Adjustable Patents (Class 256/67)
  • Patent number: 6279880
    Abstract: Temporary and long term guard rail systems for use by residential and commercial builders on construction sites to prevent accidental falls that can result in serious bodily injuries. The systems meet the standards of fall protection as specified by OSHA including those on safety issues concerning protrusions that can cause lacerations and present clothing snag hazards. The system includes a plurality of vertical posts/stanchions having side rail mounting points that do not present laceration and clothing snag hazards. The posts/stanchions include rotatable collars with internally threaded holes that create mounting points for the side rails that are capable of rotating along the Y and Z axes of the posts/stanchions allowing the interconnection of horizontal guardrails. The side guardrails can include telescoping tubular adjustable lengths or have a fixed length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Onsite Safety Systems
    Inventor: William Robert Hawks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6253497
    Abstract: A swingable handrail apparatus for assisting a person onto and off a toilet, in particular. The swingable handrail apparatus includes a mounting bracket being adapted to mount to a wall structure and having a base member, a pair of boss members being spaced apart and each having a groove therein, a pair of clamping members each having a groove therein and being fastenable to a respective boss member; and also includes a handrail support member being rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket; and further includes a handrail member having a first end securely attached to the handrail support member and having a second end; and also includes a handrail support bracket having a base member, a first and second boss members being spaced apart and forming a handrail receiving space, a lever member pivotally attached to the base member and having a handrail retaining member which is biasedly received in a notch in the handrail member with the lever member being essentially spring-loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Roger L. Gekler, Paula S. Gekler
  • Patent number: 6220577
    Abstract: A temporary guard rail system for use during building construction which utilizes a flex joint which incorporates a heavy duty spring. The flex joint is slidably mounted to the ends of adjacent rail members. Utilization of the flex joint permits guard rails to be installed in varied orientations and is not limited to use on a horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventor: Paul Ostrow
  • Patent number: 6199833
    Abstract: A crowd control barrier including a frame and a base rotatably mounted to the frame and lockable in at least a first position and a second position. The crowd control barrier also includes a pin for securing the base to the frame, the pin being in a first locked position when the base and the frame are locked in the first position, the pin then being rotated into a second locked position so that the base can rotate to the second position, and the pin then being rotated again back to the first locked position when the base and the frame are locked in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventors: Murray Bilby, Francois Reizine
  • Patent number: 6164629
    Abstract: An outdoor railing system has a plurality of spindles attached between upper and lower rails. Each rail includes a plurality of equally spaced recess configurations defined along the length thereof in the inwardly disposed surface for receipt of the spindle ends. Each of the recess configurations includes a first multi-sided recess having a first size and a second multi-sided recess defined within the first multi-sided recess. The second multi-sided recess is of a smaller size than the first recess for anchoring spindles having a correspondingly smaller end size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Spartanburg Forest Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Michael, John M. Pastore, James R. Hall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6152430
    Abstract: A portable stanchion in which a tubular base and tubular post are in interlocking relation. The base is formed of semi-rigid material and has two parallel L-shaped kerfs defining a flexible L-shaped tang which carries the tongue. The spacing of the kerfs matches a cross sectional dimension of the lowermost hollow portion of the post allowing a first foot portion of the post to fit inside of the base. The flexible tang and tongue pivot, when urged by application of an impulsive force, to allow insertion of the first foot portion into the base, while the adjacent second foot portion is outside of the base. The base and post are disassembled also by application of an impulsive force, providing a knock down structure for shipping and storage. A pair of similar stanchions will support a fence segment to form a jump wing. A pair of jump wings will support a jump bar for horse jumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Owen E. Thoman
