Abstract: A fence construction assembly includes a slat engaging plate, preferably constructed from a single elongated board, for attachment to a fence support member, such as a fence post of a section of fence. The board is severed lengthwise to form first and second frame parts which when located adjacent to one another form the slat engaging plate. Each of the first and second frame parts has a substantially lengthwise extending slat-engaging edge formed by the severing of the single board.

Abstract: The fence system includes a trench and a collapsible screen which is mounted in the trench. A lifting device engages the top of the screen and the latter in fixed inside the trench. The lifting device is designed to raise the top of the screen to an extended position at a predetermined height, and also to lower it to a retracted position inside the trench. A closure is provided which closes the trench when the screen is collapsed in retracted position.

Abstract: A portable fence panel for use on a support surface includes a rectangular frame member having a pair of side frame portions and a top and bottom frame portion. The frame portions have an outer and inner surface defining an aperture through the frame member. The panel includes crossmembers in the frame aperture for restricting passage therethrough. One of the side frame portions has at least one first connector portion extending therefrom defining a connector surface and having at least one aperture therethrough. The panel also includes at least one second connector portion extending from the other side frame portion having a connector surface which is substantially coplanar with the connector surface of the first connector portion. The second connector portions extend in a direction opposite the first connector portion and have at least one aperture therethrough. The panel also includes supports extending from the bottom frame portion.

Abstract: A fence of the invention is made up of fence elements assembled together in sequence, each having a rigid first structure part (6) forming a vertical wall and a horizontal rigid second structure part (7) in a plane perpendicular to the base (8) of the first structure part (6). Concrete ballast elements (9) rest on the second structure part (7) to prevent tilting of the fence element and to render it self-stable. The top face (10) of the removable ballast elements (9) forms a generally flat surface on which users can move around.

Abstract: An apparatus for visually shielding a corpse from view at a crime scene includes a plurality of free-standing shroud support stands and a plurality of rectangular shroud panels of flexible, opaque sheet material. Each shroud support stand is formed with at least one upright post for supporting the shroud panels in a vertical disposition. The shroud support stands are placed at appropriate locations about the body of a deceased person at a crime or accident scene. The shroud support panels are strung from one post to the next to form a vertical, enclosing barrier that visually shields the body from view by spectators in the vicinity of the crime or accident scene. By visually shielding the body from view, police personnel are able to reduce spectator anxiety and the likelihood of emotional outbursts and disturbances among spectators while awaiting the arrival of personnel from the coroner's office.

Abstract: A wood railing assembly for use between vertical posts which may be attached to a wood deck, utilizes top and bottom rails together with a middle rail. The balusters include top, middle and bottom zones having non-circular cross-sections and the middle rail has matching openings. The top and bottom rails have grooves facing the middle rail and a lattice strip is secured to the ends of the balusters and fits within the groove on the rail and suitable fasteners produce a unitary assembly. The assembly is constructed using the middle rail as a template for positioning the balusters on top and bottom lattice strips which then fit within the grooves on the top and bottom rails.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable child's play-pen, which may be foldably collapsed onto two half-members which are pivotably coupled together along an axis and which together form a base for the play-pen, which may then be subsequently folded together to form a compact portable unit. First and second frame members, each pivotably coupled to the base along parallel but mutually opposite edges of the base, form one set of opposite side walls of the play-pen. Each of the first and second frame members are provided with a respective pair of first and second pivotable linking arms. One end of each of the first pair of linking arms is pivotably coupled to a first frame member, and similarly one end of each linking arm of the second pair of linking arms is pivotably coupled to the second frame member.

Abstract: A play enclosure apparatus includes a plurality of panels that are detachably connectable to each other at their sides to form a play enclosure. The panels may be connected to form enclosures of various shapes, and two of the panels may be connected to trap the remaining panels between the two panels for portability or storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to construction and building toys, blocks and the like for children and structurally similar construction and building materials and components for building retaining walls, support structures and lattices, trellises, and enclosed structures and other self supported units comprised of a plurality of individual, modular, high-shear panels, and more particularly, to a plurality of cross members having discrete and individual openings at various and specific locations within the cross members and a plurality of tubular or cylindrical or other cross-sectional shaped lateral members, the lateral members being set into the openings within the cross members such that, upon assembly, modular, high shear strength panels are created.

