Abstract: Provided herein is an article which is by its nature readily clamped to the end portion of a metallic ware employed as a cable support rack, and driven into the ground. An insulative wedge according to the invention renders a linear metallic ware to not be in contact with the ground, and has the further advantage of comprising an end portion which penetrates earth readily but which is simultaneously deflected by subterranean conduits into which it may inadvertently come into contact with, thereby not interfering with the integrity of subterranean utilities, including wires, pipes, conduits, and the like.

Abstract: A clip-on assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The assembly includes a single clip including an upwardly bowed central portion joined to first and second upwardly extending end portions. The end portions have at least one outwardly projecting retention barb adapted for secure embedment into the inner side wall surfaces of a picket member when the assembly is inserted therein. The legs of the cap member upon which the clip is installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by plates that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in the clip.

Abstract: A hollow plastic member provided with end caps having holes therein through which wires can pass and be placed under tension so as to provide internal support for said member to reduce deflection of said member when a load is placed thereon and to return said member back within acceptable limits to its original position.

Abstract: An improved blocking member and vegetation barrier for the bottom of fences. A ground covering member has first and second opposite ends and opposite rolled under edges, and it somewhat rigid but somewhat flexible. The ground covering member can be placed directly on the ground even if the ground undulates relative to the fence bottom, and can be kept in that position once the riser is secured to the fence. The ground covering member can be resilient and create reactionary force if it is pressed against the ground. This can further assist in maintaining the blocking member and vegetation barrier in a fixed position relative the ground and the fence. The device can be made in lengths that can be interconnected with one another and/or installed between fence posts.

Abstract: A method for constructing a column and panel concrete fence which includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first half of a column is placed upon each of two or more footings. Then the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns are placed upon such footings. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another. Next a second half of each column is placed upon each of the footings. And, as a final step, concrete is poured into the resultant column.

Abstract: A clip-on picket fence cap assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The legs of the cap member upon which the clips are installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by gussets that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in a picket. The assembly includes clips having outer surfaces that are substantially arched or bowed in shape in order to enhance their strength and resistance to deformation. The outer surface of each clip is preferably provided with at least one outwardly projecting retention means adapted for secure embedment into the inner wall surfaces of a picket member when the cap assembly is inserted therein.

Abstract: An injection molded plastic fence panel that includes an upper horizontal rail and a lower horizontal rail. The panel also includes multiple spaced-apart vertical members extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower horizontal rails. The upper and lower horizontal rails each have a concave front surface and a concave rear surface with a pair of edges interconnecting the front and rear surfaces. The front and rear surfaces each have central regions intermediate the edges, with the central regions being separated by a distance less than the front-to-back depth of the edges.

Abstract: Prefabricated, light-weight, columnar or rectangular, convertible to fencing or stand-alone columns resemble solid brick and masonry structures built by skilled masons. Modules comprise heavy duty durable plastic liners with corner reinforcements comprising heavy duty square plastic tubing, faced with concrete, mortar and exterior brick and mortar. Modules are erected on concrete footings equipped with (1) raised studs that mate with square plastic tubing and (2) embedded anchor bolts which mate with bottom apertures. Ends of rectangular modules are bolted together and columnar faces. Capitols are of same plastic faced with concrete or mortar and brick veneer. Black plastic tubing simulating wrought iron may be disposed along wall tops. Module inner spaces may be ballast-filled.

Abstract: A plastic modular fence system having posts, a first rail, a second rail, and upright picket boards extending between the rails. A plurality of mounting brackets each have a T-shaped opening for receiving an end of one of the rails therein and an edge of a picket therein. The bracket opening extends through the peripheral wall in places to allow the edge of the picket to extend out of the bracket on opposite sides. Also, the rails have openings configured to receive the generally vertical picket boards when the rails are positioned either horizontally or at an angle to the horizon. For example, the openings in the intermediate rail have a generally trapezoidal shape with one opening end longer than the other opening end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reinforcing vinyl beams provides rigidity, strength, and security for vinyl beams used in fencing and other applications. The apparatus is a shaped thermoplastic beam which is formed to contain a cavity and at least one retaining member. The retaining member may be contained within the cavity to form a slot adapted to receive a reinforcing member. The retaining member may be a pair of lips attached to opposing walls of the thermoplastic beam and may also be a wall running inside the cavity. The reinforcing member may be substantially planar so as to be inserted into the cavity by threading the member within the slot or sheath created by the opposing lips or parallel walls.

