Screw Patents (Class 256/69)
  • Patent number: 11643820
    Abstract: A safety handle device includes a handle tube unit, a plurality of joint members, and a plurality of support tube units. The handle tube unit is formed with a tube channel that has two openings, and has a plurality of mounting holes. Each joint member is detachably disposed in the tube channel and has an engaging bore. Each support tube unit includes a support tube subunit detachably coupled to the handle tube unit, a fastening member passing through the respective mounting hole and engaged detachably with the engaging bore of the respective joint member, a securing seat adapted to be fixed to a wall, and a securing member extending into the support tube subunit and connected to the securing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventor: Anthony Kuo
  • Patent number: 11512491
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for securing anchoring posts to a decking surface without the use of a metal plate or washer to redirect force from a single central fastener on an internally mounted anchor, or the use of an externally visible connector. An anchor member having a generally planar upper surface and vertical sidewalls has connection ridges extending out from those sidewalls that correspond to channels formed in the internal sidewalls of a hollow post member. Using a press, the anchor member is pressed into a secured position in the post. A plurality of attachment holes are disposed in a pattern around the anchor member, passing through the body thereof. For installation, a post with the fitted anchor is placed on a decking surface and a plurality of screws are attached to the decking surface to secure the anchor member and post thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Ron West
  • Patent number: 10899581
    Abstract: An accessory fastening element is used to fasten an accessory to a car wall that includes a grid structure of vertical and horizontal support rods. The accessory fastening element includes a longitudinal frame extending over at least two adjacent horizontal support rods. The frame includes at least two recesses configured to receive a separate horizontal support rod to detachably couple the accessory fastening element to the horizontal support rods. A locking device is connected to the frame for locking and unlocking the accessory fastening element to the horizontal support rods. An attachment member is connected to the frame, where the attachment member may be configured to attach to the accessory via one or more fastening members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Tero Salin
  • Patent number: 10900236
    Abstract: A handrail bracket for coupling a handrail to a portion of a ramp and/or platform assembly includes a first portion for coupling to a handrail system, and a second portion for supporting the handrail, the second portion being adjustably coupled to the first portion. A ramp and/or platform assembly includes a handrail system coupled to the decking system at an interface, wherein the handrail system includes a pivoting bracket for adjustable handrail alignment to substantially align a handrail with the grade of the decking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Homecare Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald S. Winter
  • Patent number: 9125531
    Abstract: A grab bar is disclosed for use in a bathing area. The grab bar includes a longitudinal bar extending to a leg that includes a base configured to be secured to a wall. The leg includes a hole, and a fastener is receive in the hole and extends through the base to the wall. A seal is supported by the base and surrounds the hole to seal the grab bar relative to the wall. An insert is arranged in the hole for reinforcement and is in an interference relationship to the leg to provide a seal there with. A flexible washer is arranged between the fastener and the insert or leg to seal a head of the washer relative to the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Liberty Hardware Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Earl David Forrest
  • Patent number: 8840091
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a bracket, and a device for connecting to the bracket. The bracket may be one of a plurality of brackets for placing a plant box on. The device may have a first portion having an opening through which a fastener can be inserted to connect the device to the bracket. The device may have a second portion connected at an angle to the first portion. The device may be sized so that when connected to the bracket by inserting the fastener through the opening, the second portion of the device fits snugly within opposing sections of the bracket, such that the second portion has a length which is slightly less than a distance between the opposing sections of the bracket. The apparatus may further include a railing situated so that a cross section of the railing sits in between a space between the device and the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph N. Laurita
  • Patent number: 8757598
    Abstract: A hollow core post anchor includes a base plate and a post mounting protrusion. The base plate has two mounting holes adjacent opposing corners of the base plate, and L-shaped stabilizing supports at or adjacent to the other two opposing corners of the base plate. The post mounting protrusion includes a post mounting hole therethrough for receiving a carriage bolt. The two mounting holes in the base plate are each operable to receive a lag screw to secure the base plate and post anchor to a surface (e.g., a concrete pier or foundation). A hollow core post is then positioned on the post mounting protrusion, and securing a carriage bolt through the hollow core post and post mounting hole in the post mounting protrusion secure the hollow core post to the post anchor and thus to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Bradley Noel Jones
  • Patent number: 8490287