  • Patent number: 6145814
    Abstract: A device for mounting a handrail element on a post for producing a stair railing and the like has bearing surfaces provided on the handrail elements, spaced in a longitudinal direction, and forming a gap, a rotary part provided on an end on the post and rotatably supported with a cylindrical part of a peripheral surface in a side of the bearing surfaces which faces the handrail element, the rotary part having a portion connected with the post by the gap, the bearing surfaces being formed on a separate structural part which is releasably connectable with the handrail element, the rotary part being formed as a separate structural part which is releasably connectable with the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Hewi Heinrich Wilke GmbH
    Inventor: Phillipe Perrot
  • Patent number: 6138993
    Abstract: A protection screen for a condenser unit of an air conditioning or heat pump system utilizes a plurality of screen panels to form a protective enclosure about the periphery of the condenser unit. The protection screen is self-supporting and is spaced a sufficient distance from the condenser unit to provide an adequate air gap. The protection screen prevents ingress of clogging particulate matter into the heat exchanger portion of the condenser unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventors: James E. Mitchell, Jr., John H. Mitchell, Norman E. Logan
  • Patent number: 6053481
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting a fence rail includes a hollow body having an open-topped cavity and an end wall with a cross-shaped aperture through which a bolt is passed into a fence post. The angularity of the body with respect to the post surface is adjusted by installing one or more tapered spacers between the body and the post. The spacers have nesting bosses and recesses, and offset slots through which the bolt passes. One surface of the end wall has a spherical shape so that the head of the bolt seats flat, regardless of the angularity which has been established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Security Fence Manufacturing & Supply Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Scheide
  • Patent number: 6027104
    Abstract: A security enclosure for children and pets is disclosed which is formed from a plurality of identical interlocking panels. Each panel comprises a panel body having opposed inner and outer faces and first and second opposite sides. First and second hinge members are disposed on the first panel body side in vertically spaced relation, and a third hinge member is disposed on the second body side having a vertical dimension which corresponds to the vertical spacing of the first and second hinge members. A spring loaded engagement member holds the third hinge member in interlocking relation between the first and second hinge members. A circular array of gear teeth formed on the respective hinge members hold adjacent panels in a predetermined angular relationship and are constructed to permit relative angular adjustment between the adjacent panels. The hinge means are offset in such a manner that adjacent panels can be folded in flat, face-to-face relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: North States Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Alexander, Lester Stener
  • Patent number: 6017019
    Abstract: A modular railing including a plurality of upright posts and a plurality of composite hand rails extending between adjacent ones of the upright posts. The composite handrails each include a plastic outer shell and an internal metal reinforcing element extending longitudinally within the plastic shell. A plurality of lower rails extend between adjacent ones of the upright posts and a plurality of composite spindles extend between the lower rails and the handrails. A plurality of brackets couple the handrails and the lower rails with the upright posts. The brackets are adapted to be slipped over end portions of the handrails and over end portions of the lower rails and to be fastened to the upright posts. Preferably the brackets are made of metal and have a shaped opening matching a cross-sectional profile of the handrails to allow the brackets to be slipped over the end portions of the handrails. The brackets include flanges to allow the brackets to be fastened to the upright composite posts with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Erwin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Erwin
  • Patent number: 5913508
    Abstract: A group of posts, rails, right and left side L shaped post to rail connectors, base plates, and toeboard holding plates to allow temporary or permanent installation of a safety guard rail system with two or more guard rails that may be used as a guard rail on stairways or on flat surfaces. Installation may be by one man using only tools necessary to fasten base plates to a surface. The same group of parts can be used to form rectangular, square, or odd shaped scaffolds with or without toe board holders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Sure Step Gaurdrail Assembly, L. P.
