Abstract:
A handrail system comprising a top rail ( 50 ) and one or more support posts ( 25 ). The rail and post/s may be formed from a synthetic material such as a fibre reinforced plastics material.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/577,837, filed Sep. 17, 2012, which is a National Phase filing of International Application No. PCT/GB2011/000137, filed on Feb. 2, 2011, designating the United States of America and claiming priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. 1002004.8, filed Feb. 8, 2010, and the present application claims priority to and the benefit of all the above-identified applications, which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to hand rails and particularly to aspects of safety, production and assembly of, and connections of, hand rails. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Hand rail structures are used in a wide range of circumstances and for a variety of reasons. For example, hand rail structures may be deployed along staircases or walkways to serve as a support for people as they move. Alternatively or additionally hand rail systems can be used as barriers or “fences” to delimit an area. 
         [0004]    There are a variety of considerations when designing a hand rail system, primarily safety aspects but also material choice, production techniques and ease of assembly which will influence the properties and performance of the resulting structure that is in turn dictated by, for example, the final application (such as offshore installations). 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The present invention seeks to provide improvements in or relating to hand rail systems. 
         [0006]    According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail system comprising a top rail and one or more support posts, in which the rail and post/s are formed from a synthetic material. 
         [0007]    The material from which the hand rail system is produced is an important consideration. The material from which all of the components of the hand rail system may be the same or, depending on the circumstances may be different. 
         [0008]    The synthetic material may comprise a composite material such as an advanced composite. For example, the material may comprise a reinforced composite material such as a fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) material, which is a composite material of fibre glass (or other fibre) in a polymer matrix. FRP is seen as a particularly suitable material from which to form the hand rail structures of the present invention. FRP combines low weight with high strength and provides corrosion resistance and excellent thermal and electrical insulation. Because FRP materials have low thermal conductivity they can have particular benefits when used in cold weather conditions, where they are “warm” to the touch. Other advantageous properties may include low electrical conductivity and electromagnetic transparency. 
         [0009]    The FRP material can be selected on the basis of required properties for the resulting hand rail systems, for example polyester-, epoxy-, and vinyl ester-based materials. For example phenolic-based FRP materials can be used. Other suitable component materials may include bioresins and natural fibres to form a reinforced composite material. 
         [0010]    Phenolic-based FRP materials have presented significant difficulties in production, for example, by pultrusion. However, the inventors have surprisingly found that phenolic-FRP can be used to form hand rail structures which have particularly good fire-resistance properties. Phenolic-based FRP hand rails may have particular benefits for off shore applications, such as oil rigs. 
         [0011]    The material may be provided in various forms for production (for example by moulding) such as sheet moulding compound (SMC) or dough moulding compound (DMC). 
         [0012]    The connection of the post to the rail may be articulated so that, in use, the rail slope is adjustable. This allows, for example, posts to stay generally vertical whilst the rail can be used for level and sloping applications. 
         [0013]    The rail may comprise one or more sockets for receiving respective posts. The post is therefore fitted into the rail interior which removes the need for an external bracket. The articulation part of the joint can thereby be hidden in the top rail moulding. This minimises the trapping risk presented by the rail in use because and allows the rail to be constructed with no sharp corners which might, for example, allow loose clothing to get caught. 
         [0014]    The system may comprise connectors for receiving the post/s and for receiving rail sections. The connector may be arranged to receive a rail section at either end thereof and to receive the post on its underside (in use). 
         [0015]    The connector may comprise a post joint portion hingedly connected to a rail body portion. The joint portion therefore serves as a connector between the rail and the main post structure, with the rail body portion effectively forming an integral part of the rail. 
         [0016]    The post joint portion may comprise a post adapter receivable in the rail portion and connectable to a support post. 
         [0017]    The post may be connected to the rail by a hinge pin. The hinge pin permits articulation of the post and rail with respect to each other. 
