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 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: The invention provides a modular fence system that includes a picket and a rail having upper and lower rail elements engagable together generally without fasteners. The lower rail member includes an opening having a tab extending therein. The opening is sized to allow the picket to be inserted therethrough allowing clearance for the tab. Upon assembly, the picket and the lower rail member move laterally relative to each other, allowing the tab to enter an opening formed in the picket side, thus holding the picket vertically. The upper rail member can be disposed over the picket through an opening in the upper rail member, so that engagement elements on the upper and lower rail members engage. The upper rail member opening is sized smaller than the lower rail member opening and holds the picket laterally in position, keeping the picket engaged with the tab inserted therein.

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 guardrail comprises two parallel metal tubes each having two lengthwise bent ends each having a fastening member, two inner abutment mechanisms each having a lengthwise abutment member and a mating fastening member at either end engaged with the fastening member for securing each metal tube and the corresponding abutment mechanism together, and a protective board having either end urged against the abutment member and the bent ends, thereby securing the protective board between the abutment mechanisms. Further, a number of variations are possible.

Abstract: The post and rail assembly comprises a post member, rail members, stiffening bars and a plurality of paling members. The rail members connect to the post member, the paling members connect to the rail members. Stiffening bars are entered into said rail member until they straddle one established paling member. Stiffening bars project an equal distance past the sides of the post member. Stiffening bars are adapted to pass through the rail and post members. Stiffening bars are adapted to straddle fence palings and to fill the cavity between the palings and the internal walls of the fence rails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flexible fence and gate systems, which are flexible to alterations, have common parts, are easy to assembly, durable, and have long service life. The frame can be made of pre-coated galvanized steel parts. The panel is held in a U-shaped slotted rectangular fence frame formed by a parallel pair of L-shaped retainer angles mounted back-to-back or face-to-face on the stringers to accommodate a wide choice of panel styles, materials and thicknesses without adding any new components. Another feature provides a panel insert which can be sandwiched between two panels to further suppress noise. Another feature relates to adjustable post angle adapters. Another feature relates to a gate width opening adjustment member using a sliding rail at the far end. A bolt threaded insert structure can be used at the gate hinges to distribute the load of the gate across the gate hinge hardware.

Abstract: Roof structures including safety stanchions for mounting directly to the roof of a building are disclosed. One disclosed safety stanchion has a cross-shaped base for mounting the stanchion on the surface of a roof or glass skylight supported by crisscrossing rafters and purlins. Another roof structure includes safety stanchions having inelastically deformable and replaceable components, crisscrossing rafters and purlins for supporting a roof surface and a structural member for supporting the rafter(s). This roof structure defines an opening extending through the rafter for receiving the stanchion's rigid elongated base which extends through the opening and is attached at its lower end to the structural member supporting the rafter(s).

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 safety railing system for a roof access hatch includes a three-sided rectangular base configured for resting on a roof adjacent to and surrounding a roof access hatch. Four upright frame members are attached to and extend upwardly from the base to define the four corners of the safety railing system. A plurality of cross-members extend between the upright frame members for rigidly holding the upright frame members relative to one another. An opening or entry is defined between two of the upright frame members at one end of the safety railing system. A gate or removable barrier is provided at the opening or entry to allow selective access through the safety railing system and to the roof access hatch. The safety railing system is secured relative to the roof access hatch to prevent movement of the safety railing system relative to the roof access hatch.

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: The invention recites a cart corral for the storage of shopping carts. The cart corral including a front portion and a rear portion. A bar is coupled to the front and rear portion to at least partially define a side wall, a cart corral interior, and a cart corral exterior. A side panel is detachably mounted to the bar such that the side panel is disposed substantially within the cart corral exterior.

Abstract: A new fencing system is provided in the present disclosure that is constructed from durable polymer components that are sufficiently rigid and durable while providing an integrated modular assembly that is easy to assembly and well suited to a do-it-yourself marketplace. In particular, the present invention provides an integrated system of interfitting vinyl components and a unique polycarbonate or ABS clip for interconnection thereof. The fence includes vertical posts with horizontal members extending therebetween. The horizontal members include grooves therein to support fence panels in the form of web panels. The horizontal members are connected to the vertical members utilizing a novel and uniquely configured connector element.

Abstract: A fencing system includes fencing panels that are made of first and second parts jointed together at both edges extending the length of each part. Each part has a U-shaped slot along one edge and another of said edges has an extended ridge, wherein in securing the two parts together, the extended ridge of each part is inserted into the U-shaped slot of the other part. The panels may be mounted vertically or horizontally between two U-shaped rails, extending horizontally, and secured between two fence posts. When the panels are mounted vertically, a panel may be mounted over a fence post, the post extend upward in the panel in a space formed by the two parts of the panel.

