The present invention relates to a bracket particularly, but not exclusively, for use in strengthening a post assembly.

Related Application

This application claims priority from AU 2005901819, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention

It is known to enhance loaded carrying capacity of a post assembly of a trellis or fence system by securing a stay post diagonally between first and second upright posts, which are then placed under tension to support the fence or trellis. For that purpose, a notch may be formed in either end of the stay post to assist in locating the stay post relative to the upright posts. However, the structural integrity of the stay post may be comprised as a result, leading to potential failure of the post assembly.

Object of the Invention

The present invention seeks to provide a bracket to assist in strengthening a post assembly.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bracket having a main body with attachment structure for fixing the bracket to a first post and fastening means for securing the bracket relative to a second post. Preferably, the attachment structure includes at least one projecting spike.

Preferably, two spikes are provided, spaced apart laterally of the main body of the

bracket.

Preferably, the spikes are profiled to resist movement of the bracket in a first direction relative to the first post.

Preferably, the bracket includes a tab angled relative to the main body of the bracket, for abutment with a side of the first post.

Preferably, the fastening means includes teeth, for embedding in the second post.

Preferably, the teeth are profiled to resist movement of the bracket in a second direction, relative to the second post.

Preferably, the teeth are provided in two rows, along lateral sides of the bracket. Preferably, the rows are angled toward each other.

Preferably, the bracket includes at least one aperture for receipt of a fastener such as a screw or the like.

Preferably, the bracket is formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably, the material is galvanised steel. In another aspect, there is provided a post assembly including at least one bracket, as described above.

In another aspect, there is provided a method of producing the above described bracket including forming the bracket from a single piece of material.

Preferably, the rows of teeth are formed by deformation away from the main body. Preferably, the spikes and tab are formed by being deformed away from the main body.

Brief Description of The Drawings

The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a bracket;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the bracket;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the bracket; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a post assembly.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a bracket 1 is shown as including a main body 2 with lateral sides 3, 4 and first and second ends 5, 6. Attachment structure 7, in the form of spikes 8 extend from a front surface 9 and fastening means 10 project from an opposite rear surface 11.

The spikes 8 are formed by a deformation process such as cutting and stamping, so as to have a generally triangular shape, with the base 12 of each spike 8 being adjacent and parallel to the lateral sides 3, 4 of the bracket 1. As a result, after formation of the spikes 8, a triangular opening associated with each spike is left in the body 2 of the bracket 1.

Each spike 8 is profiled to present a substantially perpendicular edge 13 toward the first end 5 of the bracket 1, which will resist movement of the bracket 1 in a first direction indicated by arrow "A", when the bracket is mounted to a first post 14.

The bracket 1 also includes a tab 15 which is angled relative to the main body 2 for abutment with a side 16 of the post 14, when the bracket 1 is mounted thereto. The tab 15 is also formed by stamping, preferably at the same time as the spikes 8 are formed.

The tab 15 is shown as rounded, in order to minimise the material stamped out of the main body 2, adjacent the openings remaining after the spikes 8 are formed. If, for example, the tab was formed of a square section of similar length dimension, the structural integrity of the bracket may be compromised due to close of proximity with the openings.

An aperture 17 for a receipt of a screw, nail or the like fastener (not shown) is also provided to assist in locating the bracket 1 relative to the post 14.

The fastening means 10 is provided in the form of two rows of teeth 18, 19. The teeth are profiled to be embedded in a second post 20 and to resist movement in a second direction indicated by arrow "B", opposite to the first direction. The rows of the teeth 18,

19 are formed, again by a process of plastic deformation, from the main body 2 and preferably angle toward each other.

A second aperture 21 is provided for receipt of an additional fastener that may be used to further secure the bracket 1 to the post 20, if required. The bracket is preferably in the order of 100 mm long and 60 mm wide. The spikes are preferably in the order of 25 mm in height with a base length of about 20 mm. The tab

- A -

has a length dimension in the order of 35 mm. The rows of teeth 18, 19 are about 17 mm in depth and angled away from the main body 2 by about 80 degrees. Each tooth of the respective row of teeth 18, 19 is about 24 mm in length, with a depth of about 5 mm. The bracket is preferably formed from a single piece of steel, in the order of 2.5 to 3mm thick. Since, the bracket is formed from a single piece of steel, there are no welded joins that may weaken over time. The steel may be galvanised to resist rust, for a longer life span. The slight angle between the rows of teeth 18, 19 allows the bracket 1 to be installed in both large diameter and smaller diameter posts, such as 3 inch posts. The relative angling between the rows of teeth also enhances the ability of the bracket to maintain its shape.

As noted above, the rows of teeth 18, 19 are arranged to bite into the second post 20, however the parallel relationship of the teeth also serves to guide the bracket 1 evenly onto the post.

Referring now to Figure 4, a post assembly 30 is shown as including a strainer post 31, a backing post 32 and a stay post 33 extending diagonally therebetween. As can be seen, a bracket 1 is provided at either end of the stay post 33. In order to install the assembly 30, the strainer and backing post 31, 32 are first installed. The stay post 33 is then seated in position, which will give the required angle to cut the stay post 33 ends. Once the ends have been cut, a lower bracket 34 (formed in accordance with bracket 1) is screwed into position on the backing post 32. The stay post 33 is then fitted on the lower bracket 34. A top bracket 35 (also formed in accordance with bracket 1) is then fitted between the stay and strainer posts 31, 33 and hammered down to a required height. The top bracket 35 may then be screwed in place. For extra stability, a wire loop 36, running at opposite angle to the stay post 33, will ensure the backing post 32 will not lean away and allow the strainer post 31 to move. A staple 37 may be provided on the outside of the strainer and backing post to hold preferably two loops of the wire in place. Once the wires are tensioned, the brackets 34, 35 will bite into the timber to complete the assembly.

The bracket 1 easily and reliably locates relative to the stay post as the wire is tensioned since the two triangular spikes prevent the stay post from moving sideways. The tab prevents the stay post from moving upwards/downwards depending on its position. The screw holes placed at each end only assist with initial installation and the bracket

doesn't otherwise rely on these for any of its support strength.

As may be appreciated then, the bracket 1 assists with easy installation, and strengthening of end post assemblies, for fencing and vineyard trellising purposes without the need for notches in the stay post, as provided in the prior art.