Abstract: A connecting device includes a trim body which can be readily attached to the hollow portion of the edge of the screen panel. A connecting block is attached to the end portion of the screen panel. A connecting bracket is attached to two adjacent connecting blocks. A plurality of screws can be applied to fasten the connecting bracket and the connecting block. A band cover is attached to the top of the trim body and the connecting bracket.

Abstract: A playpen frame structure comprising a rectangular top rail frame supported by four upright legs. Each side of the top rail includes a joint in its center to allow the frame to collapse. A reinforcement structure is provided on the lower ends of the supporting legs comprising reinforcement bars extending diagonally from the lower ends of the legs and pivotally connected to a central member.

Abstract: A portable utility pen having components forming both the utility pen and, when packaged, an internal skeleton to the container at the corners and sides when packaged so as to minimize crushing of the container under pressure due to vertical storage or display of a plurality of the containers. For forming the pen, the components comprise plurality of upper rails that have complimentary securing fittings and form a first essentially rectangular configuration defining a first gap when said upper rails are fitted together and a plurality of lower rails having complimentary securing fittings for forming a second essentially rectangular configuration defining a second gap spaced below said first gap when said lower rails are fitted together. The rectangular configurations are joined in a spaced apart arrangement by a plurality of upright members that have complimentary fittings with the rails at the corners thereof forming the rectangular relationships.

Abstract: An underground housing contains a netting that is retractably attached inside the housing. The netting is used to cover rubbish positioned at curbside, to keep dogs and children away from the rubbish. The netting also acts to hide the rubbish until it is picked up.

Abstract: An edging assembly to help control growth in landscaped areas comprising a plurality of slats formed of a material allowing the slats to be curved or bent along their length and further including joining means which interconnect correspondingly positioned ends of the slats in an end-to-end orientation. Anchor structures are disposed at spaced apart locations along the collective length of said plurality of slats and are so arranged in their end-to-end orientation so as to removably grip and concurrently secure the plurality of slats to the ground surface in surrounding or adjacent relationship to landscape to be protected from grass, weeds, or like agricultural growth.

Abstract: A retractable perimeter barrier for a swimming pool including a plurality of panels each vertically movably positioned in edge-to-edge orientation within a trough. The trough is generally U-sectioned open along its margin and buried in upright position within the ground or deck area adjacent a swimming pool. Each panel includes a lower buoyant section of sufficient buoyancy to uprightly support the portion of the panel which extends above the buoyant section above the ground or deck within the trough when the trough is filled with water. Each panel will automatically retract or lower into the trough when water is drained therefrom. Water is preferably drawn from and returned to the swimming pool to fill and drain the trough.

Abstract: A knock-down barrier positioned and supported about the circumference of an area or pool for preventing admittance into the area or pool. The knock-down barrier includes a plurality of barrier members, each being of singular construction in a hollow, tubular, airtight manner. The barrier members are supported within support holes positioned proximate the circumference of the area. Each barrier member can be separately removed or positioned within the support holes. The support holes are located within support posts embedded within the ground proximate the area. When the knock-down barrier is not in use, a plug is provided for each support hole so that the support holes do not have to be circumnavigated in order to avoid tripping or falling over them.

Abstract: A child safety fence for preventing unsupervised children from entering swimming pools includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially vertical supports having a flexible line extending between and slidably supported by the supports. A flexible netting is attached to the flexible line and extends between the supports to form a physical barrier. The flexible line is connected to an audible alarm signal so that weight on the netting or the flexible line causes activation of the alarm signal.

Abstract: The invention involves a novel playpen structure. The playpen looks like a conventional playpen except that it has at least one removable side portion that can be used as a security gate. The removable side (or enclosed structure) portion has both a connecting structure for connecting it to the remainder of the enclosed structure and a securing structure which is used to secure the removable side portion to a door frame when used as a security gate.

Abstract: A rope corral for training and containing animals, such as horses, having an elongated netting supported by a plurality of independently secured pole members and having a rope member circumscribing the median thereof to define a resilient enclosure therewith having a gateway disposed therewithin.

