Handrails

Abstract

A handrail can increase safety by providing a hand-hold which can be installed permanently to many types of ground or floor surfaces. Embodiments include one or more vertical tubular section, the vertical tubular section having a tapered lower end that can be inserted into a base and neck portion, and one or more handrail sections affixed to tops of the one or more vertical tubular sections. A handrail may assist people as they walk or stand by providing a support on which to lean.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A handrail assembly comprising:
 a vertical post having a top end and a bottom end, the bottom end comprising a tapered section;   a base section, the base section comprising a neck opening having a diameter essentially equivalent to a diameter of the vertical post, whereby the tapered section forms a friction fit within the neck opening;   a cap placed over the top end of the vertical post; and   one or more rail sections adhered to the cap at a first end of the one or more rail sections.   
     
     
         2 . The handrail assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the base section is secured to a ground surface by a lag bolt. 
     
     
         3 . The handrail assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second vertical post having a second cap placed over a top end thereof;   wherein a selected one of the one or more rail sections is adhered to the second cap at a second end of the selected rail section.   
     
     
         4 . A method of installing a handrail assembly comprising:
 forming a hole in a ground surface;   securing a base section to the ground surface by passing a bolt through the base section and into the hole;   inserting a tapered section of a vertical post into a neck opening of the base section, thereby forming a friction fit therebetween;   placing a cap over a top end of the vertical post; and   adhering a handrail section to the cap at a first end of the handrail section.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising placing an asymmetrical washer within the base section, such that the washer is between the base section and the ground surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein creating the hole comprises drilling the hole. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 placing a second cap over a top end of a second vertical post;   adhering the handrail section to the second cap at a second end of the handrail section.