Picket railing anchor system

Abstract

An improved picket railing anchor system for multiple picket railings for buildings, balconies, and decks, which can experience different forces being applied by people, objects or hurricane strength winds. The system includes an elongated base member having integral keyways which receive anchor assemblies having mounting plates, elevated rails and a central mounting post that also can elevate the base member to allow for drainage. The anchor assemblies are slidable and can be selectively positioned for easy and secure installation.

Claims

1. A picket railing anchor system for securing a picket railing to a concrete substrate, comprising: at least one picket railing section; an elongated base member, said base member having means for receiving said picket railing section; said base member further including at least one keyway for receiving means for anchoring said base member; means for anchoring said base member, said means for anchoring said base member including an anchor assembly, said anchor assembly slidably engaging said keyway for selectively positioning and securing said base member; said anchor assembly including a mounting plate, and at least one elevated rail member; said anchor assembly further including a post member; said elevated rail member secured to said mounting plate; said post member centrally positioned and secured to said mounting plate; and said post member for being secured to said concrete substrate.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting plate elevates said base member.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said keyway further includes means for drainage within said keyway.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base member further includes means for receiving an aesthetic skirt about said base.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base member includes two keyways, one said keyway formed about opposite sides of said base member; said anchor assembly including two elevated rail members secured to said mounting plate; and said elevated rail members slidably engaging said keyways for selectively positioning and securing said base member.

6. A picket railing anchor system for securing a picket railing to a concrete substrate, comprising: at least one picket railing section; an elongated base member, said base member having means for receiving said picket railing section; said base member further including a plurality of keyways for receiving an anchor assembly; at least one said anchor assembly for securing said base member; said anchor assembly including a plurality of elevated rail members; said plurality of elevated rail members slidably engaging said plurality of keyways for selectively positioning and securing said base member; said anchor assembly including means for elevating said base member above said concrete substrate; and said anchor assembly including a lower post member centrally positioned with respect to said base member for being secured to said concrete substrate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for receiving said picket rail section includes weld joints.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said base member includes two keyways, said two keyways on opposite sides of said base member; said anchor assembly including two elevated rail members secured to a mounting plate; and said elevated rail members slidably engaging said keyways for selectively positioning and securing said base member.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein at least one said elevated rail member is elongated.

10. A picket railing anchor system for securing a picket railing to a concrete substrate, comprising: a plurality of picket railing sections; an elongated base member, said base member having means for receiving said plurality of picket railing sections; said base member further including a plurality of keyways; a plurality of anchor assemblies for securing said base member; each said anchor assembly including a plurality of elevated rail members; each said elevated rail member slidably engaging one of said plurality of keyways for selectively positioning and securing said base member; at least one said anchor assembly including means for elevating said base member above said concrete substrate; and each said anchor assembly including a lower centrally positioned post member for being secured to said concrete substrate.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one said elevated rail member is elongated.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said means for receiving said plurality of picket rail sections constitutes said plurality of keyways being continuous within said base member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the picket railing system installed on a balcony section with partial internal components shown in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a partial exploded assembly perspective view of the apparatus shown in section A of FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is a partial exploded assembly perspective view of the apparatus shown in section B of FIG. 2.

(5) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the picket railing system prior to installation on a balcony section in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

(6) FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

(7) FIG. 7 is a side plan view of sections of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 is cross sectional side view along line 9-9 of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

(10) FIG. 10 is a cross sectional side view of the picket railing system as installed on a balcony in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the anchor rod assembly of the instant invention.

(12) FIG. 12 is a cross sectional front plan view of the anchor rod assembly shown in FIG. 11.

(13) FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the anchor rod assembly shown in FIG. 11.

(14) FIG. 14 is a side plan view of the anchor rod assembly shown in FIG. 13.

(15) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the of the picket railing system showing the insertion using the sliding anchor rod assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

(16) FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the picket railing system showing the insertion using the sliding anchor rod assemblies in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention.

