Patent Description:
<CIT> describes a guided fence for anti-roadkill, configured wherein a wire pulley is installed in a pair of rows at a certain interval in the upper and lower direction on a fence fixing plate installed on the rear of a guardrail support. A steel wire is passed through a wire insertion hole formed in a bearing of a guide fence installed between fence fixing plates in a zigzag shape while being hung on the wire pulley in a "U" shape and installed. A compression bolt installed at the lower end of the steel wire is installed on a wire fixing piece formed at the lower end of the fence fixing plate by a nut. A preload spring is installed between the compression sleeve installed at the upper end of the steel wire and the spring seat formed at the upper end of the fence fixing plate to provide tension to the steel wire. An anchor inserted into the ground is installed at the lower end of the bearing of the guide fence. Said document discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> also discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

A railing system, or railing, is a type of barrier or fencing which generally includes one or more infills secured to a plurality of posts and/or rails. The infills of cable railing systems, for example, are cables or wires secured between the posts and/or rails. In conventional cable railing systems, the cables are either secured or oriented vertically between two or more rails or horizontally between two or more posts. However, each cable is installed and tensioned by hand one at time which can be extremely tedious and time-consuming. Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for improved cable railing systems and methods of assembling thereof. It is to the provision of solutions to these and other problems that the present invention is primarily directed.

Preferred or optional features are set out in the dependent claims.

The present invention provides a cable-style railing apparatus comprising: a pair of spaced-apart upright posts and having a plurality of cable returns; a cable extending in a serpentine fashion between the upright posts and threaded around the cable returns such that multiple portions of the cable each span between the upright posts; and a tensioning device for tensioning the cable.

Optionally, the plurality of cable returns includes a plurality of rollers or pulleys or curved non-rotating cable guides. Where curved non-rotating cable guides are used, these may be low-friction polymer guides.

In one form, the cable is affixed at one end to one of the upright posts and the opposite end of the cable is attached to the tensioning device. Alternatively, a second tensioning device can be provided and the cable attached at one end to one of the tensioning devices and the opposite end of the cable attached to the second tensioning device.

A rigid beam extends between the spaced-apart posts and is in contact with upper portions of the spaced-apart posts such that as the cable is tensioned by the tensioning device, the rigid beam keeps the upper portions of the spaced-apart posts a predetermined distance apart from one another. The rigid beam defines a channel therein and the tensioning device is housed within the channel of the rigid beam. Preferably, the rigid beam or the posts include supports for vertically and loosely supporting the rigid beam at the posts until the tensioning device is operated to create tension in the cable, effectively clamping the rigid beam between spaced-apart posts.

Preferably, the tensioning device includes a threaded adjuster such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable simply by turning the threaded adjuster to a predetermined extent.

Preferably, the tensioning device comprises a compression spring and wherein turning the threaded adjuster to a predetermined extent includes turning the threaded adjuster until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount.

Preferably, the tensioning device is operable so that, with substantially no tension in the cable, a visible gap may be present between two portions of the tensioning device and when the compression spring is compressed the predetermined amount a visible gap between the two portions of the tensioning device may be substantially closed or eliminated.

Preferably, the tensioning device comprises a tensioner body to be positioned near an adjacent one of the upright posts. Preferably, the tensioning device further comprises a movable carriage slidably mounted adjacent the tensioner body and including a cable clamp for gripping the cable. Preferably, the tensioning device further comprises a threaded adjuster bolt operative for moving the movable carriage away from the adjacent upright post. Preferably, the tensioning device further comprises a base portion having a bore for receiving a portion of the compression spring. Preferably, the base portion is movably connected to a distal end of the tensioner body. Preferably, a compression spring is positioned between the base portion and the tensioner body for biasing the tensioner body away from the base portion, and wherein the threaded adjuster bolt is operable to urge the movable carriage away from the base portion so as to cause the tensioner body to be urged toward the base portion in opposition to the biasing of the tensioner body away from the base portion by the compression spring. Preferably, when the threaded adjuster bolt is turned enough that the spring is compressed between the tensioner body and the base portion to such an extent that the tensioner body is brought into close contact with the base portion, a predetermined amount of tension force is developed in the cable.

Preferably, the tensioner body, movable carriage, and actuator comprising a threaded adjuster bolt are configured and adapted such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable simply by turning the threaded adjuster bolt to a predetermined extent.