Abstract: A composite handrail system comprises a plurality of upright posts. A plurality of composite rails extends between adjacent upright posts at two points on the adjacent upright posts, the composite rails each having an internal reinforcing element, friction fitted into a composite channel extending longitudinally inside each composite rail, and a composite cover friction fitted over each composite channel. A plurality of composite sleeve-spindles extends between the composite rails, and a plurality of connectors couples the composite rails to the composite sleeve-spindles. The connectors are adapted to be mounted to the composite rails, and are adapted to receive and friction fit to the composite sleeve-spindles.

Abstract: A picket privacy fence that is composed of a plurality of elongated interlocking pickets that form a continuous fencing surface. Top and bottom rails are run horizontally between upright support posts that are set in the ground at regularly spaced intervals. The elongated pickets are positioned vertically between the top and bottom rails. Each picket has a flange on both vertical edges so that adjacent pickets are interlocked using a lap joint thereby preventing any gaps between the elongated pickets. The regularly spaced upright support posts are located within a vertical shaft that passes through the elongated vertical pickets, thereby allowing the elongated interlocking vertical pickets to form a continuous fencing surface.

Abstract: A weather resistant fence covering that is attachable to the top rail of fence, while covering most of the rail of the top railing and any exposed ends thereof, and a side covering component that is attachable to the boards of a wooden fence so as to prevent weathering, hide knots, splintered wood, discolored wood, and cracks in the wood while providing a uniform look that will not rot. The weather resistant fence covering includes a top covering component, a corner covering component and a side covering component. The top covering component covers most of the rail of the railing. The corner covering component joins facing ends of the top covering component that are adjacent and not collinearlly-aligned.

Abstract: A guard rail system fabricated from standard-sized components, preferably extruded, comprises balusters fastened to a lower rail and to an upper retainer at fixed intervals. The balusters are provided with central bores for receiving fasteners such as screws through predrilled holes in the upper retainer and lower rail. A hand rail is slip-fitted over the upper retainer in locking relation, to provide integrated guard rail sections. Guard rail sections so assembled are fastened to end posts, preferably using mounting brackets having a flanged arm which nests in grooves or recesses in the upper retainer and lower rail to provide a safe, secure and aesthetically appealing guard rail.

Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket and a rail connector. The bracket may be secured to the vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted and the connector is adapted to slidingly engage the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector along the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.

Abstract: A framework of a vehicle superstructure, in particular for rail or road bound vehicles for passenger transport, having a side-wall structure containing an inner side facing the interior of the vehicle superstructure and an outer side facing outwards and longitudinal sections (1) and vertical sections (101) forming cross-like connecting places, whereby at one, several or all cross-like connecting places made between longitudinal sections (1) and vertical sections (101), the longitudinal section (1) is continuous and crosses behind the vertical section (101) on the inside at least in part and is releasably attached to the vertical section (101). For the purpose of releasable connection of the longitudinal section (1) to the vertical section (101), the longitudinal section (1) contains at least one undercut longitudinal groove (2) which runs in the longitudinal direction and crosses behind the vertical section (101).

Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: A post for a queue management system is disclosed, the post being constructed so as to be capable of nesting with one or more similar posts and having an upright portion 3 or 65 adapted to support at least one barrier device 25 and having at its bottom end a foot 5 or 61 which is so constructed that it can nest within or upon a foot of an adjacent post, the post preferably being provided with at least one wheel 19 or roller 75 to facilitate moving the posts between storage positions in which they are nested together and positions of use.

Abstract: A mounting clip with a locking feature. The mounting clip is preferably utilized as part of a fencing system, in which the clip is attached to a fence rail and a hollow fence picket is slidably fastened to the rail using the clip. The clip features tabs that operate to lock the picket to the rail such that detachment of the picket from the rail is inhibited by an interference fit.

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 safety rail assembly for an access hatch of a kind comprising a hatch frame which defines an opening, is adapted to extend around at least a part of a hatch frame thereby to safeguard personnel from inadvertent entry into the hatch opening, said safety rail assembly comprising guard members which in use extend at least in part substantially horizontally, elongate rigid interconnection members which in use extend substantially horizontally around the hatch frame, support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch framer said support members each having associated therewith a foot portion for resting in a free-standing manner on a support surface surrounding the hatch frame, and said support members each having secured thereto a connector device for securing an end region of one interconnection member relative to an end region of another of the interconnection members, and each said interconnection member having a spacer member secured thereto, between the ends thereof, ea

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: A two piece rail and insert system includes a rail that may be constructed of a pultruded fiber reinforced material. The rail may be configured to receive an insert which may be constructed of a vinyl material that is easier to cut than the pultruded fiber reinforced material. Therefore, openings can be more easily formed into the insert to make the system compatible with different configurations and spacings of balusters. The softer vinyl material used in the insert causes less damage to the cutting machinery thereby reducing the cost of the assembly. The vinyl insert may also reduce the amount of harmful dust produced while forming the openings.