(17) FIG. 17A is a cross sectional side plan view of top rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(18) FIG. 17B is a cross sectional side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the top rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(19) FIG. 17C is a cross sectional side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the top rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(20) FIG. 17D is a cross sectional side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the top rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(21) FIG. 17E is a cross sectional side plan view of an alternative embodiment of the top rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(22) FIG. 17F is a cross sectional side plan view of the bottom rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(23) FIG. 17G is a cross sectional top plan view of a vertical picket rail of the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(24) FIG. 18A is a side cross sectional side plan view of a top rail of the picket railing system welded to a vertical picket rail.

(25) FIG. 18B is a cross sectional top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18A along line B-B.

(26) FIG. 18C is a cross sectional side plan view of a bottom rail of the picket railing system welded to a vertical picket rail.

(27) FIG. 18D is a cross sectional top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18C along line D-D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(28) With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1-18D depict the preferred and alternative embodiments of the instant invention which is generally referenced as a picket railing anchor system 10. The instant invention comprises a picket railing anchor system 10 that is designed to enhance the structural components, improve the efficiency and process of installation and maintenance, and withstand the forces realized in high velocity hurricane zones (“HVHZ”) and comparable high wind zones.

(29) With reference to FIG. 1, the picket railing anchor system 10 is adapted for installation on a section 12 of balconies on high rise buildings. The instant invention may also be installed on balconies of buildings in high wind zones, such as those on the beach or on building decks. The picket railing anchor system 10 generally comprises an aluminum bottom rail, base member 14, which is formed with an internal channel and integral track system, and a plurality of vertical picket rails 22 supported by the base member 14. Base member 14 receives anchor assemblies 16 described in detail below.

(30) The system may also include a variety of top rails 18 acting as caps. The top rails 18 and bottom rails or base members 14 can be either welded at weld joints, attached by hardware, or otherwise secured to picket rails 22, or top rails 18 may be attached to an internal upper member 20 that is welded or otherwise secured to picket rails 22.

(31) The instant invention 10 is described in more detail hereinafter.

(32) With reference to FIG. 2, the picket railing anchor system is shown prior to assembly and installation on balcony section 12 or building deck. The picket rail sections can be attached to one another as shown in Section A utilizing top rail insert 24 which is inserted internally into adjoining top rails 18 as shown and attached with hardware. Section A components are detailed in enlarged exploded view of FIG. 3.

(33) Similarly, adjoining base rail members 14 can be attached utilizing inserts 26 as shown in Section B. Section B components are detailed and enlarged in FIG. 4.

(34) Anchor assemblies 16 are inserted into receiving voids or pre-drilled holes 17 in balcony section 12 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, or a building deck, as detailed hereinafter.

(35) FIG. 5 depicts a picket railing section 28 prior to installation, and anchor assemblies 16 in sliding engagement with internal keyways of base member 14. Multiply anchor assemblies 16 are selectively positioned within the base member 14, and in alignment with pre-drilled holes 17 in the balcony 12. Each anchor assembly includes a central post member 19 that is secured within an aligned hole 17.

(36) With reference to FIG. 6, rail section 28 is shown as being installed on the balcony 12, with anchor assembly posts 19 entered within holes 17.

(37) FIG. 7 is a side plan view of sections of the picket railing system of the instant invention illustrating the anchor assemblies 16 inserted within base member rail 14 and anchor posts 19 extending downwardly therefrom. Top rail Section C and bottom rail Section D are shown in FIG. 9 as well.

(38) FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, and depicts anchor assemblies 16 in spaced apart relations within base member 14.

(39) FIG. 9 is cross sectional side view taken along line 9-9 of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7, depicting Top rail Section C and bottom rail Section D. Section D illustrates and anchor assembly inserted within the base member, and also secured within a balcony section 12. Section D is enlarged and detailed in FIG. 10.

