초록 ▼

A modular rail system for holding a panel includes individual components that can be mixed and matched making it easy to customize to fit any length and provides for the use of an array of accent materials. The modular rail system includes at least first and second columns and first and second rails

A modular rail system for holding a panel includes individual components that can be mixed and matched making it easy to customize to fit any length and provides for the use of an array of accent materials. The modular rail system includes at least first and second columns and first and second rails extending between the columns, wherein the columns and first rail each includes a recess for securing one edge of the panel.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A modular rail system comprising: a first column; a second column; a first rail extending between the first and second columns; and a second rail extending between the first and second columns; wherein the first column, second column and first rail each includes a recess conf

What is claimed is: 1. A modular rail system comprising: a first column; a second column; a first rail extending between the first and second columns; and a second rail extending between the first and second columns; wherein the first column, second column and first rail each includes a recess configured to accommodate a common edge of a panel, wherein the recesses of the first column, second column and first rail are disposed substantially collinearly, and wherein the second rail comprises a transparent tube containing a light source. 2. The modular rail system of claim 1, further including a gap filler positioned between the first and second rails. 3. The modular rail system of claim 2, wherein the gap filler is integral with the first rail. 4. The modular rail system of claim 1, further including a floor strip positioned between the second rail and a supporting surface. 5. The modular rail system of claim 1, further including a rail coupler affixed to one side of each column. 6. The modular rail system of claim 5, wherein each coupler includes first and second recesses. 7. The modular rail system of claim 6, wherein the first recesses are dimensioned to secure ends of the first rail and the second recesses are dimensioned to secure ends of the second rail. 8. The modular rail system of claim 5, further including an end cap affixed to another side of each column. 9. The modular rail system of claim 8, wherein each end cap appears to be an extension of the first and second rails. 10. The modular rail system of claim 1, wherein the first and second columns are clamping columns that are adapted to be secured to the edge of the panel. 11. The modular rail system of claim 1, wherein the first rail is tapered toward the recess such that the first rail has a teardrop shape. 12. The modular rail system of claim 1, wherein the first rail is an extruded tube having a teardrop-shaped cross-section. 13. A modular rail system comprising: a first column; a second column; a first rail extending between the first and second columns; and a second rail extending between the first and second columns; wherein the first column, second column and first rail each includes a recess configured to accommodate a common edge of a panel, wherein the recesses of the first column, second column and first rail are disposed substantially collinearly, and wherein the first rail is tapered toward the recess such that the first rail has a teardrop shape. 14. The modular rail system of claim 13, wherein the second rail is made of one of the following materials: hardwood, stone, stone, metal and glass. 15. The modular rail system of claim 13, wherein the second rail comprises a transparent tube containing a light source. 16. A modular rail system for holding at least one panel comprising: first, second and third columns, wherein the second column is positioned in between the first and third columns; a first tier of rails including a plurality of rails extending between the first, second and third columns; and a second tier of rails including a plurality of rails extending between the first, second and third columns; wherein the first column, second column, third column and first tier of rails each includes a recess configured to accommodate a common edge of the at least one panel, wherein the recesses of the first column, second column, third column and first tier of rails are disposed substantially collinearly, wherein the second tier of rails comprises at least one transparent tube containing a light source, and wherein the first and second columns are stationary columns affixed to a supporting surface. 17. The modular rail system of claim 16, further including a gap filler positioned between the first and second tiers of rails. 18. The modular rail system of claim 17, wherein the gap filler is integral with the first tier of rails. 19. The modular rail system of claim 16, further including a floor strip positioned between the second tier of rails and a supporting surface. 20. The modular rail system of claim 19, further including a rail coupler affixed to one side of the first and third columns. 21. The modular rail system of claim 20, further including a rail coupler affixed to two sides of the second column. 22. The modular rail system of claim 21, wherein each coupler includes first and second recesses. 23. The modular rail system of claim 22, wherein the first recesses are dimensioned to secure ends of the first tier of rails and the second recesses are dimensioned to secure ends of the second tier of rails. 24. The modular rail system of claim 20, further including an end cap affixed to another side of the first and third columns. 25. The modular rail system of claim 24, wherein each end cap appears to be an extension of the first and second tiers of rails. 26. The modular rail system of claim 16, wherein the columns are clamping columns that are adapted to be secured to the edge of the at least one panel. 27. The modular rail system of claim 16, wherein the first tier of rails is tapered toward the recess such that the rails have a teardrop shape. 28. The modular rail system of claim 16, wherein the first tier of rails comprises extruded tubes having a teardrop-shaped cross-section. 29. The modular rail system of claim 16, wherein the second tier of rails comprises cylinders having substantially a 2-inch diameter. 30. The modular rail system of claim 16, wherein the second tier of rails is made of one of the following materials: hardwood, stone, stone, metal and glass.