Picket Patents (Class 256/22)
  • Publication number: 20140252290
    Abstract: A fully welded fence panel is disclosed that comprises a plurality of vertical pickets and a pair of horizontal metal rails. The top and bottom portions of the pickets are pressed in a mechanical or hydraulic press to create flattened surfaces and welded to the rails. The flattened surfaces may either be oriented parallel to the lengthwise direction of the metal rails to facilitate welding, or the flattened surfaces may be oriented perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the metal rails to both facilitate welding and enable the fence panel to be racked when used as a railing. Indentations are pressed into opposite sides of the flattened surfaces at the same location and are perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the picket to further enable the fence panel to be racked. The railing is therefore adjustable at a customer's site to change the angle between the pickets and rails and avoid the need for perfect angle measurements prior to manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: James A. Lachenberg
  • Patent number: 8523150
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 8413965
    Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of pickets, a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets, and one or more pivoting, sliding connectors for connecting a picket to a rail, with the sliding, pivotal connection concealed by the rail. The connector is slidably mounted to the rail and is pivotally connected to the picket. The sliding, pivotal connection allows the pickets to be oriented at greater angles relative to the rails (i.e. it allows the assembly to rack to a greater degree, thereby allowing the fencing/raining to following more-steeply changing terrain or contours). In one embodiment, an elongated connector strip is concealed by the rail and spans multiple pickets. In another embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of shorter connectors, one for each picket/rail connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Duffy, Gordan Duffy
  • Patent number: 8403303
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a rail having a first surface having one or more apertures. The rail also includes second and third surfaces opposing one another, the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail forming a channel. The second surface and the third surface of the rail have first and second lips, respectively, the first and second lips extending into the channel. The fence system section also includes one or more pickets inserted through corresponding apertures of the first surface of the rail. Each picket has a first connection region located substantially in the channel formed by the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail such that the first connection region is substantially prevented from passing through the corresponding aperture in the first surface of the rail or between the opening defined by the first and second lips of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Betafence USA LLC
    Inventors: John F. Payne, Robert W. Newman, Donald G. Keilers
  • Patent number: 8376321
    Abstract: A rail system has a baluster swing bracket configured to attach a baluster to the underside of a railing. This bracket has a flat body attached to the baluster and a flange offset from the flat body and attached to the railing, creating a gap between the railing and the baluster. This gap enables the baluster to be positioned close to the vertical surface to which the end of the railing is attached because a portion of the fastener connecting the railing to the vertical surface may be within the gap. The flange may be loosened or disconnected from the railing without removing the baluster swing bracket from the baluster. Disconnecting the flange allows the baluster to rotate or swing under the railing. Loosening the flange allows the baluster to rotate outward from the railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: AZEK Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Dotsey
  • Patent number: 8366078
    Abstract: Privacy systems for a fence include a plurality of elongated privacy inserts positioned in at least one locking member having a plurality of locking tabs. The locking member is laterally inserted into the bottom of a chain link fence perpendicular to the privacy inserts. Apertures near the bottom edges of the front and rear sides of the privacy inserts engage the locking tabs thereby retaining the privacy inserts in alignment in the chain link fence. The locking tabs on front and rear support walls of the locking member are preferably laterally offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Pexco LLC
    Inventor: Christine Meglino
  • Patent number: 8356801
    Abstract: A fence panel, a method of erecting the same, and a corresponding fence panel kit having a plurality of pickets and a plurality of multi-element rails. The rails include anchor strips that are pivotally pre-attached to the plurality of pickets, resulting in a subassembly that can be folded to an initial compact, folded configuration of the pickets and anchor strips. The subassembly can be unfolded, allowing elongate picket positioning strips to be mounted onto the pickets and the anchor strips. Locking strips are then mounted onto the anchor strips, securing the picket positioning strips in place and completing the assembly of the multi-element rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: Keith Howard, Joe DeSouza