(40) With reference to FIG. 10, a cross sectional side view of the picket railing system 10 is shown installed on a balcony in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the instant invention. Picket rail 22 is attached to top rail 18 and bottom rail 14. Anchor assembly 16 is shown when inserted into base rail member 14 through base member slidable keyways 32 that receive a pair of upper elevated rails 38 shown hereinafter of sliding anchor post assembly 16. Anchor post 19 is secured within hole 17 of balcony 12 by utilizing the appropriate epoxy anchoring and bonding adhesives 30 for concrete as described above.

(41) As illustrated in FIGS. 11 through 16, anchor assembly 16 includes mounting plate 34, upper elevated rails 38, rods 40, central post 19, and optionally hardware bolt or nut 36 when desired.

(42) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of anchor assembly 16 and its components.

(43) FIG. 12 is a cross sectional front view of the anchor assembly 16 shown in FIG. 11.

(44) FIG. 13 is a top view of anchor assembly 16 shown in FIG. 11.

(45) FIG. 14 is a side view of anchor assembly 16 shown in FIG. 13.

(46) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the of picket railing system 10 showing the insertion using sliding anchor assembly 16 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the mechanical components.

(47) FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the picket railing system 10 showing the insertion using the sliding anchor assemblies 16 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the mechanical components.

(48) Elevated rails 38 can be elongated if desired and are elevated above mounting plate 34 by rods 40, which can be hardware pins, bolts, adjustable screws or the like. Rails 38 are mounted on opposite sides of mounting plate 34, and each rail is supported, and elevated, by on or more rod members 40. Rails 38 are dimensioned as appropriate for positioning on mounting plate 34.

(49) The improved sliding anchor assembly 16 provides substantially enhanced structural support for the picket railing extruded base 14. Mounting plate 34 and rails 38 combine to support the entire base 14 along with post 19.

(50) The central anchor post 19 also provides substantially improved structural support, as it is relatively large in diameter and centered within mounting plate 34 for a single post embedded within a concrete slab. The entire sliding anchor post assembly 16 is designed as a single integrated unit, which slidingly engages the picket railing extruded base 14 for selective placement in the installation process. Keyways 32 receive elevated rails 38 in sliding engagement as shown, and multiple anchor assemblies 16 can be selectively position anywhere along base member 14 for appropriate strength of the picket railing, or to avoid damaging the concrete, internal rebar or other structure or compositions.

(51) Referring now to FIGS. 17A through 17E, illustrated are cross sectional side plan views of alternative designs for caps or top rails 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50 for the picket railing system of the instant invention. Rail designs, geometric designs, shapes, dimensions, thicknesses, openings and profiles are matters of choice and aesthetics.

(52) FIG. 17F is a cross sectional side plan view of the bottom rail 14 and illustrating the keyways 32 about each side of the rail 14. It is appreciated that the bottom rail, base member 14, can be of any shape, and can also include means for receiving an aesthetic skirt.

(53) FIG. 17G is a cross sectional top plan view of a vertical picket rail 22 as utilized in the picket railing system of the instant invention.

(54) FIG. 18A is a side cross sectional side plan view of top rail 42 depicting weld detail 52 for securing top rail 42 to vertical picket rail 22.

(55) FIG. 18B is a cross sectional top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18A taken along line B-B.

(56) FIG. 18C is a cross sectional side plan view of bottom rail 14 of the picket railing system and weld detail 54 securing bottom rail 14 to vertical picket rail 22. Also shown are keyways 32 of bottom rail 14.

(57) FIG. 18D is a cross sectional top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 18C taken along line D-D.

