UFP Industries has been granted a patent for a railing or fencing assembly that includes rails with retaining elements to hold balusters. The retaining elements are designed to engage with the outer surface of the baluster, providing a secure fit. The assembly may also include a second railing portion for additional support. GlobalData’s report on UFP Industries gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on UFP Industries, clamshell-type preformed packaging was a key innovation area identified from patents. UFP Industries's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
A patent granted for a railing or fencing assembly
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11668114B2) describes a fencing assembly that includes multiple rails and balusters. The first rail has a resilient retaining element and a channel, while the second rail has apertures and a second retaining element. The baluster has a continuous, solid, planar or linear outer surface wall. When the baluster is inserted into the rails, the retaining elements deflect away from and frictionally engage with the outer surface of the baluster, providing a secure connection.
The first rail of the fencing assembly includes a channel where the first resilient retaining element is disposed. This allows for easy insertion and secure retention of the baluster. Additionally, the first rail has an open bottom face, allowing the baluster to be received through it into the first interior.
The second rail of the fencing assembly has apertures, and the baluster is configured to be inserted into one of these apertures. This provides flexibility in the positioning of the baluster within the assembly. The second rail also includes a second retaining element, which frictionally retains the second end of the baluster relative to the rail.
The fencing assembly can include multiple pairs of corresponding apertures defined in opposing faces of the first and second rails. This allows for the insertion of multiple balusters, each into a respective pair of apertures. The longitudinal length of each pair of corresponding apertures is greater than the width of at least one of the balusters, ensuring a secure fit.
In another embodiment, the fencing assembly is described as an assembly with at least one rail and a baluster. The rail defines an interior and includes a resilient retaining element. The baluster has a continuous planar or linear solid outer surface. When the baluster is received in the rail, the retaining element deflects away from and frictionally engages with the outer surface of the baluster, providing a secure connection.
The assembly can include multiple rails, each with corresponding interiors and resilient retaining elements. These rails can be coupled with the baluster in a parallel configuration. Additionally, the assembly can have apertures defined in at least one of the rails, allowing for the insertion of multiple balusters.
Overall, this patent describes a fencing assembly that provides a secure and flexible connection between rails and balusters. The use of resilient retaining elements and apertures ensures a frictional engagement with the baluster, preventing dislodgement and enhancing the overall stability of the assembly.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
