Rail Patents (Class 256/59)
  • Patent number: 7730677
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a glass barrier system including at least one post adapted to support at least one piece of glass above a base structure, such as a concrete slab or a masonry wall. The post is connected with a support member extending from the base structure. In one embodiment, aluminum posts are supported by steel members embedded into and extending from concrete so as to suspend the aluminum posts above the concrete. Some embodiments of the present invention also utilize a glazing bead to help hold the glass in place with respect to the posts. The glass barrier system can also include a rail connected with the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Hansen Architectural Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Tracy C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7690629
    Abstract: A modular rail and post fence system. The fence system includes a plurality of rail assemblies with each rail assembly formed from a pair of panels. Each panel has a pair of sidewalls joined together at an angle to form an angled edge wherein the pair of panels are joined together to form a rail assembly. A plurality of elongated posts are also provided. Each elongated post has at least one longitudinal recess with a pair of opposed protrusions extending into the longitudinal recess. At least one pair of notches in the pair of opposed protrusions is provided whereby the angled edges of each rail assembly are received in one pair of notches of the elongated posts. The entire system may be fabricated, assembled, and installed without fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Briggs Rainbow Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Benton Briggs, Dean Barkley Briggs
  • Publication number: 20100064956
    Abstract: Arrangements including pressing arrangements of dies are provided as well as processes for pressing a contour into tubular material. Handrails and docks having a handrail thereon are provided. Processes for disembarking/embarking between a floating vessel and a dock are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Marty Long, Dawnmarie Long
  • 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: 7673853
    Abstract: A railing section is capable of being adapted for varying conditions of use. The railing section includes first and second support rails. The first support rail has a longitudinal void. A plurality of movable fence members are perpendicularly disposed between the first and second support rails. A drive mechanism is disposed in the longitudinal void of the first support rail and coupled to the plurality of movable fence members. Operation of the drive mechanism causes simultaneous rotation of the movable fence members along longitudinal axes of the respective movable fence members through an angle 360 degrees or more. Two or more railing sections may be coupled together by a member that couples the respective drive mechanisms of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventor: Cordell Eldred Ebeling
  • Publication number: 20100032633
    Abstract: A handrail or a swing gate for fall restraint equipment comprising an outer rail constructed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal, a midrail constructed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal, and a toeboard constructed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, where the outer rail is constructed to receive portions of the midrail and toeboard for an integral construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: SAFERACK, LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Honeycutt
  • Publication number: 20100032634
    Abstract: Covers for the guide railings in ballparks, stadiums, arenas and other public gathering places are formed from a durable sheet material having a length approximately the same as that of a section of guide railing and a width somewhat less than twice the height of the railing. The cover is draped over the railing for covering both sides of the railing and for providing substantially increased space in ballparks, stadiums and arenas for the display of decorative, informational and/or advertising materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Breck N. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100031455
    Abstract: Uprights and lateral or connecting posts to be used in conjunction with a gangway or other fall restraint equipment where the uprights and posts are created by cutting portions of integral, continuous pieces of tubular metal rather than welding smaller pieces of stock material together. Sidepost assemblies or handrails are created by connecting the uprights and posts together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Robert W. Honeycutt, Thomas A. Mefferd
  • Publication number: 20100025648
    Abstract: A pre-manufactured fence system is constructed of horizontal rails, posts that form a fence “field surface or area” and pickets or panels that complete the field. The posts and rails are hollow extruded members of polymer or metal material that are interconnected by bracket members that fit within bracket compartments of the rails. Bracket bar members are connected with the bracket members and are received within key-ways of the posts to properly position the rails with respect to the posts. The extruded components perform fence component positioning and establish pre-determined dimensioning and locations of the accompanying parts and pieces of the complete fence system and provide for component attachment that is not visible when the fence installation is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert L. Walpole, Loren R. Hill, Joel W. Bolin
