Abstract: A universal attachment means and method for attaching a baluster or post between a base of a stairway and a railing above the stairs as well as at landings or balconies. The attachment means includes a ball and socket connection assembly that can be attached to either end of a baluster or post and then used to attach the baluster or post to the base or rail of the stairway. The attachment means permits ease of attachment of balusters or posts regardless of the slope of the stair and rail and regardless of any angular slope of a rail as in a circular stair rail. The attachment means eliminates the tedious alignment and drilling of vertical holes into the underside of a rail as needed in many prior art systems.

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 hinge assembly is described which can be assembled by snapping together moldable half-cap pieces about the end of a baluster pierced through by a hole. The baluster turns about spindles formed by the half-caps. The half-caps may be fixed together by press-fit mating surfaces and may be placed within a mating groove defined by a hand rail or shoe rail. The half-cap pieces and the hole are not readily apparent in a finished staircase containing the hinge assembly. The hinge assembly successfully employs pin top balusters, as well as rectangular balusters. Alternatively, a hinge assembly is described which can be inserted into the bore of an end-bored bluster, fastened to the inside of the bore, and pivotally attached to a flange suitable for attachment to a rail. The hinge assembly requires no external modification to the normally exposed surfaces of the baluster. The flange includes an H-shaped foot which may be concealed in a groove defined by a hand rail or a shoe rail.

Abstract: A fence section has upper and lower brackets that mount to one side of a post. Each bracket has a pair of rail mounting plates extending from opposite side edges of a post mounting plate. Upper and lower rails extend between the upper and lower mounting brackets. Each of the rails has a pair of sidewalls and an offset skirt extending from a base section, defining an elongated slot. The rails have ends that slide over and receive the rail mounting plates of the brackets. A panel has upper and lower edges that fit in the slot of the upper and lower rails.

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.

Abstract: Method of assembling a fence that includes posts and rails, wherein the method provides for placing a plurality of spaced apart posts in the ground, sliding at least two post brackets over an end of each post, sliding at least one first rail bracket over an end of a rail, sliding at least one second rail bracket over an end of another rail, connecting the projecting portion of the first rail bracket to the first projecting portion of one of the post brackets with a first fastener, and connecting the projecting portion of the second rail bracket to the second projecting portion of the one of the post brackets with a second fastener. The first and second rail brackets are movably mounted to the one of the post brackets via the first and second fasteners.

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

Abstract: A fence panel that tracks a sloped terrain surface, in which a pair of spaced-apart rails each have a first longitudinal edge and an opposing second longitudinal edge on a side of the rail, and a plurality of pickets having first pickets and at least two second pickets disposed spaced apart on the side of the rails, with the first pickets attached by a fastener only between the picket and the first longitudinal edge of the respective rail and the second pickets attached by a fastener only between the picket and the second longitudinal edge of the respective rail, so that the rails do not roll away from the pickets when racking the fence panel by moving the opposing ends of the rails in vertically opposite directions to conform the slope of the fence panel to the terrain surface. A method of making a fence panel is disclosed.

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

Abstract: A hinge assembly which can be inserted into the bore of an end-bored bluster, fastened to the inside of the bore, and pivotally attached to a flange suitable for attachment to a rail. The hinge assembly requires no external modification to the normally exposed surfaces of the baluster. The flange includes an H-shaped foot which may be concealed in a groove defined by a hand rail or a shoe rail. The pivot point is raised slightly above the inner surface of the groove to prevent any unsightly gap, termed “bird's' mouth” in the industry, adjacent the baluster.

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 child's handrail assembly is mounted beneath another handrail and comprises three 6? dual pull-lock extension rods; a plurality of durable lightweight 1? diameter rods, which can be adjusted to fit any size handrail and connected together by an interlocking coupling. Each dual pull-lock extension rod includes an upper strap that is wrapped around the existing handrail and a lower strap that is wrapped around the lower rods to suspend the lower rods beneath the existing handrail and form a child's handrail.

Abstract: A hand rail assembly for assisting the ingress and egress of a recreational vehicle. The hand rail assembly has a banister and a support structure, one end of each pivotally attached to the exterior of a recreational vehicle adjacent to a door, and the other end of each pivotally connected to each other. The hand rail assembly may be retracted to a storage position and extended in an operating position. A release mechanism coupled to the support structure provides for movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions. The release mechanism is controlled by a trigger member to allow for one-handed movement of the hand rail assembly between the storage and operating positions while keeping the operator's hand away from pinch points, thus eliminating chances of injury. A LED lighting system integral to the banister provides illumination of the banister and surrounding area for additional safety.

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 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.

Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.

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 modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.

