Abstract: A flexible elongated cap for topping a fence panel. The elongated cap comprises a durable casing surrounding a foam core wherein the casing defines a channel for receiving the upper end of the fence panel. The side walls of the channel are angled inward to provide a clamping affect over the upper end of the fence panel. The cap is aesthetically shaped and is flexible to allow for adaptation to a variety of fence panel shapes.

Abstract: A hollow plastic spindle for use in a fence, railing or decking is elongate and molded from thin-walled plastic. The spindle has first and second ends opposite each other and four non-planar sides extending between the first and second ends. The non-planar sides are provided such that at any cross-sectional view taken through the spindle between its ends and perpendicular to an axis of elongation, the cross-section of the spindle is rectangular or square. This improves the bending strength of a hollow spindle, while allowing the spindle to retain the general appearance of a turned element.

Abstract: A hollow plastic spindle for use in a fence, railing or decking is elongate and molded from thin-walled plastic. The spindle has first and second ends opposite each other and four non-planar sides extending between the first and second ends. The non-planar sides are provided such that at any cross-sectional view taken through the spindle between its ends and perpendicular to an axis of elongation, the cross-section of the spindle is rectangular or square. This improves the bending strength of a hollow spindle, while allowing the spindle to retain the general appearance of a turned element.

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.

Abstract: A decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as wood deck joists, said decking plank comprising a unitary, elongated steel member including an upper panel, first and second generally upstanding walls for supporting the upper panel, and first and second mounting flanges for mounting the decking plank to the support structure, and wherein an outer surface of the upper panel is provided with a non-slip coating, and wherein the generally upstanding walls are spaced a selected distance from one another and the upper panel has a width exceeding the selected distance so as to create an overhang adjacent each generally upstanding wall for at least partly concealing the mounting flanges upon the installation of multiple ones of the decking plank in adjacent, side-by-side relationship. In another preferred form the invention comprises a method of manufacturing a steel decking plank for attachment to a support structure, such as to wood deck joists.

Abstract: A spindle or baluster for use in a fence or deck railing which comprises a plastic outer shell having a first end section, a second end section opposite the first end section, and a middle section intermediate the first and second end sections. An elongate metal reinforcing element is positioned within the outer shell and extends from the first end section to the second end section. A rigid plastic foam is disposed within at least a portion of the first and second end sections and substantially surrounds portions of the metal reinforcing element.

Abstract: A mailbox support post for supporting a mailbox a predetermined distance above the ground, and including a ground engaging portion, an upright portion, a mailbox support shelf extending outward from the upright portion, and a brace between the mailbox support shelf and the upright portion. The mailbox support post is fabricated of an expanded foam core within a solid plastic shell.

Abstract: A composite deck post for use with a wood joist of a wood deck and for attachment thereto with at least one fastener. The composite deck post comprises an elongate, hollow extruded plastic shell which is rectangular in cross-section and has an upper end and a lower end. The shell has a rectangular notch formed therein adjacent the lower end for receiving a wood joist of a deck. An elongate tubular metal stiffening member is positioned within the plastic shell and is rigidly secured thereto generally adjacent the upper end of the plastic shell. The plastic shell and the metal stiffening member each have at least one mounting hole co-aligned with each other for mounting the composite deck post to the wood joist with a fastener.