Rail Patents (Class 256/59)
  • Patent number: 5713171
    Abstract: A railing assembly for use in association with a deck having a deck surface, the deck including at least one post extending vertically upwardly from the deck surface. The railing assembly includes at least one plastic post cover for covering the post and at least one plastic rail extending from the plastic post cover. The invention further can include a fastener for securing the rail to the post and the post cover. The invention also can include a unique picket assembly, the pickets of the picket assembly being generally vertically oriented and spaced from and secured to the plastic rail. A method of assembling a railing assembly for a deck having a deck surface is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Thermal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Andres
  • Patent number: 5711398
    Abstract: A safety rail system is provided at the edge of a pitched roof under construction or undergoing repair maintenance to afford protection against a roof worker falling off the roof. The system includes multiple, spaced apart rail support assemblies, each of which resides over a respective joist and provides means for receiving and supporting end-lapped safety planks. Each support assembly is detachably secured in place by a J-hook structure that is inserted into the gap between adjacent courses of roof sheet overlay and lockingly engages the underlying joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Inventor: Paul F. Bartholomew
  • Patent number: 5695175
    Abstract: A joint, particularly for use with banister assemblies, comprises a ball (14) fixed into position within a socket (13). The balls (14) formed at either end of a plurality of balusters (12), and sockets (13), formed in a base rail (10) and hand rail (11) are preformed at a work shop or factory and subsequently used for construction of a banister assembly. During the construction of such an assembly, the base rail (10) is fixed into position and the hand rail (11) placed in parallel, vertically spaced-apart relation to it, supported loosely by newel posts at either end. Next, balusters (12) are inserted between the base rail (10) and hand rail (11) by inserting a bottom ball of each baluster (12) into the base rail sockets (13) and adjusting the hand rail (11) to enable insertion of the upper balls into the hand rail sockets (13). Once all balusters are in position, the hand rail (11) can be firmly fixed into place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Ellis Hawkins Limited
    Inventor: John Dennis Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5695174
    Abstract: A fence includes two posts which are fixedly planted into the ground by a wedge-shaped element, two plates connected between the two posts by a first connect in element disposed between each of the plates and the post wherein the plate is pivotally engaged to the first connecting element, each of the posts having a first groove defined longitudinally therein such that the first connecting. elements can be adjustably received therein, a plurality of balusters engaged to the two plates wherein a second connecting element is disposed between each of the balusters and the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Yang Wen Tsai
  • Patent number: 5683074
    Abstract: This invention is 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: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventors: Harrison G. Purvis, Tony R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 5667199
    Abstract: A railing made of prefabricated standard components with railing rods, connecting elements between the railing rods and with railing panels. Each of the railing rods consists of a longitudinal part which can be secured to the building body, as well as a bent short end. The short end of the railing rods can be inserted longitudinally slidable into the connecting elements. The longitudinal part of each railing rod to be mounted is held in a transverse throughbore of the connecting element. The connecting elements are designed as handrail segments which have a blind bore in longitudinal direction for receiving the short end of a railing rod and transversely thereto a throughbore for the vertical longitudinal part of the railing rod to be mounted. Further on the longitudinal part of the railing rods panel holders are adjustably arranged for fastening the railing panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Wilfried Hamm
  • Patent number: 5660378
    Abstract: A method of making an assemblable fence and the fence which includes a plurality of spaced apart pickets, each picket having an aperture therein facing in the same direction, an insert having an edge with a single or plurality of spaced apart fingers disposed along the edge, the spacing between the fingers being the same as the spacing between the center portions of the pickets and a substantially U-shaped rail having an intermediate portion and a pair of spaced apart portions extending from the intermediate portion. The insert is placed between the rail and the pickets so that the fingers are aligned with the apertures and above the apertures in the pickets. The rail and fingers are then moved toward the apertures until the fingers enter and are locked in the apertures. In one embodiment, the step of moving the rail and the fingers further includes continuing to move the rail and the fingers in the same direction after entry of the fingers into the apertures to provide the locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Delair Group LLC