         [0018]    The rail and post/s may have square cut ends. Simple square cut ends make accurate fabrication simpler and generally give a better quality finish. Configuring the hand rail system so that no sloping cuts or mitre joints are required gives significant production and assembly benefits. 
         [0019]    According to the present invention there is also provided a handrail system comprising a top rail and one or more support posts connected to the rail, in which the or each post-rail connection region is adapted to permit a user to maintain a continuous grip of the rail during a sliding movement across the region. 
         [0020]    This allows provision of a handrail system in which the entire handrail can be gripped i.e. uninterrupted grip can be obtained along the rail rather than having to release grip across post-rail connection regions. 
         [0021]    In known hand rail systems it is usual for posts to connect to the top rail with cumbersome brackets which are of a size, shape and position which forces a user to remove their hand from the hand rail and pass over the bracket to the other side before they can replace their hand. The provision of a “continuous” top rail is an important safety and ergonomic feature. This allows a hand to hold the rail and slide it along continuously as someone is walking. This means that as a person is walking besides the hand rail they do not have to take their hand off. The provision of a continuous hand grip/contact area which is unencumbered by post-rail connections is an important safety feature because the user can be in continual gripping contact with the top rail. This would be particularly important, for example, in the event of a fire or other emergency in which visibility is impaired so that the user can feel their way along the hand rail with no interruptions. 
         [0022]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail system comprising a generally cylindrical top rail and one or more support posts connected to the rail, in which the circumferential area of the rail occupied by the or each post at respective post-rail interfaces is less than the diameter of the rail. 
         [0023]    By providing a post-rail interface with a reduced circumferential extent a user is able to grip the rail across the interface. 
         [0024]    The area occupied by the or each post may be less than half the diameter of the rail. 
         [0025]    The unoccupied circumference of the rail may be in the range of 110 mm to 200 mm at the or each post-rail interface. The unoccupied circumference of the rail may be at least 124 mm at the or each post-rail interface. In an alternative interpretation of the invention the unoccupied circumference may be determined as a value equating to a circular sector i.e. the post occupies an included arc. For example, the post may occupy a sector in the range of 10 degrees to 180 degrees, for example in the ranges of 30 to 120 degrees or 40 to 60 degrees, such as approximately 50 degrees. 
         [0026]    Other rail sections may be used, such as elliptical or square with round corners. 
         [0027]    Rails without protrusions and with a generally smooth surface may be preferred. 
         [0028]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail system comprising a top rail and one or more support posts connected to the rail in which the or each post-rail connection interface provides a grip zone so that a user can grip the rail across the interface. 
         [0029]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand rail system comprising a top rail and one or more support posts, in which the effective hand grip area of the rail is substantially continuous whereby to provide uninterrupted support along the length of the rail. 
         [0030]    The post-rail interface may be facilitated by a connector which can receive one or more rail sections and connect (directly or indirectly) to a support post. The system may therefore comprise connectors for receiving the post/s and for receiving rail sections. The connector may be arranged to receive a rail section at either end thereof and to receive the post on its underside (in use). 
         [0031]    The connector may comprise a main body part which both forms part of the top rail and receives a support post in use. 
         [0032]    The top rail connection part may comprise a projection or recess for engaging a corresponding recess or projection on a rail section. 
         [0033]    The rail connection part may be adapted to be flush fitting with a rail section. 
         [0034]    The post connector may include a post adapter received in the connector and being connectable to a support post. The post adapter may be hingedly received. 
         [0035]    The post connection part of the rail may comprise a socket for receiving part of a post or a post adapter internally. The rail (or rail connector part) may therefore comprise one or more sockets for receiving respective posts (or post adapters). The post is therefore fitted into the rail interior which removes the need for an external bracket. The articulation part of the joint can thereby be hidden in the top rail moulding. This minimises the trapping risk presented by the rail in use because and allows the rail to be constructed with no sharp corners which might, for example, allow loose clothing to get caught. 