    Abstract: A spacer apparatus of the invention is attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes space occupying members, and fence attachment members are connected to the space occupying members, for attaching the space occupying members to the fence post. The space occupying members fills the space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The space occupying members can include horizontal members connected to the fence attachment members and can include vertical members connected to the horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and the vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion. The fence attachment means can include first and second fence attachment members for contacting first and second portions of the fence post. The method of using the fence end spacer apparatus to removably fill the space between the fence post and the nearby structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Robert B. Barter, Ruby G. Barter
  • Patent number: 8033530
    Abstract: A stair rail assembly for easy and rapid installation. The assembly includes a baluster, baluster shoe, and a rail. The baluster shoe comprises an anchor and a base having an opening extending through the anchor and base. The base fits flush against a rail and the anchor fits within a baluster to connect the baluster to the rail. The anchor contains flexible walls which expand upon insertion of a screw to frictionally engage the baluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nationwide Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Erik Timothy
  • Patent number: 7913983
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a plurality of members disposed inside generally vertical balusters; each of the members having formed therethrough a hole; a plurality of wires, cables, rods, pipes, tubes (round, oval, or multi-sided) or the like, each one disposed through one of the holes; and the members being rotatable to position the wires, cables, rods, pipes, tubes (round, oval, or multi-sided), or the like at a selected angle from horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick J. Sandor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7827741
    Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Electronics Research, Inc.
    Inventors: David Davies, Ernie Jones
  • Patent number: 7677535
    Abstract: A railing has its posts and rails intersected with each other and fixed stably together by connecting plates hidden inside the rails. The connecting plate has a wing formed at a preset position between every two posts. The wing has a hole at its center. Each of the rails has a long space defined by three walls of its inverted U-shape, a rectangular opening bored in its top side for being correspondingly inserted by the post, and a female-threaded tube extended downward from an upper inner wall for corresponding to a hole of a wing of the connecting plate so that a screw can be inserted from under the hole to threadably engage with the female-threaded tube to keep the rails fixed with the connecting plates. The railing is thus assembled stably by means of the connecting plates and the screws that are hidden inside the rails, obtaining an aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Chong-Yi Lo
  • Patent number: 7334779
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket with a raised central area flanked by two lower lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the bracket. The lateral areas define locations for connecting the bracket to a vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted. The bracket may include indicia or characters for determining the correct position of attachment of the rail connector to the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector relative to 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: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 7147212
    Abstract: A fence rail clip for attaching a fence rail to a vertical fence post is disclosed. The rail clip has a bracket with a raised central area flanked by two lower lateral areas and a rail connector that, vertically or horizontally, slidingly engages the central area of the bracket. The lateral areas define locations for connecting the bracket to a vertical post. The rail connector has a rail receiving receptacle into which an end of a rail may be inserted. The bracket may include indicia or characters for determining the correct position of attachment of the rail connector to the bracket. When the position of the rail connector is altered by sliding the rail connector relative to 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Platt
  • Patent number: 6863265
    Abstract: A security cover is used in conjunction with a visually pleasing picket fence barrier. The security cover, having a C-shaped cross section, restricts access to bolts used to couple each picket to top and bottom support beams and thereby prevents tampering with the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Safeguards Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Haim Perry, Bruce Cochrane
  • Patent number: 6755394
    Abstract: A modular fence system. The system includes fence planks designed for insertion into open channels of upper and lower fence rails. The fence rails are supported in a horizontal orientation between intermittent fence posts, with the open channels facing toward a vertical direction and with the fence planks extending vertically between the rails and into the channels. The planks preferably include resilient protrusions at their upper ends. The protrusions of the planks are designed to fit into internal passages formed in the open channels of the upper fence rail, into engagement with ledges defining the passages, to inhibit inadvertent removal of the planks from the upper rail. The fence rails can also be used in a different way and in a different position, in which the open channels face toward a horizontal direction, with an elongate cap coupled to the rail to cover the open channel. Plank members are coupled to the cap such that the cap resides between the plank members and the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Kroy Building Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Forbis, Randy Quaintance, Ronald R. West
