A railing system is provided that illustratively includes a first rail and a second rail where the first rail is spaced-apart from the second rail. At least one cable that extends between the spaced-apart first and second rails. The at least one cable includes a stop sleeve disposed about the cable and positioned adjacent an end of the at least one cable. A cable tensioner having a body, a bore disposed through the body, and a stop surface is located adjacent an opening in the cable tensioner. An adapter that includes a body and a bore that extends into the body. The body of the adapter forms a surface located in contact with an underside surface of the top panel of the second rail between the first and second sidewalls of the second rail.

A rail for a railing system with pickets comprises an elongated cover portion and an elongated side portion. The cover portion comprises an elongated top surface, one or more first connectors proximate to a lateral end of the top surface, a plurality of shelves interspersed between successive ones of the pickets, and one or more second connectors. Each of the shelves comprises a first end, and each of the second connectors extends from at least some of the first ends. The elongated side portion comprises one or more third connectors and one or more fourth connectors. The third connectors are adapted to engage with the one or more first connectors, and the fourth connectors are adapted to engage with the one or more second connectors. The side portion is secured to the cover portion by engagement of the third connectors with the first connectors and by engagement of the fourth connectors with the second connectors.

A railing system includes an upper rail and a lower rail spaced from the upper rail. The railing system also includes a plurality of balusters positioned between the upper rail and the lower rail. The railing system further includes a clip configured to attach one baluster of the plurality of balusters to the lower rail or the upper rail. The clip includes a baluster engagement portion configured to be received within an open end of the one baluster. The clip further includes a tab extending from the baluster engagement portion. The tab includes a fin portion configured to be inserted within one aperture of a plurality of apertures of the upper rail or the lower rail. The tab also includes a spring portion coupled to the fin portion. The spring portion is configured to secure the clip to the upper rail or the lower rail.

A connector is disclosed for interconnecting a baluster having a recess on at least one end thereof to a railing component. The connector has a first body portion having an outer surface and an interface surface with a mounting groove thereon. The connector also has a second body portion having an outer surface and an interface surface with a mounting groove thereon. The interface surface of the second body portion having a mating portion adapted to receive a portion of the interface surface on the first body portion, and a hinge connecting the first body portion to the second body portion.

In at least one embodiment, it is contemplated that the present invention provides a baluster system including a handrail, at least one newel post having a shaft, a mounting plate abutting the shaft and adapted for fixing the newel post to a lower supporting surface, a plate abutting the shaft, and an intermediary shaft portion having a second end abutting the plate and a first end having a swivel mount adapted for fixing to the underside of the handrail, and at least one baluster having a first end having a swivel mount adapted for fixing to the underside of the handrail, a second end having a swivel mount for fixing to a lower supporting surface and a baluster shaft extending between the first end and the second end.

A railing system is provided that illustratively includes a first rail and a second rail where the first rail is spaced-apart from the second rail. At least one cable that extends between the spaced-apart first and second rails. The at least one cable includes a stop sleeve disposed about the cable and positioned adjacent an end of the at least one cable. A cable tensioner having a body, a bore disposed through the body, and a stop surface is located adjacent an opening in the cable tensioner. An adapter that includes a body and a bore that extends into the body. The body of the adapter forms a surface located in contact with an underside surface of the top panel of the second rail between the first and second sidewalls of the second rail.

A universal railing system for level or inclined applications which includes spaced parallel upright rod balusters extending between top and bottom railings. The upper and lower ends of the rod balusters have bent rod terminal ends which are received through respective apertures of upper and lower channels which are secured respectively to the upper and lower rails whereby the baluster rod terminal ends may rotate within the channels in order to adapt the railing system from a level application to an inclined application.

A deck system includes a baluster actuator device that moves balusters from an open position to a closed position. The movable balusters are positioned in the open position to at least partially open the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters, and the movable balusters are positioned in the closed position to close the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters. The balusters further include one or more functional modules secured to module inserts defined in the balusters.

A baluster is provided. The baluster includes a body portion. A width of an end portion of the body portion is less than a width of a central portion of the body portion.

A combination deck baluster comprising a proximal member comprised of wood, the proximal member having an attachment aperture therein, a distal member comprised of wood, the distal member having an attachment aperture therein, and a medial member comprised of a metal, the medial member secured within the attachment aperture of the proximal member and the attachment aperture of the distal member, the medial member having a decorative arrangement, wherein the proximal member and the distal member are arranged to be secured to a proximal railing and a distal railing of a deck.