AU2015246081A1 - A Fence Bracket Assembly for Securing Fence Members Together - Google Patents

Abstract

A fence bracket assembly for securing fence members together. The fence bracket assembly includes at least two brackets. The brackets are connectable together to be displaceable relative to each other. Each bracket is configured to be engaged with a respective fence member, so that the fence members can be secured to each other in an adjustable manner. In particular, although not exclusively, the fence bracket assembly secures a rail to a post. 50 52 i 58 74 4 24

Description

2015246081 20 Oct 2015 1

A FENCE BRACKET ASSEMBLY FOR SECURING FENCE MEMBERS TOGETHER

Field of the Invention [0001] The present description relates to a fence bracket assembly for securing fence members together. In particular, although not exclusively, the description relates to a fence bracket assembly for securing a rail to a post. The present description further relates to a method of securing at least two fence members together.

Background of Invention [0002] Concrete or steel posts have many benefits over traditional wooden posts. Concrete or steel posts cannot rot, are fire resistant, and are not susceptible to attack by termites. It is, however, relatively easy to attach a fence rail to a wooden post at any angle as nails can be driven into the wooden post and holes drilled anywhere along the wooden post.

[0003] The applicant has identified a need for a cost effective, easy and simple manner in which to attach fence members to a concrete or steel post.

Summary [0004] In one aspect, a fence bracket assembly for securing two fence members together includes at least two brackets. The brackets are connectable together to be displaceable relative to each other. Each bracket is configured to be engaged with a respective fence member, so that the fence members can be secured to each other in an adjustable manner.

[0005] A pivot mechanism may be interposed between the at least two brackets. The pivot mechanism may be configured so that the brackets are pivotally connectable to each other. The two brackets may be locked together at a fixed angle.

[0006] The brackets may each be configured to define a gripping zone that can be reduced in size with a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be operable to act on the brackets so that the brackets grip the respective fence members. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 2 [0007] Each bracket may include one or more flanges that extend from the gripping zone. The flanges of at least one of the brackets may be capable of being driven towards each other with the drive mechanism to reduce the size of the gripping zone. The flanges may be oriented parallel to a vertical plane bisecting the width of the bracket.

[0008] The pivot mechanism may include a shaft that is received through openings in the flanges of at least one of the brackets. The brackets may pivot with respect to each other about the shaft. The shaft may be a shank of a fastener. The shank may be at least partially threaded, allowing a drive member to be threaded onto the shank. The drive member may be operable to urge the flanges towards each other to reduce the size of the gripping zone. The drive member may form part of the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be a nut of the fastener. The nut may be threaded onto a shank of the fastener.

[0009] In various exemplary embodiments, the at least two brackets of the fence bracket assembly may be one post bracket, and at least one rail bracket. The, or each, rail bracket may have the flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other. The post bracket may have at least one connector. The, or each, connector may define one flange that is interposed between the flanges of the, or each, respective rail bracket. The connector may be generally L-shaped.

[0010] The post bracket may define a passage for receiving a post. The rail bracket may define a passage for receiving a rail. A cross-sectional configuration of the passage of the post bracket may be different to a cross-sectional configuration of the passage the rail bracket.

[0011] In various exemplary embodiments, the fence bracket assembly may include three brackets in the form of two rail brackets, each having the flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other, and a post bracket interposed between the rail brackets. The post bracket may have a connector that defines one flange that is interposed between the flanges of one of the rail brackets. The post bracket may further include two flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other to reduce the size of the gripping zone. 3 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 [0012] The post bracket may include a bracket member defining a majority of the gripping zone. The bracket member may be a flat metal band. The band may have a preselected gauge or thickness. The bracket member may include an indent along the inside of the bracket member for receiving part of a fastener which secures the connector to the bracket member.

[0013] The gripping zone of the post bracket may be a passage of generally noncircular cross-section. The passage may be regular without any inward projections into the passage which may engage the post. The gripping zone of the rail bracket may be a passage of generally circular cross-section. The openings in the respective flanges may have a central axis which is orthogonal to a central axis extending longitudinally along the respective passages.