    Inventor: Frederick R. Schall
  • Patent number: 5657968
    Abstract: An adjustable stair railing (12) for a stairway railing (14) being a plurality of balusters (16) supporting a handrail (18) on a stairway (20). The adjustable stair railing (12) comprises an auxiliary rail (22) and a facility (24) for attaching the auxiliary rail (22) to some of the balusters (16) in a height adjustable manner and a parallel relationship below the handrail (18) on the stairway railing (14). A young child unable to reach the handrail (18) can now grip the auxiliary rail (22), to travel up and down the stairway (20) in safety without tripping on the stairway (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Jeff Marsden
  • Patent number: 5655755
    Abstract: A stanchion for removable installation of guard rails for use in construction, crowd control, and like situations wherein removable barriers are required. The stanchion includes paired engageable collars which may be rotated and axially slid on the stanchion post, and brackets or other devices for attaching rails to the collars. To orient rails in a desired direction, the collars are disengaged, rotated so the brackets are directed as desired, and then reengaged to lock the collars in the desired orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: George Donald Brandt
  • Patent number: 5651534
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis G. Yoder
  • Patent number: 5649688
    Abstract: A railing includes a top member having a downwardly opening first channel with a bottom and a bottom member having an upwardly opening second channel with a top. There is a plurality of spaced-apart vertical pickets, each picket having a top end in the first channel and a bottom end in the bottom channel. There are spacers adjacent the top and bottom members. Each spacer is an elongated, continuous member with a plurality of spaced-apart openings. Each spacer has a connector engaging one of the top and bottom members. The pickets extend through the openings in the spacers. There may be resilient members along the channels. During assembly the resilient members are first fitted within the channels and the spacer members are then secured to the top and bottom members. The pickets can then be inserted through the openings in the elongated members. The elongated members are then brought towards each other and secured in place with the pickets compressing the resilient members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Neill E. Baker
  • Patent number: 5647681
    Abstract: A stairs rail connector which is pre-manufactured as a semicircular turning rail, including two curved tubes with identical dimension. Each curved tube has an interconnecting end and a connecting end. The interconnecting end of one curved tube is disposed with a shaft seat therein, while the interconnecting end of the other curved tube is disposed with a shaft ring therein, whereby the interconnecting ends are rotatably connected with each other, permitting the curved tubes to be freely 360 degrees rotated relative to each other. After the curved tubes are rotated to a position corresponding to the turning angle between an upper and a lower rails, the connecting ends of the curved tubes are inserted into and secured in the openings of the upper and lower rails to connect the same at the turning angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Chi-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 5641236
    Abstract: A coupling for joining a pair of tubes having ends has a ball having a substantially spherical outer surface and a center and formed with an outwardly projecting pin extending along an axis radial of the ball and center. The pin is dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of one of the tubes. Another pin dimensioned to fit snugly into the end of the other of the tubes has a seat shaped to complementarily fit against the surface of the ball. The other pin is secured to the surface the ball at any of a multiplicity of angular offset positions thereon. A threaded bore is formed in the ball and centered on a bore axis traversing the center and another bore is formed in the other pin, opening into the seat, and centered on a bore axis extending at an acute angle to the respective pin. A screw extends through the bore of the other pin and is seated in the threaded bore of the ball. Normally the bore axis of the threaded bore extends at an acute angle to the axis of the pin of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Karl-Heinz Schrader
    Inventors: Andreas Hornung, Karl-Heinz Schrader
  • Patent number: 5628494
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fence panel assembly and fence that do not permit a line of vision from one side of the panels between the panels to the other side of the panels while still providing ventilation channels between the panels for resistance to high wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: James L. Arnold
  • Patent number: 5626331
    Abstract: A spindle or baluster for use in a fence or deck railing which comprises a plastic outer shell having a first end section, a second end section opposite the first end section, and a middle section intermediate the first and second end sections. An elongate metal reinforcing element is positioned within the outer shell and extends from the first end section to the second end section. A rigid plastic foam is disposed within at least a portion of the first and second end sections and substantially surrounds portions of the metal reinforcing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Erwin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Erwin
