Rail Patents (Class 256/59)
-
Patent number: 6073415Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an exposed end of at least one exposed reinforcement bar at a construction site. The apparatus includes a substantially flat portion adapted for receiving a removeable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber, a collar for securing the substantially flat portion over the end of a bar. Once the apparatus is placed over the exposed end of the bar a removable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber may be placed over the substantially flat portion, so that the exposed end of the bar is covered by the two-by-four piece of lumber resting over the substantially flat portion.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventor: Michael A. Carnicle
-
Patent number: 6061991Abstract: A deck system provides an easy to install deck by using unique columns, rails and planks. The columns can house electrical components. The rails enable quick assembly because they do not require additional fasteners or tools to install the balusters. The planks include a novel tongue-in-groove assembly that allows the planks to expand without damaging the deck.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Inventor: Michael E. Dahl
-
Patent number: 6059269Abstract: A modular railing system for straight or curved stairways and straight or curved balconies includes a selected number of balusters, each having a stanchion for connection to a base support member of the balcony or stairway and a handrail member of the balcony or stairway railing system and a barrier part connected to the stanchion. The barrier parts may comprise predetermined ornamental scroll-shaped portions connected to the stanchions at spaced apart points between opposite distal ends of the stanchions and projecting laterally from the stanchions. Alternatively, the stanchions may project from opposite ends of the barrier part. Each baluster has a predetermined ornamental and functional shape to provide a repeating pattern of the railing system throughout its extent and to provide a maximum pass-through dimension to comply with regulatory requirements. The stanchion parts and barrier parts of each baluster are proportioned to provide modular railings for stairways having substantial differences in slopes.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Nancy A. Ross
-
Patent number: 6053480Abstract: A kit for a guardrail or fence having at least one railing and a plurality of balusters insertable in the railing wherein each of the balusters has at least a portion with a circular cylindrical outer surface and at least one rib on the outer surface extending parallel to the axis of the baluster.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: Yvon De Guise
-
Patent number: 6053281Abstract: A safety rail system for installation about the perimeter of a rooftop work site comprises a plurality of stanchion-supporting bases for attachment to existing building structure, a plurality of stanchions removably held by the bases and having cable-receiving links thereon, and a pair of wire rope cable safety rails supplied by a pair of winches fixed to at least one of the stanchions. The bases include a pair of plate members connected by a hinge for adjustable attachment to a vertical wall surface of the building and another structural surface forming an edge with the vertical wall surface. A vertically extending sleeve is fixed to the plate member which attaches to the vertical wall surface of the building for slidably receiving a bottom portion of a stanchion, and a transversely extending locking pin is used to retain the bottom portion of the stanchion within the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Murray Roofing Company Inc.Inventor: Jeffery L. Murray
-
Patent number: 6045157Abstract: A modular collapsible tank trailer railing assembly for connection to a catwalk on the top of a tank on a tank trailer, the modular collapsible tank trailer railing assembly including a base member connected to the catwalk, an upper rail, a middle rail located between the upper rail and the base member, a plurality of posts pivotally connected to the base member, the middle rail, and the upper rail, a handle for rotating one of the plurality of posts to raise and lower the upper rail and the middle rail, and a spring for biasing one of the posts toward the upright position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Denis L. Poulin
-
Patent number: 6039308Abstract: A knock down gate assembly generally formed by two spaced apart vertical rails surrounded by a removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing and supported in an upright position by a removable and replaceable base support. A horizontal rail is removably engaged with the vertical rails by slip-on structural fittings. The horizontal rail is also surrounded by a removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing. Both the base structures and the slip-on structural fittings are secured to the vertical and horizontal rails through the respective polymerized sheathing by set screws. The present invention provides a knock down hand rail with gate assembly that is formed of both metal and plastic. The assembly is readily and easily assembled and disassembled. The assembly is maintenance free and requires no paint or other upkeep. The hand rail with gate assembly can readily be assembled anywhere or disassembled to form a different hand rail with gate structure configuration or to add more rails to the structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6038829Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus used in supporting safety rails and discloses a system in which a safety rail post support and security device is used in pairs or greater multiples to hold pieces of a safety rail at the edge of an elevated surface and is speedily attached to or detached from the three commonly found roof edge structures, that is, roofs that are flat right up to the edge, roofs that have a very low ledge or flashing around the perimeter, and roofs that have a parapet along the edge. Previous systems rely on cantilever weights positioned well in from the edge of the roof, interfering with the work to be done there. The post support and security device has a junction piece comprising four intersecting extruded stabilizer bars perpendicular to each other in one plane and a fifth bar protruding from that plane at ninety degrees. An upright post fits into one of the bars after the junction piece is bolted to a roof or to a wall abutting the edge of a roof, or is clamped to a parapet.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Bert Franks
