Abstract: A balcony and a shield including first and second shielding sections. The sections define corresponding first and second shielding screens. The shield includes a mounting rod defining a rod attachment section and a rod spacing section. The rod attachment section is sized so as to extend from the footrail to the handrail of the balcony banister. The rod spacing section extends from the rod attachment section and is adapted to extend upwardly away from the handrail. A securement component secures the rod attachment section to both the handrail and the footrail. A linking component securely links the first shielding section to the rod spacing section above the second shielding section.

Abstract: Construction substrates that have one or more coatings are disclosed, which can be used to construct fence systems. In one embodiment the coating is an adhesive mixture that is magnetically induced to attract a magnetic template. The template that is magnetic or magnetically attracted, that is applied to a construction substrate, is used to create a pattern when a subsequent coating is applied to the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

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 open channels facing toward a vertical direction and with the fence planks extending vertically between the rails and into the channels. The planks preferably include resilient protrusions at their upper ends. The protrusions of the planks are designed to fit into internal passages formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail, into engagement with ledges defining the passages, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail. The fence rails can also be used in a different way and in a different position, in which the open channels face toward a horizontal direction, with an elongate cap coupled to the rail to cover the open channel. Plank members are coupled to the cap such that the cap resides between the plank members and the rail.

Abstract: A fence according to the invention is erected by successively joining panels along the fence line. Each panel includes a panel wall (113) with side post members (110, 111) and upper and lower rails (112). One of the post members (110) of each panel is formed to receive a picket (116) which may be driven into the ground or otherwise supported, while the other side posts (111) are fixed to the side posts (110) of the adjoining panel.

Abstract: A structural glass panel railing includes glass panels supported on a floor by a base assembly including a railing support assembly. the railing support assembly includes a shoe fastened t the floor, a base member locked to the shoe by a cam lock lever and a wedge member having a pocket receiving the panel. The wedge member is received in a channel of the base member and is held by a wedge action. A handrail assembly includes a handrail wedge member receiving the top edge of the panel. The handrail wedge member is received in a channel in a rail.

Abstract: A fence panel comprised of sections which can be simply attached together without the need for any separate fasteners, connectors or the like. The fence panel has a reversible rail and tear out strips.

Abstract: A stable portable handrail system able to withstand significant weight and stress through sound securement of surface-engaging components thereof. The system first includes a plurality of spaced-apart vertical members each having at a base a pivoting vacuum cup assembly for vacuum engagement with a substantially horizontal surface upon which the handrail system is to be accommodated. At least one horizontal member is connected to each vertical member, and at least one brace member extends in outrigger fashion to the horizontal surface at an angle with respect to the vertical members. The base of the brace member likewise is a pivoting vacuum cup assembly for vacuum engagement with the horizontal surface. Preferably, all vacuum cup assemblies include respective valves for external application of a vacuum source for stable system vacuum securement throughout the term of use of the handrail system.

Abstract: A fence unit extending between vertical posts in formed using extruded plastic top, middle and bottom rails resting on hangers attached to the posts. Each of the rails as parallel side walls as well as top and bottom walls and a pair of internal wall portions extending between the side wall portions. A reinforced member in the form of a channel extends through each of the rails between the internal wall portions. The bottom rail has the top all cut away to form a groove while the top rail has the bottom wall cut away to form a groove and the middle rail has both the top and bottom rails cut away in a similar manner. The assembly then includes boards or panels adapted to fit between the top and middle rails and the middle bottom rails and extending into the grooves to abut the adjacent internal wall portions and screw fasteners extend into the rail portions to hold the assembly together as a unit.

Abstract: A freestanding wall is constructed by erecting at least two upright supports. The upright supports are either posts or columns. Upper and lower horizontal structure members are fastened to the upright supports. Vertical intermediate framing members are secured between the upper horizontal structure member and the lower horizontal structure member. Cladding is attached to at least the front and optionally the back of each vertical intermediate framing member to conceal each vertical intermediate framing member. The upper horizontal structure member is then covered with a cap.

Abstract: A moveable gate for infants or dogs is used in doorways, hallways, stair landings and other household positions to provide a safe barrier for the child or dog. The gate, formed of a flexible material which pulls out of a housing in the manner of a window shade, has a jamb mounting at the housing end and a latch at the extended end of the curtain-like barrier. Both are releasable from a fixture which attaches to the door jamb, wall or stair rail post, so that the infant gate can be quickly released and moved to another location in the house where additional such jamb mountings are attached or to another house which has similar door jamb pieces installed. Important features are the manner in which the gate latches, a mechanism for tightening the curtain-like barrier into a nearly solid gate after it has been latched, and childproof devices for releasing tension in the gate when it is to be retracted.