  • Patent number: 8348242
    Abstract: A plurality of similarly configured coupling component assemblies is provided. Each assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring. Each coil spring is positioned in a hole. Each coil spring has an interior end of a reduced diameter with a fastener attaching the spring to the hole. Each coil spring has an exterior end extending a short distance outside of the hole. The exterior ends of adjacent opposing coil springs are adapted to interlock and join associated components of the system when rotated with respect to each other about a common axis of rotation. The coupling components also include a cylindrical rod with opposed ends within the opposing coil springs. Each rod has an axial length greater than the length of each coil spring and less than the axial length of two holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Rock
  • Publication number: 20120286224
    Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of elongate pickets and one or more rails extending transverse to the pickets. The pickets each have at least one protrusion formed or positioned thereon. The rails have an elongate channel formed on an inside portion thereof for cooperating with the protrusion. The rails further include picket openings formed in an upper portion thereof for receiving pickets therethrough. The picket openings are sized and adapted to be slipped over the pickets and securely held in place by engagement of the protrusions with the channels formed on the inside portion of the rails. The channels and the protrusions form a connection between the pickets and the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Gordon DUFFY, John Robert WITLIN
  • Patent number: 8286948
    Abstract: The railing system comprises at least one elongated rail having a plurality of spaced-apart openings. It also has a plurality of elongated pickets having opposite ends, each picket having at least one end provided with at least two spaced-apart retaining tabs initially extending lengthwise and configured to be inserted through a corresponding one of the openings of the rail. The tabs of the pickets are outwardly bendable to rigidly connect the pickets to the rail. This type of connection can be quickly achieved and lowers the manufacturing costs of railing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Williams Interlocking Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Luc Williams
  • Patent number: 8276887
    Abstract: A building element (10) is formed from sheet material having opposite major surfaces (11, 12) that extend between longitudinal edges (13, 14). Margins of the sheet adjacent the longitudinal edges are turned out of a mid-plane of the sheet to form opposite profiled sections (15 and 16). The major surfaces (11, 12) of the building element have different surface characteristics, and one profiled section has one of the major surfaces as its outer surface, and the other profiled section has the other major surface as its outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Gram Engineering Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronald Leslie Mann
  • Patent number: 8267380
    Abstract: A retractable fence apparatus which comprises a housings. The housing has a bottom wall, a top wall with a longitudinal slot, a rear wall, a front wall and a pair of side walls. The housing is installed within the ground with the top wall level with the top of the ground. A of lift mechanism is provided. The lift mechanism is installed onto the bottom wall within the housing. A barrier assemblies are also provided. The barrier assembly is installed within the housing of the lift mechanism. A mechanism is for operating lift mechanism, wherein a the barrier assembly can be raised up and lowered down through the longitudinal slot in the top wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Stephanie Dormeville
  • Patent number: 8177195
    Abstract: Interlocking clips are provided to assemble structures without the need for conventional fasteners. Structures such as fences, which may be assembled in situ, include the cooperating clips designed to provide a controlled amount of “play” between the pickets and rails of the fence to enable adjustment when racking the fences to accommodate sloping terrain. The clips are provided to interlock rails to cross members. The clips are preferably formed of a single sheet of a springy metallic material. The clips may be advantageously used to couple other types of apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Delair Group, LLC.
    Inventors: Frederick Schall, Christopher Tromley, James Jarozynski
  • Patent number: 8167276
    Abstract: A fence system including a fence post and a rail inserted into and supported by the fence post. The rail being an elongated member having a channel or U-shaped cross section defined by a web member and parallel leg members attached to the web member. The rail is inserted into an aperture located in a sidewall of the post. The aperture having a shape or configuration that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the rail. Accordingly, any gaps between the opening or aperture in the post and the rail, once the rail is inserted into the post, are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Royal Aluminum & Steel, Inc.
