Tubular Bracket Patents (Class 256/65.05)
  • Patent number: 11274451
    Abstract: A removably locking baluster system in a balustrade in which a pair of connector bases mount to facing balustrade surfaces. Each base has a wall extending therefrom defining an inner wall surface and an inwardly tapered outer wall surface. An end of the baluster closely and removably fits within the base wall without necessitating removal of the bases from the balustrade. A pair of covers are provided that are slidable along the baluster, each having a tubular member with an opening configured to fit around the baluster and another opening configured to closely fit around the base. An internal wall of each cover is configured to closely abut the outer base wall surface and has a complementary taper to the outer base wall surface to urge the base wall against the baluster end to provide frictional engagement between the inner base wall surface and the baluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Richard Bergman
  • Patent number: 10570640
    Abstract: A system and method of installing a modular fencing system in which slotted posts are used in conjunction with hollow longitudinal rails to support the fence panels in a manner that creates a unified curtain wall perimeter barrier. The posts, rails, and fence panels are made of metal. Plastic sleeves with angularly-tilted ends are inserted into both sides of a slot opening to prevent water intrusion and to facilitate fencing on a slope. The rails are then slidably inserted into and through the sleeves to be held in place through the slots. Adjacent rails are mechanically fastened to each other. The full length of the fence is bolted to the rails to ensure that any load or impact to the fence is distributed throughout the entire system. For additional strength, each fence panel is also through-bolted to metallic finish plates, which are mounted on the slotted posts for seamless and aesthetically-pleasing look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Inventor: Frederic C. Mayer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9512633
    Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a universally adjustable metal two bracket attachment system for metal fence posts to attach various types of fencing materials or fence sections is disclosed. The subject metal fence post attachment bolt and bracket system is simple and easy to install, is universally adjustable to round or square metal fences posts, by bolting onto the “off the shelf” non-adjustable fence post brackets. The subject brackets allow both full section metal fencing with the bracket mounted with the open end side ways, and three rail metal fencing with the bracket facing up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: BEST METAL FENCE, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Marron
  • Patent number: 8424850
    Abstract: A baluster mounting system includes removably locking a baluster between oppositely disposed upper and lower surfaces. A first rail connector is fixed relative to either an upper or lower surface. A second rail connector is fixed relative to either the upper or lower surface which is opposite the first rail connector. A baluster is removably locked between the first and second rail connectors. The first rail connector is configured to slidably receive an end of the baluster and the second rail connector is configured to laterally receive an opposite end of the baluster. A locking sleeve is slidable along a portion of the baluster and configured for locking engagement with the second rail connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Creative Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Richard G. Bennette
  • Publication number: 20090242864
    Abstract: A railing mounting component (1) for a modular railing kit/assembly which may including one or more railing lengths (12, 13) of manageable length, the mounting component being arranged to simultaneously mount two adjacent ends (14, 15) of successive lengths of railing by receiving the ends at/in separate dedicated parts (3, 4) of a given mounting component, such that one mounted end cannot obstruct/impede the mounting of the other end, thereby to enable a railing of any overall length to be assembled safely and easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: John Carney
  • Publication number: 20090140226
    Abstract: A plastic gate assembly includes a plurality of rails that extend between a support post assembly and a latch rail. The gate assembly utilizes commonly available PVC rail components with the disclosed inventive PVC brackets to build a gate assembly. The post assembly includes a D-shaped profile to provide a desired clearance between the rotating support post assembly and a corresponding adjacent fixed fence post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Turnstyle Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Stull
  • Patent number: 7530550
    Abstract: A post mount guide includes a tubular body having a throughhole for non-frictionally freely slidably receiving therethrough an upright support portion of a post mount, at least one pair of mounting panels having each panel positioned 90° from the other and adjacent to one another, the panels extending spaced apart from and connected at one end to the tubular body, wherein the mounting panels of each pair of panels are adapted to resiliently bend and configured to receive and retain a fastener therethrough, and a stop mechanism is included with each pair of panels for stopping the panels from bending beyond a fixed position toward the tubular body. The stop mechanism includes first and second end portions of the adjacent mounting panels, respectively, being configured for reversible abutting engagement with one another upon bending inward to the fixed position toward the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: LMT-Mercer Group Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Fattori
  • Patent number: 7520492
    Abstract: A handrail joint assembly has a mounting disc and plug-in portion. The plug-in portion is fitted with pin holes that align with the through-hole for threading of the pin. A ring cover is externally placed onto the mounting disc. The plug-in portion is formed by the extended and folded flange of the joint, which has an internal flange, an external flange and a terminal flange, such that the pin hole of plug-in portion can penetrate the internal and external flanges. The joint is fabricated from stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiao Lai
  • Patent number: 7455282
