Abstract: A balustrade includes a top and bottom rail, and a plurality of plug members respectively fixed in aligned grooves of the top and bottom rails. Each of the plug members includes a U-shaped portion and two flap portions extending respectively from the U-shaped portion. Each of the U-shaped portions of the plug members has a guiding slot with two enlarged ends formed therein. A plurality of balusters of equal length are parallelly mounted between the top and bottom rails. Each of the balusters has two end portions respectively and rotatably received in one of the plug members on the top rail and one of the plug members on the bottom rail. Each of the end portions of the balusters has a retaining member fixed thereto which is slidably retained in the guiding slots to prevent the end portions of the balusters from separating from the plug members of the rails.

Abstract: A two-piece interlocking pivot device for pivotably connecting a balluster to a hand or foot rail of a staircase assembly is provided. The pivot device includes a disk-like element and an enclosure element which receives the disk-like element in order that the latter is slidably pivotable within the enclosure element.

Abstract: Truck rails for pickup trucks and the like include the use of swivel connectors which permit the rails to be attached concurrently to the truck sides, headache rack, and tool box.

Abstract: A handrail positioning apparatus for use along a stairway is disclosed. The apparatus provides a pivot support fixed to a wall or other support structure to allow positioning of a handrail at at least two different laterally displaced positions. One position can be provided so that the positionable handrail is as close as 22 inches from a second, fixed position handrail disposed opposite the positionable handrail along the stairway. A second position of the handrail occurs in a vertically folded position of the pivoting apparatus bringing the handrail into a position substantially adjacent the support structure, which opens the stairway to about its full width.

Abstract: A hinged joint for adjustably connecting tubular handrails to stanchions or posts, in the assembly of stairway railings, include first and second pivotally connected components, one of the components adapted to be mounted to a stanchion or post and the other to a rail, providing for the adjustable angular offset of the rail with respect to the posts. The pivotal components making up the joint each include a semi-spherical and axially-extending hinge portion, which portions terminate in quarter-spherical end surfaces. The respective hinge portion surfaces are received in corresponding mating quarter-spherical sockets formed in the opposite members. A transverse connector adjustable external to the joint permits the first and second members to be set at a predetermined angular position in accordance with the slope of the rail.

Abstract: An adjustable fence assembly is disclosed constructed in sections having at least a pair of vertically oriented end posts for establishing the location of a respective section in the ground. Intermediate the end posts, a plurality of tubular pickets are mounted in a substantially vertical direction upon a series of tubular rails horizontally oriented and pivotally mounted between the end posts. Each rail is fabricated having a plurality of paired openings spaced apart along the length of the rail and corresponding in number to that of the pickets. Vertically aligned on opposite sides of each rail, both of the paired openings are shaped to accept and hold a respective one of the pickets with one of the openings being additionally formed to provide an apertured flap interior to the rail. The aperture in each flap is adapted to accept a rod extended longitudinally through each rail to interlock the rail with a crossing picket.

Abstract: A module for use in forming a barrier such as a fence. The module includes a pair of aligned tubular rails having facing inside walls with a plurality of spaced apertures therealong and with respective apertures in each inside wall corresponding to one another and forming pairs. A bushing formed of a resilient material lines each of the apertures. The module further includes a plurality of spaced metallic rungs extending between the rails with each rung having end portions received by a respective pair of the apertures in the inside walls so that the rung end portions extend inside the respective rails. A retainer is held in each rail end portion and it includes an abutment wall positioned for bearing on one of the rung end portions and an attachment wall positioned adjacent the rail end. A method of assembly of the module is also set forth.

Abstract: A wooden stair rail assembly having a wooden handrail, a wooden shoe rail, and wooden balusters, is provided with a limited range of movement from about 29 degrees to 43 degrees, to accommodate the normal range of variations in the inclination or pitch of stairways. The ends of the balusters are provided with axially extending pins which engage the handrail and the shoe rail. The handrail and the shoe rail are provided with recesses into which the ends of the balusters extend, and clearance between the balusters and the rails is provided to permit the pins to flex so that the balusters may remain vertical despite the change in inclination of the handrail and the shoe rail. The pins are of high strength material having a low elastic limit and the quality of remaining deformed after having been bent, so that the assembly will retain its "racked" configuration once it has been shifted to the desired angle of inclination. Polyvinyl chloride plastic provides suitable mechanical properties for the dowels or pins.

Abstract: For combination with a rail having an elongated recess sunk in one lateral side thereof and also having at least one interior socket laterally intersecting the recess, the socket having an interior laterally facing wall defined by the rail, the socket also having a generally cylindrically curved interior wall, and an elongated moulding received in the recess and attached to the rail to laterally block the recessthe improvement comprising(a) a baluster having a pivot at an end thereof, the pivot receivable in said socket for pivoting therein,(b) the pivot having generally parallel, laterally spaced opposite sides,(c) the pivot having first and second wall sections which are spaced apart and extend generally cylindrically in matching curved relation to the curvature of the socket wall, portions of the sections remaining in the socket during pivoting of the baluster,(d) the pivot also having a third wall section which intersects the first and second wall sections and which is spaced inwardly from a cylindrical l

Abstract: A fence is constructed of plastic components. The fence has a tubular support that is anchored in the ground. A post slides over the support and extends upwardly. Plastic rails interconnect the posts. Each rail has protruding pegs extending out from one side. Plastic fence boards have holes formed in one side for snapping onto the pegs to secure the fence boards. Some of the holes are vertical slots to allow the fence boards to be positioned at various vertical heights. A plastic strip is placed in contact with the ground between the posts. The strip has an upwardly facing channel for receiving the lower edges of the fence boards.

