Abstract: A method for installing a modular fireplace mantel surrounding a fireplace in a wall utilizing a unique leaf spring bracket. The leaf spring bracket for a modular fireplace mantel comprises a base plate, an upper lip, a lower lip, a left side lip and a right side lip attached to said base, said four lips defining a recess, a slot cut in the meeting edges of the base plate and the upper and lower lips, an extension attached to each of said left side and right side lips, each extension having one or more holes through which connectors may pass, an arcuate shaped leaf spring adapted to fit into said recess, both ends of said leaf spring having a reverse arc adapted to fit into said slots.

Abstract: A method for installing a modular fireplace mantel surrounding a fireplace in a wall utilizing a unique leaf spring bracket. The leaf spring bracket for a modular fireplace mantel comprises a base plate, an upper lip, a lower lip, a left side lip and a right side lip attached to said base, said four lips defining a recess, a slot cut in the meeting edges of the base plate and the upper and lower lips, an extension attached to each of said left side and right side lips, each extension having one or more holes through which connectors may pass, an arcuate shaped leaf spring adapted to fit into said recess, both ends of said leaf spring having a reverse arc adapted to fit into said slots.

Abstract: A modular fence system. The system includes fence planks designed for insertion into open channels of upper and lower fence rails. The fence rails are supported in a horizontal orientation between intermittent fence posts, with the fence planks extending vertically between the rails. The planks include resilient protrusions, called plank-projections, at their upper ends. The plank-projections are designed to engage with channel-projections formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail and lower fence rail, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail. Alternatively, the plank-projections may be eliminated in favor of having the channel-projections simply grip the planks frictionally, or, vice versa, the channel-projections could be eliminated in favor of having the plank-projections press frictionally against the walls of the open channels in the, upper rail or lower rail or both.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for attaching rails of multiple configurations to a support structure. The bracket assembly may include a base piece having a plate with a pair of flanges extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom. An insert may be configured to fit between the flanges and within the rail to provide support to the rail. A pin may be inserted through openings in the flanges, the insert, and the rail to attach the rail to the insert and the base piece. A cover may be placed over the base piece to provide a pleasing appearance to the bracket assembly. A single sized base piece, insert, and pin may be used to connect rails of different sizes and shapes to the support structure.

Abstract: A rail is disclosed for use in forming a barrier system, such as a railing for a deck, porch, walkway or fence. The rail has a versatile configuration in that either a top or bottom side of the rail may be received in a rail cover. The rail may have side walls and a cross wall on the top or bottom side of the rail. A channel may be formed on the side of the rail opposite the cross wall. Upright members, such as pickets, planks, balusters, or walls may be received in either the top side or the bottom side of the rail, in the channel or through the cross wall. A cap having openings for receiving the upright member may be placed on the channel. The rail may be positioned on the top or bottom of the barrier system and the rail may be symmetrical to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A rail is disclosed for use in forming a barrier system, such as a railing for a deck, porch, walkway or fence. The rail has a versatile configuration in that either a top or bottom side of the rail may be received in a rail cover. The rail may have side walls and a cross wall on the top or bottom side of the rail. A channel may be formed on the side of the rail opposite the cross wall. Upright members, such as pickets, planks, balusters, or walls may be received in either the top side or the bottom side of the rail, in the channel or through the cross wall. A cap having openings for receiving the upright member may be placed on the channel. The rail may be positioned on the top or bottom of the barrier system and the rail may be symmetrical to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A rail is disclosed for use in forming a barrier system, such as a railing for a deck, porch, walkway or fence. The rail has a versatile configuration in that either a top or bottom side of the rail may be received in a rail cover. The rail may have side walls and a cross wall on the top or bottom side of the rail. A channel may be formed on the side of the rail opposite the cross wall. Upright members, such as pickets, planks, balusters, or walls may be received in either the top side or the bottom side of the rail, in the channel or through the cross wall. A cap having openings for receiving the upright member may be placed on the channel. The rail may be positioned on the top or bottom of the barrier system and the rail may be symmetrical to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A decorative cover for posts includes a collar portion which is configured to cover attachment devices and the like to provide a more aesthetically pleasing termination for the post. A cap portion can be provided which engages the collar to cover the end of the post. Preferably, the collar and cap portion can both be attached to the post without the use of tools.