Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical posts positioned at suitable distance and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. The apertures can be of any given shape including square, narrow rectangular, wide rectangular, oval, round, narrow polygonal and wide polygonal. A plurality of vertical pickets having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the apertures in the horizontal rails are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures.

Abstract: The railing system comprises at least one elongated rail having a plurality of spaced-apart openings. It also has a plurality of elongated pickets having opposite ends, each picket having at least one end provided with at least two spaced-apart retaining tabs initially extending lengthwise and configured to be inserted through a corresponding one of the openings of the rail. The tabs of the pickets are outwardly bendable to rigidly connect the pickets to the rail. This type of connection can be quickly achieved and lowers the manufacturing costs of railing systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for assembling a picket fence. The picket fence includes two or more attachment surfaces, one or more rails, one or more single piece fasteners and one or more pickets. The one or more rails extend transversely to and are secured between two of the attachment surfaces. Each rail has one or more through apertures therein centered on a longitudinal axis of each rail. A single piece fastener is substantially disposed within each rail aperture and includes a housing having an aperture extending from a first end to a second end of the housing. The one or more pickets are vertically disposed between the rails and extend through the vertically aligned single piece fastener apertures. The single piece fastener locks into place within the rail aperture and locks the picket into place without any additional parts.

Abstract: An ornamental fence insert for a picket fence. The picket fence is of the type having two upper rails and a plurality of pickets extending through the rails to define spaces therebetween. The ornamental fence insert, having diametrically opposed projecting brackets, with each bracket having a pair of opposed sidewalls is adapted for installation in one of the spaces by straddling and engaging the pickets or the rails without the aid of welding or riveting.

Abstract: A novel fence module is provided for use in a burrowing-animal discouraging modular fence, the module comprising a plurality of generally parallel elongate members each having an upper end and a tapered lower end, upper and lower crossbars connecting the plurality of elongate members in a row with a pair of end members and a plurality of intermediate members, wherein the elongate members have a spacing of between about 1 inch and about 2½ inches, a connector extending outwardly beyond at least one of the pair of end members for closely connecting the module to another module, wherein the tapered lower ends of the elongate members extend at least about 3 inches below the lower crossbar for insertion into ground, and wherein the elongate members extend at least about 16 inches above the lower crossbar.

Abstract: A privacy panel system for ornamental fences that include a plurality of panel members that are dimensioned to fit within adjacent pickets of the ornamental fence to close off and provide privacy between the pickets. Each panel member comprises a central section with offset attachment wings, the latter of which are affixed to the back planar face of the parallel fence pickets. The central section is offset to extend within and between adjacent pickets, but offset from the front face thereof. To provide privacy between a picket and a post, such as an end post, an elongated trim piece is provided having a first edge defining a slot with a slot gap substantially equal to the thickness of the privacy panel to enable a free edge of a central section of the privacy panel to be tightly retained within the slot. The free edge of the privacy panel is formed by cutting the central section vertically to provide a free end, which is rigidly and securely retained within the slot.

Abstract: A resilient clip adapted for internal installation within a rail having a longitudinally extending internal gap. The clip includes a lower leg that engages the base of the rail, and an intermediate leg, which engages a side wall of the rail. An indented upper leg of the clip is capable of clamping an elongate line, such as an electrical or communication line, in an elevated position in the upper section of the rail. Plural clips may be installed in the rail to support such a line at multiple spaced points along its length. A strengthening cable may be installed in the lower section of the rail, in overlying relationship to the lower legs of the clips.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: An assembly is formed from a fastener and a plurality of elongate members. The fastener includes a wedge. A first elongate member is disposed through an opening in a second elongate member. The fastener engages the first elongate member, and the wedge engages the second elongate member to fasten the first and second elongate members to one another.

Abstract: A privacy fencing system may be completely roll formed out of all aluminum and other various metals. This fence bolts together entirely to simulate the traditional old wood privacy picket fence, but does not deteriorate over time as a normal wood fence. Moreover, means are provided for facilitating air to flow through the privacy fence, for adjusting the privacy fence height to non-level terrains, and for maintaining a straight line privacy fence over non-level terrains.