Abstract: A double-tape pedestrian traffic control device including a hollow, one piece post having an open upper end, and at least one slot in the post about midway between its ends. A first cassette is mounted on the upper end of the post and a second cassette is located within the post at the level of the slot. Each cassette contains a tape wound on a spool, the spool being spring-biased to rotate in a direction which winds the tape on to the spool. The tape of each cassette is extendable from that cassette in a direction generally perpendicular to the vertical axis of the post, the tape of the second cassette extending through the slot in the post. The diameter of the second cassette, along its entire axial length, is smaller than the internal diameter of the post, so that the second cassette can be inserted into the open upper end of the post and moved to its location between the ends of the post.

Abstract: A durable, low-maintenance and easy to install fence incorporating a combination of materials that includes at least two posts, a casement structure maintained between the two posts, a lattice structure supported within the casement structure, and a shield structure supported within the casement structure. The posts and casement structure are made of weather treated wood and the lattice and shield structures are made of a synthetic material such as vinyl. Both the lattice and shield structures are supported within the casement structure by a plurality of wood supports.

Abstract: A fence panel comprising of sections which can be simply attached together without the need for any separate fasteners, concrete and the like.

Abstract: A hybrid fence system includes partial post and rail wrap components and a plurality of uprights, all formed of durable resilient plastic material. The wrap components partially cover existing wood rails and posts. The plastic uprights takes the place of conventional wood uprights, e.g., tongue and groove boards. Three of the four sides of the wood posts are completely covered by the partial post wraps. One face of the posts will remain exposed along a gap of the wrap component, thus allowing the rails to be secured directly to the wood post. The rail wraps are wrapped around the rails in a fashion similar to the post wraps, such that a gap is formed between free longitudinal edges of the wrap, leaving a corresponding area of exposed wood on each rail which allows for attachment of the uprights directly to the rails. The uprights have a generally tubular configuration including opposed longitudinal edges forming a tongue and a groove, respectively. The tongue includes a fastening tab.

Abstract: A structural glass panel railing includes glass panels supported on a floor by a base assembly including a railing support assembly. The railing support assembly includes a shoe fastened to the floor, a base member locked to the shoe by a cam lock lever and a channel member having a pocket receiving the panel. The base member may be attached directly to the floor. The channel member is received in a groove of the base member and is held by a wedge system. The wedge system can be formed by mating tapers on the channel member and the groove or by a wedge member inserted into the groove. A handrail assembly includes a handrail channel member receiving the top edge of the panel. The handrail channel member is received in a groove in a handrail.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for creating an angle adjustable retaining wall or fencing system which allows an installer to create a retaining wall, bin, fence, or related structure which may be placed with continuous angles between wall sections. The apparatus comprises one or more posts each having a special formed primary slot and one or more planks each having specialty sliding pins mounted within holes on the ends of the planks. The ends of the planks with the slidable pins fit within and are secured by the primary slots and are able to angularly move internally and externally to the primary slot while maintaining structural integrity in all axis. The plank movement allows for angles between wall sections which are not exactly 90 or 180 degrees.

Abstract: A section rod is a component of a protective fence and serves for fastening a protective screen. A U-shaped receptacle, where the protective screen can be secured, is provided in the section rod. For this purpose, the receptacle has an internal width that is at least in part somewhat less than a thickness of the protective screen. An increased securing action can be achieved through additional sawtooth-shaped elevations. The section rod allows the protective screen to be mounted in a simple and reliable manner without additional fastening or securing parts.

Abstract: A prefabricated fence post assembly comprising a slotted fence post which slideably receives an adjoining prefabricated modular panel, picket fence, lattice or ornamental section for the construction of fences, walls and other structures incorporating panels.

Abstract: A metal fence post for use with a wooden fence. The fence post has a U-shaped center section positioned between two flanges, and each of the flanges includes a plurality of holes extending along an edge. The fence post can be used as a line post, corner post or end post. In one form, the thickness of the sides of the U-shaped center section is about the same as the thickness of the wooden fence rails so that the fence posts are positioned in-line with the fence rails. The fence posts allow the fence boards to be attached to either or both sides of the rails. In another form, the center section has very closely spaced, but longer legs. That provides increased strength allowing thinner gauge material.

Abstract: A fence system has fence posts, or attachments to fence posts, which have slots that hold a plurality of horizontal fence elements without the aid of screws or nails. A plurality of the horizontal fence elements are placed in individual slots, one above the other to form the fence between posts. The slots are positioned along the posts so that the horizontal fence elements overlap preventing one from looking through the fence between horizontal elements. The horizontal fence elements may be slightly incline to permit air to circulate through the fence.