    Inventor: Richard Eades
  • Patent number: 5907935
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a modular and adjustable staircase, prefabricated, destined to be installed in a rigid manner, and having at least one side which is equipped with a stiffener (1). Per stair and per side having a stiffener (1), a single element of the staircase, which is a crosspiece equipped with a heel (7a), of a shim (6), must be adjusted or is predetermined is order to obtain the desired stair height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Paul Philemon Elena
  • Patent number: 5842685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Harrison G. Purvis
    Inventors: Harrison G. Purvis, Lonnie E. Arnold, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5785447
    Abstract: A connector for a structural apparatus. The connector includes a pair of oppositely disposed C-shaped connectors which are adapted to surround a post and are detachably connected to one another. The connectors include a first movable position allowing movement of the connectors relative to each other as well as to the post. In a second fixed position where the connectors are secured to the post. Each C-shaped connector has complementary interfitting end elements for assembling the pair of C-shaped connectors together to surround the post. The C-shaped connectors are secured to each other by complementary fastening elements that extend in the same direction as and cooperate with the complementary interfitting elements. The complementary interfitting elements or connections are provided on a transversely extending end surface at opposite ends of each C-shaped connector for assembling the C-shaped connectors to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fonti, Jack E. Gonzenbach
  • Patent number: 5695175
    Abstract: A joint, particularly for use with banister assemblies, comprises a ball (14) fixed into position within a socket (13). The balls (14) formed at either end of a plurality of balusters (12), and sockets (13), formed in a base rail (10) and hand rail (11) are preformed at a work shop or factory and subsequently used for construction of a banister assembly. During the construction of such an assembly, the base rail (10) is fixed into position and the hand rail (11) placed in parallel, vertically spaced-apart relation to it, supported loosely by newel posts at either end. Next, balusters (12) are inserted between the base rail (10) and hand rail (11) by inserting a bottom ball of each baluster (12) into the base rail sockets (13) and adjusting the hand rail (11) to enable insertion of the upper balls into the hand rail sockets (13). Once all balusters are in position, the hand rail (11) can be firmly fixed into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Ellis Hawkins Limited
    Inventor: John Dennis Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5695174
    Abstract: A fence includes two posts which are fixedly planted into the ground by a wedge-shaped element, two plates connected between the two posts by a first connect in element disposed between each of the plates and the post wherein the plate is pivotally engaged to the first connecting element, each of the posts having a first groove defined longitudinally therein such that the first connecting. elements can be adjustably received therein, a plurality of balusters engaged to the two plates wherein a second connecting element is disposed between each of the balusters and the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Yang Wen Tsai
  • Patent number: 5683074
    Abstract: This invention is 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: Harrison G. Purvis, Tony R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5657968
    Abstract: An adjustable stair railing (12) for a stairway railing (14) being a plurality of balusters (16) supporting a handrail (18) on a stairway (20). The adjustable stair railing (12) comprises an auxiliary rail (22) and a facility (24) for attaching the auxiliary rail (22) to some of the balusters (16) in a height adjustable manner and a parallel relationship below the handrail (18) on the stairway railing (14). A young child unable to reach the handrail (18) can now grip the auxiliary rail (22), to travel up and down the stairway (20) in safety without tripping on the stairway (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Jeff Marsden
  • Patent number: 5653546
    Abstract: A connector assembly connects two rails to a T-post. The connector assembly includes a first and second connector configured to receive the rails, and a mounting member attached to the T-post for pivotally mounting the first and second connectors to the T-post about a plurality of axes. The connector assembly includes a locking mechanism for interlocking the first and second connector with the mounting member. The connector assembly also includes a lock for securing the mounting member to the T-post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: The Fence Connection, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Carol M. Cronkhite, Jeff A. Trupe
  • Patent number: 5647681
    Abstract: A stairs rail connector which is pre-manufactured as a semicircular turning rail, including two curved tubes with identical dimension. Each curved tube has an interconnecting end and a connecting end. The interconnecting end of one curved tube is disposed with a shaft seat therein, while the interconnecting end of the other curved tube is disposed with a shaft ring therein, whereby the interconnecting ends are rotatably connected with each other, permitting the curved tubes to be freely 360 degrees rotated relative to each other. After the curved tubes are rotated to a position corresponding to the turning angle between an upper and a lower rails, the connecting ends of the curved tubes are inserted into and secured in the openings of the upper and lower rails to connect the same at the turning angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Chi-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 5645271
