Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
130 words
A variable rack stair rail assembly which comprises: a hand rail, a shoe rail, a plurality of elongated balusters extending intermediate the shoe rail and the hand rail, means for joining each of said balusters to said hand rail and said shoe rail, said means for joining comprising an elongated plug member and a socket member having an opening thereon, said plug and socket members having respective first axial extremities dimensioned and configured for mutual engagement, one of said members being disposed in cooperating relationship with one of said rails and the other of said members being disposed in cooperating relationship with one axial extremity of the balusters, and said socket member having one axial extremity to which said opening extends, said first axial extremity including an outwardly extending flange.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
130 words
A variable rack stair rail assembly which comprises: a hand rail, a shoe rail, a plurality of elongated balusters extending intermediate the shoe rail and the hand rail, means for joining each of said balusters to said hand rail and said shoe rail, said means for joining comprising an elongated plug member and a socket member having an opening thereon, said plug and socket members having respective first axial extremities dimensioned and configured for mutual engagement, one of said members being disposed in cooperating relationship with one of said rails and the other of said members being disposed in cooperating relationship with one axial extremity of the balusters, and said socket member having one axial extremity to which said opening extends, said first axial extremity including an outwardly extending flange.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: said socket member axial extremity is tapered with its axial extent greater proximate to its geometric center than proximate to its periphery.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein: each of said plug members has a plurality of axially extending steps in adjacent relationship, each of said steps has at least a portion which is frustro conical, and each step is tapered so that the smallest radial dimension thereof is nearest to the first axial extremity of said plug member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: the socket member is generally cylindrically shaped, and said plug member has at least one axially extending section for cooperation with said socket member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: said opening in said socket member is generally cylindrically shaped.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: said plug member further includes a flange extending generally radially and said flange defines a first axial section thereof which cooperates with said socket member and a second axial section thereof which cooperates with one of said balusters.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: said plug and socket members are manufactured of polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: said plug and socket members are joined by a bonding material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as described in claim 8, wherein: said bonding material is a solvent for polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: at least one of said hand rail and shoe rail is channel shaped.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: said hand rail and shoe rail define confronting channels, and said balusters extend between said channel in said shoe rail and said channel in said hand rail.