Newel

Abstract: A newel post anchoring device, for connecting a post to a concrete floor, wherein the post has a transverse bottom surface and the concrete floor has a floor surface. The newel post anchoring device includes a base having a top with a periphery, and a bottom load bearing surface, wherein the top of said base abuts the transverse bottom surface of the post, and the bottom load bearing surface abuts with the floor surface, thereby the base transmits the load of the post to the floor and also elevates the post above the floor to minimize deterioration of the post. The anchoring device further includes a threaded stud with a stud bottom end for securely embedding in the floor and a threaded stud top end dimensioned and adapted to engage with a threaded aperture defined in the top such that the base is screwed down over the threaded stud top end for bringing the load bearing surface of the base into surface engagement with the floor surface. The base further includes a plurality of holes defined in the top, disposed proximate the top periphery, the holes adapted to receive fastening screws there through for bringing the newel post transverse bottom surface into surface engagement with the top of the base and rigidly fastening the newel post to the base.

Abstract: A prefabricated handrail assembly is conformable for use along horizontal or inclined surfaces and is characterized by being adjustable in accordance with the pitch or degree of rise along the surface while retaining the upper and lower rail portions in spaced parallel relation to one another with the balusters extending vertically between the rail portions. Fasteners at opposite ends of the rail portions will automatically conform to differences in the angle between the rail portions and end posts to which they are connected, and a unique bracket or hold-down device is provided for connection to each newel post.

Abstract: A balustrade which features premade gallery, rake and starting newels and rail sections, and the process for installing the balustrade using the newel of this invention. The newel is a tubular member having an insert disposed at the lower end thereof, and optionally including a hex bolt which has intermediate machine screw threads, and distal lag screw threads, the machine screw threads thereof being in engagement with a coupler, disposed above a rigid plate, and the lag screw threads to be disposed within a support for the newel. The process includes the steps of mounting the new gallery, intermediate rake newel(s),—location dependent—mounting the starting newel, and attaching the rail section therebetween, and finishing off the upper portion of newels by attaching newel caps. The balustrade can utilize the newel of this invention at one or both of the gallery and starting newel locations, and at an intermediate rake location if employed.

Abstract: A wooden stair rail assembly having a wooden handrail, a wooden shoe rail, and wooden balusters, is provided with a limited range of movement from about 29 degrees to 43 degrees, to accommodate the normal range of variations in the inclination or pitch of stairways. The ends of the balusters are provided with axially extending pins which engage the handrail and the shoe rail. The handrail and the shoe rail are provided with recesses into which the ends of the balusters extend, and clearance between the balusters and the rails is provided to permit the pins to flex so that the balusters may remain vertical despite the change in inclination of the handrail and the shoe rail. The pins are of high strength material having a low elastic limit and the quality of remaining deformed after having been bent, so that the assembly will retain its "racked" configuration once it has been shifted to the desired angle of inclination. Polyvinyl chloride plastic provides suitable mechanical properties for the dowels or pins. A thermo-setting glue, and additional wood fillets which may be positioned in longitudinally extending recesses, particularly in the shoe rail, complete the mechanical assembly, apart from the newel posts at the ends of the stair rail.