SPLIT VERTICAL RAILING

Abstract

Aspects hereof provide apparatuses, systems, and/or methods directed to utilize split top rails and bottom rails to build a vertical railing structure or panel. Specifically, a railing is a panel comprised of a top rail including a first section and a second section, a bottom rail including a first section and a second section, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail.

Claims

1. A railing system comprising: a top rail including a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section capable of being attached to the first section; a bottom rail including a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section capable of being attached to the first section; a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail; wherein when the top rail's second section is attached to the top rail's first section, an upper end of a baluster is secured in the top rail slot by way of the top rail's second section closing the top rail slot; wherein when the bottom rail's second section is attached to the bottom rail's first section, a lower end of a baluster is secured in the bottom rail slot by the bottom rail's second section closing the top rail slot.

2. The railing system of claim 1, wherein the top rail's first section has a connecting channel extending along at least a portion of its length and the top rail's second section has a connecting lip extending along at least a portion of its length, wherein the lip engages the channel to secure the top rail's second section to the top rail's first section.

3. The railing system of claim 2, including a bracket connected to the top rail for connecting the top rail to a vertical support member, the bracket including a connecting channel for receiving a head of a connecting bolt attached to the support member.

4. The railing system of claim 3, wherein the bracket connecting channel includes a wide portion and a narrow portion, and wherein the connecting bolt head is received in the wide portion of the channel first and a body portion of the connecting bolt is received in the narrow portion of the connecting channel as the top rail is moved downwardly.

5. The railing system of claim 1, wherein the balusters are connected via a flexible strap prior to assembly with the top rail and the bottom rail.

6. A method of constructing a railing system including a top rail split into a first section and a second section capable of attachment to the top rail's first section, a bottom rail split into a first section and a second section capable of attachment to the bottom rail's first section, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, the method comprising: positioning the top rail's first section on a generally flat support surface; positioning the bottom rail's first section on a generally flat surface in a spaced-apart arrangement from the top rail's first section; positioning a top end of the balusters in a plurality of open slots formed in the top rail's first section; positioning a lower end of the balusters in a plurality of open slots formed in the bottom rail's first section; attaching the top rail's second section to the top rail's first section to secure the top ends of the balusters; and attaching the bottom rail's second section to the bottom rail's first section to secure the lower ends of the balusters.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the completed railing system is positioned between two adjacent vertical support members.

8. A railing system comprising: a first vertical support member including at least one attachment bolt; a preconstructed railing panel including an attachment bracket, the attachment bracket including a connection channel; wherein the connection channel includes a wide portion for receiving a head of the attachment bolt and a narrow portion for receiving the body of the attachment bolt; and wherein the head passes through the wide portion prior to the body engaging the narrow portion during attachment.

9. The railing system of claim 8, wherein the attachment bracket includes a connecting flange with an attaching aperture for securing the bracket to the preconstructed railing panel.

10. The railing system of claim 9, wherein the attachment bracket further includes a vertical tab extending from the connecting flange, and wherein the connection channel is formed in the vertical tab.

11. The railing system of claim 8, wherein the attachment bolt includes a bolt head and a bolt body, and wherein the bolt head has a larger diameter than the bolt body.

12. The railing system of claim 11, wherein the attachment bracket includes a retention spring that deflects outwardly as the bracket is moved downwardly over the bolt head and snaps back inwardly to engage a bottom surface of the bolt head to prevent upward movement of the bracket.

13. The railing system of claim 8, wherein the preconstructed railing panel comprises a top rail having a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section attached to the first section, a bottom rail having a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section attached to the first section, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail.

14. The railing system of claim 13, wherein the attachment bracket is an upper connecting bracket attached to the top rail, and further comprising a lower connecting bracket attached to the bottom rail.

15. The railing system of claim 8, wherein the attachment bracket is a stair bracket having an angled attachment flange for use in stair configurations.

16. The railing system of claim 15, wherein the stair bracket includes a bracket tab extending from the angled attachment flange, and wherein the connection channel is formed in the bracket tab.

17. The railing system of claim 8, further comprising a second vertical support member including at least one attachment bolt, wherein the preconstructed railing panel is positioned between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member.

18. The railing system of claim 17, wherein each vertical support member includes a post cover positioned around the vertical support member to provide a decorative appearance.