         [0036]    The post connection part may form a hinging joint with the support post. This means that, in use, the top rail and/or support post can be inclined to accommodate different surfaces. The or each post may be connected to the rail by an articulated joint, in which the joint is provided inside the rail. In other words, the joint is a discreet connection with the articulation part of the joint hidden in the top rail. The post and rail can be moved with respect to each other prior to fixing in position and thereafter provides an unobtrusive joint. 
         [0037]    The connector may be adapted to form an integral part of the top rail structure. In some embodiments part of the connector effectively forms an intermediate top rail section so that the top rail is not interrupted by the connector. 
         [0038]    The connection of the post to the rail may be articulated so that, in use, the rail slope is adjustable. This allows, for example, posts to stay generally vertical whilst the rail can be used for level and sloping applications. 
         [0039]    The connector may comprise a post joint portion hingedly connected to a rail body portion. The joint portion therefore serves as a connector between the rail and the main post structure, with the rail body portion effectively forming an integral part of the rail. 
         [0040]    The post may be connected to the rail by a hinge pin. The hinge pin permits articulation of the post and rail with respect to each other. 
         [0041]    The rail and post/s may have square cut ends. Simple square cut ends make accurate fabrication simpler and generally give a better quality finish. Configuring the hand rail system so that no sloping cuts or mitre joints are required gives significant production and assembly benefits. 
         [0042]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail connector comprising a top rail connection part attachable to one or more top rail sections and a post connection part attached or attachable to a support post, in which the post connection part is articulated with respect to the rail connection part. 
         [0043]    This means that, in use, the top rail and/or support post can be inclined to accommodate different underlying surfaces/slopes. 
         [0044]    The connector may comprise a main body part which both forms part of the top rail and receives a support post in use. 
         [0045]    The top rail connection part may comprise a projection or recess for engaging a corresponding recess or projection on a rail section. 
         [0046]    The rail connection part may be adapted to be flush fitting with a rail section. 
         [0047]    The post connection part may comprise a socket for receiving part of a post internally. The post connection part may be formed separately from the rail connection part. 
         [0048]    The post connection part may form a joint with the rail connection part. The joint between the rail connection part and the post connection part may be made inside the rail connection part. 
         [0049]    The post connection part may form a hinging joint with a, or for a, support post. This means that, in use, the top rail and/or support post can be inclined to accommodate different surfaces. 
         [0050]    The post connector may include a post adapter received in the connector and being connectable to a support post. The post adapter may be hingedly received. 
         [0051]    The connector may be adapted to form an integral part of the top rail structure. In some embodiments part of the connector effectively forms an intermediate top rail section so that the top rail is not interrupted by the connector. 
         [0052]    The post connection part may be connected to the rail connection part by a hinge pin. The hinge pin permits articulation of the post and rail with respect to each other. 
         [0053]    The connector may be generally T-shape. 
         [0054]    The post and rail connector parts may be formed integrally with a post/rail, or may be formed separately and with some means of a stable connection to a post/rail. 
         [0055]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a handrail system comprising one or more top rail sections, one or more support posts and one or more connectors as described herein. 
         [0056]    According to a further aspect there is provided an adjustable hand rail corner connector part hingedly connectable to another such part and being attachable to further hand rail components, in which the part comprises a cranked portion. 
         [0057]    The crank angle may be in the range of 15° and 30° and in some embodiments is approximately 22.5°. 
         [0058]    The first and second parts of a connector may be substantially the same. This results in substantial cost savings with two parts that can be produced in the same mould. 
         [0059]    The material from which the hand rail system is produced is an important consideration. The material from which all of the components of the hand rail system may be the same or, depending on the circumstances may be different. 
         [0060]    Components may, for example, be formed from a synthetic material. The synthetic material may comprise a composite material such as an advanced composite. For example, the material may comprise a reinforced composite material such as a fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) material, which is a composite material of fibre glass (or other fibre) in a polymer matrix. FRP is seen as a particularly suitable material from which to form the hand rail structures of the present invention. FRP combines low weight with high strength and provides corrosion resistance and excellent thermal and electrical insulation. Because FRP materials have low thermal conductivity they can have particular benefits when used in cold weather conditions, where they are “warm” to the touch. Other advantageous properties may include low electrical conductivity and electromagnetic transparency. 
