Patent Publication Number: US-2009224222-A1

Title: Railway assembly

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to railing assemblies and, in particular, to reinforced railing assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Railing assemblies have long been used for both safety and aesthetic purposes. Traditionally, railing assemblies have been constructed from wood because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and possesses suitable strength characteristics. However, there are disadvantages with constructing railing assemblies from wood, including its tendency to splinter, as well as its susceptibility to decay. 
     More recently, suitable material substitutes have been developed, such as plastics, to overcome these problems encountered when using wood materials. In order to maintain low material costs and low construction costs, while providing a suitably strong product, railing assemblies are often constructed from metal reinforced plastic components. However, currently available railing assembly products in the marketplace, with such metal reinforced plastic components, are, in some aesthetic and functional aspects, inferior to corresponding products made from wood materials. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: a reinforced rail member including: a reinforced rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section; wherein the cap member is urged into a biased engagement with the reinforcement member by a biasing force, which thereby effects coupling of the cap member to the reinforcement member; and a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: a reinforced rail member including: a rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section; and a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and wherein the disposition of the cap member relative to the mounting member defines an interrupted exterior surface of the shell section, and wherein the interrupted exterior surface is not visible from each one of a plurality of lines of sight, wherein each one of a plurality of lines of sight is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member, and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis normal to a side surface portion of the shell. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: a reinforced rail member including: a rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section; and a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and wherein, from the point of view of a plurality of lines of sight, the visible portions of the combination of the cap member and the strut coupling member define an uninterrupted exterior surface, wherein each one of the plurality of lines of sight is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member, and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis normal to a side surface portion of the shell. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: a reinforced rail member including: a rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section; and a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and wherein the strut coupling member further includes a one of a locator element or a receiving element; and wherein the reinforcement member includes the other one of a locator element or a receiving element, wherein the other one of a locator element or a receiving element of the reinforcement member co-operates with the one of a locator element or a receiving element of the strut coupling member to effect positioning of the reinforcement member relative to the strut coupling member during construction of the railing assembly, and wherein the locator element bears against the receiving element and is thereby coupled to the receiving element. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: a reinforced rail member including: a rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section; And a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and wherein the disposition of the cap member relative to the strut coupling member defines a fluid passage which communicates with the shell space and is configured for draining any liquid accumulating within the shell space, and wherein the fluid passage includes an outlet port disposed below the shell space. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a railing assembly comprising: a guard component section including: a reinforced rail member including: a rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section; and a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; a railing assembly component including a reinforcement member joint surface portion; and a connector effecting coupling between the guard component section and the railing assembly component; wherein the reinforcement member is disposed substantially flush relative to the reinforcement member joint surface portion of the railing assembly component. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a railing assembly comprising: a guard component section including: a reinforced rail member including: a rail member shell section defining a shell space, and including a cap member and a strut coupling member; and a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section, and including an end portion, wherein the end portion includes an end surface; and a guard component section subassembly including: a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member; wherein the reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member; a railing assembly component including a reinforcement member joint surface portion; and a connector effecting coupling between the guard component section and the railing assembly component; wherein a space is provided between the end surface of the reinforcement member and the reinforcement member joint surface portion, and wherein the maximum spacing between the end surface of the reinforcement member and the reinforcement member joint surface portion of the railing assembly component is less than about one-thirty second ( 1/32) of an inch. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: an upper rail member; a lower rail member; and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of the upper rail member and the lower rail member; and a strut reinforcement member effecting reinforcement of the strut and extending between and coupled to each one of the upper rail member and the lower rail member; wherein the strut reinforcement member is disposed relative to the strut such that rotational movement of the strut reinforcement member, relative to a longitudinal axis of the strut, is resisted. 
     In another aspect, there is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly comprising: a shell portion including an upper rail member, a lower rail member, and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of the upper rail member and the lower rail member; a reinforcing skeleton including an upper rail member skeleton, a lower rail member skeleton, and a strut skeleton extending between and coupled to each one of the upper rail member skeleton and the lower rail member skeleton; wherein the shell portion is coupled to the reinforcing skeleton and disposed relative to the reinforcing skeleton such that each one of the upper rail member skeleton, the lower rail member skeleton, and the connector skeleton is configured to reinforce a respective one of the upper rail member, the lower rail member, and the strut skeleton. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The invention will better be understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a railing assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional side elevation view of the railing assembly of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines A-A; 
         FIG. 3  is a sectional side elevation view of the railing assembly of  FIG. 1 , taken along lines B-B, where the connector has been removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded top perspective view of the railing assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a section of the guard component of the rail assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded side elevation view of the section of the guard component of the rail assembly illustrated in  FIG. 5 ; and 
         FIG. 7  is top perspective view of the section of the guard component of the rail assembly illustrated in  FIG. 5 , with a connector illustrated in exploded form relative to the guard component section. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     There is provided a railing assembly  10 . The railing assembly  10  is configured for mounting to a foundation  12 . For example, the railing assembly  10  is mounted within poured concrete disposed below ground. As a further example, and referring to  FIG. 1 , the railing assembly  10  is mounted to a platform, such as a deck. 