19. The railing system of claim 8, wherein the attachment bracket further includes securing apertures configured to receive fasteners for additional securement of the preconstructed railing panel to the first vertical support member.

20. The railing system of claim 19, wherein the fasteners operate as securing structures in addition to the attachment bolt.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present disclosure is described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

[0006] FIG. 1 depicts an example of a panel assembled utilizing split top and bottom rails having balusters installed, in accordance with exemplary aspects hereof;

[0007] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the assembly of a panel utilizing a split top rail and a split bottom rail, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an assembled panel being positioned between two vertical posts, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a bracket and attaching bolts used to attach a panel to appropriate vertical supports, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a bracket used to attach a panel to a vertical support in a stair configuration, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0011] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of a bracket for a stair installation, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0012] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of an attachment bracket, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0013] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of an attachment bracket, in accordance with exemplary aspects hereof;

[0014] FIG. 9 depicts an exploded perspective view of an attachment bracket, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0015] FIG. 10 depicts an exploded perspective view of a vertical post casing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0016] FIG. 11 depicts an exploded perspective view of a vertical post casing, in accordance with aspects hereof;

[0017] FIG. 12 depicts an exploded perspective view of a vertical post casing, in accordance with aspects hereof; and

[0018] FIG. 13 depicts an expedited assembly of deploying the balusters between the split rails, in accordance with aspects hereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Aspects hereof provide apparatuses, systems, and/or methods directed to utilize split top rails and bottom rails to build a vertical railing structure or panel. Specifically, a railing panel is comprised of a top rail including a first section and a second section, a bottom rail including a first section and a second section, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail. The panel is built on a flat surface before it is positioned between vertical support members, such as posts. The first section of the top rail has a plurality of slots formed therein to receive the top ends of the balusters. The first section of the bottom rail has a plurality of slots formed therein for receiving the bottom ends of the balusters. With the first section of the top rail and the first section of the bottom rail lying on a flat support surface, the balusters are each positioned in their respective slots. After all the balusters have been placed in their respective slots, a second section of the top rail is attached to or snapped to the first section of the top rail to secure the top ends of the balusters. Also, a second section of the bottom rail is attached to or snapped to the first section of the bottom rail to secure the bottom ends of the balusters. Thereafter, the panel has been built and is ready for installation between two vertical support members, such as vertical posts. The panel can be attached to the posts in any suitable manner. One manner includes attaching a bolt to the vertical post. The bolt has a body portion that is attached to the vertical member and a head portion that is larger than the body portion. A bracket is attached to the panel in any suitable manner. The bracket has a channel formed therein. The channel has a wide portion and a narrow portion. The wide portion is capable of receiving the head of the attachment bolt. Thereafter, downward movement of the panel results in the narrow portion of the channel engaging the body portion of the attachment bolt to secure the panel to the appropriate post.

[0020] Installation of traditional vertical railing is a labor-intensive process that includes initially mounting a bottom rail between two post members or other structures. The bottom rail typically has holes precut therein to receive the balusters. After the bottom rail is installed, the individual balusters are positioned in the holes on the bottom rail. The top rail is then positioned above the upper ends of the balusters positioned on the bottom rail. The top rail also has precut holes therein that will receive the top ends of the balusters. The top ends of the balusters will have to be aligned with the holes in the top rail as the top rail is put in place between the post members. The balusters during this process are often not maintained in an exact vertical position and may in essence flop around in the holes on the bottom rail. This makes positioning the top rail difficult and labor-intensive, often requiring two people to do the installation. The above type of installation is referred to as a stick build type installation. Another type of traditional installation is a lay flat or prebuilt installation where the balusters are positioned between a top and bottom member or rail and secured thereto, before the railing section is positioned between the vertical posts. This type of construction can also be difficult because the top rail and bottom rail must be manipulated back and forth to get the balusters to be correctly positioned in the corresponding holes of the bottom rail and the top rail. More specifically, on a flat surface, the bottom and top rails must be moved relative to one another to get the balusters to be positioned in the appropriate holes. Because the holes are completely enclosed (as opposed to slots), the top rail and bottom rail cannot be positioned correctly on a flat surface one time and then not need to be repositioned.