-
Patent number: 6036156Abstract: A handrail-wall bumper combination which includes improved structural features for the mounting of the handrail above the bumper section, providing a common appearing design for both vinyl and wood handrail portions and accommodating, in the case of either type of handrail, a smoothly contoured gripping surface, including a well-defined and highly visible accent strip. Smooth, tangentially transitioning concave and convex surfaces are provided in front and also in back of the handrail where, although not visible to the eye, such surfaces provide improved comfort and feel and reduce skin abrasions. Improved components are also provided for assembling corners and returns, including providing slightly enlarged support surfaces for longitudinal extensions of plastic cover elements to assure optimum surface alignment at joints.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventors: Roderick E. Collette, Ronald R. Peck, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6036176Abstract: A barrier including a plurality of elongate construction elements extending along a first axis and spaced from each other along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the construction elements being telescopically extensible along the first axis, and an end of each construction element being formed with a tenon, the tenon being formed with a hole therein, at least one rail extending along the second axis, a plurality of apertures being formed through a thickness of the at least one rail and spaced from each other in correspondence with the spaced construction elements, each tenon mating with and protruding through a corresponding one of the apertures such that the construction element abuts the at least one rail and the hole of the tenon protrudes beyond the thickness of the at least one rail, and a plurality of fasteners, each fastener mating with a corresponding one of the holes so as to attach each construction element with the at least one rail substantially fixedly along the first aType: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Dov Rotshtain
-
Patent number: 6036177Abstract: A keyed decking system for supporting a handrail on a deck surface and a method of making same. Keyed rail and end support posts are easily constructed by adding a modified mortise and tenon joint to currently available rail and end posts. The use of this joint not only increases the strength of a handrail built therewith, but also increases the speed of building the handrail as well. In addition, by increasing the overall strength of the handrail, aesthetic considerations can be given more freedom thereby resulting in a wider range of deck and handrail designs. The slots used to make the modified mortise and tenon joint are sized to accept 5/4".times.6" standard decking material used as rails. Keyed rail posts are used at the corners and in place of some of the balusters at locations no greater than three feet apart. Keyed end or gate posts are used wherever a gap in the handrail occurs (at gate locations or ends of the handrail).Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: James B. Kirkwood, Jr.
-
Patent number: 6029954Abstract: A railing assembly is provided where the upper railing and the lower railing are interconnected with suitable cross-bars or plates and siding strips are snapped-on and locked on the sides of the railings to cover the opening and/or the ledge in the upper and lower railings and generally to strengthen and enhance the appearance of the railing assembly. Kits are also included within the scope of this invention for installing such railing assembly in conjunction with porches, stairways and the like.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Domenico Murdaca
-
Patent number: 6022003Abstract: To reduce the danger of bodily harm to occupants of vehicles that leave the roadway, a guardrail system includes a guardrail terminal and a guardrail. The guardrail terminal includes cutting means positioned to cut said guardrail as guardrail moves within said guardrail terminal and the guardrail terminal moves with respect to the guardrail to cut the guardrail when impacted by a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of NebraskaInventors: Dean L. Sicking, Brian G. Pfeifer
-
Patent number: 6012547Abstract: A platform having a handrail along one side which includes a device that is quick-release, quick-engaging and lift-assisted, and is capable of supporting and retaining a full-sized handrail during normal operations. The present invention comprises a lockable, releasable mechanism that includes a biasing member for assisting in the raising and lowering of the handrail. The locking mechanism is preferably released by means of a foot pedal.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Stewart and Stevenson ServicesInventor: Stephen D. Sykes
-
Patent number: 5992828Abstract: A fencing system including a plurality of vertical support members for supporting a plurality of elongate support members so as to create a physical barrier. A plurality of elongate conductors are attached to the elongate support members and positioned so that the elongate conductors attached to each elongate support member run parallel to the elongate support members. A power supply is connected to the elongate conductors so that an electrical potential is created.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Brett R. Burdick
-