Abstract: A unitary polymeric structure that is a lattice fence material. The lattice fence has a first extension at a first angle. At least fifty percent of the first extension overlies and the remaining percentage of the first extension merges with a predetermined portion of a second extension. The second extension is at a second angle distinct from the first angle.

Abstract: A fencing system having rails, slats and posts formed from pultruded fiberglass has several advantageous features. Lightweight fiberglass components are very strong and will not rust like metal fencing and do not require frequent maintenance like wood fencing. Pultruded fiberglass components are easy to manufacture and transport and the finished fence can be assembled using conventional fastners. Fence components are designed to be light weight while having a substantial resistance to bending forces.

Abstract: A method joining two intersecting channel shaped members (12, 14) is disclosed. One of the members (14) has slots (24, 26) therein and the other member (12) has its flanges (18) inserted into the slots (24, 26). The slots (24, 26) can be in the flanges (18) of the member (12) or in the web (16) of the member (12). The members (12, 14) can be the verticals and horizontals of a palisade fence.

Abstract: A fence rail holder for connection to conventional metal fence posts having a generally T-shaped cross section is provided which allows PVC fence rails to be connected to metal fence posts. The fence rail holder detachably mounts on a fence post using at least one clip which attaches to the T-shaped fence post. Openings at opposite side surfaces of the fence rail holder receive and support the fence rails. The fencing system allows the addition of a very visible, white PVC or other rail to a conventional barbed wire or wire mesh fence. The fencing system also includes wire support members which allow electric wire or other wire to be easily connected to a PVC fence.

Abstract: The repair stake for reinforcing a post includes an upper portion, a central portion and a lower portion. Fastener holes are present in the upper portion. The repair stake can driven between a deteriorating post and a concrete cast and attached to the deteriorating post to anchor the post.

Abstract: A hollow plastic member provided with end caps having holes therein through which wires can pass and be placed under tension so as to provide internal support for said member to reduce deflection of said member when a load is placed thereon and to return said member back within acceptable limits to its original position.

Abstract: A wall system including at least a first brick fence segment. The first brick fence segment is formed from a plurality of bricks adhered together by mortar. The wall system further includes at least a first block column connected to the first brick fence segment. The first block column includes a plurality of blocks at least one of which is a column block. The column block has a front face, a rear face, a first end, a second end, a top and a bottom. A first recess is formed in the first end of the column block. The first recess is sized slightly larger than a width of a first brick of the first brick fence segment such that the first recess receives the first brick of the first brick fence segment. The first recess is formed by at least two opposing walls. A groove is formed in each of the two opposing walls to receive a leveling device. An isolation member formed from an elastomeric material is disposed in the first recess.

Abstract: A guardrail assembly for highways comprises a horizontal rail secured to a plurality of posts. The rail includes top, bottom and front walls. A first wood plank is secured to the top wall. A second wood plank is secured to the front wall. The second wood plank includes a front surface and a third wood plank is secured to the second wood plank front surface. The post are also wood clad.

Abstract: A clip-on picket fence cap assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The legs of the cap member upon which the clips are installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by gussets that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in a picket. The assembly includes metal clips having outer surfaces that are convex curvilinear in shape that enhances their strength and resistance to deformation. The outer surface of each clip is preferably provided with at least one outwardly projecting retention means adapted for secure embedment into the inner wall surfaces of a picket member when the cap assembly is inserted therein.

