrough, with the second channel providing access to at least one of the second plate openings. 
     In a further embodiment, the wall comprises a wall opening, with the wall opening being at least partially aligned with the second channel to provide access to at least one of the second plate openings. 
     In still a further embodiment, the first angle and the second angle are substantially similar. 
     In another embodiment, a bracket is provided for connecting a rail to a post surface. The bracket comprises a plate, a pivot member, a receiving portion, and a base. The plate is adapted to be attached to the post surface. The pivot member extends from and is attached to the plate, with the pivot member comprising upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface comprises an upper opening and the lower surface comprises a lower opening. The upper opening and the lower opening are aligned. The receiving portion is adapted to receive the rail, with the receiving portion comprising sidewalls and a cover. The cover comprises a cover protrusion adapted to engage with the upper opening. The base is connected to the receiving portion, with the base comprising a base protrusion adapted to engage with the lower opening. 
     The receiving portion and the base are adapted to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member to adjust an angle between the rail and the post surface. 
     In still another embodiment, a bracket is provided for connecting a rail to a post surface. The bracket comprises a plate, a pivot member, a receiving portion, and a pin. The plate is adapted to be attached to the post surface. The pivot member extends from and is attached to the plate, with the pivot member comprising upper and lower surfaces. The upper surface comprises an upper opening and the lower surface comprises a lower opening. The receiving portion is adapted to receive the rail, with the receiving portion comprising sidewalls, a cover, and a base. The cover comprises a cover opening and the base comprises a base opening. The cover opening, the upper opening, the base opening, and the lower opening are substantially aligned. The pin extends through the cover opening, the upper opening, the base opening, and the lower opening. The receiving portion is adapted to pivot about a longitudinal axis of the pivot member to adjust an angle between the rail and the post surface. 
     The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof, in which: 
         FIG.  1    shows the railing system in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a magnified view of a portion of the railing system of  FIG.  1   , depicting, among other things, the first bracket; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of the portion of the railing system shown in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the first bracket of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5    is another perspective view of the first bracket of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a front view of the first post attachment portion of the first bracket; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the first post attachment portion of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is another perspective view of the first post attachment portion of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a front view of the first receiving portion and the first base of the first bracket; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of the first receiving portion and the first base of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is another perspective view of the first receiving portion and the first base of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an exploded view of the first bracket; 
         FIG.  13    is a magnified view of a portion of the railing system of  FIG.  1   , depicting, among other things, the second bracket; 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded view of the portion of the railing system shown in  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a perspective view of the second bracket of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    is another perspective view of the second bracket of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a front view of the second post attachment portion of the second bracket; 
         FIG.  18    is a perspective view of the second post attachment portion of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    is another perspective view of the second post attachment portion of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a perspective view of the second receiving portion of the second bracket; 
         FIG.  21    is another perspective view of the second receiving portion of  FIG.  20   ; 
         FIG.  22    is yet another perspective view of the second receiving portion of  FIG.  20   ; and 
         FIG.  23    is an exploded view of the second bracket. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a railing system  10  in accordance with the present invention is generally shown. The railing system  10  comprises an elongated first rail  12 , an elongated second rail  14 , and a plurality of pickets  16  extending between the first rail  12  and the second rail  14 . The first and second rails  12 ,  14  are attached to a post  18  using first and second brackets  20 ,  22 , respectively. The post  18  is preferably oriented substantially vertically and may be secured to a surface  24  using a post base  26 . The post  18  comprises a post surface  19  for engaging with the first and second brackets  20 ,  22 . 
     The pickets  16  are placed substantially parallel to each other in a spaced arrangement. Preferably, the first and second rails  12 ,  14  are substantially parallel to each other. The first rail  12  may comprise a contoured first rail surface  28  that is adapted for gripping by the user. The first and second rails  12 ,  14  comprise rail ends  30  that engage with the first and second brackets  20 ,  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  2  to  12   , the first bracket  20  comprises a first receiving portion  32  adapted to receive and engage one of the rail ends  30  of the first rail  12 . The first bracket  20  also comprises a first post attachment portion  34  adapted to be attached to the post  18 . The first post attachment portion  34  comprises a first plate  36  that engages with the post surface  19 . The first plate  36  preferably comprises one or more first plate openings  38  that are adapted to receive first post fasteners  40  therethrough for securing the first bracket  20  to the post surface  19 . The post surface  19  may comprise one or more post openings  42  that are aligned with the first plate openings  38  and that are also adapted to receive the first post fasteners  40  therethrough. The first post fasteners  40  may comprise bolts, screws, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6  to  8   , the first post attachment portion  34  also comprises a first pivot member  44  extending from the first plate  36 . Preferably, the first pivot member  44  is rigidly attached to the first plate  36 . The first pivot member  44  may be generally tubular in shape and comprises first upper and first lower surfaces  46 ,  48 . A first upper opening  50  is formed on the first upper surface  46 , while a first lower opening  52  is formed on the first lower surface  48 . The first upper and lower openings  50 ,  52  are preferably substantially circular in shape and are preferably aligned with each other. The first pivot member  44  provides a base from which the first receiving portion  32  may pivot with respect to the first post attachment portion  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  9  to  11   , the first receiving portion  32  comprises a pair of first sidewalls  54 , with each of the first sidewalls  54  comprising first upper and lower edges  56 ,  58 . The first receiving portion  32  further comprises a first cover  60  preferably extending between the first upper edges  56  of the first sidewalls  54 . The first receiving portion  32  also comprises first lower members  62  that extend inwardly from the first lower edges  58  of the first sidewalls  54 . The first sidewalls  54 , the first cover  60 , and the first lower members  62  generally define a configuration that corresponds to and engages with one of the rail ends  30  of the first rail  12 . In particular, the rail end  30  of the first rail  12  may be inserted, at least partially, within the first receiving portion  32 . 
