SLOPE ALIGNING BALUSTRADE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

Abstract

A slope aligning balustrade system for staircases includes a series of U-shaped mounting bars secured to stair treads, shaped panels attached to the mounting bars, and a handrail mounted across the top edges of the panels. Each shaped panel features a vertically elongated front face with bent vertical edges for rigidity and a upward curved top edge that forms a uniform line of tangency aligning with the staircase slope, accommodating slopes from 30 to 40 degrees without modification, withstanding a 200-pound load on the handrail and a 50-pound-per-square-foot load on the panels, without requiring newels or wall attachments, with panels, spaced to ensure gaps do not exceed 4 inches, may include decorative cutouts and optional decorative strips for aesthetic customization, which simplifies installation, reduces the need for specialized craftsmanship, and ensures safety and compliance with building codes.

Claims

1. A slope aligning balustrade apparatus positioned between each of a series of stair tread(s), with its companion stair risers forming a slope to a staircase, and a handrail having an attachment slot and a drill hole, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of U-shaped mounting bars, each configured to be secured to one of the stair treads; and a plurality of shaped panels, each having a vertically elongated front face, two vertical edges, a bottom edge, and a top edge, said bottom edge is configured to be secured to one of the U-shaped mounting bars, said top edge is configured to be secured to said attachment slot of the handrail, wherein said top edges of said shaped panels are curved upward to form a uniform line of tangency that aligns with the slope of the staircase.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the balustrade apparatus is configured to meet building code structural requirements without attachment to newels or a wall.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said two vertical edges are configured as bent to form each with a vertical edge to provide structural rigidity to said shaped panel.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said two vertical edges of each shaped panel are bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to form said U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said back edges include at least one additional bend to further increase stiffness and eliminate sharp edges.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each U-shaped mounting bar includes a base with at least one attachment hole for securing to the stair tread using at least one fastener.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each U-shaped mounting bar includes two vertical sides, each having a plurality of attachment holes configured to align with corresponding attachment holes in said vertical edges of said shaped panels for securing with said at least one fasteners.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bottom edge of each shaped panel is configured to rest on the stair tread and align with said U-shaped mounting bar for secure attachment.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top edge of each shaped panel is upward arced to fit within the attachment slot of the handrail across a range of stairway slopes from 30 to 40 degrees.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handrail is secured to said top edge of said shaped panels by at least one fastener driven through a pre-drilled hole in the handrail and said top edge.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a plug configured to conceal said fastener in said pre-drilled hole of the handrail for aesthetic purposes.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vertically elongated front face of each said shaped panels includes at least one decorative cutout.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shaped panels are spaced such that a gap between adjacent panels does not exceed 4 inches.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said shaped panels is finished with a coating selected from the group consisting of paint, powder coating, plating, or are left unfinished.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising decorative strips configured to be attached to said vertical edges of said shaped panels.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said face of said shaped panels is decorative.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top edge is angled at approximately 31.0 degrees to approximately match the slope being 31.0 degrees to the staircase.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top edge is angled at approximately 39.0 degrees to approximately match the slope being 39.0 degrees to the staircase.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top edge is angled at approximately 36.9 degrees to approximately match the slope being 36.9 degrees to the staircase.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said top edge is angled to approximately match the slope to the staircase.

21. A method of installing a slope aligning balustrade on a staircase having a series of stair treads and companion stair risers forming a slope, the method comprising: securing a plurality of U-shaped mounting bars to each of the stair treads using fasteners; attaching a plurality of shaped panels to the U-shaped mounting bars, each of said shaped panels having a vertically elongated front face, two vertical edges, a bottom edge, and an upward curved top edge, wherein said bottom edge rests on the stair tread and is secured to the U-shaped mounting bar; and mounting a handrail having an attachment slot across said upward curved top edge of said shaped panels, wherein said upward curved top edges form a uniform line of tangency aligning with the slope of the staircase.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising securing said handrail to said top edges of said shaped panels by driving at least one said fasteners through a pre-drilled hole in said handrail and said top edge.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising attaching decorative strips to said vertical edges of said shaped panels to enhance aesthetic appearance.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein attaching said shaped panels includes aligning attachment holes in said vertical edges of said shaped panels with attachment holes in vertical sides of said U-shaped mounting bars and securing with fasteners.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present disclosure will be better understood and aspects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description and drawings. The same numerals are used to designate like components in these figures. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawing wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the described balustrade after installation according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a face view of the described shaped panel according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows cross section along AA of the shaped panel in FIG. 2 according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 4 shows cross section along BB of the shaped panel in FIG. 2 according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0033] FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show the front, side and top views of the described U-shaped mounting bar according to the select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 shows cross section along AA of FIG. 1 according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0035] FIGS. 7A and 7B show two pairs of the described shaped panels that are positioned to create a balustrade that aligns to stairs inclined at approximately 31.0 (degrees) and 39.0 (degrees) respectively according to select embodiments of the disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 8 shows a series of the described shaped panels that are positioned to create balustrade that aligns to stairs inclined approximately 36.9 (degrees) according to select embodiments of the disclosure; and

[0037] FIG. 9 shows an oblique view of the back of the described shaped panel attached to the described U-shaped mounting bar with the addition of optional decorative edges according to select embodiments of the disclosure.

