WO2009092053A1

WO2009092053A1 - Slot rail assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2009092053A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/031350
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ken Ferris; Bryan Purdy
Original assignee: Ken Ferris; Bryan Purdy
Priority date: 2008-01-16
Filing date: 2009-01-16
Publication date: 2009-07-23
Also published as: CA2712476A1; US20090179183A1

Abstract

The slot rail assembly, in combination with a rail portion, at least one baluster, at least one baluster connector, and a lateral slot and at least one spacer is disclosed and claimed. The baluster may be slid distally along a lateral slot to accommodate the pitch or slope of incline or decline addressed. Lateral movement of the balusters within the lateral slot and change in relative angle of the baluster in relation to the rail portion allows the balusters to stay 'plumb' no matter what the pitch of the stairs may be. At least one spacer may be snapped into place to fix the horizontal position of the balusters and to provide a seal against ingress of debris and moisture into the lateral slot. The slot rail assembly may be deployed as a stair rail, a stairway or an improved connection system for balusters and stair rails.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

Slot Rail Assembly

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) of provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/011,304 filed on January 16, 2008 and non-provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12,355,732 filed on January 16, 2009, both which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a stair rail system for stairs that includes a pivoting supporting device allowing for adjustment of the angle of the balusters and the like, and, more particularly, the stair rail system allows slideable adjustment of the variable angle balusters to used between the rail and a set of steps or between the hand and foot rails of a staircase assembly.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and described in the patent application.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.F.R. §1.171 (d)(c)

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright and trademark protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the

Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever. INVENTION BACKGROUND

In both contemporary and traditional architecture, it is quite fashionable to install a decorative stair rail assembly. Such assemblies include upper and lower rail portions which traverse the length of the assembly between two end posts and a plurality of balusters which extend vertically between the upper and lower rail portions at longitudinally spaced intervals. The construction of such a staircase assembly requires the exercise of a great deal of skill and care, particularly since the angle between each baluster and the rail portions will vary with the pitch or degree of rise of the staircase or other surface with which the assembly is associated. Most difficult is to properly position the balusters in precise vertically extending relation along the incline portion of the staircase once the rail portions have been cut and positioned between the posts.

One solution to this problem has been a type of universal assembly which permits installation of the staircase assembly with any appropriate angle between the balusters and the upper and lower rail portions. However, since the assembly pivots together and is in actuality an overall fixed assembly, installation still requires a great deal of skill and care, and therefore the assembly is less than desirable.

Another solution was to provide recesses including clearances in the rails for permitting deflection of the baluster from a normal inclination. However, this approach was also disadvantageous since the baluster may slide within the recess after installation.

The prior art as shown herein depicts a two piece railing that snaps together. The baluster usually snaps in and hinges in the bottom and top rails. To change spacing between balusters you need to have different rail and pin locations.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved method for pivotably connecting a baluster to a hand or foot rail that overcomes these problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved means for pivotably connecting a baluster to a hand or foot rail of a staircase assembly. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a stair rail assembly which includes an interlocking pivot device which is used for pivotably connecting a baluster to a hand or foot rail. Yet another object of the invention is to provide a stair rail assembly which allows an interlocking pivot device to slide along the lateral slot of the rail so that the stair rail assembly may be plumbed as necessary to the incline of the stairs while allowing the balusters to be positioned at or near vertical (in relation to the horizon or floor) and the open portions of the lateral slot to be covered and or protected using spacers which may be configured from pre-selected lengths or cut to length during assembly. Still another object of the invention is to provide a device for pivotably connecting a baluster to a hand or foot rail which is of an uncomplicated construction and decorative which may be readily and quickly installed by an unskilled person.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will, in part, be apparent from the specification when considered in conjunction with the drawings and claims hereof. The invention accordingly comprises the device embodying the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts as exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limited of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 provides a side perspective view of a prior art baluster and stair rail combination.