    Inventor: Rosario Esposito
  • Patent number: 8113489
    Abstract: A railing system for decks and stairs has identical top and bottom metal extruded rails with upright spindles extended between the rails. Anchor balls secured to the rails with fasteners hold the spindles in assembled relation with the rails. The anchor balls have continuous circumferential ribs located in a force fit relationship with inside surfaces of the spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Willard J. Harder
  • Patent number: 8104744
    Abstract: A panel including a plurality of first members disposed in a first direction, at least some of the first members defining a first part of a passageway, at least one second member disposed in a second direction and defining a second part of the passageway, the second member having a plurality of openings for at least partially receiving a first member, and at least one elongate locking member, adapted to pass through the passageway, and substantially in alignment with the first member or the second member to lock the first member relative to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Alan Brownbill
  • Patent number: 8083214
    Abstract: A fastener is configured to affix a first article such as a picket to a second article such as a rail to form a railing or balustrade. The fastener includes a first engaging surface having a maximum diameter configured to engage an interior surface of an opening in the first article and a mating surface configured to mate with the second article. The first engaging surface can have shape selected from cylindrical, ellipsoidal, conical, elliptic conical frustum, pyramidal frustum, and ball and other shapes having cross-sections of rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and other regular polygons having at least four sides such that good engagement is obtained and the fastener is hidden from view in the assembled railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Elk Premium Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David DeRogatis, Kevin Connor
  • Patent number: 8033530
    Abstract: A stair rail assembly for easy and rapid installation. The assembly includes a baluster, baluster shoe, and a rail. The baluster shoe comprises an anchor and a base having an opening extending through the anchor and base. The base fits flush against a rail and the anchor fits within a baluster to connect the baluster to the rail. The anchor contains flexible walls which expand upon insertion of a screw to frictionally engage the baluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nationwide Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Patent number: 7980534
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Publication number: 20110155982
    Abstract: A fencing/railing assembly adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted thereto. The assembly includes a plurality of elongate pickets and one or more rails extending transverse to the pickets. The pickets each have at least one protrusion formed or positioned thereon. The rails have an elongate channel formed on an inside portion thereof for cooperating with the protrusion. The rails further include picket openings formed in an upper portion thereof for receiving pickets therethrough. The picket openings are sized and adapted to be slipped over the pickets and securely held in place by engagement of the protrusions with the channels formed on the inside portion of the rails. The channels and the protrusions form a connection between the pickets and the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon DUFFY, Jason DUFFY
  • Publication number: 20110109025
    Abstract: A simple and cost-effective vibration-reduction system, adapted for easy application to and/or retrofit of essentially any picket-style railing, wherein each of a plurality of support members is positioned along a wire, wherein each support member is frictionally secured to a picket, and wherein each support member is adapted to allow for tensioned adjustment of the wire relative thereto, such that the wire may be adjustably positioned across the picket span to relate the pickets at a desired tension, effectively decreasing picket vibration and realized decibels without impacting the structural integrity of the pickets and with minimal impact on view, thereby maximizing functionality and aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Kim Sechler
  • Patent number: 7896318
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Publication number: 20110042637
    Abstract: A fence panel, a method of erecting the same, and a corresponding fence panel kit having a plurality of pickets and a plurality of multi-element rails. The rails include anchor strips that are pivotally pre-attached to the plurality of pickets, resulting in a subassembly that can be folded to an initial compact, folded configuration of the pickets and anchor strips. The subassembly can be unfolded, allowing elongate picket positioning strips to be mounted onto the pickets and the anchor strips. Locking strips are then mounted onto the anchor strips, securing the picket positioning strips in place and completing the assembly of the multi-element rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Keith HOWARD, Joe DESOUZA
  • Patent number: 7878487
    Abstract: A chain link fence slat system comprising a plurality of slats and a channel. Each slat is elongated and has a longitudinal dimension with a first and a second end, a width dimension and a thickness dimension less than the width dimension. Each slat further has at least a first and a second notch formed near the first end of the slat, each of the notches being formed on opposite sides of the width dimension and extending across the width dimension and partly through the thickness dimension. The first notch is positioned at a first vertical height and the second notch is positioned at a second vertical height with the second vertical height being greater than the first vertical height. The channel receives one end of each slat. The channel has inner surfaces including a base portion, a first opposing wall and a second opposing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Extruders Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Pearson
  • Patent number: 7857292
