Abstract: A rotatable structural bracket includes a top plate for placement in a horizontal rest position on an end of a structural section that has an internal void. The rotatable structural bracket also includes a rotatable extension for placement into the internal void of the structural section. The rotatable extension can be configured as a wedge that is rotatable out from the internal void to angle the top plate at any acute angle relative to the horizontal rest position of the top plate. The top plate and the rotatable extension are of single-piece construction, and the rotatable extension rotates relative to the structural section and internal of the structural section. The rotatable extension also encompasses an opening of the internal void at any acute angle.

Abstract: A handrail assembly comprising a top bracket and a handrail pivotally connected to the top bracket. The handrail is movable relative to the top bracket between a stowed position and a deployed position. The handrail is able to be locked in position. The handrail can move between the stowed position and the deployed position when the handrail is not locked in position, but held in the stowed position or the deployed position when the handrail is not locked in position. The handrail cannot move between the stowed position and the deployed position when the handrail is locked in position.

Abstract: A railing bracket system includes a cup that has a cup bottom wall and two opposed cup side walls. The cup is adapted to receive an end of a railing member. A cap has a first cap wall disposed between two opposed cap side walls and a tab extending from at least one side wall. The cap is adapted to cover the cup.

Abstract: A kit including a custom wheeled storage container packaging a free-standing fencing unit comprising a pair of interchangeable top and bottom rails connectors, a pair of end posts to interconnect with the top and bottom rails, a plurality of pickets with clips to attach to the top and bottom rails and a pair of free-standing fence stands.

Abstract: A locking mechanism associated with a handrail is provided. A pair of slots is provided on opposite side surfaces of the housing. Each of the side surfaces is adjacent to the side open end. A bracket is affixed to any one of the side surface of the housing. A locking member is pivotally coupled to the bracket. The first arm of the locking member is configured to selectively engage with the pair of slots to retain the handrail in the upright position. On exerting a force in an upward direction on a second arm of the locking member the first arm is selectively released from the pair of slots to allow the handrail to move from an upright position to a collapsed position.

Abstract: A locking mechanism associated with a handrail is provided. A pair of slots is provided on opposite side surfaces of the housing. Each of the side surfaces is adjacent to the side open end. A bracket is affixed to any one of the side surface of the housing. A locking member is pivotally coupled to the bracket. The first arm of the locking member is configured to selectively engage with the pair of slots to retain the handrail in the upright position. On exerting a force in a downward direction on a second arm of the locking member the first arm is selectively released from the pair of slots to allow the handrail to move from an upright position to a collapsed position.

Abstract: A rail receiving member includes a rail receiving member having a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls, and a back wall, and is configured to receive and connect to an end of a rail member. The back wall of that rail receiving member may be attached to a vertical member and covered by a cap. In an adjustable railing bracket installation, a hinge assembly can be selectively coupled to the rail receiving member in at least two orientations, each of which allowing for rotation of the rail receiving member about a hinge axis of the hinge assembly. A first orientation permits rotation of the rail receiving member about the hinge axis of the hinge assembly in a vertical plane. A second orientation permits rotation of the rail receiving member about the hinge axis of the hinge assembly in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A stairway system. The stairway system includes a plurality of spaced apart treads, a handrail and a baluster assembly. The baluster assembly includes at least one baluster per tread. The baluster includes at least one rake anchor adapted to abut the angled support surface of the handrail adjacent to one end of the baluster, a rake shoe adapted for concealing the interface between the rake anchor and the angled support surface of the handrail and an anchor assembly including an anchor adapted for receiving the other end of the baluster. The stairway system further includes a handrail support for supporting the handrail.

Abstract: Fittings can be configured to mechanically couple a rod to a post. In certain embodiments, rods and posts are joined to form railing systems. Fittings can include a first threaded end coupled to a second end. The second end can include a compliant member configured to provide an interference fit between the fitting and the rod.

Abstract: A collapsible safety railing system to be used with a roof-top hatch opening, the hatch opening having a hatch cover to open and close the hatch opening, the system including a plurality of post members configured such that each of the respective post members is pivotally coupled to a point proximate each respective perimeter corner of a base portion of the hatch opening, and such that the post members pivot between a substantially upright position and a closed position, one or more safety rails extending between adjacent ones of the post members on at least two sides of the hatch opening, a gate member provided at a side of the hatch opening at which the safety rails are not provided, and a linkage member to link the hatch cover to the collapsible safety railing system to move the post members to the substantially upright position when the hatch cover is in the open position, and to move the post members to the substantially collapsed position when the hatch cover is in the closed position.