  • Patent number: 5611523
    Abstract: A fence system including posts for supporting horizontal rails and infill material such as panels or wooden boards. The posts comprise spaced-apart channel members of substantially C-shaped cross-sections having channels facing inwardly. The rails extend between the channel members of the post. A connector in the form of band clamps at least the upper ends of the channel member of the post together and preferably supports the rails. The lower ends of the channel members of the post are preferably set in concrete or secured to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Alcuf Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey E. Parisien
  • Patent number: 5593143
    Abstract: A universal post connector is disclosed for interconnecting fence posts and braces either of which may be a pipe post or tee post at any horizontal or vertical angle and at any position along the length of each. The universal connector is also adaptable to tee posts and pipe posts of all standard cross-sectional sizes. The preferred embodiment includes a pair of sleeves and a pair of collars to interconnect two tee posts. At least one sleeve is slipped onto each tee post and fastened thereto at any position along the length of the tee post using a fastening device. A collar encircles each sleeve and is clamped at any position along the length of the sleeve. A coupler pivotally interconnects the collars and locks the collars at variable angles with respect to each other. In the case where a pipe post is used in place of a tee post, the collar can be directly clamped to the pipe post without using a sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Ferrarin
  • Patent number: 5584469
    Abstract: A handrail assembly comprises a substantially continuous length of handrail having therein a longitudinally extending groove and a connector device (12,72) which enables a support post to be secured in a selected orientation relative to the length of the handrail. The connector device comprises a first member (72) which is an insert slidable lengthwise of the handrail in the longitudinally extending groove in the handrail (70), a second member (12) adjustably associated with the first member by a retention assembly (48), the first member having formed in an external surface thereof a recess (30') of part spherical shape, the second member (12) comprising an elongate body having a hollow head portion (40) and a tubular tail portion (43), these portions being aligned with one another along the longitudinal axis of the body. The head portion (40) of the second member comprises a part-spherical outer surface (41) which conforms with the shape of the recess (30') in the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Kee Klamps Limited
    Inventor: David Goodwin
  • Patent number: 5573227
    Abstract: A stanchion, a row of which are to be mounted at spaced intervals along the facia board and rafters of the frame of a building under construction. Stanchions support guardrails which are nailed through slots in rail holders on the stanchions, to provide a fall protection system for workers on the roof under construction. The bracket part of each stanchion is attached to the facia board and also to a rafter of the building frame, thus spreading the force caused by a falling person or large object between both facia and rafters, providing maximum strength. The vertical post and the rails stand out from the edge of the roof, and therefore in no way interfere with the complete roofing process, including sheathing, gutter apron or de-edging, tar papering, and all shingling. Siding operation can also be done while the stanchions are in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hemauer, David Gasch
  • Patent number: 5566927
    Abstract: A guard rail assembly having a vertical support stanchion and a horizontal rail. The rail and stanchion have polymerized sheathing extending about the stanchion and rail to protect the assembly from the environment. The guard rail assembly may also include a seal interposed of the polymerized sheathing to further protect the assembly from the environment. The guard rail assembly may also be pivotable about a vertical rail to allow access to the guarded area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5560588
    Abstract: A support for temporary guard railing erected along the edges of open floors, balconies, stairs, and the like in a building under construction. The support comprises a base adapted to be removably attached to a floor surface of the building and support walls upstanding from the base and defining between them an upwardly opening socket for receipt of a post. At least one pair of parallel rail guide flanges are adjoined to the base and project laterally outwardly with respect to one of the support walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: J. Hilton Hilliard
  • Patent number: 5558312