     The railing assembly  10  includes a pair of spaced apart posts  14 . Extending between and connecting the posts  14  is a guard component  16 . The guard component  16  includes an upper rail member  18  and a lower rail member  20 . For example, each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20  is connected to a respective one of the posts  14  with mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, co-operating with respective connectors  22  or brackets. For example, each one of a respective longitudinal axis of each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20  is substantially horizontal. For example, each one of the respective longitudinal axis of each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20  is disposed in a respective vertical plane, and each one of the respective vertical plane of each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20  is substantially co-planar. Extending between and connecting the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20  is a plurality of spaced apart struts  24 . For example, each one of a respective axis of each one of the struts  24  is substantially vertical. 
     For example, with respect to each one of the posts  14 , each one of the posts  14  includes a shell  26  and a post reinforcement member, wherein the post reinforcement member is disposed within the shell. For example, with respect to the shell  26 , the material of the shell  26  includes plastic. As a further example, the material of the shell  26  is extruded plastic. A suitable plastic is polyvinyl chloride. For example, with respect to the reinforcement member  28 , the material of the reinforcement member  28  includes a metalliferrous material. As a further example, the material of the reinforcement member  28  is a metalliferrous material For example, the metalliferrous material is steel. A suitable steel is galvanized steel. For example, with respect to each one of the connectors  20 , the material of the connector  20  includes metalliferrous material. As a further example, the material of the connector  20  is a metalliferrous material. For example, the metalliferrous material is galvanized steel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 to 7 , there is provided the guard component  16 , including a section thereof. The section of the guard component  16  includes a reinforced rail member  30  and a guard component section subassembly  32 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  includes a reinforced rail member shell section  34  and a reinforcement member  28 . The reinforced rail member shell section  34  defines a shell space  36 , and includes a cap member  38  and a strut coupling member  40 . The reinforcement member  28  is disposed in the shell space  36  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  34 . 
     The guard component section subassembly  32  includes a one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . The guard component section subassembly  32  also includes a strut  24 . The strut  24  extends between and is coupled to each one of (i) the one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20  of the subassembly  32 , and (ii) the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforced rail member  30  defines the other one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . 
     For example, with respect to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the reinforced rail member  30  defines the upper rail member  18 , and the lower rail member  20  is included as a portion of the guard component section sub-assembly  32 . 
     For example, with further respect to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the lower rail member  20  of the guard component section subassembly  32  is a reinforced rail member  31 . The reinforced rail member  31 includes a shell section  35  and a reinforcement member  29 . The reinforced rail member shell section  35  defines a shell space  37 , and includes a cap member  39  and a strut coupling member  41 . The reinforcement member  29  is disposed in the shell space  37  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  35 . 
     For example, each one of the respective strut coupling member  40 ,  41  is coupled to a respective one of the respective reinforcement member  28 ,  29 . For example, each one of the respective strut coupling members  40 ,  41  is connected to a respective one of the reinforcement members  28 ,  29  with a fastener. For example, with respect to the fastener, the fastener is a threaded member, such as a screw. For example, each one of the respective strut coupling members  40 ,  41  is connected to a respective one of the reinforcement members  28 ,  29  with three fasteners. 
     For example, with respect to the coupling of each one of the strut coupling member  40 ,  41  to the strut  24 , each one of the strut coupling member  40 ,  41  is connected to the strut  24  with one or more respective fasteners. For example, with respect to the fastener, the fastener is a threaded member, such as a screw. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each one of the respective strut coupling members  40 ,  41  is connected to the strut  24  with a respective one of the two groups of three fasteners effecting connection between the respective one of the strut coupling members  40 ,  41  and the respective one of the reinforcement members  28 ,  29 . 
     For example, either or both ends of each one of the upper and lower rail members  18 ,  20  receives a respective connector  22  for effecting coupling of the respective one of the upper and lower rail members  18 ,  20  to a post  14  or, alternatively, a further respective one of the upper and lower rail members  18 ,  20  of another section. Each one of the connectors  20  includes a respective rail member connection portion  42  which is disposed over a respective one of the reinforcement members  28 ,  29  and includes holes to receive mechanical fasteners. Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, pass through the holes of the connector  22 , penetrate through the respective one of the reinforcement members  28 ,  29 , and penetrate through a respective one of the strut coupling members  40 ,  41 , and thereby effect coupling of the connector  22  to a respective one of the rail members  18 ,  20 . Each one of the connectors  22  also includes an external connection portion  44  for effecting connection of the respective rail member  28 ,  29  to a post  14  or a further respective one of the upper and lower rail members  18 ,  20  of another section. 