Abstract: Masonry fence panel units are prefabricated, transported to the construction site and installed as modular units. Transport devices that facilitate transport and handling of the fence panel units at the manufacturing site and at the construction site are incorporated into the fence panel units. Masonry fence systems constructed of the fence panel units of the present invention are characterized by easier installation, easier removal, and lower cost than similar masonry fence systems built in situ.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided that lessens the potential for injury to people or livestock from the sharp edges of steel T-posts typically used in fencing. It has a T-shaped cross-section configuration approximating the shape of a fence post, and has a longitudinal channel for receiving one or more of the projecting studs on the front of the fence post. The instant invention is economical to produce, easy to install and flexible in application in order to accommodate a large range of T-post sizes. Installed on a fence post, it provides a blunt, soft buffer between the sharp edge of the post and any animal that comes in contact with the end.

Abstract: An energy dissipating system is mounted on the side surface of an elongated concrete median or roadway barrier and includes a longitudinally extending flexible sheet of low friction plastics material having upper and lower edge portions secured to the barrier and with an intermediate portion of the sheet defining a longitudinally extending cavity with the side surface. An elongated energy dissipating member extends horizontally within the cavity, and in one form, comprises a set of resilient cylindrical tubes of extruded plastics material with a smaller tube enclosed within a larger outer tube. In another form, the energy dissipating member includes helically extending compression plastic spring coils disposed between the resilient inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: A wall block arranged to be stacked vertically for creation of a retaining wall, the block being of generally trapezoidal configuration having parallelly arranged front and rear surfaces along with opposed top and bottom surfaces. The top surface has front and rear lips formed thereon with each of the lips having a trapezoidal root portion with mutually opposed triangular portions converging inwardly therefrom to define opposed and aligned front and rear apices. In one embodiment, the apices are disposed midway along the length of the block, while in a second embodiment, the apices are formed at the juncture point of mated pairs of blocks. The bottom surface of the block includes a central base with opposed notches formed along the front and rear edges of the bottom surface, with the base having a trapezoidal configuration with a width dimension which is no greater than the spacing between the opposed aligned front and rear apices.

Abstract: A vinyl fence post mount includes a base, a first support member and a second support member. The first support member is bent along a length thereof to form two first legs which are at an obtuse angle to each other. The second support member is bent along a length thereof to form two second legs which are at an obtuse angle to each other. The lengthwise edges of each leg are preferably bent toward each other. A first bent edge of the first support member is attached to a second bent edge of the second support member. The bottom ends of the support members are attached to the base. At least two mounting holes are formed outside the cross sectional perimeter of the support members. Preferably, each mounting hole is formed substantially in-line with a leg of one of the support members. In a second embodiment, the legs of each support member are bent substantially perpendicular to each other and the lengthwise edges of each leg are not bent.

Abstract: A prestressed concrete fence post assembly, including 1) a main fence post body constructed of a high-strength, concrete grout material; 2) a prestressed high-strength steel tendon member positioned centrally and extended longitudinally of the main fence post body; and 3) a plurality of spaced, parallel concentric connector grooves used with wire tie members to secure fence wire strands against outer surfaces of the main fence post body. Forms, equipment, and method steps for economically casting prestressed concrete post assemblies, poles, towers, or the like. A fence post mold assembly consists of two mating fence post mold half sections, each having an inner plastic material liner to form the desired concrete product. Prestressing is accomplished by pretensioning a centrally located high-strength steel tendon member held at each end by anchor jaw assemblies. A hydraulic tensioning apparatus is connected to one of the anchor jaw assemblies and tension is applied to the tendon member.

Abstract: An erosion fence installation attachment for ditchers and trenchers that is short in length and articulated to pivot in pitch and yaw so as to permit the attachment to follow a ditcher through gullies over mounds, and around arcs. The attachment is provided with a barrier material roll unwind, a resilient guide that guides the barrier material into a ditch formed by the ditcher so that the barrier materialP is pressed against the sides and bottom of the ditch to form an open channel, a first ditch fill disk that pushes fill material into the ditch and into the the channel formed in the barrier material, a second ditch fill disk that pushes fill material from the opposite side of the ditch and onto and over the barrier material on that side of the ditch to form a wrap around the fill material deposited by the first fill disk so as to form an elongate anchoring pouch filled with fill material along the bottom of the ditch.