  • Patent number: 7651073
    Abstract: A high security palisade fence is formed from a plurality of vertical posts, each of which is characterized by a pair of flange sections which are joined by an intermediate flat web section having a double-walled structure. One or more cable passageways are formed in each post. Each adjacent pair of posts is interconnected by a plurality of parallel rails. Each rail is formed with an internal tray, within which a strengthening cable may extend. Vertical pickets are attached to the rails. The pickets are preferably characterized by a W-shaped profile, and preferably include longitudinal strengthening ribs. Each picket has a flat attachment surface in which a plurality of subsurface recesses are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Edward L. Gibbs
  • Publication number: 20100001246
    Abstract: An improved safety handrail apparatus including a support component with channel element and a light emission component. The improved safety handrail apparatus and components thereof are manufactured by extrusion, co-extrusion, injection molding, insert injection molding, two shot molding or a combination thereof. The improved safety handrail apparatus allows configuration into any desired length handrail by interconnecting any number of individual handrail apparatuses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald J. Kay
  • Publication number: 20090321701
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a first support member and a second support member. The fence system may include a rail coupled to the first and second support members such that the rail extends across the first and second support members. The first post and the second post are oriented in a first plane, and the rail is oriented in a second plane. The second plane is different than the first plane. The fence system may include a rollable infill material coupled to the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Payne Fence Products, LLC
    Inventor: John F. Payne
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090309086
    Abstract: A monitor, which may be closely associated with a handrail, may determine the amount of force applied to the handrail. The monitor may also determine the pattern in which force is applied to the handrail in order to assess how the user is contacting the handrail. The user's application of force to the handrail can be monitored along the course of movement along the handrail and may be compared to historical usage patterns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Julie Behan, Terry Dishongh, Karol O'Donovan, Adrian Burns, Simon Roberts
  • Publication number: 20090302290
    Abstract: An impact protection system is disclosed. A plurality of anchor posts is provided with at least one transverse support member between at least two of the plurality of anchor posts. The at least one transverse support member attaches rigidly between the anchor posts to transfer impact force from one anchor post to the next as a compressive force along an axis of the transverse support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: RONALD S. APPELMAN, MICHAEL D. COPE
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090278105
    Abstract: A fence assembly comprising a fence post having an upper support junction and a lower support junction. A fence frame includes an upper traverse rail joined to a lower traverse rail. Connection of the upper traverse rail to the fence post uses an upper rail connector having rotation relative to the upper support junction and connected therewith using an elongate connector inserted through the upper rail connector that includes a protrusion received by the upper traverse rail for connection at the upper support junction of the fence post. Likewise, connection of the lower traverse rail to the fence post uses a lower rail connector having rotation relative to the lower support junction and connected therewith using an elongate connector inserted through the lower rail connector that includes a protrusion received by the lower traverse rail for connection at the lower support junction of the fence post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Blake McILWAIN
  • Publication number: 20090278104
    Abstract: High visibility fence includes an elongated mesh having a length, and a front, back, top, and bottom. Elongated mesh includes vertical stay wires, horizontal line wires, and a strip of synthetic material provided adjacent the front of the mesh. The strip of synthetic material extends horizontally, and a further strip of synthetic material is adjacent the back of the mesh. The further strip of synthetic material overlaps a portion of the strip of synthetic material defining an overlapping region. Strip of synthetic material and further strip of synthetic material extend along the length of mesh and adjacent vertical stay wires. Horizontal further strip of synthetic material is attached to the horizontal strip of synthetic material, and the horizontal strip of synthetic material and the horizontal further strip of synthetic material are attached in overlapping region by an attaching element, such as adhesive, adhesive tape, thermal welding, or ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Willy Louis Marrecau, David Michael Aspinwall, Michael Ferringer