[0014] In various exemplary embodiments, the fence bracket assembly may include two brackets in the form of two star picket brackets. Each star picket bracket may have the flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other. The flanges of one of the star picket brackets may be interposed between the flanges of the other star picket bracket.

The flanges of the two respective star picket brackets may interconnect or interleave.

[0015] The gripping zones of the two star picket brackets may each be a passage with a generally triangular cross-section.

[0016] The star picket brackets may include a unitary bracket member defining the gripping zone. The bracket member may be a flat metal band. The band may have a preselected gauge or thickness. The bracket member may comprise at least two components which are configured to be fastened together to form the bracket member.

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments of a method of securing at least two fence members together with the fence bracket assembly as described above include the step of engaging each fence member with a respective bracket.

[0018] Various exemplary embodiments of a method of securing at least two fence members together includes clamping a first bracket to part of one of the fence members. A second bracket is clamped to the other fence member. The first and second brackets are connected together. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 4 [0019] Various exemplary embodiments of a method of securing at least two fence members together includes placing part of one of the fence members in a gripping zone of a first bracket. Part of another of the fence members is placed in a gripping zone of a second bracket connected to the first bracket. The first and second brackets are pivotally displaced relative to each other. At least one of the brackets grip a fence member in its gripping zone. Both brackets may grip a fence member in its gripping zone.

[0020] The method may include operating a drive mechanism to act on the bracket so that the bracket can grip the fence member. The method may further include locking the brackets at a fixed angle relative to each other.

[0021] Reference to a “post” in this specification is reference to an upright post of a fence assembly to which rails are secured. Posts are set into the ground or other stratum to support the rails. Reference to a “rail” in this specification is reference to an elongate member having one end secured to a post and extends at an angle from the post.

[0022] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country.

[0023] The claims as filed and attached with this specification are hereby incorporated by reference into the text of the present description.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0015] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket assembly for securing one end of a rail to an upright post.

[0016] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 3 is an exploded top view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1 including two rail brackets. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 5 [0019] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1, in use, gripping a section of a concrete post.

[0020] Fig. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a fence bracket assembly for securing fence members together.

[0021] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket member of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1, wherein the bracket member includes three interlocking components.

[0022] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1 and the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 6, in use, connecting members of a fence.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a different perspective view of a strainer post of the fence of Fig. 8.

[0024] Fig. 10 is a side view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 1 and the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 6, in use, connecting different members of a fence together.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of two fence bracket assemblies of Fig. 1 securing ends of rails to a fence post.

[0026] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a fence post of the fence of Fig. 8.

[0027] Fig. 13 is a top view of the fence post of Fig. 12.

[0028] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a strainer post of the fence of Fig. 8.

[0029] Fig. 15 is a top view of the strainer post of Fig. 14.

[0030] Fig. 16 is a top view of a fence bracket assembly for securing two star picket posts relative to each other.

[0031] Fig. 17 is a perspective exploded view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 16.

[0032] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the fence bracket assembly of Fig. 16, showing an end of a star picket post gripped in one of two star picket brackets of the bracket assembly. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 6 [0033] Fig. 19 is another embodiment of a bracket member of a star picket bracket for securing two star picket posts relative to each other.

[0034] Fig. 20 is still another embodiment of a bracket member of a star picket bracket for securing two star picket posts relative to each other.

[0035] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket member for engaging a star picket post.

[0036] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket assembly including two of the bracket members of Fig. 21.

[0037] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a bracket assembly for securing fence members together.

[0038] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket assembly for securing fence members together.

[0039] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of a bracket assembly for securing fence members together.

[0040] Fig. 26 is a top view of another embodiment of a fence bracket assembly for securing fence members together.

Detailed Description of the Drawings [0041] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, an embodiment of a fence bracket assembly 10 includes a post bracket 12 and a rail bracket 14. Post bracket 12 and rail bracket 14 are connected together by a connector 16.