     For example, with respect to each one of the reinforced rail members  30 ,  31 , each one of the respective one of the cap member  38 ,  39 , and the respective one of the strut coupling members  40 ,  41 , and also with respect to the strut  24 , the material of each one of these components includes plastic. As a further example, the material is extruded plastic. 
     For example, with respect to each one of the reinforced rail members  30 ,  31 , the material of a respective one of the reinforcement members  28 ,  29  includes a metalliferrous material. As a further example, the material is a metalliferrious material. For example, the metalliferrous material is steel. A suitable steel is galvanized steel. 
     (A) Coupling of Shell Member to Reinforcement Member 
     In one aspect, there is provided the section of a guard component  16  of a railing assembly  10 , as described above, wherein the cap member is urged into a biased engagement with the reinforcement member by a biasing force. The biased engagement effects coupling of the cap member  38  to the reinforcement member  28 . 
     In this respect, and referring particularly to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , there is provided a section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10  including the reinforced rail member  30  and the guard component section subassembly  32 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  includes a reinforced rail member shell section  34  and a reinforcement member  28 . The reinforced rail member shell section  34  defines a shell space  36 , and includes a cap member  38  and a strut coupling member  40 . The reinforcement member  28  is disposed in the shell space  36  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  34 . The cap member  38  is urged into a biased engagement with the reinforcement member  28  by a biasing force. The biased engagement effects coupling of the cap member  38  to the reinforcement member  28 . For example, the coupling relationship between the cap member  38  and the reinforcement member  28  is effected by snap-fit engagement between the cap member and the reinforcement member  28 . 
     The guard component section subassembly  32  includes a one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . Also included is the strut  24  extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 , and (ii) the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforced rail member  30  defines the other one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . 
     For example, where the upper rail member  18  defines the reinforced rail member  30 , the cap member  38  is snap-fitted over the reinforcement member  28 . In this respect, for example, the cap member  38  includes an upper portion  46  defining an upper surface of the upper rail member  18 , and also includes spaced apart sidewalls  48   a,    48   b  depending downwardly from the upper surface portion  46 . The reinforcement member is closely spaced from each one of the sidewalls  48   a,    48   b.  Extending inwardly from each one of the sidewalls  48   a,    48   b  is a respective one of locking arms  50   a,    50   b.  The reinforcement member  28  is disposed between the upper portion  46  and each one of the locking arms  50   a,    50   b.  The locking arms  50   a,    50   b  co-operate with the upper portion  46  to limit movement of the cap member  38  relative to the reinforcement member  28  in a vertical direction, and also limit movement of the cap member  38  relative to the reinforcement member  28  in a sideways direction (ie. in a direction parallel to an axis normal to an inner surface of a sidewall portion of the cap member  38 ). 
     For example, where the lower rail member  20  defines the reinforced rail member  31 , the cap member  39  is urged into a biased engagement with the reinforcement member  29  by a biasing force. The biased engagement effects coupling of the cap member  39  to the reinforcement member  29 . For example, the coupling between the cap member  39  and the reinforcement member  29  is effected by snap-fit engagement. As a further example, the coupling between the cap member  39  and the reinforcement member  29  is effected by a friction fit between the cap member and the reinforcement member  29 . In this respect, for example, the cap member  39  includes a lower portion defining a lower surface of the lower rail member  20 , and also includes spaced apart engagement arms  52   a,    52   b  extending upwardly from the lower portion. Each one of the engagement arms  52   a,    52   b  bears against a respective one of inwardly facing surface-portions  291 ,  293  of the reinforcement member  29 . The arms  52   a,    52   b  co-operate with the lower portion to limit movement of the cap member  39  relative to the reinforcement member  29  in a vertical direction, and also limit movement of the cap member  39  relative to the reinforcement member  29  in a sideways direction (i.e. in a direction parallel to an axis normal to an inner surface of a sidewall portion of the cap member  39 ). 
     For example, the rail member of the guard section component sub-assembly  32  is also a reinforced rail member  31 . The reinforced rail member  31  includes a reinforced rail member shell section  35  and a reinforcement member  29 . The reinforced rail member shell section  35  defines a shell space  37 , and includes a cap member  39  and a strut coupling member  41 . The reinforcement member  29  is disposed in the shell space  37  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  35 . The cap member  39  is urged into a biased engagement with the reinforcement member  29  by a biasing force. The biased engagement effects coupling of the cap member  39  with the reinforcement member  29 . For example, the coupling is effected by way of snap-fit engagement of the cap member with the reinforcement member  29 . 
     (B) Reinforced Rail Member Configured to Appear as Being of a One-Piece Construction 
     In another aspect, there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of a railing-assembly  10 , as described above, wherein the reinforced rail member  30  is configured to appear as being of a one-piece construction. 