    Abstract: A fencing system includes a vertically elongated post mount mountable on a foundation and one or more post inserts mounted on the post mount to provide a stable structure for fastening thereto rail mounting brackets and associated rails. Each post insert extends outwardly from the post mount and typically abuts an inner surface of a hollow post. Fasteners extend from the rail mounting bracket through the post and into the post insert to provide a strong connection for the mounting of the rail mounting bracket and rail. The post inserts may be mounted on the post mount without tools. One of the post inserts serves as a spacer for setting the height of associated rail mounting brackets and rails. The spacer may include two members which are removably connected to one another via a friction fit to provide various benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7427055
    Abstract: A bracket assembly for securing a rail to a post. The bracket assembly includes a bracket that is secured to the post and a spring-biased cover plate. The cover plate includes a perimeter wall that includes a slot which extends from its front edge through to its back edge. A portion of the perimeter wall terminates adjacent either side of the slot. These portions of the perimeter are movable relative to each other. The bracket includes a back wall with a peripheral outer wall extending upwardly and outwardly away therefrom. The peripheral wall defines a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail is placed. The rail is preferably secured in position by a plurality of fasteners inserted through the rail and into the housing. Once the end of the rail is retained in the bracket, the terminal portions of the perimeter wall are arcuately separated from each other and the cover plate is snap-fitted over the peripheral outer wall of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7152368
    Abstract: A trellis assembly including a first trellis section having a plurality of vertical rods connected to at least one horizontal rod and a second trellis section having a plurality of connected horizontal and vertical rods. The second trellis section includes a plurality of tubes connected to an outside of the vertical rods at upper ends thereof configured to accept lower ends of the vertical rods of the first trellis section to connect the first trellis section to the second trellis section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Dwight V. Swanson
  • Patent number: 7100904
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fence. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a fence capable of adapting to any angle of inclination comprising a plurality of columns, horizontal connecting members which have more than one degree of freedom through a connection between a pair of columns and vertical connecting members which are connected to the horizontal connecting members. The fence can be constructed easily on the ground irrespective of its angle of inclination and its linkage sections are completely protected from the outside exposure while having a sufficient structural strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: New Green Chang Shin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 6944989
    Abstract: A system and kit of components for winterizing plants and trees, where the invention comprises a skeletal frame formed by plural first tubular members, each having an upper end and a lower end. When assembled, the respective lower ends are spaced apart and positioned vertically and anchored within the ground surrounding the plant or tree. Joined between adjacent first tubular members are plural second tubular, horizontally oriented, members to form a generally square skeletal frame. About the skeletal frame is a light-transmitting plastic wrap. Overriding the skeletal frame is a top frame, preferably pivotal about a pair of upper ends, to allow access to the protected plant or tree. Additionally, the invention contemplates a cover, such as a plastic wrap or canvas-like material over the top frame to ensure complete protection of the plant or tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: John Bradley
  • Patent number: 6893008
    Abstract: A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Forbis
  • Patent number: 6881005
    Abstract: A frame connection structure for use in connecting tubular or open channel elements one to another includes two or more inserts configured for respective insertion within the elements to be interconnected. Each of the inserts defines one or more channels therein, each channel being configured to be aligned with a respective aperture defined within the tubular/open channel element in which it is to be retained. A connection member is positioned within each aperture and its aligned respective insert channel. A portion of the tubular/open channel member proximate the aperture is displaced into the channel of the insert member whereby the that portion of the tubular/open channel member is disposed intermediate the sidewall of the channel and the connection member. The two inserts are configured to be connectable one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Saul Siney Sosa
  • Patent number: 6877722
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting an elongated rail with respect to a post includes a bracket body with a rail supporting portion and an attachment portion. The rail supporting portion has an opening defined therein for receiving the end of the rail when the bracket body is installed. The opening has a central axis. The attachment portion has a first surface and a second surface spaced therefrom. A fastener receiving passage is defined from the first surface to the second surface. The passage is formed by a first bore extending from the first surface part way to the second surface and a second bore extending part way from the second surface to the first surface. The first and second bores interconnect to find the passage. The central axis of the first and second bores are each generally parallel to the central axis in the opening. The axis of the first and second bores are offset with respect to one another by a distance greater than half the difference in their widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Richard W. Cantley, Howard Sagermann, Brian David Wood, Peter Paul Heysel, Frederick J. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6860472
    Abstract: A modular railing system is disclosed which is based on commercially available tubing, which is connected into a railing by especially designed fittings, which connect to each other and the rails and posts of the railing system to allow all possible standard rail configuration. All connections are thereby held together by mechanical connections, instead of welded connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Suncor Stainless, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman F. Striebel, Patrick A. Striebel
  • Publication number: 20040245514
    Abstract: An apparatus for covering the exposed ends of beams as, for example, beams used in fence construction. The apparatus is present in the form of a sleeve or a cap, sized to fit over the ends of the beams, to provide protection against weathering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Herman Demetrius Green
