Abstract: A railing system includes a set of vertically disposed baluster assemblies and a plurality of railing members. The baluster assemblies include a lower base member receiving a pair of opposing vertical plates. Each of the pairs of plates have opposing aligned pairs of throughbores, each pair movably holding therein one of a set of insert members. Railing members each slide through adjacent pairs of insert members to form a wall of spaced apart railing members. Each railing member passes through the insert members in each of the baluster assemblies and the insert members holding the railing member pivot to align member throughbores at an angle from horizontal that is dependent upon a vertical difference of adjacent ones of the fixed base members.

Abstract: A fence post (1) which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood. A plurality of fence post(s) may be used to form a fence (FIG. 8). Each fence post (1) includes an engaging means (7) at a first end thereof, which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood, and, a retaining means (5) at a second end thereof to retain the post near its pre-released position, such that the fence posts may be easily re-installed after the flood has passed.

Abstract: A fence covering system includes a frame configured and dimensioned to cover a portion of an existing fence. A panel is connected to the frame to provide a visual effect. A connector secures the frame on a portion of the fence, the connector providing an attachment position for the frame.

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 railing system includes a set of vertically disposed baluster assemblies and a plurality of railing members. The baluster assemblies include a lower base member receiving a pair of opposing vertical plates. Each of the pairs of plates have opposing aligned pairs of throughbores, each pair movably holding therein one of a set of insert members. Railing members each slide through adjacent pairs of insert members to form a wall of spaced apart railing members. Each railing member passes through the insert members in each of the baluster assemblies and the insert members holding the railing member pivot to align member throughbores at an angle from horizontal that is dependent upon a vertical difference of adjacent ones of the fixed base members.

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 foldable handrail structure includes a casing, a first handrail member and a first locking member. The first handrail member is rotatably connected to the casing. The first locking member is rotatably disposed in the casing. The first locking member is capable of rotating between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, so as to selectively restrain the first handrail member from rotating.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a plurality of members disposed inside generally vertical balusters; each of the members having formed therethrough a hole; a plurality of wires, cables, rods, pipes, tubes (round, oval, or multi-sided) or the like, each one disposed through one of the holes; and the members being rotatable to position the wires, cables, rods, pipes, tubes (round, oval, or multi-sided), or the like at a selected angle from horizontal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temporary safety barrier system, which comprises a plurality of posts, a plurality of mesh panels, and a plurality of mesh panel holders. Each mesh panel holder is mountable on a respective post of said plurality of posts, and comprises a post coupler and first and second mesh panel supports, which are attached in common to the post coupler. The post coupler is movable along the post when mounted thereon, and has a locking member for releasably locking the post coupler in a holding position at the post. The second mesh panel support encircles the post in the mounted state. Each mesh panel support has a support hook for receiving a mesh wire of one or more mesh panels. The temporary safety system is arranged to enable inclination of a mesh panel during said height adjustment, thereby facilitating the height adjustment while the mesh panels remain mounted.

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: 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 safety barrier for an inside of a house for partitioning off a portion of the house. The safety barrier includes a number of individual barrier sections where two adjacent barrier sections are engaged via a connector. The connector has an upper connection, a lower connection, and an elongate central member interconnecting the upper and lower connections. Each of the connections has a pair of relatively swingable arms. Each of the arms engages a barrier section. A threaded member draws the upper and lower connections closed simultaneously to fix the arms relative to each other and to thus fix the barrier sections relative to each other. The arms, prior to being fixed, are swingable relative to each other from about zero degrees to about 270 degrees such that a zig-zag, linear, or circular barriers can be made. A gate or door that can be opened and closed for access to the partitioned section of the house is engaged in one of the barrier sections.