     In one configuration, the disposition of the cap member  38  relative to the strut coupling member  40  defines an interrupted exterior surface  100  of the shell section  34 . The interrupted exterior surface  100  is not visible from each one of a plurality of lines of sight  54 . Each one of a plurality of lines of sight  54  is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member  30 , and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis normal to a side surface portion  56  of the shell section  34 . 
     In an alternative configuration, from the point of view of a plurality of lines of sight  54 , the visible portions of the combination of the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40  define an uninterrupted exterior surface. Each one of the plurality of lines of sight is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member  30 , and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis  102  normal to a side surface portion  56  of the shell section  34 . 
     In this respect, and referring particularly to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 . The guard component section includes the reinforced rail member  30  and the guard component section sub-assembly  32 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  34  and the reinforcement member  28 . The reinforced rail member shell section  34  defines the shell space  36 , and includes the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforcement member  28  is disposed in the shell space  36  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  34 . 
     The guard component section subassembly  32  includes a one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . The guard component section sub-assembly  32  further includes the strut  24  extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 , and (ii) the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . 
     In the first configuration referred to above, the disposition of the cap member  38  relative to the strut coupling member  40  defines an interrupted exterior surface  100  of the shell section  34 . The interrupted exterior surface  100  is not visible from each one of a plurality of lines of sight  54 . Each one of a plurality of lines of sight  54  is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member  30 , and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis  102  normal to a side surface portion  56  of the shell section  34 . For example, each one of the plurality of lines of sight  54  is further constrained by the fact that each one of the plurality of lines of sight  54  is disposed at an acute angle “x” of greater than five (5) degrees relative to a horizontal plane  104 . 
     In the alternative configuration, from the point of view of a plurality of lines of sight  54 , the visible portions of the combination of the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40  define an uninterrupted exterior surface. Each one of the plurality of lines of sight is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member  30 , and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis normal  102  to a side surface portion  56  of the shell section  34 . For example, each one of the plurality of lines of sight  54  is further constrained by the fact that each one of the plurality of lines of sight  54  is disposed at an acute angle “X” of greater than five (5) degrees relative to a horizontal plane  104 . 
     For example, the rail member of the guard section component sub-assembly  32  is also a reinforced rail member  31 . The reinforced rail member  31  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  35  and a reinforcement member  29 . The reinforced rail member shell section  35  defines the shell space  37 , and includes the cap member  39  and the strut coupling member  41 . The reinforcement member  29  is disposed in the shell space  37  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  35 . In the first configuration referred to above, the disposition of the cap member  39  relative to the strut coupling member  41  defines an interrupted exterior surface  200  of the shell section  35 . The interrupted exterior surface  200  is not visible from each one of a plurality of lines of sight  55 . Each one of a plurality of lines of sight  55  is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member  31 , and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis normal to a side surface portion  57 of the shell section  35 . For example, each one of the plurality of lines of sight  55  is further constrained by the fact that each one of the plurality of lines of sight  55  is disposed at an acute angle “Y” of greater than five (5) degrees relative to a horizontal plane  204 . In the alternative configuration, from the point of view of a plurality of lines of sight  55 , the visible portions of the combination of the cap member  39  and the strut coupling member  41  define an uninterrupted exterior surface. Each one of the plurality of lines of sight  55  is disposed as follows: (i) above the reinforced rail member  31 , and (ii) in a vertical plane in which is disposed an axis normal to a side surface portion  57  of the shell section  35 . For example, each one of the plurality of lines of sight  55  is further constrained by the fact that each one of the plurality of lines of sight  55  is disposed at an acute angle “Y” of greater than five (5) degrees relative to the horizontal plane  204 . In this respect, each one of the upper and lower rail members  18 , 20  includes a respective reinforced rail members  30 ,  31 , and each one of the reinforced rail members  30 ,  31  is configured to appear as being of a one-piece construction. 
     (C) Configuration for Facilitating Alignment of Individual Parts During Assembly 
     In another aspect, there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 , as described above wherein the reinforced rail member  30  is configured so as to facilitate alignment of its individual parts during construction. In this respect, the strut coupling member  40  further includes a one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60 . Also, the reinforcement member  28  includes the other one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60 . The other one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60  of the reinforcement member  28  co-operates with the one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60  of the strut coupling member  40  to effect positioning of the reinforcement member  28  relative to the strut coupling member  40  during construction of the railing assembly  10 . 
     In this respect, and referring particularly to  FIG. 6 , there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 . The guard component section includes the reinforced rail member  30  and the guard component section sub-assembly  32 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  34  and the reinforcement member  28 . The reinforced rail member shell section  34  defines the shell space  36 , and includes the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforcement member  28  is disposed in the shell space  36  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  34 . 