FIG. 2 provides a top view of a prior art baluster and stair rail combination with the rail cover removed.

FIG. 3 A provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a pair of slot rail assemblies mounted between end posts to form a stairway.

FIG. 3B provides a front view of the stairway of FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 A provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a threaded baluster end for insertion into a baluster.

FIG. 4B provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a baluster end form to receive an inserted baluster.

FIG. 4C provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a baluster having a square shaped skirt.

FIG. 4D provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a baluster having a skirt with a round shape affixed to the end of a baluster.

FIG. 5 provides a top view of an exemplary embodiment of stair rail having a spacers inserted into a portion of the lateral slot.

FIG. 6 A is sectional view of a stair rail without a spacer inserted in the lateral slot. FIG. 6B is a sectional view of a stair railing with a spacer inserted in the lateral slot. FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of the end of the stair rail with a baluster inserted in the slot of the stair rail.

FIG. 8 is an end view of exemplary embodiment of a baluster inserted into a slot of the stair rail.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an end view of a top rail with a baluster inserted into the slot rail assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION - LISTING OF ELEMENTS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the various embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that phraseology and terminology used herein with reference to device or element orientation (such as, for example, terms like "front", "back", "up", "down", "top", "bottom", and the like) are only used to simplify description of the present invention, and do not alone indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a particular orientation. In addition, terms such as "first", "second", and "third" are used herein and in the appended claims for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 provides a top view of a baluster and stair rail of the prior art. As shown, a preformed top cover slides over the stair rail. After the top cover is removed, as shown in FIG. 2, it becomes clear that the baluster is fixed to the stair rail through insertion of a pin or screw. Typically, the screw or hole for the screw or pin is pre-drilled. See US Patent #4,014, 520 issued to Walters for "Railing Assembly and Method", which is incorporated by reference herein, for further background.

By way of background, as commonly used, a stairway, staircase, stairwell, flight of stairs or simply stairs are all names for a structure designed to bridge a larger vertical distance by dividing it into smaller vertical distances, called steps. Stairways may be straight, round, or may consist of two or more straight pieces connected at angles. A baluster is typically defined as the vertical posts that hold up the handrail (upper stair rail) or is positioned between a set of stair rails (upper and lower stair rails). Balusters may also be referred to as guards or spindles, without limitation. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the arts will appreciate that variation in slope or terrain increase the difficulty of proper installation of the balusters for a set of stairs. Additionally, to compensate for slope or uneven terrain, as is common with exterior deck installations, in is common in the prior art to modify the length of the balusters so that they may be plumbed to the horizon. FIGS. 3-10 herein disclose exemplary embodiments of the slot rail assembly 10 claimed and disclosed herein. For ease of reference, the primary working elements of the slot rail assembly 10 are the rail portion 1, the baluster(s) 18, the baluster connector(s) 19 and the spacer(s) 16. FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of this combination of elements. It is preferred, without limitation, that the present disclosure be cast and built in plastic, wood or aluminum. Other methods of assembly and construction, such as machining, injection molding or manufacture may be used without limitation.

The rail portion 1 of the slot assembly 10 generally has u- shape, but is not so limited. The u- shape is formed by a first exterior side wall 2 and a second exterior side wall 3 which are generally parallel in direction or at least non-perpendicular to each other. The profile of the rail portion 1 of the slot rail assembly 10, which may be common to both the top and bottom rails, is exemplified by FIGS. 7, 8 and 10. Typically, and without limitation, the first and second exterior walls (2, 3) form the top and sides of the rail portion 1. (See FIGS. 6A, 7, 8 and 10) The third exterior side wall 4 is generally non-parallel to either of the first or second side walls (2, 3), while connecting the first and second side walls (2, 3). One of ordinary skill will appreciate that if the rail portion 1 is cast, first, second and third side walls (2-4) will be essentially continuous. Applicant's choice of nomenclature is then meant to describe the various portions of the one continuous exterior wall produced by the method of fabrication of chosen, i.e. casting. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that as shown, the interior 27 of the rail portion 1 is shown as being hollow or a void space. The present disclosure is not so limited and interior 27 of the rail portion 1 may be solid.

