Abstract: A simulated shake siding panel having the random appearance of individual shakes is provided. The siding panel comprises a siding panel board, the siding panel board comprising front and rear faces, the front face including at least a bottommost course of a plurality of simulated side-by-side shakes forming an uneven butt line. A nailing strip is disposed proximate to a top edge of the siding panel board. A downwardly open hook is provided on the front face proximate to a top edge of the siding panel for interfitting with an upwardly open hook of a second like siding panel, the siding panel and second siding panel interfitted top to bottom. An upwardly open hook is disposed on the rear face of the siding panel, a top edge of the upwardly open hook being uniformly spaced from the top edge of the siding panel and non-uniformly spaced from the uneven butt line.

Abstract: An adornment for a post is provided, wherein the adornment is any two of a cap adapted to be disposed at the upper end of a post, a base ring adapted to be disposed around a lower end of a post, and a cap ring adapted for disposition around an upper end of the post below and against the cap, as a modular combination of at least two adornment units.

Abstract: Elongated members such as the rail and post of a baluster are attached by a U-shaped bracket strip affixed on a surface of the post and received in an end of the rail, being attached to each by fasteners. A terminal fitting forms a sleeve that is provided or is shaped during installation to conform to the surface of the post. The terminal fitting sleeve extends over the end of the rail and over the bracket, to abut against the post, concealing the end of the rail. The rail can have a flush cut load bearing internal member such as an aluminum channel or rectangular tube. A polymer outer cover forms the surface of the rail. The bracket system makes convenient, useful and structurally strong rail-to-post connections at various angles and in situations where the rail needs to meet the post at a polygonal edge.

Abstract: A post cladding element is provided including a one-piece elongated tubular flexible body having a continuous seam closure formed along the body and defined at first and second opposing longitudinal edges of the flexible body, whereby a post may be clad by flexing the body to open the seam closure a sufficient width to dispose the flexible body around the post.

Abstract: A panel for polypropylene injection molded siding, and for similar materials and/or uses, is mounted in lapped courses with panels attached at butt joints in a direction of elongation. Complementary tabs and slots at the panel ends can be engaged by end-to-end approach of the abutting panels. Additionally, openings for the tabs permit engagement from a position in which the panel ends are already overlapped, which reduces or eliminates the need for endwise assembly space. The slots can be discontinuous on one or both sides, openings permitting lateral insertion of the tabs at gaps, whereupon movement of the tabs along the slots engages the joint. The panels can simulate wood siding and include a step between simulated courses. A gap is provided in the edge of the panel at the step, thus forming an opening for the tab to enter and move along the slot.

Abstract: A picket cap is provided for a fence picket, wherein the cap has an exterior upper portion and a shank. The shank has slotted openings, generally vertically disposed, extending part way up the shank, for adding flexibility and facilitating the insertion of the shank into a hollow end of a picket. The shank also has friction ribs, generally vertically disposed, for facilitating an interference fit when the shank of the cap is inserted into a hollow end of a picket. The upper exterior of the cap can align with the exterior surfaces of the picket into which the shank of the cap is inserted.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a fence post comprises a molded upper base member, with a molded cap, preferably snapped together by internal prong-and-ear fasteners, or molded as a single piece, or as vertical halves fastened together. Various ornamental configurations are disclosed, such as New England cap, Ball cap or Gothic Spire cap. The components are brought together to make a hollow structure giving the appearance of a machined wood or plastic ornamental fence post cap.