Abstract: A lock secures a first member to a second member, such as a fence rail to a post. The lock may include a lock body, a first locking element and a second locking element. The first locking element and second locking element may secure the lock to the first member and second member, respectively. Preferably, the lock is hidden from view in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fence. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a fence capable of adapting to any angle of inclination comprising a plurality of columns, horizontal connecting members which have more than one degree of freedom through a connection between a pair of columns and vertical connecting members which are connected to the horizontal connecting members. The fence can be constructed easily on the ground irrespective of its angle of inclination and its linkage sections are completely protected from the outside exposure while having a sufficient structural strength.

Abstract: A rackable gate having a gate panel with spaced-apart rails connected to a plurality of first pickets and a second picket. The second picket attaches to the respective rails on a side edge opposing the attachment of the first pickets to the rail. Distal opposing ends of the rails are received and pivotally secured in openings defined in opposing gate posts. The gate racks or moves so that the rails are disposed at an oblique angle relative to the pickets. The opposing fastening of the second picket and the opposing distal end of the rail received in the post restrict the rail from pivoting away from the pickets when the panel is racked to track the contour of the terrain. A method of making a rackable gate is disclosed.

Abstract: A railing system for porches, decks, steps, ramps and the like having a top and bottom rail formed of wood containing a wood preservative that is corrosive to aluminum, aluminum alloys and the like. The system has hollow metal balusters formed of metals which may be harmed by the corrosive effects of the wood preservative. The metal balusters are protected from the corrosive effects of the wood preservative by inert fixtures interposed between the wooden components of the railing system and the metal of the balusters. The fixtures may be joined by runners that simplify installation of the railing system.

Abstract: The present invention is a thin profile prefabricated reinforced plastic fence. A preferred embodiment of the fence comprises a top rail having a bottom side with a plurality of picket apertures and a bottom rail having a top side with a plurality of member apertures. The bottom rail preferably contains a horizontal strengthening member and supports the top rail by way of vertical pickets. Each picket sheaths a strengthening member that is slideable inside the picket. The top of each picket is inserted into the picket apertures of the top rail and the strengthening member extends from the bottom of each picket into the member aperture of the bottom rail. The bottom of each picket rests upon the top side of the bottom rail. The fence ends have a first post and second post to which the top and bottom rails are fastened.

Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical separated posts and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. A plurality of vertical pickets are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures. A locking member is assembled inside each end portion of the vertical picket. The locking member has spring biased stoppers extending through the transverse apertures at the end portion of the vertical picket, and further extending into and engaging inside the horizontal rail when the end portion of the vertical picket is inserted into one of the apertures of the horizontal rail.

Abstract: An adornment for a post is provided, wherein the adornment is any two of a cap adapted to be disposed at the upper end of a post, a base ring adapted to be disposed around a lower end of a post, and a cap ring adapted for disposition around an upper end of the post below and against the cap, as a modular combination of at least two adornment units.

Abstract: A fence with hollow posts and rails uses a flexible plug that is placed in insect entry path blocking position by sliding the plug into a fence rail in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug. A friction fit between shoulders on the plug and a rib and ledge inside of the rail is attained by the relative spacing of the shoulders to the spacing of the rib and ledge.

Abstract: A storage shed for attaching to the railing at the edge of a deck, such shed having an enclosure assembly mounted on the deck railing while being held in place by doors. The shed preserves deck floor space by hanging principally within and on the outside of the deck railing, and provides a stable storage container that may securely hold a variety of items. The shed can be finished to match the deck or the building to which the deck is attached. A plurality of shelves, hooks, drawers, pegboard, hangers, and partitions within the shed can be arranged for convenient storage of a variety of items.

Abstract: A security cover is used in conjunction with a visually pleasing picket fence barrier. The security cover, having a C-shaped cross section, restricts access to bolts used to couple each picket to top and bottom support beams and thereby prevents tampering with the fence.

Abstract: A picket fence and rail mounting system that is easily transformable by the consumer into a variety of aesthetic styles is provided. The system comprises at least an upper and a lower elongate rail. Each rail has a hollow interior defining a substantially I-shaped cross-section including at least a first slot and a second slot. A plurality of pickets are transversely slidable through openings in an upper surface of the rails and a channel in a lower surface. The pickets each have at least a first notch or indentation near a first end and a second notch or indentation near a second end. The distance from the first end to the first notch or indentation is preferably shorter than the distance from the second end to the second notch or indentation. An elongate retaining rod slidable within at least one rail cooperates with a notch or indentation on each picket to secure the picket to the rail.