[0021] Aspects herein contemplate a lay-flat construction that allows a first section of a top rail to be positioned relative to a first section of a bottom rail on a flat surface. Once positioned, the balusters can be placed in the appropriate slots of the first section of the top rail and the first section of the bottom rail. Because the slots are open on one side as opposed to being closed-off holes, the first section of the top rail and the first section of the bottom rail do not need to be adjusted or repositioned to get the balusters in the proper orientation. This ensures the proper orientation of the balusters with respect to the top rail and the bottom rail. Providing a second section of the top rail to lock the top ends of the balusters in place and a second section of the bottom rail to lock the bottom ends of the balusters in place completes the construction of the railing panel. The second sections of the top rail and the bottom rail can be attached to the first section of the top rail and the bottom rail in any suitable manner, for instance through a snaparrangement.

[0022] The aspects contemplated herein will be discussed in greater detail and with respect to the figures.

[0023] Turning to FIG. 1, the drawing depicts an example of a split-rail vertical railing system 100 in accordance with aspects hereof. The railing system 100 is comprised of a top rail 102, a plurality of balusters 104 and 106, and a bottom rail 108. The railing system 100 can include a pair of vertical posts 110, 112 to which a preassembled panel is connected. The panel can include a pair of upper connecting brackets 116 secured to the top rail 102 in any suitable manner. The panel can also include a pair of bottom connecting brackets 118 secured to the bottom rail 108 in any suitable fashion. Associated with each bracket is a pair of connecting bolts 120 that are secured to the respective posts 110, 112. The bolts 120 can be secured to the posts 110, 112 in any suitable manner, for instance by drilling, a wood screw-type thread, and/or a nail type of arrangement.

[0024] With reference to FIG. 2, the construction of the panel 114 on a flat surface is depicted. The top rail 102 is constructed of two sections, a first section 122 and a second section 124. The first section 122 is configured to be laid on a flat surface for building the panel 114. The first section 122 has a plurality of horizontally spaced slots 126 for receiving the upper ends 128 of the balusters. The second section 124 is constructed to attach to the first section 122 in a snapping fashion. More specifically, the second section 124 includes a longitudinally extending lip 130 that engages with a longitudinally extending channel 132 of the first section 122. The second section 124 further includes a second longitudinally extending lip 134 that engages a second longitudinally extending channel 136 of the first section 122. The second section 124 also includes a plurality of horizontally spaced slots 140 that correspond to the slots 126 of the first section 122. The slots 140 are configured to engage at least a portion of the upper ends 128 of the balusters 104, 106. Thus, when the second section 124 is snapped onto the first section 122, the lip 130 of the second section 124 engages the channel 132 of the first section 122, and the lip 134 of the second section 124 engages the channel 136 of the first section 122. Still further, the slots 126 of the first section 122 in conjunction with the slots 140 of the second section 124 engage the upper ends 128 of the balusters 104, 106 to secure the balusters 104, 106 to the top rail 102. It may be desirable to have the first section 122 and the second section 124 to be made of a material that allows some flexing to facilitate the snapping between the lip 130 and the channel 132 and between the lip 134 and the channel 136. Although a snapping arrangement is described to secure the first section 122 to the second section 124, any other sort of arrangement could be used to secure the two sections together. Such arrangements could include appropriate fasteners, such as screws, nails or clips, or adhesive.

[0025] The bottom rail 108 also has a first section 142 and a second section 144. The first section 142 of the bottom rail 108 has a plurality of horizontally spaced slots 146 for receiving the lower ends 148 of the balusters 104, 106. The second section 144 of the bottom rail 108 is configured to close off the slots 146 of the first section 142 when the second section 144 is secured to the first section 142. This configuration results in the securing of the lower ends 148 of the balusters 104, 106. The second section 144 can be secured to the first section 142 in a snapping arrangement similar to that of the second section 124 and the first section 122 of the top rail 102. The second section 144 and first section 142 of the bottom rail 108 can have lip and channel structures similar to the lips 130, 134 and channels 132, 136 of the top rail 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the second section 144 of the bottom rail 108 is secured to the first section 142 of the bottom rail 108 by a fastener 150. As is apparent, in addition to fastener 150, any other screw, nail, or adhesive could be used to connect sections 142 and 144 together.

