Patent Publication Number: US-8978337-B2

Title: Adjustable baluster for stair railing system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/052,082 filed Mar. 20, 2011, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,335 on Apr. 16, 2013, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/615,078 filed Nov. 9, 2009, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,909,311 on Mar. 22, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/656,599 filed Jan. 23, 2007, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,614,612 on Nov. 10, 2009; the disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to the field of stairs and railings, and methods of their construction and repair. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     In the construction or repair of stairs and railings, it is desirable to be able to assemble a series of balusters as the railing is installed or, in the case of stair and railing repair, to be able to replace or reposition balusters conveniently and efficiently, without having to completely remove and reassemble the entire railing. 
     It is also desirable to be able to position and adjust balusters as a stair system is assembled to provide an accurate fit and support for the railing or stairs. 
     For instance, in the assembly of wood railings, it is most efficient if newels may be left in place while wood balusters are replaced with metal balusters. 
     Accordingly, there remains a need for improvement in systems for the construction and repair of stairs and railings, especially in the field of do-it-yourself home repair and improvement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged. It is preferred that the first attachment is adapted to be attached to a first surface, and that the first attachment has a first attachment surface and is connected to the first baluster portion, directly or indirectly, so as to be able to change the orientation of the first attachment surface with respect to the first baluster portion. It is also preferred that the second attachment is adapted to be attached to a second surface, and that the second attachment likewise presents a second attachment surface and is connected to the second baluster portion, directly or indirectly, so as to be able to change the orientation of the second attachment surface with respect to the first tubular section. 
     At least one of the first baluster portion and second baluster portions may also include a non-tubular and/or non-linear portion disposed at a location unnecessary to the nesting of the opposed tubular portions, such as to provide architectural interest and variation, as exemplified by the embodiments shown in the drawings. These portions may include solid, twisted, curved, thinned or scrolled portions. The first baluster portion and/or the second baluster portion may also have an additional decorative portion attached to the thereto, such as upon the outer surface, as exemplified by the embodiments shown in the drawings. 
     For convenient assembly, it is preferred that the first and second baluster portions are of different lengths, such as is described and shown in more detail herein. 
     The locking fixture may comprise any means that are adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion, such as preferably a mechanical clamp, pin or set screw. The locking fixture may be adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion preferably comprises a screw portion threaded onto either of the first baluster portion and/or the second baluster portion. 
     It is preferred that, where one end of the first baluster portion is exposed when the first tubular section slidingly engages the second tubular section, and that the locking fixture is sized and adapted to fit over the exposed end of the first tubular section. 
     The present invention also includes a stair and railing system comprising: (a) a flight of stairs; (b) a railing disposed above the stairs such that the underside of the railing faces the stairs; and (c) a plurality of balusters extending between the railing and the flight of stairs, each baluster comprising: (i) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section having a first engagement end and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to the underside of the railing, the first attachment having an attachment surface and connected to the first tubular section so as to be able to change the orientation of the surface with respect to the first tubular section; (ii) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to one of the stairs, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (iii) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged. 
     The present invention also includes a method of installing a baluster in a stair and railing system, the method comprising (a) positioning the baluster between the flight of stairs and railing, (b) sliding the first tubular section and the second tubular section as described herein with respect to one another such that the first attachment may be attached to the underside of the railing, and the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, followed by (c) attaching the first attachment to the underside of the railing and attaching the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, and (d) fixing the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion. 
     The present invention also includes a method of replacing a baluster in a stair and railing system comprising a flight of stairs, a railing disposed above the stairs such that the underside of the railing faces the stairs; and a plurality of balusters, the method comprising the steps of: (a) removing one of the balusters so as to leave the stair and railing in place; (b) replacing the baluster with a replacement baluster in accordance with the present invention by (1) positioning the replacement baluster between the flight of stairs and railing, (2) sliding the first tubular section and the second tubular section as described herein with respect to one another such that the first attachment may be attached to the underside of the railing, and the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, followed by (3) attaching the first attachment to the underside of the railing and attaching the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, and (4) fixing the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion. 