As generally shown in FIGS. 5-10, a lateral slot 5 creating an opening in one face of the rail portion 1 is defined by and comprises a first interior side wall 6, a second interior side wall 7 and a third interior side wall 8. Similar to the general configuration of the exterior walls, the third interior wall 8 connects the first interior side wall 6 to the second interior side wall 7. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7 and 10, the face of the first interior side wall 6 and the face of the second interior side wall 7 are opposed to each other and form the opening of the lateral slot 5. The first interior wall 6 of the lateral slot 5 is configured with a first locking ledge 11 which protrudes into the opening and away from the interior wall 6 along the length of the lateral slot. The second interior wall 7 of the lateral slot 5 is symmetrical to the first wall 6 and is configured with a second locking ledge 12 which also protrudes into the opening of the lateral slot 5 and away from the interior wall 6 along the length of the lateral slot 5. See FIGS. 6A, 6B and 10 for detailed views.

Interior to locking ledges (11, 12) within lateral slot 5 is a lateral shelf 13 which is comprised of a first support shelf 14 located on the first interior wall 6 and a second support shelf 15 located on the second interior wall 7. Generally, but without limitation, the lateral slot 5 runs the length of the rail portion 1. Additionally, the locking ledges 11, 12 and lateral shelves also typically run the length of the lateral slot 5, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 9. As described and disclosed, the slot rail assembly 10 is configured to engage at least one baluster 18 at the lateral slot 5 via and through insertion of at least one baluster connector 19. Various exemplary embodiments of the baluster connector 19 are illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D. A baluster connector 19 is typically comprised of a skirt portion 20, a connecting portion 21, a supporting portion 22 and a set of projections 28. The skirt portion 20 is positioned at the interface or intersection of the baluster 19 and the rail portion 1 partially exterior of the rail portion 1. One benefit or feature of the skirt portion 20 is to camouflage and or decorate the transition of the baluster 19 into the rail portion 20. The skirt portion 20 of the baluster connector 19 can be designed to customer specifications. FIG. 4C illustrates a skirt portion 20 of the baluster connector 19 with an angular look similar to a triangle or square. FIG. 4D illustrates a rounder or circular look, either of which can be produced with more or less ornamentation, dependent upon customer needs and or desires. The connecting portion 21 is for attachment to the end of the baluster 19. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a myriad of ways in which one could connect these two elements including, without limitation, forming them together using casting techniques or molds as well as using threads, fasteners, adhesives and or combinations therein. By way of illustration and without limitation, in FIG. 4A, the connecting portion 21 of the baluster connector 19 has threads (not called out) for insertion into a baluster end acting as a receptor. (Not shown) FIG. 4B illustrates a baluster connector 19 acting as a receptor for insertion of a baluster dowel 9 which may extend from the end of a baluster 19.

