Abstract: A railing system includes an upper core member having a cap connector. In a first embodiment, a railing system includes a cap member having a cap flange that detachably couples with the cap connector on the upper core member. The cap member forms an enclosed conduit between the cap member and the upper core member. In a second embodiment, a kit for fabricating a railing span is contained in a packaging. The kit includes an upper core member and lower core member having selected lengths and a plurality of balusters for connection between the upper and lower core members. In a third aspect of the invention, a method of routing an opening for a baluster used in an inclined railing structure includes the step of plunging a router bit into a side of a component at an angle based on the installed angle of the inclined railing structure.

Abstract: A railing mounting assembly includes a U-shaped bracket having a pair of sidewalls and a bottom wall, the bottom wall comprising a pair of platform portions for supporting a railing, and a pair of recessed portions separated from one another by a channel, and a trim cover attached around the bracket, the trim cover having a slit and at least one locking member projecting through the channel of the U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A method for installing a post and railing assembly includes the steps of providing a post structure with a mounting bracket, mounting the post structure, lowering the end of a railing member onto the mounting bracket, providing a trim cover, wrapping the trim cover around the bracket and railing end, and locking the trim cover around the railing and bracket. A railing mounting assembly includes a U-shaped bracket having a pair of sidewalls and a bottom wall, the bottom wall comprising a pair of platform portions for supporting a railing, and a pair of recessed portions separated from one another by a channel, and a trim cover attached around the bracket, the trim cover having a slit and at least one locking member projecting through the channel of the U-shaped bracket.

Abstract: A railing system includes an upper core member having a cap connector. In a first embodiment, a railing system includes a cap member having a cap flange that detachably couples with the cap connector on the upper core member. The cap member forms an enclosed conduit between the cap member and the upper core member. In a second embodiment, a kit for fabricating a railing span is contained in a packaging. The kit includes an upper core member and lower core member having selected lengths and a plurality of balusters for connection between the upper and lower core members. In a third aspect of the invention, a method of routing an opening for a baluster used in an inclined railing structure includes the step of plunging a router bit into a side of a component at an angle based on the installed angle of the inclined railing structure.

Abstract: An assembly for posts includes a rigid interior column and a decorative shell mounted around the column. The interior column is anchored to a base that is mountable to a floor, ceiling or other support structure. The base has one or more vertical uprights configured to support the interior column and/or shell. The interior column is supported in a socket in the base. The column may be secured to the base by a latch that positively engages the column and the socket. The latch operates independently of any weight bearing down on the column. The column may be secured to both the floor and the ceiling by latches that cooperate with bases on both ends of the column. An optional trim with interlocking pieces may be installed around the shell to provide a decorative transition where the post mounts to a floor, ceiling or other structure.

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: An assembly for posts includes a rigid interior column and a decorative shell mounted around the column. The interior column is anchored to a base that is mountable to a floor, ceiling or other support structure. The base has one or more vertical uprights configured to support the interior column and/or shell. The interior column is supported in a socket in the base. The column may be secured to the base by a latch that positively engages the column and the socket. The latch operates independently of any weight bearing down on the column. The column may be secured to both the floor and the ceiling by latches that cooperate with bases on both ends of the column. An optional trim with interlocking pieces may be installed around the shell to provide a decorative transition where the post mounts to a floor, ceiling or other structure.

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 smooth continuous uninterrupted graspable hand rail has joints made by connectors between adjoining pipe sections. The hand rail is made up of pipe sections which have their respective ends abutting. The connectors have two pieces, each of which fits into one of the abutting ends. For angular connections, the connector pieces are coupled together by an a joint which may be adjusted to position the pieces at an angle corresponding to the angle of the pipe connection. For straight connections, the end pieces of the connector are aligned. In either case, the pipe sections have complementary ends which abut to form a continuous graspable hand rail, and are held in abutting engagement by the connector which is cemented or otherwise bonded to the abutting end portions of the pipe section.

Abstract: A replacement fastener for use with a female snap member to provide a snap fastener. The male snap member is formed of an acetal resin which is tough and resilient and has its own self-lubricating properties. The male fastner has a flange with a button on one side adapted to engage in the socket of the female snap and has an anchor portion adapted to be firmly anchored in a boat structure in the precise location where the conventional male fastener was located.