FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a bracket. The present invention has particular but not exclusive application for a bracket for a post. The patent specification describes this use but it is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Post brackets are used to secure posts such as wooden posts to a horizontal surface. Post brackets may also be referred to as post anchors or post stirrups. A problem with existing post brackets is that part of the post bracket is typically located on an outside surface of a corresponding wooden post. This can detract from the visual aesthetic of an installation.

One way to overcome this would be to attach the post directly to the surface. It can be very difficult to attach a vertical post to a horizontal surface and the attachments are typically not that secure. The post could also be concreted into the surface. However, there are numerous problems associated with this, as a wooden post can rot if moisture is present between the concrete and the wood.

One prior art solution includes a T-blade or centre fix post bracket. While this solution may be acceptable, it requires a sizable circular saw to cut a slot in the post that is deep enough and wide enough to accept the T-blade. Additionally, the T- blade will be visible from two sides of the post.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems with post brackets and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bracket for a post, the bracket having a support platform; and at least one support member extending perpendicular from the support platform, each of the at least one support member adapted to be inserted into a corresponding aperture of the post.

Preferably, each of the at least one support member includes at least one aperture. Preferably the at least one aperture is adapted to receive a fastener to secure the bracket to the post. In one embodiment the fastener is a bolt or a screw. In another embodiment, the at least one aperture is adapted to receive a dowel to secure the bracket to the post. Preferably if the at least one support member is two support members, each support member has one aperture. Preferably if the at least one support member is one support member, the support member has two apertures. Preferably the two apertures are co-planar. In another embodiment, the two apertures are perpendicular to each other. Preferably each of the at least one aperture is perpendicular to the corresponding support member.

Preferably each of the at least one support member is substantially cylindrical in shape. In a less desirable embodiment, each support member may be substantially square or triangular in cross section. Preferably each support member has a length that is substantially greater than a thickness of the support member. In one embodiment, the at least one support member is two support members.

Preferably the support platform is rectangular in shape. In another embodiment, the support platform is circular in shape. Preferably the support platform has a width that is substantially greater than a thickness of the support platform. Preferably the support platform is made of a plate material. Preferably the support platform is adapted to abut an end of the post.

In one embodiment, the support platform has one or more apertures. Preferably the one or more apertures are adapted to receive fasteners to secure the support platform to a surface.

In another embodiment, the bracket includes a column member extending from the support platform. Preferably the column member extends perpendicular to the from the support platform. Preferably the column member extends from an opposed side of the support platform relative to the at least one support member. Preferably the column member is substantially cylindrical in shape. In another embodiment the column member is substantially rectangular in cross section.

Preferably the bracket includes an anchor platform. Preferably the anchor platform is located at an end of the column member. Preferably the anchor platform is located distal from the support platform. Preferably the anchor platform has a width that is wider than the width of the column member. Preferably the anchor platform has a width that is substantially greater than a thickness of the anchor platform. Preferably the anchor platform is substantially rectangular in shape, in another embodiment, the anchor platform is substantially circular in shape. Preferably the anchor platform is made of a plate material.

In one embodiment, the anchor platform includes at least one aperture. Preferably each aperture is adapted to receive a fastener to secure the anchor platform to a surface. In one embodiment, the anchor platform and at least part of the column member can be set in concrete to secure the bracket to a resulting surface.

Preferably the bracket is made of metal. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of steel. Preferably the bracket includes a coating. Preferably the coating protects the bracket against corrosion. Preferably the coating inhibits corrosion. In one embodiment, the coating is galvanisation.

Preferably the bracket is adapted to support posts having a width or diameter of 50mm or more. More preferably the bracket is adapted to support posts having a width or diameter of 80mm or more. Preferably the bracket is adapted to support posts having a width or diameter of substantially 100mm.

Preferably the post is a wooden post. Preferably the post has a rectangular periphery in cross section.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bracket for a post, the bracket having a support platform; a plurality of apertures located in the support platform, each aperture adapted to receive a fastener to secure the support platform to a surface; and at least one support member extending perpendicular from the support platform, each of the at least one support member adapted to be inserted into a corresponding aperture of the post. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bracket for a post, the bracket having a support platform; a support member extending perpendicular from the support platform, each of the at least one support member adapted to be inserted into a corresponding aperture of the post; a column member extending from the support platform; and an anchor located at an end of the column member distal from the support platform.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bracket for a post, the bracket having a support platform; two support members extending perpendicular from the support platform, each of the at least one support member adapted to be inserted into a corresponding aperture of the post; a column member extending from the support platform; and an anchor located at an end of the column member distal from the support platform.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a bracket system including one or more brackets as described in this specification; and a template assembly releasably attachable to a post, the template assembly including one or more guides adapted to guide a drill bit into the post.