Abstract: A playpen canopy for a playpen having elongated supporting members. The canopy includes a framework having elongated rods which extend generally alongside of the supporting members of the playpen, horizontal rods which are connected to the elongated rods, a sheet of flexible material which is attached to the horizontal rods for forming a roof for the playpen canopy and a plurality of connecting elements for releasably connecting the elongated rods of the canopy to the elongated supporting members of the playpen.

Abstract: A moldable edge connecting apparatus is disclosed that can optionally be employed as a hinge. It is suitable for use as fencing and is particularly applicable to removable fencing. It employs integrally molded connecting fingers that are designed without deep slots, lips thereover, or fully circumscribed openings to economize on mold manufacturing cost and the expense and difficulty of operating the mold, rendering the invention appropriate to very low cost items. The entire structure is substantially coplanar with segments to be connected, even when used as a hinge, and utilizes half-round grooves that are substantially no deeper than the radius of the groove.

Abstract: An ice rink dasher board system having an adjustable shock absorbing mechanism for providing a desire degree of resiliency of the dasher board panels is disclosed. The dasher board system may also have a rink seal gasket located between the dasher board frame and the dasher board panels, the gasket extending beneath the system to permit installation of the system even or uneven surfaces. The dasher board system may also include a door having a push-button latch that can be actuated from either side of the door.

Abstract: An ice rink dasher board system having an adjustable shock absorbing mechanism for providing a desire degree of resiliency of the dasher board panels is disclosed. The dasher board system may also have a rink seal gasket located between the dasher board frame and the dasher board panels, the gasket extending beneath the system to permit installation of the system even on uneven surfaces. The dasher board system may also include a door having a push-button latch that can be actuated from either side of the door.

Abstract: A coupling set for interlocking objects. The set comprises first and second oupling elements each having an integral stud by which it is anchored in one of two objects to be interlocked. The first locking member has a swingable latch comprising a notch and a spring member. In the locking position the notch of latch engages the stud of the second locking member and the spring member snaps into a cavity in the head portion of the second locking member.

Abstract: A relocatable grazing enclosure suitable for grazing farm animals such as dairy calves or kids. The enclosure comprises a plurality of wall units each of which includes at least one leg member. The enclosure also comprises a plurality of base units, each base unit including at least one recess for receiving a leg member of a wall unit. The wall units are arranged to form the enclosure.

Abstract: The protective barrier comprises a sheet of netting substantially following the ground transverse to the slope and held spread out upright by posts. The posts are held by upstream and downstream stays on a guide in the direction of the slope, the guide being formed by a loop of cable stretched between two pulleys anchored in the ground and having a bearing strand to which the stays and the post are attached. A mooring cable upstream of the netting retains the attachment place of the upstream stay on the bearing strand. The cable is equipped with shock-absorbing means adapted to allow a length of reserve cable to run when subjected to strong tension. The impact of blocks of stones causes the posts to fall back on either side of the place of impact, the motion being slowed down by the shock-absorbing means. The sheet of netting remains stretched and the posts do not bend.

Abstract: A multiple panel unit for creating a play area for young children in which each panel has a rigid rectangular frame and is connected to an adjacent panel by a hinge structure at the top and bottom of the panels permitting the panels to be pivoted with respect to each other at the hinge. The top of a first of two adjacent panels and the corresponding end of the hinge structure are formed for releasably retaining the end of the hinge and the bottom of the second of the adjacent panels and the corresponding end of the bottom hinge structure are formed with a pin and a mating recess that are matable in a direction parallel to the hinge pivot axis.

Abstract: A padded safety hinge construction for use in infant playyards and the like wherein the fasteners which hold the padding of the hinge in place also function as the pivot pins about which the playyard legs pivot. The inwardly protruding extremities of the hinge mechanism and the connecting fasteners are completely covered with padding so that an infant within the interior of the playyard enclosure is safeguarded from contacting any part of the mechanical structure. Should the infant fall against the hinge assembly it will only contact the smooth, padded covering which fully encapsulates the hinge mechanism.

Abstract: An adjustable enclosure is provided for young children including a plurality of inner panels and a pair of end panels formed of tubes connected in a rectangular shape with a section of mesh material extending therebetween. The panels are connected in pivotal relation by hinge means designed to articulate approximately 300.degree. allowing the panels to be folded together compactly for easy transport, an also to resist pivotal motion to a degree whereby young children cannot readily pivot one panel relative to another.

