Abstract: A connector for removably securing a first member having a hollow cavity with a second member such that a portion of the second member is removably fixed within the hollow cavity of the first member. The connector is configured to be inserted into the hollow cavity and has an outer bearing surface configured to rest in abutting engagement with the corresponding portion of the inner wall of the cavity when the connector is inserted into the cavity. The connector also includes an inner bearing surface that corresponds with a portion of an outer wall or surface of a second member and is additionally configured to accommodate the use of a force applicator to press the second member against the inner bearing surface and to press the outer bearing surface against the first member's inner wall to removably fix the second member and connector within the cavity.

Abstract: The system, method and apparatus for installing a piling generally includes a hollow piling having an inner surface and an outer surface with the piling having a lower end with a friction collar secured about the lower end. The friction collar is manufactured to have an inner surface wherein the inner surface includes portions with various diameters. The friction collar is placed over the lower end of the piling such that the lower end of the piling is aligned with an intermediate portion of the inner surface of the friction collar. A tapered die is pressed into the bottom of the piling to expand the lower end of the piling outwardly such that it extends into the intermediate portion of the friction collar. This secures the friction collar to the end of the piling. Optionally, an end cap may be placed over the piling and/or friction collar.

Abstract: A railing assembly that, in one embodiment, includes a first rail, a second rail, and a post that are coupled with a rail crossover assembly. The rail crossover assembly may include a first end with a first flange configured to be received in a cavity of the first rail, a second end with a second flange configured to be received in a cavity of the second rail, and a post coupling member configured to be received in a cavity of the post. The first end, the second end and the third end of the rail crossover assembly are oriented so the post is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first rail and the second rail.

Abstract: An improved railing connection and method of manufacture and assembly for use in assembling railings. A railing connection fastener is secured to one railing member and is concealed within the proximal end of a second railing member. The proximal end of the second railing member is shaped to fit the shutting profile of the first railing member, thereby resisting rotational movement around the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member. The railing connection fastener is secured to the second railing member, thereby resisting movement along the proximal-distal axis of the second railing member. The contour of the proximal end of the second railing member is shaped to fit the profile of the first railing member. The use of the connection fastener and the contour of the proximal end of the second railing member create a smooth, continuous joint with limited complex manufacture.

Abstract: A handrail assembly includes at least one connecting unit, and at least two extension units each connected with the connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a middle tube and two connecting tubes extended from two opposite ends of the middle tube respectively. Each of the connecting tubes has a surface formed with a plurality of elongate slits. Each of the connecting tubes has a periphery formed with an annular reinforcing rib to enhance resilience and fixedness of each of the connecting tubes. Each of the extension units includes a mounting pipe mounted on a respective one of the connecting tubes. Thus, the connecting units and the extension units are detached before assembly to facilitate and reduce the cost of storage, packaging and transportation of the handrail assembly.

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 plurality of similarly configured coupling component assemblies is provided. Each assembly includes a first coil spring and a second coil spring. Each coil spring is positioned in a hole. Each coil spring has an interior end of a reduced diameter with a fastener attaching the spring to the hole. Each coil spring has an exterior end extending a short distance outside of the hole. The exterior ends of adjacent opposing coil springs are adapted to interlock and join associated components of the system when rotated with respect to each other about a common axis of rotation. The coupling components also include a cylindrical rod with opposed ends within the opposing coil springs. Each rod has an axial length greater than the length of each coil spring and less than the axial length of two holes.

Abstract: A handrail assembly configured for grasping by a pedestrian includes a railing formed from an extruded metal such as aluminum. The railing includes an integrally formed channel running a length thereof within the interior of the railing. The channel includes a threaded portion for receiving a fastener for mounting the handrail assembly to a mounting assembly for interconnection to a wall. The mounting assembly includes a fastener secured within a bracket post that extends downwardly from the railing of the handrail assembly. The fastener of the bracket post is self-threaded onto the railing through a pilot hole drilled into the bottom surface of the railing. The bracket post is coupled to a bracket by way of a fastener to thereby mount the bracket to a wall so as to secure the handrail assembly to the wall.

Abstract: A handrail assembly configured for grasping by a. pedestrian is provided and included a railing formed from an extruded metal such as aluminum. The railing includes an integrally formed channel running a length thereof within the interior of the railing. The channel includes a threaded portion for receiving a fastener for mounting the handrail assembly to a mounting assembly for interconnection to a wall. The mounting assembly includes a fastener secured within a bracket post that extends downwardly from the railing of the handrail assembly. The fastener of the bracket post is self-threaded onto the railing through a pilot hole drilled into the bottom surface of the railing. The bracket post is coupled to a bracket by way of a fastener to thereby mount the bracket to a wall so as to secure the handrail assembly to the wall.

Abstract: A rail and supported panel assembly having first and second rail portions, each portion having a constant cross section defining an elongate recessed channel on an underside. Also included are a panel supported at a top edge, a post for supporting the rail portions, and a rail-to-post connection assembly located between the post and the rails. The connection assembly has a pair of partially overlapping arms movable with respect to each other about a pivot to accommodate a range of first and second rail portion alignment angles.