Abstract: A sturdy aluminum pedestrian and bicyclist safety railing that reduces the amount of welding required during construction, comprising top and bottom rigid bars, each having a longitudinal, radially extending exterior passage and a plurality of aluminum pickets mounted within said bar top and bottom channels and held apart by a plurality of spacer plugs that interlock and fit snugly within each top and bottom bar channel and act as spacers to separate the pickets. The top and bottom bars may be welded together at each end of the railing to hold the entire unit together, retaining the plurality of rigid pickets that are substantially perpendicular (or inclined) to the top and bottom bars. The pickets are supported in the top and bottom bar channels without welding for increased strength and reduced cost of construction.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A fence is constructed of fence sections with at least two parallel horizontal rails and vertical pickets attached to the rails. These sections may be preassembled. They are held at their ends in connectors fastened to vertical posts. Rails have unique sectional profiles for enhanced rigidity for spanning greater distances between posts. Rail profile is a channel with open bottom, a flat top web, and a pair of legs extending down from the top web. An additional web extends down one side and joins one of the legs to provide extra rigidity. Apertures in the top web corresponding to the shape of the pickets receive the pickets therethrough. Pickets are fastened to the rails by features which enable the rails to assume an angle other than 90 degrees for securing between post that are not at the same elevation, or “racking”.

Abstract: A railing system comprising a first longitudinal rail portion defining a channel into which pickets are insertable at spaced intervals. Fasteners are used to pivotally connect the pickets to the channel for orientation to a desired angle with respect to the first longitudinal rail portion. A second longitudinal rail portion is fittable onto the first longitudinal rail portion to form an assembled rail member in which the channel and fasteners are concealed within the interior of the assembled rail member. The railing system provides a simple and efficient way to install railings, and is particularly suited for assembly of railings at an incline to the horizontal.

Abstract: A picket and rail fence and method for constructing the fence using a plurality of pickets with side indentions at locations where the pickets will attach to the rails, rails with open bottoms to allow for flexibility in the angle of incidence between the rails and the pickets, and sliding lock bars with ridges that slide into the rails between the side of the rail and the pickets. The ridges engage the indentions in the pickets to movably secure the pickets to the rails. The rails are provided with upwardly oriented bottom lips along their length that serve to prevent the pickets from moving in a vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rails and serve to retain the sliding lock bars within the rails.

Abstract: This invention relates to vertical fencing, and in particular to self-adjusting vertical tube fencing. According to the invention there is provided vertical fencing comprising a pair of rails and a plurality of fence members attached thereto, the fence members being pivotable relative to the rails, characterised in that the fence members are tubular, and in that each fence member carries a resiliently-biassed projection which is engageable with recess means in one of the rails.

Abstract: A fastener is adapted to affix a first article such as a picket to a second article such as a rail to form a railing or balustrade. The fastener includes a first engaging surface having a maximum diameter adapted to engage an interior surface of an opening in the first article and a mating surface adapted to mate with the second article. The first engaging surface can have shape selected from cylindrical, ellipsoidal, conical, elliptic conical frustum, pyramidal frustum, and ball and other shapes having cross-sections of rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and other regular polygons having at least four sides such that good engagement is obtained and the fastener is hidden from view in the assembled railing.

Abstract: A security fence has a horizontal rail to which pales are connected and are spaced apart along the rail. The rail is shaped so that it cannot be used as a stepping surface for an intruder.

Abstract: A modular fence assembly including a pair of vertical posts positioned at suitable distance and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. At least one horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The horizontal upper rail has a plurality of vertical apertures which are substantially aligned with a plurality of vertical apertures on the horizontal lower rail. A plurality of pickets are respectively inserted through the vertical apertures of the upper rail and through aligned vertical apertures of the lower rail. Each picket has at least two transverse locking slotted apertures for respectively receiving a H-shaped locking clip to secure the picket to the rail and preventing vertical movement of the pickets with respect to the rails.

Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.

Abstract: A post for a security fence and comprises a thin sheet of steel which has been cold-formed to be of generally I section and is then galvanised.

Abstract: A post is formed from a pair of molded elongate half members having an interior surface. The pair of the elongate members are connectable to each other to form a column structure having a hollow interior. At least one support member is integrally molded to each half member and extending into the hollow interior so that a support member from one half member is disposed between two adjacent support members from the other half member.