    Abstract: An adjustable safety bracket for use in roof construction provides a support for a safety barricade to be erected along the edge of the roof. The bracket assembly includes an attachment member which engages the free end of a roof support bracket, such as a roof joist, and a support member which is pivotally connected to the attachment member at an outer end thereof. The attachment member includes a channel portion which engages the free end of the roof support member and further includes a yoke in which the support member is pivotally supported. The support member includes a stop surface aligned with the channel portion such that when installed, the stop surface faces the free end of the roof support member and the free end limits the rotation of the support member within the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Safety Brackets, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Brennan
  • Patent number: 5553833
    Abstract: Lightweight, easily handled safety barriers are commonly erected around swimming pools to save small children from accidental drowning. Prior art barriers are made of a number of flexible panels attached to poles that are inserted into partially sleeved receptacles. The degree of protection offered by such a fence is improved by the provision of interlocking poles and receptacles. In a preferred embodiment, each pole has a key at its lower end and each sleeve has a keyway through which a corresponding pole's key can be inserted. When the barrier is erected each panel is drawn taut, which rotates all but one pole of a section into a locked orientation. The remaining pole, which is at an end of the section, is rotated into a locked orientation by latching it to an end pole of an adjacent section of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Protect- A- Child Pool Fence Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: F. Russell Bohen
  • Patent number: 5547169
    Abstract: A fence assembly including posts and rails connected to each other by adjustable connecting members. The connecting member is a swivel bracket which permits adjustment of an end of the fence rail relative a fence post in various directions, e.g., in vertical and horizontal planes. The swivel bracket includes a base member and a body member, and the base member preferably has a flat side configured to be secured against the outer surface of a fence post. The opposite side of the base has a rounded concave depression adapted to receive one end of the bracket body member, the body member having a rounded exterior which fits within said depression. The body member has a hollow chamber therein which is open at a side thereof to receive the end of the rail. The ends of the rail are received in the bracket body chambers through the opening therein and then fixed to the brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: The Anchor Group
    Inventor: William C. Russell
  • Patent number: 5544866
    Abstract: A specialized metal bracket permits the installation of wooden handrails between two upright supporting surfaces, such as posts, walls and the like, so that the bracket is not visible from the sides of the handrail. The bracket is L-shaped and recessed into the handrail on a side surface and bottom surface of the handrail. Two holes in a vertically-extending portion of the bracket are drilled adjacent to a bend in the bracket to permit trimming of a height of the bracket, as necessary. Two holes in the horizontally-extending portion of the bracket are spaced from the bend of the bracket to provide clearance from a post to facilitate use of a screwdriver to secure the handrail to the bracket. Both sets of holes are counter-sunk from opposite surfaces of the bracket so that the screws extending vertically into the handrail will not conflict with the screws extending horizontally into a post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Robert Dye
  • Patent number: 5529288
    Abstract: A structure of a handrail for a staircase including a rail formed with a first longitudinal groove at a lower side and a second longitudinal groove at an upper side, a plurality of supporters each having a curved connector, a wing portion connected with an end of the curved connector for slidably fitted into the longitudinal groove of the rail, and a tubular portion connected with another end of the curved connector, a base member fixedly secured to each of the supporters, a protective cap at both ends of the rail, a first U-shaped cover engaged with the first longitudinal groove of the rail, and a second U-shaped cover engaged with the second longitudinal groove of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Lin Cheng-I
  • Patent number: 5518333
    Abstract: A connector for a studded T-post comprises a tube having an internal keyway therein. The keyway slidingly receives a studded T-post and is configured to prevent relative rotational movement of the post within the tube when the post is inserted into the tube. A locking member passes through the tube and cooperates with studs of the T-post to inhibit longitudinal movement of the T-post within the tube. A second similar tube may be attached to the first tube such that two T-posts may be inserted in the respective tubes and supported relative to one another in any number of angular orientations, thereby providing support for a wire-formed trellis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: CHS Acquisition Corp.
    Inventors: William J. Cienkus, Jr., Ronald E. Owczarzak
  • Patent number: 5507473
    Abstract: A guard rail post is molded from a plastic recycled material which is reinforced with a vertical and a horizontal reinforcing member embedded within an L-shaped plastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hammer's Inc.