  • Patent number: 6443433
    Abstract: A fence system, using extruded bars of T-shaped cross-section to form posts and rails, and a plurality of connectors to connect the T-bars. The connectors have vertical and horizontal V-channels within which the T-bars are secured. Each V-channel has a pair of sides which meet at a vertex, and an open end. A plurality of clamping mechanisms each include a cross plate which extends across the open end of the V-channel to hold the T-bar therein, and a pair of J-bolts which secure to both the V-channel sides and the cross plate. An inverted U-channel extends between the cross plate and the T-bar to directly engage the T-bar and hold it tightly against the vertex of the V-channel. The T-bar has a plurality of spaced protuberances thereon. A transverse pin extends across the U-channel so that when the clamping mechanism is engaged with the T-bar, interference between the transverse pin and the protuberances prevent the T-bar from slipping longitudinally within the V-channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas Auldridge
  • Patent number: 6394422
    Abstract: A decorative scroll for a round baluster. The scroll is preferably sand cast of aluminum and attached to the baluster with screw through a plate having centering elements for secure three-point contact. The scroll with the baluster for use in emulating a wrought iron fence or railing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Deckorators, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly D. Jones, Ryan P. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6345475
    Abstract: Pivotably mounted barriers extending across a portion of and staggered in an alternating manner from opposite sides and spaced apart as to permit directed travel up or down stairs or staircase. Barriers extend across staircase to the extent that in addition to acting as an aid in ascending or descending, should a person stumble or lose their footing, their fall would be interupted within a few feet instead of tumbling all the way to the bottom suffering certain injury and possible death.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Darnell Flory
  • Patent number: 6290214
    Abstract: A post and rail assembly uses a channel shaped bracket to secure the rails to the post. The bracket has a channel bottom portion which is attached directly by fasteners to a flattened portion on the post and two rail ends abut each other and are received within the channel. The channel has extensions along the back vertical surface of the rails with fasteners extending through these extensions horizontally into the rail and other fasteners extend from the top and bottom flanges of the channel vertically into the rail ends which cover the fasteners holding the bracket to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Fence, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph DeSouza
  • Patent number: 6290213
    Abstract: The modular rail assembly of the present invention includes at least one post, at least one rail, and at least one sleeve. The post is mounted to a surface and preferably extends upward. A sleeve is inserted into openings in the post. The openings are on opposite sides of the post. The sleeve preferably has a flange that contacts the post and prevents the sleeve from sliding completely thorough the openings. A rail is slid through the sleeve and preferably extends parallel to the surface. A single rail can extend through several posts. The sleeve acts as a buffer and protects the rail finish from being scratched or damaged by the post. Because of the sleeve, the modular rail assembly can be reassembled in any position without showing scratch marks or unpainted portions of the rail. In the preferred embodiment, a cap covers the top end of the post. There is also an opening in the cap into which a sleeve is inserted. A rail is slid through the sleeve and cap, similar to the rail and the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Wildeck Mezzanines, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph H. Laird, Mark A. Brooks, Robert D'Addario, Kevin L. Noll, Michael R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6176471
    Abstract: A fabric fence system and method of manufacturing the fabric fence system is disclosed. The fence system has posts that are laterally spaced from one another with a fence fabric position between the posts. The fence fabric has end protrusions that are inserted into the sides of the fence posts and held in place by a rod inserted into the hollow inner portion of the post such that the rod engages the protrusions of the fence fabric. The slots that accommodate the fence fabric are set at an angle relative the length of the post. The fence system also includes top and bottom cross members into which the top and bottom portion of the fence fabric are inserted and attached to provide a panelized fence system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Allied Carefree Fence Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Naegele, James F. Loven
  • Patent number: 6176472
    Abstract: A connecting and covering member for a joint, as well as a handrail or the like embodying the same, wherein the connecting and covering element extends between and interconnects two contiguous aligned portions of the elongated structure. The connecting and covering element comprises a hollow body in the form of a sleeve that surrounds and interconnects adjacent ends of the elongated members. The sleeve is slotted longitudinally and has cutouts for shape matingly receiving a plate which is secured to both of the adjacent portions. On opposite sides of the slot and on opposite sides of the cutout, the connecting and covering member has holes through which fasteners pass, to secure the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Buregr et Cie (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Bertrand Burger
  • Patent number: 6039308