Patent number: 5967258Abstract: A guardrail assembly for use on an elevated work platform includes a plurality of pivotally interconnected rail sections mounted on each side of the open front end of the work platform for movement between a collapsed position against the sides of the platform and an extended position. In the extended position, the sections define an enclosure on an elevated work surface, e.g. the top of a railcar or the wing of an airplane, and latches releasably lock outer free ends of the rail sections together. Vertically movable feet on the sections stabilize the assembly on the work surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Mobilift Inc.Inventors: Jay G. Scott, Larry Dobson
-
Patent number: 5967498Abstract: A railing system constructed primarily of high-strength, high-durability molded fiberglass. There are upper and lower box-section rail members which are joined by vertically extending tubular uprights, with a plastic stringer rod being threaded through bores in the ends of the uprights to lock the members together. Socket members are provided for mounting the ends of the rail members to a vertical support surface, and strut members are provided for installation between the lower rail member and the underlying floor/deck surface. The components are modular for ease of assembly, and the use of plastic materials not only obviates maintenance requirements but also enables the assembly to be cut to length and installed using conventional woodworking saws and other simple, readily available hand tools.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Jack S. Junell
-
Patent number: 5964452Abstract: A combined mounting and blanking spigot for providing fixing between a rectangular cross-section tubular rail and a post, comprising a solid member having a height and width slightly less than that of the interior dimensions of the rail and a length sufficient to blank a gap between the rail and post. One end surface is planar for attachment to the post and one side surface is planar, the other end and other side surfaces being formed to be arcuate or cut away at their adjacent corner. An aperture is formed vertically through the spigot at substantially the midpoint of the upper surface area thereof. A railing unit having at least two rails attached to a post by the spigots is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Inventor: Dennis Arthur Summers
-
Patent number: 5957437Abstract: A balustrade connecting structure, the connecting structure is used to connect the rail to a support structure, the connecting structure is constructed to be recessed into an end of a rail to enable the connection of the rail to the support structure, the connecting structure comprises: a housing unit and at least one connecting pin, the connecting pin is slidably attached to the housing unit, the connecting pin has a spring load, the spring load on the connecting pin acts to keep a predetermined portion of the connecting pin protruding from the housing unit, whereby when the connecting pin is pushed into the housing unit the spring load acts to push the predetermined portion of the connecting pin from the housing unit, therefore when the connecting pin is pushed into the housing unit when the housing unit is recessed in the rail, the rail can then be aligned with at least one prealigned hole in the support structure and the spring load on the connecting pin forces the predetermined portion of the connectingType: GrantFiled: August 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Peter Savenok
-
Patent number: 5950680Abstract: Disclosed is an impalement protector for use in shielding protruding concrete reinforcing bars, typically found on construction sites, used to prevent personal injuries caused by falling or otherwise coming into contact with the tip thereof. It consists of an elongated U-shaped channel that is formed such that the free ends thereof are drawn together such that the impalement protector slides over the reinforcing bars, creating a friction fit therewith and securing itself thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Inventor: Robert F. Randall
-
Patent number: 5931450Abstract: A modular fencing system including posts that have a generally tubular body. At least one opening is disposed in a side wall of said post, with a rail being able to be received in the opening of the post. A longitudinal reinforcing wall is disposed in the post next to the opening for reinforcing the post at least in the area of the opening. The post is adapted to receive a plurality of support systems for temporary, semi-permanent or permanent installations.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Royal Crown LimitedInventor: Dennis G. Yoder
-
Patent number: 5924680Abstract: A highway guardrail terminal system having horizontally extending guardrail elements mounted on a plurality of posts. Foundation sleeves having an elongated slit along one side retain and support appropriate guardrail posts. A plurality of stiffing ribs extend across the slit at a distal portion of the tube. The sleeves enable a safer and faster removal of broken guardrail posts after vehicular impact.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Safety By Design, Inc.Inventors: Dean L. Sicking, John D. Reid, John R. Rohde
-
Patent number: 5921531Abstract: A handrail assembly for access walkways on railway hopper cars is movable between a retracted position, where the assembly is stored for transit, and an extended position where the posts and rails of the assembly are raised to provide a protective barrier. The posts and rails are pivotally interconnected to provide a parallel linkage, each of the posts swinging about an axis that is displaced from a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the walkway. Also, the posts are inclined from the vertical when the assembly is in its extended position. The combined effect of the displacement and the inclination maintains the components of the assembly within allowable clearances and precludes interference with the top surface of the car body. A counterweight arrangement allows the posts and rails to be easily raised manually from one end of the car, and a mechanical lock is provided to positively retain the assembly in either its extended or retracted position.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Stephen R. Early