Abstract: Plastic railing systems include extruded hollow fiberglass reinforced top and bottom rail sections and newel posts, and hollow plastic balusters having locking tabs on one end adapted to be snap locked into mounting holes in a bottom wall of the top rail section. The locking tabs are retained within the mounting holes by retaining lips protruding from a front edge of the locking tabs into overlying relation with an inner surface of the bottom wall of the top rail section surrounding the holes. At the bottoms of the balusters are dowels that are adapted to be received in predrilled holes in a top wall of the bottom rail section and secured in place as by driving fasteners through predrilled pilot holes in a bottom wall of the bottom rail section into the dowels. Rake balusters are made by filling the balusters with a rigid high density plastic foam material and cutting off the ends of the balusters at the desired rake angle for attachment to the top and bottom rail sections using suitable fasteners.

Abstract: A concrete retaining wall is disclosed on which flora can be cultured and a method for constructing the same. The retaining wall has a steel skeleton constructed with basal H-beams, aerial H-beams, L-beams, structural steel tubes and steel plates. The basal H-beams and the aerial beams are arranged in a direction parallel with the earth's surface and at a significant angle to the earth's surface, respectively, at such space intervals and dimensions that the retaining wall structure has sufficient bending resistance to overcome active earth pressures. The L-beams, the structural steel tubes and the steel plates are provided as reinforcements between the H-beams. Watertight concrete is applied to the basal H-beams. Wire mesh is attached to the aerial H-beams, the L-beams, the structural tubes and steel plates. The wire-mesh-mounted structure is coated with water-permeable concrete to form a stepped or embossed external surface.

Abstract: A balustrade product for connecting to a support structure includes an elongated molded housing to form a synthetic material. An insert member is embedded within the molded housing to form a plurality of holes extending longitudinally through the molded housing. The insert member includes a plurality of supports having openings and a plurality of pipes extended through the openings. The plurality of supports each have a circumferentially spaced plurality of tabs that are sized to extend to an outer portion of the molded housing. The plurality of pipes are positioned in parallel relation to one another and in parallel relation to a longitudinal axis of the balustrade product. Each of the plurality of holes are configured to receive connecting pins for releasable connection with the support structure.

Abstract: A fence panel is constructed from extruded hollow polyvinyl plastic boards. The boards are arranged with vertical end boards and filler boards between the end boards. Three horizontal rails each have a board on each side of the vertical boards with a horizontal filler board between the top rail boards to seal off the upper ends of the vertical boards. All of the boards are secured together with a plastic adhesive without the use of any mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A rodent guard system for inhibiting rodents from entering a predetermined area on a surface comprises a perimeter fence which extends around the predetermined area. The perimeter fence comprises a horizontally disposed barrier member having an upstanding barrier member extending upwardly therefrom. At least one first electrical-conducting member is positioned on the horizontally disposed barrier member between the upstanding barrier member and the outer edge of the horizontally disposed barrier member. At least one second electrical-conducting elongated member is positioned on the upstanding barrier member. The first and second electrical-conducting members are operatively connected to a source of electrical energy whereby the system is operable to complete a circuit across the electrical-conducting members through the rodent's body as the rodent attempts to traverse the barrier members.

Abstract: A multi-part fence cap system. The fence cap system has a base unit sized and shaped for attachment to a fence post. A cap portion, selectable from a plurality of different shaped cap portions, is sized and shaped for interfitting mating engagement with an upper attachment flange of the base unit. Available cap portion include a pyramidal shaped cap, a flat top cap with sloping peripheral edges, and a cardinal hat shaped dome cap. For convenience, in one embodiment the cap portion is provided with a snap-on feature to allow a substantially leakless finished fence cap design. For over size posts, an adapter sub-base unit is provided for receiving therein the base unit. In one embodiment, the fence posts are rectangular, and the base unit is adapted to fit over the exposed upper end of the fence post.