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 crowd control barrier including a frame and a base rotatably mounted to the frame and lockable in at least a first position and a second position. The crowd control barrier also includes a pin for securing the base to the frame, the pin being in a first locked position when the base and the frame are locked in the first position, the pin then being rotated into a second locked position so that the base can rotate to the second position, and the pin then being rotated again back to the first locked position when the base and the frame are locked in the second position.

Abstract: A column and panel concrete fence includes two or more columns, each of which comprises two portions which are separated from one another along one or more planes that are essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the column. The columns are placed upon footings, as also are the ends of concrete panels which run between successive columns. Preferably, the panels are composed of two or more panel units which are mirror images of one another.

Abstract: A fabric fence system and method of manufacturing the fabric fence system is disclosed. The fence system has posts that are laterally spaced from one another with a fence fabric position between the posts. The fence fabric has end protrusions that are inserted into the sides of the fence posts and held in place by a rod inserted into the hollow inner portion of the post such that the rod engages the protrusions of the fence fabric. The slots that accommodate the fence fabric are set at an angle relative the length of the post. The fence system also includes top and bottom cross members into which the top and bottom portion of the fence fabric are inserted and attached to provide a panelized fence system.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved metal fence post for use with a wooden fence. The fence post has a U-shaped center section positioned between two flanges, and each of the flanges includes a plurality of holes extending along an edge. The fence post can be used as a line post, corner post or end post. Preferably, the thickness of the sides of the U-shaped center section is about the same as the thickness of the wooden fence rails so that the fence posts are positioned in-line with the fence rails. Advantageously, the fence posts allow the fence boards to be attached to either or both sides of the rails.

Abstract: A semi-automatic shielding panel removal and installation system for supportless dasher board systems. A U-channel runs along the length of a dasher board for holding in place (by cam means) a shielding panel. The U-channel is divided into two portions; a fixed portion is mounted to the frame of the dasher board, and a movable portion is able to be lifted off of a stringer by an actuator device. During normal use of the dasher board system (i.e. during a hockey game), the cam means holds the shielding panel snugly within the U-channel portions. When it is desired to remove the panel, a motor-driven lifting device is pivotably attached to the movable portion of the U-channel and actuated. The movable portion of the U-channel is lifted vertically, thus lifting the panel out of and away from the fixed portion of the U-channel. When the top portion of the dasher board has been cleared, the U-channel is rotated by 90 degrees so the panel may be slid out and loaded onto a skid or other storage means.

Abstract: A relatively simple, inexpensive fence can be constructed using mostly off-the-shelf building supplies. The fence includes a plurality of posts defined by wooden posts encased in sections of vinyl eaves trough, a frame constructed of galvanized track and stud elements normally used in the roughing in of interior office walls, J-strips on each end of the frame abutting the posts, and vertical panels formed of vinyl siding connected to each other and to the frame between the posts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a wire mesh security enclosure. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a plurality of unstacked, vertically oriented rectangular mesh panels coupled together to form a mesh wall. The mesh wall is anchored along a periphery defining the area to be protected. The mesh enclosure is reinforced by a plurality of independently positioned support posts offset from the interior of the mesh wall. The support posts are anchored to the floor interior of the mesh wall and are respectively coupled to the interior side of the mesh wall. The design of the security enclosure provides increased flexibility regarding the placement of the anchor posts and permits one-person assembly.

Abstract: A movable pole system supporting divider material such as fencing, netting, or rope divider between a plurality of laterally spaced vertical poles orientated in a predetermined ground pattern. Each pole contains one or more connectors secured to the exterior surface of the pole for supporting the mesh material. Each connector includes a quick connect and disconnect mechanism comprising at least three outwardly extending elbows each with a vertically disposed arm. The upwardly extending vertical arms are in cooperative combination with the downwardly depending vertical arms to facilitate connection and disconnection of the fencing, provided the exterior vertical arms are opposed in direction to the intervening interior vertical arm.

Abstract: A traffic management system is provided including a primary dispensing post and a banner having an inboard coupled to the primary dispensing post to be dispensed and retracted by way of a crank. The banner has traffic managing indicia positioned thereon. Further, a terminal post is connected to an outboard edge of the banner for maintaining the same upright.

Abstract: A wave barrier for protecting users and their possessions at a beach location close to the water from becoming wet from waves crashing into their location. The wave barrier includes a flexible wall sheet with a plurality of spaced apart elongate poles coupled thereto. The lower ends of the poles are downwardly extended from a bottom edge of the wall sheet. The proximal edge of a ground sheet is coupled to the wall sheet along the bottom edge of the wall sheet.

