AU2012201670B2

AU2012201670B2 - A clamp bracket assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2012201670B2
Application number: AU2012201670A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kazimierz Miekus
Original assignee: KAZM HOMES Pty Ltd
Current assignee: KAZM HOMES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-03-22
Filing date: 2012-03-21
Publication date: 2016-01-07
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-21
Also published as: AU2012201670A1

Abstract

A clamp bracket assembly A clamp bracket assembly which includes first and second clamp bracket arrangements and wherein the clamp bracket assembly is adjustable thereby allowing for adjustment of a height and an angle of attachment of each clamp bracket arrangement relative to a clamp bracket supportive structural component thereby allowing a supported structural component to be secured in between the first and second clamp bracket arrangements to the supportive structural component. C STEEL NUT 24 ~STEEL BOLT -r - -14 D - 54 -- 26 Figure 1

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: KAZM HOMES PTY LTD INVENTION TITLE: A CLAMP BRACKET ASSEMBLY The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - 2 A Clamp Bracket Assembly Field of the Invention The invention generally relates to a bracket assembly and more particularly is concerned with a clamp bracket assembly. 5 Whilst the invention is applied to any type of application such as construction of scaffolding, suspension of pipes to structures including walls, etc., for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a fence assembly. Within the meaning of the specification and claims the term "attached movement" refers to a state of securing in which movement is possible of an 10 attached component relative to a supportive component without allowing for the attached component to be detached from the supportive component. Background to the Invention A typical fence is constructed using a number of spaced apart, vertical posts and a number of horizontal rails which are secured to the posts. 15 A number of different mechanisms can be used to secure the rails to the posts. Some mechanisms allow for quick attachment of the rails to the posts, for example using nails if the material of the fence allows the use of such a mechanism. Other mechanisms require more time to secure the rails to the posts, for example using nuts and bolts which typically are more labour 20 intensive and time consuming. As with most constructions cost considerations come into play and often can be required to keep such costs as low as possible. Using material, such as wood, can allow a quick attachment mechanism to be used to construct the fence. The use of the quick attachment mechanism can therefore allow for the 25 reduction of labour costs to construct the fence. However, sometimes a more durable fence is required using materials which are not receptive to the use of nails or requiring the use of another attachment 3 mechanism which is less prone to rust or degradation. This can result in requiring more time to construct a fence, which logically will increase labour costs. This can be undesirable. The strengths provided by an attachment mechanism can also be different 5 from another, e.g. nails as opposed to nuts and bolts. It can therefore be required for an attachment mechanism to be established relatively quickly but nonetheless not require an excessive amount of time to construct the attachment mechanism. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least 10 ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the Invention The invention generally provides a clamp bracket assembly which includes first and second clamp bracket arrangements and wherein the clamp bracket assembly is adjustable thereby allowing for adjustment of a height and an 15 angle of attachment of each clamp bracket arrangement relative to a clamp bracket supportive structural component thereby allowing a supported structural component to be secured in between the first and second clamp bracket arrangements to the supportive structural component. The first and second clamp bracket arrangements can include a support 20 platform and a hook arrangement mountable to the supportive structural component at relative spaced positions to capture and support the clamp bracket supportive structural component to the supportive structural component. The first and second clamp bracket arrangements can be mountable to the 25 supportive structural component at adjustable corresponding angles to capture and support the clamp bracket supportive structural component at an angle to the supportive structural component.

4 Preferably at least one of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements includes holding plate mountable to the supportive structural component within formed shaping of the supportive structural component and cooperatively mount clamp brackets to supportive structural component at fixed position. 5 The clamp bracket assembly can further include a support plate having a shape for receiving holding plate, the support plate mountable to the supportive structural component at required position to allow fixed support of the supportive structural component and cooperatively clamp brackets to supportive structural component at required fixed position. 10 In one embodiment, the invention provides a clamp bracket assembly which includes: a first clamp bracket arrangement which is capable of being secured to a post; a second clamp bracket arrangement which is capable of being secured to the post at a position which is spaced apart from the first clamp bracket arrangement; wherein each of the first and second clamp bracket 15 arrangements includes an attachment mechanism with which the respective clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post; wherein the attachment mechanism of the first clamp bracket arrangement allows a rail to be supported by a first holding bracket of the first clamp bracket arrangement once the first clamp bracket is secured to the post; wherein the attachment mechanism of 20 the second clamp bracket arrangement causes the rail to be locked in between a second holding bracket of the second clamp bracket arrangement and the post and the second holding bracket and the first holding bracket once the second clamp bracket is secured to the post; and wherein the attachment mechanism of each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements allows 25 for a height of an attachment position of the respective bracket arrangement to be adjustable relative to the post and allow for pivotal adjustment of the respective bracket arrangement relative to the post. The post can include a flanged groove so that each side of the flanged groove 30 has a flange.