Preferably, with zero or minimal tension in the cable, the base portion is positioned at a predetermined distance from an end of the tensioner body.

Optionally, the base portion has a cable bore for receiving the cable therethrough and the cable can extend through the compression spring and into the cable clamp of the movable carriage.

Preferably, as the threaded adjuster bolt is turned one way the movable carriage is translated in one direction along the tensioner body until movement of the movable carriage creates sufficient tension in the cable that the compression spring begins to be compressed between the tensioner body and the base portion.

Optionally, when the threaded adjuster bolt is turned enough that the spring is compressed between the tensioner body and the base portion to such an extent that the tensioner body is brought into close contact with the base portion, a predetermined amount of tension force is developed in the cable.

Preferably, tensioner body, movable carriage, and actuator comprising a threaded adjuster bolt are configured and adapted such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable simply by turning the threaded adjuster bolt to a predetermined extent.

Preferably, the predetermined extent of turning the threaded adjuster bolt comprises turning the threaded adjuster bolt until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount, resulting in a predetermined tension force in the cable.

Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of between about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre and about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre. Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of between about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre and about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre. Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre.

One or more example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

The present invention is defined in the appended Claims. The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately (approx. )" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately (approx. )" another particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. In addition, any methods described herein are not intended to be limited to the sequence of steps described but can be carried out in other sequences, unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views, <FIG> shows a cable railing assembly or system <NUM> according to a first example embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> shows a partially exploded view of the same cable railing assembly <NUM>. Generally, the cable railing assembly or system <NUM> includes a cable guide assembly <NUM>, one or more posts or balusters <NUM>, a beam or rail <NUM>, one or more tensioners or tensioning apparatuses <NUM>, a beam cap or rail cover <NUM>, and one or more post caps <NUM>. Optionally, the cable railing assembly may also include one or more mid-support post assemblies <NUM>.

Generally, posts <NUM> are rigid, upright columns configured to be positioned and mounted to a ground or support surface, such as, for example, decks, staircases, flooring, and/or backyards. Each post <NUM> includes one or more channels adapted to receive at least a portion of one or more cable guide assemblies <NUM>. <FIG> show example cross-sectional profiles of different types of posts <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows an example profile of an end post, <FIG> shows an example profile of a line post, and <FIG> shows an example profile of a corner post. The end post includes one cable guide receiving channel <NUM> and is generally most suitable for use as the end of a railing system or series of railing systems. The line post includes two cable guide receiving channels <NUM> and is most suitable for joining two co-linear cable guide assemblies <NUM>. The corner post also includes two cable guide receiving channels <NUM> and is most suitable for joining two cable guides at an angle, for example at <NUM> degrees from one another as shown in <FIG>. The post <NUM> also includes a cable slit or slot <NUM> provided along a side of the post adjacent to each cable guide receiving channel <NUM>. The cable slot <NUM> provides clearance for cables in the cable guide assemblies <NUM>.

The cable guide assembly <NUM> generally includes a first cable guide insert or brace <NUM>, a second cable guide insert or brace <NUM>, and a cable or wire <NUM> engaged between the cable guide inserts. The cable guide inserts generally include a plurality of cable-guiding members or returns <NUM>, <NUM> in a staggered manner between the first and second cable guide inserts. As shown in <FIG>, cable <NUM> is looped between the cable returns <NUM> and <NUM> in a serpentine fashion with a first, free end of the cable extending out from a first, top end of the first cable guide insert <NUM> and a second free end, opposite the first free end, of the cable <NUM> extending out from a second, bottom end of the second cable guide insert <NUM>. In this manner, a single cable is used to form a plurality of rows of cable between the cable guide inserts. Generally, the cable guide inserts also include beam supporting brackets <NUM> and <NUM> capable of receiving and supporting the beam <NUM> between the upright posts <NUM>. Further details of the cable guide assembly according to example embodiments are provided infra.