    Abstract: A fence system including a fence post and a rail inserted into and supported by the fence post. The rail being an elongated member having a channel or U-shaped cross section defined by a web member and parallel leg members attached to the web member. The rail is inserted into an aperture located in a sidewall of the post. The aperture having a shape or configuration that is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the rail. Accordingly, any gaps between the opening or aperture in the post and the rail, once the rail is inserted into the post, are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Inventor: Rosario Esposito
  • Publication number: 20100276653
    Abstract: An integrally formed rail for use with a fence panel. The rail is formed to define a top platform, first and second side walls, and a bottom platform. The side walls extend from the top platform and past the bottom platform. The top platform and the bottom platform define the boundaries of a rail channel. The top platform and the bottom platform define picket openings. The rail is formed by extruding the platforms and side walls from an extrudable material such as aluminum. The picket openings can be formed by inserting a mandrel in the rail channel and stamping the openings. Fence pickets are inserted through the picket openings to construct the fence panel. A retaining rod is inserted in the rail channel and through openings in the pickets to retain the pickets in the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Patent number: 7819390
    Abstract: A clip used to attach vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly is provided. The clip includes three resilient legs and enables fencing assemblies to be constructed on site without the use of screws or welding. Configurations for vertical and horizontal members of a fencing assembly that can be used in conjunction with the clip. Methods of assembly are provided as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Aaron Godwin, Bruce Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20100264388
    Abstract: A fencing assembly is adapted to be positioned between a pair of posts and mounted to the posts. The fencing assembly includes a plurality of pickets and a plurality of rails extending transverse to the pickets. Optionally, sliding covers are provided for concealing the connection between the pickets and the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Gordon DUFFY, Jason DUFFY
  • Patent number: 7762533
    Abstract: A fastener is configured to affix a first article such as a picket to a second article such as a rail to form a railing or balustrade. The fastener includes a first engaging surface having a maximum diameter configured to engage an interior surface of an opening in the first article and a mating surface configured to mate with the second article. The first engaging surface can have shape selected from cylindrical, ellipsoidal, conical, elliptic conical frustum, pyramidal frustum, and ball and other shapes having cross-sections of rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal and other regular polygons having at least four sides such that good engagement is obtained and the fastener is hidden from view in the assembled railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Elk Premium Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David DeRogatis, Kevin Connor
  • Patent number: 7726633
    Abstract: A molded plastic fence having a unitary front fence section and a unitary rear fence section is provided. The unitary front fence section and the unitary rear fence section are coupled together to form a fence without visible molding artifacts. To emulate a traditional wooden fence, the fence sections preferably include various fence elements such as posts, slats and rails. The fence elements on each fence section typically have a planar member with an inner side and a raised edge extending from the inner side. The molding artifacts are disposed on the inner sides of the fence elements. The unitary front fence section and a unitary rear fence section are coupled with the raised edges engaging each other. In this configuration the molding artifacts are hidden from view and the fence elements appear as solid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Cook, Stephen D. Hatcher
  • Patent number: 7677535
    Abstract: A railing has its posts and rails intersected with each other and fixed stably together by connecting plates hidden inside the rails. The connecting plate has a wing formed at a preset position between every two posts. The wing has a hole at its center. Each of the rails has a long space defined by three walls of its inverted U-shape, a rectangular opening bored in its top side for being correspondingly inserted by the post, and a female-threaded tube extended downward from an upper inner wall for corresponding to a hole of a wing of the connecting plate so that a screw can be inserted from under the hole to threadably engage with the female-threaded tube to keep the rails fixed with the connecting plates. The railing is thus assembled stably by means of the connecting plates and the screws that are hidden inside the rails, obtaining an aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Chong-Yi Lo
  • Patent number: 7635115
    Abstract: A fence rail assembly is provided comprising an extruded rail having a lengthwise extending slot for receiving a plurality of fasteners for attaching the rail to a plurality of pickets. The slot is designed with internal flanges adapted for engaging mating flanges on legs of a cover to be placed on the slot. The cover is sized to fit snugly at the slot opening to minimize water and debris intrusion, as well as prevent loosening of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Ideal Aluminum Products, LLC
    Inventor: Walter R. Lehmann
  • Patent number: 7621510
    Abstract: A barrier, such as fence panel, is formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and plurality of upright members. Each upright member traverses the rail channels of the rails forming the barrier and is mechanically connected to the rail, such that the upright member is selectively tiltable with respect to the rail within an angular adjustment range. The mechanical connection between rail and upright member may be formed by a weld, such as a resistance weld, by a permanent adhesive, or with a fastener such as bolt or screw. A tab that extends from the rail web may be used to connect a rail to an upright member. The tab may depend from a bracket installed within the rail channel, or may be cut out and bent into the channel from the web. The tab is rotatable about an axis situated at or adjacent the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 7594643