     In replacing the balusters, each replacement baluster may be replaced one at a time by cutting the top and then the bottom of the existing wood baluster. The replacement baluster in accordance with the present invention is put in place of the removed baluster, and may be secured by wood screws, such as two screws used to secure the bottom base to the stair tread or capped rake wall. The replacement baluster is adjusted to the proper height, to fit the underside of the existing rail. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an elevation view of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an elevation view of another configuration of the baluster shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows an elevation view of a baluster in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows an elevation view of a baluster in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a detailed elevation view of an attachment portion  7  of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  shows a detailed elevation view of a locking fixture in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  shows a detailed elevation view of an attachment piece in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a detailed plan view of an attachment piece in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  shows a detailed plan view of an attachment piece in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
         FIGS. 14 and 15  show optional protective pieces that may be used in a baluster replacement kit. 
         FIG. 16  shows an optional attachment piece attached to a portion of a baluster as a variation to that shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  11  and  12 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows an exploded view of the optional attachment piece attached to a portion of a baluster, shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows an optional attachment portion as a variation to that shown in  FIGS. 1-6 , and  9 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  shows an optional attachment portion attached to a portion of a baluster as a variation to that shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  shows an elevation view of a stair case with traditional railing to which the method and devices of the present invention may be applied in accordance with one embodiment thereof. 
         FIG. 21  shows an elevation view of a stair case having a set of balusters provided in accordance with the method and devices of one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 22-26  show elevation views of decorative pieces that may be used in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 27  shows an elevation view of a baluster in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 28  shows a perspective view of a baluster in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 29-31  show detailed views of an attachment portion that may be used with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 32 and 33  show detailed views of an attachment piece that may be used with several embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 34  shows a detailed perspective view of a portion of a baluster portion in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 35 and 36  show elevation views of a baluster in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In accordance with the foregoing summary, the following presents a detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are presently considered to be the best mode. 
       FIG. 1  shows an elevation view of a baluster  1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1  shows a first baluster portion  2  comprising a first tubular section  3  and having a first attachment  12  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end  5 ; (b) a second baluster portion  4  comprising a second tubular section  6  and having a second attachment  7  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end  6   a ; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture  8  adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion  2  with respect to the second baluster portion  4  after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged. 
     At least one of the first baluster portion and second baluster portions may also include a non-tubular portion, such as  9  or  10 , such as to provide architectural interest and variation. The first baluster portion and/or the second baluster portion may also have an additional decorative portion attached thereto, as exemplified by the embodiments shown in the drawings. 
     For convenient assembly, it is preferred that the first and second baluster portions  2  and  4  are of different lengths. 
     The locking fixture  8  may be adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion such as in the form of a set screw through aperture  11 . The locking fixture may alternatively be in the form of a fixture that includes a screw thread to be threaded onto either of the first baluster portion and the second baluster portion, such as by having the exposed end of the first baluster portion  2  provided with a thread such that this portion of the first baluster portion is urged against the second baluster portion as the locking fixture is screwed onto the first baluster portion. The locking fixture may be made integral with the first baluster portion  2  or as a separate piece that may be made to slide into place. 
     It is preferred that, where one end  5  of the first baluster portion is exposed when the first tubular section  2  slidingly engages the second tubular section  4 , that the locking fixture is sized and adapted to fit over the exposed end of the first tubular section  2 . 
     First attachment  12  may be in the form of a cleat  13  that mounts to the first baluster portion  2  by a swivel pin  14  with a head may also slide within channel  15  to allow the cleat to be best positioned to fit against a surface, such as the underside of a stair railing or other structure (not shown). 
       FIG. 2  shows an elevation view of another configuration of the baluster shown in  FIG. 1 , with reference like numerals referring to the same portions thereof. This view shows the second baluster portion  4  extended to a different length configuration. 