         [0061]    The FRP material can be selected on the basis of required properties for the resulting hand rail systems, for example polyester-, epoxy-, and vinyl ester-based materials. For example phenolic-based FRP materials can be used. Other suitable component materials may include bioresins and natural fibres to form a reinforced composite material. 
         [0062]    Phenolic-based FRP materials have presented significant difficulties in production, for example, by pultrusion. However, the inventors have surprisingly found that phenolic-FRP can be used to form hand rail structures which have particularly good fire-resistance properties. Phenolic-based FRP hand rails may have particular benefits for off shore applications, such as oil rigs. 
         [0063]    The material may be provided in various forms for production (for example by moulding) such as sheet moulding compound (SMC) or dough moulding compound (DMC). 
         [0064]    According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand rail system as described herein in combination with a corner connector as described herein. 
         [0065]    All combinations of the different aspects and embodiments are envisaged. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0066]    The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0067]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a hand rail arrangement formed according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 3  is a side view of a post-to-rail connector forming part of the arrangement of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0070]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a hand rail arrangement formed according to an alternative aspect of the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0072]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a post-rail connector forming part of the arrangement of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the connector in an inclined position; 
           [0073]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the connector of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the connector of  FIGS. 6 and 7  shown in a straight position; 
           [0075]      FIG. 9  is a section of the connector of  FIG. 8  taken along line A-A; 
           [0076]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-section of a connector formed according to the present invention; 
           [0077]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a hand rail arrangement including a connector formed according to an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0078]      FIG. 12  is a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0079]      FIG. 13A  is a side view of the connector of  FIGS. 11 and 12  shown in a first position; 
           [0080]      FIG. 13B  is a side elevation of the connector of  FIG. 13A  shown in a second position; 
           [0081]      FIG. 14  is a an underside perspective view of the connector of  FIGS. 13A and 13B ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 15  is a section of the connection of  FIG. 13A  taken along line A-A; 
           [0083]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a rail connection part of the connector of  FIGS. 13 to 15 ; 
           [0084]      FIG. 17  is an alternative perspective view of the part of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 18  is an end elevation of the part of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0086]      FIG. 19  is a side elevation of the part of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 20  is a plan view of the part of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0088]      FIG. 21  is an underplan view of the part of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0089]      FIG. 22  is perspective view of a post connection part of the connector of  FIGS. 13 to 15 ; 
           [0090]      FIG. 23  is a plan view of the part of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0091]      FIG. 24  is an underplan view of the part of  FIG. 22 ; 
           [0092]      FIG. 25  is a front elevation of the part of  FIG. 22 ; and 
           [0093]      FIG. 26  is a side elevation of the part of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0094]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of a hand rail arrangement formed with a connector according to an alternative aspect of the present invention; 
           [0095]      FIG. 28  is a side view of the arrangement of  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0096]      FIG. 29  is a side view of the connector; 
           [0097]      FIG. 30  shows top, bottom, front, rear and perspective views of the connector formed according to the present invention; 
           [0098]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of one part of the connector of  FIGS. 29 and 30 ; 
           [0099]      FIG. 32  is a plan view of the connector part of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0100]      FIG. 33  is a plan view of the connector part of  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0101]      FIG. 34  is a side view of the connector part of  FIG. 31 ; and 
           [0102]      FIG. 35  is an end view of the connector part of  FIG. 31 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0103]    Referring first to  FIGS. 1 and 2  there is shown a hand rail system generally indicated  10 . The system  10  comprises a rectilinear top rail  15  and a plurality (in this case three are shown) of depending support posts  20 . At one end of the rail  15  a support leg  25  is connected orthogonally by an articulating connector  30 . A cross member  35  extends parallel to the top rail  15  from the leg  25  through the posts  20 ; in some embodiments the cross member  25  may comprise a plurality of sections extending between adjacent posts and between the leg  25  and the adjacent post  20 . 