Abstract: A fence post and rail assembly with concealed strengthening bars in a fence system unit is disclosed. The strengthening bars have two paling slots at either end for receiving paling members. The rails connect to the posts and the palings connect to the rails. The connection between the posts and the rails is strengthened by inserting the strengthening bar through a post opening of a post to engage the palings on either side of the post with the paling slots.

Abstract: A handrail and bracket assembly includes a pair of brackets having two off-set channels that permit the hand rail to be positioned in an expanded or in-use position or a collapsed or stowed position. At least one mounting opening is provided in each bracket for securing it to a wall or other surface. The channels and openings are positioned such that the brackets can be attached to the handrail prior to attaching the brackets to a wall or other surface.

Abstract: A rail system for mounting on a vertical support includes a rail assembly having an end portion and including a reinforcement rail and a polymeric sleeve at least partly surrounding the reinforcement rail. A metal bracket defining a rail cavity adapted to receive the attachment end and adapted to secure the rail assembly to the vertical support.

Abstract: Bracket system for assembling a fence that includes posts and rails, wherein the bracket system includes a post bracket including a first projecting portion and a second projecting portion. The post bracket is securable to a post. The first projecting portion extends in one direction and the second projecting portion extends a different direction. A first rail bracket includes a first end securable to the first projecting portion and a second end that is securable a rail. A second rail bracket includes a first end securable to the second projecting portion and a second end that is securable another rail. The post bracket has an internal opening whose size and shape generally corresponds to a size and shape of the post. Each of the first and second rail brackets is configured to lengthen or shorten a respective rail upon movement of the post bracket relative to the post. Prior to being secured thereto, the post bracket can slide up and down relative to the post.

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 one-piece double tubes. The use of the double tubes 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 decorative border structure (100) is disclosed. The decorative border structure (100) includes a plurality of border picket assemblies (102), each consisting of a picket portion (108) and a stake (118). Snap assemblages (126) are located on opposing sides of the picket portion (108) of each of the border picket assemblies (102). The snap assemblages (126) are adapted to releasably and pivotably interconnect with trim spacers (104) which, in turn, pivotably and releasably interconnect with adjacent ones of the border picket assemblies (102). The relative structures of the trim spacers (104) and the snap assemblages (126) facilitate assembly of the decorative border structure (100) with curvature, and also permit use of the decorative border structure (100) on uneven terrain or with terrain of substantial inclinations and declinations.

Abstract: A corner post and H-brace system for building fences employing standard components of the system and a couple of simple tools. The system employs fence posts and connecting rods that extend between adjacent fence posts. The connecting rods attach to ears and rings provided on the posts via bolts or other suitable fasteners. The ears and rings allow the connecting rods to be pivoted upward and downward relative to the posts and allow the connecting rods to be rotated around the posts so that a fence of any horizontal curvature can be custom built, even on ground that is not level.

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: A fence module includes fence module units each having a first pair of extensions, a second pair of extensions opposite to the first pair of extensions, and a third pair of extensions adapted to extend into a surface to stand the fence module unit upright. Each of the first pair of extensions has a through hole and each of the second pair of extensions has a cone-headed projection to correspond to one of the through holes of the first pair of extensions of an adjacent fence module unit so that connection of the cone-headed projection and the corresponding through hole is able to assemble a fence that is able to adapt to terrain.

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 collapsible handrail mechanism for steps or a ladder including:

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 control barrier is provided having a barrier wall with one or two support assemblies attached thereto. The barrier wall has a front face with a display recess, wind ports, and tenons and mortises formed thereon. The barrier wall also has a set of projecting arms having either pins or ports to allow a series of control barriers to be connected together. The support assemblies are positionable between a support position and a standing position. Preferably, the support assemblies include a leg and a foot. The leg is extendable and/or rotatable to allow the foot to be positioned between a support position and a standing position.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a rail to a post comprising: a mounting means connectable to the post in a first plane; a bracket for supporting the rail in a second plane; and an angle variation means disposed between the mounting means and the bracket, whereby the angle variation means allows the orientation of the first plane with respect to the second plane to be varied; and whereby the mounting bracket is comprised of aluminum.

Abstract: A modular railing system with handicap access is disclosed based on commercially available tubing assembled into a railing through use of fittings that connect to each other and the rails and posts of the railing system to allow all possible standard rail configurations. All connections are thereby held together by mechanical, rather than welded, connections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fence. More particularly, the invention relates to a fence capable of adapting to any angle of inclination comprising a plurality of columns, horizontal connecting members which have more than one degree of freedom through a connecting means between a pair of columns and vertical connecting members which are connected to the horizontal connecting members.