The tensioner <NUM> is a tensioning apparatus used to add tension or tighten the cable <NUM>. Generally, the tensioner <NUM> includes a tensioner base <NUM>, a tensioner body or carriage housing <NUM>, a compression spring <NUM> positioned between the tensioner base and the tensioner body for biasing the tensioner body away from the base portion, a movable carriage assembly <NUM> slidably mounted adjacent the tensioner body and comprising a cable clamp <NUM> for gripping the cable, and a threaded adjuster secured to the body and operative for moving the movable carriage along the body. The tensioner carriage <NUM> includes a first carriage portion or threaded slider <NUM> having a threaded bore <NUM> therein and a second carriage portion or cable clamp housing <NUM> having a cable slot or channel <NUM> with a one-way jaw or cable clamp <NUM> biased by a compression spring <NUM> provided therewith. The compression spring <NUM> is adapted to bias the cable clamp <NUM> towards the cable channel <NUM> for allowing the cable to move through the cable channel in one direction but not in the opposite direction. The threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> is received in the threaded bore <NUM> of the carriage <NUM> such that operation of the threaded adjuster bolt causes the carriage to slide laterally along the tensioner body <NUM>. The tensioner <NUM> is described in greater detail below.

The beam <NUM> is a rigid support structure adapted to be secured between two spaced-part posts <NUM> and/or between the two cable guide inserts <NUM> and <NUM>. Generally, the beam <NUM> provides lateral support to the posts so as to prevent the posts from deflecting away from the vertical under external load such as for example lateral load placed on the posts from tensioned cables <NUM> during use. The beam <NUM> is described in greater detail below. The beam cover or rail <NUM> may be placed over or seated onto the beam <NUM> and tensioner(s) <NUM> to provide coverage. Similarly, trim pieces <NUM> and <NUM> and post caps <NUM> may also be incorporated onto the post for both protective and aesthetic coverage.

As described briefly above, the cable-style railing <NUM> includes a pair of posts <NUM>, with the posts being configured to be installed upon a support surface or ground. As shown in <FIG>, the cable guide assembly <NUM> extends between the posts (for example, first post <NUM>' and second post <NUM>") and is threaded therein such that multiple portions of the cable assembly each span between the posts, with the posts initially being in proximity with one another and being adapted to be pulled apart from one another for installation. With this construction, the cable assembly is threaded between the posts and expands as the posts are pulled away from one another, in somewhat or more-or-less accordion style.

In example embodiments, the cable guide assembly <NUM> includes a single cable threaded between the posts in serpentine fashion. However, the cable assembly can comprise multiple separate cables.

In example embodiments, the posts <NUM> include a plurality of cable-guiding members or cable returns <NUM> and <NUM>. The cable returns can take one of several forms, including rollers, pulleys, fixed curved guides, etc. Moreover, and especially in the instance of fixed curved guides, the cable returns can be constructed of a low friction polymer to reduce friction and make it easier to pull the railing assembly apart and expand the cable assembly within the railing assembly.

<FIG> show the cable tensioning apparatus or tensioner <NUM>. In example embodiments, the cable tensioning apparatus <NUM> includes a tensioner body <NUM> to be positioned near an adjacent one of the upright posts <NUM> and a movable carriage <NUM> slidably mounted adjacent the tensioner body <NUM> and having a cable clamp <NUM> for gripping the cable <NUM>. A threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> is operative for moving the movable carriage <NUM> away from the adjacent upright post and a base portion <NUM> has a bore for receiving a portion of the compression spring. The base portion <NUM> is movably connected to a distal end of the tensioner body <NUM>. A compression spring <NUM> is positioned between the base portion <NUM> and the tensioner body <NUM> for biasing the tensioner body away from the base portion, and wherein the threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> can be operated to urge the movable carriage <NUM> away from the base portion <NUM> causing the tensioner body <NUM> to be urged toward the base portion <NUM> in opposition to the biasing of the tensioner body <NUM> away from the base portion <NUM> by the compression spring <NUM>.

Preferably, the threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> comprises trapezoidal-style threads and the movable carriage <NUM> has a corresponding threaded portion or bore <NUM> for receiving the threaded adjuster bolt such that as the bolt <NUM> is turned one way or another the movable carriage <NUM> is translated in one direction or another relative to the tensioner body <NUM>. In example embodiments, with zero or minimal tension in the cable, the base portion <NUM> is positioned at a predetermined distance from an end of the tensioner body <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> has a cable bore <NUM> for receiving the cable <NUM> therethrough and the cable can extend through the compression spring <NUM> and into engagement with the cable clamp <NUM> in the channel <NUM> of the movable carriage <NUM>.

