Universal baluster connector

Abstract

In one embodiment, the invention is a universal baluster connector. In one embodiment, a connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing includes a body having a first end and a second end and a stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction. Expansion of the stem allows the connector to be used to secure a baluster to a railing of substantially any thickness.

1 . A connector for use in securing a baluster to a railing, the connector comprising:
 a body having a first end and a second end; and   a stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction.   
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the body and the stem are substantially cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 2 , wherein a diameter of the body is larger than a diameter of the stem. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises:
 a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.   
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the stem is split along a length of the stem. 
     
     
         6 . The connector of  claim 5 , wherein the split extends along a diameter of the stem. 
     
     
         7 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein the stem further comprises:
 a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.   
     
     
         8 . The connector of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of ribs is angled toward the body. 
     
     
         9 . The connector of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a bore disposed through a central axis of the connector.   
     
     
         10 . The connector of  claim 1 , wherein connector is formed from a high density polymer. 
     
     
         11 . A railing system, comprising:
 a support surface;   a top railing;   a plurality of balusters positioned between the support surface and the top railing; and   a plurality of connectors connecting the plurality of balusters to the support surface and to the top railing, where at least one of the plurality of connectors comprises:
 a body having a first end and a second end; and 
 a stem coupled to the first end of the body, the stem being expandable in a radial direction. 
   
     
     
         12 . The railing system of  claim 11 , wherein a diameter of the body is larger than a diameter of the stem. 
     
     
         13 . The railing system of  claim 11 , wherein the body further comprises:
 a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.   
     
     
         14 . The railing system of  claim 11 , wherein the stem is split along a length of the stem. 
     
     
         15 . The railing system of  claim 14 , wherein the split extends along a diameter of the stem. 
     
     
         16 . The railing system of  claim 11 , wherein the stem further comprises:
 a plurality of ribs extending radially outward from the body.   
     
     
         17 . The railing system of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of ribs is angled toward the body. 
     
     
         18 . The railing system of  claim 11 , wherein the connector further comprises:
 a bore disposed through a central axis of the connector.   
     
     
         19 . The railing system of  claim 11 , wherein connector is formed from a high density polymer. 
     
     
         20 . A method for installing a baluster to a material comprising a support surface or a railing, the method comprising:
 positioning a connector in a hole formed in the material, such that a first portion of the connector is disposed in the hole and a second portion of the connector sits substantially flush with a surface of the material;   expanding the first portion of the connector within the hole; and   installing the baluster over the second portion of the connector.