The invention relates to a compound of following formula (I):

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a preparation process, uses thereof and compositions containing the same, wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, represent, independently of one another, a linear, branched or cyclic, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon-based group comprising from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, where the sum of the carbon atoms of the groups R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 ranges from 2 to 7, and where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 may also form, together and with the carbon atom bearing them, a 6-, 7-, or 8-membered ring; n is an integer of between 1 and 100, limits included; A represents a sequence of one or more units chosen from ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide units and mixtures thereof; the group formed by R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and the carbon atom to which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are attached has a degree of branching equal to 0, 1 or 2.

A tension rod anchor includes a collar that defines a ball race and a ball jack that includes a ball head that forms a swivel joint with the ball race. The ball jack also includes a threaded shaft that engages with a threaded socket of a hosel, which also includes a rod channel that receives a railing rod. A set screw engages with a threaded hole through a side of the hosel into the rod channel. The set screw engages with an anchor hole in the rod, without bearing against the threaded shaft, while the hosel is screwed onto the threaded shaft to tension the rod. Once the desired tension has been obtained, the set screw is screwed down further and tightened to secure the rod with the rod under tension. The swivel joints allow rod railings to be easily installed at angles and inclines.

A railing bracket assembly includes a cup with a back wall, a bottom wall, a first side wall, and a second side configured to support an end of a railing member. The back wall defines a plurality of through holes and each side wall defines a through hole, each configured to receive a fastener. A cap is adapted to cover the cup, and it has a U-shape configured to expose the bottom wall of the cup. A portion of the first side wall of the cup proximate the bottom wall is configured to contact a first tab of the cap, and a portion of the second side wall of the cup proximate the bottom wall is configured to contact a second tab of the cap to secure the cap to the cup.

A raking rail panel system includes a raking rail panel that is supported by four pivotable bracket assemblies. Each pivotable bracket assembly includes a rail support bracket that is hinged to a post bracket. Each post bracket is configured to be coupled to a vertical support post. The post brackets each include a gap filling portion that extends from a mounting face of the vertical support posts. The gap filling portions are sized to either fill a long or a short gap between an end baluster and the vertical support post. The four pivotable bracket assemblies facilitate drop-in installation of the rail panel pivoted in a range of rake angles.

An anchor for a cable or rod includes a ferrule or other spring stop, to which one or more springs or arms are coupled. The spring stop may be attached to an end or other region of the cable to enable the cable to be tensioned against a support structure. The one or more springs or arms may be, for example, one or more coil springs, one or more conical coil springs, two or more cantilever springs, or one more arms. The anchor is twisted or pushed through a hole in the support structure from a first side to a second side and contacts the surface of the second side. A ferrule spring stop may be swaged to the cable or rod.

A railing structure has a railing pipe and at least one assembling block. The railing pipe is made of aluminum material and has two assembling face symmetrically adjacent to the two openings. The assembling block is made of a metal material having a hardness higher than that of aluminum. The assembling block is formed with a plate with two perpendicular side boards symmetrically disposed along two sides, each side board has a groove partially covered by a positioning tongue, and a free end of the positioning tongue faces toward the plate, each side board of the assembling block configured for being placed in a corresponding opening of the railing tube. The plate completely covers the opening, and the positioning tongue inserts under the assembling face, thereby achieving that the assembling block cannot be separated from the railing pipe in a non-destructive state.

A railing bracket system includes a cup that has a cup bottom wall and two opposed cup side walls. The cup is adapted to receive an end of a railing member. A cap has a first cap wall disposed between two opposed cap side walls and a tab extending from at least one side wall. The cap is adapted to cover the cup.

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 railing support post with threaded holes or receivers for receiving threaded hardware, such as might be used for tensioned cable railing. A decorative sleeve or post cover may be used to at least partially enclose the railing support post. The railing support post may be manufactured, for example, by providing an elongated member of a prescribed length, drilling a plurality of holes spaced along the length of the elongated member, and tapping the plurality of holes to form a plurality of threaded receivers. The threaded receivers are configured to receive rail fittings or other fittings.

A railing bracket system includes a cup that has a cup bottom wall and two opposed cup side walls. The cup is adapted to receive an end of a railing member. A cap has a first cap wall disposed between two opposed cap side walls and a tab extending from at least one side wall. The cap is adapted to cover the cup.