Patent ID: 8424850

Claim:
A mounting system for removably locking a baluster in a balustrade, the balustrade having upper and lower surfaces that are oppositely disposed a fixed distance apart, wherein corresponding ends of the balustrade are encompassed by structural supports defining the fixed distance, the mounting system comprising: a first baluster connector fixed to either the upper or lower surface; a second baluster connector fixed to either the upper or lower surface which is opposite the first baluster connector; a baluster removably locked between said first and second baluster connectors, wherein the first baluster connector is configured to slidably receive, in a first direction, an end of the baluster and the second baluster connector is configured to laterally receive, in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, an opposite end of the baluster, and wherein both connectors are configured such that the baluster is removable without removing the structural supports encompassing the corresponding ends of the balustrade and without changing the fixed distance between the upper and lower surfaces; and a locking sleeve slidable along a portion of the baluster and configured for locking engagement with the second baluster connector; and wherein the locking sleeve is rotatable about the second baluster connector to prevent axial movement of the locking sleeve relative to the baluster.