Abstract: A fence is disclosed where the pickets are mounted on longitudinal pivots so that the pickets may be rotated to present the broad face, narrow face, or any angle between to the zone in front of the fence. Adjustment allows the setting of the opening for light and air passage or changing color or decoration by having different colors or scenes on the opposite sides. The fence is easily dismantled in all or part for repair, painting, or moving to another location. Wind rotated pickets are also described.

Abstract: Fence planks mounted on a supporting existing chain link fence. Each plank two or more rear spaced tapered mounting blocks with predrilled center holes. After inserting the tapered portion of the mounting block into the space between links, the simulated wood planks are placed on the opposite or outside of the supporting chain link fence. Holes are then drilled through the mounting blocks into the in-place plank until visible from the plank's exposed outer front surface. Next, a screw is screwed through the plank's exposed hole into the mount block to hold the plank to the chain link support fence. Planks are held to existing fence poles by drilling and then screwing them directly into the pole without rear mounting blocks. An enlarged rear tapered mounting block portion engages the fence's links to retain the planks to the chain link fence. The plank's may be made of wood or a molded plastic material which simulates the appearance of wooden plank's in grain, shape and color.

Abstract: Offset racing rail arrangements (16) of the fixed and relocatable variety are made safer by fitment of a cover designed to prevent riders from falling between and sometimes onto the poles which support the racing rail. A cover (22) is provided which is releasably attachable to a receptacle portion of the rail which is also resiliently spaced by a support means from the posts (10) which support the rail. The cover (22) is one embodiment comprises sheet material (24) bent (30, 32, 34, 36 and 38) underneath itself in such a manner as to provide a resilient self supporting spacing from each posts (10). The cover (22) is also in the embodiment provided with an edge portion (26) adapted to releasbly attach to a receptacle portion (56) of the rail without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a structural laminate for use as a dasher board comprising a first layer of fiberglass, a layer of rigid foam made of polyvinylchloride, a first bonding layer operatively arranged to bond with the first fiberglass layer and the foam layer, a second layer of fiberglass, and a second bonding layer operatively arranged to bond with the second fiberglass layer and the foam layer. The invention is also directed to a method of making the structural laminate, comprising the steps of bonding a first layer of fiberglass to a foam layer; bonding a second layer of fiberglass to the foam layer; and sealing the bonded layers of fiberglass and foam.

Abstract: An edging system for use in landscaping is provided. The edging system consists of a number of modular elements, each of which has a hollow body with two side walls, a base, a first end wall, and a second end wall. The base of the body is substantially planar for resting on a landscape. An integral male connector is attached to the first end wall of the body. The integral male connector includes an anchor portion extending below the base of the body to facilitate insertion and anchoring in the landscape. An integral female connector is attached to the second end wall of the body. The integral female connector is adapted to receive the integral male connector of another contiguous modular element.

Abstract: A dasher board system for providing a surrounding barrier for the playing surface of a hockey rink. The dasher board system includes lower dasher board sections and extended continuous transparent upper shielding elements. The lower dasher board sections are formed by pultrusion. This gives the dasher board sections a high concentration of fiberglass and a high strength-to-weight ratio. This enables the sections to be made in longer lengths and reduces assembly time. The dasher board sections include horizontal ribs formed therein during the pultrusion process. A mounting system includes supports that are mounted to the horizontal ribs to stabilize the dasher board sections. Curved dasher board sections are formed by cutting the horizontal ribs and flexing the dasher board sections in the regions of the cuts. The transparent upper shielding is formed from by unrolling an elongated length of relatively thin polycarbonate material.

Abstract: A portable barrier apparatus is disclosed in this specification defining a multi-sectioned barrier for protection against wind and sand in various outdoor environments. Additionally the barrier may assembled and used as a child or pet restraint enclosure, a privacy barrier, or a temporary personal effect storage site. The apparatus includes a connected plurality of flexible barrier panel members which may be supported in an upright manner with a plurality of pole members. The apparatus further includes a protective panel member which generally covers the barrier panel members in an undeployed configuration. The invention provides a compact transport-configured package for user carrying of the barrier.

Abstract: A portable structure is provided including a plurality of wall sections each having a front face, a rear face, and a periphery formed therebetween. The periphery is defined by a horizontally oriented linear top and bottom edge and a pair of vertically oriented linear side edges. Each top edge has an elongated slot formed therein along an entire length thereof and in communication with the side edges. Further included is a plurality of interconnects adapted to be removably situated within the slots of adjacent wall sections to maintain the lateral relationship thereof. The interconnects include planar interconnects and angled interconnects.