[0038] It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the figures, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples, and are merely examples among other possible examples.

[0040] In general, the following description adopts a terrestrial frame of reference, in which the bottom of a component may be considered to be the side nearest the floor or earth when in normal use, and the top being the side opposite and facing upward. The backs of described shaped panels are the ones visible when viewed by an observer standing on the stairway and the faces are the opposite ones seen by an observer to the side of the stairway. The slope of the stairway preferably measured and presented in degrees in reference to horizontal being 0. The term and/or used in the conventional sense, in which A and/or B indicates that A or B, or both, may be present.

[0041] With reference to FIG. 1, a side view of the described balustrade 10 is shown, depicting the assembled barrier system integrated with a staircase (the term balustrade refers to the barrier system created by the components; balusters, newels and handrail(s). As such it will be a single balustrade for each set of stairs. In this figure balustrade 10 is a result of the attachment of a series of U-shaped mounting bars 34 (not shown but detailed in FIG. 5A-5C)) to the tops of stair treads 18 followed by the attachment of shaped panels 16 to U-shaped mounting bars 34 (not shown) then in turn attachment of handrail 14 across the tops of shaped panels 16. A slope aligning balustrade 10 whereby each shaped panel 16 is preferably mounted utilizing U-shaped mounting bar 34 and fasteners 30 (not shown) to one of a series of stair treads 18 and its companion stair risers 12 form a slope in such stairs that are positioned to create a uniform rise, step up, and uniform run, step forward, between each sequential step of the stairs. Each shaped panel 16 may be secured to the top of tread 18 using U-shaped mounting bar 34 (not shown) and a set of fasteners 30 (not shown) but known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Handrail 14 may be mounted across the tops of the series of shaped panels 16. It should be noted that in one embodiment (based on standard building practices and the prior art, the ability to avoid the need of newels or wall attachment to achieve code compliance is a key novelty as it reduces the complexity of installation and thus the time and skill level required to achieve success). Moreover, this balustrade 10 does not require the ends of handrail 14 to be secured at one or both ends to either a newel and/or wall in order to sustain an outward or downward impact load of a person falling against it.

[0042] The balustrade 10 discloses a series of components, including elongated shaped panels 16, stair treads 18, stair risers 12, and a handrail 14, which collectively form a safety barrier system without requiring traditional newels or wall attachments. As shown assembled (installing), the balustrade 10 may be constructed by first securing a series of U-shaped mounting bars 34 to the top surfaces of stair treads 18. Each U-shaped mounting bar may be affixed using fasteners 30 through attachment holes (38, as shown in FIG. 5C) in its base, ensuring robust anchorage to stair tread 18.

[0043] Each shaped panel 16 may be subsequently attached to a corresponding U-shaped mounting bar 34 using fasteners 30 that pass through aligned attachment holes (36, as shown in FIG. 5A-5B) in the vertical sides of U-shaped mounting bar 34 and corresponding holes 26, as shown in FIG. 4) in the vertical edges 20 of shaped panel 16. This configuration ensures precise positioning and secure attachment of each shaped panel 16 to stair tread 18. Shaped panels 16 are designed with a vertically elongated front face 15 (as shown in FIG. 2) and bent vertical edges 20, which enhance structural rigidity, as further detailed in FIGS. 3 and 4. Top edges 24 of shaped panels 16 are curved or arced to form a uniform line of tangency (A-A) that aligns with the slope of the staircase, typically ranging from 30 to 40, as demonstrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8.

[0044] Handrail 14 may be mounted across top edges 24 of the series of shaped panels 16 by inserting top edges 24 into an attachment slot 32 (as shown in FIG. 6) on the underside of handrail 14. Fasteners 30 (as shown in FIG. 6) are driven through pre-drilled holes in handrail 14 and top edges 24 to secure the connection, with optional plugs to conceal the fasteners for aesthetic purposes. This attachment method ensures handrail 14 may be positioned at a height of 34 to 38 inches above the nose of stair treads 18, complying with International Residential Code (IRC) standards for graspability and safety.

