Patent Publication Number: US-2023160212-A1

Title: Baluster attachment mechanism having securing resilient flanges

Description:
FIELD OF THE DEVICE 
     The present device generally relates to stair construction in attachment balusters to treads for a stairway. More specifically, the present device generally relates to a receiving stud for attaching a baluster to a stair support and for mounting a baluster thereto to provide a secure interface for attaching a railing to the stairway. The receiving stud can be utilized for attaching balusters to treads or to stringers and can be inserted within the stairway at a variety of angles to provide for a range of angular orientations of the baluster with respect to the stairway. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Stairways within residential and commercial settings include railings that provide safety features for those utilizing the stairway. Balusters are typically used for attaching the railing to the stairway, where balusters include a plurality of vertical or angled members that secure the railing to treads or stringers for the stairway. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-directional railing support includes a fastener having a first threaded end that attaches to a substrate and a second threaded end. A securing portion is attached to the second threaded end and includes outwardly extending resilient flanges. The securing portion and the second threaded end define a receiving stud. The securing portion is axially adjustable relative to the second threaded end to adjust a clearance space between the securing portion and the substrate. A baluster includes a hollow end that extends over the outwardly extending resilient flanges of the receiving stud. The outwardly extending resilient flanges cooperate with the hollow end to provide for movement of the baluster toward the substrate and contemporaneously prevent movement of the baluster away from the substrate. The outwardly extending resilient flanges bias the baluster toward a rotational axis of the fastener. 
     According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for installing a railing for a stairway includes determining an angle of a substrate with respect to a horizontal plane. A first threaded end of a fastener is attached to a substrate to orient a rotational axis of the fastener to be perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The fastener is positioned at a predefined insertion depth relative to the substrate. A securing portion is threadably adjusted along a second threaded end of the fastener to define a receiving stud that extends from the substrate. The second threaded end extends through the securing portion. A position of the securing portion is adjusted relative to the first threaded end to define a clearance space between the securing portion and the substrate. A hollow end of a baluster is slid over the receiving stud. An outwardly extending resilient flange of the securing portion is biased against an inner surface of the hollow end to generate an outward securing force of the outwardly extending resilient flange that aligns the baluster with a rotational axis of the fastener. The baluster is positioned on the receiving stud to align with a plurality of adjacent balusters. A railing is installed on a railing end of the baluster. 
     According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for installing a railing for a stairway includes positioning a securing portion of a receiving stud on a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener is attached to a substrate. The fastener is positioned within the substrate to define a minimum clearance space between an outwardly extending resilient flange of the securing portion and the substrate. A hollow end of a baluster is placed onto the receiving stud to engage the outwardly extending resilient flange with an interior surface of the hollow end. Tabs of the outwardly extending resilient flange are biased in an inward direction to generate an outward securing force of the receiving stud that allows movement of the baluster toward the substrate and aligns the baluster with a rotational axis of the fastener and also prevents movement of the baluster away from the substrate. The baluster is positioned on the receiving stud to align with a plurality of adjacent balusters. A railing is installed on a railing end of the baluster. 
     These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the Drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a side elevational view of a stairway that incorporates an aspect of a railing support for attaching a railing to treads for a stairway; 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevational view of a stairway that incorporates an aspect of a railing support for attaching a railing to an angled stringer for a stairway; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of the railing support showing attachment of the baluster to a tread for a stairway; 
         FIG.  4    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the railing support of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded perspective view of an aspect of the railing support; 
         FIG.  6    is a detail cross-sectional view showing an aspect of a railing support for attaching balusters for a railing to a stringer for a stairway; 
         FIG.  7    is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the railing support of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic cross-sectional view of the railing support showing installation of a baluster onto the receiving stud having the outwardly extending resilient flanges; 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for installing a railing on a stairway; and 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic flow diagram illustrating a method for installing a railing on a stairway. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to a detailed design; some schematics may be exaggerated or minimized to show function overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the concepts as oriented in  FIG.  1   . However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a railing support that attaches to a tread or a stringer for a stairway and provides a robust and adjustable support that can be used in a range of angular orientations for maintaining a positon of a baluster during installation of a railing for a stairway. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or,” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items, can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. 