       FIG. 3  shows an elevation view of a baluster in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows an elevation view of a baluster  1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  shows a first baluster portion  22  comprising a first tubular section  23  and having a first attachment  32  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end  25 ; (b) a second baluster portion  24  comprising a second tubular section  26  and having a second attachment  27  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end  26   a ; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture  28  adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion  22  with respect to the second baluster portion  24  after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged. 
     At least one of the first baluster portion and second baluster portions may also include a non-tubular portion, such as  29  or  30  (portion  30  optionally may also be tubular), such as to provide architectural interest and variation. 
       FIG. 4  shows an elevation view of a baluster in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  shows an elevation view of a baluster  41  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3  shows a first baluster portion  42  comprising a first tubular section  43  and having a first attachment  52  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end  45 ; (b) a second baluster portion  24  comprising a second tubular section  46  and having a second attachment  47  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end  46   a ; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture  48  adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion  42  with respect to the second baluster portion  44  after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged. 
     The first baluster portion and/or the second baluster portion may also have an additional decorative portion  56  attached thereto to provide additional aesthetic or architectural interest. 
       FIG. 5  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  shows the second baluster portion as used in the baluster of  FIG. 1 , and wherein like reference numerals are used. 
       FIG. 6  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  shows the second baluster portion as used in the baluster of  FIG. 1 , and wherein like reference numerals are used, but wherein the second baluster portion  4  is replaced with a longer portion  4   a  having second tubular portion  66  and a second engagement end  66   a.    
       FIG. 7  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This Figure shows an alternative second baluster portion  74  having second tubular portion  76  and a second engagement end  77 , that may be used in accordance with the present invention. This second baluster portion  74  may be provided with an attachment portion in the form of a swivel base  78 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an elevation view of a portion of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8  shows the second baluster portion as used in the baluster of  FIG. 7 , and wherein like reference numerals are used, but wherein the second baluster portion  74  is replaced with a longer portion  74   a  having second tubular portion  76   a  and a second engagement end  77   a.    
     As seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the swivel base includes an additional finish structure  79  that is shaped on its bottom so as to fit within a recess in the cleat to be able to rotate with the second baluster portion  74 / 74   a  while protecting and concealing the balance of the swivel mechanism. The top portion of the finish structure  79  preferably has an aperture that fits around the second baluster portion to allow it to swivel within the base while providing a finished appearance. 
       FIG. 9  shows a detailed elevation view of an attachment portion  7  of a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a detailed elevation view of a locking fixture  8  having aperture  11  for a baluster in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a detailed elevation view of an attachment piece  12  in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and wherein the same reference numerals are used. 
       FIG. 12  shows a detailed plan view of an attachment piece  12  in accordance with the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and wherein the same reference numerals are used. 
       FIG. 13  shows a detailed plan view of an attachment portion  78  in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS. 7 and 8 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an optional attachment piece attached to a portion of a baluster as a variation to that shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  11  and  12 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 16  shows upper attachment bracket  82  that attaches to the underside of a stair railing such as by placing screws through holes drilled therein, and such that engagement surface  83  engages the underside of a stair railing (see  FIG. 21 ). The attachment bracket  82  is attached to upper baluster portion  84  (equivalent to items  10 ,  30  and  50  in  FIGS. 1-4 ), such that the angle of engagement surface  83  may be changed with respect to upper baluster portion  84 . This may be done for instance by a fastener such as screw  86  that may be tightened once the appropriate angle is arrived at by placing the attachment bracket  82  along the underside of a stair railing with the upper baluster portion  84  in the proper vertical orientation (see  FIG. 21 ) in a complete baluster assembly (as shown for instance in  FIGS. 1-4 ). Accordingly, the upper attachment bracket  82  may adjust to any angle and may be installed with one or more fasteners or even adhesive. This eliminates the need for more complicated drilling, and fitting of the cast trim to cover the drilled connection. This also eliminates the need to grind the engagement surface to fit the angle presented by the stair rail. In addition, the ability to quickly assemble and reassemble the baluster, allows the baluster itself, the railing or other portions of the stair assembly to be repaired, replaced or refinished. Using the optional decorative pieces, the aesthetic appearance or style of the baluster assembly may also be changed relatively quickly without moving to replace other portions stair assembly which would be permanently damaged in the case of permanently affixed balusters. 
