Handrail assemblies

Abstract

A handrail assembly 1 for a staircase or the like comprises a base rail R and a handrail 2 each preferably having at least one substantially flat surface ( 2 a, FIG. 18 ), at least one upright post 3 and a bracket 4 to connect one rail 2 to the upright post 3, the post-to-rail bracket 4 having a base 40 for engagement with the substantially flat surface ( 2 a, FIG. 18 ) of the rail 2 and a deformable portion 45 to accommodate different inclinations of the rail 2 relative to the post 3. An assembly 1 may further comprise a connector 5 to interconnect the handrail 2 with a rail 6, the connector 5 preferably having a first hollow portion with an internal cross-sectional shape to match the cross-section of the handrail 2, the handrail 2 extending at least partially into the first hollow portion.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
   
   
       26 . A two-part pivotable connector for a handrail, the first part having a hollow portion into which an end of a handrail is insertable, the second part comprising a plate for attachment to a flat support surface and a body extending from a face of the plate, the two parts being pivotable with respect to one another when interconnected, and wherein the internal surface of the hollow portion is shaped to prevent, in use, rotation of the hollow portion about a complementarily shaped handrail end inserted therein. 
   
   
       27 . A two-part pivotable connector according to  claim 26 , wherein the two parts are securable together by a nut and bolt. 
   
   
       28 . A two-part pivotable connector according to  claim 27 , wherein the two parts are pivotable about the nut and bolt and securable together by the nut and bolt in a multiplicity of configurations. 
   
   
       29 . A two-part pivotable connector according to  claim 26 , wherein the plate is circular. 
   
   
       30 . A two-part pivotable connector according to  claim 26 , wherein the second part comprises a pair of countersunk apertures in which fixing means are receivable for attaching the second part to the flat support surface. 
   
   
       31 . A two-part pivotable connector according to  claim 26 , wherein the internal surface of the hollow portion is shaped to have a rounded part and a flat surface. 
   
   
       32 . A two-part pitovable connector according to  claim 26 , wherein the hollow portion is in the form of a major segment of a circle.