  • Publication number: 20090242864
    Abstract: A railing mounting component (1) for a modular railing kit/assembly which may including one or more railing lengths (12, 13) of manageable length, the mounting component being arranged to simultaneously mount two adjacent ends (14, 15) of successive lengths of railing by receiving the ends at/in separate dedicated parts (3, 4) of a given mounting component, such that one mounted end cannot obstruct/impede the mounting of the other end, thereby to enable a railing of any overall length to be assembled safely and easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: John Carney
  • 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: 20090236580
    Abstract: A fence assembly is described comprising: a first fence panel provided with an elongate first post member along an edge margin of the panel; a second fence panel provided with an elongate second post member provided along an edge margin of the panel; the first and second post members being adapted to be displaced lengthwise with respect to one another to provide for a range of displaced positions or being adapted to be rotated with respect to one another to provide for a range of rotated positions and to be attached in fixed association with one another in any one of the range of displaced or rotated positions respectively; and wherein each fence panel further includes at least one fence rail, each fence rail is adapted to be fixed in any one of a range of angular positions relative to the fence post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: GRAM ENGINEERING PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: RONALD LESLIE MANN
  • Publication number: 20090236579
    Abstract: A post protector shaped such that any grass or weed cutting mechanism is deflected away from the post thereby avoiding superficial or serious damage to the post. In the preferred embodiment the post protector incorporates an indented center section having specific geometries that resist the cutting mechanism from passing over the top portion or below the bottom portion of the protector. The protector is formed of two detachable halves for ease in installation or removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Sudnak
  • Publication number: 20090224222
    Abstract: There is provided a section of a guard component of a railing assembly including a reinforced rail member and a guard component section. The reinforced rail member includes a reinforced rail member shell section defining a shell space, and also includes a cap member and a strut coupling member. There is also provided a reinforcement member disposed in the shell space and effecting reinforcement of the rail member shell section. The cap member is urged into a biased engagement with the reinforcement member by a biasing force. The biased engagement effects coupling of the cap member to the reinforcement member. The guard component section subassembly includes a one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and a strut extending between and coupled to each one of: (i) the one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member, and (ii) the strut coupling member. The reinforced rail member defines the other one of an upper rail member or a lower rail member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Vic Dezen, Tony Curatolo
  • Publication number: 20090206312
    Abstract: A guard rail system includes upstanding and profiled stanchions that have lateral openings therein. The lateral openings receive horizontal rails therein the ends of which are adjacent to each other. The horizontal stanchions have fasteners on one side thereof, that when activated will pressure-fit the two adjacent rails within the opening. The openings are so designed that any two adjacent rails placed therein can be placed therein at a slant if the guard rail system is installed on a stairway. The stanchions and the rails are manufactured from a fiberglass composition that renders the various elements extremely durable. In an alternative embodiment, individual brackets can be mounted in each side of a window opening in a wall without the use of the stanchions. A horizontal rail is placed in each of the brackets and pressure fitted against the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Michael B. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20090206314
    Abstract: A safety rail assembly for mounting on a deck of a transport carrier which transports and supports thereon at least one automobile having at least one of passenger and driver-side doors. The portable safety rail assembly includes a handrail extending horizontally relative to the upper surface of the deck and support posts for supporting the handrail. Each support post may be removeably mounted to the deck to permit selective vertical displacement of the handrail relative to the upper surface of the deck for positioning the handrail at a desired height above the upper edge of a door of the transported vehicle. The desired height permits unobstructed opening and closing of the doors and safe entrance into and egress from the interior of the automobile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: J. Nigel Ellis
  • Patent number: 7571898