As the threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> is turned one way the movable carriage is translated in one direction along the tensioner body <NUM> until movement of the movable carriage <NUM> creates sufficient tension in the cable <NUM> that the compression spring begins to be compressed between the tensioner body <NUM> and the base portion <NUM>. When the threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> is turned enough that the spring <NUM> is compressed between the tensioner body <NUM> and the base portion <NUM> to such an extent that the tensioner body is brought into close contact with the base portion, a predetermined amount of tension force is developed in the cable. In other words, the tensioner body <NUM>, movable carriage <NUM>, and actuator having a threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> are configured and adapted such that a predetermined tensile force can be developed in the cable <NUM> simply by turning the threaded adjuster bolt to a predetermined extent, wherein the predetermined extent of turning the threaded adjuster bolt comprises turning the threaded adjuster bolt until the compression spring is compressed a predetermined amount, resulting in a predetermined tension force in the cable.

In example embodiments, the compression spring <NUM> has a spring rate of between about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre and about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre. Preferably, the compression spring has a spring rate of between about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre and about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre and, more preferably, about <NUM>,<NUM> per metre.

A rigid beam <NUM> extends between the spaced-apart posts adjacent upper portions of the spaced-apart posts <NUM>", <NUM>" such that as the cable <NUM> is tensioned by the tensioning device, the rigid beam <NUM> keeps the upper portions of the spaced-apart posts a predetermined distance apart from one another. In other words, despite the force exerted on the posts by the cable, the beam <NUM> keeps the posts <NUM>', <NUM>" from deflecting toward each other and away from vertical.

Preferably, the rigid beam <NUM> is made from an aluminum extrusion, such that it has the same profile all along its length. Using an aluminum extrusion provides good strength without excessive weight, while also providing inherent resistance to corrosion. The beam <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> therein and the tensioning device <NUM> is housed within the channel <NUM> of the rigid beam <NUM>. Also optionally, channel <NUM> of the rigid beam <NUM> has a generally U-shaped profile and the tensioning device is housed within the channel <NUM> of the rigid beam. Further, a cover <NUM> can be provided for concealing the rigid beam <NUM> (and the tensioning device <NUM>).

Preferably, the rigid beam <NUM> or the posts <NUM> include supports <NUM>, <NUM> for vertically and loosely supporting the rigid beam <NUM> at upper portions <NUM> of the posts until the tensioning device <NUM> is operated to create tension in the cable <NUM>, effectively clamping the rigid beam <NUM> between the spaced-apart posts <NUM> and holding the posts apart. As best seen in <FIG>, the rigid beam <NUM> has a roughly X or H profile, defined by upper out flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, side walls <NUM>, <NUM>, and lower outer flanges <NUM>, <NUM>. Horizontal element or floor <NUM> connects the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM>. A lower boxed-in channel is formed by the floor <NUM>, lower floor <NUM>, and angled sidewalls connecting the two. These angled sidewalls are spaced a small distance from the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> to create a narrow vertical slot into which vertical portions of the supports <NUM>, <NUM> can be closely received. This engagement is best seen in <FIG>, while the geometry of this narrow vertical slot is best seen in <FIG>. <FIG> (partially exploded) shows the beam cap <NUM> for covering the rigid beam <NUM> and the tensioning devices <NUM>, as well as showing the post caps <NUM>' and <NUM>" for capping the posts. These caps keep rain and debris out of these elements, as well as concealing the workings of the tensioning devices, thereby minimizing the opportunity for unauthorized tampering with the components.

Optionally, the apparatus can be sold as a kit suitable for D-I-Y installation or for installation by professional installers. The cable-style railing kit is for assembly and installation upon a surface. The cable-style railing kit includes a pair of posts <NUM>, with the posts being configured to be installed upon the surface. A cable assembly <NUM> includes a single cable <NUM> that extends in serpentine fashion between a pair of cable guide assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The cable guide assemblies are adapted to be attached to the posts <NUM>. Further, the cable assembly <NUM> is threaded and configured such that the cable guide assemblies can be pulled or moved apart from one another while the cable remains threaded in the cable guide assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> and while the cable expands its span. At least one tensioner <NUM> is provided for tensioning the cable once the cable guides are attached to the posts.

With this arrangement, the user/installer can install the posts <NUM>, expand the cable assembly <NUM> and attach the cable guides <NUM>, <NUM> to the posts <NUM>, such that multiple portions of the cable assembly <NUM> each span between the posts. Once the cable is spanning the posts, the cable can be tensioned with the tensioning device(s) <NUM>.