Abstract: A fencing system comprises a rail, a picket, and a picket carrier. The rail may include an upper contour, a first wall depending down from the upper contour, a second wall depending down from the upper contour and opposite the first wall, and a keeper disposed on the first wall under the upper contour. The picket may define therein an opening. The picket carrier may be elongated and may include a first side and an opposite second side, and a profile extending from the second side that defines a length along the picket carrier and may further define a cross-section. The cross-section may include an extension proximate to the second side and a holder distal to the second side. A first relief may be defined along the length and a second relief defined along the length, the second relief disposed apart from the first relief, with the holder of the profile that resides between the first and second reliefs extending into the opening.

Abstract: A railing and baluster plug system that facilitates installation of balusters at a plurality of angular orientations, such as installations for level railing and installations for non-level or angled railings such as for stairs. The baluster plugs are configured to cooperate with the balusters and include both a level mounting surface and an angled mounting surface for alternatively mounting the balusters in a level or an angled orientation.

Abstract: A portable, universal, hand rail apparatus that can be easily and quickly attached or detached to any dock that has cracks between adjacent dock boards.

Abstract: A component railing system and method of use is provided in which railings may be installed with less time and customization over known systems. In particular, two embodiments of the present invention allow mounting of a cap rail to a post or a bracket. The resulting configurations allow quick installation or replacement of panels, which are supported by the cap rail and base shoe.

Abstract: A baluster bracket assembly including a pair of mounting brackets attached to facing surfaces of a handrail and a baserail for retaining a baluster in railing construction. Each mounting bracket includes a mounting plate fastened to the railing surface and a collar for receiving an end of the baluster. A shoe is provided with each mounting bracket for attachment to the end of the baluster and for covering the mounting bracket after installation.

Abstract: A rackable fence is provided with a rail, picket carrier, and plurality of pickets. The rail defines a rigid inverted U-shaped cross-section. The picket carrier includes a top span residing within and extending across the interior of the rail. The pickets are pivotally attached to the picket carrier and pivotable toward the rail.

Abstract: A picket for a railing system comprises an elongated body with one or more walls and first and second ends. The first and second ends engage the top and bottom rails, respectively, of the railing system. The picket also comprises one or more cutouts formed along one or more of the walls. Each of the cutouts engages one of the plurality of spacers. The cutouts are proximal to the first and second ends of the pickets.

Abstract: A rackable fence with a rail, picket carrier, and plurality of pickets. The rail defines a rigid inverted U-shaped cross-section. The picket carrier includes a top span residing within and extending across the interior of the rail. The pickets are pivotally attached to the picket carrier and pivotable toward the rail.

Abstract: A connection assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, generally includes a first portion, wherein the first portion includes a body made substantially from plastic material and an adjustable interface made substantially from metal material, and a second portion couplable to the first portion.

Abstract: A barrier is formed from a plurality of posts and a plurality of rails. Each post has an I-shaped cross section, with a pair of double-walled flanges separated by a single-walled web. Each rail is a channel-shaped member having an intermediate portion and opposed end portions. Each end portion has a rounded convex edge. The intermediate portion includes a flat section to which pickets or a fencing fabric may be attached. Each end portion also includes a flat section, which is recessed relative to the flat section of the intermediate portion. A rail is connected to a post by inserting the rail's end portion into the channel-shaped region of the post. The flat section of the rail's end portion engages the planar inner side of one of the post's flanges. Fasteners are inserted into aligned openings in the flange and the flat section to connect the rail to the post. When assembled, the post flanges and the flat section of the intermediate portion of the rail are coplanar.

Abstract: A rail receiving unit is disclosed that includes an inner housing within an outer housing. The inner housing is adapted to receive a rail and to be pivotable about an axis in relation to the outer housing such that the angle at which the rail is received into the receiving unit is variable. A preferred embodiment allows the inner housing to be both pivotable and rotatable in relation to the outer housing.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly forming a part thereof. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, in most instances, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior all of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.