    Abstract: A counter-balance weight for a modular safety rail includes a solid body of a compact shape which defines a substantially planar major surface which, in use, is intended to rest on a support surface The body defines a substantially linear through-bore for receiving an end of a spacer member. The through-bore extends continuously through the body in a direction substantially parallel with the substantially planar major surface of the body. The through-bore extends between a pair of end faces which, at least in part, are non-parallel end faces and the body further defines a screw-threaded aperture which extends through the body to intersect and communicate with the through-bore. The body may have a substantially triangular shape in transverse cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Kee Klamp Limited
    Inventors: Philip Maurice Higgs, Charles William Stratford Presant, Francis Donald Tegg
  • Publication number: 20090184303
    Abstract: A kit of parts for assembly into a balustrade (1), the kit comprising rails (3), baluster brackets (6), posts (2), connectors (5) for connecting the posts (2) to the rails (3) and rail-to-rail connectors (8) for connecting two rails (3A, 3B) in a parallel and spaced apart relationship. The baluster brackets (6) and/or the rails (3) are shaped so as to ensure that each bracket (6) is engagable with a rail (3) in a desired configuration. There is further disclosed a balustrade incorporating one or more of the above parts and a method of installing a balustrade (1) on a substrate (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: RICHARD BURBIDGE LIMITED
    Inventors: Anthony Jones, Paul Hughes
  • Publication number: 20090166598
    Abstract: A metal fence post for use with a wood fence system and a method of constructing a wood fence. The fence post comprises an elongated post member and a bracket attached thereto to support rails and pickets. The post member is of the type commonly available as vineyard posts and signposts, having a back wall and a pair of outwardly sloping sidewalls with short wing flanges attached thereto. The back wall and sidewalls form a channel. The bracket has a center section and a pair of outwardly sloping sidewalls that each have outwardly extended flanges. The flanges are generally in the same plane and in spaced apart relation to the center section. The center section of the bracket is received in the channel, placing the flanges in abutting relation with the wing flanges. A portion of the fence post is exposed so as to enhance the aesthetics of the fence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: David D. Heinz
  • Publication number: 20090159864
    Abstract: A guard rail support and assembly is disclosed for use in providing a safe work area for workmen working at dangerous heights, particularly in the construction industry. The guard rail support assembly comprises a plurality of guard rail supports arranged in a spaced fashion and wooden guard rails extending between and attached on either end to each support. Each guard rail support comprises an attachment base having quick fastening means for quick attachment and release of the support to a ground surface of the site under construction, a plurality of rail supports having quick fastening means for quick attachment and release of the wooden guard rails and a fall-protection or tarp tie-off ring. Advantageously, a portable and lightweight guard rail assembly may be constructed with the guard rail supports in an expedient and efficient manner to provide safe, unobstructive protection against falls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Kevin Perris
  • Publication number: 20090145077
    Abstract: A protector for hand rails is provided. The protector includes a resilient body having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a single protrusion extending outwardly from the first surface. A pair of arms extends from opposite ends of the body in the same general direction as the protrusion, each arm further extending to a retainer. The body, arms and retainers are configured to protectively surround a hand rail. In an installed position, each of the retainers is secured to one or more surfaces of the hand rail with the protrusion maintained in abutting contact with the hand rail due to flexing of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MAGNUM PLASTICS INC
    Inventor: Gary L. Castelle
  • Patent number: 7543802
    Abstract: A rail for a railing system includes a proximal member extending lengthwise of the rail and securable to ends of balusters; a cover member extending lengthwise of the rail and disposed adjacent the proximal member; and a reinforcement member disposed between the proximal member and the cover member. The reinforcement member includes a first attachment element coupled to a first one of the proximal and cover members, and the other one of the proximal and cover members is coupled to at least one of the reinforcement member and the first one of the proximal and cover members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Alpa Lumber Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Petta, Rolf J. Ohrstrom
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090134377
    Abstract: A railing apparatus includes an upper rail, a lower rail spaced below and generally parallel to the upper rail, and a plurality of balusters extending generally vertically between the upper and lower rails. Each baluster includes a hollow casing and a brace extending lengthwise within the casing, the brace having an upper end secured to the upper rail and a lower end secured to the lower rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Gabriel Petta, Rolf J. Ohrstrom
  • Patent number: 7530551