In the kit, the cable guides can be pre-attached to the posts and the posts are initially in close proximity with one another. The user/installer then pulls the posts apart from one another for installation. With this construction, the cable assembly is threaded between the posts and expands as the posts are pulled away from one another, in somewhat or more-or-less accordion style. Again, once the posts are installed upon the surface with the cable extending back and forth between the posts in serpentine fashion, the user/installer can tension the cable with the tensioning device. Optionally, there can be two tensioning devices, one for each end of the cable.

Optionally, a rigid beam <NUM> can be provided to be placed between the posts and in initial contact with upper portions of the posts such that as the cable assembly is tensioned by the tensioning device, the rigid beam <NUM> keeps the upper portions of the posts a predetermined distance apart from one another - it keeps them vertical and avoids or minimizes deflection of the posts despite the substantial forces on the posts from the tension in the cable <NUM>.

<FIG> generally shows a flow-chart generally including the steps of assembling and installing the cable rail assembly <NUM> according to an example method of use. For example, the user first determines the desired placement of the posts. Preferably, the posts are aligned from the center, as shown in <FIG>. Preferably, a chalk line is used to mark the mounting surface to ensure that all posts are properly aligned. Preferably, the maximum span of a single section of pre-assembled railing is about <NUM> between posts (or about <NUM> on center) as shown in <FIG>. However, the span of a single section of pre-assembled railing may be about more or less than <NUM> between posts (or about <NUM> on center). For example, the span of a single section of pre-assembled railing may be customized as needed or desired. Moreover, a plurality of cable railing assemblies may be joined together for example with the use of a combination of end, line, and corner posts to join a plurality of cable guide assemblies to form an extended fencing or railing.

Once the post placements are determined, the posts are secured in place with appropriate fasteners and base trims are installed on each post as shown in <FIG> (i.e., first base trim section <NUM> and second base trim section <NUM> are joined together at the base of each post). However, the method of securing the posts may vary depending on the material and/or properties of the surface on which the railing assembly is installed. For example, for concrete surface installations, the use of masonry anchors (such as for example approx. <NUM> masonry anchors) may be preferred. For decking or wood installations, a secondary mounting plate may be used to secure the posts in place. For example, as shown in <FIG>, at least two approx. <NUM> x approx. <NUM> blocks BK (e.g., wood blocks) are preferably installed beneath each post using appropriate fasteners S (e.g., #<NUM>- approx. <NUM> deck screws) preferably penetrating through the joists at least <NUM> into the blocks. The deck surface is then marked through the holes provided on the bottom plates of the steel posts onto the deck surface. Using the marks as guides, holes (preferably about <NUM>) are drilled through the deck board and blocking. Bolts BL, such as for example <NUM> diameter hot dipped galvanized or stainless-steel bolts, are then pushed through the post plate, deck board, and blocking. A separate bottom plate MB is secured to the bolts BL from beneath the deck surface with appropriate nuts N, as shown in <FIG>. The posts may be further leveled as needed using leveling shims.

With the posts installed, the level cable guide assemblies can be assembled to the posts. As shown in <FIG>, and described above, each level cable guide assembly includes a first cable guide or brace <NUM> and a second cable guide or brace <NUM> connected by a cable <NUM> looping back and forth between the first and second cable guides. In example embodiments, the first end <NUM> of the cable extends out of a top end of the first cable guide <NUM> and the second, opposite end <NUM> of the cable extends out of a bottom end of the second cable guide <NUM>. The first cable guide may be installed in or secured to a first post <NUM>' by sliding the first cable guide <NUM> into the first post so that the bottom end of the first cable guide bottoms out on the first post base plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Preferably, the first, free end <NUM> of the cable is left extending out of the top end of the first post <NUM>'. In exampled embodiments, the posts <NUM> include at least one open slit or slot <NUM> along at least one of the sides to allow the cable to slide therethrough, as shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, with the first cable guide <NUM> properly placed within the first post <NUM>', the second cable guide <NUM> is moved towards a second post <NUM>" and installed therein by sliding the second cable guide <NUM> into a guide receiving channel <NUM> of the second post. In exampled embodiments, the second cable guide <NUM> is installed so that the lower end of the second cable guide bottoms out on the second post base with the second, free end <NUM> of the cable extending out of the top end of the second post <NUM>". A back-and-forth motion may help in stretching and loosening the cable <NUM> between the first and second cable guides as the second cable guide is moved towards the second post. Preferably, the cable guide assembly <NUM> is installed in the first and second posts <NUM>', <NUM>" with equal amounts of excess cable extending from each post. The cable may be redistributed between the first and second cable guides by loosening therebetween and pulling the first and second free ends <NUM>, <NUM> so as to introduce tension in the cable <NUM>.