  • Patent number: 6813863
    Abstract: The automobile protection system for a multiple car garage comprises a cushion positioned between parking spaces of the garage, which cushion is suspended and sized to extend at least along the length of doors of cars parked in the spaces to keep the door of one car from striking the adjacent car when opened. Further, the cushion is suspended in a manner so as not to interfere with operation of an overhead door of the garage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: James J. Duffy
  • Publication number: 20040195559
    Abstract: A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: John T. Forbis
  • Publication number: 20040195561
    Abstract: A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: John T. Forbis
  • Publication number: 20040195560
    Abstract: A fence rail bracket system. The bracket system may include a bracket with an open end for receiving a fence rail, a retention clip for attaching the rail to the bracket, and a cap for covering the open end of the bracket. The bracket may attach to a wall or post and the fence rail may be slid into the open end of the bracket. The retention clip may attach the bracket to the fence rail and prevent the rail from sliding out of the bracket. The cap may be removably attached to the bracket to conceal the hardware used in the system for a more aesthetically pleasing look.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: John T. Forbis
  • Patent number: 6758460
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a device for attaching a polygonal baluster end to a handrail or base. This device includes a connector which is generally cylindrical. This connector also defines an internal axial channel having a polygonal cross-section. The axial channel is adapted to receive the polygonal baluster end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Custom Iron, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Driscoll, Aaron K. Stadsvold
  • Publication number: 20040099855
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket and a rail connector. The bracket may be secured to the vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted and the connector is adapted to slidingly engage the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector along the bracket, the angle of the rail receiving receptacle is altered, thereby changing the angle at which a rail may be attached to the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6705598
    Abstract: A fence post connector includes a securement section for securing the post connector to a fence post and at least one receiving section for receiving an item to be joined. The item to be joined may be the end of a stabilizing fence post, a gate hinge, etc. For attachment to a T-post, a closure member captures the T-post between a pair of spaced arms extending from the receiving section and travel of the post connector along the T-post is limited by adjacent lugs extending from the T-post. These lugs may cooperate with the closure member, an arm, or the portion of the connector spacing the arms, to limit sliding. For attachment to a wood post, at least one arm abuts the post with an opening through which a fastener, such as a nail or screw, extends into the post. The post connector is generally used to connect fence posts in reinforcing configuration and loosely connects the various fence posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Charles R. Collins
  • Publication number: 20040041141
    Abstract: A safety guard rail apparatus includes a base fitting removably engaged with a lower portion of an upright post. A midrail fitting is removably engaged with a medial portion of the upright post and further removably engaged with a horizontal midrail. A toprail fitting is removably engaged with an upper portion of the upright post and further removably engaged with a horizontal toprail. The base, midrail and toprail fittings are engaged with the upright post, the midrail and toprail using common fasteners such as nails or screws. A corner fitting is adapted for receiving an end portion of each of two of the horizontal midrails or toprails. In this manner, a temporary guard rail may be constructed around elevated construction sites for worker safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Cannon
  • Patent number: 6601831
    Abstract: A plastic modular fence system having posts, a first rail, a second rail, and upright picket boards extending between the rails. A plurality of mounting brackets each have a T-shaped opening for receiving an end of one of the rails therein and an edge of a picket therein. The bracket opening extends through the peripheral wall in places to allow the edge of the picket to extend out of the bracket on opposite sides. Also, the rails have openings configured to receive the generally vertical picket boards when the rails are positioned either horizontally or at an angle to the horizon. For example, the openings in the intermediate rail have a generally trapezoidal shape with one opening end longer than the other opening end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Erwin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Erwin
  • Patent number: 6565279
    Abstract: For clamping one end of a first, cylindrical strut to a second, cylindrical strut crossing the end of the first strut, a clamp comprising two clamping members, each having a first portion adapted to fit one half of the end of the first strut and a second portion unitary with its first portion and adapted to fit one half of the second strut. Each clamping member has a reinforcing rib extending along its first clamping portion and extending onto its second clamping portion. Embossments of the reinforcing rib of each clamping member define margins of fastener-receiving apertures, which receive fasteners drawing the respective members tightly around the respective struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Kiefer Pool Equipment Co.
    Inventors: Jonathan Skovronski, Paul Rumachik
  • Patent number: 6481697
    Abstract: A modular railing system supports a plurality of rails in vertically-spaced configuration. The railing system includes a plurality of baluster units arranged between rail sets to support the rails. The baluster units include a plurality of rail supports grouped into double barrel support pairs or single barrel support pairs. The baluster units may include a short section of kick rail, and longer sections of kick rail may extend between adjacent baluster units. Also, additional rails may be joined to the modular railing system using baluster extensions or extender bars. A stair rail adjuster may be used, particularly when railing staircases, to permit adjustment of the relative vertical height of one end of a rail. To attach rails and balusters to stair treads, a finished-stair-tread adapter may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Alexander Brown