-
Patent number: 5913508Abstract: A group of posts, rails, right and left side L shaped post to rail connectors, base plates, and toeboard holding plates to allow temporary or permanent installation of a safety guard rail system with two or more guard rails that may be used as a guard rail on stairways or on flat surfaces. Installation may be by one man using only tools necessary to fasten base plates to a surface. The same group of parts can be used to form rectangular, square, or odd shaped scaffolds with or without toe board holders.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: June 22, 1999Assignee: Sure Step Gaurdrail Assembly, L. P.Inventor: Richard Eades
-
Patent number: 5908185Abstract: A handrail-wall bumper combination which includes improved structural features for the mounting of the handrail above the bumper section, providing a common appearing design for both vinyl and wood handrail portions and accommodating, in the case of either type of handrail, a smoothly contoured gripping surface, including a well-defined and highly visible accent strip. Smooth, tangentially transitioning concave and convex surfaces are provided in front and also in back of the handrail where, although not visible to the eye, such surfaces provide improved comfort and feel and reduce skin abrasions. Improved components are also provided for assembling corners and returns, including providing slightly enlarged support surfaces for longitudinal extensions of plastic cover elements to assure optimum surface alignment at joints.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Pawling CorporationInventors: Roderick E. Collette, Ronald R. Peck, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5876020Abstract: A guardrail for a road or highway includes spaced uprights or posts on which are mounted deformable spacers which carry a longitudinal rail. The rail is formed by two wave shaped strips mounted together in a FIG. 8 profile by fastening ribs positioned in the open areas of the FIG. 8. The spacer has a straight lower portion that extends diagonally upward from the upright to the rail, a center portion fastened to the rail, and an upper portion curved to meet the upright. The spacer deforms to lift the rail upon impact. Additional tubular rails are provided on the uprights above the rail height.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1997Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Autostrada del Brennero S.P.A.Inventor: Vittorio Giavotto
-
Patent number: 5873671Abstract: An attachment system for connecting a hollow rail to a support post includes an attachment bracket with a face plate for attachment to the support post, and a distally extending internal support member for nesting within the end of the rail. To enable disposition of the rail in an orientation other than orthogonal to the face plate, a portion of the internal support member is rounded to tapered, to provide the rail with up to forty-five degree movement from the orthogonal position. The attachment system also includes a snap-on cover which connects to the attachment bracket to cover the attachment bracket and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the attachment point between the support post and the rail.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.Inventor: Ron West
-
Patent number: 5873564Abstract: A method of constructing metal picket fences and components for use in building fences. Basically, panels are constructed by punching holes in frame tubes with a punch to form holes. Pickets are inserted into the holes to form fence panels that are fastened to posts. Several embodiments of self-locking pin systems are provided to lock picket ends in frame tube holes to prevent the pickets from being removed. In each embodiment, a pin is mounted on a picket end in a manner such that as the picket end is pressed into a frame tube hole, the pin will move outwardly of the picket wall inside the frame tube and prevent withdrawal of the picket. Straps can be fastened to the posts with fence panels fastened to the straps in a manner permitting accommodation of inter-post tolerances and ground slope changes. Several different embodiments of locking pins, blind fasteners and post or surface mounting brackets are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: February 23, 1999Inventor: Robert M. Bisch
-
Patent number: 5853167Abstract: A decorative cover for posts includes a collar portion which is configured to cover attachment devices and the like to provide a more aesthetically pleasing termination for the post. A cap portion can be provided which engages the collar to cover the end of the post. Preferably, the collar and cap portion can both be attached to the post without the use of tools.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.Inventors: Ron West, John Forbis
-
Patent number: 5853166Abstract: A handrail assembly which may be mounted on an existing handrail and used to aid children in ascending or descending a set of stairs. The handrail assembly includes a plurality of clamping devices which may be removably mounted on an existing handrail and which support a secondary handrail at a predetermined position below the existing handrail. The secondary handrail includes a plurality of telescopically mated rods which enable the overall length of the secondary handrail to be adjusted to coincide with the overall length of the existing handrail. Each section of the secondary handrail may be attached at a fixed position along the length of the secondary handrail to a clamping device. Additional clamping devices may be slidably mounted along the length of the secondary handrails to support any long expanses of unsupported sections of the secondary handrail. The clamping devices each have a pair of jaws which may be quickly mounted onto a variety of styles of existing handrails.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1997Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Inventor: Kim J. Koza
-
Patent number: 5842685Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Harrison G. PurvisInventors: Harrison G. Purvis, Lonnie E. Arnold, Jr.