Once the cable guide assembly is properly secured between two posts (i.e., the first and second posts <NUM>', <NUM>"), the beam <NUM> is measured and cut to a length approximate to the distance between the posts. Preferably, the beam is cut to a length that is about <NUM> less than the distance between the posts. As best shown in <FIG>, the beam <NUM> comprises a cross-sectional profile having one or more slots <NUM> for receiving and securing to beam brackets <NUM> and <NUM>. In the depicted embodiments, the beam comprises two vertical slots <NUM> configured to fit over two vertical tabs or flanges of the beam brackets, as shown in <FIG>. The beam further comprises a longitudinal channel <NUM> configured to receive and seat cable tensioners <NUM>.

With the beam secured in place between the beam brackets <NUM> and <NUM>, each free end of the cable is fed through a cable tensioner <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Each cable tensioner is placed or seated into the channel <NUM> of the top beam <NUM> as close to each adjacent post as possible (see <FIG> and <FIG>). In example embodiments, the first free end <NUM> of the cable is fed through cable tensioner <NUM>' and the second free end <NUM> is fed through cable tensioner <NUM>". The cable <NUM> is pre-tensioned by pulling as much slack through the cable tensioners by hand (i.e., by pulling both the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the cable towards the middle of the assembly or in opposite directions so as to introduce tension in the cable as depicted by the arrows in <FIG>). In other example embodiments, a knot or a stopper may be added to one end of the cable wherein the knot or stopper acts as an anchor and secures said end to a portion of the post or cable guide insert. For example, a tensioner may be provided at the first end of the cable while a knot or a stopper is added to the opposite, second end. In this way, tension may be introduced in the cable by pulling the first, free end of the cable through the one tensioner until the knot or stopper on the second end of the cable abuts for example the cable guide insert or a portion of the post whereby the second end of the cable is anchored and prevented from moving further.

In example embodiments, tensioners <NUM> are used to further tighten or introduce further tension in the cable. With the movable carriage assembly <NUM> positioned as close to the tensioner base portion <NUM> and a gap visible between the tensioner base portion <NUM> and the tensioner body portion <NUM> (i.e., pre-tensioned state or configuration, as shown in <FIG>), cable <NUM> is threaded through cable channels <NUM> and <NUM> of the tensioner base portion <NUM> and carriage <NUM>, respectively. The cable <NUM> is thereby also threaded through the compression spring <NUM>. The carriage bottom <NUM> comprises a one-way jaw or cable clamp <NUM> biased by a clamp spring <NUM> which prevents the cable from retracting back in the opposite direction once threaded or pulled through the cable channels. The compression spring <NUM> is sufficiently stiff such that appreciable compression of the spring is difficult to achieve, or unlikely, if the cable is pulled or tensioned by hand. In example embodiments, the compression spring is configured to assert a specific, pre-determined tension in the cable. In this way, a specific, pre-designed amount of tension in the cable can be asserted through tensioner which allows an installer or a maintenance person to set the tension to a specific, predefined tensile force in an easily repeatable manner without any measuring instrument or specialized tool or knowledge. In other example embodiments, the compression spring may in interchanged with others having different spring rates as desired or needed.

With the cable ends <NUM> and <NUM> pulled hand-taut through the cable tensioners <NUM>' and <NUM>", respectively, additional tension can be introduced in the cable using the tensioners. In example embodiments, a threaded adjuster bolt <NUM> is threaded through the threaded bore <NUM> of the threaded slider <NUM> such that carriage <NUM> moves back and forth laterally along and relative to the tensioner body <NUM> when the adjuster bolt <NUM> is turned one way or the other. In example embodiments, as the threaded bolt is turned for example clockwise, the sliding carriage <NUM> moves away from the tensioner base portion <NUM> which thereby pulls the cable further away from the base portion and introduces additional tension in the cable <NUM>. When the tension in the cable is sufficiently high, the tension or tensile force of the cable <NUM> overcomes the opposing force of the compression spring <NUM> and urges the tensioner body <NUM> to move towards the tensioner base portion <NUM> compressing the spring <NUM> in the process. According to example embodiments, the threaded bolt <NUM> is turned until the tensioner body portion <NUM> comes into contact with the tensioner base portion <NUM> thereby eliminating any gap therebetween (i.e., tensioned state or configuration), as shown in <FIG>.