     In this document, relational terms, such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     As used herein, the term “about” means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term “about” is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites “about,” the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by “about,” and one not modified by “about.” It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point. 
     The terms “substantial,” “substantially,” and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a “substantially planar” surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, “substantially” is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other. 
     As used herein the terms “the,” “a,” or “an,” mean “at least one,” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a railing support that is used for attaching a baluster  12  to a tread  14  for a stairway  42  or to a stringer  16  for a stairway  42 . The baluster  12  extends from the tread  14  or the stringer  16  of the stairway  42  into a railing  18 . The railing  18  is placed upon a series of balusters  12  that extend between the stairway  42  and the railing  18 . According to the various aspects of the device, the railing support  10  is in the form of a multi-directional railing support  10  that can be oriented onto a tread  14  or oriented onto a stringer  16  that is typically positioned at an angle with respect to the treads  14  for a stairway  42 . The railing support  10  includes a fastener  20  having a first threaded end  22  that attaches to a substrate  24  and a second threaded end  26 . The substrate  24  is in the form of a tread  14 , stringer  16 , or other portion of the stairway  42  that receives one or more balusters  12 . A securing portion  28  is attached to the second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20  and includes outwardly extending resilient flanges  30 . The securing portion  28  and the second threaded end  26  define a receiving stud  32  that extends upward from the substrate  24 . The securing portion  28  is axially adjustable relative to the second threaded end  26  to adjust a clearance space  34  that extends between the securing portion  28  and the substrate  24 . A baluster  12  having a hollow end  36  extends over the outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  of the receiving stud  32 . The outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  cooperate with the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  to provide for movement of the baluster  12  towards the substrate  24 . Contemporaneously, the outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  of the receiving stud  32  prevent movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 . In addition to providing for a one-way movement of the baluster  12  towards the substrate  24 , the resilient flanges  30  also bias the baluster  12  toward a rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20  to provide for more convenient installation of the railing  18  onto the baluster  12  as well as the adjacent balusters  40  for the stairway  42 . 
     The multi-directional configuration of the railing support  10  provides for installation of the railing support  10  onto the treads  14  for a stairway  42  which are typically oriented along a horizontal plane  50 . Stringers  16  for the stairway  42 , which helps to support the risers  60 , treads  14 , and the stairway  42  in general, can be at an oblique angled orientation  54  with respect to the treads  14 , particularly in the case of a closed stringer  16 . The multi-directional railing supports  10  can be installed within the upper edge  52  of the stringer  16  and at an angle with respect to the stringer  16  to provide for an angular installation of the baluster  12  with respect to the treads  14  for the stairway  42 . Accordingly, the multi-directional railing support  10  can be installed into a stairway  42  at a plurality of angled orientations  54  with respect to the treads  14  for the stairway  42 . In addition, the multi-directional railing supports  10  can be installed into the treads  14  for the stairway  42  at an angle to provide for an angled orientation  54  of balusters  12  that can be used in certain configurations and designs for stairways  42 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 8   , a typical stairway  42  includes a plurality of treads  14  that are vertically separated by risers  60  to define the stepping surfaces of the stairway  42 . The stringers  16  are positioned at opposing sides of the treads  14  and risers  60  and extend from one floor to another, from a floor to a landing, or from a landing to another floor. As discussed herein, an upper edge  52  of a stringer  16  is typically at an oblique angled orientation  54  with respect to the treads  14  and risers  60  for the stairway  42 . The balusters  12  extend from the treads  14  or from the stringers  16  to receive the railing  18  and also to support the railing  18  relative to the stairway  42 . The railing  18  is typically supported at either end by a vertical structure, such as a wall, newel, or other similar vertical structural element. Due to the length of the railing  18 , it is important to align the various balusters  12  with the railing  18 . This process can cause undue stress to be exerted upon the balusters  12  and the substrate  24 . The flexibility of the receiving stud  32  and the resilient flanges  30  of the receiving stud  32  help to align the balusters  12  in a particular orientation and minimize stresses that are placed upon the balusters  12  when the railing  18  is attached to the stairway  42 . At the same time, it is important to provide a robust structure at the base or hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  to prevent inadvertent breakage of the baluster  12  or the railing support  10  therefor during installation of the baluster  12  and/or the railing  18 . Using the receiving stud  32  having the resilient flanges  30  as well as the interior structure provided by the fastener  20 , the receiving stud  32  provides internal structure as well as limited amount of flexibility to accomplish each of these goals. To provide this flexibility, the resilient flanges  30  can be made of spring steel, various elastomeric materials, polymers, and other similarly sturdy but flexible material. 