         [0104]    The top rail  15  is of generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross section and is formed from an FRP material. The rail  15  is made up of a number of rail sections  40  which are joined by connectors  45  which also receive the post  20  as described in more detail below. Each post  20  is received on the underside of the connector  45  and the connectors  45  are the same diameter as the sections  40 . This means that the connector  45  provides a surface which can itself be gripped by a user and the interface between the connector  45  and the adjacent rail sections  40  is such that a user does not need to remove their hand to pass over the intersections. Accordingly, the rail  15  presents a substantially continuous gripping surface along its length. 
         [0105]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  the post-to-rail connector  45  is shown in more detail. 
         [0106]    The connector  45  is generally T-shape and comprises a rail connector section and a post connector section. The rail connector section comprises a central body  50  having at either end a cylindrical dowel portion  55 . The dowel portions  55  are dimensioned to fit tightly within the ends of rail sections  40  and each dowel  55  is provided with ribs  60  on their outer surfaces to centralise the fit to ensure a consistent adhesive line thickness. 
         [0107]    The central section  50  includes a socket  65  having a generally rectangular cross section. 
         [0108]    The socket  65  receives a post connector  70  which comprises an articulation leg  75  received in the socket  65  which extends to a post cap  80  from which depends a fixing section  85 . The fixing section  85  has a generally square cross section and is provided on its external surface with a plurality of longitudinal ribs  90 . The section  85  is received in the top of a post  20  and pushed in until the cap  80  abuts against the end of the post  20 . 
         [0109]    The rail sections  40  are pushed onto the dowels  55  until they abut against the central section  50 . The central section  50  has the same cross section and diameter as the rail sections  40  so that there is a flush fit at the intersections. 
         [0110]    The central section  50  is provided with a pin hole  95  and the leg  75  is also provided with a pin hole  100 . The holes  95 ,  100  are aligned and a hinge pin  105  is passed through to join the leg  75  to the body  50  in a hinging joint. This means that the joint between the body  50  and the legs  75  is articulated so that in use the angle between posts and the hand rail can be varied to accommodate different situations. 
         [0111]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 5  there is shown a hand rail system generally indicated  10  formed according to an alternative aspect. The system  10  comprises a rectilinear top rail  15  and a plurality (in this case three are shown) of depending support posts  20 . At one end of the rail  15  a support leg  25  is connected orthogonally by an articulating connector  30 . A cross member  35  extends parallel to the top rail  15  from the leg  25  through the posts  20 ; in some embodiments the cross member  25  may comprise a plurality of sections extending between adjacent posts and between the leg  25  and the adjacent post  20 . 
         [0112]    The top rail  15  is of generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The rail  15  is made up of a number of rail sections  40  which are joined by connectors  45  which include a post adapter  70  so that they also receive the post  20  as described in more detail below. Each post  20  is received on the underside of the connector  45 . The connectors  45  are the same diameter as the sections  40  and the interface region (a) between the post and the rail (described in more detail below) means that the connector  45  provides a surface which can itself be gripped by a user and the interface between the connector  45  and the adjacent rail sections  40  is such that a user does not need to remove their hand to pass over the intersections. Accordingly, the rail  15  presents a substantially continuous gripping surface along its length. 
         [0113]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 to 9  the post-to-rail joint region is shown in more detail. 
         [0114]    The connector  45  is generally T-shape and comprises a rail connector section  46  and a post connector section  70 . The rail connector section  46  comprises a central body  50  having at either end a cylindrical dowel portion  55 . The dowel portions  55  are dimensioned to fit tightly within the ends of rail sections  40  and each dowel  55  is provided with ribs  60  on their outer surfaces to centralise the fit to ensure a consistent adhesive line thickness. 