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in clamping a structure at its edge, the structure having opposed surfaces, the apparatus comprising a stanchion, a first clamping assembly attached to the stanchion and a second clamping assembly selectively slidably moveable longitudinally along the stanchion, the second clamping assembly including a support plate extending laterally outward in a direction away from the stanchion, the support plate being positioned closely adjacent one of the opposed surfaces of the structure when the structure is clamped between the first and second clamping assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Safety Maker, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Kuenzel
  • Publication number: 20090078923
    Abstract: A rail structure for use as part of a fence construction. The rail has a rigid support member enclosed by a sleeve, the sleeve having a groove or channel extending along its longitudinal length and a hollow chamber for receiving the support member therein. The channel is dimensioned to receive a plurality of slats disposed in spaced relation to one another such that when received in the channels of opposed rails a fence section is formed. Various modifications to the basic rail structure permit construction of a privacy or containment fence section that may include a plurality of vertical segments, including for example lattice work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: William McGinness, Randal Heath, Maurice G. Coen
  • Publication number: 20090070931
    Abstract: A portable bed guard device having an elongated planner rail assembly pivotally connected to at least one elongated planner mattress underlying member that is slid under a bed mattress for providing infant rollout of bed protection for infants placed on beds without side rails
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jessica DiCristofaro
  • Publication number: 20090065756
    Abstract: A rail structure for use as a handrail or as part of a fence or guardrail construction. The rail has a rigid channel shaped support member and upper and lower rail caps to enclose the support member with a durable decorative appearance. The cantilever provided by flanges on the support member permit upper and lower rail caps to be snap fit to the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: William McGinness, Maurice Coen, Randall Heath
  • Patent number: 7500654
    Abstract: A fencing system includes an anchor that is insertable into the ground and a pole having an end that is mounted over the anchor such that the pole is supported by the anchor. A fastener is located on the pole and is used to secure fencing material to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Lars Rosaen
  • 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: 7478799
    Abstract: A railing system having a thin profile balustrade for minimum obstruction of the view therebeyond. The railing system includes spaced parallel upper and lower rails which are supported in conventional fashion from upright posts. The balustrade is made of a plurality of parallel upright rod balusters extending between the rails and having upper and lower bent ends. Upper and lower elongate channels are provided and they respectively extend with the upper and lower rails. Each channel has an open side which is respectively secured against the bottom side or inside of the upper rail and the top side or inside of the lower rail, thereby providing an enclosed elongate passage in the channels. Spaced apertures are provided in the channels and receive the bent rod ends therethrough with the bent ends received in the channel passages for retention therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Robert P. Viviano
  • Patent number: 7475870
    Abstract: A mounting attachment for connecting a picket to an angled rail. The mounting attachment comprises a base having an aperture therethrough and into which the picket is inserted. A spring-biased retaining member is provided on the base and is adapted to engage an outer surface of the picket when it is inserted into the aperture. The retaining member urges the picket into contact with the wall of the base which defines the aperture, thus preventing the picket from moving within the aperture and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20090008619
    Abstract: A fence module is adapted for installation without required anchoring buy providing a base frame and a plurality of upright supporting posts extending from the base frame. At least three fence sections extend between the supporting posts. A first fence section at a first extreme end of the fence module, a second fence section at a second extreme end of the fence module, and a third fence section angularly positioned between the first and second fence sections. A pair of vibration sensing modules are used to detect intruders, one applied to the first fence section and a second applied to the third fence section, with the first fence section positioned on the secure end of the protected zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Haim Perry
  • Publication number: 20080303012
    Abstract: A handrail article containing integral nodes continuously spaced along the axis of the rail at approximate hand spacing to reduce muscle torque strain and fatigue (Isokinetics) resulting from strength applied to overcome sliding of hand grip while sustaining balance during travel on stairways. To incorporate a non-metallic nodal rail component into a railing assembly, metal is embedded into the rail article for welding to posts of the balustrade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Addison W. Learned, III
