Abstract: The handrail assembly includes at least one tubular metal stanchion, having a base and a hemispherical cap having a threaded receiver and at least a horizontal top rail. The horizontal top rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and at least one aperture for receiving the metal stanchion. Prior to assemblage, a threaded fastener is attached to the interior of the inner metal pipe opposite the aperture. In an alternative embodiment, the hemispherical cap on the stanchion is replaced by a threaded fastener and a threaded nut is positioned within the interior of the inner metal pipe opposite the aperture. Prior to insertion of the stanchion into the aperture, at least one tubular plastic sheath, having a first end conforming with the base of the stanchion and a second end conforming with the top horizontal rail, is slipped onto the tubular metal stanchion.

Abstract: The guardrail assembly includes at least two tubular metal stanchion posts having a base, at least one aperture through one side of each stanchion post and at least one horizontal rail having a fastener at each end for extending into the respective stanchion post apertures. The horizontal rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and an end plate for supporting the fastener. Following insertion of the fastener of the horizontal rail into the stanchion post aperture, a threaded nut positioned in each stanchion post engages the threaded fastener at each end of the horizontal tubular rail to retain the fastener within the stanchion posts. In one embodiment, a tubular plastic sheath having at least one aperture is slipped onto the tubular metal stanchion post having at least one aperture and the apertures are aligned to form a stanchion having an aperture prior to insertion of the fasteners into the stanchion apertures.

Abstract: A stanchion with sleeve includes an elongated member secured to a fixed structure and extending generally linearly away from the fixed structure. The sleeve has an elongated body extending curvilinearly between two opposing ends. An interior cavity extends along the sleeve and through one end of the sleeve. The interior cavity has a cross-sectional shape adapted for slip fit engagement with the stanchion post. The sleeve is formed with a curve for receiving the stanchion post in the interior cavity in force fit engagement.

Abstract: The handrail assembly includes at least one tubular metal stanchion having a base and at least one aperture through both sides of the stanchion and at least a horizontal top rail extending through the stanchion aperture. The horizontal top rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and at least one aperture through both sides of the rail for receiving a metal retaining rod. Following insertion of the horizontal top rail into the stanchion aperture, the apertures of the top horizontal rail are vertically oriented so that they are aligned with the tubular metal stanchion. Following alignment of the top horizontal rail apertures, the retaining rod is fitted into the apertures. In one embodiment, the retaining rod rests in a receiving cup located on the base of the stanchion. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining rod has an end plate affixed to it where the end plate is sized to be about the interior diameter of the tubular metal stanchion.