     In one embodiment, the first sidewalls  54  may angle inwards, as best shown in  FIG.  10   . In this embodiment, each of the first sidewalls  54  comprises first sidewall portions  64   a,    64   b  that are angled with respect to each other. The first sidewall portions  64   a  are substantially parallel to each other and the first sidewall portions  64   b  are angled inwardly (towards the first pivot member  44 ). As shown in  FIG.  9   , although the sidewall portions  64   b  are angled inwardly towards each other, the sidewall portions  64   b  do not meet, instead preferably leaving a gap between them. 
     The first cover  60  comprises a downwardly extending first cover protrusion  66  that is adapted to fit within the first upper opening  50  of the first pivot member  44 . Preferably, the first cover protrusion  66  is generally circular in cross-section. This allows the first cover protrusion  66  to rotate within the first upper opening  50 , thereby allowing the first receiving portion  32  to pivot with respect to the first pivot member  44  (in directions A and B). Furthermore, the angle between the first receiving portion  32  and the first pivot member  44  can be adjusted (e.g. through the pivoting movement) such that the first rail  12  (when inserted into the first receiving portion  32 ) does not necessarily need to be perpendicular to the post surface  19 . This allows for greater flexibility when installing the first rail  12  into the railing system  10 . In one embodiment, the angle that the first rail  12  forms with the post surface  19  may be up to 45 degrees away from perpendicular. 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , the first receiving portion  32  may comprise a first support portion  68  extending between the first lower members  62 . The first receiving portion  32  may also comprise first flanges  70  that extend downwardly from the first lower members  62 . At least a portion of the first flanges  70  may also contact the first support portion  68 . 
     The first bracket  20  also comprises a first base  72  that is preferably attached to the first support portion  68 . For example, the first support portion  68  preferably comprises one or more first support openings  71  that are adapted to receive support fasteners  69  therethrough for securing the first base  72  to the first support portion  68 . The first base  72  comprises first base openings  73  that are aligned with the first support openings  71 . The first base openings  73  are also adapted to receive the support fasteners  69  therethrough. The support fasteners  69  may comprise screws, bolts, or the like. 
     The first base  72  preferably extends beyond the first support portion  68  such that at least a portion of the first base  72  engages the first pivot member  44 . Preferably, the first base  72  comprises an upwardly extending first base protrusion  74  that is adapted to fit within the first lower opening  52  of the first pivot member  44 . Preferably, the first base protrusion  74  is generally circular in cross-section. This allows the first base protrusion  74  to rotate within the first lower opening  52 . The rotation of the first cover protrusion  66  and the first base protrusion  74  within the first upper opening  50  and the first lower opening  52 , respectively, allows the first receiving portion  32  to pivot with respect to the first pivot member  44  (in directions A and B). 
     Referring to  FIG.  5   , the first base  72  is able to pivot with respect to the first pivot member  44 . In order to facilitate this pivoting movement, the first base  72  preferably comprises a first base end  80  that is curved. In addition, the first plate  36  preferably comprises a first indent  82  (best seen in  FIG.  8   ) to accommodate the first base end  80 . Preferably, the first indent  82  is also curved such that when the first base  72  pivots with respect to the first pivot member  44 , the first base end  80  is able to rotate within the first indent  82 . 
     The engagement (and rotation) of the first cover protrusion  66  within the first upper opening  50  and the engagement of the first base protrusion  74  within the first lower opening  52  allow the first sidewalls  54  (and consequently the first receiving portion  32 ) to pivot about a longitudinal axis (defined by the line formed between the first upper opening  50  and the first lower opening  52 ) of the first pivot member  44 . This pivoting of the first receiving portion  32  about the longitudinal axis of the first pivot member  44  allows the first receiving portion  32  to receive and engage the rail end  30  of the first rail  12  even if the first rail  12  meets the post surface  19  at an angle other than perpendicular. 