Abstract: A fencing system includes fencing panels that are made of first and second parts jointed together at the edges. Each of said first and second parts has two edges, one of said edges has a U-shaped slot and another of said edges has an extended ridge, wherein in securing the two parts together, the extended ridge of each part is inserted into the U-shaped slot of the other part. The panels may be mounted vertically between two U-shaped rail, and the rails extending horizontally and secured between two fence posts. The panel may also be mounted horizontally between and secured to two fence posts. When the panels are mounted vertically, a panel may be mounted over a fence post, the post extend upward in the panel in a space formed by two parts of the panel.

Abstract: A handrail for preventing dangers during walking and movements to standing or sitting positions, for correcting postures, and for simplifying walking movements of physically handicapped persons, persons with weak grip strength, and persons of low functional capacity caused by collagenosis or rheumatism. The handrail is an elongate handrail having a smooth curved line periphery. The pinky-engaging side of the handrail is protuberated in a circular shape and has a recess at a portion thereof where a fingertip of a person grasping the handrail engages a lower end vicinity position of the circular shape.

Abstract: A guardrail and associated methods preferably having plurality of support posts that are spaced around an area to be defined by rebar or other posts already associated with a construction site are provided. The plurality of support posts preferably support at least one crossbar spanning the length between each of the support posts. The guardrail apparatus also preferably includes a sleeve that slides over an upper portion of each of support posts at the ends of the guardrail which can hold the beams or crossbars of the guardrail. Preferably, the sleeve can be positioned and secured to the post at a desired height. Supports are positioned on the plurality of support posts between the ends of the guardrail at desired heights in order to hold and support the crossbars spanning the length of the guardrail.

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 spindle clamp supports a supplemental or kiddie stair rail by clamping onto mutually adjacent stair rail support spindles. In one embodiment, the clamp holds a conventional stair rail support bracket. A kit of parts includes a plurality of such spindle clamp supplemental stair rails supports.

Abstract: A railing system for assisting a user in ascending and descending a staircase having a plurality of steps. The railing system includes an elongated upper rail having opposite first and second ends and a cross sectional diameter. The upper rail having a top portion with a cross-sectional profile substantially in the form of a parabolic arch. An elongated lower rail having opposite first and second ends, is mounted parallel to and below the upper rail at a height of about 36 inches above the steps of the staircase. A mounting bracket is included for mounting the upper and lower rails above the steps in a parallel fashion. The mounting bracket positions the top portion of the upper rail mounted at a heigh above the steps of between about 42 to about 46 inches. The upper rail may include a bottom portion opposite the top portion, with a pair of elongated handles formed on the bottom portion.

Abstract: A portable and collapsible fence that can be conveniently stored and transported in a lightweight carrying case. The fence includes panels having telescopic rail sections and telescopic posts. The middle section of each fence panel includes a series of spaced “rail pairs.” The use of the rail pairs adds structural stability to the fence panels and allows the fence panels to utilize many identical parts, such that the panels can be manufactured efficiently and economically. The fence is also preferably formed of lightweight polymer so that it is resilient and easily transported by hand in a relatively small carrying case provided therefor.

Abstract: A handrail is defined by a main tubular body formed of a non-corrosive, rigid vinyl material. The handrail includes a first open end, a second open end and a mid-section extending therebetween, with at least one curved portion formed along the mid-section. One or more rigid inserts are fitted within a hollow interior of the handrail for providing rigidity and strength and for reducing bending and flexing of the handrail when a load is applied thereto. The opposite first and second open ends of the handrail are covered with caps to provide a watertight seal which prevents moisture from entering the hollow interior. The rigid inserts may also be capped at opposite ends to protect against corrosion.

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 interlocking steel fencing system having posts and rails made from tubular steel, the posts and rails being either round or rectangular in shape, the posts having openings therein which correspond with the shape of a rail designed to be inserted therein, the end posts being provided with openings only on one side thereof, while in-line posts are provided with openings parallel to one another and corner posts are provided with openings in ninety-degree relation to one another, the end posts and corner posts being provided with spacer bars therein with which the rails are firmly abutted during assembly, and these posts being further provided with a locking cap to prevent removal of the spacer bars, the fencing system designed to be assembled such that each rail abuts the adjacent rail at a central location within the post or, on an end or corner post, abuts a spacer bar within the post and wherein the post openings are slightly larger than the rails to allow the fencing system to traverse uneven topography.