    Abstract: An adjustable fence post apparatus for rigid metal, e.g., wrought iron, fences comprises a rigid metal post having fixed to its lower end a base plate for detachably mounting the post to a mounting pad. A first pair of spaced apart upper and lower rails are detachably attached to a first side region of the post and a second pair of spaced apart upper and lower rails are detachably attached to a second side region of the post. The post comprises telescoping inner and outer metal sleeves which enable the first and second pairs of upper and lower fence rails to be attached to the post at different elevations and at different horizontal angles relative to one another and enables the elevation of the fence rails to be adjusted relative to the post mounting pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Marcos D. Nunez
  • Patent number: 5641236
    Abstract: A coupling for joining a pair of tubes having ends has a ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a center and formed with an outwardly projecting pin extending along an axis radial of the ball and center. The pin is dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of one of the tubes. Another pin dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of the other of the tubes has a seat shaped to complementarily fit against the surface of the ball. The other pin is secured to the surface the ball at any of a multiplicity of angular offset positions thereon. A threaded bore is formed in the ball and centered on a bore axis traversing the center and another bore is formed in the other pin, opening into the seat, and centered on a bore axis extending at an acute angle to the respective pin. A screw extends through the bore of the other pin and is seated in the threaded bore of the ball. Normally the bore axis of the threaded bore extends at an acute angle to the axis of the pin of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Karl-Heinz Schrader
    Inventors: Andreas Hornung, Karl-Heinz Schrader
  • Patent number: 5593143
    Abstract: A universal post connector is disclosed for interconnecting fence posts and braces either of which may be a pipe post or tee post at any horizontal or vertical angle and at any position along the length of each. The universal connector is also adaptable to tee posts and pipe posts of all standard cross-sectional sizes. The preferred embodiment includes a pair of sleeves and a pair of collars to interconnect two tee posts. At least one sleeve is slipped onto each tee post and fastened thereto at any position along the length of the tee post using a fastening device. A collar encircles each sleeve and is clamped at any position along the length of the sleeve. A coupler pivotally interconnects the collars and locks the collars at variable angles with respect to each other. In the case where a pipe post is used in place of a tee post, the collar can be directly clamped to the pipe post without using a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Ferrarin
  • Patent number: 5584469
    Abstract: A handrail assembly comprises a substantially continuous length of handrail having therein a longitudinally extending groove and a connector device (12,72) which enables a support post to be secured in a selected orientation relative to the length of the handrail. The connector device comprises a first member (72) which is an insert slidable lengthwise of the handrail in the longitudinally extending groove in the handrail (70), a second member (12) adjustably associated with the first member by a retention assembly (48), the first member having formed in an external surface thereof a recess (30') of part spherical shape, the second member (12) comprising an elongate body having a hollow head portion (40) and a tubular tail portion (43), these portions being aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis of the body. The head portion (40) of the second member comprises a part-spherical outer surface (41) which conforms with the shape of the recess (30') in the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Kee Klamps Limited
    Inventor: David Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5575580
    Abstract: An assembly for joining a generally cylindrical member to at least one other member wherein the assembly includes a pair of oppositely disposed C-shaped connectors that when connected together are in one of two selected conditions. When in the first condition the C-shaped connectors are slidable about the surface of the generally cylindrical member and when in the second condition the C-shaped connectors are secured to the generally cylindrical member at a preselected position on the surface thereof. The assembly includes a component receiver which receives the other member. The component receiver is slidably mounted on a selected one of the C-shaped connectors so as to be in one of two conditions. When in the first condition, the component receiver is slidable on the C-shaped connectors; and when in the second condition, the component receiver is secured to the adjacent C-shaped connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Miracle Recreation Equipment Company
    Inventors: Terry V. Parrish, Duane R. Lundberg
  • Patent number: 5551669
    Abstract: Fitting (1) for forming guard rails of posts or for anchoring guard elements with elongated guard elements, removably mounted in the fittings, such as boards, pipes, aluminum profiles or the like, or guard elements made as protective nets. The fitting (1) comprises an upper (2) and a lower (6) separate main component supporting individual guard elements. The ends (12, 34) of the components (2, 6) facing each other are each provided with a laterally extending lug (14, 36). The lugs are pivotably joined to each other and a clevis is pivotably mounted about the lugs (14, 36) and is provided with an anchoring pin (26) disposed essentially perpendicular to the pivot axis of the lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Reinklou Innovation AB
    Inventor: Lars A. Reinklou
  • Patent number: 5551194