-
Patent number: 5826398Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an exposed end of at least one exposed reinforcement bar at a construction site. The apparatus includes a substantially flat portion adapted for receiving a removeable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber, a collar for securing the substantially flat portion over the end of a bar. Once the apparatus is placed over the exposed end of the bar a removeable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber may be placed over the substantially flat portion, so that the exposed end of the bar is covered by the two-by-four piece of lumber resting over the substantially flat portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Inventor: Michael A. Carnicle
-
Patent number: 5826861Abstract: An exemplary moveable guard rail system of the present invention, useful for preventing fork lift trucks from falling off flat bed trailers, comprises at least two guard rails connected sequentially to each other and to hinged supportive frame members. The guard rails can be moved between extended and retracted positions by hinged arm members which may be powered by hydraulic pistons. Preferably, gimbal bearing members are used for connecting the guard rail or rails to the hinged supportive frame members.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.Inventors: Donald S. Indge, William R. Straker
-
Patent number: 5820111Abstract: A modular railing system for straight or curved stairways and straight or curved balconies includes a selected number of balusters, each having a stanchion for connection to a base support member of the balcony or stairway and a handrail member of the balcony or stairway railing system and a barrier part connected to the stanchion. The barrier parts may comprise predetermined ornamental scroll-shaped portions connected to the stanchions at spaced apart points between opposite distal ends of the stanchions and projecting laterally from the stanchions. Alternatively, the stanchions may project from opposite ends of the barrier part. Each baluster has a predetermined ornamental and functional shape to provide a repeating pattern of the railing system throughout its extent and to provide a maximum pass through dimension to comply with regulatory requirements. The stanchion parts and barrier parts of each baluster are proportioned to provide modular railings for stairways having substantial differences in slopes.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventor: Nancy A. Ross
-
Patent number: 5820110Abstract: A telescoping bleacher system having plural sectional rows of cantilever mounted seats and horizontal foot decks moveable between an extended use position whereat the rows are cascaded in descending order and a storage position in which the rows are superposed in vertical registration, and wherein plural guard rail units are permanently secured to the cantilever seats and foot decks for movement therewith between stored and extended positions; such guard rails being individually associated with each sectional row to provide vertically extending safety barriers across the exposed ends of the seats and foot decks and importantly operable to nest in a storage position within the foot well of each row without interfering with telescoping movements of the bleacher sections.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: B & R Erectors, Inc.Inventor: Roger H. Beu
-
Patent number: 5813663Abstract: A railing system for a telescopic seating arrangement, such as bleacher systems and platform seating systems. The railing system includes discrete lightweight and readily stowable uprights, each having a single closed-loop upper section. Brackets carried by the nose of decks receive a plate affixed to the lower end of each upright. The brackets which support the uprights have a low profile so that the seating system is readily useable if the uprights are not installed. The lightweight and easily stowed uprights of this railing system eliminate the factors which lead to use of a seating system without handrails.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Interkal, Inc.Inventors: Daniel R. Victor, Stanley W. McKay, Melvin J. Guiles, Kenneth A. Ahrens
-
Patent number: 5803438Abstract: A new Plastic Fencing for providing an easily installable modular fence system. The inventive device includes at least one corner post having at least one pair of corner post recesses formed therein, at least one intermediate post having at least one pair of intermediate post recesses formed therein, at least one end post having at least one end post recess formed therein, and a plurality of rails for horizontally spanning a plurality of distances between the corner posts, intermediate posts and end posts, the rails being removably attachable to the corner post recesses, intermediate post recesses and end post recesses. A picket fence system is also provided having picket slats removably attachable to picket rails.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Inventor: David A. Blouin
-