     The guard component section subassembly  32  includes a one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . The guard component section sub-assembly  32  further includes the strut  24  extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 , and (ii) the strut coupling member  40 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  defines the other one of an upper rail member  18  or a lower rail member  20 . 
     The strut coupling member  40  further includes a one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60 . The reinforcement member  38  includes the other one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60 . The other one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60  of the reinforcement member  38  co-operates with the one of a locator element  58  or a receiving element  60  of the strut coupling member  40  to effect positioning of the reinforcement member  28  relative to the strut coupling member  40  during construction of the railing assembly  10 . The locator element  58  is disposed in friction fit engagement with the receiving element  60 . 
     (D) Configuration for Facilitating Drainage of Any Moisture Ingress from Reinforced Rail Member 
     In another aspect, there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 , as described above, wherein the reinforced rail member  30  is configured so as to facilitate drainage of any moisture ingress from within the reinforced rail member  30 . The disposition of the cap member  38  relative to the strut coupling member  40  defines a fluid passage  62  which communicates with the shell space  36  and is configured for draining any liquid accumulating within the shell space  34 . The fluid passage  62  includes an outlet port  64  disposed below the shell space  36 . Moisture may gain access into the shell space  36  at points of joinder between the rail member  30  and the post  14 , or between the rail member  30  and another rail member, or between the rail member  30  and the strut  24 . 
     In this respect, and referring particularly to  FIG. 5 , there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 . The guard component section includes the reinforced rail member  30  and the guard component section sub-assembly  32 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  34  and the reinforcement member  28 . The reinforced rail member shell section  34  defines the shell space  36 , and includes the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforcement member  28  is disposed in the shell space  36  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  34 . 
     The guard component section subassembly  32  includes a one of the upper rail member  18  or the lower rail member  20 . The guard component section sub-assembly  32  further includes the strut  24  extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of the upper rail member  18  or the lower rail member  20 , and (ii) the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforced rail member  30  defines the other one of the upper rail member  18  or the lower rail member  20 . 
     The disposition of the cap member  38  relative to the strut coupling member  40  defines the fluid passage  62  which communicates with the shell space  36  and is configured for draining any liquid accumulating within the shell space  36 . The fluid passage  62  includes an outlet port  64  disposed below the shell space  36 . For example, with respect to the fluid passage  62 , the fluid passage  62  includes a minimum diameter of at least one-sixty fourth ( 1/64) of an inch. 
     For example, the rail member of the guard section component sub-assembly  32  is also a reinforced rail member  31 , and the reinforced rail member  31  is also configured so as to facilitate drainage of any moisture ingress from within the reinforced rail member  31 . In this respect, the rail member of the guard section component sub-assembly  32  is the reinforced rail member  31 . The reinforced rail member  31  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  35  and the reinforcement member  29 . The reinforced rail member shell section  35  defines the shell space  37 , and includes the cap member  39  and the strut coupling member  41 . The reinforcement member  29  is disposed in the shell space  37  and effects reinforcement of the rail member shell section  35 . The disposition of the cap member  39  relative to the strut coupling member  41  defines a fluid passage  63  which communicates with the shell space  37  and is configured for draining any liquid accumulating within the shell space  37 . The fluid passage  63  includes an outlet port  65  disposed below the shell space  37 . For example, with respect to the fluid passage  63 , the fluid passage  63  includes a minimum diameter of at least one-sixty fourth ( 1/64) of an inch. In this respect, each one of the upper and lower rail members  18 ,  20  includes a respective one of the reinforced rail member  30 ,  31  configured so as to facilitate drainage of any moisture ingress from within the respective one of the reinforced rail members  30 , 31 . 
     (E) Connector for Reinforced Rail Member so as to Effect Minimal Spacing Between Reinforced Rail Member and  Other Rail Assembly Component 
     In another aspect, there is a section of the railing assembly  10 , including the section of the guard component  16 , as described above, wherein the reinforced rail member  30  is coupled to the connector  22  to thereby effect connection to a railing assembly component. The spacing between the reinforced rail member  30  and the surface portion of the railing assembly component is minimal. 
     In this respect, and referring particularly to  FIGS. 2 ,  4 , and  7 , there is provided a section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10  including the reinforced rail member  30  and the guard component section subassembly  32 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  includes the shell section  34  and the reinforcement member  28 . The shell section  34  defines the shell space  36 , and includes the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40 . The reinforcement member  28  is disposed in the shell space  36  and effects reinforcement of the shell section  34 . 
     The guard component section subassembly  32  includes a one of the upper rail member  18  or the lower rail member  20 . Also included is the strut  24  extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of the upper rail member  18  or the lower rail member  20 , and (ii) strut coupling member  40 . The reinforced rail member  30  defines the other one of the upper rail member  18  or the lower rail member  20 . 