         [0115]    The central section  50  includes a socket  65  having a generally rectangular cross section. 
         [0116]    The socket  65  receives a post connector  70  which comprises an articulation leg  75  received in the socket  65  which extends to a post cap  80  from which depends a fixing section  85 . The fixing section  85  has a generally square cross section and is provided on its external surface with a plurality of longitudinal ribs  90 . The section  85  is received in the top of a post  20  and pushed in until the cap  80  abuts against the end of the post  20 . 
         [0117]    The rail sections  40  are pushed onto the dowels  55  until they abut against the central section  50 . The central section  50  has the same cross section and diameter as the rail sections  40  so that there is a flush fit at the intersections. 
         [0118]    The central section  50  is provided with a pin hole  95  and the leg  75  is also provided with a pin hole  100 . The holes  95 ,  100  are aligned and a hinge pin  105  is passed through to join the leg  75  to the body  50  in a hinging joint. This means that the joint between the body  50  and the legs  75  is articulated so that in use the angle between posts and the hand rail can be varied (see  FIGS. 3 and 5 , for example) to accommodate different situations. 
         [0119]    As shown best in  FIG. 9 , the circumferential length of the body  50  occupied by the leg  75  is less than half the diameter of the body. This means that a user can still grip around the body across the post-rail interface. In other words, the circumference of the rail (provided by the body) at the post-rail interface is sufficient for a user to grip around so that the rail can provide uninterrupted grip across the interface. 
         [0120]    In other embodiments (not shown) the post may be fixed directly to the rail or form an integral part thereof and/or there may be no hinging joint. However, the relationship between extent to which the post occupies the rail is still restricted so that grip can be maintained at the interface. 
         [0121]    Referring now to  FIG. 10  there is a shown a rail connector section  146  and a post  125  connected thereto. 
         [0122]    The section  146  is generally cylindrical and the sector occupied by the post  125  is 52 degrees, leaving 308 degrees available for a user to grip across the post-rail connection region. 
         [0123]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12  there is shown a hand rail assembly generally indicated  10  formed according to an alternative aspect. The assembly  10  comprises a rectilinear top rail  15  and a plurality (in this case three are shown) of depending support posts  20 . At one end of the rail  15  a support leg  25  is connected orthogonally by an articulating connector  30 . A cross member  35  extends parallel to the top rail  15  from the leg  25  through the posts  20 ; in some embodiments the cross member  25  may comprise a plurality of sections extending between adjacent posts and between the leg  25  and the adjacent post  20 . 
         [0124]    The top rail  15  is of generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The rail  15  is made up of a number of rail sections  40  which are joined by connectors  45  which also receive the post  20  as described in more detail below. Each post  20  is received on the underside of the connector  45  and the connectors  45  are the same diameter as the sections  40 . This means that the connector  45  provides a surface which can itself be gripped by a user and the interface between the connector  45  and the adjacent rail sections  40  is such that a user does not need to remove their hand to pass over the intersections. Accordingly, the rail  15  presents a substantially continuous gripping surface along its length. 
         [0125]    Referring now to  FIGS. 13 to 26  the post-to-rail joint connector  45  is shown in more detail. 
         [0126]    The connector  45  is generally T-shape and comprises a generally cylindrical rail connector part  46  and an elongate post connector part  70 . 
         [0127]    The rail connector part  46  comprises a central body  50  having at either end a cylindrical dowel portion  55 ,  56 . The dowel portions  55 ,  56  are dimensioned to fit tightly within the ends of rail sections  40  and each dowel  55 ,  56  is provided with circumferential ribs  60  on their outer surfaces to centralise the fit to ensure a consistent adhesive line thickness. 
         [0128]    The central section  50  includes a socket  65  having a generally rectangular cross section. The socket  65  is offset from the centre of the section  50  towards the dowel  55 . 
         [0129]    The socket  65  receives the post connector part  70 . 