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  include a plurality of tabs  70  that extend radially outward from the securing portion  28 . These plurality of tabs  70  can be in the form of individual tabs  70  that extend outward from the securing portion  28  or can be scalloped undulations that extend outward from an inner ring  72  of the outwardly extending resilient flanges  30 . 
     As exemplified in  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  slides over the securing portion  28 . In this manner, an inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  presses down on and biases the plurality of tabs  70  in a generally downward direction  82  and inward direction  84  as the baluster  12  is installed on the receiving stud  32 . This installation of the baluster  12  over the tabs  70  and the movement of the tabs  70  in the generally downward and inward directions  82 ,  84 , generates an outward securing force  86  of the plurality of tabs  70  with respect to the baluster  12 . Stated another way, as the inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  biases the plurality of tabs  70  downward, the tabs  70 , being resilient members, are biased toward their original shape  94 . These opposing forces exerted by the inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  and the material of the resilient flanges  30  provides the outward securing force  86  that prevents movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24  and also biases the baluster  12  to align, at least generally, with a rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20 . To assist in aligning the baluster  12  with the rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20 , and also for providing a greater degree of the outward securing force  86 , the securing portion  28  can include an upper flange  88  and a lower flange  90  that each extend in a generally angled direction  92 , downward, towards the first threaded end  22 . 
     As discussed herein, the orientation of the resilient flanges  30  in the angled direction  92  serves to allow for the one-directional movement of the baluster  12 , over the receiving stud  32 , and toward the substrate  24 . The material of the resilient flanges  30 , in combination with the outward securing force  86  of the plurality of tabs  70 , provides a high degree of frictional resistance that prevents the movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24  relative to the securing portion  28  of the railing support  10 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the securing portion  28  includes a threaded interior  100  that threadably operates relative to the second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20 . The securing portion  28  is secured to the second threaded end  26  at least by a threaded cap  102 . In certain aspects of the device, the threaded cap  102  can include a nut that rotationally and threadably engages the second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20 . This nut can be a hexnut, lock nut, cap nut, square nut, or other similar threadable fastener  20 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , the shape of the outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  can vary depending upon the design of the railing support  10  as well as the design for the baluster  12  that will be received on the railing support  10 . Typically, the resilient flanges  30  will extend radially about the securing portion  28  to form a generally circular configuration. With this configuration, when the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  is placed over the securing portion  28 , the plurality of tabs  70  of each of the resilient flanges  30  will exert a generally equalized outward securing force  86  onto the various portions of the inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  for the baluster  12 . These generally equalized outward securing forces  86  exerted by the plurality of tabs  70  helps to center the baluster  12  onto the securing portion, and also to align the baluster  12  with the rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20 . Movement of the baluster  12  away from the rotational axis  38  causes a certain portion of the tabs  70  to deflect a greater distance and, thereby, exert a greater outward securing force  86 . Simultaneously, opposing tabs  70  will typically move slightly toward the original shape  94  of the tabs  70  and, thereby, exert a lesser outward securing force  86 . These differences in the magnitude of the outward securing forces  86  exerted by the various tabs  70  causes the baluster  12  to return to a position that is generally aligned with the rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20 . 