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 grab rail adapted to be mounted to a surface is provided. The grab rail includes an elongated rail that has a bore lying along a central axis. A wedge block is disposed in the bore of the elongated rail. The wedge block has an inclined face on one end that is inclined relative to the central axis. A support member is connected to the surface. The support member has an inclined face on one end that is contiguous with the inclined face of the wedge block. A fastener engages the wedge block. The fastener urges together the inclined face of the wedge block and the inclined face of the support member to slide the elongated rail in a non-axial direction relative to the support member to join the support member and the elongated rail.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary handrail systems such as those used to surround the periphery of a building rooftop. A number of handrail sections are reversibly interconnected to one another to form a continuous protective rail. In practice, the rail is quite stable and resistant to tipping. In described embodiments, the handrail systems of the present invention feature load-distributing support bases and weight support platforms. Weights are selectively added to the weight support platforms to anchor the handrail in place. The weight support platforms are located above the surface of the roof and do not contact the roof surface. The weight load is transmitted via a support leg downwardly to a load-distributing support base that is placed in contact with the roof. As a result, the roof membrane is not damaged by a point load applied to it. In addition, a portion of the weight load from the weight support platform is transmitted directly to the vertical support rails of the rail sections.

Abstract: A connector for use in assembling railings. The connector includes a cylindrical shank for slip fit receipt inside a hollow section of a railing component. The shank has at least one groove having an abutment portion, a seating area, and a tapered portion. An O-ring with an outside diameter larger than the shank and larger than the inside diameter of the railing is set into the seating area of each tapered groove. Proximal movement of the railing component onto the shank of the connector during initial mounting presses the O-rings against the abutment portions and compresses them into the grooves. Subsequent distal movement of the railing component causes the O-rings to ride up the tapered portions of the grooves due to the friction with the inner surface of the railing component being mounted on the shank. The O-rings subsequently wedge between the outside surface of the shank and the inside surface of the railing component locking together the railing component and the connector.

Abstract: A balustrade which features premade gallery, rake and starting newels and rail sections, and the process for installing the balustrade using the newel of this invention. The newel is a tubular member having an insert disposed at the lower end thereof, and optionally including a hex bolt which has intermediate machine screw threads, and distal lag screw threads, the machine screw threads thereof being in engagement with a coupler, disposed above a rigid plate, and the lag screw threads to be disposed within a support for the newel. The process includes the steps of mounting the new gallery, intermediate rake newel(s),—location dependent—mounting the starting newel, and attaching the rail section therebetween, and finishing off the upper portion of newels by attaching newel caps. The balustrade can utilize the newel of this invention at one or both of the gallery and starting newel locations, and at an intermediate rake location if employed.

Abstract: A device that provides assistance in using a handrail, the device comprising two parts that together form a stirrup shape and that are clamped onto said handrail using assembly means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular railing system for use as a handrail or bumper rail that has a substantially continuous and smooth exterior surface that is easily cleaned and helps prevent the collection and accumulation of surface contaminants. The system is comprised of multiple modular sections which can be secured together using internal connectors which eliminates the need for any exposed mechanical fasteners. The sections can be made straight or curved to allow the system to be constructed in various configurations. Support fixtures are also provided which can be used to connect the system to the wall.

Abstract: The invention is a component assembly for fabricating corner and stretch fence posts for fencing, including vertical posts and bolt-on horizontal components having end channel pieces to secure the horizontal components to the vertical posts using threaded studs and lock nuts.

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 rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

Abstract: A rail has an axially extending undercut groove of a uniform generally “C” shape in cross section and is supported by supports attached to the rail in spaced-apart relation. Each support includes a bracket and a lock member attached to the bracket for rotation and against displacement of the lock member relative to the bracket member. The lock member includes a locking cam portion, which is received in the undercut groove and has a size and shape such that it can enter the undercut groove when it is in an unlocked rotational position relative to the undercut groove and such that it frictionally engages walls of the undercut groove in a locked rotational position relative to the undercut groove and thereby retains the rail against displacement relative to a structure that supports the rail.

Abstract: To reduce the danger of bodily harm to occupants of vehicles that leave the roadway, a guardrail system includes a guardrail terminal and a guardrail. The guardrail terminal includes cutting members positioned to cut said guardrail as guardrail moves within said guardrail terminal and the guardrail terminal moves with respect to the guardrail to cut the guardrail when impacted by a vehicle.

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.