    Abstract: A knock down gate assembly generally formed by two spaced apart vertical rails surrounded by a removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing and supported in an upright position by a removable and replaceable base support. A horizontal rail is removably engaged with the vertical rails by slip-on structural fittings. The horizontal rail is also surrounded by a removable and replaceable polymerized sheathing. Both the base structures and the slip-on structural fittings are secured to the vertical and horizontal rails through the respective polymerized sheathing by set screws. The present invention provides a knock down hand rail with gate assembly that is formed of both metal and plastic. The assembly is readily and easily assembled and disassembled. The assembly is maintenance free and requires no paint or other upkeep. The hand rail with gate assembly can readily be assembled anywhere or disassembled to form a different hand rail with gate structure configuration or to add more rails to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6015139
    Abstract: An anchor system for removably mounting a stanchion to a grating floor formed from spaced grating members comprising a plate having upper and lower surfaces, a mounting location on the upper surface for releasably supporting the stanchion, and at least one locking member extending from the lower surface to releasably lock the plate to the grating floor. The locking member is formed with an extension adapted for movement from a position that allows the extension to be introduced between and below the spaced grating member to a position in which extension engages beneath one or more grating members to lock the plate onto the grating floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Herbert Weber
  • Patent number: 5931449
    Abstract: A new stockade-style sectional fence system for providing a fence system that will outlast all types of wood fence designs. The inventive device includes a plurality of fence panels. Each of the fence panels is defined by a plurality of main panels having a plurality of indented spacer panels disposed therebetween. The indented spacer panels are recessed with respect to the main panels. Each of the fence panels has end spacer panels disposed on opposing ends thereof for securement to an adjacent main panel. A pair of rails extend laterally across rear surfaces of the fence panels for securement of the fence panels together. A plurality of mounting posts are provided each having a weighted lower end portion. The weighted lower end portion is positionable within a ground surface. Each of the mounting posts are secured to the pair of rails in a spaced relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Lorene Gwaltney
  • Patent number: 5765812
    Abstract: A modular support rail assembly that includes a rail having an open end with an internal wall surface and an elbow with facility at one end for mounting to a support, such as a building wall, and an opposing end with an internally threaded opening. An insert construction is disposed within the open end of the rail, and a fastener extends through the insert into the internally threaded opening in the elbow. An expansible ring is carried by the insert structure within the open end of the rail, and is responsive to compression of the insert structure upon tightening of the fastener to expand radially outwardly against and frictionally engage the internal wall surface of the rail. The rail is thereby firmly fastened to the elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignees: Torbett B. Guenther, Dolores Guenther
    Inventor: Torbett B. Guenther
  • 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: 5657967
    Abstract: A fence system having treated wooden posts set in concrete at spaced-apart locations. Galvanized metal stringers extend between the posts and engage the post at a mounting surface. The mounting surface defines a plurality of vertically-elongate slots through which fasteners extend. Pickets are secured to the stringers and are vertically oriented. The stringers are secured by fasteners such as screws. Preferably the stringers are formed from HDPE and expansion and contraction of the pickets is accommodated by the slots in the mounting faces of the stringers. The pickets are formed by grinding waste plastic and adding UV inhibitors and color if desired. The ground plastic material is extruded under heat and pressure and the desired surface treatment applied to simulate the appearance of natural wood fencing. The surface-treated extrusion is cut to the desired length to form individual pickets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas D. Patrick
  • 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: 5577714
    Abstract: The invention is a knock down guard rail assembly and method for assembling the rail. The guard rail has the capacity to be assembled and disassembled for reconfiguration as required by the user. The fastening system used to assemble the rail consists of a removable plate and fastener. The fastening system provides for any amount of rails to be assembled at any angle to create any configuration. The assembly may also be provided with polymerized sheathing extending about the exterior of the rail assembly. The sheathing protects the assembly from the environment and may be provided in any color or support advertisements where desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5566926
    Abstract: A resilient mounting system for safety barriers, including guardrails, hand rails, etc., includes a urethane rubber or other resilient material substantially between the periphery of the barrier and a floor or base. The barrier is biased against the base so as to provide an stiff yet resilient impact resistance that yields to absorb the energy of impact, such as from a vehicle, rather than requiring the structural material of the barrier itself to absorb and perhaps become dislodged or deformed by the impact. The resilient material can be shaped generally like the periphery of the barrier or it can be a standard shape that is replicated and arranged to engage a support for the barrier. A rail is resiliently mounted between two supports, the resilient mounting being arranged to permit limited relative movement between the rail and the supports but resisting removal of the rail from the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Voight Products Incorporated