Abstract: A shoring beam extension and reinforcement assembly allows a user to removably connect a plurality of shoring beams together so as to customize a support assembly to a particular excavation site. In use, main shoring beams extending around the periphery of an excavation site are connected at the corners by corner connections and are connected along the longitudinal sides of the excavation site by the extension of reinforcement assembly. Additionally, the first and second connectors support a center shoring beam laterally across the excavation site. The assembly is provided with additional support by tabs extending from each of the first and second connectors. Reinforcing beams include tabs having apertures adapted to align with apertures in the tabs of the first and second connectors such that connecting pins may be inserted there through to connect the reinforcing beams with the connectors. Eyelets located on the first and second connectors provide a means by which the assembly may be supported.

Abstract: A stair rail assembly and a method of making a stair rail assembly is disclosed. The stair rail assembly comprises a stair rail having a first end and a cross section, a ball having a spherical surface, and a connector having a first surface, a concave surface and a connector cross section which is the same as the cross section of the stair rail. The first end of the stair rail is rigidly attached to the first surface of the connector, the concave surface of the connector is rigidly attached to a segment of the spherical surface of the ball, such that the concave surface is covered by the segment, and the connector is adjustably connected to the ball along any direction.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

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 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: A fencing connector and fencing system utilizing fencing connectors. The fencing connectors include a swivel mount having a cavity configured to receive a first swivel assembly. The first swivel assembly is rotatable about a first axis within the swivel mount. A second swivel assembly is rotatably attached to the first swivel assembly. The second swivel assembly is rotatable about a second axis. The second swivel assembly further having a pocket configured to receive a structural member.

Abstract: A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have continuous circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball knobs to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball knobs.

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: In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a rail having a first surface having one or more apertures. The rail also includes second and third surfaces opposing one another, the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail forming a channel. The second surface and the third surface of the rail have first and second lips, respectively, the first and second lips extending into the channel. The fence system section also includes one or more pickets inserted through corresponding apertures of the first surface of the rail. Each picket has a first connection region located substantially in the channel formed by the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail such that the first connection region is substantially prevented from passing through the corresponding aperture in the first surface of the rail or between the opening defined by the first and second lips of the rail.

Abstract: A fencing connector and fencing system utilizing fencing connectors. The fencing connectors include a swivel mount having a cavity configured to receive a first swivel assembly. The first swivel assembly is rotatable about a first axis within the swivel mount. A second swivel assembly is rotatably attached to the first swivel assembly. The second swivel assembly is rotatable about a second axis. The second swivel assembly further having a pocket configured to receive a structural member.

Abstract: A fencing system includes two spaced-apart post assemblies each including a post member having a bottom receiving space, a core element inserted into the bottom receiving space, and an adjustable press plate disposed transversely on and pressing the core element against a mounting surface. The core element has a through hole extending in top and bottom ends thereof. A fixing bolt has a top end portion extending into the through hole and the press plate. A locking element is connected to the top end portion, and is movable toward or away from the press plate so as to press the press plate against the core element or to release the press plate. At least one of the press plate and the core element is movable transversely of the fixing bolt so that a distance between the post members of the post assemblies can be adjusted.

Abstract: The stairway handrail of the present invention includes first, second rail bodies, a substantially cylindrical joint, and a first connecting element. The first, second rail bodies can engage with the joint, and the joint has a central axis and a longitudinal slot radially disposed from the pivot portion to the joint surface of the joint. The first connecting element is disposed in the longitudinal slot, and it has a pivot end pivotably disposed in the pivot portion and a connecting end fixed on the first rail body. Thereby, the first rail body is rotatable about the central axis to adjust the included angle between first and second rail bodies.

Abstract: A rail and supported panel assembly having first and second rail portions, each portion having a constant cross section defining an elongate recessed channel on an underside. Also included are a panel supported at a top edge, a post for supporting the rail portions, and a rail-to-post connection assembly located between the post and the rails. The connection assembly has a pair of partially overlapping arms movable with respect to each other about a pivot to accommodate a range of first and second rail portion alignment angles.

Abstract: A foldable handrail structure includes a casing, a first handrail member and a first locking member. The first handrail member is rotatably connected to the casing. The first locking member is rotatably disposed in the casing. The first locking member is capable of rotating between a first locked position and a first unlocked position, so as to selectively restrain the first handrail member from rotating.