Patent number: 5795503Abstract: A connector for attaching fence rails to posts including a clamp for placement about a post with each clamp serving to support a pair of rail ends. Each of the rail ends is fitted with a bracket having an upright flange for clamped engagement to a post surface. A modified bracket includes upper and lower flanges between which a rail end is received. The brackets may be of malleable construction to permit support of a fence rail in other than perpendicular relationship to an adjacent post. Each clamp includes a fastener assembly positionable opposite a rail end for partial concealment of the fastener assembly and clamp edges.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Christopher P. Krake
-
Patent number: 5794923Abstract: A dressage arena fence module comprising at least two component brackets and at least one component rail. Each bracket comprises a slot to couple the rail to the bracket. Integral with the slot and integral with the rail are cooperating appertures and tabs to releasably lock the rail to the brackets. The fence is an easy to assemble and disassemble modular arena fence system from components which fence may be stacked in sections when assembled. The fence may be anchored to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Michelle Bartlett
-
Patent number: 5791635Abstract: Fence post construction including a main post which is installed in an upright vertical position within a post hole, with the post having at least one bracket fixedly attached thereto, with the bracket being located substantially just below the ground surface when the post is installed within the post hole and the bracket is of a shape and size to slidably receive a rod there through, thus the bracket and the rod in combination provide an anchor for securing the post within the ground.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventors: Harold L. Hull, Daniel Boyd
-
Patent number: 5791634Abstract: A support rail assembly (5) for a use on a motor vehicle is disclosed. The support rail assembly has at least one elongate rigid member (7) having a first bent end (8) and a spaced second, end (9). A first elongate flexible member (14) is fastened to the first bent end of the rigid member so that the first flexible member extends co-linear from the first bend end of the rigid member toward a mounting bracket 22 to which the first flexible member is fastened at its other end. A second elongate flexible member 18 is fastened to the second bent end of the rigid member and extends co-linearly from the second bent end of the rigid member and parallel to the first elongate flexible member, the second flexible member being connected at its other end to a second mounting bracket (23).Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1996Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Inventor: S. Scott Brown
-
Patent number: 5788224Abstract: A fence rail clip attaches a fence rail perpendicularly to a fence post and includes a oval-shaped base which mounts to the fence post and a locking bracket which receives an end of the fence rail and interlocks with the base. The base has a tapered edge which is angled inwardly from front to rear and two counter bored holes formed therein for receiving a pair of screws. The locking bracket has a generally U-shaped panel with an outwardly extending peripheral wall, and has a similar shape to that of the cross-sectional shape of the fence rail. A channel is formed between a pair of spaced legs of the U-shaped panel and includes a narrow bottle-neck section formed between an oval-shaped section which is complementary in shape to a rear of the base and an outwardly angled bottom section which guides the bracket over the base. An outer edge of the channel is tapered inwardly from a front to a rear of the locking bracket in a complementary relationship to the tapered edge of the base.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Inventor: Robert E. Platt
-
Patent number: 5779228Abstract: A vehicle hand rail assembly is provided having an elongated bar. A first section of the bar defines a gripping area, and a second section of the bar is configured to receive and retain at least one light element longitudinally disposed along the bar. At least one mounting member secures the bar in position with respect to a surface of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Inventor: Randall C. Hansen
-
Patent number: 5772185Abstract: A protective cap for covering a top of a wall. The cap is constructed in the form of an elongate channel having an upper plate and opposing sidewalls. Each sidewall tapers inwardly to an innermost side edge, then slants outwardly from that edge. The sidewalls are preferably flexible and resilient with sufficient elastic memory to function cooperatively as a gripper. The cap is placed onto the top of an outdoor wall, with the upper plate of the cap disposed along the top and the sidewalls extending downwardly along opposing sides of the outdoor wall. The cap is constructed such that the outdoor wall is wider than the distance between the innermost side edges when the sidewalls of the cap reside in a natural, unbiased position.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Larry W. Pulsipher
-