Abstract: In self-adjusting vertical tube fencing, a rail and a method of assembling the fencing are provided. The rail comprises an elongated channel with a top wall and two side walls, each of the side walls being of substantial U-section with an outer part connected to the top wall and an inner inturned part, the top wall having a series of apertures through which respective tubular fence members are fitted. The inturned parts have a notch which can accommodate a fixed peg carried by a fence member. The inturned parts also have an extension adjacent the notch, the extension being provided to permit rotation of the fence member about its longitudinal axis during assembly so that the peg can engage the notch.

Abstract: A security fence has a horizontal rail to which pales are connected and are spaced apart along the rail. The rail is shaped so that it cannot be used as a stepping surface for an intruder.

Abstract: A wrought-iron fence is constructed to include two end posts, two first flat rails and two second flat rails respectively connected between the end posts at different elevations, a plurality of pickets sandwiched in between the first flat rails and the second flat rails and arranged in parallel between the end posts, and screw bolts installed in respective mounting holes on horizontal lugs of the end posts and respective mounting holes on the flat rails and the pickets and screwed up with a respective nut to fix the flat rails to the end posts and the pickets to the flat rails.

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: An ornamental ring for a picket fence of the type having at least one horizontally extending rail being a top rail and at least one other horizontally extending rail being an intermediate rail spaced slightly below the top rail, and having a plurality of spaced vertical pickets connected to the rails such that the pickets extend through the rails and form rectangular openings with the upper rail and the intermediate rail, each rail having a top wall and an inner bottom wall spaced from the top wall so as to form a relatively narrow raceway wherein a retaining rod passes through each raceway of each rail and through openings in the pickets to retain the pickets in position, a ring filling each rectangular opening, each ring having a vertical tang extending upwardly from the top of the ring and through a slotted opening in the inner bottom wall of the top rail, each ring having a rectangular ear projecting downwardly from the bottom of the ring and extending into a slotted opening in the top wall of the interme

Abstract: A kit for a guardrail or fence having at least one railing and a plurality of balusters insertable in the railing wherein each of the balusters has at least a portion with a circular cylindrical outer surface and at least one rib on the outer surface extending parallel to the axis of the baluster.

Abstract: A polyvinyl floor or decking system for use on indoor and/or outdoor applications, including porches, decks, patios and marine docks. The system comprises a plurality of extruded, generally hollow elongated polyvinyl or plastic tubular members which are placed on a supporting frame or structure in a conventional manner. Each of the members includes a plurality of grooves on the top surface in order to maximize surface friction and provide a better walking surface in all conditions, and further includes a bottom surface, and a pair of side surfaces. Each of the side surfaces includes a plurality of slots that are spaced so as to generally overlie the supporting joists. A plurality of mounting cleats engage the slots on adjacent members, and secures the members to the deck and to each other. The cleat in slot arrangement allows for the different rates of thermal expansion and retraction of the polyvinyl deck members compared to the supporting wood frame.

Abstract: A easy picket post including a new and improved elongated post member. The post member has four sides, a top end and a bottom end. A bore hole is within the post member and extends the length of the post member. A flat spike member is provided for coupling with at least one of the four sides of the post member. Lastly, an elongated cylindrical shank member is included. The cylindrical shank member has a striking head and a tapered end for piercing the ground. The cylindrical shank member has a diameter for positioning of the cylindrical shank within the bore hole of the post member. The cylindrical shank supports the post member in a vertical orientation with respect to the ground when positioned within the bore hole.

Abstract: A picket fence is formed by a plurality of posts having vertically spaced ribs on confronting surfaces for supporting the respective end portion of inverted U-shaped rails. The rails are provided with a plurality of longitudinally equally spaced vertically aligned apertures with each aperture having a tab portion of the U-shaped rail bight portion projecting into the aperture. A like plurality of pickets are cooperatively received by the respective aligned apertures, with each picket having a pair of transverse longitudinally spaced slots in its wall cooperatively nesting a respective tab projecting into each slot. An inverted L-shaped spring steel clip enters the respective aperture on that side of the post opposite its slot to engage upper and lower surfaces of the bight portion of the respective rail adjacent the aperture, and lock the respective picket against movement relative to the rails.

Abstract: A fence includes two posts which are fixedly planted into the ground by a wedge-shaped element, two plates connected between the two posts by a first connect in element disposed between each of the plates and the post wherein the plate is pivotally engaged to the first connecting element, each of the posts having a first groove defined longitudinally therein such that the first connecting. elements can be adjustably received therein, a plurality of balusters engaged to the two plates wherein a second connecting element is disposed between each of the balusters and the plates.

