Rail Patents (Class 256/59)
  • Publication number: 20080169456
    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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Nancy A. Ross
  • Publication number: 20080164450
    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 upper and lower rail caps are snap fit to the support member and engage with a plurality of flanges extending from the surface of the support member. When utilized in a fence or guardrail construction, a plurality of spindles are received through a series of spaced apart apertures defined in opposing rail caps with the ends of the spindles further received in the support member channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: William McGinness, Maurice Coen
  • Publication number: 20080164451
    Abstract: An enclosed fence railing set includes a set of posts with tips and fixing components for an upper beam and lower beam on both sides thereof. The fence railing set also includes a set of beams including an upper beam and a lower beam wherein the upper beam and lower beam match the fixing components and wherein there are railings between the sets of beams. A set of stakes are provided for fixing the posts. Each of the stakes includes a tube extending upwardly from the stake and a plate separating the stake and tube with a number of holes in the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Norman William Liefke
  • Publication number: 20080142771
    Abstract: A customizable extruded bottom rail for a fence having a topside that is machine customizable to receive a plurality of stanchions taken from the group of picket, post, pole rod, bar, shaft, bar, and lath and supported on a substantially co-planar platform interiorly extending the length of the rail spaced apart from the topside separating the interior cavity into a stanchion supporting portion and a structurally reinforced portion with the structurally reinforced portion having a metallic stiffener positioned within a stiffener compartment having a plurality of braces extending between the rail's interior walls and the stiffener compartment walls that are situated for continued structural integrity of the product and continued continuity of the rail having the stiffener serving as brace anchor and deterring deformation of the fence rail of the instant invention from exterior forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Amendola
  • Publication number: 20080142772
    Abstract: An extruded bottom fence rail having a topside longitudinal track extending the length of the rail for holding the bottom portion of at least one planar article taken from the group of sheet, panel, board, plank, slat, and lath with an interiorly positioned stiffener compartment having a plurality of braces extending between the rail's interior walls and the stiffener compartment walls and optionally providing that the planar article has outward projections within that portion contained with the bottom-rail track providing for potential linear movement while preventing vertical movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Amendola
  • Publication number: 20080135823
    Abstract: A top rail and customizable mid rail having a bottom side longitudinal track extending the length of the rail for holding the top portion of at least one planar article taken from the group of sheet, panel, board, plank, slat, and lath while optionally providing that the planar article provides outward projections within that portion contained within the top-rail track providing for potential linear movement while preventing vertical movement. Further providing for a customizable topside that is machine customizable to receive a either a planar article taken from the group of sheet, panel, board, plank, slat, and lath or a plurality of stanchions taken from the group of picket, post, pole rod, bar, shaft, bar, and lath and supported on a substantially co-planar platform interiorly extending the length of the rail spaced apart from the topside separating the interior cavity into a stanchion supporting portion and a structurally reinforced portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Amendola
  • Publication number: 20080115429
    Abstract: Pre-cast concrete stairs, molds for making pre-cast concrete stairs, and methods of casting pre-cast concrete stairs are provided. The stair is constructed with two beams that are cast with the stair steps as an integral monolithic structure. One of the beams (integral down edge beam) projects below the steps on one side, and the other (integral up edge beam) projects above the steps on the other side. The weight of the stairs and the weight of traffic on the steps creates compression on the tops of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, and tension on the bottoms of the integral down edge beam and integral up edge beam, which enhances the combined strength of the beams. The asymmetric orientation of the members creates a stronger cross-section than if the beams were in the same plane horizontally, allowing greater load handing capability. Lightweight steps are suspended between the two beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: ZMZ PRECAST INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Zirbel, Bryant A. Zavitz
  • Publication number: 20080110117
    Abstract: A multi-level fall protection system for a structure under construction, the structure having reinforced concrete decks including a first deck and a second deck arranged above the first deck and openings provided in the decks. The system includes bearing plates arranged in an associated opening in the first deck and having a flange portion larger than the associated opening. Lateral support blocks are arranged in an associated opening in the second deck. Vertical support posts are detachably secured at a bottom portion to an associated bearing plate and extend upwardly through an associated opening in the second deck. The vertical support posts are supported laterally by the lateral support blocks. At least one flexible support line extends between and is coupled to a pair of the vertical support posts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Dennis O'Gorman
  • Publication number: 20080093588
    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: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Robert P. Viviano
  • Publication number: 20080061281