     Preferably, the first pivot member  44  comprises a first channel  76  that extends through the first pivot member  44  for at least a portion of the width and at least a portion of the height of the first pivot member  44 . The first channel  76  allows for access to at least some of the first plate openings  38  so that the first plate  36  may be attached to the post surface  19  using the first post fasteners  40 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , the first support portion  68  preferably comprises a first support upper surface  78  that is contoured so as to not block access to the first channel  76  when the first receiving portion  32  is attached to the first pivot member  44 . 
     The first lower members  62  preferably comprises one or more first lower member openings  84  that are adapted to receive first rail fasteners  86  therethrough for securing the first rail  12  to the first receiving portion  32 . The first rail fasteners  86  may comprise bolts, screws, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13  to  23   , the second bracket  22  comprises a second receiving portion  90  adapted to receiving and engage one of the rail ends  30  of the second rail  14 . The second bracket  22  also comprises a second post attachment portion  92  adapted to be attached to the post  18 . The second post attachment portion  92  comprises a second plate  94  that engages with the post surface  19 . The second plate  94  preferably comprises one or more second plate openings  96  that are adapted to receive second post fasteners  98  therethrough for securing the second bracket  22  to the post surface  19 . The post surface  19  may comprise post openings  42  that are aligned with the second plate openings  96  and that are also adapted to receive the second post fasteners  98  therethrough. The second post fasteners  98  may comprise bolts, screws, or the like. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  17  to  19   , the second post attachment portion  90  also comprises a second pivot member  100  extending from the second plate  94 . Preferably, the second pivot member  100  is rigidly attached to the second plate  94 . The second pivot member  100  may be generally tubular in shape and comprises second upper and lower surfaces  102 ,  104 . A second upper opening  106  is formed on the second upper surface  102 , while a second lower opening  108  is formed on the second lower surface  104 . The second upper and lower openings  106 ,  108  are preferably substantially circular in shape and are preferably aligned with each other. The second pivot member  100  provides a base from which the second receiving portion  90  may pivot with respect to the second post attachment portion  92  (in directions A and B). Furthermore, the angle between the second receiving portion  90  and the second pivot member  100  can be adjusted (e.g. through the pivoting movement) such that the second rail  14  (when inserted into the second receiving portion  90 ) does not necessarily need to be perpendicular to the post surface  19 . This allows for greater flexibility when installing the second rail  14  into the railing system  10 . In one embodiment, the angle that the second rail  14  forms with the post surface  19  may be up to 45 degrees away from perpendicular. 
     Preferably, the angle formed between the first rail  12  and the post surface  19  is the same as the angle formed between the second rail  14  and the post surface  19 , such that the first and second rails  12 ,  14  extend substantially parallel to each other. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20  to  22   , the second receiving portion  90  comprises a pair of second sidewalls  110 , each of the second sidewalls comprising a second lower edge  114  and a pair of second lateral edges  122 . The second receiving portion  90  further comprises a second lower member  112  extending between the second lower edges  114  of the second sidewalls  110 . The second sidewalls  110  and the second lower member  112  generally define a configuration that corresponds to and engages with one of the rail ends  30  of the second rail  14 . In particular, the rail end  30  of the second rail  14  may be inserted, at least partially, within the second receiving portion  90 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  20   , the second lower member  112  comprises a curvature  118  that generally extends upward. The curvature  118  may be used to provide some support for the rail end  30  of the second rail  14 . 
     The second receiving portion  90  further comprises a second cover  116  that extends between at least a portion of the second sidewalls  110 . In addition, the second receiving portion  90  may comprise a wall  120  extending between the second sidewalls  110 . The wall  120  preferably extends substantially perpendicularly from the second sidewalls  110  somewhere between the second lateral edges  122  of the second sidewalls  110 . Preferably, the second lower member  112  extends between the second sidewalls  110  from one of the second lateral edges  122  to the wall  120 . Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  20   , the second cover  116  extends between the second sidewalls  110  from the wall  120  towards and beyond the other one of the second lateral edges  122 . In other words, the second cover  116  preferably extends beyond the second sidewalls  110 . However, it is understood that it is also possible for the second cover  116  to extend on both sides of the wall  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  21   , the second receiving portion  90  further comprises a second base  124 . Preferably, the second base  124  extends between the second sidewalls  110  away from the wall  120  (in the opposite direction as the second lower member  112 ). The second base  124  may extend beyond the second sidewalls  110 . 