       FIG. 17  shows an exploded view of the optional attachment piece attached to a portion of a baluster, shown in  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 17  shows attachment bracket  82  with screw holes  87  drilled in and through attachment bracket  82  and engagement surface  83 .  FIG. 17  also shows screw  86  that extends through aperture  88  in attachment bracket  82  and aperture  88  in upper baluster portion  84  when the two pieces are assembles as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 18  shows an optional bottom attachment portion  90  attached to a portion of a baluster as a variation to that shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 18  shows fastener screw  91  that extends though the bottom of bottom attachment portion  90  to be fixed onto a stair step as shown in  FIG. 21 .  FIG. 18  also shows set screw  92  that fixes lower baluster portion  93  as shown in  FIG. 19 . 
       FIG. 19  shows an optional attachment portion  90  attached to a lower baluster portion  93  as a variation to that shown in  FIGS. 1-6  and  9 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Fixture portion  94  contains a threaded aperture to accepted set screw  95  (or other equivalent mechanical arrangement) to allow upper baluster portion  84  to be fixed with respect to lower baluster portion  93 . As an alternative, the baluster portion having the larger inside diameter of the two (such as the upper portion shown in the Figures) may simply be tapered at the end to more closely approximate a continuous line formed by the engaged baluster portions. In this embodiment, a set screw may be placed directly into the baluster portion having the larger inside diameter. 
     The optional bottom attachment portion  90  is easy to install by identifying the tread layout and placing a lead hole. 
     The entire baluster may be installed in minutes, normally by using a drill, screw drive and/or Allen wrench. Typically, the bottom attachment portion is placed and affixed on the stair, and the lower baluster portion (in sliding engagement with the upper baluster portion) is affixed to the bottom attachment portion. The upper baluster portion (with upper attachment bracket attached to be able to swivel) is raised until the upper attachment bracket engages the underside of the stair railing to bring it into proper alignment with the angle of the stair railing. The upper attachment bracket is then attached to the underside of the stair railing and the lower baluster portion and upper baluster portion are then fixed in position. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the invention may use a bottom attachment bracket and an upper attachment bracket that are both adapted to swivel with respect to the portions of the baluster to which they are attached, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  and  FIGS. 16 and 17 . Such an arrangement allows for the bottom attachment bracket to be fixed and the baluster portion attached while the portion of the baluster to which it is then attached and swiveled into the final vertical position. The swivel upper attachment bracket may then be used to allow the engagement surface to align with the railing surface to which it is then affixed. 
     Optionally, the baluster may also include one or more decorative pieces such as may be appreciated from  FIG. 21 , which are attached at a desired height on the upper (or lower) baluster portion. These decorative pieces may be affixed using a sleeve adapted to slide along the length of the upper (or lower) baluster portion and to be fixed in place by a set screw similar to set screw  95 . 
     Examples of decorative pieces are shown in  FIGS. 22-26  as items  96 - 100  respectively. Each of these has one or more sleeve portions, such as portions  101 - 105  (sleeve on the opposite side of decorative piece  99 , and thus not shown) which are sized to allow the baluster portion(s) slide into it/them and be fixed in place, such as with a set screw or other appropriate fixture or fixative. The decorative piece(s) is/are typically placed onto the upper or lower baluster portion while in sliding engagement with one another, and typically are finally located and fixed once the upper and lower baluster portions are fixed in place with respect to one another. Decorative pieces that may be used in accordance with the present invention may be obtained commercially, such as from King Architectural Metals of Baltimore, Md. 
     In using the present invention in a method of installing a baluster in a stair and railing system comprising a flight of stairs, a railing disposed above the stairs such that the underside of the railing faces the stairs, the method may be carried out by positioning the baluster between the flight of stairs and railing, and sliding the first tubular section and the second tubular section with respect to one another such that the first attachment may be attached to the underside of the railing, and the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, followed by attaching the first attachment to the underside of the railing and attaching the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, and fixing the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second attachment attached to one of the stairs is adapted to allow the lower baluster portion to swivel into place after the second attachment is fixed to the stair. 