  • Publication number: 20080299409
    Abstract: A composite metal article provided in the present invention includes a carbon steel core and a dissimilar composite metal out-layer, said out-layer combined with the carbon steel core by high pressure forging. As the high pressure forging belongs to the precise forging type, which molded by the method of inpour the metal liquid into the cavity on high pressure, thus it can form a thin composite out-layer out of the carbon steel core; it can combined a composite out-layer with the complex structure carbon steel core thus form a complex structure railing and metal table/chair etc.; it can combined complex structure composite out-layer with the simplex structure carbon steel core thus form a complex structure railings and metal table/chair etc.; as there are no air holes on the composite out-layer surface, it has a precise and nice-looking surface and can manufacture products by a simple post-processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jiahui HU
  • Patent number: 7455282
    Abstract: A fencing system includes a vertically elongated post mount mountable on a foundation and one or more post inserts mounted on the post mount to provide a stable structure for fastening thereto rail mounting brackets and associated rails. Each post insert extends outwardly from the post mount and typically abuts an inner surface of a hollow post. Fasteners extend from the rail mounting bracket through the post and into the post insert to provide a strong connection for the mounting of the rail mounting bracket and rail. The post inserts may be mounted on the post mount without tools. One of the post inserts serves as a spacer for setting the height of associated rail mounting brackets and rails. The spacer may include two members which are removably connected to one another via a friction fit to provide various benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Publication number: 20080272352
    Abstract: A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, a safety barrier incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables may be releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the at least two cables may cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts may also spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A box beam guardrail beam may be attached to the plurality of guardrail posts. The at least two cables may operably extend from the cable posts to engage respective cable anchor brackets attached to the box beam guardrail beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Don J. Gripne, Charles R. Norton, Elzard A. Sikkema, Brian E. Smith
  • Patent number: 7438284
    Abstract: A rail structure for use as a handrail or as part of a fence or guardrail construction. The rail has a rigid channel shaped support member and upper and lower rail caps to enclose the support member with a durable decorative appearance. The cantilever provided by flanges on the support member permit upper and lower rail caps to be snap fit to the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Homeland Vinyl Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William McGinness, Maurice Coen, Randall Heath
  • Patent number: 7434790
    Abstract: A glass rail design in which the glass infill panels extend vertically beyond the top rail. To achieve this, a new vertical post system has to be created. These vertical posts hold the glass panels in front of the posts. To do this, each post has an extruded form extending forward of the post. The glass panels fit into the extruded form. The top rail is attached to the top of the posts and then runs behind the glass panels. The tops of the panels are covered with a protective cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Tracy C. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080179581
    Abstract: A picket fence kit for a picket fence section includes an enclosure, a hollow post, a hollow top rail, a hollow bottom rail, and a plurality of pickets. The enclosure surrounds the post. The post surrounds the two rails and the plurality of pickets, and each rail surrounds a plurality of pickets. Pickets are axially aligned with each other in pairs, two rails are located side-by-side within the post, and two pairs of axially aligned pickets are positioned side-by-side within a rail. The post further surrounds a pair of axially aligned pickets not surrounded by a rail. The kit further includes a post cap, a shipping cap, a plurality of picket caps, a set of rail brackets and a set of self-tapping screws. A picket fence kit for a for a picket fence gate includes an enclosure, a hollow post, a first gate upright, a second gate upright, a hollow top rail, a hollow bottom rail, and a plurality of pickets. The enclosure surrounds the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Mulgrew
  • Publication number: 20080179578
    Abstract: A rail structure for use as a handrail or as part of a fence or guardrail construction. The rail has a rigid channel shaped support member and upper and lower rail caps to enclose the support member with a durable decorative appearance. The cantilever provided by flanges on the support member permit upper and lower rail caps to be snap fit to the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: William McGinness, Maurice Coen, Randall Heath