    Abstract: A railing system. The system comprises a first rail comprising an axis and a second rail comprising an axis. The system also comprises a mechanism for coupling the first rail to the second rail in a co-axial configuration, a first leg slidably attached to the first rail, and a second leg slidably attached to the second rail. The first leg and the second leg are for supporting the first and second rails at a distance away from a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: TBT CONSULTING, LLC
    Inventor: Melissa Boucher
  • Patent number: 7338033
    Abstract: A support post base for a portable safety rail or fence system, said base having a top face side, an opposed bottom face side for contacting a support surface, and first toe rail holder slots or channels configured for detachably engaging a toe rail component for horizontal disposition thereof, said top face side presenting support post engagement (upright) sockets, pins, or the like configured for detachably engaging one or more support posts for upstanding disposition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew Philip Anson, Benjamin Anson
  • Publication number: 20080042116
    Abstract: A connector for a steel fence or the like is provided. The connector is formed from a single, cast metallic piece yet can mount one or multiple adjacent rail sections on a post using only a single mount or piece of hardware attaching the connector to the post. It has a vertical throughbore for receiving the post and a horizontal throughbore that intersects with the vertical throughbore at approximately its mid-point. Each end of the horizontal throughbore forms a receptacle for receiving an end of an associated rail section. A grommet is mounted in each receptacle for centering the associated rail section end in the receptacle, locking the rail section from rotation. The grommet also accommodates limited pivoting of the rail section relative to the connector in both the horizontal and vertical planes, hence, accommodating both inclination and directional changes in the fence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: CHIPLESS METALS L.L.C.
    Inventor: James A. Buckley
  • Patent number: 7322564
    Abstract: A fence having tubular rails, tubular pickets and tubular posts formed from pultruded fiberglass has several advantageous features. Lightweight fiberglass components are very strong and will not rust like metal fencing and do not require frequent maintenance like wood fencing. Pultruded fiberglass components are easy to manufacture and transport and the finished fence can be assembled using conventional fasteners. Once formed the components of this fence system can be bundled in easy to ship sets for assembly in the field. The fence system adapts well to difficult yards to fence because it can be modified with conventional hand tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: John Fakhari
  • Publication number: 20080017840
    Abstract: A safety rail system for protection of workers at construction sites. The system uses removable posts secured to joists supporting balconies, decking and the like. The safety rail system can be installed and removed using standard tools. The system uses standard rails, removably secured to the posts which are preconfigured to meet existing code regulations. The improved rail system reduces undesired deconstruction of the safety rail system, but allows for ease of removal and replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Harney
  • Patent number: 7284746
    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: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Safety Maker, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Kuenzel
  • Publication number: 20070228352
    Abstract: A safety rail assembly for surrounding a structure protruding from a support surface comprises at least three base units for positioning in a free-standing manner on the support surface, support members each extending substantially vertically from a respective base unit, and barrier members each extending between and supported by a respective pair of successive support members, each base unit comprising a side face which faces inwards of the assembly towards another of the base units or a position between two or more other base units of the assembly, and each side face being of a shape which defines a recess which accommodates part of the protruding structure thereby to restrain lateral movement of the safety rail assembly away from the protruding structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: KEE KLAMP LIMITED
    Inventor: Philip Maurice Higgs
  • Patent number: 7273200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a construction safety assembly. The inventive assembly comprises: safety posts with non-skid ends, which are provided with means for the rapid connection of a barrier; and, optionally, an upper jack-type safety element having a lower horizontal protrusion along an inclined plane, which is used to brace the cornice or projecting element of a building and which can also comprise the aforementioned barrier connection means. The adjustable-length barrier comprises a base which covers the lower part thereof. In this way, the invention provides a dual safety assembly of very simple construction, which can be used to guarantee the collective safety of labourers performing external and internal construction work and prevent accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Tomas Funes Gavilan
  • Patent number: 7234689
    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: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Safety Maker, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Kuenzel
  • Patent number: 7228938
    Abstract: An outrigger assembly includes at least one support unit including a first elongated support arm and a second elongated support arm cantilevered and secured to the first support arm. A joist-supporting arm is removably engaged with the front end portion. The assembly further includes an upper support arm cantilevered and secured to the first support arm. A support member having opposed end portions is secured thereto and to the first support member. The upper support arm includes a plurality of L-shaped members mated along an edge thereof. An elongated board is positionable between adjacently disposed rear end portions. The front end portion exerts an upward force against the work area joists while the upper support arm exerts a downward force against a top surface of the work area such that the forces become balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7225896