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: 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: A bracket for mounting a rail to a vertical post. The bracket includes a base with an arcuate front wall and a housing that is selectively movable along that front wall. The housing itself has an arcuate front wall that is oriented at right angles to the arcuate front wall of the base. The bracket further includes a rail connector that is selectively movable along the front wall of the housing. The rail connector engages an end of the rail and holds the rail at both a vertical and a horizontal angle relative the post. The vertical and horizontal angle of the rail to the post can be changed by selectively moving the rail connector along the front wall of the housing and moving the housing along the front wall of the base.

Abstract: A racking assembly for adjustably mounting a spindle to a rail. The racking assembly includes a first member which engages the rail and a second member pivotally secured to the first member. The second member retains the spindle at an angle relative to the first member and therefore relative to the rail. As the second member pivots, the angle of the spindle relative to the rail is changed. In a fence rail assembly, each spindle is secured between a pair of rails by a pair of racking assemblies. Each racking assembly is mounted on one of the rails and is individually adjustable so as to set the angle of the spindle relative to the rails. The rails are secured between a pair of vertical posts. Each rail is secured to one of the posts by a bracket that is adjustable to set the angle of the rail relative to the posts.

Abstract: A fence system including a fence member and a fence rail having a first surface with a first slot and a second surface above the first surface and having a second slot aligned with the first slot. The fence member is inserted through the first slot and the second slot.

Abstract: A privacy fence border system for allowing a user to selectively close the fence for privacy and open the fence for increased visibility. The privacy fence border system includes a lower support, an upper support, a plurality of panels pivotally connected between the lower support and the upper support, an opening and closing mechanism connected to the lower end of the plurality of panels, and a handle inserted in the opening and closing mechanism. Manipulation of the handle allows for positioning of the panels in a closed state to increase privacy or an open state to increase visibility.

Abstract: A kit of parts for assembly into a balustrade (1), the kit comprising rails (3), baluster brackets (6), posts (2), connectors (5) for connecting the posts (2) to the rails (3) and rail-to-rail connectors (8) for connecting two rails (3A, 3B) in a parallel and spaced apart relationship. The baluster brackets (6) and/or the rails (3) are shaped so as to ensure that each bracket (6) is engagable with a rail (3) in a desired configuration. There is further disclosed a balustrade incorporating one or more of the above parts and a method of installing a balustrade (1) on a substrate (5).

Abstract: The slot rail assembly, in combination with a rail portion, at least one baluster, at least one baluster connector, and a lateral slot and at least one spacer is disclosed and claimed. The baluster may be slid distally along a lateral slot to accommodate the pitch or slope of incline or decline addressed. Lateral movement of the balusters within the lateral slot and change in relative angle of the baluster in relation to the rail portion allows the balusters to stay “plumb” no matter what the pitch of the stairs may be. At least one spacer may be snapped into place to fix the horizontal position of the balusters and to provide a seal against ingress of debris and moisture into the lateral slot. The slot rail assembly may be deployed as a stair rail, a stairway or an improved connection system for balusters and stair rails.

Abstract: Modular railing and ramp systems having adjustable fittings to allow a multitude of rail configurations utilizing a series of mechanical connections.

Abstract: A combination of a rail, an upright, and a slide connector for attaching the rail to the upright includes a first connector part including a mounting arm secured to an underside surface of the rail adjacent one end thereof and a tongue depending generally downwardly from the mounting arm, and a second connector part including a mounting base secured to a side surface of the upright and a generally planar engagement body extending laterally outwardly from the mounting base. The engagement body has a slot therein for receiving the tongue when the rail is translated along an engagement axis from a disengaged position in which the first and second parts are generally free to move relative to each other to an engaged position in which the first and second parts are substantially inhibited from moving relative to each other, thereby attaching the rail to the upright.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fence system for homes, buildings and the like. The fence system according to the instant invention includes panels constructed and arranged to be pivoted between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. When connected to permanently mounted posts in a vertical orientation, the fence panels may be utilized for privacy and/or security. Pivoting the panels to horizontal position during storms, such as hurricanes, reduces or eliminates the damage caused to the fence by high winds and/or wind-borne debris.