Abstract: An improved fence assembly is comprised of a plurality of pickets, an inner rail and an outer rail. The pickets are vertically oriented and attached to the inner rail. The inner rail has an upper locking seat, a lower locking seat and a recess between the seats. The fasteners attaching the inner rail to the pickets have their heads entirely enclosed within the recess. The outer rail snap fits over the inner rail. The outer rail is securely attached to the inner rail, but it may slide along the inner rail. The outer rail has an upper locking tang, a lower locking tang and a tensioning wall. These components slidingly interlock with the inner rail locking seats to provide a fence assembly wherein the outer rail is slidingly attached to the inner rail and the fasteners securing the inner rail to the pickets are hidden.

Abstract: An improved railing assembly is comprised of a plurality of pickets, a top rail, an inner rail and a bottom rail. The inner rail is pivotally attached to the pickets with fasteners. The fasteners are hidden from view by the top rail. Stiffeners project from the top rail and from the bottom rail. The stiffeners each either interface with another stiffener or a seat on the inner rail to provide rigidity to the assembly. The bottom of the railing assembly is substantially covered by the bottom rail. The angle between the pickets and the top rail is adjustable such that the pickets may be vertically oriented, while the top rail is parallel to a sloped terrain upon which the railing assembly is installed.

Abstract: A connection device is provided including a body portion and at least first and second attachment means for the attachment of the device to or between two or more objects in use. Adjustment means are provided to allow the distance between the at least first and second attachment means to be adjustable in use.

Abstract: A railing assembly comprises an upper rail and an opposed lower rail. Each rail comprises a top surface and an opposed bottom surface. An upper standoff is mounted to the bottom surface of the upper rail, and a lower standoff mounted to the top surface of the lower rail. The railing assembly further comprises a baluster. The baluster comprises a top end portion and an opposed bottom end portion. The top end portion is pivotably mounted to the upper standoff about a generally horizontal upper pivot axis, and the bottom end portion is pivotably mounted to the lower standoff about a generally horizontal lower pivot axis.

Abstract: The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.

Abstract: An anti-theft device is provided comprising a frame comprising at least three interconnected sides. A plurality of interconnected frame members define the at least three interconnected sides of the device. A longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of one of the interconnected frame members is slidably movable within a bore of a longitudinal extent or a vertical extent of another of the interconnected frame members to a desired position, thereby allowing the device to be adjusted in one of a horizontal or vertical direction. The plurality of interconnected frame members define at least a rectangular-shaped region on each of the at least three interconnected sides.

Abstract: An adjustable baluster assembly for mounting in a fence section comprises a first baluster and a second baluster. The first baluster is mounted to the second baluster such that an angle of the first baluster with respect to the second baluster is adjustable. A method for assembling a fence section comprises providing an adjustable baluster assembly comprising a first baluster and a second baluster, adjusting an angle of the first baluster with respect to the second baluster, and mounting the baluster assembly between a horizontally extending upper rail of the fence section and a horizontally extending lower rail of the fence section.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable railing having first and second elongate balusters each with a first and second ends, the balusters having a first connection elements at their first ends and second connection elements along their length. An elongate handrail is pivotally connected at its first end to the first connection element of the first baluster and pivotally connected at its second end to the first connection element of the second baluster. An elongate lower rail having a first end and a second end is pivotally connected at its first end to the second connection element of the first baluster and pivotally connected at its second end to the second connection element of the second baluster. A distance between the first end and the second connection element of the first baluster is greater than the distance between the first end and the second connection element of the second baluster.

Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.

Abstract: A baluster mounting system includes removably locking a baluster between oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces. A first rail connector is fixed relative to either an upper or lower surface. A second rail connector is fixed relative to either the upper or lower surface which is opposite the first rail connector. A baluster is removably locked between the first and second rail connectors. The first rail connector is configured to slidably receive an end of the baluster and the second rail connector is configured to laterally receive an opposite end of the baluster. A locking sleeve is slidable along a portion of the baluster for locking engagement with the second rail connector.

Abstract: A fence system includes a first extruded lineal extending lengthwise along a first longitudinal axis. The first lineal has a sidewall with at least a first slot in the sidewall and the first slot extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The fence system also includes a second extruded lineal extending lengthwise along a second longitudinal axis. The second extruded lineal includes at least a corresponding first attachment leg extending outward from the second extruded lineal and parallel to the second longitudinal axis. The first attachment leg is integrally extruded with the second extruded lineal and is received in the first slot to secure together the first and second extruded lineals.