    Abstract: A collapsible handrail mechanism for steps or a ladder including: an outer stringer and an inner stringer jointly pivotable about a pivot point; a stanchion located between the outer and inner stringers and pivotally mounted to at least one of the stringers; a latching mechanism through which the stanchion passes and to which at least one of the stringers is pivotally mounted at the said pivot point; the latching mechanism having a slide plate preventing substantial downwards movement of the stanchion, a top plate preventing substantial upwards movement of the stanchion, and a side plate preventing substantial sideways movement of the stanchion; whereas, in operation of the handrail mechanism from a stowed position, when the stringers are lowered the stanchion is thereby forced to slide on the slide plate causing the stanchion to pivot about its mounting up into an operational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Kerry Charles Broad
  • Patent number: 7178790
    Abstract: A stanchion has three tapes arranged in spaced relation along the upstanding post for controlling pedestrian traffic. Each stanchion/post has four guide grooves that extend the entire length of the post. Each stanchion is of annular cross section having an inner or inside surface adapted to receive a cylindrical spool around which is wound the individual tape or line. The free end of each tape has a locking element of triangular configuration adapted to be received in the guide groove of an adjacent post. The spools serve to retract each tape so as to provide continuous tension in the tape that is deployed or extended between its associated stanchion and another such post or stanchion. Each tape extends through a rectangular slot provided for this purpose at vertically spaced locations along the post/stanchion. Corresponding locations in the adjacent guide grooves of each post are provided with fittings that form stops for tapes from other stanchions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Ricardo Augusto de Lorenzo
  • Patent number: 7168689
    Abstract: A sturdy aluminum pedestrian and bicyclist safety railing that reduces the amount of welding required during construction, comprising top and bottom rigid bars, each having a longitudinal, radially extending exterior passage and a plurality of aluminum pickets mounted within said bar top and bottom channels and held apart by a plurality of spacer plugs that interlock and snap snugly into each top and bottom bar channel and act as spacers to separate the pickets. The top and bottom bars may be welded together at each end of the railing to hold the entire unit together, retaining the plurality of rigid pickets that are substantially perpendicular (or inclined) to the top and bottom bars. The pickets are supported in the top and bottom bar channels without welding for increased strength and reduced cost of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Pedro P. Giralt
  • Patent number: 7111827
    Abstract: To reduce the danger of bodily harm to occupants of vehicles that leave a roadway, a guardrail system includes an energy-absorption system is provided. The energy-absorption system including a cutting mechanism positioned to cut a guardrail section upon impact by a vehicle to decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Kothmann Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, Brian G. Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 7100904
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fence. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a fence capable of adapting to any angle of inclination comprising a plurality of columns, horizontal connecting members which have more than one degree of freedom through a connection between a pair of columns and vertical connecting members which are connected to the horizontal connecting members. The fence can be constructed easily on the ground irrespective of its angle of inclination and its linkage sections are completely protected from the outside exposure while having a sufficient structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: New Green Chang Shin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7093825
    Abstract: A handrail for preventing dangers during walking and movements to standing or sitting positions, for correcting postures, and for simplifying walking movements of physically handicapped persons, persons with weak grip strength, and persons of low functional capacity caused by collagenosis or rheumatism. The handrail is an elongate handrail having a smooth curved line periphery. The pinky-engaging side of the handrail is protuberated in a circular shape and has a recess at a portion thereof where a fingertip of a person grasping the handrail engages a lower end vicinity position of the circular shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Anecom Japan. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Kawamura, Masao Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7077237
    Abstract: A lock utilizing a retractable pin is used to capture one link of a chain to fasten the chain to one or more vertical uprights. The user depresses a bolt that protrudes from the hollow vertical stake member to overcome spring tension and slide a hardened pin away from a slot in the stake and an aligned slot in the lock housing, then inserts a selected link of a chain and releases the bolt, which slides the pin through the chain link and beyond the slots. The pin reciprocates within a tight-fitting bore in the lock housing, increasing lateral strength of the locking system. The resulting railing can cover any length and a number of spaced parallel railings can be strung between spaced vertical uprights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Dan M. Haake
  • Patent number: 7048259
    Abstract: A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy R. Quaintance, Ronald R. West
  • Patent number: 7044450
    Abstract: A modular railing system with handicap access is disclosed based on commercially available tubing assembled into a railing through use of fittings that connect to each other and the rails and posts of the railing system to allow all possible standard rail configurations. All connections are thereby held together by mechanical, rather than welded, connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Suncor Stainless, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman F. Striebel, Patrick A. Striebel
  • Patent number: 7044448