[0026] In order to assemble panel 114, the first section 122 of the top rail 102 is laid along a generally flat support surface such that the open portion of slots 126 are facing upwards and can receive the upper ends 128 of balusters 104, 106. Additionally, the first section 142 of the bottom rail 108 is positioned on a generally flat surface at a spaced distance from the first section 122 of the top rail 102. The first section 142 is oriented such that the openings of slots 146 are positioned upwardly to be capable of receiving the lower ends 148 of the balusters 104, 106. Once each of the balusters 104, 106 are positioned between the first section 122 of the top rail 102 and the first section 142 of the bottom rail 108 such that the upper ends 128 of the balusters 104, 106 are positioned in their respective slots 126 and the lower ends 148 of the balusters 104, 106 are positioned in their respective slots 146, the second section 124 is attached to the first section 122 and the second section 144 is attached to the first section 142. More specifically, the second section 124 is snapped to the first section via the engagement of the lip 130 with the channel 132 and the lip 134 with the channel 136. Still further, the second section 144 is secured to the first section 142 via the fastener 150.

[0027] The panel is then essentially of a completed construction with the balusters 104, 106 locked in place to the top rail 102 and the bottom rail 108. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the brackets 116 are secured to the end of top rail 102, and the brackets 118 are secured to the end of the bottom rail 108. The brackets 116, 118 can be of the same configuration or can be a different configuration. The brackets 116, 118 have at least one attaching aperture 152 formed in a horizontally extending connecting flange 154. The brackets 116, 118 can be attached to the top rail 102 and the bottom rail 108 via apertures 152 and any suitable fastener, such as a screw, bolt, or any other type of fastener. The brackets 116, 118 also include at least one connecting channel 156 formed in a vertically extending tab 158 for connecting the brackets 116, 118 to the connecting bolts 120. The channels 156 have a wide portion 160 and a narrow portion 162. Each of the connecting bolts 120 has a generally circular head portion 164 and a body portion 166. The body portion 166 is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of the head portion 164. The body portion 166 is what is used to secure the bolt 120 to the posts 110, 112. The body portion 166 can have threads to engage with corresponding threads in the posts 110, 112. The body portion 166 can also include a wood screw-type thread engagement to engage the posts 110, 112 if they are made of wood. The bolts 120 are positioned at a location on the posts 110, 112 prior to the attachment of the panel 114 between the posts 110, 112. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the assembled panel 114 with the brackets 116 and 118 secured thereto is lifted into place between the posts 110, 112. The heads 164 of the bolts 120 are received in the wide portion 160 of the connecting channel 156 of the brackets 116, 118. As the panel is slid downward, the heads 164 of the bolts 120 are received in the wide portion 160 of the connecting channel 156. The body portion 166 of the bolts 120 engages the narrow portion 162 of the connecting channel 156 until the body portion 166 engages an upper edge 168 of the channel 156. The brackets 116, 118 include a retention spring 170 that deflects outwardly as the brackets are moved downwardly over the heads 164 of the bolts 120. Eventually, the retention spring clears the bottom of the heads 164 of the bolts 120 and snaps back inwardly to prevent upward movement of the brackets 116, 118 and the panel 114 by engaging the bottom surface 172 of the heads 164.

[0028] Once the panel 114 is assembled on a flat surface, it can be easily lifted into place and secured to the posts 110, 112 via the brackets 116, 118 and the bolts 120. The panel 114 is simply lowered in place to secure it between the posts 110, 112. If necessary, there can be other structures or fasteners secured between the panel 114 and the posts 110, 112 to secure the panel in place.

[0029] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a type of bracket 174 for use in a stair configuration is depicted. The bracket is used to secure a panel 114 that has an angle to it for the stair angle. The panel 114 for stairs is constructed in the same manner as FIG. 1-3, but with an angle to the rails and balusters. The bracket 174 has an angled attachment flange 176 that has attachment apertures 178. The apertures 178 can be used with any suitable fasteners to connect the flange 176 to a top rail 102 or a bottom rail of the panel 114. The bracket 174 also includes a tab 180 that has a connecting channel 182. Connecting channel 182 has a wide portion 184 and a narrow portion 186. The wide portion 184 is configured to receive the head 164 of the connecting bolt 120. The narrow portion 186 is configured to receive the body 166 of the bolt 120. Thus, a stair panel 114 can be lowered into place by positioning the head 164 of bolt 120 into the wide portion 184 of the channel 182. As the panel 114 is moved downwardly, the body 166 of bolt 120 engages the narrow portion 186 of the connecting channel 182. The structure in FIGS. 5 and 6 incorporates only a single attachment bolt 120 to secure a panel 114 to posts 110, 112.