Abstract: A fence cap and a fence cap system for bridging a gap between a corner of a first fence panel and a corner of an attached second fence panel by bridging and forming a closure over a gap between a corner of a first fence panel and a corner of an attached second fence panel.

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 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.

Abstract: A safety barrier device, particularly intended for small children, and comprising at least two fence-like sections which may be interconnected and positioned at an angle, characterized in that the sections are interconnected by hinge links comprising two cooperating toothed rims arranged so that they may be lifted out of engagement, thereby allowing the sections to be freely positioned at an angle. The structure makes it possible to produce fireguards, pens or beds.

Abstract: A modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.

Abstract: A modular railing system is disclosed which is based on commercially available tubing, which is connected into a railing by especially designed fittings, which connect to each other and the rails and posts of the railing system to allow all possible standard rail configuration. All connections are thereby held together by mechanical connections, instead of welded connections.

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

Abstract: A gate is disclosed for positioning between a hinge post and a latch post. The gate comprises horizontally spaced-apart end members which are channel-shaped. Each of the end members has a base portion and spaced-apart side walls extending therefrom. A plurality of metal rail members are initially secured to and extend between the end members by means of pivot bolts. When the metal gate has been adjusted to conform to elevational differences between the hinge post and the latch post, the relationship of the rail members and the end members is fixed by means of screws extending through the side walls of the end members into the ends of the rail members.

Abstract: This invention is an expandable or retractable fence panel for adjusting fence runs and quick changing corral sizes.

Abstract: A portable grind rail assembly includes a grind rail, two base portions, and two T-sections. Each of the two base portions includes a planar ground-contacting surface for supporting the base portions above a ground surface. Each of the two T-sections is adapted for connecting one of the two base portions with the grind rail for supporting the grind rail above the ground surface. The grind rail is preferably constructed of multiple rail sections that are adapted to be interconnected using a dowel.

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

Abstract: Modular fence, consisting of wire-mesh panels (1) and tubular fixing posts (3), which are anchored at the bottom into the ground or into a supporting base. The panels (1) have horizontally shaped features (6) of a depth approximately equal to the diameter or width of the posts (6). These posts are fitted snugly between the rods of the shaped features and of the non-shaped regions, between two consecutive vertical rods.

Abstract: Pivotably mounted barriers extending across a portion of and staggered in an alternating manner from opposite sides and spaced apart as to permit directed travel up or down stairs or staircase. Barriers extend across staircase to the extent that in addition to acting as an aid in ascending or descending, should a person stumble or lose their footing, their fall would be interupted within a few feet instead of tumbling all the way to the bottom suffering certain injury and possible death.

Abstract: An auxiliary handrail apparatus for use along a stairway is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pivot support fixed to an existing handrail or other support structure in the proximity of an existing handrail to allow positioning of the auxiliary handrail in two positions.

Abstract: A rail apparatus that is attachable to a support surface such as a set of telescoping bleachers and is capable of remaining attached when the support structure is in either an extended, open position or a retracted, closed position. The rail apparatus has a P-shaped handle portion integral with a shaft element that is connected to the support surface through a mounting system having a support socket and spring system. The mounting system is connected to the support surface either on the front, top or side thereof. The spring system is inside the lower portion of the shaft and provides a force that keeps the handle portion of the rail apparatus in place within the support socket, yet allows for the handle portion to be rotated to various other positions if desired.

Abstract: A spool for coupling a fence picket to a support member. The spool comprises a generally cylindrical body having an opening extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body such that the picket may be passed through the cylindrical body at the opening. The spool is sized to fit within the support member to guide the rotation between the picket and the support member.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for creating an angle adjustable retaining wall or fencing system which allows an installer to create a retaining wall, bin, fence, or related structure which may be placed with continuous angles between wall sections. The apparatus comprises one or more posts each having a special formed primary slot and one or more planks each having specialty sliding pins mounted within holes on the ends of the planks. The ends of the planks with the slidable pins fit within and are secured by the primary slots and are able to angularly move internally and externally to the primary slot while maintaining structural integrity in all axis. The plank movement allows for angles between wall sections which are not exactly 90 or 180 degrees.

Abstract: An improved temporary guard rail system for use by residential and commercial builders on construction sites in those areas of building structures where an accidental fall may result in serious bodily injury. In particular, the temporary guard rail system of the present invention includes a plurality of upright stanchions having mounting brackets integrally formed or attached thereto that are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced, generally horizontal side rails extending end to end. The vertically spaced side rails are adapted for 360 degree rotational movement in both horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, the tubular guard rails are fabricated in a plurality of sections that may be slideably engaged, one inside another, to provide a telescoping adjustment of length.