     The reinforced rail member  30  is coupled to a connector  22 . The connector  22  is coupled to a railing assembly component. For example, the railing assembly component is a post  14 , or any other kind of a structural member. For example, the material of the connector includes a metalliferrous material. For example, the material of the connector is a metalliferrous material. For example, the metalliferrous material is galvanized steel. 
     For example, with respect to the coupling of the connector  22  to the reinforced rail member  30 , the connector  22  is coupled to the reinforcement member  28 . For example, the coupling is effected with at least one mechanical fastener. In this respect, for example, the connector includes at least one aperture, wherein each one of the at least one aperture corresponds to a respective one of the at least one mechanical fastener. Each one of the at least one mechanical fastener pass through the respective one of the at least one aperture and engage the reinforcement member  28  to effect coupling of the connector  22  to the reinforcement member  28 . For example, each one of the at least one mechanical fastener penetrates through the reinforcement member  28 . 
     For example, the connector  22  includes a rail member connection portion  42 . The connector  22  is coupled to the reinforcement member  28  with the rail member connection portion  42 . For example, the rail member connection portion  42  includes each one of the at least one aperture for receiving the respective one of the at lest one mechanical fastener. For example, the rail member connection portion  42  is disposed over the reinforcement member  28 . For example, the connection portion  42  is shaped to be fitted over the reinforcement member  28 . For example, the connection portion  42  is shaped to be fitted over a surface of a side of the reinforcement member  38  which is seated on the strut coupling member  40 . For example, the connection portion  42  is shaped to be fitted over and disposed substantially flush relative to a surface of a side of the reinforcement member  28  which is seated on the strut coupling member  40 . For example, the connection portion  42  includes a width, and the connection portion  42  is substantially continuous across the width. 
     For example, with respect to the coupling of the connector  22  to the railing assembly component, the railing assembly component includes a connector joint surface portion  1422 , and the connector  22  is coupled to the connector joint surface portion  1422 . For example, the coupling is effected with at least one mechanical fastener. In this respect, for example, the connector  22  includes at least one aperture, wherein each one of the at least one aperture corresponds to a respective one of the at least one mechanical fastener. Each one of the at least one mechanical fastener pass through the respective one of the at least one aperture and engage the railing assembly component, such as the post  14 , to effect coupling of the connector  22  to the railing assembly component. For example, each one of the at least one mechanical fastener penetrates through the connector joint surface portion  1422  of the railing assembly component. 
     For example, the connector  20  includes an external connection portion  44 . The connector  20  is coupled to the railing assembly component, such as the post  14 , with the external connection portion  44 . For example, the external connection portion  44  includes each one of the at least one aperture for receiving the respective one of the at lest one mechanical fastener. 
     In one configuration, the reinforcement member  28  of the reinforced rail member  30  is disposed substantially flush relative to a reinforcement member joint surface portion  1428  of the railing assembly component. 
     For example, with respect to the reinforcement member  28 , the reinforcement member  28  includes an end portion  281  including an end surface  2814 , wherein the end surface  2814  is disposed substantially flush relative to the reinforcement member joint surface portion  1428  of the railing assembly component. 
     For example, the external connection portion  44  includes a connection surface  441  which is disposed substantially flush relative to the connector joint surface portion  1422  of the railing assembly component, such as the post  14 . 
     For example, the connector  42  and the reinforcement member  28  co-operate with the railing assembly component such that, when the connection  42  is coupled to each one of the railing assembly component, such as the post  14 , and the reinforcement member  28 , each one of the connection surface  441  and the reinforcement member  28  is disposed substantially flush relative to a respective one of surface portions  1422 ,  1428  of the railing assembly component. For example, each one of the reinforcement member joint surface portion  1428  and the connector joint surface portion  1422  is substantially co-planar. For example, each one of the reinforcement member joint surface portion  1428  and the connector joint surface portion  1422  is disposed in a substantially vertical plane. 
     For example, with respect to the disposition of the external connection portion  44 , the external connection portion  44  extends from the connection portion  42  such that an axis of the external connection portion  44  is substantially perpendicular relative to an axis of the reinforcement member connection portion  42 . As a further example, the connection surface  441  of the connection portion  44  is substantially co-planar relative to the end surface  2814 . 
     In another configuration, the reinforcement member  28  includes the end portion  281  including the end surface  2814 , and the railing assembly component, such as the post  14 , includes a reinforcement member point surface portion  1428 , and with respect to the disposition of the end surface  2814  of the reinforcement member  28  relative to the reinforcement member joint surface portion  1428 , a space  1430  is defined between the end surface  2814  and the surface portion  1428 , wherein the maximum spacing between the end surface  2814  and the surface portion  1428 , within the space  1430 , is less than one-thirtysecond ( 1/32) of an inch. As a further example, this maximum spacing is less than one-sixtyfourth ( 1/64) of an inch. For example, with respect to the disposition of the external connection portion  44 , the external connection portion  44  extends from the connection portion  42  such that an axis of the external connection portion  44  is substantially perpendicular relative to an axis of the reinforcement member connection portion  42 . As a further example, the connection surface  441  of the connection portion  44  is substantially co-planar relative to the end surface  2814  of the reinforcement member  28 . 