5 Each attachment mechanism of the first and second clamp bracket arrangement includes a holding plate which is positioned inside the groove; and wherein each attachment mechanism further includes a fastening arrangement with which a respective first and second holding brackets is 5 secured to a respective holding plate; and wherein the flanges of the flanged groove are clamped in between the holding plate and bracket of the respective clamp bracket arrangement thereby to secure the respective clamp bracket arrangement to the post when the respective fastening arrangement secures the respective holding bracket to the respective holding plate. 10 Each attachment mechanism can be reconfigurable between an attached configuration which allows for attached movement of a respective clamp bracket arrangement along the flanged groove, and a clamped configuration in which the respective clamp bracket arrangement is secured at a selected attachment position to the post with the flanges of the flanged groove clamped 15 in between the holding plate and bracket of the respective clamp bracket arrangement. The fastening arrangement can be in the form of a nut and bolt; and wherein the nut and bolt allow for pivotal movement of the holding plate bracket relative to each other thereby to allow for the adjustment of the angle of attachment of 20 the first and second clamp bracket arrangements to the post. The fastening arrangement can be positioned, relative to a respective holding plate, and a position which is intermediate to opposed ends of the holding plate. The holding plate can have a length which is less than a width of the flanged 25 groove so that the holding plate extends across a mouth of the flanged groove. The first holding bracket can have an angular cross-sectional profile. The first holding bracket can include a first portion, with which the first holding bracket is clamped with the holding plate onto the flanges of the flanged groove, and a second portion which extends substantially perpendicular from 6 the first portion and which supports the rail when the first clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post. The second portion can have a length which is substantially equal to a width of the rail. 5 The second holding bracket can include a first portion, with which the second holding bracket is clamp with the holding plate onto the flanges of the flanged groove, a second portion which extends substantially perpendicular from the first portion, and a third portion which extends from the second portion to form a hook arrangement; and wherein abutment of the second portion against the 10 rail allows the hook arrangement to clamp the rail onto the post when the first portion is secured to the flanged groove. The second portion of the second holding bracket can have a width which is less than a width of the rail; and wherein the width of the second holding bracket allows for the hook arrangement to clamp the rail onto the post when 15 the second clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the flanged groove. The hook arrangement can be profiled to match an outer profile of the rail. The third portion can extend substantially perpendicular from the second portion thereby to provide the hook arrangement with a substantially perpendicular cross-sectional profile. 20 In a further embodiment, the invention provides a clamp bracket assembly which includes: first and second clamp bracket arrangements which are capable of being secured at spaced apart positions to a post; each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements includes an attachment mechanism with which the respective clamp bracket arrangement is secured to a flanged 25 groove of the post; the attachment mechanism in an attached configuration allows for attached movement of each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements relative to the post along the flanged groove, and in a clamped configuration secures a respective clamp bracket arrangement at a selected position on the post; the first clamp bracket arrangement including a holding 7 bracket which allows, when the first clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post, a rail to be supported by the holding bracket of the first clamp bracket arrangement; the second clamp bracket arrangement including a hook holding bracket so that adapting the attachment mechanism of the second clamp 5 bracket arrangement to have the clamped configuration causes the rail to be clamped onto the post and locked in between the holding bracket of the first clamp bracket arrangement and the hook holding brackets of the second clamp bracket arrangement; and wherein the attachment mechanism of each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements allows for a height of an 10 attachment position of the respective bracket arrangement to be adjustable relative to the post and allow for pivotal adjustment of the respective bracket arrangement relative to the post. Brief Description of the Drawings 15 In order that the invention can be more readily understood one or more embodiments of the invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic representation showing a side view, in which a post is sectioned, a fence assembly which has been constructed using a clamp 20 bracket assembly according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic representation showing a front view of the clamp bracket assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing a top view of the clamp bracket assembly; 25 Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing a bottom view of the clamp bracket assembly; Figure 5 is a schematic representation from one end of a first holding bracket of a first clamp bracket arrangement of the clamp bracket assembly; Figure 6 is a schematic representation showing one end of a second 30 holding bracket of a second clamp bracket arrangement of the clamp bracket assembly; 8 Figure 7 is a schematic representation showing a side view of a holding plate used in an attachment mechanism for the first and second clamp bracket arrangements of the clamp bracket assembly; and Figure 8 is a schematic representation showing a side view of the 5 second holding bracket of Figure 6. Description of Illustrated Embodiment of the Invention Referring to the accompanying representations, Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a fence assembly 10 in which a clamp bracket support structure or post 12 is 10 used to provide support to a supported structural component or rail 14 using a clamp bracket assembly 16 which is in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The clamp bracket assembly 16 includes a first clamp bracket arrangement 18 and a second clamp bracket arrangement 20 which is spaced apart from the 15 first clamp bracket arrangement. The rail is secured to the post through operation of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements relative to each other. The first clamp bracket arrangement 18 in use supports the rail 14 whereas the second clamp bracket arrangement 20 hooks onto the rail and pulls the rail towards the post. Apart from being held captive in between the 20 first and second clamp bracket arrangement, the second clamp bracket arrangement also includes a hook arrangement 22 which clamps the rail onto the post when the second clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post. This results in the rail, in between the first and second clamp bracket arrangements, having little or no transverse play as substantial vertical and 25 horizontal movement of the rail are prevented by the clamp bracket assembly once secured to the post. Part of the adjustability of the clamp bracket assembly is shown in Figure 2. The clamp bracket assembly 16 is adjustable allowing for the angular positioning of the first and second bracket arrangements 18 and 20 relative to 30 each other to allow for the rail 14 to be secured at an angle to the vertical post 9 12. Angular positioning of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements can be required when the fence assembly is constructed on a slope, such as a hill. Furthermore, often rails manufactured from lower grade wood are not substantially straight. The adjustability of the clamp bracket assembly could 5 accommodate slight variations in straightness and thickness and angle of the rail. The second clamp bracket arrangement 20 is shown in plan in Figure 3 and the first clamp bracket arrangement 18 is shown in plan in Figure 4. Each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements include an attachment 10 mechanism 24 with which the clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post 12. The attachment mechanism includes a holding plate 26 which is positioned inside a flanged groove 28 of the post. Each end of the flanged groove has a flange 30 which defines a mouth 32 thereof. In use each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements 18 and 20 is 15 secured into the flanges 30 of the flanged groove 28. The first clamp bracket arrangement 18 has a first holding bracket 34 and the second clamp bracket arrangement 20 has a second, hooked, holding bracket 36. Each of the first and second holding brackets 34 and 36 has a first portion 40 which operates with a respective holding plate 26 to secure each one of the 20 first and second clamp bracket arrangements 18 and 20 to the post 12. The respective attachment mechanism 24 further includes a fastening arrangement or nut and bolt 42 with which the first portion 40 is drawn towards the holding plate 26. The first bracket arrangement 18 is clamped onto the flanges 30. However, 25 the second clamp bracket arrangement 20 is dimensioned to allow the second holding bracket to be clamped onto the rail 14 when the second clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post. The clamp is established by the second holding bracket pulling onto the rail as the first portion 40 is drawn towards the holding plate 26. It can therefore happen that the rail is dimensioned such that 30 the first portion 40 is not allowed to move into abutment with the flanges 30.