     According to various aspects of the device, the securing portion  28  can include the upper flange  88  and the lower flange  90  that each extend outward from the securing portion  28 . It is contemplated that additional flanges can be disposed on the securing portion  28  to provide additional outward securing forces  86  with respect to the inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  for the baluster  12 . As discussed herein, the resilient flanges  30  provide for a one-directional movement of the baluster  12  toward the substrate  24 , but not away from the substrate  24 . As the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  is inserted over the securing portion  28 , the plurality of tabs  70  of each resilient flange  30  are moved or biased in a downward direction  82  and are positioned closer to the remainder of the securing portion  28  as well as the second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20 . 
     An attempt to move the baluster  12  in a direction away from the substrate  24  generates an increased friction in the form of a binding retention of the baluster  12  with respect to the resilient flanges  30 . In order to move the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 , it is typically necessary for the resilient flanges  30  to follow this motion of the baluster  12 . Because the flanges are generally angled in a downward orientation toward the substrate  24 , and are also further angled downward due to the inward biasing force of the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12 , the resilient flanges  30  are not capable of moving in an outward direction, let alone an upward direction, to allow for this movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 . Accordingly, the configuration of the resilient flanges  30  and the binding force created thereby resists movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 . In certain aspects of the device, the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  can include one or more protrusions that are defined within the inner surface  80  of the baluster  12 . These protrusions can interact with and latch with the tabs  70  of the resilient flanges  30  to further prevent movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  3 - 8   , as discussed above, the inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  for the baluster  12  engages the resilient flanges  30  and biases the resilient flanges  30  in a downward direction  82  and an inward direction  84  and toward the fastener  20 . This movement of the plurality of tabs  70  for the resilient fastener  20  are created due to the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  having a cross-sectional width that is wider than a threaded cap  102  for the railing support  10  but narrower in width than the width of the outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  and the tabs  70  therefor. Accordingly, the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  can easily fit over the threaded cap  102  for the railing support  10  to provide an initial alignment mechanism for installing the baluster  12  onto the railing support  10 . The downward direction  82  of the various tabs  70  of the resilient flanges  30  in the angled direction  92  receive and align a lower edge  110  of the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  to be generally centered on the fastener  20  and the remainder of the railing support  10 . Accordingly, the railing support  10  includes a generally narrower width at a top of the railing support  10  that widens to a maximum width at the resilient flanges  30 . This alignment mechanism of the railing support  10  provides for a convenient installation mechanism and alignment mechanism when installing the baluster  12  relative to the railing support  10 . 
     As discussed herein, and as exemplified in  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the fastener  20  and the railing support  10  can be installed in a variety of angular orientations with respect to the stairway  42 . These angular orientations can be useful in attaching the railing support  10  to treads  14  for the stairway  42 , stringers  16  for the stairway  42 , or installing the railing support  10  at an angle with respect to the treads  14  or stringers  16  for the stairway  42 . In order to place the railing support  10  at an angle with respect to the stringer  16 , it may be necessary to adjust the axial position  120  of the securing portion  28  with respect to the fastener  20  in order to provide a sufficient clearance space  34  between the securing portion  28  of the substrate  24 , such as the stringer  16 . The adjustment of this clearance space  34  ensures that the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  engages each resilient flange  30  of the securing portion  28  to properly align the baluster  12  on the respective railing support  10 . If the resilient flange  30  is positioned too close to the substrate  24 , a clearance space  34  that is too small may prevent the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  from engaging that portion of the resilient flange  30 . Accordingly, the securing portion  28  can be threadably operated to move closer to an upper end portion  122  of the second threaded end  26  so that the securing portion  28  is placed farther from the first threaded end  22 . 