The supporting portion 22 of the baluster connector is attached to the connecting portion 21. Positioned between the supporting portion 22 and the connection portion 21 is a pair of projections 28 which extend away from the connecting portion 21 and the supporting portion 22. Insertion of a baluster connector 19 affixed to a baluster 18 into the lateral slot 5 requires sliding the baluster connector 19 in from the end of the rail portion 1. The supporting portion of the 22 of the baluster connector 19 engages with the third interior wall found in the lateral slot 5. See FIG. 7. The third interior wall 8 acts as a floor or ceiling in relation to the supporting portion 22. The projections 28 of the baluster connector 19, upon entry into the lateral slot 5 are channeled and supported by and between the support shelves (14, 15) and the locking ledges (11, 12). At least one spacer 16 may then be positioned adjacent the at least one baluster 18. The at least one spacer is sized and shaped for entry into the side of the lateral slot 5 to fit between and engage with the locking ledges (11, 12) and the support shelves (14, 15). The support shelves (14, 15) support the load of the baluster(s) 18 while allowing the angle of the baluster (relative to the rail portion 1) to be adjusted to accommodate the slope of the incline or decline addressed. The baluster connectors 19, by and through the projections 28 and the supporting portion(s) 22, may be slid distally along the lateral slot 5 to accommodate the pitch or slope of incline or decline addressed. Allowing the lateral movement of the balusters 18 within the lateral slot and change in relative angle of the baluster 17 in relation to the rail portion 1 allows the balusters 18 to stay "plumb" no matter what the pitch (also referred to as angle) of the stairs may be. The pitch or angle of the stairs may be changed to suit as required without any modifications to the components. To plumb, as used herein, is defined as finding the true vertical of something in relation to the floor or horizon. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the variation in relative angle possible with the baluster connector 19 of the present art. For purposes of clarity, the projections 28 are not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Additionally, as those of ordinary skill will appreciate, allowing the horizontal position of the baluster 18 to change in combination with the relative angle of the baluster 17 allows the baluster 18 and slot rail assembly 10 to be customized to the installation with little effort. After the relative angle 17 and lateral position (within the lateral slot 5) of the baluster 18 are set, at least one spacer 16 may be snapped into place to fix the horizontal position of the baluster(s) 18 and to provide a seal against ingress of debris and moisture into the lateral slot 5. The spacer 16 may be manufactured in various pre-determined lengths or may be cut at the time of installation to fix the distance between the balusters 18 and or prevent the balusters 18 from spreading. FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of a pair of spacer 16 inserted into lateral slot 5 of rail portion 1. FIG. 6B illustrates the fit and configuration of the spacer 16 with the lateral 5. By comparison, see FIG. 6A with spacer 16 removed.

FIGS. 3A provides a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the slot rail assembly 10 assembled as a stair rail having an upper and lower stair rail (1) positioned and affixed between a pair of end posts 24. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3 A, decorative end caps 25 are affixed to the ends of the slot rail assembly 10, which are then attached to a hinge 23 which is attached to the end post 24. Although not called out or discussed, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art that the connections between the hinges 23, end caps 25 and end posts 24 may be accomplished by a multitude of ways including bolts, screws and dowels that allow for either fixed, rigid or pivotable securement.

FIG. 3B provides an end view of FIG. 3 A. Although not illustrated, it will be obvious to those of ordinary skill the art to use and deploy the slot rail assembly 5 disclosed and claimed herein to produce a stairway having steps as a slot rail assembly would be positioned on either side of the stairway steps. Furthermore, a single slot rail assembly 10 may be used in combination with at least one baluster that is not attached at both ends to a rail portion but is instead affixed to at least one step.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses for attaching and supporting stair rails. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slot rail assembly comprising: a. A rail portion, wherein said rail portion comprises: i. A first exterior side wall; ii. A second exterior side wall, wherein said first and said exterior side walls are substantially parallel; iii. A third exterior side wall, wherein said third exterior side wall is non- parallel to either said first or said second side walls, wherein said third side wall is connected to both said first and second side walls; iv. A lateral slot, wherein said lateral slot is positioned within said first said exterior wall, said second exterior wall and said third exterior wall within said rail portion, and wherein said lateral slot comprises:

1. A first interior side wall;

2. A second interior side wall;

3. A third interior side wall, wherein said third interior wall connects said first interior side wall to said second interior side wall, wherein said first interior side wall and said second interior side wall are opposed to form an opening;

4. A first locking ledge, wherein said first locking ledge is positioned on said first interior wall to protrude into said opening and extends the length of said first interior wall;

5. A second locking ledge, wherein said second locking ledge is positioned on said second interior wall to protrude into said opening and extends the length of said second interior wall; v. A lateral shelf, wherein said lateral shelf comprises:

1. A first support shelf located on said first interior wall;

2. A second support shelf located on said second interior wall, wherein said first and said second support shelves are positioned interiorly of said first and second locking ledges within said lateral slot; vi. Wherein the length of said lateral slot and the length of said rail portion are approximately equal; b. At least one baluster; c. At least one baluster connector, wherein said at least one baluster is engaged with said least one baluster connector, and wherein said at least one baluster connector comprises: i. A skirt portion, said skirt portion positioned partially exterior of said rail assembly; ii. A connecting portion, said connecting portion for attachment to said at least one baluster; iii. A supporting portion, said supporting portion attached to said connecting portion; iv. A pair of projections, said pair of projections positioned between said connecting portion and said support portion, wherein said pair of projections extend away from said connecting portion and said supporting portion; d. At least one spacer, positioned adjacent said at least one baluster, and wherein said at least one spacer is sized and shaped for entry into the side of said lateral slot for positioning between said lateral shelf and said first and said second lockable ledges; e. Wherein said at least one baluster connector is inserted in said lateral slot for connection with said rail portion, said pair of projections of said at least one baluster connector engaging with said first and said second support shelves of said lateral shelf; f. Wherein said supporting portion of said least one baluster connector is engaged against said third interior side wall of said lateral slot; and, g. Wherein the relative angle between said at least one baluster and said rail portion is variable.

2. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein said rail portion is generally u- shaped.

3. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the length of said at least one spacer may be pre-confϊgured.

4. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the length of said at least one spacer is selected to determine the angle of the slot rail assembly in relation to the horizontal plane.

5. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the length of said at least one spacer is selected to plumb the slot rail assembly in relation to the horizon.

6. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at least one spacer fixes the location of said at least one baluster connector within said rail portion.

7. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at least one baluster connector is both slideable within said lateral shelf and variably angular pivotable with respect to said rail portion.

8. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at least one baluster is inserted in said baluster connector.

9. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at least one baluster connector is inserted in said baluster.

10. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the shape of said at least one baluster connector is selected from the group consisting of round, rectangular, triangular, square and combinations thereof.

11. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the shape of said skirt portion of said at least one baluster connector is selected from the group consisting of round, triangular, rectangular and square and combinations thereof.

12. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein said skirt portion of said at least one baluster, said at least one baluster connector and said at least one baluster are cast and integral.

13. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the end of said at least one baluster that is not attached to said rail portion is affixed to at least one step.

14. The slot rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein both ends of said at least one baluster are engaged with a rail portion.

15. The slot rail assembly according to claim 14 wherein both ends of said at least one baluster are engaged with a rail portion.

16. The slot rail assembly according to claim 15 wherein said rail portion has a first and a second end, and wherein said first and second ends are connected to at least one end post.

17. The slot rail assembly according to claim 16 wherein said first and second ends of said rail portion are connected to at least one hinge, and wherein said at least one hinge is connected to said at least one end post.

18. A slot rail assembly comprising: a. An upper rail, wherein said upper rail comprises: i. A first exterior side wall; ii. A second exterior side wall, wherein said first and said exterior side walls are substantially parallel; iii. A third exterior side wall, wherein said third exterior side wall is non- parallel to either said first or said second side wall, wherein said third side wall is connected to both said first and second side walls; iv. A lateral slot, wherein said lateral slot is positioned within said first said exterior wall, said second exterior wall and said third exterior wall within said rail portion, and wherein said lateral slot comprises:

1. A first interior side wall;

2. A second interior side wall;

5. A second locking ledge, wherein said second locking ledge is positioned on said second interior wall to protrude into said opening and extends the length of said second interior wall; v. A lateral shelf, wherein said lateral shelf further comprises:

1. A first support shelf located on said first interior wall;

2. A second support shelf located on said second interior wall, wherein said first and said second support shelves are positioned interiorly of said first and second locking ledges within said lateral slot; vi. Wherein the length of said lateral slot and the length of said first rail portion are approximately equal; b. A lower rail, wherein said lower rail comprises: i. A first exterior side wall; ii. A second exterior side wall, wherein said first and said exterior side walls are substantially parallel; iii. A third exterior side wall, wherein said third exterior side wall is non- parallel to either said first or said second side wall, wherein said third side wall is connected to both said first and second side walls; iv. A lateral slot, wherein said lateral slot is positioned within said first said exterior wall, said second exterior wall and said third exterior wall within said rail portion, and wherein said lateral slot comprises:

1. A first interior side wall;

2. A second interior side wall;

1. A first support shelf located on said first interior wall;

2. A second support shelf located on said second interior wall, wherein said first and said second support shelves are positioned interiorly of said first and second locking ledges within said lateral slot; vi. Wherein the length of said lateral slot and the length of said second rail portion are approximately equal; c. A plurality of baluster connectors, wherein each of said plurality of baluster connectors comprises: i. A skirt portion, said skirt portion positioned partially exterior of said rail assembly; ii. A connecting portion, said connecting portion for attachment to said at least one baluster; iii. A supporting portion, said supporting portion attached to said connecting portion; iv. A pair of projections, said pair of projections positioned between said connecting portion and said support portion, wherein said pair of projections extend away from said connecting portion and said supporting portion; d. At least one baluster, wherein said at least one baluster has an upper end and a lower end; e. At least one spacer, positioned adjacent said at least one baluster, and wherein said at least one spacer is sized and shaped for entry into the side of said lateral slot in said upper rail for positioning between said lateral shelf and said first and said second lockable ledges; f. Wherein said upper end of said at least one baluster is affixed to said baluster connector for insertion in said lateral slot for connection with said upper rail portion, said pair of projections of said at least one baluster end engaging with said first and said second support shelves of said lateral shelf; g. Wherein said supporting portion of said least one baluster connector is engaged against said third interior side wall of said lateral slot; h. Wherein the relative angle between said at least one baluster and said rail portion is variable; i. At least one spacer, positioned adjacent said at least one baluster, and wherein said at least one spacer is sized and shaped for entry into the side of said lateral slot in said lower rail for positioning between said lateral shelf and said first and said second lockable ledges; j. Wherein said lower end of said at least one baluster is affixed to said baluster connector for insertion in said lateral slot for connection with said lower rail portion, said pair of projections of said at least one baluster connector engaging with said first and said second support shelves of said lateral shelf; k. Wherein said supporting portion of said least one baluster connector is engaged against said third interior side wall of said lateral slot; and,

1. Wherein the relative angle between said at least one baluster and said rail portion is variable.

19. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 wherein rail portion is generally u- shaped.

20. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 wherein the length of the spacer may be pre- configured.

21. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 wherein the length of the spacer is selected to determine the angle of the slot rail assembly in relation to the horizontal plane.

22. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 wherein the length of the spacer is selected to plumb the slot rail assembly in relation to the horizon.

23. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 wherein said at least one spacer fixes the location of said at least one baluster end within said rail portion.

24. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 wherein said at least one baluster end is both slideable within said lateral shelf and angularly variable pivot with respect to said rail portion.

25. The slot rail assembly according to claim 18 further comprising: a. The upper rail having a first and a second end; b. The lower rail having a first and a second end; c. A first end post, and wherein said first end of said upper rail and said first end of said lower rail are attached to said first end post; and d. A second end post, and wherein said second end of said upper rail and said second end of said lower rail are attached to said second end post.

26. The slot rail assembly according to claim 25 further comprising a plurality of hinges, and wherein said plurality of hinges connect said first end post and said second post to said upper and said lower rails.

27. The slot rail assembly forming a stairway according to claim 26 further comprising: a. A plurality of steps having a first and second side wherein said first and said second sides are opposing; b. A set of said upper rails, wherein said set of upper rails are positioned on said first and said second side of said steps; and, c. A set of said lower rails, wherein said set of lower rails are positioned on said first and said second side of said steps.