Abstract: A universal perimeter fence (16) for an above-ground pool. The perimeter fence consists of a plurality of three different assemblies which are fence post assemblies (18), rail assemblies (20) and mounting assemblies which include bottom post connectors (22) and top post connectors (24). The angles of the posts can be varied relative to the pools to accommodate for differing overhangs of top rails (14) and the rail assemblies are field cut the accommodate for differing spacings between the pool wall supports (12) as well as differing angles. Each of the post assemblies (18) include rail connectors (30) which have outwardly extending tubular portions (36), the inner and outer faces (80,76) being at differing angles to provide for differing diameter pools.

Abstract: A shopping cart corral kit having modular components for assembling and disassembling the modular components in the parking area of a business establishment providing shopping carts for its customers. The corral kit modular components can be assembled with conventional fasteners without welding and without exposing sharp edges. The modular components are small enough in size to be shipped in a carton unassembled to permit the business establishment's personnel to assemble the component parts. The major modular components are constructed of galvanized tubing or pipe that may be provided with a colored plastic coating to prevent rust.

Abstract: A plurality of panels which are rotatably coupled to each other by sleeves are used to form a portable folding corral for enclosing animals such as horses. The panels may be folded and mounted on a trailer. As a result, the portable folding corral may be easily transported to any site. Each panel has both horizontal and vertical members. Supporting legs slidably fit inside the vertical members and extend below the vertical members to furnish support for the panels. The supporting legs are locked in place by pins which pass through apertures in the legs and vertical members. The corral is rotatably coupled to a vertical support pipe which is fastened to the trailer. After the panels are folded they are placed on top of a horizontal support plate fastened to the trailer. Belts may be used to secure the folded panels to the trailer. A winch or other lifting means may be used to remove the corral from the trailer. In addition, wheels may be used instead of supporting legs.

Abstract: A post and panel barrier system employs posts which are contoured to provide a constant maximum bending stress for anticipated wind pressure distributions. Posts and associated panel assemblies permit adjacent panels to meet at angles ranging from 0.degree. to 360.degree.. Panel assemblies used in the barrier system may be folded so that thermal movement and spacing tolerances are automatically compensated. Posts and panels may be decoupled to allow relative vertical displacements.

Abstract: A foldable baby crib or playpen comprises two pairs of legs pivotally connected to each other by a pair of stirrups and two pairs of lower frame members pivotally connected to each other near a center of the crib or playpen. A pair of planar supports are connected to the pair of lower frame members so that the crib or playpen can be moved from an extended open position to a folded closed position with the pairs of legs extending substantially parallel to each other. Two pairs of rods are pivotally connected to opposite ends of the stirrups and extend outwardly from the stirrups. A pair of U-shaped elements have ends that are telescopically engaged with the two pairs of rods. The rods and U-shaped elements are connected by a train of tie rods and levers so that the rods are movable from an extended open position to a folded closed position lying substantially parallel to the two pairs of legs with the tie rod and the lever chain retracting the telescopically engaged U-shaped elements into the rods.

Abstract: The play pen of the invention has a body including a peripheric frame formed of parallel side-members and extending between corner posts (4), each side-member including a rigid core which is covered by a flexible plastic tube extending beyond the core ends and fixed (at 9) to posts (4) in order to ensure a flexible connection between the latters and the various side-members. Each post advantageously includes a pair of damping elements (12) and (13) the floor (5) being floatingly fitted on the lower damping element 13.

Abstract: An improved, low cost fence panel construction having a variety of uses such as in the erection of dog kennels or the like is provided which can be easily and quickly assembled by unskilled workmen or the home handyman, and which yields a sturdy, structurally sound fence panel. Broadly speaking, the panel construction hereof includes elongated top and bottom rails, along with a pair of upright side rails; the end margins of the rails are configured for telescopic interfitting thereof so as to present an interconnected, continuous panel perimeter. A section of fencing fabric of appropriate dimensions is secured to the perimeter-defining rails, in order to complete the overall panel and to subject the telescopically interfitted rail members to forces tending to pull the same together. In this fashion the completed panel is structurally self-sustaining and rigidified.