    Abstract: Stairway and balcony railing assemblies are provided with balusters having elongated rod-like leg parts interconnecting baluster ends which may include support trunnions for connecting the balusters to a base and to a railing cap. The baluster legs are interconnected by two part collars which may be assembled to interconnect adjacent balusters and to support ornamental barrier parts. The ornamental barrier parts may comprise multipart members which may be assembled and disassembled by threaded connections to facilitate modular onsite erection of the railing assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Nancy A. Ross
  • Publication number: 20090184301
    Abstract: A palisade fence is described comprising support posts and rails extending between the posts, and pales mounted between the rails. The rails define V-shaped apertures for receiving the pales. The pales are additionally secured to the rails by bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Kerr Ian
  • Publication number: 20090140227
    Abstract: A fence has at least one fence section which extends between a pair of posts. Each of the fence section has an upper and lower horizontal rail extending between the posts. A plurality of channels extends transversally through the rails. Pickets are vertically inserted through the channels of the upper and lower rails, each picket having its top extremity projecting upwardly of the upper rail. Picket caps are each associated with a corresponding one of the pickets. Each picket cap has a body portion rigidly affixed to the top extremity of its corresponding picket, the picket also having a first arm and a second arm projecting on opposite sides of the body portion and extending along the upper rail of the fence section. The first arm of each picket cap is attached to the second arm of the picket cap affixed to an adjacent picket with attaching means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Cantatore
  • Patent number: 7503551
    Abstract: A fence construction system in which pickets (52) are attached to rails (50, 51) using fastening means located inside the rails. In one embodiment the pickets are fastened to a rail by a common locking rod. In another embodiment, the pickets (52) are deformed inside the rail (51) by a crimping tool. Equipment that facilitates assembling of the fence may be provided. Top or bottom rails may also have a support structure provided within the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Crimp Tech Industries
    Inventor: Derek Michael Auret
  • Publication number: 20090065755
    Abstract: A barrier is formed from at least one elongate rail and at least one vertical upright member. The elongate rail includes a web and a pair of opposed side walls which extend from the web to define a rail channel. Each upright member includes an aperture formed therein. In one implementation, a pin extending from a clip is inserted into the aperture, and the upright member, with the clip, is at least partially situated within the rail channel, wherein the clip is welded to an inside surface of the rail channel. In another implementation, a pin is inserted through the aperture, and the upright member, with the pin, is at least partially situated within the rail channel, wherein opposed ends of the pin are welded to an inside surface of the opposed side walls of the rail channel. The pin and aperture form a pivot point allowing the upright member to rotate with respect to the elongate rail. In a fence implementation, this allows the barrier to be racked in order to follow undulating terrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: Fortress Iron, LP
    Inventor: Matthew Carlyle Sherstad
  • Patent number: 7500653
    Abstract: A T-post extension is disclosed for extending the effective length of an existing T-post to increase the height of a fence. The T-post extension has a plurality of engagement members that slidably engage a top portion of a T-post at opposing surfaces of the T-post to provide steadfast coupling of the T-post extension with the existing T-post. The T-post extension includes a body section generally matching the cross section of the T-post and a plurality of tines extending outward from an end of the body section. The tines are configured to slide over and engage an end of the T-post to extend the length of the T-post. The tines may be configured to engage one or more internal corners of the T-post so that existing wire running at the top of the T-post is uninterrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Galen Hartman, Kellie Hartman
  • Publication number: 20090026431
    Abstract: A picket and rail fence is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a fence including a rail including a tube having a rectangular cross section including a top, a bottom, two sides, and at least one cutout, a picket including a bar configured to fit within the at least one cutout of the rail, a retaining bar having a lengthwise rectangular shape, the retaining bar including a first substantially flat longitudinal portion, a second substantially flat longitudinal portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separated by a middle portion having a cross section forming a protrusion extending away from the first portion and the second portion, wherein the retaining bar is configured to slide within the rail such that a bottom of the retaining bar abuts one of the two sides of the rail, and wherein the picket bar includes a notch configured to receive at least a portion of the protrusion of the retaining bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Arie Tremblay, Mark Kofford, Kevin Love
  • Patent number: 7461489
    Abstract: In a system for screening off an area, a partition element substantially covers the space between two upstanding carrier elements. The partition element is catchable in the carrier elements in a temporary, unstable preparatory position. The partition element lacks the capability of remaining in the preparatory position by its own force. The partition element is further movable from the preparatory position to a fixedly locked position in the carrier elements. In a method of mounting and dismounting of a partition element on two upstanding carrier elements, the partition element is hooked in the carrier elements in the preparatory position. Thereafter, the partition element is moved to a fixedly locked position in the carrier elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Gunnebo Troax AB