    Abstract: A railing system for porches, decks, steps, ramps and the like having a top and bottom rail formed of wood containing a wood preservative that is corrosive to aluminum, aluminum alloys and the like. The system has hollow metal balusters formed of metals which may be harmed by the corrosive effects of the wood preservative. The metal balusters are protected from the corrosive effects of the wood preservative by inert fixtures interposed between the wooden components of the railing system and the metal of the balusters. The fixtures may be joined by runners that simplify installation of the railing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Deckorators, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly D. Jones
  • Patent number: 7028990
    Abstract: A temporary rooftop and stairway safety rail system (16a & 16b) adapted to prevent workers from falling from a work surface at a height. The system includes a plurality of safety rail support assemblies (16) having a vertical support member (52) with members for retaining horizontally disposed safety rail boards (58). The safety rail support assemblies (16) may be mounted on walls (22) and roof rafters (18), and the pitch of the vertical support members is easily adjusted to the slope of the work surface using a system of removable pins (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Ray Robert Shorey, Jess Dewey Janssen
  • Patent number: 7025335
    Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical separated posts and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. A plurality of vertical pickets are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures. A locking member is assembled inside each end portion of the vertical picket. The locking member has spring biased stoppers extending through the transverse apertures at the end portion of the vertical picket, and further extending into and engaging inside the horizontal rail when the end portion of the vertical picket is inserted into one of the apertures of the horizontal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Qing Zhu
  • Patent number: 7021607
    Abstract: A fence construction system comprises a clip attached securely to a picket of a fence. The picket is inserted in a hole of a rail and the clip secures the picket to the rail, without field welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: James Alexander
  • Patent number: 7017320
    Abstract: A guardrail comprises two parallel metal tubes each having two lengthwise bent ends each having a fastening member, two inner abutment mechanisms each having a lengthwise abutment member and a mating fastening member at either end engaged with the fastening member for securing each metal tube and the corresponding abutment mechanism together, and a protective board having either end urged against the abutment member and the bent ends, thereby securing the protective board between the abutment mechanisms. Further, a number of variations are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Yuan-Kuan Chen
  • Patent number: 6994326
    Abstract: A fence with hollow posts and rails uses a flexible plug that is placed in insect entry path blocking position by sliding the plug into a fence rail in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plug. A friction fit between shoulders on the plug and a rib and ledge inside of the rail is attained by the relative spacing of the shoulders to the spacing of the rib and ledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Tyson Fence Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Tyson
  • Patent number: 6978582
    Abstract: A one piece beam means used a post to support a longitudinal impact-resistant member, such as a guardrail along a highway. The one piece, stamped construction simplifies installation because fewer steps and parts are involved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Gwynn Alan Bernard
  • Patent number: 6945360
    Abstract: A modular ladder assembly includes at least two ladder assemblies, each assembly having first and second parallel stiles and a plurality of spaced apart rungs disposed between the first and second stiles, the plurality of rungs being perpendicular to said first and second stiles. The first stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies are mechanically connected together and at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to the second stile of one of the at least two ladder assemblies and a second end of at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to a second stile of a second of the at least two ladder assemblies so that the at least two ladder assemblies and the at least one adjustment assembly have a triangular shape when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Sidney J. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6942199
    Abstract: A counter-balance weight for a modular safety rail comprises substantially only a solid body of a compact shape wherein the volume of the material of the body is at least 20% of the volume of the smallest cuboid which is able to contain the body, the body defining a through-bore for receiving an end of a spacer member and the body further defining a screw-threaded aperture which extends through the body to communicate with said through-bore. The body may have a substantially triangular shape in transverse cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Kee Klamp Limited
    Inventors: Philip Maurice Higgs, Charles William Stratford Presant
  • Patent number: 6932328
    Abstract: A rail and wall support installation includes an adapter which mechanically couples a wall support having a rotatable locking cam portion to an undercut groove on the rear of the rail. The adapter serves both as a mechanical attachment point for the rail to a wall support and to transfer the camming action of the locking cam portion to the rail. The adapter allows existing wall supports to be used with rails that are not directly compatible with the locking member, such as pre-existing rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Shreiner, Brian T. Mincemoyer
  • Patent number: 6908075
    Abstract: Upright stanchions with supports for removable horizontal safety rails have bottom end portions supported on base units that, in turn, are secured to wall framing from the inside of the framing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: Steve Nichols
  • Patent number: 6905110
    Abstract: A modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: Alexander Brown
  • Patent number: 6883786