[0030] FIGS. 7 and 8 depict another bracket 188 that can be modified for a number of different types of rails (e.g., rails 102, 108 of FIG. 1) and at different angles. The bracket can be modified by removing material from the edges to accommodate the rail configurations. The bracket 188 includes a connecting channel 182 and connecting apertures 178.

[0031] FIG. 9 depicts a bracket 190 that, in addition to having a connecting channel 182 with a wide portion 184 and a narrow portion 186 for engaging the attachment bolt 120, includes additional securing apertures 192. The apertures 192 are configured to receive fasteners 194 to further secure the panel 114 to the posts 110, 112. The fasteners 194 operate as securing structures in addition to the bolt 120.

[0032] FIG. 10 depicts a post cover 196 that is positioned around the posts 110, 112 to offer a decorative appearance. The cover 196 surrounds the entire post 110, 112 and is positioned on the posts 110, 112 from the top down.

[0033] FIG. 11 depicts another post cover 198 that does not surround the entire post 110, 112. The cover 198 can be positioned on the posts 110, 112 from a side position.

[0034] FIG. 12 depicts the positioning of the attachment bolts 120 at the appropriate positions on the posts 110, 112 and through the post covers 196, 198. The bolts 120 can be attached to the posts 110, 112 in any suitable manner by threading, wood screwing, or nailing.

[0035] FIG. 13 depicts a convenient manner of quickly positioning the balusters between the first section 122 of the top rail 102 and the first section 142 of the bottom rail 108. More specifically, the balusters 104, 106 come in a bandolier arrangement where they are connected to one another via a pair of flexible straps 200. The balusters 104, 106 can be rolled out between the first section 122 of the top rail 102 and the first section 142 of the bottom rail, such that the upper ends 128 of the balusters 104, 106 are received in the slots 126 and the lower ends 148 of the balusters 104, 106 are received in slots 146. Thereafter, the second section 124 is secured to the first section 122, and the second section 144 is secured to the first section 142 to secure and lock the balusters 104, 106 in place.

[0036] Continuing, the top rail 102, the bottom rail 108, and the balusters 104, 106 may be formed from any materials, such as aluminum, steel, wood, or any sort of plastic (e.g., polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, acrylic, and so forth). The rails and balusters may have any cross-section shape. For example, in some aspects the rails have a U cross-section shape, an H cross-section shape, a T cross-section shape, and the like. The balusters can also have any cross-section shape such as rectangular, circular, or oval. The rails and balusters may be any length (e.g., 4 feet (ft.) to 8 ft.). For example, the rails may come in standard lengths, such as 2 ft., 3 ft., 4 ft., 5 ft., 6 ft., 7 ft., 8 ft., 10 ft., 12 ft., or the like.

[0037] From the foregoing, it will be seen that this disclosure is one well-adapted to attain all the ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with other advantages that are obvious, and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

[0038] While specific elements and steps are discussed in connection to one another, it is understood that any element and/or steps provided herein are contemplated as being combinable with any other elements and/or steps regardless of explicit provision of the same while still being within the scope provided herein. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0039] As used herein and in connection with the claims listed hereinafter, the terminology any of clauses or similar variations of said terminology are intended to be interpreted such that features of claims/clauses may be combined in any combination. For example, an exemplary clause 4 may indicate the method/apparatus of any of clauses 1 through 3, which is intended to be interpreted such that features of clause 1 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 2 and clause 4 may be combined, elements of clause 3 and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, elements of clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be combined, and/or other variations. Further, the terminology any of clauses or similar variations of said terminology are intended to include any one of clauses or other variations of such terminology, as indicated by some of the examples provided above.

[0040] The following clauses are aspects contemplated herein.

[0041] Clause 1. A railing system comprising: a top rail including a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section capable of being attached to the first section; a bottom rail including a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section capable of being attached to the first section; a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail; wherein when the top rail's second section is attached to the top rail's first section, an upper end of a baluster is secured in the top rail slot by way of the top rail's second section closing the top rail slot; wherein when the bottom rail's second section is attached to the bottom rail's first section, a lower end of a baluster is secured in the bottom rail slot by the bottom rail's second section closing the top rail slot.