Abstract: A rackable fence with a rail, picket carrier, and plurality of pickets. The rail defines a rigid inverted U-shaped cross-section. The picket carrier includes a top span residing within and extending across the interior of the rail. The pickets are pivotally attached to the picket carrier and pivotable toward the rail.

Abstract: A handrail assembly for a tank trailer and a yoke assembly for the same. Handrail assembly provides a safety device for an operator walking along a top wall of the tank trailer. The handrail assembly includes a top rail, a plurality of vertical members, a safety wire and, sometimes, a bottom rail. Each yoke assembly secures one of the top and bottom ends of the vertical members to either of the top and bottom rails or to a mounting bracket on the tank. Each yoke assembly includes a base member engaged partially in a bore of the vertical member, and a cradle member engaged with an exterior wall of the top or bottom rails or mounting bracket. Base and cradle members are secured together by a pivot pin. Fluid-actuated cylinders extending between the vertical members and the tank move the handrail assembly between collapsed and expanded positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an articulated bracket for a fence. The articulated bracket which couples a pillar member and a horizontal member disposed between the pillar members, includes a first articulated part which is coupled with the pillar member and formed with an internal space communicated with an outside; and a second articulated part formed with a center portion disposed in the internal space of the first articulated part and a connection portion fastened to the horizontal member, wherein the connection portion is pivoted on the center portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a baluster assembly system comprising: (a) a first baluster portion comprising a first tubular section and having a first attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a first engagement end; (b) a second baluster portion comprising a second tubular section and having a second attachment adapted to be attached to a surface, and a second engagement end; the first tubular section adapted to slidingly engage the second tubular section, and (c) a locking fixture adapted to fix the position of the first baluster portion with respect to the second baluster portion after the first tubular section and the second tubular section have been engaged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a handrail assembly (20), as well as the rail receiving unit and balusters which make up part of the assembly, which allows easy assembly of a handrail on both flat/horizontal and inclined surfaces. In particular the invention allows for a handrail to be assembled without the need for a skilled craftsman to determine angles, such that upper and lower rails remain at an even or predetermined distance from the ground even when the rail is positioned on an inclined surface such as a ramp or stairs. A rail receiving unit is provided which has an inner housing (23) within an outer housing (21), the inner housing being adapted to receive a rail and be pivotable about an axis in relation to the outer housing such that the angle at which the rail is received into the receiving unit is variable. A preferred embodiment allows the inner housing to be both pivotable and rotatable in relation to the outer housing, providing further flexibility to the user.

Abstract: A universal handrail support bracket is disclosed in which a bracket is configured to be mounted to a handrail or banister and the bracket has an annular ring attached thereto. The annular ring has a concave interior surface and a convex exterior surface. A curved nut and a cap have surfaces which mate with respectively the inner and outer surfaces of the annular ring. The curved nut and the cap are positioned respectively inside and upon the annular ring such that they may both freely rotate and pivot. A fastener such as a screw passes through both the curved nut and the cap and into a fixed substantially vertical surface such that the bracket may be attached to the fixed substantially vertical surface at any desired pitch angle, yaw angle, and roll angle for attaching a rail to a vertical surface.

Abstract: A barrier is formed from a plurality of posts and a plurality of rails. Each post has an I-shaped cross section, with a pair of double-walled flanges separated by a single-walled web. Each rail is a channel-shaped member having an intermediate portion and opposed end portions. Each end portion has a rounded convex edge. The intermediate portion includes a flat section to which pickets or a fencing fabric may be attached. Each end portion also includes a flat section, which is recessed relative to the flat section of the intermediate portion. A rail is connected to a post by inserting the rail's end portion into the channel-shaped region of the post. The flat section of the rail's end portion engages the planar inner side of one of the post's flanges. Fasteners are inserted into aligned openings in the flange and the flat section to connect the rail to the post. When assembled, the post flanges and the flat section of the intermediate portion of the rail are coplanar.

Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. The sliding, pivotal connection allows the pickets to be oriented at greater angles relative to the rails (i.e. it allows the assembly to rack to a greater degree, thereby allowing the fencing/raining to following more-steeply changing terrain or contours). In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection.