    Abstract: An adjustable hand rail wherein a plurality of support posts are arranged for positioning individually between spaced existing rail support members of an existing elongate rail member, wherein the support posts each include a telescoping leg having a resilient pad for frictionally engaging a staircase between the existing rail support posts. The support posts each include a row of slots, with a secondary rail member provided with a plurality of mounting plates, and each mounting plate includes a plurality of projections, wherein the projections of each mounting plate are arranged for reception within a pair of the receiving slots of an individual support post to adjustably position a secondary rail member secured to the mounting plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Francis J. Toomey
  • Patent number: 5547169
    Abstract: A fence assembly including posts and rails connected to each other by adjustable connecting members. The connecting member is a swivel bracket which permits adjustment of an end of the fence rail relative a fence post in various directions, e.g., in vertical and horizontal planes. The swivel bracket includes a base member and a body member, and the base member preferably has a flat side configured to be secured against the outer surface of a fence post. The opposite side of the base has a rounded concave depression adapted to receive one end of the bracket body member, the body member having a rounded exterior which fits within said depression. The body member has a hollow chamber therein which is open at a side thereof to receive the end of the rail. The ends of the rail are received in the bracket body chambers through the opening therein and then fixed to the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Anchor Group
    Inventor: William C. Russell
  • Patent number: 5544865
    Abstract: A support bracket for protective railing may be adjustably positioned on a wall or other surface. The bracket is constructed such that when the bracket is loosely assembled, the placement of a rail segment on the bracket may be adjusted as desired within a limited range in one or more directions. After the placement of the rail segment has been adjusted, the component parts of the bracket are tightened to fix the rail segment in place. When assembled, the bracket forms a sealed unit with a smooth exterior that has a minimal tendency to collect dust, dirt and bacteria and that is easy to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Michael T. Abbaticchio
  • Patent number: 5527016
    Abstract: A handrail positioning apparatus for accurately positioning a handrail during the process of installing the handrail in an inclined position on a building wall above an inclined stairway. The apparatus may include two vertically adjustable stanchions positionable at the upper and lower ends of the stairway. Miniature platforms are tiltably mounted on the upper end portions of the stanchions to underlie end areas of a handrail. C-clamps may be used to clamp the handrail to the platforms. The platforms are so tiltable that the platforms can seat flatwise against the handrail, whatever the slope or inclination of the rail, and the stanchions are vertically adjustable to control the rail slope and rail height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Wilborn F. Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5456451
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hand railing that complies with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for hand railing on both landings and stair cases. The hand railing utilizes a post which can be converted by angling a bracket to accommodate various stair case inclinations. The brackets can also be pivoted into an upper position when used in a landing position to create horizontal railing supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Inventor: Charles W. Eyler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5452880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling (10) for connecting railing members (170, 171) to post (14, 15). The coupling (10) has a mounting portion having two parts (16, 117) pivotally movable relative to one another and capable of being locked against pivotal movement by a fastener (35, 113). Railing connection members (22, 25) are pivotally coupled to parts (16, 17) about axes (24, 26) extending transversely of the members and to an axis (20) about which the parts (16, 17) may pivot relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: William Bailey
  • Patent number: 5443244
    Abstract: A rolled metal fence rail is incorporated into a picket fence which employs two or more such rails, each rail being formed by a single metal sheet which has been rolled to enclose an upside down and generally U-shaped channel or space, the space being formed by a plurality of interconnecting walls comprising a top transverse wall, an inner bottom wall spaced below the top wall, two upright outer side walls extending downwardly from the side edges of the top wall, two upright inner side walls connected to the side edges of the inner bottom wall, the lower ends of the upright outer side walls connecting with the lower ends of the upright inner side walls. The space between the top wall and the bottom wall forms a relatively narrow raceway to restrict vertical movement of the pickets when they are mounted on the retaining rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5437433
    Abstract: An adjustable stair rail system suitable for use by a homeowner in which various adjustments in positioning the rail can easily be made on site. The system includes a plurality of balusters and adjustable baluster connectors. The height of the balusters can be adjusted, which balusters engage the outer surface of the rail so as to enable angular movement of the rail with respect to the balusters in an adjustable fashion. The invention further includes an adjustable tee connection to secure the rail to one or more vertical support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Lavi Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Rezek
  • Patent number: 5421131