     The second cover  116  comprises a second cover opening  126 , while the second base  124  comprises a second base opening  128 . Preferably, the second cover opening  126  and the second base opening  128  are substantially circular. The second cover opening  126 , the second upper opening  106 , the second lower opening  108 , and the second base opening  128  are preferably aligned, such that a pin  130  is able to extend therethrough. The engagement of the pin  130  through the second cover opening  126 , the second upper opening  106 , the second lower opening  108 , and the second base opening  128  allow the second receiving portion  90  to pivot about a longitudinal axis (defined by the line formed between the second upper opening  106  and the second lower opening  108 ) of the second pivot member  100 . This pivoting of the second receiving portion  90  about the longitudinal axis of the second pivot member  100  allows the second receiving portion  90  to receive and engage the rail end  30  of the second rail  14  even if the second rail  14  meets the post surface  19  at an angle other than perpendicular. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  17  to  19   , the pin  130  is a threaded screw. A nut  132  may also be used in conjunction with the pin  130  in order to secure the pin  130  in place within the second bracket  22 . For example, the pin  130  may be inserted through the second cover opening  126 , the second upper opening  106 , the second lower opening  108 , and the second base opening  128  through the top, with the nut  132  being inserted onto the pin  130  from the bottom afterwards. The nut  132  will therefore engage the second base  124  and when further tightened, will secure the pin  130  in place and may assist in preventing further pivoting of the second receiving portion  90  with respect to the second pivot member  100 . 
     Preferably, the second pivot member  100  comprises a second channel  134  that extends through the second pivot member  100  for at least a portion of the width and at least a portion of the height of the second pivot member  100 . The second channel  134  allows for access to at least some of the second plate openings  96  so that the second plate  94  may be attached to the post surface  19  using the second post fasteners  98 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the second base  124  comprises a raised base upper surface  136  and a base side surface extending generally downwardly for at least a portion of the base upper surface  136 . The second base opening  128  is formed on the base upper surface  136 , with the second base opening  128  leading to a base passageway  140  generally defined by a passageway wall  142 . The passageway wall  142  extends generally downwardly from the base upper surface  136 . The passageway wall  142  provides for additional strength and rigidity to the second receiving portion  90  while it is pivoting about the second pivot member  100 . Similarly, the second cover  116  may have a thickness greater than that of the second sidewalls  110 , again to provide for additional strength and rigidity to the second receiving portion  90  while pivoting about the second pivoting member  100 . 
     The wall  120  may comprise a wall opening  144  that is at least partially aligned with the second channel to allow for access to at least some of the second plate openings  96 . 
     The second sidewalls  110  preferably comprises one or more second sidewall openings  146  that are adapted to receive second rail fasteners  148  therethrough for securing the second rail  14  to the second receiving portion  90 . The second rail fasteners  148  may comprise bolts, screws, or the like. 
     Assembly of the railing system  10  will now be described. Two of the posts  18  are attached to the surface  24  through the respective post bases  26 . The first post attachment portions  34  are attached to the post surfaces  19  using the first post fasteners  40 . The first receiving portions  32  are then fitted over the rail ends  30  of the first rail  12 . The first rail  12  is pushed into each of the first receiving portion  32  until the rail end  30  contacts the first sidewall portions  64   b.  Using the first rail fasteners  86 , the first rail  12  is secured to both of the first receiving portions  32 . The first cover protrusions  66  of each of the first receiving portions  32  are then inserted into the first upper openings  50  of the first pivot members  44 . Because of the pivotability of the first receiving portion  32  with respect to the first pivot member  44 , the first rail  12  does not necessarily have to be at 90 degrees to the post surface  19 . The first base protrusions  74  are inserted into the first lower openings  52 , and the first base openings  73  are aligned with the first support openings  71  (for each of the first brackets  20 ). The first bases  72  are then secured to the first support portions  68  using the support fasteners  69 . Because of the pivotability of the first receiving portion  34  with respect to the first post attachment portion  34 , a variety of angles between the first rail  12  and the post surface  19  may be accommodated. 
     For the second rail  14 , the second post attachment portions  92  are attached to the post surfaces  19  for each of the posts  18 . The second receiving portions  90  are inserted over each of the rail ends  30  of the second rail  14 , until the rail ends  30  contact the walls  120 . Each of the second receiving portions  90  are then aligned with one of the second post attachment portions  92 . The pins  130  are then inserted, thereby securing the second post attachment portions  92  to the second receiving portions  90 . Similarly, because of the pivotability of the second receiving portion  90  with respect to the second post attachment portion  92 , a variety of angles between the second rail  14  and the post surface  19  may be accommodated. The angle between the second rail  14  and the post surfaced  19  does not necessarily have to be 90 degrees. 
     It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment has been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.