Abstract: A kit of parts for assembly into a balustrade (1), the kit comprising rails (3), baluster brackets (6), posts (2), connectors (5) for connecting the posts (2) to the rails (3) and rail-to-rail connectors (8) for connecting two rails (3A, 3B) in a parallel and spaced apart relationship. The baluster brackets (6) and/or the rails (3) are shaped so as to ensure that each bracket (6) is engagable with a rail (3) in a desired configuration. There is further disclosed a balustrade incorporating one or more of the above parts and a method of installing a balustrade (1) on a substrate (5).

Abstract: Modular railing and ramp systems having adjustable fittings to allow a multitude of rail configurations utilizing a series of mechanical connections.

Abstract: A portable lightweight grind rail assembly formed of a tube supported on a multiplicity of spaced apart tube supports, each tube support having a base, a tube receiving surface and tube receiving mechanism which retains a portion of the tube on the tube receiving surface.

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: An ergonomic handrail adapted for use with a stairway or in a toilet has a generally wavy shape. It is mounted generally obliquely on a wall to provide an alternating combination of generally vertically and horizontally disposed portions which are disposed generally above steps and risers of the stairway, respectively. The generally vertically and horizontally disposed portions are adapted to be grasped by a user without bending his or her wrist forwardly in ascending and descending a flight of stairs, respectively. This arrangement enables infirm persons such as elderly or disabled persons to grasp it readily and firmly without causing their hands to accidentally slip from grasping engagement with it.

Abstract: A sturdy aluminum pedestrian and bicyclist safety railing that reduces the amount of welding required during construction, comprising top and bottom rigid bars, each having a longitudinal, radially extending exterior passage and a plurality of aluminum pickets mounted within said bar top and bottom channels and held apart by a plurality of spacer plugs that interlock and fit snugly within each top and bottom bar channel and act as spacers to separate the pickets. The top and bottom bars may be welded together at each end of the railing to hold the entire unit together, retaining the plurality of rigid pickets that are substantially perpendicular (or inclined) to the top and bottom bars. The pickets are supported in the top and bottom bar channels without welding for increased strength and reduced cost of construction.

Abstract: A railing system comprising a first longitudinal rail portion defining a channel into which pickets are insertable at spaced intervals. Fasteners are used to pivotally connect the pickets to the channel for orientation to a desired angle with respect to the first longitudinal rail portion. A second longitudinal rail portion is fittable onto the first longitudinal rail portion to form an assembled rail member in which the channel and fasteners are concealed within the interior of the assembled rail member. The railing system provides a simple and efficient way to install railings, and is particularly suited for assembly of railings at an incline to the horizontal.

Abstract: A wire fastening device and a wire extending structure capable of extending a wire with an appropriate tension between support. The wire fastening device includes a case, a cap bolt and a pulling cylinder. The case has a wire engaging portion at one end thereof and a female thread formed on an inner circumference thereof. The cap bolt is inserted into the pulling cylinder with the head abutted with the pulling cylinder and has a male thread formed on an outer circumference thereof. The pulling cylinder is held on the cap bolt rotatably and the case, with one end of the wire engaged therewith, is screwed on the pulling cylinder.

Abstract: A plastic fence section comprises a series of connected hollow chambers with at least upper and lower horizontal chambers extending the length of the fence section for receiving reinforcing members. The fence section is made of plastic material. The hollow chambers are separated by pinch off regions. The fence section provides a visual block and has a similar appearance on either side of the fence section. The fence section has a post edge and a panel joining edge. The panel joining edge is adapted to engage and overlap with a second fence panel section.

Abstract: A smooth continuous uninterrupted graspable hand rail has joints made by connectors between adjoining pipe sections. The hand rail is made up of pipe sections which have their respective ends abutting. The connectors have two pieces, each of which fits into one of the abutting ends. For angular connections, the connector pieces are coupled together by an a joint which may be adjusted to position the pieces at an angle corresponding to the angle of the pipe connection. For straight connections, the end pieces of the connector are aligned. In either case, the pipe sections have complementary ends which abut to form a continuous graspable hand rail, and are held in abutting engagement by the connector which is cemented or otherwise bonded to the abutting end portions of the pipe section.

Abstract: A hinge coupling and a lock for connecting a stationary handrail to a gate arm for a gate. The gate in closed position retains the structural integrity and peripheral profile of the handrail. The hinge coupling consist of a fixed connector and a mobile connector, both pivotally connected to a middle link by pins. The components of the hinge coupling pivot about the pins, enabling the gate arm to pivot through a 180° angle. One hinge connector is inserted and secured into an open end of the stationary handrail. The other connector is inserted and secured into an open end of the gate arm. The lock consists of two mating active and passive components that are fastened to respective terminal ends of the handrail and gate arm. The lock components are provided with a manually releasable latch. All components in the closed position of the gate compactly fit together and are shaped to provide peripheral continuity.

Abstract: An end member is joined against axial displacement to a handrail by a lock member that is coupled to a mounting flange portion of the end member against axial movement and for rotation relative to the mounting flange portion. A locking cam portion of the lock member is received in an undercut mounting groove of the handrail and is configured to permit the lock member to be moved axially along the locking groove in an unlocked rotational position relative to the locking groove and to frictionally engage walls of the locking groove in a locked rotational position relative to the locking groove and thereby retain the end member against axial movement relative to the handrail.

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: The present invention is a fence assembly consisting of fence segments and connectors. Each fence segment may be secured to another fence segment by a connector. The present invention may use in-line connectors, living hinge connectors, male/female hinged connectors and/or end caps.

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.