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a railing and bench combination, integral to a deck or patio railing structure, the railing structure including an upper railing member, a lower railing member, and a plurality of vertical railing spokes attached to and disposed between the upper and lower railing members, the railing and bench combination including: a top railing member, disposed between sections of the upper railing member; a plurality of vertical support members, fixedly attached to the top railing member and extending to a deck floor and fixedly attached thereto, and disposed in parallel with the railing spokes; a generally vertical back rest fixedly attached to the support members; a bench structure, having distal and proximal edges, the proximal edge being pivotally attached by attachment apparatus to endmost of the support members for rotation between a first, vertical position with the bench structure comprising part of the railing structure, and a second, horizontal position with the bench structure in use
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventors: Ronald E. Heckman, Mary E. Heckman
  • Patent number: 5400555
    Abstract: A hanger plate for interconnecting an upper segmented wall of a swimming pool to a vertical support. The swimming pool includes a floor and a plurality of walls formed by an excavation in the earth. A plurality of wall panels are interconnected end-to-end and located about the top of the excavation. Adjacent each joint of the segmented wall is one vertical support. Each vertical support is located to the exterior of the excavation and secured in the earth. A hanger plate having at least two rows of holes interconnects the vertical support and segmented wall. A first row of holes are elongated in a first direction while the second row of holes are elongated in a direction at a right angle to the first. The elongated holes provide for adjustments vertically and horizontally. The segmented wall is capped by an extruded coping which retains the upper edge of a vinyl liner fitted to the walls and floor of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Polynesian Pools, Ltd. of West Michigan
    Inventor: Paul Kantor
  • Patent number: 5383739
    Abstract: A coupling system for joining articulated fence segments at a desired relative angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Vernon Haglund
  • Patent number: 5369921
    Abstract: A portable stairway railing device is disclosed comprising a frame structure having several support braces attachable to the stairway surface at the rearward section of the individual step. The support braces allow for selective variance of the width, depth, and height for fitting variously sized stairways. On the top portion of the frame structure is disposed a hand rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Derrick Glenn
  • Patent number: 5340087
    Abstract: A balustrade is proposed wherein a hinge device (66) connects each baluster (56) to the rail (55) in such manner as to permit limited pivotal and translational movement therebetween. The hinge device (66) comprises a flat spring of generally J-shape the elongate body (67) of the spring being secured to the rail and the curved end (68) of the spring being secured to the baluster. An inflexible plate (70) overlies the body (67) to restrain the same against movement. Opening of the curved end (68) permits relative pivotal and translational motion between the baluster (56) and rail (55). The arrangement offers advantages in collapse of the balustrade for transportation purposes and also permits of adjustment of the angle between the rail and balusters to accommodate facture and other tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Northern Joinery Limited
    Inventor: Jack Turner
  • Patent number: 5277408
    Abstract: A fence frame is disclosed that preferably comprises galvanized steel posts that provide an accessible flat surface or surfaces parallel with the surface of the transverse railings and through which are applied holding bolts for securing the post to adjoining ends of railing sections. The posts include at least one strengthening vertical bend. One post structure employs a tubular post support joined to the fence railing sections using a tubing-clamp-and-rail-hanger combination that allows the tubing surface to be firmly held by a piece that integrally has suitable flat-sided structures for attaching to the adjacent railing sections. Corner posts employing the same basic structure as the in-line posts or specifically designed posts are provided. The fence frame comprised of posts and railings are suitable for receiving a fence covering made up of aluminum sheet panels, plastic panels, wood pickets, plastic pickets, metal rods or other coverings of choice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Alton B. Parker
  • Patent number: 5255897
    Abstract: A modular fence comprising at least two vertical end posts, a pair of vertically spaced, horizontal rails extending between the end posts and having ends connected to respective end posts by post connector members which allow for expansion and contraction of the rails, a plurality of horizontally spaced, vertical intermediate posts extending between the rails and having ends connected to respective rails by rail connector members which allow for expansion and contraction of the intermediate posts, and members located between adjacent intermediate posts for filling the spaces between the intermediate posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth V. Pepper
  • Patent number: 5230500
    Abstract: A balustrade including a handrail supported on a row of balusters, each of which is attached with two cross bars at different heights, and a plurality of vertical axles respectively connected to the cross bars between each two adjacent balusters by connectors, wherein each connector has a transverse rod on one end respectively and movably inserted into an axial hole on the respective cross bar, and an axle hole on an opposite end at right angle to the axial hole and through which a respective vertical axle is inserted and secured in place by a tapping screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Inventor: Ta-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 5190268