     (F) Reinforced Strut 
     In another aspect, there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 , as described above, wherein the strut  24  is reinforced by a strut reinforcement member  68 , and wherein the strut reinforcement member  68  is disposed relative to the strut  24  such that rotational movement of the strut reinforcement member  68 , about the strut  24 , and more particularly about a longitudinal axis  70  of the strut  24 , is resisted. For example, the rotational movement is substantially prevented. 
     In this respect, and referring particularly to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  7 , there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10  comprising the upper rail member  18 , the lower rail member  20 , the strut  24 , and the strut reinforcement member  68 . The strut  24  extends between and is coupled to each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20 . The strut reinforcement member  68  effects reinforcement of the strut  24  and extends between and is coupled to each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20 . The strut reinforcement member  68  is disposed relative to the strut  24  such that rotational movement of the strut reinforcement member  68 , relative to a longitudinal axis  70  of the strut  24 , is resisted. 
     For example, with respect to the rotational movement, the rotational movement is substantially prevented. 
     For example, with respect to the disposition of the strut reinforcement member  68  relative to the strut  24 , the strut reinforcement member  68  is tightly fitted into the strut  24 , such that the strut reinforcement member  68  is tightly fitted into the strut. For example, the strut reinforcement member  68  is disposed in slide-fit relationship with the strut  24 . As a further example, the strut reinforcement member  68  includes opposite edge portions  72   a,    72   b,  wherein each one of the opposite edge portions  72   a,    72   b  is slide-fit into a respective one of opposite corners  74   a,    74   b  provided within the strut  24 . 
     (G) Guard Component Section Including a Reinforcement Skeleton. 
     In another aspect, there is provided the section of the guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10 , wherein each one of the rail members  30 ,  31 , and the strut  24  is reinforced. In this respect, there is provided the section of the guard component of the railing assembly  10  including a shell portion  66  and a reinforcing skeleton  75 . 
     The shell portion  66  includes the upper rail member  18 , the lower rail member  20 , and the strut  24  extending between and coupled to each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20 . 
     The reinforcing skeleton  75  includes an upper rail member skeleton  76 , a lower rail member skeleton  78 , and a strut skeleton  80  extending between and coupled to each one of the upper rail member skeleton  76  and the lower rail member skeleton  78 . 
     The shell portion  66  is coupled to the reinforcing skeleton  75  and is disposed relative to the reinforcing skeleton  75  such that each one of the upper rail member skeleton  76 , the lower rail member skeleton  78 , and the strut skeleton  80  is configured to reinforce a respective one of the upper rail member  18 , the lower rail member  20 , and the strut  24 . 
     For example, with respect to the upper rail member  18 , the upper rail member  18  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  34 . The shell section  34  includes the cap member  38  and the strut coupling member  40 . The upper rail member skeleton  76 , which effects reinforcement of the upper rail member  18 , includes the reinforcement member  28 . The reinforcement member  28  effects reinforcement of the shell section  34 . The strut coupling member  40  is coupled to the strut  24 . For example, the strut coupling member  40  is connected to the strut  24  with a fastener. For example, the cap member  38  is coupled or mounted to the reinforcement member, such as by way of snap-fit engagement, and the reinforcement member  28  is coupled to the strut coupling member  40 . For example, the reinforcement member  28  is fastened to the strut coupling member  40 , such as by way of a fastener. For example, the fastener is a threaded member, such as a bolt. 
     For example, with respect to the lower rail member  20 , the lower rail member  20  includes the reinforced rail member shell section  35 . The shell section  35  includes the cap member  39  and the strut coupling member  41 . The lower rail member skeleton  78 , which effects reinforcement of the lower rail member  20 , includes the reinforcement member  29 . The reinforcement member  29  effects reinforcement of the shell section  35 . The strut coupling member  41  is coupled to the strut  24 . For example, the strut coupling member  41  is connected to the strut  24  with a fastener. For example, the cap member  39  is coupled or mounted to the reinforcement member, such as by way of snap-fit engagement, and the reinforcement member  29  is coupled to the strut coupling member  41 . For example, the reinforcement member  29  is fastened to the strut coupling member  40 , such as by way of a fastener. For example, the fastener is a threaded member, such as a bolt. 