         [0130]    The post connector part  70  comprises an articulation leg  75  received in the socket  65  and having a semi-circular end  76  with a fixing hole  77 . The leg  75  extends to a post cap  80  from which depends a fixing section  85 . The fixing section  85  has a generally square cross section and is provided on its external surface with a plurality of longitudinal ribs  90 . The section  85  is received in the top of a post  20  and pushed in until the cap  80  abuts against the end of the post  20  in a flush fit. 
         [0131]    In use the rail sections  40  are pushed onto the dowels  55 ,  56  until they abut against the central section  50 . The central section  50  has the same cross section and diameter as the rail sections  40  so that there is a flush fit at the intersections. 
         [0132]    The central section  50  is provided with a pin hole  95  and the leg  75  is also provided with a pin hole  77 . The holes  95 ,  77  are aligned and a hinge pin  105  is passed through to join the leg  75  to the body  50  in a hinging joint. 
         [0133]    This means that the joint between the body  50  and the leg  75  is articulated so that in use the angle between posts (via post connectors) and the hand rail can be varied as illustrated by  FIGS. 13A and 13B  to accommodate different situations. 
         [0134]    Referring now to  FIGS. 27 and 28  there is shown a hand rail system generally indicated  10  formed according to an alternative aspect. The system  10  comprises a rectilinear top rail  15  and a plurality (in this case three are shown) of depending support posts  20 . At one end of the rail  15  a support leg  25  is connected orthogonally by an articulating connector  30 . A cross member  35  extends parallel to the top rail  15  from the leg  25  through the posts  20 ; in some embodiments the cross member  25  may comprise a plurality of sections extending between adjacent posts and between the leg  25  and the adjacent post  20 . 
         [0135]    The top rail  15  is of generally cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. The rail  15  is made up of a number of rail sections  40  which are joined by connectors  45  which also receive the post  20  as described in more detail below. Each post  20  is received on the underside of the connector  45  and the connectors  45  are the same diameter as the sections  40 . This means that the connector  45  provides a surface which can itself be gripped by a user and the interface between the connector  45  and the adjacent rail sections  40  is such that a user does not need to remove their hand to pass over the intersections. Accordingly, the rail  15  presents a substantially continuous gripping surface along its length. 
         [0136]    Referring now to  FIGS. 29 and 30  the connector  30  is an articulated joint allowing the connection of adjacent rail sections and/or to connect rail to an end leg. 
         [0137]    In this embodiment the connector  30  comprises two identical parts  50 ,  55  fitted together in a mirror-image arrangement. 
         [0138]    As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 31 to 35  each part  50 ,  55  (only part  50  is shown  FIGS. 31 to 35 ) comprises an articulation section  51 ,  56  hingedly connected to each other by a hinge pin  60 . Each part also comprises a dowel section  52 ,  57  dimensioned to be received in the end of a rail section or end post. The articulation sections  51 ,  56  are joined to the dowel sections  52 ,  57  by cranked sections  53 ,  58 . The cranked sections  53 ,  58  effectively reduce the angle which can be created between the dowel sections  52 ,  57  thus “tightening” the joint angle. The connector is therefore particularly suited for tight spaces, such as stairwells, where tight turns between adjacent rail sections are required. 
         [0139]    Each dowel section  52 ,  57  has a plurality of external longitudinal ribs or splines  54 ,  59  which help with fastening the parts onwardly to other hand rail components. 
         [0140]    As shown best in  FIGS. 31 to 33 , the articulation section  51  of the part  50  comprises two legs  51   a ,  51   b  and a claw  51   c  which together define a major and minor recess  51   d ,  51   e . Because the part  55  is the same shape, when the two parts are brought together the legs of each part interdigitate into the legs and recesses of the other part. In this embodiment the crank angle provided by the sections  53 ,  58  is approximately 22.5° and allows the creation of a joint between adjacent rail sections of approximately 45°. 
         [0141]    The connector could, of course, be used in conjunction with any hand rail system and is not restricted to the particular class or configuration of hand rail systems specifically described herein.