[0045] A key feature of balustrade 10 may be its ability to meet IRC structural requirementsresisting a 200-pound load on handrail 14 and a 50-pound-per-square-foot load on shaped panels 16 without the need for newels or wall attachments. This is achieved through the robust design of U-shaped mounting bars 34 (preferably 7-12 gage sheet metal) and shaped panels 16 (preferably 10-24 gage sheet metal), which provide sufficient strength and rigidity. The absence of newels or wall supports simplifies installation, reducing the need for specialized craftsmanship and enabling faster assembly while maintaining compliance with safety standards.

[0046] Stair treads 18 and risers 12 form a staircase with a uniform rise (vertical height) and run (horizontal depth) between sequential steps, ensuring consistent stair geometry. Shaped panels 16 are preferably spaced such that the gap between adjacent panels does not exceed the IRC's 4-inch maximum, preventing passage of children or pets and enhancing safety. The overall design of balustrade 10, as shown in FIG. 1, provides a visually cohesive and structurally sound barrier that aligns with the staircase's slope, as indicated by the line A-A, and supports aesthetic customization through optional decorative edges 40 (as shown in FIG. 9) or varied panel designs (e.g., cutouts as shown in FIG. 2).

[0047] This configuration not only ensures compliance with building codes but also offers a versatile, user-friendly solution for stairway safety and aesthetics, adaptable to various stairway slopes without requiring modifications to the components.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 2, the face of the described shaped panel 16 is shown. Shaped panel 16 is preferably configured having a narrow vertically elongated front face 15 configured to fill or fit the space or gap between stair treads 18 and handrail 14. Moreover, vertically elongated front face 15 of shaped panel 16 may include two vertical edges 20 which may be bent or rounded therefrom towards the back of shaped panel 16 to form a back edge (not shown) at an angle of approximately 90 degrees which creates a U or C-shape (as depicted in FIG. 3) that imparts stiffness or rigidity to shaped panel 16, and thus functions to add structural strength to shaped panel 16. Bottom edge 22 of shaped panel 16 rests on stair tread 18 (not shown) and U-shaped mounting bar 34 (not shown) sits behind, against and within the back and sides of the bottom edge 22. Top edge 24 of shaped panel 16 is preferably straight or approximately straight or slightly curved or arc(ed) yet angled thereto (It should be noted that in one embodiment, having top edge 24 arched is another novelty that creates the uniform line of slope that matches the stair or handrail 14 slope. If top edge 24 was flat then it would only fully seat in handrail 14 at one angle of slope but as curved it can readily fit within the attachment slot in the handrail underside (not shown) at slightly different angles to align shaped panel 16 perpendicular to stair tread 18 (shown in FIG. 1). Shaped panel 16 as shown features a simple rectangular decorative cutout 28 that represents one of the many different design options that could be created or integrated therein shaped panel 16.

[0049] Moreover, top edge 24 of shaped panel 16 is a critical feature, designed with a slight upward curve or arc, as illustrated in FIG. 2. This curvature is a novel aspect, enabling top edge 24 to form a uniform line of tangency (A-A, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8) that aligns with the slope of the staircase, typically ranging from 30 to 40. The arced top edge 24 ensures compatibility with the attachment slot (32, as shown in FIG. 6) on the underside of the handrail (14), allowing the handrail to be securely seated across a range of stairway slopes without requiring modification. Unlike a flat top edge, which would only align properly at a single slope, the curved design accommodates variations in stair angles, enhancing versatility and simplifying installation. The vertical edges 20 are equipped with attachment holes 26 (as shown in FIG. 4), which align with corresponding holes 36 (as shown in FIG. 5B) in the U-shaped mounting bar 34 (as shown in FIG. 5A-5C). These holes facilitate secure attachment of shaped panel 16 to U-shaped mounting bar 34 using fasteners 30 (not shown), ensuring precise and stable positioning on the stair tread 18.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 3, the horizontal cross-sectional AA of FIG. 2 of the described shaped panel 16 is shown. Two vertical edges 20 of shaped panel 16 have been formed or created by bending the sheet that comprises shaped panel 16 towards the back of shaped panel 16 to form the profile in FIG. 3, cross-sectional AA. Moreover, the addition bend of a second bend (as depicted in the figure) forms a back edge 25 that contributes or increase additional stiffness or rigidity to the shaped panel 16. Vertical edges 20 and back edges 25 in the figure are depicted as approximately simple 90 degree bends to present the basic concept. Alternatively, vertical edges 20 could be formed without forming back edges 25 or by using more than one bend with each bend being more or less than 90 and not all of the bends in the same direction. It is preferred that the bends that create vertical edges 20 be more than one so that no sharp edges are oriented towards people or pets if they were to come into contact with the back of shaped panel 16 either accidentally or deliberately. Shaped panel 16 may be secured to U-shaped mounting bar 34 (not shown) which is secured to the stair tread (not shown) by driving fasteners 30 (not shown) through the attachment holes (not shown) in the vertical edges 20 which align to attachment holes (not Shown) in U-shaped Mounting Bar 34 (not shown).