     According to the various aspects of the device, the fastener  20  includes a central band  130  that is positioned between the first threaded end  22  and the second threaded end  26 . The central band  130  typically defines a lower position  132  of the securing portion  28  relative to the first threaded end  22 . As discussed above, the securing portion  28  is threadably operable and axially operable relative to the second threaded end  26  to provide a sufficient clearance space  34  between the securing portion  28  and the substrate  24 . The central band  130  typically includes no threads such that the central band  130  defines a lowest position of the securing portion  28  relative to the fastener  20 . Operation of the securing portion  28  relative to the second threaded end  26  can be accompanied by a similar operation of the threaded cap  102  that can be used to secure the position of the securing portion  28  relative to the second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20 . Accordingly, operation of the securing portion  28  may be accomplished through an initial movement of the threaded cap  102  away from the securing portion  28 . Subsequently, the securing portion  28  can then be rotated toward the threaded cap  102 . When these two features engage one another, the securing portion  28  can be placed in a fixed position or temporarily fixed position with respect to the second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20 . 
     According to the various aspects of the device, the first threaded end  22  typically includes a first thread configuration  140  that engages the substrate  24 . The second threaded end  26  includes a second thread configuration  142  that receives the securing portion  28 . Typically, the first thread configuration  140  and the second thread configuration  142  are different from one another. However, the first thread configuration  140  and the second thread configuration  142  can match and be identical. Typically, the first thread configuration  140  of the first threaded end  22  will be similar to that of a wood screw. The second thread configuration  142  of the second threaded end  26  will typically be in a form similar to that of a machine screw. 
     Adjustment of the securing portion  28  of the railing support  10  can be used to provide for the total concealment of the receiving stud  32  by the baluster  12  and the substrate  24 . To accomplish this, as discussed herein, the securing portion  28  is adjustable relative to the second threaded end  26  to ensure that no matter the angled orientation  54  of the fastener  20  and the railing support  10  with respect to the substrate  24 , the baluster  12  is able to fully conceal the receiving stud  32  within the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12 . 
     To provide for the total concealment of the receiving stud  32 , including the plurality of tabs  70  of the resilient flanges  30 , a spacer  146  can be provided between the securing portion  28  and the first threaded end  22  to maintain a minimum clearance space  34  above the substrate  24 . The spacer  146  can be used as a visual feedback device to inform an installer when the proper clearance space  34  has been achieved. This spacer  146  can be positioned on the central band  130  and can be slidably operable along the central band  130 . By maintaining a minimum amount of clearance space  34 , the spacer allows the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  to slide over the resilient flanges  30  and prevent the resilient flanges  30  from becoming trapped between the lower edge  110  of the baluster  12  and the substrate  24 . In turn, the spacer  146  positions the securing portion  28  a sufficient distance above the substrate  24  to prevent this trapping engagement and allow for total concealment of the receiving stud  32 . The spacer  146  can be made of various materials. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, rubber, one or more polymers, metal, paper products, combinations thereof and other similar compressible materials that can be used to position the securing portion  28  and define the appropriate clearance space  34  of the securing stud  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , having described various aspects of the railing support  10 , a method  400  is disclosed for installing a railing  18  for a stairway  42 . According to the method  400 , step  402  includes determining an angle of a substrate  24  with respect to a horizontal plane  50 . As discussed herein, the substrate  24  can include a tread  14  that is typically positioned along the horizontal plane  50 . The substrate  24  can also include a stringer  16  or other section of the stairway  42  that may be positioned on an angle with respect to the horizontal plane  50 . A first threaded end  22  of a fastener  20  is then attached to the substrate  24  to orient a rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20  to be perpendicular to the horizontal plane  50  (step  404 ). Typically, the balusters  12  are attached to be vertically oriented. It is contemplated that the balusters  12  may also be attached at an angle with respect to the horizontal plane  50  in certain configurations of the stairway  42 . The fastener  20  is positioned at a predefined insertion depth relative to the substrate  24  (step  406 ). 