Abstract: An apparatus for internally framing a vinyl gate suitable for use with vinyl fencing provides completely hidden structures formed of sheet metal and assembled for greater strength and rigidity. Beams may be formed as channels from sheet metal, which may be placed together. with open edges of the channel juxtaposed and positioned within each other, in order to provide fully closed perimeters for beams. Various types of corner ties are provided to support loads and squareness required between vertical and horizontal members of the frame. In various embodiments, vinyl sleeves may be placed over various beams before or after the beams have been fully assembled, as appropriate, possible, or required. In certain embodiments, the entire systems of gate framing may be shipped in a long format appearing primarily as linearly-extending, channel-shaped stock. Likewise sheathing can ship as long stock.

Abstract: Fences and lattices are formed from a single sheet of corrugated-like plastic material comprising a pair of substantially flat sheets spaced apart by spacers that are in parallel and have the same width to form between the flat sheet a series of parallel channels. The fences include a pair of spaced apart cross supports and a series of pickets that intersect the cross supports. The cross supports and pickets all lie in substantially the same plane. The lattices include a plurality of slats intersecting each other at an angle of 90°. These slats all lie in substantially the same plane and the channels are at an angle of 45° with respect to the longitudinal axis of individual slats.

Abstract: A plastic fence assembly having a fence board, a corner board, and stretcher is easy and quick in combining a guarding fence because of all the joint places of the boards and the stretchers are composed of a tenon-mortise device. The stretcher is made of resilient plastic to allow the shape of the combined fence to have smooth curve and various types to coordinate with the gardening or horticulture.

Abstract: A railing component has a tubular metal body with a non-uniform cross section. The body is formed by hydroforming and has a coating applied to the exterior. A pattern is applied to the coating to simulate a wood grain. The interior of the tubular body is filled with foam and plugs are provided at opposite ends for connection to other railing components.

Abstract: A gate for fence enclosures includes a pair of spaced vertical frame members with a pair of horizontal frame members extending between and into a top and bottom end of the vertical frame members. Mesh screen is tensioned between the vertical and horizontal frame members. A pair of support members is used for each of vertical frame member with mounting plates connecting the top and bottom of each pair of support members. Hinges connect the gate to the support members and facilitate closing and opening. A latching device enables the gate to be secured to the support members.

Abstract: A fence unit extending between vertical posts in formed using extruded plastic top, middle and bottom rails resting on hangers attached to the posts. Each of the rails as parallel side walls as well as top and bottom walls and a pair of internal wall portions extending between the side wall portions. A reinforced member in the form of a channel extends through each of the rails between the internal wall portions. The bottom rail has the top all cut away to form a groove while the top rail has the bottom wall cut away to form a groove and the middle rail has both the top and bottom rails cut away in a similar manner. The assembly then includes boards or panels adapted to fit between the top and middle rails and the middle bottom rails and extending into the grooves to abut the adjacent internal wall portions and screw fasteners extend into the rail portions to hold the assembly together as a unit.

Abstract: A fencing system that has the appearance of having solid columns and panels made of concrete, brick, rock, or stucco, yet is substantially less expensive to construct. The system includes a plurality of hollow columns and hollow wall members, both with interior cages covered with thin, relatively inexpensive panels. The panels may be easily attached to the exposed surfaces of the interior cages. In one embodiment, the panels are made of concrete, which may be exposed or are sufficiently durable to be covered with soil-based materials, such as brick, rock, or stucco thereby creating the appearance that the entire fence is made of these materials. In another embodiment, the panels are made of lightweight foam with an aluminum sheet packing. The interior cage of the column includes a plurality of vertical legs, which during construction, are embedded into a concrete footing. The interior cage of the wall member is disposed and connected in an end-to-end manner to the interior cages of the two adjacent columns.

Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly includes a plurality of slats arranged in a row presenting a decorative surface with side flanges projecting rearwardly. At least one cross member overlays each of the slats and presents a decorative cross surface with side cross flanges projecting rearwardly. Each cross slat includes at least one mating member affixed behind the cross slat decorative surface having a mating wall affixed to each of the decorative surfaces for affixing the plurality batten slats to the cross slat. Alternatively, a plurality of primary slats are arranged to present a decorative surface having side flanges projecting rearwardly and at least one end piece is attached to the primary slats the ends of the primary slats are received in the end piece for adjoining and aligning said primary slats, said end piece including a cross member traversing said the primary and having slats and slat ends integrated into the end piece, each of said slats and slat ends aligning with one of the primary slats.