    Inventors: Floyd V. Hammer, Brian Harper
  • Patent number: 5496016
    Abstract: A fence system including posts for supporting horizontal rails and infill material such as panels or wooden boards. The posts comprise spaced-apart channel members of substantially C-shaped cross-sections having channels facing inwardly. The rails extend between the channel members of the post. A connector having side edges bent to engage interned flanges of the channel members is held in place by a bolt and washer. An alternative connector in the form of a band clamps at least the upper ends of the channel member of the post together and preferably supports the rails. The lower ends of the channel members of the post are preferably set in concrete or secured to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Alcuf Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey E. Parisien
  • Patent number: 5469682
    Abstract: An end cap/corner unit for a wall protection system comprising a substantially solid, impact absorbing, deformable member curved along its length. The end cap/corner unit is anchored to one or two other segments of the wall protection system. It is anchored by an anchoring system which may consist of an insert embedded at the end faces of the end cap/corner unit with a connecting pin extending therethrough. The end cap/corner unit can serve dual purposes, functioning as either an end cap unit or a corner unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: RJF International
    Inventor: Thomas G. Knight
  • Patent number: 5464070
    Abstract: A stanchion assembly comprises a stachion which is supported from the end of a purlin by a clamping assembly comprising a single clamp and a connection rod. The clamp defines a throat into which a distal lip of the purlin is received and the connection rod may also be received in the throat or in a separate sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: DGS Property Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Cornelis J. Griek, Anthony K. Mitchinson
  • Patent number: 5454548
    Abstract: A method for joining tubular members at right angles for use in the construction of a rail and pole metal fence or grating, in which the poles are inserted through pre-punched multi-sided clearance holes in the rails and are secured in the clearance holes by a coupling bar that engages slots in the slides of the poles as it is inserted longitudinally inside the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Robert S. Moore
  • Patent number: 5447290
    Abstract: A guard rail for use with linearly-arranged reinforcement bars is provided, the guard rail including a housing for guarding reinforcement bars with the housing including structure for capturing the reinforcement bars therein, and structure on the capturing structure for guiding movement of the capturing structure between a non-secured position and a position wherein the housing is securely maintained in a guarding position over the reinforcement bars extending into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Deslauriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Workman
  • Patent number: 5441240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fence panel assembly and fence that do not permit a line of vision from one side of the panels between the panels to the other side of the panels while still providing ventilation channels between the panels for resistance to high wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: James L. Arnold
  • Patent number: 5437433
    Abstract: An adjustable stair rail system suitable for use by a homeowner in which various adjustments in positioning the rail can easily be made on site. The system includes a plurality of balusters and adjustable baluster connectors. The height of the balusters can be adjusted, which balusters engage the outer surface of the rail so as to enable angular movement of the rail with respect to the balusters in an adjustable fashion. The invention further includes an adjustable tee connection to secure the rail to one or more vertical support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Lavi Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Rezek
  • Patent number: 5431372
    Abstract: A safety post assembly includes a flat mounting plate adapted to rest on a support surface, an upright post fixed in an upstanding relationship on a central portion of the mounting plate, a pair of elongated narrow anchoring straps having inner portions positioned over a pair of peripheral edge portions of the mounting plate and outer portions extending outwardly from the inner portions and the mounting plate so as to overlie portions of the support surface located adjacent to the mounting plate, and a plurality of fasteners adapted to attach the mounting plate and anchoring straps upon the support surface. The mounting plate has a plurality of holes defined therein along peripheral edge portions of the plate and in spaced relationship to one another. The anchoring straps also have pluralities of openings defined therein, some being in a spaced relationship to one another which matches the spaced relationship between the holes in the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Denpak Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane Kostelecky
  • Patent number: 5427359