     For example, with respect to the strut  24 , the strut  24  is coupled to each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20 . For example, with respect to the coupling of the strut  24  to each one of the upper rail member  18  and the lower rail member  20 , and as mentioned above, such coupling is effect by way of a respective one or more fasteners. For example, a suitable fastener is a threaded member, such as a bolt. For example, the fasteners effecting coupling of the strut  24  to the upper rail member  18  are the same fasteners as those used to effect coupling of the reinforcement member  28  to the strut coupling member  40  of the upper rail member  18 . For example, the fasteners effecting coupling of the strut  24  to the lower rail member  20  are the same fasteners as those used to effect coupling of the reinforcement member  29  to the strut coupling member  41  of the lower rail member  20 . The strut skeleton  80 , which effects reinforcement of the strut  24 , is coupled to the reinforcement member  28  of the upper rail member  18  and is also coupled to the reinforcement member  29  of the lower rail member  20 . For example, with respect to the coupling of the strut skeleton  80  to the reinforcement member  28  of the upper rail member  18 , the strut skeleton  80  is coupled to the reinforcement member  28  by way of a fastener, such as the same fastener which effects coupling of the reinforcement member  28  to the strut coupling member  40 . For example, with respect to the coupling of the strut skeleton  80  to the reinforcement member  29  of the lower rail member  20 , the strut skeleton  80  is coupled to the reinforcement member  29  by way of a fastener, such as the same fastener which effects coupling of the reinforcement member  29  to the strut coupling member  41 . For example, with respect to the disposition of the strut skeleton  80  relative to the strut  24 , the strut skeleton  80  is disposed relative to the strut  24  such that rotational movement of the strut skeleton  80 , relative to the longitudinal axis  70  of the strut  24 , is resisted. For example, the rotational movement is substantially prevented. In this respect, for example, the strut skeleton  80  is disposed in press-fit engagement with the strut. For example, the strut skeleton  80  is wedged into engagement with the strut  24 . For example, each one of opposite edge portions  72   a,    72   b  of the strut skeleton  80  is press-fit or wedged into a respective one of the opposite corners  74   a,    74   b  provided within the strut  24 . 
     For example, with respect to each one of the upper rail member  18 , the lower rail member  20 , and the strut  24 , each one of these components includes plastic. As a further example, the material is extruded plastic. For example, the material is polyvinyl chloride. 
     For example, with respect to each one of the upper rail member skeleton  76 , the lower rail member skeleton  78 , and the strut skeleton  80 , the material of each one of these elements includes a metalliferrous material. As a further example, the material is a metalliferrous material. For example, with respect to the material of each one of the upper rail member skeleton  76  and the lower rail member skeleton  78 , the material is steel. A suitable steel is galvanized steel. For example, with respect to the material of the strut skeleton  80 , the material is aluminium. 
     (H) Method of Making Embodiment of Railing Assembly 
     An exemplary method for constructing an embodiment of the railing assembly  10  is provided. 
     Initially, the required length of a guard component  16  of the railing assembly  10  is determined. In some cases, depending on materials used, the total length of the guard component  16  should not exceed a predetermined length. For example, a predetermined length is seven (7) feet. The length of the guard component  16  determines the number of struts  24 . For example, spacing between each one of the struts  24  is about 3¾ inches. Each one of the struts is then reinforced with a respective strut reinforcement member  68 , by sliding each one of the reinforcement members  68  into the hollow passage of a respective one of the struts  24 . 
     Once each one of the struts  24  is reinforced, each one of struts  24  is coupled to some of the components of each one of the upper and lower rail member  18 ,  20  to form an intermediate guard component. With respect to coupling of the struts  24  to some of the components of the upper rail member  18 , the reinforcement member  28  and the strut coupling member  40  are cut to size and aligned relative to each one of the struts  24 . The reinforcement member  28 , the strut coupling member  40 , and each one of the struts  24  are fastened together with mechanical fasteners, such as screws. For example, the mechanical fasteners penetrate through the strut coupling member  40 . Similarly, with respect to coupling of the struts  24  to some of the components of the lower rail member  20 , the reinforcement member  29  and the strut coupling member  41  are cut to size and aligned relative to each one of the struts  24 . The reinforcement member  29 , the strut coupling member  41 , and each one of the struts  24  are fastened together with mechanical fasteners, such as screws. For example, the mechanical fasteners penetrate through the strut coupling member  41 . Connectors  20  are then fastened to each end of each one of reinforcement members  28 ,  29 . For example, the alignment and coupling of the components of the upper and lower rail members  18 ,  20  and each one of the struts  24  is effected in a jig with alignment features for effecting predetermined alignment and support of each one of these elements during the fastening operation. 
     The intermediate guard component is then fastened, at each end thereof, to a structural member, such as a post  14 . Once the intermediate guard component is fastened, at each end thereof, to a structural member, the cap member  38  is snap-fit engaged with the reinforcement member  28 , and the cap member  39  is snap-fit engaged with the reinforcement member  29 , to thereby form an embodiment of the railing assembly  10 . 
     Although the disclosure describes and illustrates various embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments. Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art of headwear. For full definition of the scope of the invention, reference is to be made to the appended claims.