Abstract: A hollow plastic member provided with end caps having holes therein through which wires can pass and be placed under tension so as to provide internal support for the member to reduce deflection of the member when a load is placed thereon and to return the member back within acceptable limits to its original position.

Abstract: A method for constructing a column and panel concrete fence which includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. A first half of a column is placed upon each of two or more footings. Then the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns are placed upon such footings. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another. Next a second half of each column is placed upon each of the footings. And, finally, concrete is poured into the resultant column.

Abstract: A fence rail holder for connection to conventional metal fence posts having a generally T-shaped cross section is provided which allows PVC fence rails to be connected to metal fence posts. The fence rail holder detachably mounts on a fence post using at least one clip which attaches to the T-shaped fence post. Openings at opposite side surfaces of the fence rail holder receive and support the fence rails. The fencing system allows the addition of a very visible, white PVC or other rail to a conventional barbed wire or wire mesh fence. The fencing system also includes wire support members which allow electric wire or other wire to be easily connected to a PVC fence.

Abstract: A fence panel is constructed from extruded hollow polyvinyl plastic boards. The boards are arranged with vertical end boards and filler boards between the end boards. Three horizontal rails each have a board on each side of the vertical boards with a horizontal filler board between the top rail boards to seal off the upper ends of the vertical boards. All of the boards are secured together with a plastic adhesive without the use of any mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: An improved picket fence system is disclosed comprising a plurality of vertical posts, a plurality of rails mounted to the posts, and a plurality of pickets pivotally mounted to the plurality of rails. The pickets are pivotally mounted to the rails through the use of a unique grommet assembly that is snap-fitted onto the pickets and is seated in an aperture in the rail. The grommet, which defines a pivot pin, permits the picket to pivot about the pivot pin and thus relative to the rail, thereby providing a unique fence system that may be installed on either a level grade or an incline with minimal, if any, tooling.

Abstract: A picket fence section is made as a single integral plastic component. The fence section can be made in various length including a length appropriate for securement between posts spaced at eight foot centers. The picket fence section is preferrably of a high density polyethylene material and made by blow molding.

Abstract: A plastic fence section comprises a series of connected hollow chambers with at least upper and lower horizontal chambers extending the length of the fence section for receiving reinforcing members. The fence section is made of plastic material. The hollow chambers are separated by pinch off regions. The fence section provides a visual block and has a similar appearance on either side of the fence section. The fence section has a post edge and a panel joining edge. The panel joining edge is adapted to engage and overlap with a second fence panel section.

Abstract: An extruded plastic sheath product is provided to cover studded steel T-posts and hence give fence lines or sign posts and improved, even aesthetic appearances. The plastic sheath product is formed with a series of internal projections which abut against features of the internal T-post and hence prevent the sheath from spinning about the T-post. For the fence line filed of use, the plastic sheath product is further given an external spine which has formations or else studs formed in it to prevent fence wire strapped to the sheath from slipping. For the sign post field of use, the sheath is further provided with a series of coupling accessories in order to construct frames and the like. Such coupling accessories optionally include Ell's, Tee's, crosses, or y-shaped splitters. The shape and arrangement of the extruded tubular sheath is especially designed to accommodate certain shape anomalies which result from the extrusion process.

Abstract: A guardrail covering which mounts onto elongated roadway metal rail segments of a guardrail which usually have a generally W-shaped side face and the metal segments are secured between upright posts. The guardrail covering of the present invention is an inverted generally U-shaped resilient and elongated channel member that is dimensioned to fit downwardly over a guardrail segment to provide beautification and available space for signage.

Abstract: Masonry fence panel units are prefabricated, transported to the construction site and installed as modular units. Transport devices that facilitate transport and handling of the fence panel units at the manufacturing site and at the construction site are incorporated into the fence panel units. Masonry fence systems constructed of the fence panel units of the present invention are characterized by easier installation, easier removal, and lower cost than similar masonry fence systems built in situ.