Preferably the one or more guides includes one or more guides to form apertures in the post to correspond to the at least one aperture located in each support member, such that one or more fasteners or dowels can be used to secure each support member to the post. Preferably the template assembly includes a clamp portion to releasably attach the template assembly to a post.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of attaching a bracket as described in the specification to a post, the method including the steps of: drilling at least one hole into an end of the post, the hole extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the post; and inserting the at least one support member into the at least one hole.

Preferably the bracket is a post bracket. Preferably the method further includes the step of drilling at least one hole into the post transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post, such that the at least one hole lines up with a corresponding aperture in a corresponding one of the at least one support member.

Preferably the method further includes inserting a fastener or dowel into the transverse hole and the corresponding aperture to secure the bracket to the post.

In another embodiment, the method further includes inserting an adhesive into the at least one longitudinal hole prior to the at least one support member being inserted into the at least one longitudinal hole.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 shows a side view and a top view of a bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view and a top view of a bracket according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a side view and a top view of a bracket according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 shows a top view and a side view of a template assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figure 1 , there is shown a bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 10 has a support platform 12. A support member 14 extends from the support platform 12. The support member 14 is cylindrical in shape. The support member 14 has two apertures 16,18.

The bracket 10 has a column member 20 extending from the support platform 12. The column member 20 is cylindrical in shape. The bracket 10 has an anchor platform 22 attached to an end of the column member 20.

In use, the support member 14 is inserted into a hole formed in a post (not shown). The support platform 12 is adapted to abut an end of the post. The apertures 16,18 line up with holes formed in the post such that fasteners such as bolts, or dowels (not shown) can be inserted into the holes and apertures 16,18 to secure the post to the bracket 10.

The anchor platform 22 and part of the column member 20 can be set in concrete or the like (not shown) to secure the post relative to a surface.

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a bracket 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 110 has a support platform 112. A first support member 114 extends from the support platform 112. The first support member 114 is cylindrical in shape. A second support member 115 extends from the support platform 112. The second support member 115 is cylindrical in shape. The first support member 114 has an apertures 116. The second support member 115 has an aperture 118.

The bracket 110 has a column member 120 extending from the support platform 112. The column member 120 is cylindrical in shape.

The bracket 110 has an anchor platform 122 attached to an end of the column member 120.

In use, the first support member 114 and the second support member 115 are inserted into holes formed in a post (not shown). The support platform 112 is adapted to abut an end of the post. The apertures 116, 118 line up with holes formed in the post such that fasteners such as bolts, or dowels (not shown) can be inserted into the holes and apertures 116, 118 to secure the post to the bracket 110.

The anchor platform 122 and part of the column member 120 can be set in concrete or the like (not shown) to secure the post relative to a surface.

With reference to Figure 3, there is shown a bracket 210 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 210 has a support platform 212. A support member 214 extends from the support platform 212. The support member 214 is cylindrical in shape. The support member 214 has two apertures 216,218.

The support platform 212 has apertures 220,222,224,226.

In use, the support member 214 is inserted into a hole formed in a post (not shown). The support platform 212 is adapted to abut an end of the post. The apertures 216,218 line up with holes formed in the post such that fasteners such as bolts, or dowels (not shown) can be inserted into the holes and apertures 216,218 to secure the post to the bracket 210.

The support platform 212 can be secured to a surface by bolts or the like inserted through apertures 220,222,224,226.

With reference to Figure 4, there is shown a template assembly 300. The template assembly 300 has a guide 310 to guide a drill bit (not shown) into a post 400 to create holes that will align with apertures of a support member of a bracket (such as those shown in Figures 1-3). The template assembly 300 has a clamp portion 312 to releasably attach the template assembly to the post 400.

ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the bracket includes providing a minimally visible attachment between the bracket and a post. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the bracket includes that it is easy to manufacture. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the bracket includes that the bracket can be accurately aligned with a post. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the bracket includes that it reduces installation time compared to other post brackets.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.