Abstract: A railing system includes a railing assembly featuring a hollow tubular railing member, and a mounting assembly for mounting the railing member to a support structure. A pair of channels are formed along the railing wall and extend inwardly into the railing member, forming longitudinal grooves on the exterior of the railing wall. An optional cap rail is mountable over the railing member in a snap-fit connection without the need for tools. Optional decorative strips are also mountable to the railing member in a snap-fit connection. The mounting assembly includes a back plate and a railing mount that extends from the back plate. A trim cover formed of one or more trim pieces is connected around the perimeter of the railing member and over the back plate when the railing member is connected with the railing mount.

Abstract: A post and railing construction permits construction of fences and railings from parts which are pre-molded from a resinous material such as rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The parts require no painting and are not prone to corrosion or rust when exposed to harsh environments. The posts have a rigid upright core element with a hollow shell mounted on the core element by one or more frames. In one embodiment of the invention, railings are supported on brackets mounted on the frames of the posts. In another embodiment of the invention, railings are supported directly on the frames of the posts by routed openings in the hollow shell. The present invention also provides an easy to assemble fence assembly having the appearance and style of a picket fence. Exterior fasteners may be covered with optional caps to avoid direct exposure to damaging elements, such as moisture.

Abstract: A handrail assembly having seamless joints. The exposed components of the handrail are lengths of thick-walled plastic pipe and selected components have a metallic liner. The plastic pipes are joined to one another at any desired angle with the use of an alignment stud. The alignment stud has one end formed as a saddle at the desired angle to its axis and is attached to the one component by a threaded fastener passing through the stud. The hollow cylindrical saddle of the stud bears against the outside of the plastic pipe of the one component and is held in tight engagement against the pipe by the threaded fastener. The plastic pipe of the other component is likewise formed with a hollow cylindrical saddle adapted to mate with the outside surface of the first component and is telescopically engaged over the fastened stud and is anchored in place by a set screw passing through the plastic pipe into the stud. The head of the set screw is concealed by a plug.