Patent number: 5772186Abstract: A fence frame is disclosed that preferably comprises galvanized steel posts that provide an accessible flat surface or surfaces parallel with the surface of the transverse rails and through which are applied holding bolts for securing the post to adjoining ends of rail sections. The posts and rail sections are preferably made of standard length L-shaped galvanized angle irons that are readily available. The rails are stripped at their ends to fit over the posts and to present a flat plane of fence frame parts for the installation of a covering. Such covering can conveniently be paneling secured to the fence rails by self-tapping, self-drilling screws or by flexible galvanized wire tie rods.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Inventor: Alton B. Parker
-
Patent number: 5755431Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a post particularly for use with vinyl fencing. The apparatus includes a mounting fitting having a first member defining a web and an aperture and a second member defining a peripheral surface. The aperture formed by the first member is disposable about a stake such that the first member is engageable with the outer surface of the stake to frictionally support the mounting fitting thereon. The peripheral surface of the second member is connected to the first member by the web and is engageable with the inner surface of a hollow post to frictionally support the post about the stake. The related method for installing a post includes the steps of securing a mounting stake to a surface, frictionally coupling a mounting fitting to the stake, and sliding a hollow post about the stake and mounting fittings such that the mounting fitting frictionally supports the hollow post about the stake.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Inventor: Robert M. Williams
-
Patent number: 5749808Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a user in safely climbing a stairway and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a rod and a pair of parallel rails disposed opposite one another along the flight of stairs. Each of the rails has a number of spaced notches in its upper surface so that the rails may releasably support the rod extending therebetween. In use, the rod is grasped by a user and caused to be moved from one set of notches to another thereby steadying the user as he or she walks up or down the stairs.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1996Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Inventor: James Alexander Harris
-
Patent number: 5743064Abstract: A protection system comprises a protective wall rail, such as a handrail or a guardrail, which is made of an extruded thermoplastic sheet and which is thermoformably bonded to a decorative vinyl film. The vinyl film has a decorative pattern on one of its surfaces. The protective wall rail is mounted to a wall forming part of a building by a suitable bracket and retainer. If the protective wall rail is a guardrail, then it may be used for protecting the wall from being damaged by a movable object. If the protective wall rail is a handrail, then it may be used for securing the movement of an human through the building. The protective wall rail advantageously exhibits improved aesthetic quality and improved durability.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: InPro Corporation (IPC)Inventor: Matthew Bennett
-
Patent number: 5738342Abstract: A fence corner arrangement that includes a corner post, at least two corner post tongues, a first end post, a first end post tongue, a second end post, a second end post tongue, a first brace, and a second brace. The corner post has an upper portion with a perimeter and the corner post upper portion contains a recess disposed along its entire perimeter. The at least two corner post tongues are disposed within the recess and project towards the perimeter. The first end post is disposed a distance from the corner post and has an upper portion with a perimeter. The upper portion contains a recess disposed along a part of the perimeter. The first end post tongue is disposed within the recess and projects towards the perimeter in the direction of one of the at least two corner post tongues. The second end post is disposed a distance from the corner post and the first end post and has an upper portion with a perimeter. The second end post upper portion contains a recess disposed along a part of the perimeter.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Inventor: Lonnie Van Winkle
-
Patent number: 5718412Abstract: A modular series of square or tubular rails are joined to together by rigid or flexible connectors to provide a playing surface in-line skates and skateboards. The rails are separated from the earth or other surface by support columns. The rails themselves can be straight, curved, or can be equipped with a number of bends. Single column supports are preferred for permanent installations where the column can be bolted onto a surface or can be partially buried in the earth. Dual-column supports that form a triangular pattern that enable the rails system to be portable, yet allows skaters to impart horizontal as well as vertical loads on the rails safetly. Both columns allow the use of tubular or rectangular rails. Joints between the rail may be flexible to allow a broader range of skating maneuvers.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Inventor: Ronald Levanas