Abstract: A method of making an assemblable fence and the fence which includes a plurality of spaced apart pickets, each picket having an aperture therein facing in the same direction, an insert having an edge with a single or plurality of spaced apart fingers disposed along the edge, the spacing between the fingers being the same as the spacing between the center portions of the pickets and a substantially U-shaped rail having an intermediate portion and a pair of spaced apart portions extending from the intermediate portion. The insert is placed between the rail and the pickets so that the fingers are aligned with the apertures and above the apertures in the pickets. The rail and fingers are then moved toward the apertures until the fingers enter and are locked in the apertures. In one embodiment, the step of moving the rail and the fingers further includes continuing to move the rail and the fingers in the same direction after entry of the fingers into the apertures to provide the locking.

Abstract: A cap and mounting for a fencing system that includes a number of straight plastic tubes that are cut appropriately into posts, cross members and pickets as the fence members and are for connection together to form a picket fence, with embodiments of cap arrangements for fitting over an open top end of each post and picket that includes a connectorless coupling for each cap for locking the cap onto each post and picket by urging a lower cap end into the post or picket, whereby ends of a lock bar are urged into the post or picket inner side walls, securing the cap thereon.

Abstract: A railing includes a top member having a downwardly opening first channel with a bottom and a bottom member having an upwardly opening second channel with a top. There is a plurality of spaced-apart vertical pickets, each picket having a top end in the first channel and a bottom end in the bottom channel. There are spacers adjacent the top and bottom members. Each spacer is an elongated, continuous member with a plurality of spaced-apart openings. Each spacer has a connector engaging one of the top and bottom members. The pickets extend through the openings in the spacers. There may be resilient members along the channels. During assembly the resilient members are first fitted within the channels and the spacer members are then secured to the top and bottom members. The pickets can then be inserted through the openings in the elongated members. The elongated members are then brought towards each other and secured in place with the pickets compressing the resilient members.

Abstract: A system for connecting plastic components wherein a plastic component includes a hollow female portion with a cavity having an inner surface. The system includes a hollow male portion with an inner cavity having an inner surface and at least two spaced apart sections, each spaced apart section having an opening through the section, the opening extending from the inner cavity to an external surface on the spaced apart sections.

Abstract: A structure derives its structural strength and integrity entirely from interlocked pultruded composite members. The disclosed techniques can be used in a wide variety of applications including replacement for steel frame structures and is especially useful where the electrical properties of steel are undesirable, such as in high voltage transmission towers. Two types of pultrusions are used as structural members to build the entire structure. Lock-in butt joints between all members are made by inserting the compressed ends of the resilient bifurcations of the crossmembers into openings in the receiving member, where they expand to lock in place and are blocked against subsequent compression by inserts. Channels spanning the entire column lengths permit insertion of a crossmember anywhere along the channel where there is an access opening.

Abstract: A method of constructing metal picket fences and components for use in building fences. Basically, panels are constructed by punching holes in frame tubes with a pyramidal punch to form holes with inwardly extending metal tabs. Pickets are pressed into the holes to form fence panels that are fastened to posts. An angled, self-locking pin system is provided to lock picket ends in frame tube holes to prevent the pickets from being removed. Straps can be fastened to the posts with fence panels fastened to the straps in a manner permitting accommodation of inter-post tolerances and ground slope changes. Blind fasteners can be used to fasten the straps to the posts and panels so that the fasteners cannot be easily removed. Several different embodiments of blind fasteners and post or surface mounting brackets are described.

Abstract: A fence system including a frame and a plurality of foraminous panels attached to the frame. The foraminous panels are constructed with continuous integral strands forming a zig-zag pattern defining cell apertures therebetween which are connected by integral bonds extending between each of the strands. The cell apertures define a non-circular interior shape. A fastener of the fence system has a shank, a head attached to one end of the shank, and may include a shoulder positioned between the shank which is shaped to cooperatively engage a cell aperture. The foraminous panels are attached to the frame with a portion of each neighboring panel having an overlapping area through which fasteners are inserted and attached. A reinforcing assembly including at least one reinforcing member attached over each overlapping area and may be attached over other joints or edges to provide added security. An angled top edge cap is attached along a top end of the foraminous panels and is angled to deter climbing.