    Inventor: William L. Voigt
  • 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: 5527016
    Abstract: A handrail positioning apparatus for accurately positioning a handrail during the process of installing the handrail in an inclined position on a building wall above an inclined stairway. The apparatus may include two vertically adjustable stanchions positionable at the upper and lower ends of the stairway. Miniature platforms are tiltably mounted on the upper end portions of the stanchions to underlie end areas of a handrail. C-clamps may be used to clamp the handrail to the platforms. The platforms are so tiltable that the platforms can seat flatwise against the handrail, whatever the slope or inclination of the rail, and the stanchions are vertically adjustable to control the rail slope and rail height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Wilborn F. Wilkerson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5474279
    Abstract: The fence, sound barrier, guardrail or the like includes line posts and top and bottom rails for supporting panels, wire mesh, boards, pickets or fence material. A fence post cap and bracket is provided on the line posts, secured to the line post, and extending beyond the post so that a downwardly depending flange on the outer edge of the cap engages an outer side wall of the rail. The fence post bracket which is also secured to the line post supports the top rail and prevents upward displacement of the rail on the line post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Alcuf Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey E. Parisien
  • Patent number: 5454662
    Abstract: A pipe corral connector consisting of a pair of bolts having corresponding hingedly coupled first ends, and second, threaded ends. The second end of one of the bolts is provided with a right hand thread while the second end of the other bolt is provided with a left hand thread. The threaded ends of the bolts are brought together with a nut that is internally threaded halfway with a right hand thread and halfway with a left hand thread. The nut provides a turnbuckle-like effect in bringing the two bolts together and tightly joining intersecting or parallel pipes of a pipe corral. The connector eliminates all sharp edges which might otherwise injure a corralled horse. The inside surface of the connector bolts may be serrated or notched to provide increased friction at the point of pipe connection. The nut and one of the bolts may be marked to identify matching thread sense to facilitate determination of the correct orientation of the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Animal Enclosure Systems
    Inventors: Edward P. Skibitzke, David Boyd
  • Patent number: 5452880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling (10) for connecting railing members (170, 171) to post (14, 15). The coupling (10) has a mounting portion having two parts (16, 117) pivotally movable relative to one another and capable of being locked against pivotal movement by a fastener (35, 113). Railing connection members (22, 25) are pivotally coupled to parts (16, 17) about axes (24, 26) extending transversely of the members and to an axis (20) about which the parts (16, 17) may pivot relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: William Bailey
  • Patent number: 5439201
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bracket for mounting fence rails and other items to common rolled metal posts, including a flat front face and a rearwardly projecting apertured web. Most commonly these are T-shaped in cross-section. The bracket includes a front plate substantially wider than the front face of the post, two rear plates behind the front plate attached to the edges of the front plate, and two mounting plates projecting rearwardly from the edges of the rear plates. The mounting plates have apertures in registration with each other. The mounting plates are attachable to the apertured web to locate the front plate in abutting relationship with the front face of the post. The front, rear, and mounting plates define a slot shaped to received the post. The width of the front plate is sufficient to include apertures for fasteners to secure fencing members, which are not obstructed by the front face of the post. A strap can be threaded through these apertures to secure a fence member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: 832276 Ontario Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Landreville
  • 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: 5396739
    Abstract: A guard rail assembly having a sheath formed of polymerized material, such as plastic. A panel set within the rail structure is also formed of a polymerized material, such as plastic. The sheathing about the guard rail assembly creates a protective coating eliminating repainting of the guard rail assembly and further preventing damage to the guard rail and impacting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5364077
    Abstract: The handrail assembly includes at least one tubular metal stanchion, having a base and a hemispherical cap having a threaded receiver and at least a horizontal top rail. The horizontal top rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and at least one aperture for receiving the metal stanchion. Prior to assemblage, a threaded fastener is attached to the interior of the inner metal pipe opposite the aperture. In an alternative embodiment, the hemispherical cap on the stanchion is replaced by a threaded fastener and a threaded nut is positioned within the interior of the inner metal pipe opposite the aperture. Prior to insertion of the stanchion into the aperture, at least one tubular plastic sheath, having a first end conforming with the base of the stanchion and a second end conforming with the top horizontal rail, is slipped onto the tubular metal stanchion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Frank Venegas, Jr.