     This method may be used in replacing existing balusters by first removing one of the balusters so as to leave the stair and railing in place; followed by replacing the baluster with a replacement baluster of the present invention by positioning the replacement baluster between the flight of stairs and railing, sliding the first tubular section and the second tubular section with respect to one another such that the first attachment may be attached to the underside of the railing, and the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, followed by attaching the first attachment to the underside of the railing and attaching the second attachment may be attached to one of the stairs, and fixing the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion. In removing the existing balusters, one may use optional protective pieces  80  and  81 , such as those shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , of different sizes that may be positioned about the top and/or bottom end of the existing wood balusters to protect the stair and rail surfaces while the wooden baluster is removed, such as by sawing. These protective pieces may be made of appropriate grade of steel, such as 28 gauge steel. These pieces may be provided in a baluster replacement kit. 
       FIG. 20  shows an elevation view of a stair case with traditional railing to which the method and devices of the present invention may be applied in accordance with one embodiment thereof. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a stair case with traditional railing may be retrofit with a series of balusters in accordance with the present invention. 
       FIG. 21  shows an elevation view of a stair case having a set of balusters such as that shown in  FIGS. 16-19  and provided in accordance with the method of one embodiment of the present invention after the original balusters have been replaced. 
       FIG. 27  shows an elevation view of a baluster  110  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 27  shows a first baluster portion  111  comprising a first tubular section  112  and having a first attachment  113  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end  114 ; (b) a second baluster portion  115  that in this embodiment is adapted to extend into first tubular section  112 , and having a second attachment  116  adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end (not shown); the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second baluster portion  115 , and (c) a locking fixture  117  adapted to fix the position of the first tubular section  112  with respect to the second baluster portion  115  after they have been engaged. 
     At least one of the first baluster portion and second baluster portions may also include a non-tubular portion, such as scroll portion  118  and/or  119 , so as to provide architectural interest and variation. The first baluster portion and/or the second baluster portion may also have an additional decorative portion attached thereto, as exemplified by the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . 
     For convenient assembly, it is preferred that the first and second baluster portions  111  and  115  are of different lengths. 
     The locking fixture  117  may be adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion. The locking fixture may be in the form of a set screw through aperture  120  as seen in  FIG. 28 . The locking fixture  117  may alternatively be in the form of a fixture that includes a screw thread to be threaded onto either of the first baluster portion and the second baluster portion, such as by having the exposed end of the first baluster portion  111  provided with a thread such that this portion of the first baluster portion is urged against the second baluster portion as the locking fixture is screwed onto the first baluster portion. The locking fixture  117  may be made integral with the first baluster portion  111  as shown in  FIG. 34 , or as a separate piece that may be made to slide into place. 
     First attachment  113  may be in the form of a cleat that mounts to the first baluster portion  111  by a swivel pin that may also slide within channel  121  to allow the cleat to be best positioned to fit against a surface, such as the underside of a stair railing or other structure (not shown). Attachment  113  may also define an aperture  121  that receives a set screw as shown in  FIG. 32 . 
       FIGS. 29 ,  30  and  31  are detailed views of the bottom, second attachment  113 , showing the hole  122  through which a screw may extend to affix it to a stair surface, and showing the aperture  123  into which the lower baluster portion extends. 
       FIGS. 32 and 33  are detailed views of the top, first attachment  113 , showing the holes  125  and  126  through which screws may extend to affix it to a railing surface. 
       FIG. 34  is a detailed view of the first engagement end of the first baluster portion  111  showing locking fixture  117  with aperture  120  for a set screw. 
       FIGS. 35 and 36  show elevational and perspective views of a baluster  130  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The baluster  130  is identical to that of  FIG. 27  with the exception that first baluster portion  111  has been replaced by first baluster portion  131  of a different design. 
     Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. 
     The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.