     Referring again to  FIGS.  1 - 9   , according to the method  400 , the securing portion  28  is threadably adjusted along a second threaded end  26  of the fastener  20  to define a receiving stud  32  that extends from the substrate  24  (step  408 ). The second threaded end  26  extends through the securing portion  28  so that the threaded cap  102  can be positioned on the second threaded end  26  to assist in securing a threaded portion in a particular axial position  120  with respect to the second threaded end  26 . The position of the securing portion  28  is adjusted relative to the first threaded end  22  to define a clearance space  34  between the securing portion  28  and the substrate  24  (step  410 ). As described herein, the clearance space  34  between the securing portion  28  and the substrate  24  can vary depending on the angular orientation of the fastener  20  with respect to the substrate  24 . A smaller clearance space  34  may be available where the substrate  24  is a stringer  16  or other angular component of the stairway  42 . As exemplified in  FIG.  8   , this is particularly true toward one side of the securing portion  28  and the tabs  70  that are nearer to the upwardly angled portion of the stringer  16 . After the receiving stud  32  is properly positioned, the hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  is slidably positioned over the receiving stud  32  (step  412 ). The outwardly extending resilient flanges  30  of the securing portion  28  are biased against an inner surface  80  of the hollow portion to generate an outward securing force  86  of the resilient flanges  30  (step  414 ). This outward securing force  86  serves to align the baluster  12  along a rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20  and also serves to prevent a movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 . The baluster  12  is then positioned on the receiving stud  32  to align the baluster  12  with a plurality of adjacent balusters  40  (step  416 ). A railing  18  is then installed on the baluster  12  and the plurality of adjacent balusters  40  (step  418 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 8  and  10   , having described various aspects of the railing support  10 , a method  500  is disclosed for installing a railing  18  for a stairway  42 . According to the method  500 , a step  502  includes positioning a securing portion  28  of the receiving stud  32  on a threaded fastener  20 . The threaded fastener  20  having the securing portion  28  positioned thereon is then attached to the substrate  24  (step  504 ). The fastener  20  is positioned within the substrate  24  to define a minimum clearance space  34  between an outwardly extending resilient flange  30  of the securing portion  28  and the substrate  24  (step  506 ). The hollow end  36  of the baluster  12  is then placed onto the receiving stud  32  to engage the outwardly extending resilient flange  30  within the inner surface  80  of the hollow end  36  (step  508 ). Tabs  70  of the outwardly extending resilient flange  30  are biased in an inward direction  84  to generate the outward securing force  86  of the receiving stud  32  that allows movement of the baluster  12  toward the substrate  24  (step  510 ). As described herein, the outward securing force  86  also aligns the baluster  12  with a rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20  and prevents movement of the baluster  12  away from the substrate  24 . The baluster  12  is positioned on the receiving stud  32  to align with a plurality of adjacent balusters  40  (step  512 ). The railing  18  is installed on a railing end  150  of each baluster  12  (step  514 ). 
     According to the various aspects of the device, the railing support  10  is configured for installation on any one of various components of the stairway  42  to provide a multi-angular orientation that can be used for installing balusters  12  on any one of various surfaces of the stairway  42 . In this manner, the railing support  10  provides a universal structural interface that can be used within a range of applications for securing the baluster  12  to any one of various components of the stairway  42 . In addition, the configuration of the resilient flanges  30  provides for a securing mechanism and support mechanism that helps to align the balusters  12  with a rotational axis  38  of the fastener  20 . In this manner, installation of balusters  12  and attachment of railings  18  to a railing end  150  of each of the balusters  12  can be accomplished by a minimal number of workers, and potentially a single worker. In turn, the installation of balusters  12  and attachment of railings  18  to the balusters  12  can become a far more efficient and less time consuming operation. Also, the configuration of the railing supports  10 , as described herein, provides fora single mechanism that can be used regardless of the orientation of the balusters  12  with respect to the stairway  42 . 
     It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.