Abstract: In certain embodiments, a fence system includes a rail having a first surface having one or more apertures. The rail also includes second and third surfaces opposing one another, the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail forming a channel. The second surface and the third surface of the rail have first and second lips, respectively, the first and second lips extending into the channel. The fence system section also includes one or more pickets inserted through corresponding apertures of the first surface of the rail. Each picket has a first connection region located substantially in the channel formed by the first, second, and third surfaces of the rail such that the first connection region is substantially prevented from passing through the corresponding aperture in the first surface of the rail or between the opening defined by the first and second lips of the rail.

Abstract: A handrail assembly that can be installed on any wall. The assembly has a handrail and a bracket. The bracket can be twist-locked inside the handrail at any point in the handrail because the handrail has a continuous T-shaped channel at the bottom. The T-shaped channel's bottom portion is narrower than the upper portion. The bracket has a head that is as wide as the T-shaped channel's bottom portion and as long as the T-shaped channel's upper portion. The head has one curved corner to facilitate turning and teeth to bite into the upper portion of the channel's wall. The head is lifted through the bottom portion into the upper portion of the channel, the bracket is rotated a quarter turn, and the bracket becomes immobilized. The head of the bracket acts as a cam. Union joints can join multiple lengths of handrails.

Abstract: A railing system, and more specifically a modular, stainless steel railing system, includes posts that secure to a mounting surface, rails that extend between the posts, coupling members for attaching the rails to the posts, and optionally a rail cap. In one embodiment, the coupling members may take the form of a dowel or pin having an externally threaded portion that is threadably connected to the posts and another portion, either threaded or non-threaded, that is slidably received into the rails. In another embodiment, the coupling members may take the form of sleeves inserted into the rails and mechanically attached thereto. Once attached to the rails, the sleeves are engaged by fasteners that extend through the post and operate to urge the rail and the post into close contact.

Abstract: A guard rail system includes upstanding and profiled stanchions that have lateral openings therein. The lateral openings receive horizontal rails therein the ends of which are adjacent to each other. The horizontal stanchions have fasteners on one side thereof, that when activated will pressure-fit the two adjacent rails within the opening. The openings are so designed that any two adjacent rails placed therein can be placed therein at a slant if the guard rail system is installed on a stairway. The stanchions and the rails are manufactured from a fiberglass composition that renders the various elements extremely durable. In an alternative embodiment, individual brackets can be mounted in each side of a window opening in a wall without the use of the stanchions. A horizontal rail is placed in each of the brackets and pressure fitted against the wall.

Abstract: A fall protection device for an opening in a roof includes at least one rail section having a vertical member. The vertical member is preferably in the form of a metal tube having an open lower end. A bearing foot has a connecting portion and a bearing portion and is secured to the lower end of the vertical member by the connecting portion so that the bearing portion supports the vertical member above the roof. The connecting portion of the bearing foot preferably extends into the open lower end of the tube and resiliently engages an interior surface of the tube to secure the bearing foot thereto. A hardness of the bearing portion is greater than a hardness of the connecting portion. The connecting portion and the bearing portion are preferably plastic and co-molded so that the bearing foot is of unitary construction.

Abstract: A rail (100, 100?) is formed with ends (102, 104) configured so that they can be placed together and mounted to the post (P) of a fencing system. A breakaway feature (122, 124, 126) permits the rail to break free of the post (P) when a threshold level of force is applied to the rail. Two adapters (200) can be attached to a stock rail (R) to form a breakaway rail.

Abstract: A fencing system which includes a plurality of pales (20), one or more substantially horizontal rails (10), the rails including a substantially flat surface against which the pales are set, and the pales including a tubular cross section comprising a tubular wall a part of which is provided with holes (28) through which a bolt (15) or the like is passed to secure the pales. The cross section of the pale has a shape which is elongate in the direction of the rail. Further, the section includes a generally convex surface facing away from the rail. The section also includes a generally concave or re-entrant surface, so that the fastening means may engage with this surface and be concealed by this surface when the pale is regarded from side of the pale opposite to the concave surface.

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.