    Abstract: A fence post and rail assembly with concealed strengthening bars in a fence system unit is disclosed. The strengthening bars have two paling slots at either end for receiving paling members. The rails connect to the posts and the palings connect to the rails. The connection between the posts and the rails is strengthened by inserting the strengthening bar through a post opening of a post to engage the palings on either side of the post with the paling slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald William Bebendorf
  • Patent number: 6874766
    Abstract: A deck railing section comprises synthetic posts held spaced from one another by top and bottom rail members. Each of the rail members has a multiple piece construction including first and second interlocking synthetic rail pieces and a metallic reinforcing insert. The insert has holes at post attachment locations along the insert. Each post has screw ports to opposite ends of the post. Rail members are secured to the posts by threaded attachment members passing through the holes in the inserts and into the screw ports of the posts. The first rail pieces are trapped between the posts and the inserts. The second rail pieces lock onto the first rail pieces hiding the reinforcing inserts internally of the rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Royal Group Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Tony Curatolo
  • Patent number: 6874765
    Abstract: A post for a security fence and comprises a thin sheet of steel which has been cold-formed to be of generally I section and is then galvanised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hadley Industries PLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey Thomas Deeley
  • Patent number: 6857504
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a framework having two angled arms, one flat portion of each arm adapted to be fixed to a rooftop. An upright extends upwardly from each arm and top and bottom cross members extend between and are fixed to the arms. Multiple arms, uprights and cross members are joinable together to accommodate a rooftop of any lateral extent. A net extends across the area defined by and between the uprights and cross members. Also, the arms include brace structure adapted for engaging scaffolding thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jerome Branter
  • Patent number: 6851661
    Abstract: A portable, fold-over fence panel for delineating athletic fields and controlling crowds includes a frame having a pair of vertical members and a pair of horizontal members; a panel of flexible material supported by the frame; first and second springs removably connected to the vertical members, each of the springs having a mounting spike integrally formed therewith for insertion into a soft, outdoor surface; first and second tubular feet interchangeable with said springs and suitable for supporting the frame on a hard surface; and wherein said springs allow the frame to fold over upon impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis E. Penning
  • Publication number: 20040262590
    Abstract: A unitary stackable fence module having end assemblies and span members is provided for forming a perimeter fence having an inwardly inclined profile. A right angle end support has vertical and horizontal members and an angle arm, spaced from and attached to a side edge of the vertical and horizontal members adjacent the span members. The unique arrangement permits a plurality of fence modules to be stacked for transport or storage. Loops formed on the vertical members permit pivotal pinning of fence modules together to form perimeter fences of any polygonal shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Alberts
  • Patent number: 6824123
    Abstract: A picket fence and rail mounting system that is easily transformable by the consumer into a variety of aesthetic styles is provided. The system comprises at least an upper and a lower elongate rail. Each rail has a hollow interior defining a substantially I-shaped cross-section including at least a first slot and a second slot. A plurality of pickets are transversely slidable through openings in an upper surface of the rails and a channel in a lower surface. The pickets each have at least a first notch or indentation near a first end and a second notch or indentation near a second end. The distance from the first end to the first notch or indentation is preferably shorter than the distance from the second end to the second notch or indentation. An elongate retaining rod slidable within at least one rail cooperates with a notch or indentation on each picket to secure the picket to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Master-Halco, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Larsen, Michael Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20040232402
    Abstract: A fall protection device for an opening in a roof includes at least one rail section having a vertical member. The vertical member is preferably in the form of a metal tube having an open lower end. A bearing foot has a connecting portion and a bearing portion and is secured to the lower end of the vertical member by the connecting portion so that the bearing portion supports the vertical member above the roof. The connecting portion of the bearing foot preferably extends into the open lower end of the tube and resiliently engages an interior surface of the tube to secure the bearing foot thereto. A hardness of the bearing portion is greater than a hardness of the connecting portion. The connecting portion and the bearing portion are preferably plastic and co-molded so that the bearing foot is of unitary construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: D. Peter Beirne, John Sells
  • Patent number: 6811145
    Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: RE39842
    Abstract: An improved temporary guard rail system for use by residential and commercial builders on construction sites in those areas of building structures where an accidental fall may result in serious bodily injury. In particular, the temporary guard rail system of the present invention includes a plurality of upright stanchions having mounting brackets integrally formed or attached thereto that are connected by a plurality of vertically spaced, generally horizontal side rails extending end to end. The vertically spaced side rails are adapted for 360 degree rotational movement in both horizontal and vertical planes. In addition, the tubular guard rails are fabricated in a plurality of sections that may be slideably engaged, one inside another, to provide a telescoping adjustment of length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventors: Harrison G. Purvis, Lonnie E. Arnold, Tony R. Matthews