To eliminate or reduce any remaining slack in the cable, additional tension is added by first firmly deflecting the top and bottom rows of the cable (for example, by stepping or pushing down on the cable). For example, deflection of the top and bottom rows of cable <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) causes the cable to stretch or deform and, at least semi-permanently, increase in length. The additional length in the cable allows the compression spring <NUM> to push the sliding carriage <NUM> and tensioner body portion <NUM> away from the tensioner base portion <NUM> and reintroduces the gap therebetween. The cable can now be tightened again by turning the threaded adjuster bolt <NUM>, as described above. Preferably, the tightening-deflecting steps are repeated until there no further gap is visible even after attempting to deflect the cable further. If the cable <NUM> becomes loose over time, the cable can be tightened again easily by tightening the adjuster bolt as described herein. If there is no gap between the tensioner base portion <NUM> and the tensioner body portion <NUM> after deflecting the cable, the tension in the cable is now set to the specific, pre-determined value (i.e., as set by the compression springs <NUM> in the tensioners <NUM>). Preferably, excess cable extending beyond the tensioners <NUM> is removed leaving about <NUM> in. The remaining excess cable may be stored in the top channel <NUM> of the beam <NUM>.

Once the cable is properly tensioned, a mid-support post assembly <NUM> may be added to provide additional support to the beam <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The mid-support post assembly comprises a mid-support post <NUM>, a mid-support post cover <NUM>, a first mid-support trim piece <NUM>, and a second mid-support trim piece <NUM>. The mid-support post assembly <NUM> may be installed anywhere the mid-support post assembly is desired or needed. Preferably, the mid-support post assembly is provided approximately in the middle of two adjacent posts to provide the most support. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom end of the mid-support post is secured to the ground or support surface, and the top end of the mid-support post is secured to an underside of the beam <NUM>. The mid-support post comprises a series of slots aligned to the rows of cables in the cable guide assembly <NUM>, which allows sliding the mid-support post <NUM> between the beam <NUM> and the ground or support surface such that the rows of cable fit or slide into the slots of the mid-support post. The mid-support cover <NUM> is then secured or joined to the mid-support post <NUM> enclosing the rows of cable in the slots of the mid-support post. In example embodiments, the mid-support cover <NUM> is secured to the mid-support post with flat head screws but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the cover <NUM> may be secured to the post <NUM> using any suitable mechanical and non-mechanical means, such as for example friction fittings, adhesives, welds, or fasteners. Preferably, the first and second trim pieces <NUM>, <NUM> are joined together at the bottom end of the mid-support post to provide cover and better aesthetics.

Finally, the top, open ends of the posts <NUM> are covered with post caps <NUM> (i.e., end cap <NUM>' for post <NUM>' and end cap <NUM>" for post <NUM>") and the rail or beam cover <NUM> is secured over the beam <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the beam <NUM> comprises locking lips or ribs <NUM> on each side of its cross-sectional profile. The beam cover <NUM> comprises a pair of locking shelves <NUM> configured to deflect and slide over the locking lips <NUM>. In example embodiments, the bottom or leading edges of the locking shelves <NUM> and upper edges of the locking lips <NUM> are chamfered to help deflect the sides of the beam <NUM> and/or beam cover <NUM> apart as the beam cover is secured or installed over the beam.

Claim 1:
A cable-style railing apparatus comprising:
a pair of spaced-apart upright posts (<NUM>) and having a plurality of cable returns;
a cable (<NUM>) extending in a serpentine fashion between the upright posts (<NUM>) and
threaded around the cable returns (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that multiple portions of the cable (<NUM>) each span between the upright posts (<NUM>);
a tensioning device (<NUM>) for tensioning the cable (<NUM>);
a rigid beam (<NUM>) extending between the spaced-apart posts (<NUM>) and in contact with upper portions of the spaced-apart posts (<NUM>) such that as the cable (<NUM>) is tensioned by the tensioning device (<NUM>), the rigid beam (<NUM>) keeps the upper portions of the spaced-apart posts (<NUM>) a predetermined distance from one another, characterized in that the rigid beam (<NUM>) defines a channel (<NUM>) therein and the tensioning device (<NUM>) is housed within the channel (<NUM>) of the rigid beam (<NUM>).