Abstract: A baluster retaining member for connecting an end of a baluster to an opening in a rail of a railing system includes a rail section dimensioned to fit within the opening and a baluster section dimensioned to be secured to an end of the baluster. The rail and baluster sections are oriented with respect to one another at a predetermined angle so that when the baluster is connected to the rail by the member and the rail is positioned for use adjacent a stairway at an angle from the horizontal, the baluster is oriented vertically.

Abstract: A safety rail assembly for an access hatch with a hatch frame which defines an opening; extends around at least a part of the hatch frame and includes guard members interconnection members which extend around the hatch frame, and support members for supporting the guard members at a position elevated above the hatch frame, where each interconnection member has a spacer member secured therto between the ends thereof, and each spacer member has a body portion by which the spacer member is secured to an interconnection member and a head portion for bearing firmly against an outwardly facing surface of the hatch frame.

Abstract: A finial for placement atop a post and a related method for molding and assembling the finial is provided. The finials have unisex molded halves that are pressure fitted to create a high-gloss finial, which is capable of withstanding variable weather conditions. Further enhancements of the finial design are realized by the finial mold structure, which allows additional supplemental finials/skirts to be connected to the base finial.

Abstract: A mounting clip with a locking feature. The mounting clip is preferably utilized as part of a fencing system, in which the clip is attached to a fence rail and a hollow fence picket is slidably fastened to the rail using the clip. The clip features tabs that operate to lock the picket to the rail such that detachment of the picket from the rail is inhibited by an interference fit.

Abstract: The fencing system of the present invention includes elongate posts and cross-members. The posts are hollow tubular posts having cylindrical cavities along their length and apertures formed in side walls thereof. The apertures are for accepting in mating engagement therein the cross-members when the cross-members extend between adjacent posts in a parallel array of the posts. The cross-members each have a hole in at least one end thereof although usually in both ends, the holes extending laterally through the end or ends of the cross-members. A rod is inserted or insertable into the cylindrical cavity of at least one of the posts for mating into each hole of each of the cross-members when the cross-members are mated into the apertures. Each hole of each of the cross-members is sized to accept the rod in journalled relation therethrough. Thus, a single rod may releasably lock a plurality of cross-members mounted to a single post.

Abstract: A security fence has a horizontal rail to which pales are connected and are spaced apart along the rail. The rail is shaped so that it cannot be used as a stepping surface for an intruder.

Abstract: A modular fence assembly including a pair of vertical posts positioned at suitable distance and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. At least one horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The horizontal upper rail has a plurality of vertical apertures which are substantially aligned with a plurality of vertical apertures on the horizontal lower rail. A plurality of pickets are respectively inserted through the vertical apertures of the upper rail and through aligned vertical apertures of the lower rail. Each picket has at least two transverse locking slotted apertures for respectively receiving a H-shaped locking clip to secure the picket to the rail and preventing vertical movement of the pickets with respect to the rails.

Abstract: A post is formed from a pair of molded elongate half members having an interior surface. The pair of the elongate members are connectable to each other to form a column structure having a hollow interior. At least one support member is integrally molded to each half member and extending into the hollow interior so that a support member from one half member is disposed between two adjacent support members from the other half member.

Abstract: In self-adjusting vertical tube fencing, a rail and a method of assembling the fencing are provided. The rail comprises an elongated channel with a top wall and two side walls, each of the side walls being of substantial U-section with an outer part connected to the top wall and an inner inturned part, the top wall having a series of apertures through which respective tubular fence members are fitted. The inturned parts have a notch which can accommodate a fixed peg carried by a fence member. The inturned parts also have an extension adjacent the notch, the extension being provided to permit rotation of the fence member about its longitudinal axis during assembly so that the peg can engage the notch.

Abstract: A clip-on assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The assembly includes a single clip constructed as a bushing-like member whose side walls are preferably provided with at least one outwardly projecting retention barb adapted for secure embedment into the inner side wall surfaces of a picket member when the assembly is inserted therein. The legs of the cap member upon which the clip is installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by plates that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in the clip. The reinforcement plates are preferably dimensioned to inhibit inward flexure of the side walls of the clip and ensure embedment of the retention barb into the picket member.

Abstract: A clip-on assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The assembly includes a single clip including an upwardly bowed central portion joined to first and second upwardly extending end portions. The end portions have at least one outwardly projecting retention barb adapted for secure embedment into the inner side wall surfaces of a picket member when the assembly is inserted therein. The legs of the cap member upon which the clip is installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by plates that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in the clip.

Abstract: A fence cap and a fence cap system for bridging a gap between a corner of a first fence panel and a corner of an attached second fence panel by bridging and forming a closure over a gap between a corner of a first fence panel and a corner of an attached second fence panel.