Abstract: A boat railing is disclosed wherein the stanchions are connected to the rail by a threaded member internally threaded into both the rail and each respective stanchion. An insert adapted for connection to the threaded member can be movably inserted within the rail to provide adjustable movement about the axis of the rail. A combination of the rotative movements of each stanchion on the threaded member and about the axis of the rail enables the bases of the stanchions to be properly fitted to the surface of the boat irrespective of the slope of the surface to which the base is to be attached.

Abstract: A prefabricated handrail assembly is conformable for use along horizontal or inclined surfaces and is characterized by being adjustable in accordance with the pitch or degree of rise along the surface while retaining the upper and lower rail portions in spaced parallel relation to one another with the balusters extending vertically between the rail portions. Fasteners at opposite ends of the rail portions will automatically conform to differences in the angle between the rail portions and end posts to which they are connected, and a unique bracket or hold-down device is provided for connection to each newel post.

Abstract: Balusters and rails are angularly adjustable after their assembly to fit the different pitches of stairways.

Abstract: A variable rack stair rail assembly includes a hand rail and a shoe rail. A plurality of elongated balusters extends intermediate the shoe rail and the hand rail. Means are provided for joining each of the balusters to the hand rail and the shoe rail. The hand rail and shoe rail may be channel-shaped. The means for joining comprises an elongated first member and a generally sleeve shaped second member. The first and second members are dimensioned and configured for engagement. One of the members is disposed in cooperating relationship with one of the rails and the other of the members is disposed in cooperating relationship with one axial extremity of a baluster. Each baluster may be joined at each axial extremity in substantially the same manner. One axial extremity of each sleeve shaped member may have the contour of a section of a cone.

Abstract: A frame member connection assembly for a fence gate which enables adjustment of the substantially horizontally disposed frame members such that they extend parallel with the supporting surface and assist in preventing unnecessary gaps between the gate and such supporting surface. The connection assembly includes a mating pair of brackets, each of which have a receptacle for receiving juxtaposed end portions of joined frame members. A connector member is mounted on one end portion of each of the receptacles and is designed for being connected with the mating connector member of the mating bracket for receiving and holding the juxtaposed end portions of the joined gate frame members. The connection assembly supports the frame members in such a manner that their centrally disposed longitudinal axis substantially intersect, to facilitate rotation of the joined frame members with respect to each other to a desired position where they are secured.

Abstract: A structure for supporting an obstacle, such as a so-called fence for use in equestrian show jumping, includes upright posts, each with a guide rail and a vertical row of holes in the guide rail. One or several obstacle support members are slidably adjustable up and down along the guide rails and arrestable in predetermined positions by a spring biased bolt which may be withdrawn manually from a hole for the adjustment movement. After adjustment the spring bias again urges the bolt into the respective hole.

Abstract: A variable rake stair rail assembly includes a hand rail, a show rail, a plurality of balusters extending in spaced relation between the shoe and hand rails, and means for joining each baluster to the hand rail and the shoe rail, the joining means comprising a joining element extending into at least one end of each baluster and engaging one of the rails, thus to permit relative angular movement between baluster and rails to provide a variable rake assembly, when the assembly is forced or racked to a slightly different angular configuration of the balusters relative to the hand and shoe rails. In one preferred form, the means for joining comprises a dowel extending into the baluster end and engaging one of the rails. The dowel may be of flexible material. In another form of the invention, the joining means comprises plate means attached to one of the rails and a threaded fastener retained by the rail and extending into the baluster end. The plate may be attached to the rail by threaded members.

Abstract: A variable rake stair rail assembly which includes a hand rail, a shoe rail, and a plurality of elongated balusters extending intermediate the shoe rail and the hand rail. Means are provided for joining each of the balusters to the hand rail and the shoe rail. The hand rail and shoe rail may be channel shaped. The means comprises an elongated member extending into at least one end of each baluster and having a generally enlarged axial extremity disposed in spaced relationship to the baluster which cooperates with a strip shaped member fixed to at least one of the rails. The strip shaped member has an opening disposed therein for accepting the enlarged axial extremity of the elongated member, without removal from the end of the baluster. In a preferred embodiment, each of the strip shaped members may include a tongue shaped portion defining one side of each of the openings. Each of the tongues may be elongated and have a width at a first axial portion which is smaller than at a second axial portion.

Abstract: The system comprises a hand rail and shoe rail having channels running longitudinally therein. A plurality of balusters are connected between the hand rail and shoe rail by means of pivot pins extending through the walls of the channel and a hole formed in each baluster. In this manner, the pitch of the baluster with respect to the hand rail and the shoe rail can be changed to accommodate the pitch of the staircase upon which the system is to be used. Once installed, the channel areas between adjacent balusters are filled and the hand rail and shoe rail is attached to a newel post.