10 For example, the rail can be slightly oversized at a particular point which is secured to the post. Nonetheless, the mounting of the holding plate 26 inside the flanged groove anchors the fastening arrangement 42 which pulls the first portion 40 towards the post. Abutment of the first portion 40 against the 5 flanges 30 is therefore not essential but preferable to secure the second clamp bracket arrangement 20 to the post. Referring additionally to Figures 5 and 6, each one of the first and second holding bracket 34 and 36 further includes a second portion 46 which extends substantially perpendicular to the respective first portion 40. However, the 10 second holding bracket 36 further includes a third portion 48 which projects from the second portion to form, in combination with the second portion, the hook arrangement 22. As mentioned hereinabove, the second portion 46 of the first holding bracket 34 supports the rail 14 thereby allowing for adjustment of the positioning of the 15 second bracket arrangement 20 relative to the rail to ensure that the second holding bracket correctly clamps onto the rail. The second portion 46 has a width 52 which is substantially equal to a width 54 of the rail 14. However, the second portion 46 of the second holding bracket 36 has a width 56 which is less than the width 54 of the rail. The hook arrangement 22 extends at least 20 partly around the rail thereby to hook over the rail. The differences in dimensions of the widths 54 and 56 respectively of the second portion and the rail causes the hook arrangement to clamp onto the rail as the third portion 48 is drawn towards the post 12 through operation of the nut and bolt 42. Thus, the second portions 46 of the first and second holding brackets 34 and 36 25 prevent vertical movement 60 of the rail 14. Additionally, the hook arrangement 22 further prevents horizontal movement 62 of the rail away from the post 12. Furthermore, the width of the second portion 46 also allows for the hook arrangement to clamp onto the rail when the rail is slightly undersized. The attachment mechanism 24 is also configurable between an attached 30 configuration 78 at which the first portion 40 is connected or attached to the holding plate 26 but without having screwed the nut onto the bolt to the extent 11 that vertical movement 60 is prevented. In other words, the clamp bracket arrangement is attached to the post 12 but not clamped onto the flanges thereby to cause secure attachment. It will be understood that further rotational movement of the nut will cause the holding plate 26 and the first 5 portion 40 to move closer to each other. This will result in the attachment mechanism being reconfigured into a clamped configuration 80 in which, for example, the first portion 40 and the holding plate 26 is securely clamped onto the flanges 30. In this state the attachment mechanism prevents movement of the respective clamp bracket arrangement 18 and 20 relative to the post. 10 It should be noted that the attachment mechanism in the attached configuration 78 allows for adjustment of an attachment point 82 to the post respectively of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements 18 and 20. In other words, the attached configuration allows the first and second clamp bracket arrangements to be moved along the flanged groove 28 until the 15 correct attachment position for a particular clamp bracket arrangement is achieved. At this point the first clamp bracket arrangement 18 is secured to the post thereby providing a platform which supports the rail. This allows the operator to relatively easily adjust the attachment point of the second clamp bracket arrangement 20 to ensure that the hook arrangement correctly clamps 20 the rail onto the post 12. Referring to Figure 7, the holding plate 26 has a length 84 so that the holding plate extends across the mouth 32 of the flanged groove 28. Additionally, the length reduces the likelihood of the holding plate rotating about the bolt inside the flanged groove. This allows the installer only having to anchor the bolt 25 against rotational movement when the nut is threadedly engaged with the bolt without having to anchor also the holding plate. Furthermore, once the attachment mechanism 24 is configured into the attached configuration 78, the angular positioning of the first and second holding brackets 34 and 36 can be adjusted relative to the post, as is shown in Figure 2. The adjustment of the 30 angle can be required when the fence installation 10 is installed on a slope or when the rail 14 is not straight but includes a slight curvature.