    Abstract: An ergonomic handrail/bumper has an elongated metal retainer of substantially uniform cross-section along its length that is adapted to be mounted on a wall by supports. A bumper-retaining portion of the retainer includes a generally vertically oriented web, to which a handgrip-retaining portion spaced apart above the web is joined by a connecting portion. A bumper member is mounted on the front of the web of the bumper-retaining portion, and a handgrip member is mounted on the handgrip-retaining portion of the retainer. The handgrip-retaining portion has a base joined to the connecting portion, the base being inclined upwardly and rearwardly with respect to the front part of the bumper-retaining portion, and a pair of spaced apart retaining flanges extending generally upwardly from the base and defining a channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Moulton
  • Patent number: 5419538
    Abstract: An improved fastening system is provided for anchoring a post to a foundation, in which the fastening system is received and completely concealed within a recess formed between the post and the foundation. The fastening system of this invention also provides for an improved method for installing a post, by which the post is threadably secured to the foundation by being rotated relative to the foundation. The fastening system includes a first member securable to a lower surface of the post, and a second member securable to a surface of the foundation. Both the first and second members have a threaded bore therethrough, and are sized to have widths which are less than the diameter of the post. A threaded stud is threadably engagable with the threaded bores of the first and second members. For installation, the recess is formed in the lower surface of the post, the upper surface of the foundation, or both, so as to be sufficiently sized to receive the first and second members and the threaded stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Inventors: Thomas N. Nicholas, William C. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 5396740
    Abstract: A handrail including one or more tubular members, the ends whereof are provided with respective fastening members. Inserts made of photoluminescent material are arranged between the tubular members and the fixing members and are suitable to make the handrail visible even in poor lighting conditions or in complete darkness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Bocchi S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Bocchi
  • Patent number: 5395083
    Abstract: A tether, and foot restraining device, securing handrail bracket is provided, suitable for use by an astronaut performing tasks outside a spacecraft, comprising a handrail column having a foot restraining socket and anchor pin. The column is attached to a mounting flange which has an upstanding, column reinforcing rib provided with a tether securing aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Canadian Space Agency
    Inventor: James C. Hastie
  • Patent number: 5382001
    Abstract: A preassembled handrail structure is supplied in relatively long lengths and consists of top and bottom rails separated by a row of pickets. The structure makes use of a special joint where the ends of the pickets are attached to the rails. These joints are made so that they can be put together by application of pressure. In this way an entire length of the handrail structure can be assembled in one operation by pressing both top and bottom rails into engagement with the corresponding ends of the pickets in one compressing operation. Handrail structures are delivered as complete units to the site. In place of posts to mount the handrail structure on a deck, use is made of a series of mounting brackets bolted to the deck on which the lower rail is anchored by use of a specially designed attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Robert D. Lichti
  • Patent number: 5377958
    Abstract: A safety railing for installation about a roof edge of a building. Vertically extending stanchion members are mounted to wall brackets by pivoting links. These swing outwardly in response to an impact on the railing at the upper ends of the stanchions, so that a combined pull-out and shear loading is applied to the wall bracket. This effectively increases the load-bearing capacity of the fasteners which attach the bracket to the wall. The swinging link member may be a pivoting hook, and this detachably engages a horizontally-extending pivot pin which is mounted to a middle portion of the stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: PRS Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5354037
    Abstract: The guardrail assembly includes at least two tubular metal stanchion posts having a base, at least one aperture through one side of each stanchion post and at least one horizontal rail having a fastener at each end for extending into the respective stanchion post apertures. The horizontal rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and an end plate for supporting the fastener. Following insertion of the fastener of the horizontal rail into the stanchion post aperture, a threaded nut positioned in each stanchion post engages the threaded fastener at each end of the horizontal tubular rail to retain the fastener within the stanchion posts. In one embodiment, a tubular plastic sheath having at least one aperture is slipped onto the tubular metal stanchion post having at least one aperture and the apertures are aligned to form a stanchion having an aperture prior to insertion of the fasteners into the stanchion apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Frank Venegas, Jr.