    Inventor: Ronny Herbertsson
  • Patent number: 7461833
    Abstract: A picket assembly adapted for installation on a post of a barrier, such as a corner post. The picket assembly comprises at least one post picket having an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of each post picket is characterized by a rectilinear profile. The picket assembly further comprises a post closure, which is formed from a cap and a bracket. The cap is adapted to fit around the upper end of the post and is provided with recesses sized to clearingly receive the lower portion of a post picket therethrough. The recess are provided in a number equalling the number of post pickets. The bracket of the post closure extends from the lower surface of the cap can be received within the open upper end of the post. The bracket provides an attachment surface that bracingly engages the lower portion of each post picket when that post picket is received through a recess of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20080296547
    Abstract: A fence post for use in a wood fence system comprises an elongated center panel, a first side flange and a second side flange that are configured such that the fence post has a generally Z-shaped cross-section. The fence post is preferably made out of metal, such as galvanized steel or the like, with the rails and pickets being made out of wood to provide the appearance of a wood fence. The width of the center panel is approximately the same width as a standard two-by-four such that when the end of a rail is placed against the center panel one of the side flanges abut the side of the rail and the opposite side of the rail is aligned with the other side flange. In the fence system, pickets are attached to the rails. If desired, one picket is placed over a side rail to cover the fence post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel Z. Renteria
  • Patent number: 7445196
    Abstract: An injection molded plastic fence panel that includes an upper horizontal rail and a lower horizontal rail. The panel also includes multiple spaced-apart vertical members extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower horizontal rails. The vertical members each have a diamond-shaped cross-section with a front-to-back depth and a side-to-side width. The depth of the vertical members is less than the width of the vertical members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Universal Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. Cantley, Howard Sagermann, Brian David Wood, Peter Paul Heysel
  • Patent number: 7441750
    Abstract: A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball connectors to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Willard J. Harder
  • Patent number: 7438282
    Abstract: A deck and stair railing has top and bottom rails joined to upright posts and upright tubes extended between the rails. Ball knobs mounted on plates or the rails are secured with deck screws to the rails to retain the tubes in assembled relation with the rails. The ball knobs have circumferential ribs located in force fit relation with inside surfaces of the tubes. The tubes have projections that engage the ball connectors to prevent the tubes from rotating relative to the ball connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Willard J. Harder
  • Patent number: 7434789
    Abstract: A picket fence assembly is provided which includes uniquely configured pickets which facilitate fast and easy construction of a picket fence without the need for additional mechanical fasteners. In one embodiment, the picket fence includes non-circular pickets, a first horizontal member and a second horizontal member. The first and second horizontal members include openings configured to receive respective pickets. Each picket includes at least one notch positioned to align with a respective opening in one of the first and second horizontal members. The notch facilitates rotation of the picket in relation to the one horizontal member to axially secure the vertical picket to the one horizontal member. The opening in the other horizontal member is oriented to non-rotatably receive the picket member after it has been secured to the one horizontal member. A method of assembling a picket fence assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Allied Tube & Conduit Corp.
    Inventor: Scott C. Crumrine
  • Patent number: 7377489
    Abstract: A guide for aligning pickets during the building of a picket fence. The guide having a picket stand to attach to a first end of an alignment beam. The guide having a beam stand to attach to a second end of the alignment beam. A method is also disclosed to construct the picket fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Eric M. Houseman
  • Patent number: 7360754
    Abstract: An interlocking fence system is disclosed. Two spaced-apart upright posts (8, 10) attached to a grade G support a locking rail (4) with an offset locking aperture (26) and an alignment aperture (32) and further support an alignment rail (6) with an alignment aperture (40). A picket (2) has a locking slot (22) with an edge (28) of the locking aperture (26) in locking rail (4) serving as a tab to restrict axial movement when inserted therein. Alignment aperture (32) in the locking rail (4) and alignment aperture (40) in alignment rail (6) serve to restrict lateral movement of the picket (2). To support the rails (4, 6), retaining slots (24, 24?) in the locking rail (4) and retaining slots (42, 42?) in the alignment rail (6) can be retained by an edge (38, 50, 38?, 50?) in support apertures (12, 14, 16, 18) in the posts (8A, 10A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Steven L. Robbins
  • Patent number: 7347412
    Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical posts positioned at suitable distance and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. The apertures can be of any given shape including square, narrow rectangular, wide rectangular, oval, round, narrow polygonal and wide polygonal. A plurality of vertical pickets having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the shape of the apertures in the horizontal rails are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Alan Qing-Lin Zhu