    Abstract: A fence construction system for simple and rapid construction of a wooden fence on level or sloping terrain. The system includes an adjustable lower metal bracket for fastening the lower rail and kickboard to the fence posts and an upper bracket for fastening the upper rail to the fence posts. The upper and lower brackets may be adjusted at the construction site without special tools to accommodate sloping terrain with a ground angle up to 45.degree. from the horizontal. Also disclosed is a fence post cap which may be used in place of the upper bracket to fasten the upper rail to the top of the fence posts. With the system, a durable traditional style good neighbor fence may be rapidly assembled on varying terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Inventor: Belarmino G. Espinueva
  • Patent number: 5116025
    Abstract: A retractable handrail for use with a recreational vehicle comprising a handrail having a hand contacting surface on a top side thereof and a support body extending downward from the hand contacting surface. The support body includes a pivotal end and pivotal attachment structure which defines a rotational axis orthogonal with respect to the plane of rotation of the handrail. The handrail further includes first and second stops formed at the pivotal end for defining respective retracted and extended positions of the handrail. These respective stops are located on the support body on respective separate radii having a common length and origin extending from the rotational axis. A support base is provided having a mounting flange with a planer surface positioned parallel with the planer rotation of the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Inventor: Sam Kiniry
  • Patent number: 5076547
    Abstract: A collapsible handrail apparatus is disclosed for being mounted on a wall structure adjacent a doorway. The handrail apparatus comprises mounting fixtures by which a handrail structure can be pivotally connected to the wall structure. A bracing bar is connected between the wall structure and a post member of the handrail structure. The handrail structure has a first collapsed position adjacent to the wall structure and a second extended position in which a handrail portion extends from the wall structure so as to be positioned for handrail support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Charles D. Osterholm
  • Patent number: 5056283
    Abstract: An assembly of a hand rail, a shoe rail, a plurality of parallel balusters joined to the hand rail and the shoe rail through a pair of intermediate plastic webs attached both to the baluster and the adjacent rail so that the rails and balusters can be moved to any angular disposition keeping the balusters parallel to each other and the hand rail and shoe rail parallel to each other. The plastic webs include spaced tabs which are attached to each baluster end and provide total collapsibility to the rail section which is universal in use to any rake of the stair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Visador Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. Sapinski
  • Patent number: 5026028
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting at least one horizontal member with a strut comprising: a U-shaped strut bracket having left and right support plates and mounted fixedly on each side face of the strut; a plate-shaped horizontal member bracket having a screw hole at one longitudinal end thereof so as to extend in its lateral direction and supporting thereon the horizontal member to be movable in its longitudinal direction; and a cover member in which one longitudinal end of the horizontal member is inserted, the cover member having an elastically deformable central cover plate, a pair of side cover plate and left and right slit grooves formed between the central plate and the side cover plates into which the support plates are fitted, respectively, so as to connect through screws the cover plate with the strut bracket together with the horizontal member bracket located between the support plates in a manner such that the horizontal member is movable and turnable vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo, K. K.
    Inventors: Akihiko Ooi, Toshiaki Hirono
  • Patent number: 5024420
    Abstract: A foldable handrail assembly for use with an entrance in a wall of an enclosure such as a trailer or the like. The foldable handrail assembly includes a handrail which may be extended from and locked at an angle to the trailer wall for use with the entrance or retracted and folded flat against the wall for storage. The foldable handrail assembly includes the handrail, a first mounting bracket, a length adjustable brace, a stabilizer rod and a stabilizer rod mounting bracket. The stabilizer rod as well as the stabilizer rod mounting bracket may be mounted in either an upper or lower position with respect to the handrail to prevent interference with existing components of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Gerald W. Downing
  • Patent number: 4979725
    Abstract: A triangular frame assembly is disclosed for supporting a safety barrier of boards above the edge of a roof during construction. The triangular assembly employs pivotal connections between a base and a lower stanchion member, between the base and a diagonal brace, and between the diagonal brace and an upper stanchion member telescopically connected to the lower stanchion member. The angle between the stanchion and the base can be adjusted to accommodate a wide range of roof pitches by varying the telescopic engagement of the upper and lower stanchion members. The range of roof pitch angles for which the frame assembly can be used is increased by making the upper stanchion member invertable, adapting both ends thereof to alternatively telescopically engage the lower stanchion member, and by providing for an off-center brace connection to the upper stanchion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignees: Michael J. Quigley, James R. Bartlett
    Inventors: Robert L. Hutchings, II, James R. Bartlett