Abstract: A hay enclosure includes two end sections and two sections along each side. Diagonally opposite side sections are equal in length, although the two sections on each side have different lengths. The enclosure is pivotally movable to a second position wherein two triangular-in-shape enclosures are formed having an area smaller than the rectangular enclosure area. A circular enclosure includes four arcuate sections which may be collapsed about a bale of hay into two pillow-shaped enclosures. Adjacent sections are pivotally interconnected by vertically spaced apart hinges, with the upper hinge including a downwardly extending pin received in a sleeve, and the lower hinge including a pair of abutting vertically aligned sleeves in which a movable pin is received.A horse hay feeder section includes inverted spaced apart U-shaped spacers providing horse head feeding stations therebetween and being open at the top whereby a horse may raise its head and turn it away over one of the adjacent spacers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pool fence construction comprising at least one fence section having attachment means associated or integral with each end thereof, said fence section further adapted to be connected directly or indirectly to an upper periphery of a pool, wherein said upper periphery is above the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible trash bag enclosure is formed from a plastic sheet set to have a rolled up configuration and unwindable to enclose and grip trash bags within it. A tubular section at one end slips over a rod driven into the ground to fix the enclosure to the ground. Slots in the sheet reduce wind resistance and allow the insertion of clips to clip together overlapping portions of the sheet.

Abstract: The fence construction comprises any number of panels which include upper and lower angle members having vertical and horizontal flanges. A plurality of vertical rod members having straight shank portions and angled end portions are secured to the angle members by welding the angled end portions of the rod members to the vertical flanges and the shank portions to the edges of the horizontal flanges. Further included in the fence construction is any number of panel extenders which are releasably fastened to the ends of the panels, each extender comprising upper and lower strip members composed of horizontal portions and oblique portions twisted with respect to the horizontal portions, the oblique portions having threaded holes so that bolts can be threadedly carried therein and the free ends of the bolts bear against the upper and lower angle members to hold the extender in place.

Abstract: A portable corral is disclosed particularly adapted for confining and directing the movement of livestock. The corral comprises two major sections--a self-supporting section and a wheeled section capable of holding and transporting the self-supporting section. Foldable side members are incorporated for interconnecting the two major sections. The trailering section incorporates a pull-tongue hingedly attached to the trailering section and capable of being disassembly whereby it can be connected into a Y-shape for pulling the trailer and disconnected and hingedly rotated away from the cattle during deployment.

Abstract: A cart storage area for installation in parking lots, or the like, including upstanding rail guard elements and upwardly projecting framed notice means within which shopping carts may be directed and stored for recovery while being protected in said storage area from damage by vehicles using the lot.

Abstract: A collapsable frame for children's furniture, of the type which is formed of a rectangular enclosure with four independent side members. The side members are fixed together but detachable from each other and a base. In application to a playpen, the base is made up of two co-planar sections which on their two opposing edges have tongues on each in the continuous plane for support and abutt against their respective lower side beams of the two opposite side members. The lower side beams of the other two side members carry the support of the corresponding edges of the base panels, which edges abutt against the bars of the side members, thus providing rigidity of the entire frame.

Abstract: A foldable playpen formed by rigid panels, each panel comprising two horizontal bars connected by vertical bars. Adjacent panels are joined to each other by flexible deformable elements which are attached to the ends of the horizontal bars. The panels are each locked in position to form a rigid structure by means of cross members which are inserted between vertical bars of adjacent panels so as to span the angle formed between the adjacent panels.

Abstract: A fence for feed lots or the like having prefabricated fence panels mounted on vertical fence post. The fence is completely portable and can be quickly constructed, torn down, moved, or added to depending on the changing conditions of enclosing animals of various sizes and numbers.

Abstract: A kit for fencing a small area comprises a predetermined length of flexible fencing material having a total length which is less than the perimeter of the area by a small amount as measured by the permissive stretch of the fencing. A plurality of fence posts are secured to the fencing with distances therebetween of a predetermined amount and a plurality of ground engaging members are adapted to enter the ground to have the posts secured thereto, each of the ground engaging members being spaced from each other by a modular distance which is greater than the distance between the posts secured to the fencing. A closing post is provided with structure for driving the ground engaging members into the ground seriatim, and it is located after placing the ground engaging members.