(58) The keyways 32 comprise generally continuous slots that extend along the length of the base 14. The instant sliding anchor post assembly improves the uniform distribution of structural support, as well as the tension, compressive loads and rotational forces to meet specific wind loads realized along the base, picket rails and anchors. The picket railing anchor system 10 takes advantage of the tensile strength of the anchor assemblies 16 by staggering and spacing them to provide multiple lines of resistance. If one area of a building has higher wind loads, the spacing between the anchors 16 can be easily and quickly be reduced in order to resist the higher wind loads. The anchor spacing is also adjusted to prevent contact with reinforcing bars in the concrete substrate, which avoids damage to the bars. The anchor posts 19 are set in high strength epoxy 90, as shown in FIG. 10 which provides for a water proof anchor point and eliminates the stresses that traditionally used expansion anchors create. The anchors are also strategically placed so they are not visible from normal view.

(59) Base 14 is secured to a concrete substrate with the height adjustable anchor assemblies 16 that slide into the keyways, secure the base and allow for adjustment of railing height, positioning of the anchors 16 and leveling which obviates the need to use unsightly leveling shims.

(60) The anchor assembly 16 components, plate, rails, post and hardware are preferably comprised of stainless steel (SS). The central posts 19 are secured and set in a high strength epoxy, such as two part high strength epoxy, cementitious grout, or other alternative anchoring material, and mixed with sand filler in holes drilled in the concrete substrate. These dimensions may vary without departing from the scope and spirit of the instant invention 10.

(61) The instant invention 10 provides a wide base 124 with the opposing elongated keyways 32 that accommodate two rails 38 of each anchor assembly 16, which increase the resistance to force applied by people or objects, or shearing wind forces such as those in HVHZ's and the structural integrity of the base anchor 16. The slots 32 also allow the anchors 16 to be moved which facilitates pre-coating and staggering, relocating and adjusting the anchor assemblies 16 without requiring drilling in the field when an anchor must be relocated to avoid contact with rebar in the concrete and allow closer placement to the concrete substrate's edges. The extruded designs also reduces weight and offers flexibility in designing the base in various shapes and reduces costs in manufacturing.

(62) In regard to the instant improved anchor assembly 16 several substantial enhancements and significant structural support factors are achieved. This new anchor system offers additional benefits in construction by allowing anchor holes to be pre-sleeved with removable styrofoam blocks as opposed to being drilled in place after casting of reinforced concrete structure resulting in efficiencies in the speed of installation, improve safety for the installation crew, and most importantly, eliminating damages to integral reinforcing steel within the reinforced concrete structure. This new system and anchor assemblies ensures the preservation of the foundation of newly constructed projects providing for a longer service life of the related materials. Additionally, in the event that field installed pre-sleeved Styrofoam inserts are misplaced, the new sliding anchor assembly is capable of being adjusted laterally to coincide with the actual field location of the pre-sleeved Styrofoam insert which may have shifted from the original planned location during the forming and pouring operations of the reinforced concrete structure. This improved system also eliminates the need for the drilling of numerous anchor holes, which leads to significant damage to the reinforcing steel within the concrete structures, which thereafter allows for the onset of damages due to premature deterioration.

(63) The new anchor system also provides for much larger spans between the placement of anchor assemblies and posts, reducing the frequency of anchor holes and drilling. Reduced frequency also allows for avoiding damage or conflict with the reinforcing steel elements, and much more efficient installation by reducing the labor required due to less processes required for installation of, and requirement for, materials.

(64) As referenced above, the anchor mounting plate reinforces the aluminum shoe base by providing a wider surface area of contact and acting as a bridge by way of clamping and preventing the lower surface of the aluminum shoe base from deforming or bending, resulting in increased bending resistance and the ability to remain rigid and structurally sound at higher forces and pressures. The new, significantly larger, central anchor post provides an improved structural support for the railings and base, and efficient use of materials in the manufacturing and installation process. The central anchor post configuration also provides for additional edge distance between the anchor assembly and the edge of the slab where edge reinforcement bars are typically located. This design also significantly increases section modulus and greater availability of higher yield materials offers greater resistance to deleterious bending resulting in much greater resistance to higher wind loads.

(65) The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.