[0042] Clause 2. The railing system of clause 1, wherein the top rail's first section has a connecting channel extending along at least a portion of its length and the top rail's second section has a connecting lip extending along at least a portion of its length, wherein the lip engages the channel to secure the top rail's second section to the top rail's first section.

[0043] Clause 3. The railing system of clause 2, including a bracket connected to the top rail for connecting the top rail to a vertical support member, the bracket including a connecting channel for receiving a head of a connecting bolt attached to the support member.

[0044] Clause 4. The railing system of clause 3, wherein the bracket connecting channel includes a wide portion and a narrow portion, and wherein the connecting bolt head is received in the wide portion of the channel first and a body portion of the connecting bolt is received in the narrow portion of the connecting channel as the top rail is moved downwardly.

[0045] Clause 5. The railing system of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the balusters are connected via a flexible strap prior to assembly with the top rail and the bottom rail.

[0046] Clause 6. A method of constructing a railing system including a top rail split into a first section and a second section capable of attachment to the top rail's first section, a bottom rail split into a first section and a second section capable of attachment to the bottom rail's first section, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail, the method comprising: positioning the top rail's first section on a generally flat support surface; positioning the bottom rail's first section on a generally flat surface in a spaced-apart arrangement from the top rail's first section; positioning a top end of the balusters in a plurality of open slots formed in the top rail's first section; positioning a lower end of the balusters in a plurality of open slots formed in the bottom rail's first section; attaching the top rail's second section to the top rail's first section to secure the top ends of the balusters; and attaching the bottom rail's second section to the bottom rail's first section to secure the lower ends of the balusters.

[0047] Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the completed railing system is positioned between two adjacent vertical support members.

[0048] Clause 8. A railing system comprising: a first vertical support member including at least one attachment bolt; a preconstructed railing panel including an attachment bracket, the attachment bracket including a connection channel; wherein the connection channel includes a wide portion for receiving a head of the attachment bolt and a narrow portion for receiving the body of the attachment bolt; and wherein the head passes through the wide portion prior to the body engaging the narrow portion during attachment.

[0049] Clause 9. The railing system of clause 8, wherein the attachment bracket includes a connecting flange with an attaching aperture for securing the bracket to the preconstructed railing panel.

[0050] Clause 10. The railing system of clause 9, wherein the attachment bracket further includes a vertical tab extending from the connecting flange, and wherein the connection channel is formed in the vertical tab.

[0051] Clause 11. The railing system of any of clauses 8-10, wherein the attachment bolt includes a bolt head and a bolt body, and wherein the bolt head has a larger diameter than the bolt body.

[0052] Clause 12. The railing system of clause 11, wherein the attachment bracket includes a retention spring that deflects outwardly as the bracket is moved downwardly over the bolt head and snaps back inwardly to engage a bottom surface of the bolt head to prevent upward movement of the bracket.

[0053] Clause 13. The railing system of any of clauses 8-12, wherein the preconstructed railing panel comprises a top rail having a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section attached to the first section, a bottom rail having a first section with a plurality of open-ended slots and a second section attached to the first section, and a plurality of balusters extending between the top rail and the bottom rail.

[0054] Clause 14. The railing system of clause 13, wherein the attachment bracket is an upper connecting bracket attached to the top rail, and further comprising a lower connecting bracket attached to the bottom rail.

[0055] Clause 15. The railing system of any of clauses 8-14, wherein the attachment bracket is a stair bracket having an angled attachment flange for use in stair configurations.

[0056] Clause 16. The railing system of clause 15, wherein the stair bracket includes a bracket tab extending from the angled attachment flange, and wherein the connection channel is formed in the bracket tab.

[0057] Clause 17. The railing system of any of clauses 8-16, further comprising a second vertical support member including at least one attachment bolt, wherein the preconstructed railing panel is positioned between the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member.

[0058] Clause 18. The railing system of clause 17, wherein each vertical support member includes a post cover positioned around the vertical support member to provide a decorative appearance.

[0059] Clause 19. The railing system of any of clauses 8-18, wherein the attachment bracket further includes securing apertures configured to receive fasteners for additional securement of the preconstructed railing panel to the first vertical support member.

[0060] Clause 20. The railing system of clause 19, wherein the fasteners operate as securing structures in addition to the attachment bolt.