Abstract: A fence pale P for a security fence comprises at least one hole 3 to receive a fastener 4 having a head 9 and a shank 8, with the shank 8 extending through the hole 3 and the underside of the head 9 being in contact with the surface 1 of the pale P, wherein integral shoulder means 20 are located adjacent the or each hole 3, said shoulder means 20 being shaped to deny access to the underside of the head 9 of a so-received fastener 4, whereby the fastener 4 cannot be prised away from the pale P.

Abstract: A clip-on picket fence cap assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The legs of the cap member upon which the clips are installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by gussets that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in a picket. The assembly includes clips having outer surfaces that are substantially arched or bowed in shape in order to enhance their strength and resistance to deformation. The outer surface of each clip is preferably provided with at least one outwardly projecting retention means adapted for secure embedment into the inner wall surfaces of a picket member when the cap assembly is inserted therein.

Abstract: A clip-on picket fence cap assembly that can resist detachment of a plastic picket cap member from a plastic picket member when significant pulling force is applied to the cap member. The legs of the cap member upon which the clips are installed are very stiff by virtue of being reinforced by gussets that resist deflection of the legs when inserted in a picket. The assembly includes clips having outer surfaces that are substantially arched or bowed in shape in order to enhance their strength and resistance to deformation. The outer surface of each clip is preferably provided with at least one outwardly projecting retention means adapted for secure embedment into the inner wall surfaces of a picket member when the cap assembly is inserted therein.

Abstract: A fence rail holder for connection to conventional metal fence posts having a generally T-shaped cross section is provided which allows PVC fence rails to be connected to metal fence posts. The fence rail holder detachably mounts on a fence post using at least one clip which attaches to the T-shaped fence post. Openings at opposite side surfaces of the fence rail holder receive and support the fence rails. The fencing system allows the addition of a very visible, white PVC or other rail to a conventional barbed wire or wire mesh fence. The fencing system also includes wire support members which allow electric wire or other wire to be easily connected to a PVC fence.

Abstract: A grab rail adapted to be mounted to a surface is provided. The grab rail includes an elongated rail that has a bore lying along a central axis. A wedge block is disposed in the bore of the elongated rail. The wedge block has an inclined face on one end that is inclined relative to the central axis. A support member is connected to the surface. The support member has an inclined face on one end that is contiguous with the inclined face of the wedge block. A fastener engages the wedge block. The fastener urges together the inclined face of the wedge block and the inclined face of the support member to slide the elongated rail in a non-axial direction relative to the support member to join the support member and the elongated rail.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and method providing barrier construction. In one aspect, this invention is particularly directed to a novel construction, design, and installation of barriers where customization is required such as in industrial arenas. Novel barriers are comprised of at least one longitudinally extending railing supportably fastened to at least two vertically extending posts. The novel barrier construction incorporates a longitudinally extending railing having at least one generally T-shaped or U-shaped channel extending in the longitudinal direction of said with at least one leg of the U-shaped channel extending inwardly within the U-shaped channel; and, a plurality of vertically extending posts having an elongated body and having at least two flange segments. Each flange segment has at least one perforation for facilitating fastening to the T-shaped or U-shaped channel.

Abstract: A connector for a modular safety rail comprises a unitary combination of a body portion and two socket formations. The body portion comprises first and second flange formations which each define a substantially planar support surface, the support surfaces lying substantially perpendicular relative to one another in an ‘L’ shape configuration as viewed along the line of intersection of the support surfaces. The support surfaces facing outwardly, and opposite inwardly facing surfaces of the flange formations each have integral therewith a respective one of the socket formations. Each socket formation has an outer end for receiving a tube or rod and an inner end region which is integral with the inner end region of the other socket formation of the pair, the longitudinal axis of each socket formation extending substantially perpendicular to the line of intersection of the support surfaces.

Abstract: An improved adjustable gate structure which is suitable for a fence with an opening therein which is too wide or narrow for a conventional gate, the gate's horizontal width can be increased or reduced by simple mechanical adjustments. The preferred embodiment of this gate consists of a main frame with a plurality of long horizontal panels of equal length affixed parallelographically to a vertical panel approximately 5′ in height and an extension frame with the same plurality of short horizontal panels of equal length also affixed to a panel approximately 5′ tall. All of the panels are spaced equally in relation to the ground. Apertures are punched or drilled equidistantly in the short panels and the distal ends of the long panels. The method to join the two frames at a pre-determined width is to interpose the short panels upon the distal ends of the long panels, thereby aligning the apertures with one or two apertures being secured on every set of panels with fasteners.