Abstract: A fence panel, a method of erecting the same, and a corresponding fence panel kit having a plurality of pickets and a plurality of multi-element rails. The rails include anchor strips that are pivotally pre-attached to the plurality of pickets, resulting in a subassembly that can be folded to an initial compact, folded configuration of the pickets and anchor strips. The subassembly can be unfolded, allowing elongate picket positioning strips to be mounted onto the pickets and the anchor strips. Locking strips are then mounted onto the anchor strips, securing the picket positioning strips in place and completing the assembly of the multi-element rail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching balusters for a stair, balcony, deck, landing or the like providing an adjustable connection of a baluster to a rail and a base surface. The apparatus includes a ball adapter and a socket. The ball adapter is joined with the socket and mounted on a stair surface. The ball adapter and its mounting to the socket provides for limited adjustable movement of the adapter with respect to the socket and the stair surface. The ball adapter provides for the attachment of a baluster to the adapter. The adjustable connection of this apparatus can be used to attach to a rail or to a base of a stair, balcony, deck, landing or the like. The ball adapter and socket can be used to produce modular prefabricated baluster systems that can be adjusted for any slope or level rail and baluster installation.

Abstract: A fence rail includes a detachable fastener cover that covers and conceals a fastener chamber. Through the use of a knuckle and a catch fastening system, moisture is prevented from entering the fastener chamber. The fastener chamber allows for securing pickets to the rail using a means for fastening as close to the top of the rail as possible thereby allowing for significant racking of the fence.

Abstract: A bracket for attaching a fence rail end to a fence post, the bracket having two upstanding sidewalls spaced for receiving the fence rail end therebetween and a rear wall connecting and extending between the two sidewalls. The rear wall is secured to the fence post. A bottom wall is provided between the two sidewalls and defines a support surface for supporting the rail end. One of these sidewalls is hinged to the rear wall for hinging this hinged sidewall outwardly to receive a fence rail end into the bracket from the side. Apertures are provided in the sidewall for securing it to the fence rail after it is received in the bracket with fasteners. The bottom wall which supports the rail end is securable to the rear wall whereby the bracket is adaptable to selectively provide either a left hand bracket or a right hand bracket. A unitary fence rail assembly may thus be installed from the front or side as opposed to having to lower and raise the entire panel for the full height of the fence.

Abstract: A foldable safety handrail assembly includes a mounting bracket, a fixing sleeve mounted on the mounting bracket, a release sleeve mounted on the mounting bracket and having a release groove, a rail having a pivot tube which has a first locking groove and a second locking groove, a locking tube extending through the fixing sleeve, the pivot tube and the release sleeve and having a limit slot, a locking member mounted in the limit slot and detachably locked in the first locking groove or the second locking groove, a control member mounted in the locking tube to move the locking member, and a push knob mounted on and pushing the control member. Thus, the user only needs to push the push knob to unlock and fold the rail so that the rail can be unlocked and folded easily and quickly.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for releasably securing persons wearing a body harness to scaffolding is provided. The scaffolding has a plurality of horizontal and vertical bars. The safety apparatus comprises a front frame assembly releasably securable between a first two adjacent bars of the scaffolding. A rear frame assembly is releasably securable between a second two adjacent bars of the scaffolding with the rear frame assembly spaced from the front frame assembly. A cable is retractably connected between the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly with the body harness releasably connectable to the cable.

Abstract: A railing system for decks and stairs has identical top and bottom metal extruded rails with upright spindles extended between the rails. Anchor balls secured to the rails with fasteners hold the spindles in assembled relation with the rails. The anchor balls have continuous circumferential ribs located in a force fit relationship with inside surfaces of the spindles.

Abstract: A fastener is configured 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 configured to engage an interior surface of an opening in the first article and a mating surface configured 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: There is described a reusable temporary safety rail post for a safety fence for bordering an elevated work area. The post includes a stanchion member, the lower end of which is attached to a horizontal plate. The upper portion of the stanchion member has one or more brackets for supporting horizontal safety rails which extend between adjacent post assemblies. A receiving bracket connected to the floor of the work area receives the horizontal plate and holds the stanchion in a vertically upright position. Also described is an extension kit by which the height of the post can be temporarily increased. The extension kit includes a vertical extension member having additional angular railing brackets, which is removably attached to the upper end of the stanchion so as to extend its height. The extension kit also includes a support bracket which provides additional support to the vertically extended post.