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 at their upper ends. The protrusions of the planks are designed to fit into internal passages formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail, into engagement with ledges defining the passages, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail.

Abstract: A keyed decking system for supporting a handrail on a deck surface and a method of making same. Keyed rail and end support posts are easily constructed by adding a modified mortise and tenon joint to currently available rail and end posts. The use of this joint not only increases the strength of a handrail built therewith, but also increases the speed of building the handrail as well. In addition, by increasing the overall strength of the handrail, aesthetic considerations can be given more freedom thereby resulting in a wider range of deck and handrail designs. The slots used to make the modified mortise and tenon joint are sized to accept 5/4".times.6" standard decking material used as rails. Keyed rail posts are used at the corners and in place of some of the balusters at locations no greater than three feet apart. Keyed end or gate posts are used wherever a gap in the handrail occurs (at gate locations or ends of the handrail).

Abstract: A railing assembly is provided where the upper railing and the lower railing are interconnected with suitable cross-bars or plates and siding strips are snapped-on and locked on the sides of the railings to cover the opening and/or the ledge in the upper and lower railings and generally to strengthen and enhance the appearance of the railing assembly. Kits are also included within the scope of this invention for installing such railing assembly in conjunction with porches, stairways and the like.

Abstract: A high security fence and post assembly including a T-section post for installation in the ground and having an elongated, upwardly extending first plate portion defining a front surface and a rear surface and an elongated second plate portion projecting transversely from a longitudinally extending section of the rear surface.

Abstract: A portable wall board system is provided for enclosing a playing area such as a roller hockey rink. The wall board system includes panels and supports having corresponding keys and keyways that interlock to form a continuous inner wall for the playing surface. The system further includes doors that interlock with the supports at desired locations. The supports are hollow in order to receive a ballast material such as water. The invention also provides a method for enclosing a playing area using the above elements.

Abstract: A flexible dasher board assembly and system that utilizes four different aspects for providing shock absorbing features in order to absorb any of four different types of forces imparted thereon by players. In a first aspect, the entire dasher board assembly is provided with rotational flexibility such that the entire dasher board assembly will pivot about a point substantially near the bottom of the dasher board and close to the ice. In a second aspect, the entire dasher board system is provided with translational flexibility, such that the entire dasher board assembly can be pushed substantially parallel with and away from the ice. In a third aspect, only the shielding panel is provided with rotational flexibility such that the shielding panel (and its support struts in a supported assembly) will pivot about a point within the dasher board.

Abstract: A fencing system including a plurality of vertical support members for supporting a plurality of elongate support members so as to create a physical barrier. A plurality of elongate conductors are attached to the elongate support members and positioned so that the elongate conductors attached to each elongate support member run parallel to the elongate support members. A power supply is connected to the elongate conductors so that an electrical potential is created.

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 at their upper ends. The protrusions of the planks are designed to fit into internal passages formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail, into engagement with ledges defining the passages, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail.

Abstract: A fence erected on a supporting surface, and a method for erecting the fence. At least two adjacent fence posts are firmly and vertically mounted on a supporting surface such as the ground. Several blocks are fastened to each of the fence posts at predetermined heights. A fence panel is used to connect the fence posts to one another and in so doing erect the fence. The fence panel includes at least two horizontal runners and several vertical poles fastened to the horizontal runners. Notches are formed in each end of the horizontal runners, and the blocks are inserted in the notches, so that the fence panel is supported by the blocks and connects the fence posts to one another, thus erecting the fence.

Abstract: A light-weight animal enclosure formed from a plurality of preferably rectangular panels hingedly interconnected that can be erected to form a complete enclosure wherein each panel is formed from a tubular polymeric frame structure that receives and holds in position a relatively light-weight polymeric sheet material, such as an acrylic sheet, such that each panel can be collapsed upon an adjacent panel for easy transportation and storage and the panels can be unfolded and positioned to encompass an enclosed area for animal exercise and/or grazing.

Abstract: A connector for connecting panels surrounding an enclosure for cattle or horses allows one person working alone to connect adjacent panels. The connector comprises a U-shaped portion having a down-turned leg on one end and an up-turned leg on another end. The down-turned leg is pivotally connected to a post of a first panel. A post of a second panel is moved adjacent the post of the first panel. The U-shaped portion is then pivoted around the post of the second panel. A slidable sleeve, which is slidably engaged to the first post, is lowered to slidably engage the up-turned leg of the U-shaped portion, thereby connecting the adjacent panels.