[0051] With reference to FIG. 4, the vertical cross-section BB of FIG. 2 of the described shaped panel 16 is shown. Bottom edge 22 is shown which ensures shaped panel 16 will be perpendicular to tread 18 (not shown) which is preferably horizontal. Vertical edge 20, back edge 25, and top edge 24 are shown with vertical edge 20 and back edge 25 extending in length to a height preferably less than the full height of elongated front face 15. The top of the vertical edge 20 and back edge 25 are preferably positioned to be below top edge 24 a sufficient distance to ensure vertical edge 20 and back edge 25 do not interfere with handrail 14 or handrail groove 32 (not shown) being seated onto and secured to shaped panel 16. Attachment holes 26 positioned in vertical edge 20 are shown. The attachment holes 26 align with the attachment holes 36 (shown in FIG. 5B) in U-shaped mounting bar 34 (shown in FIGS. 5A-5C).

[0052] With reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C, the face, side and top views of the U-shaped mounting bar (34) are shown. Both sides of U-shaped mounting bar 34 have a set of attachment holes 36 punched or drilled in a pattern that aligns or corresponds to the attachment holes 26 (shown in FIG. 4) in the two vertical sides 34 in shaped panel 16 (shown in FIG. 4). This allows for the shaped panel 16 (not shown) to be secured to U-shaped mounting bar 34 using fasteners 30 (not shown). The base of U-shaped mounting bar 34 has a set of attachment holes (38) punched or drilled to allow for U-shaped mounting bar 34 to be secured to the stair tread 18 (not shown) using fasteners 30 (not shown).

[0053] With reference to FIG. 6, the cross-section AA of FIG. 1 and handrail 14 is shown. Specifically, the connection of top edge 24 of shaped panel 16 to handrail 14 may be accomplished by placing top edge 24 within attachment slot 32 of handrail 14 and securing, affix, or releasably affix top edge 24 by preferably predrilling handrail 14 with an aperture or drill hole and then driving fastener 30 through both a portion of handrail 14 and top edge 24 of shaped panel 16. Once secured, a small round plug (not shown) can be inserted into the drill hole to hide fastener 30. The height of the upper end of vertical edge 20 may be below top edge 24 a sufficient distance so that it doesn't interfere with the securing of shaped panel 16 to handrail 14. It is contemplated herein that fastener 30 may be a nail, screw, pin, or other known attachment device.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, two embodiments of shaped panels 16 are shown. FIG. 7A shows two shaped panels 16 with top edge (24) configured based on a stairway slope of 31.0 (degrees) and 7B shows two shaped panels 16 with top edge 24 configured based on a steeper stairway slope of 39.0 (degrees). The upward curved or arced of top edges 24 of each pair of shaped panels 16 results in a common line of tangency AA that is preferably created across the top of shaped panels 16 similar to stairway slope (degrees) as shown proximate stair treads 18. It is contemplated herein that other stairway slope(s) (degrees) may be utilized herein. This common line of tangency AA allows for a single handrail (not shown) to be attached to shaped panels 16 with a slope for top edge 24 that approximately matches stairway slope (degrees). It is contemplated herein that other stairway slope(s) range may include between approximately 30 to 40 degrees stairway and/or handrail 14 slope.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 8, a series of four shaped panels 16 are shown. The series of shaped panels 16 in this embodiment are positioned based on a stairway slope of 36.9 (degrees). The upward curve or arc of top edges 24 of each of shaped panels 16 results in a common line of tangency AA slope that is preferably created across top edges 24 of shaped panels 16. This common line of tangency AA allows for a single handrail (not shown) to be attached to shaped panels 16 with a slope that approximately matches stairway slope of 36.9 (degrees).

[0056] With reference to FIG. 9, an oblique back view of a shaped panel 16 is shown mounted to U-shaped mounting bar 34 using fasteners 30 (not shown). Decorative edges 40 are shown attached to the vertical edges 20 of the shaped panel 16. These decorative edges 40 can be attached with fasteners 30 (not shown) or adhesives.

[0057] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the preferred embodiment are to be encompassed by this present invention to produce the intended results. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be the to fall therebetween.

[0058] It is further understood herein that the parts and elements of this disclosure may be located or positioned elsewhere based on one of ordinary skill in the art without deviating from the present disclosure.

[0059] With respect to the disclosure herein, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, configuration, position, connection features, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0060] The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.