    Inventors: Frank Venegas, Jr., Wayne A. Damitz
  • 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: 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: 5314167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temporary rail structure that includes a series of vertical posts that are interconnected by horizontally extending side rails. Each post is designed to clamp around the top portion of a band that extends around floor joist that support a sub-floor thereabove. Around the entire floor structure is formed a series of spaced apart openings, each opening cut in the sub-floor adjacent the inside of the band. Each temporary post includes a U-shaped yoke that includes one leg that is inserted downwardly through the opening formed in the sub-floor such that this leg extends adjacent the inside of the band. A screw-type tightener is secured to another leg of the yoke and is screwed from the outside so as to tighten down on the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: James N. Mitchell
    Inventor: Jesse H. Holloman
  • Patent number: 5297890
    Abstract: A wood-to-pipe connection in which a single sheet metal connector and a single threaded straight bolt are used to connect a wood frame member to an elongated pipe member. The elongated pipe member could be a metal conduit, standard pipe member or even a solid circular wood pole member. The wood-to-pipe connection is especially useful in attaching wood fencing to metal pipe used for fence posts. The sheet metal connector may be field bent by hand so that the same sheet metal connector may be used in connecting fence rails at mid-rail connections, butt joints, outside corners, inside corners and sloping fences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred D. Commins
  • Patent number: 5288058
    Abstract: Skeletal railing systems are usually formed of metal tubing welded together and/or interconnected by metal T-connectors, cross connectors and elbows. The assembling of such railing systems is often time consuming and expensive. A simple alternative includes tubular plastic, preferably polyvinyl chloride posts and rails interconnected by short lengths of metal tubing which extend through openings in the plastic tubes. A bolt perpendicular to one section of metal tubing extends into a plate or plug on the end of the other section of metal tubing, and a nut is tightened onto the bolt to hold the sections together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: William W. Russell
  • Patent number: 5261201
    Abstract: Prefabricated handrail fittings are disclosed which contain preformed internal slots which accept simple fasteners for quickly making mitered and butt joints without hand working in the field. A plurality of interconnected slots are arranged internally along a longitudinal axis to provide fittings which are adjustable in length with only a simple transverse saw cut and which adjustably cover the entire range of angular inclination of an inclined handrail to which the fittings may be joined. A single angular fitting can be used to make either left or right turning connections between an uprising easing section and a post. A universal uprising easing is provided. Short extensions can be connected to surfaces while working from upper side without hand working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Lynn H. Smith
  • Patent number: 5244186
    Abstract: A removable handrail mounting bracket assembly includes a wall mounting member and a removable bracket member. The wall mounting plate is intended to be permanently mounted to a wall surface. The removable bracket member is intended to be permanently attached to the underside of a handrail. The wall mounting member has a pair of spaced longitudinal side portions adapted for attachment to the wall surface and a longitudinal middle portion extending between and interconnecting the side portions. The bracket member has a base portion adapted to overlie and cover the wall mounting member and an arm portion rigidly attached at an inner end to the base portion and extending in a cantilevered relationship therefrom to an outer end adapted for attachment to a handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Herman R. Chandler
  • Patent number: 5193786
    Abstract: A modular hand rail comprises a tubular length of material attached to at least one elbow section. The assembly is easily mounted to a wall to aid elderly or disabled persons in moving about. Use of different colors or materials provides in an aesthetically pleasing appearance, flexibility in design and aids the user in delineating the gripping portion in areas of little or no light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: TPI of Alter Park
    Inventor: Torbett B. Guenther
  • Patent number: 5170996
    Abstract: The handrail assembly includes at least one tubular metal stanchion, having a base and a hemispherical cap having a threaded receiver and at least a horizontal top rail. The horizontal top rail has an inner metal pipe, an outer plastic pipe, and at least one aperture for receiving the metal stanchion. Prior to assemblage, a threaded fastener is attached to the interior of the inner metal pipe opposite the aperture. Prior to insertion of the stanchion into the aperture, at least one tubular plastic sheath, having a first end conforming with the base of the stanchion and a second end conforming with the top horizontal rail, is slipped onto the tubular metal stanchion. Following placement of the top horizontal rail atop the stanchion, the sheath rests on the base of the stanchion and engages the top horizontal rail. The top horizontal rail is locked in position atop the stanchion by threading the threaded receiver and the threaded fastener together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Ideal Steel and Builders' Supplies, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Venegas, Jr., Wayne A. Damitz