Abstract: A hollow handrail is pivotally connected at one end to a fixed bracket. A brace is pivotally connected at one end to another fixed bracket vertically aligned with the first-mentioned bracket. A slide is mounted in the hollow handrail and is pivotally connected with the other end of the brace. Locking means is provided on the slide for locking the handrail and brace in folded position, or in any desired angular position of adjustment. When the handrail is in its folded position, the brace is received and enclosed within the handrail.

Abstract: In a telescoping seating system, handrail support posts are mounted at the sides of the telescoping rows. Upper and lower handrail members are releasably clamped to the posts by a clamp assembly which includes a locking bolt received in an associated post, and a clamp nut received on an associated locking bolt and including means preventing rotation of the nut relative to the post. A quarter-turn motion of the bolt cams the clamp nut to securely hold the rail against the post, while a reverse quarter-turn motion of the bolt loosens the clamp nut and permits removal of the rail members only.

Abstract: A bracket arrangement for mounting a handrail onto a support at variable predetermined spacing therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a capital for use in joining a rail to an upright column in a building structure, such as a balustrading system, which capital includes a lower portion having a passage therein to receive in press-fitting engagement the upper end of the column, and an upper portion on opposite sides of which protrusions are provided which are engaged on their undersides by opposed inwardly directed flanges of the rail. The protrusions taper inwardly and upwardly such that the rail can be forced over the protrusions with the flanges being temporarily flexed outwardly to thereafter engage beneath the protrusions. The undersides of the protrusions are curved to allow the rail to adopt any desired angular orientation with respect to the column, while the protrusions are also tapered towards the sides of the capital to allow for some limited adjustment in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stanchion connector assembly adapted to provide an anchor for the terminal end of a ramp rail whereby the same may be secured to a stanchion at any of a series of relative angles with respect thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable railing section including upper and lower rails connected by spaced vertical members is mountable between a pair of vertical posts, the posts being secured in vertical positions on a surface by use of U-shaped brackets and individually inserted fasteners that provide for vertical orientation of the posts in two planes perpendicular to each other. The undersurface of the upper rail and the upper surface of the lower rail of each section have spaced, transversely extending, confronting cylindrical sockets formed therein, and the opposite ends of the vertical members carry cylindrical formations that are receivable in said upper and lower cylindrical sockets. The socket openings and the cylindrical formations are configured to permit pivotal movement of the vertical members relative to the upper and lower rails, whereby the angles between said rails and the vertical members can be adjusted universally over a preselected range.

Abstract: A pivotable joint adapted to join an upright of metal railings to a top or bottom rail of the railings. The pivotable joint comprises a first member attachable to the top or bottom rail. A second member adapted to be attached to the uprights and a pivotable link between the first and second members. The joint permits substantial savings in the construction of metal railings.

Abstract: An integrally formed backless U-shaped rail-supporting bracket for use in constructing fences, which can be nailed to a fence post with three nails, thus eliminating the need to make a hole in the post or nail the rails to the post. The depth of the bracket is sufficient to hold rails inserted at an angle without mitering up to 20.degree. and with approximate angle mitering for more than 20.degree..

Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a railing provided with a T-shaped groove and a slot communicating with the groove comprises a hollow supporting member and a T-shaped clamping element. The clamping element includes two clamping members each of which members has a first portion insertable in the hollow of the supporting member and a second portion insertable in the T-shaped groove of the railing. The clamping members are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member. The first portions of the clamping members are elongated in a direction of elongation of the supporting member, whereas the second portions are formed as pin-shaped projections each having an axis. The pin-shaped second portion of one of the clamping members is offset relative to the pin-shaped second portion of the other clamping member in a direction transverse to the axes thereof and to the elongation of the first portion.

Abstract: A glass panel railing for mounting alongside a stairway and other building surfaces such as a walkway, etc., wherein a plurality of glass panels, carrying a continuous handrail along their upper edges, are adjustably, vertically mounted relative to the building structure.

Abstract: A plurality of telescoping tubes form a rail assembly which is pivotally connected at its lower end to a post, a sleeve is slidably received in the uppermost tube which is provided with an upper stop ring and a lower ring to limit the motion of the sleeve. A link is pivotally connected between the sleeve and an upper post. Thus, as the seating system is extended for use or retracted for storage, the handrail also extends and retracts. A stop element on the link limits the position of the link in the extended position so that the axes of upper and lower rail assemblies are aligned. In a preferred embodiment, the posts are inclined forwardly so that the rail assemblies are vertical in the storage position.

Abstract: In a telescoping seating system with folding handrails, the posts for the handrails are mounted to the side of the seating row sections; and the posts are inclined at an acute angle relative to the vertical. Upper and lower telescoping rail assemblies are both pivotally mounted by means of a vandalproof lock at the inner side of the posts so that the upper rail assembly is located directly above the lower one. Architectural end rails may be mounted to the top and bottom posts, if desired, using the same locking hardware.