Abstract: A knock-down grind rail for skateboards and rollerblades is composed of at least two tubes held in axial alignment by a tubular insert inserted into opposing ends of the tubes. The tubes are clamped together end to end by a special, generally U-shaped clip having arms which are bent toward one another to form elbows. The free ends of the clip are inserted through holes present in the tubes adjacent the opposing ends thereof, the spacing of the hole being comparable to the spacing of those arm ends. As the clip arms are pushed into the tubes up to the elbows, the arms are sprung apart thereby exerting a clamping force on the tubes. Suitable supports are provided to support the tube above the ground or other support surface.

Abstract: A fencing unit that can be utilized as a bracing member for a T-post type fence. The fence unit includes a front face member having front and back surfaces, a leg member rigidly affixed to the back surface and substantially perpendicular to the front face member so that the juncture of the front face member and the leg member substantially forms a “T” shaped cross-section; and engaging means for engaging the fence unit with a portion of another T-post. Another aspect of the present invention is a braced T-post fence assembly wherein the fencing unit is used as a bracing member between two spaced apart T-posts. A method for forming a braced fence assemblage or arrangement is also provided by inserting bracing member between two substantially vertical T-posts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular railing system for use as a handrail or bumper rail that has a substantially continuous and smooth exterior surface that is easily cleaned and helps prevent the collection and accumulation of surface contaminants. The system is comprised of multiple modular sections which can be secured together using internal connectors which eliminates the need for any exposed mechanical fasteners. The sections can be made straight or curved to allow the system to be constructed in various configurations. Support fixtures are also provided which can be used to connect the system to the wall.

Abstract: A metal fence post for use with a wooden fence. The fence post has a U-shaped center section positioned between two flanges, and each of the flanges includes a plurality of holes extending along an edge. The fence post can be used as a line post, comer post or end post. In one form, the thickness of the sides of the U-shaped center section is about the same as the thickness of the wooden fence rails so that the fence posts are positioned in-line with the fence rails. The fence posts allow the fence boards to be attached to either or both sides of the rails. In another form, the center section has very closely spaced, but longer legs. That provides increased strength allowing thinner gauge material.

Abstract: A fixture attaches a hollow square cross section fence post to a simple vertical pipe. The fixture is constructed as interconnected inner and outer concentric cylinders with the inner cylinder extending beyond one end of the outer cylinder, and holes are formed through the extending portion of the inner cylinder through which fasteners can be attached to a pipe to anchor the fixture. To furnish the required strength, at least four radial fins are used to interconnect the inner and outer cylinders, and plateaus are used around the fastener holes to furnish added thickness to the inner cylinder at those locations.

Abstract: A structural glass panel railing includes glass panels supported on a floor by a base assembly including a railing support assembly. The railing support assembly includes a shoe fastened to the floor, a base member locked to the shoe by a cam lock lever and a channel member having a pocket receiving the panel. The base member may be attached directly to the floor. The channel member is received in a groove of the base member and is held by a wedge system. The wedge system can be formed by mating tapers on the channel member and the groove or by a wedge member inserted into the groove. A handrail assembly includes a handrail channel member receiving the top edge of the panel. The handrail channel member is received in a groove in a handrail.

Abstract: A vinyl fence post mount includes a base, a first support member and a second support member. The first support member is bent along a length thereof to form two first legs which are at an obtuse angle to each other. The second support member is bent along a length thereof to form two second legs which are at an obtuse angle to each other. The lengthwise edges of each leg are preferably bent toward each other. A first bent edge of the first support member is attached to a second bent edge of the second support member. The bottom ends of the support members are attached to the base. At least two mounting holes are formed outside the cross sectional perimeter of the support members. Preferably, each mounting hole is formed substantially in-line with a leg of one of the support members. In a second embodiment, the legs of each support member are bent substantially perpendicular to each other and the lengthwise edges of each leg are not bent.

Abstract: A post and coupling combination is disclosed. The combination includes a post having at least three sides with at least one elongate channel of re-entrant shape as seen in cross-section formed in at least one side of the post with each channel extending substantially parallel to the post's longitudinal axis. The combination further includes at least one single-piece coupling engaged, at a post end of the coupling, within one of the re-entrant channels and adjustable along the channel for joining an attachable component to the post such that the attachable component is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the post.

Abstract: A fence mounting bracket for use with a fence, railing, or the like having upright posts, lateral rails extending between the posts, and upright picket boards extending between the rails. The bracket comprises a body having a peripheral wall defining a T-shaped opening including a rail opening portion for receiving an end of one of the rails and two picket opening portions for receiving an edge of one of the picket boards. The peripheral wall has opposing side walls that are slanted and/or inwardly flanged to receive the rails when they are positioned either horizontally or at an angle to horizontal. The picket opening portions extend through the side walls to permit the picket boards to seat flush against the upright posts so that little or nor gap remains therebetween.