Baluster made of recycled material

Abstract

A baluster includes a longitudinal hollow post and a tubular core. The hollow post is made of a wood flour composite which includes wood flour and a resin binder, and has a first end portion, and a second end portion longitudinally opposite to the first end portion. The tubular core is disposed longitudinally in the hollow post. A coating layer is provided on an outer surface of the hollow post.

1 . A baluster comprising:
 a longitudinal hollow post made of a wood flour composite which includes wood flour and a resin binder, said hollow post having a first end portion, and a second end portion longitudinally opposite to said first end portion; and   a tubular core disposed longitudinally in said hollow post.   
   
   
       2 . The baluster of  claim 1 , wherein said second end portion is tapered, and said first end portion has a cross section larger than that of said second end portion. 
   
   
       3 . The baluster of  claim 2 , wherein said tubular core has a first core section extending to said second end portion of said post, and a second core section opposite to said first core section and provided with a longitudinal protrusion that extends beyond said first end portion of said post. 
   
   
       4 . The baluster of  claim 3 , further comprising a base which has a longitudinal receiving hole, said protrusion being inserted fittingly into said receiving hole. 
   
   
       5 . The baluster of  claim 4 , wherein said first end portion of said post has an end face, and an annular groove extending inwardly from said end face and surrounding said protrusion, said base further having an engaging end portion confining said receiving hole, said engaging end portion having an outer surface that is stepped and that has an annular shoulder face, and an annular protrusion projecting outwardly and axially from said annular shoulder face and extending into said annular groove. 
   
   
       6 . The baluster of  claim 4 , wherein said base is made of wood. 
   
   
       7 . The baluster of  claim 4 , further comprising a coating layer provided on an outer surface of each of said hollow post and said base. 
   
   
       8 . The baluster of  claim 1 , wherein said tubular core is made of a material selected from the group consisting of an aluminum alloy and plastic. 
   
   
       9 . The baluster of  claim 1 , further comprising a coating layer provided on an outer surface of said hollow post.