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5353891
    Abstract: The adjustable stanchion assembly (10) for a frame building includes a support post (12) which may carry one or more safety rails (48), safety netting and/or, for example, a display sign. The support post (12) is clamped to the building by a clamping mechanism including a connection rod (26) from which the support post (12) extends, to which are relatively adjustably connected two clamps (28). Each clamp (28) has jaws (62) which are shaped so that it can only be located on and removed from a frame member (14, 16) of the building having a correspondingly sized L-shaped section (24) by rotating the clamp (28) relative to the section (24). The clamp (28) may be locked onto the frame member (14, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: DGS Property Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Cornelis J. Griek, Anthony K. Mitchinson
  • Patent number: 5350156
    Abstract: A device for connecting, in a railing, one end of an elongated rail to a hollow, tubular and vertical post formed with an horizontal slot therein. The device is flat and comprises an elongated body to be screwed to the end of the rail, and a head to be inserted in the slot to extend at least partially inside the hollow post. The head comprises an outer semicircular edge surface, and is formed with a hole defining an inner semicircular edge surface concentric with the outer edge surface. A screw is mounted in the hole with its head applied to the inner surface of the hollow post, and with its threaded elongated body applied to both the inner surface of the post and the inner semicircular edge surface. The screw secures, from the inside of the hollow post, and flat head in the slot and the therefore the end of the rail to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Ravnald Cote, Victor Cote
  • Patent number: 5340087
    Abstract: A balustrade is proposed wherein a hinge device (66) connects each baluster (56) to the rail (55) in such manner as to permit limited pivotal and translational movement therebetween. The hinge device (66) comprises a flat spring of generally J-shape the elongate body (67) of the spring being secured to the rail and the curved end (68) of the spring being secured to the baluster. An inflexible plate (70) overlies the body (67) to restrain the same against movement. Opening of the curved end (68) permits relative pivotal and translational motion between the baluster (56) and rail (55). The arrangement offers advantages in collapse of the balustrade for transportation purposes and also permits of adjustment of the angle between the rail and balusters to accommodate facture and other tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: The Northern Joinery Limited
    Inventor: Jack Turner
  • Patent number: 5337528
    Abstract: A child assist rail and support system is disclosed which is adapted for attachment to an existing or new handrail at a stairway. The child assist rail and support system includes a plurality of suspension elements and a strap associated with each suspension element. The strap is adapted to suspend the associated suspension element below the handrail. The strap is further adapted to position a first end of its associated suspension element proximate to said handrail of the stairway. There is an auxiliary rail positioned at a second end of each of the suspension elements. The strap is also operative to maintain the auxiliary rail in a proximate position with respect to the second end of each of the suspension elements. There is a locking element operative with the strap of each of the suspension elements. The locking element is operative with the strap and the suspension element for maintaining the auxiliary rail in a substantially stationery position with respect to the handrail of the stairway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventors: Frank Jaworski, Sabrina Jansen, Wayne Jaworski
  • Patent number: 5312089
    Abstract: The handrail assembly includes at least one tubular metal stanchion having a base and at least one aperture through both sides of the stanchion and at least a horizontal top rail extending through the stanchion aperture. The horizontal top rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and at least one aperture through both sides of the rail for receiving a metal retaining rod. Following insertion of the horizontal top rail into the stanchion aperture, the apertures of the top horizontal rail are vertically oriented so that they are aligned with the tubular metal stanchion. Following alignment of the top horizontal rail apertures, the retaining rod is fitted into the apertures. In one embodiment, the retaining rod rests in a receiving cup located on the base of the stanchion. In an alternative embodiment, the retaining rod has an end plate affixed to it where the end plate is sized to be about the interior diameter of the tubular metal stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Frank Venegas, Jr.
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5295498
    Abstract: A device to aid persons rising from a seated position. The device comprises a structural support having a base positionable under a chair and a brace secured to the base. A sleeve is secured to the structural support for securing one end of an arm thereto. The other end of the arm has a griping section enabling a person seated in the chair to grasp the arm and pull himself up to an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Larry E. Van Meter, Leonard B. Van Meter
  • Patent number: 5288048
    Abstract: An ergonomic handrail comprises an elongated metal retainer of substantially uniform cross-section along its length and having a body portion, upper and lower flange portions extending upwardly and downwardly, respectively, from the body portion, an upper web portion extending upwardly from the body portion from a juncture therewith rearwardly of the upper flange portion and defining with the upper flange portion a slot that opens generally upwardly, and upper front and rear arcuate arm portions extending upwardly from a common juncture with an upper edge of the web portion and defining the major portion of substantially circular cylindrical surface except for a space between upper edges thereof. An elongated bumper cover member of an impact resistant substantially rigid polymeric material and of substantially uniform cross-section along its length is received in captured engagement by the flange portions of the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Construction Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shreiner