12 Figure 8 shows from a side of the second holding bracket 36. A free end 90 of the third portion 48 is profiled to improve the clamping force generated through the second clamp bracket arrangement 20. It is possible to change the cross-sectional profile of the hook arrangement to 5 match an outer profile of the rail 14. Thus, it is possible to form the hook arrangement to have a circular cross sectional profile which substantially matches that of the rail, for example when the rail is substantially circular in cross section or has a side which is curved. The invention provides a clamp bracket assembly which is adjustable to allow 10 for the correct positioning of first and second clamp bracket arrangements on a post in order to secure a rail to the post. The clamp bracket arrangements each include an attachment mechanism which allows the clamp bracket arrangements to be slidingly moved to the correct attachment position while attached to the post. The attachment mechanisms also allow for pivotal 15 rotation about a pivot point, which is defined by a bolt, thereby to also allow for pivotal adjustment of the clamp bracket arrangement relative to the post. The height adjustment of the clamp bracket arrangements allows a rail to be secured to the post at a position which can be slightly altered due to shape differences in the rail, for example being curved as opposed to dead straight, 20 being slightly oversized or undersized, etc. While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a clamp bracket assembly, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and 25 modifications which can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof are included within the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A clamp bracket assembly for supporting a rail to a post, the clamp bracket assembly including: a. a first clamp bracket arrangement which is capable of being 5 secured to a post; b. a second clamp bracket arrangement which is capable of being secured to the post at a position which is spaced apart from the first clamp bracket arrangement; c. wherein each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements 10 includes an attachment mechanism with which the respective clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post; d. wherein the attachment mechanism of the first clamp bracket arrangement allows a rail to be supported by a first holding bracket of the first clamp bracket arrangement once the first 15 clamp bracket is secured to the post, the first holding bracket including a platform that supports the rail on the platform; e. wherein the attachment mechanism of the second clamp bracket arrangement causes the rail to be locked in between a second holding bracket of the second clamp bracket arrangement and 20 the post and the second holding bracket and the first holding bracket once the second clamp bracket is secured to the post, wherein the second clamp bracket assembly includes a hook arrangement that extends at least partly around the rail when the rail is supported on the platform and draws the rail toward the 25 post to clamp the rail onto the post; and f. wherein the attachment mechanism of each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements allows for a height of an attachment position of the respective bracket arrangement to be adjustable relative to the post and allow for pivotal adjustment of 30 the respective bracket arrangement relative to the post. 14

2. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 1 wherein the post includes a flanged groove so that each side of the flanged groove has a flange.

3. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 1 or 2 wherein each 5 attachment mechanism of the first and second clamp bracket arrangement includes: a. a holding plate which is positioned inside the groove; b. and wherein each attachment mechanism further includes a fastening arrangement with which a respective first and second 10 holding brackets is secured to a respective holding plate; c. and wherein the flanges of the flanged groove are clamped in between the holding plate and bracket of the respective clamp bracket arrangement d. thereby to secure the respective clamp bracket arrangement to 15 the post when the respective fastening arrangement secures the respective holding bracket to the respective holding plate.

4. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 3 wherein each attachment mechanism is reconfigurable a. between an attached configuration which allows for attached 20 movement of a respective clamp bracket arrangement along the flanged groove, b. and a clamped configuration in which the respective clamp bracket arrangement is secured at a selected attachment position to the post with the flanges of the flanged groove clamped in 25 between the holding plate and bracket of the respective clamp bracket arrangement.

5. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the fastening arrangement is in the form of a nut and bolt; 15 a. and wherein the nut and bolt allow for pivotal movement of the holding plate bracket relative to each other b. thereby to allow for the adjustment of the angle of attachment of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements to the post. 5

6. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein the fastening arrangement is positioned, relative to a respective holding plate, and a position which is intermediate to opposed ends of the holding plate.

7. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 6 wherein the holding 10 plate has a length which is less than a width of the flanged groove so that the holding plate extends across a mouth of the flanged groove.

8. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 3 wherein the first holding bracket has an angular cross-sectional profile.

9. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 3 wherein the first holding 15 bracket includes a first portion, with which the first holding bracket is clamped with the holding plate onto the flanges of the flanged groove, and a second portion which extends substantially perpendicular from the first portion and which supports the rail when the first clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the post. 20

10.A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the second portion has a length which is substantially equal to a width of the rail.

11.A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 10 wherein the second holding bracket includes a. a first portion, with which the second holding bracket is clamped 25 with the holding plate onto the flanges of the flanged groove, b. a second portion which extends substantially perpendicular from the first portion, 16 c. and a third portion which extends from the second portion to form the hook arrangement; d. and wherein abutment of the second portion against the rail allows the hook arrangement to clamp the rail onto the post when 5 the first portion is secured to the flanged groove.

12. A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 11 wherein a. the second portion of the second holding bracket has a width which is less than a width of the rail; b. and wherein the width of the second holding bracket allows for 10 the hook arrangement to clamp the rail onto the post when the second clamp bracket arrangement is secured to the flanged groove.

13.A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 12 wherein the hook arrangement is profiled to match an outer profile of the rail. 15

14.A clamp bracket assembly according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the third portion extends substantially perpendicular from the second portion thereby to provide the hook arrangement with a substantially perpendicular cross-sectional profile.

15. A clamp bracket assembly which includes: 20 a. first and second clamp bracket arrangements which are capable of being secured at spaced apart positions to a post; b. each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements includes an attachment mechanism with which the respective clamp bracket arrangement is secured to a flanged groove of the 25 post; c. the attachment mechanism in an attached configuration allows for attached movement of each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements relative to the post along the flanged 17 groove, and in a clamped configuration secures a respective clamp bracket arrangement at a selected position on the post; d. the first clamp bracket arrangement including a holding bracket which allows, when the first clamp bracket arrangement is 5 secured to the post, a rail to be supported by the holding bracket of the first clamp bracket arrangement, the holding bracket of the first clamp bracket arrangement including a platform that supports the rail on the platform; e. the second clamp bracket arrangement including a hook holding 10 bracket that extends at least partly around the rail when the rail is supported on the platform so that adapting the attachment mechanism of the second clamp bracket arrangement to have the clamped configuration causes the rail to be clamped onto the post and locked in between the holding bracket of the first clamp 15 bracket arrangement and the hook holding brackets of the second clamp bracket arrangement; and f. wherein the attachment mechanism of each of the first and second clamp bracket arrangements allows for a height of an attachment position of the respective bracket arrangement to be 20 adjustable relative to the post and allow for pivotal adjustment of the respective bracket arrangement relative to the post.

16.A clamp bracket assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.