Abstract: An adjustable gate bracket apparatus and system. The apparatus typically includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. The front bracket portion includes a generally first rectangular planar body pivotally connected to a second rectangular planar body integrally connected to a curved planar body. The rear bracket portion typically includes two rectangular planar bodies pivotally connected to each other at respective corners. The ends of uprights and rails are connected between the front and rear bracket portions and secured together with rivets, bolts or other suitable. An adjustable gate bracket is secured at each corner of the gate panel. The gate panel is then adjusted to a desired angular orientation on a hill or other contour. Once the desired configuration is attained, the front and rear portions are fixed so that they do not pivot and the gate retains its angular orientation.

Abstract: A fence includes an upright post and one or more rails radiating from the post. An arrangement for connecting the post to the rail or rails includes a carrier that can be mounted on the post and one or more holders for the rail or rails. Each holder is attached to the carrier by a hinge that allows the respective holder to pivot or rotate relative to the carrier in two different planes. An accessory bracket for flexible rails and a gate hinge may also be connected to the carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a joining technique to make handrails with stanchions that are the vertical supports that attach to the platform and/or stair stringer at their bottom and attach to the top rail at their top.

Abstract: A mounting attachment for connecting a picket to an angled rail. The mounting attachment comprises a base having an aperture therethrough and into which the picket is inserted. A spring-biased retaining member is provided on the base and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the picket when it is inserted into the aperture. The retaining member urges the picket into contact with the wall of the base which defines the aperture, thus preventing the picket from moving within the aperture and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

Abstract: A railing assembly and method of forming same having a hand rail, shoe rail, and a plurality of spaced, parallel balusters secured at their respective upper and lower ends to resilient straps received and fixed in plows formed in the hand rail and shoe rail. The respective upper and lower ends of each baluster are arcuately shaped allowing the balusters to be moved to any angular orientation with respect to the rails while maintaining the balusters parallel to each other with the ends of the balusters being in contact with the straps.

Abstract: Modular railing and ramp systems having adjustable fittings to allow a multitude of rail configurations utilizing a series of mechanical connections.

Abstract: A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball connectors to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball connectors.

Abstract: A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball connectors to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball connectors.

Abstract: A handrail assembly 1 for a staircase or the like comprises a base rail R and a handrail 2 each preferably having at least one substantially flat surface (2a, FIG. 18), at least one upright post 3 and a bracket 4 to connect one rail 2 to the upright post 3, the post-to-rail bracket 4 having a base 40 for engagement with the substantially flat surface (2a, FIG. 18) of the rail 2 and a deformable portion 45 to accommodate different inclinations of the rail 2 relative to the post 3. An assembly 1 may further comprise a connector 5 to interconnect the handrail 2 with a rail 6, the connector 5 preferably having a first hollow portion with an internal cross-sectional shape to match the cross-section of the handrail 2, the handrail 2 extending at least partially into the first hollow 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: A bracket is formed from a channel-shaped lower section adapted for attachment to the post, and a channel-shaped upper section pivotably joined to the lower section at its upper end. The bracket is used in fence assembly to connect the end of a channel-shaped rail and a post. The upper section may be pivoted with respect to the lower section, as required to align the upper section with the terrain upon which the rail and post are to be installed. The upper section and lower sections of the bracket cooperate to define a pair of spaced pockets adapted to receive the spaced side walls of a rail. Engagement of the side walls of the upper section of the bracket with internally projecting longitudinal ridges in the rail channel interfere with lifting of the rail from the bracket. Externally projecting tabs on the side walls of the upper section interfere with longitudinal withdrawal of the rail from the bracket.

Abstract: A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.

Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket with a raised central area flanked by two lower lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the bracket. The lateral areas define locations for connecting the bracket to a vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted. The bracket may include indicia or characters for determining the correct position of attachment of the rail connector to the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector relative to 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.