[0043] Post bracket 12 includes a bracket member 20 in the form of a strap or band. Bracket member 20 defines a gripping zone in the form of a passage 46, in which a post can be received. Passage 46 is regular without any inward projections into the passage which may engage the post. Post bracket 12 may include connector 16. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 7 [0044] Post bracket 12 includes a drive mechanism in the form of a bolt 38 of a nut-and-bolt assembly 22. Free ends of bracket member 20 are a pair of flanges 24 which extend from passage 46. Flanges 24 of bracket member 20 are tightened or clamped together by nut-and-bolt assembly 22 to reduce the size of the passage and so grip or clamp a post in the bracket. It will be appreciated that the drive mechanism may be any type of mechanism which is operable to urge flanges 24 together, including screws, cam locks or clamps.

[0045] Bracket member 20 has two longer sides 26 and two shorter sides 28. Bracket member 20 is generally rectangular or trapezoidal, but may be any complementary shape for receiving a post in passage 46.

[0046] Flanges 24 meet along one of the longer sides 26 of bracket member 20. Flanges 24 project in a direction perpendicular to side 26. Flanges 24 are spaced generally parallel to each other. Each flange 24 has a through-hole 30, in which a shank of a bolt 36 of nut-and-bolt assembly 22 is received. Through-holes 30 of adjacent flanges 24 are aligned. Through-holes 30 in flanges 24 have a central axis which is orthogonal to a central axis extending longitudinally along passage 46.

[0047] Bracket member 20 has an offset portion or kink 32 in the side 26 opposite flanges 24. Kink 32 forms an indent 34 along the inside of bracket member 20. Indent 34 is deep enough to accommodate a head 40 of a bolt 42, without head 40 protruding past sections of side 26 adjacent indent 34.

[0048] A square hole 48 is formed in side 26 at the centre of kink 32. Bolt 42 extends through hole 48 with head 40 seating in indent 34, against the inside of bracket member 20. Bolt 42 has a square neck which is held in hole 48 in a manner restricting rotation of bolt 42. Bolt 42 forms part of a nut-and-bolt assembly 44 which secures connector 16 to the outside of bracket member 20.

[0049] Passage 46 defines a generally rectangular or trapezoidal gripping zone in which a post can be received. Passage 46 may be any complementary shape for receiving a post, including round, square, star-shaped, oval, triangular, etc. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 8 [0050] Nut-and-bolt assembly 22 may be tightened so that nut 38 drives flanges 24 closer together, thereby to reduce the size of passage 46 to grip or clamp the post in passage 46. Releasing nut 38 of nut-and-bolt assembly 22 enlarges passage 46 to allow post bracket 12 to slide onto or along the post. Nut-and-bolt assembly 22 may be manipulated with a suitable hand tool such as a wrench.

[0051] Rail bracket 14 comprises a bracket member 50 and a nut-and-bolt assembly 52. A nut 53 of nut-and-bolt assembly 52 is a drive mechanism of rail bracket 14. Bracket member 50 is in the form of a semi-circular band. Bracket member 50 has flanges 54 which are tightened or clamped together by nut-and-bolt assembly 52. Flanges 54 are spaced generally parallel to each other and define a space between them in a released state of nut-and-bolt assembly 52. Each flange 54 has a through-hole 58 in which a shank of a bolt 56 of nut-and-bolt assembly 52 is received. Through-holes 58 of adjacent flanges 54 are aligned. Nut-and-bolt assembly 52 is interposed between post bracket 12 and rail bracket 14.

[0052] Bracket member 50 defines a gripping zone in the form of a generally cylindrical passage 60 in which a rail can be received. The inner diameter of passage 60 may be between 25mm and 60mm, depending on the outer diameter of the rail to be gripped. Passage 60 is regular without any inward projections into the passage which may engage the rail. Passage 60 may be any shape which is complementary to the rail, including round, square, star-shaped, oval, triangular, etc.

[0053] Nut 53 of nut-and-bolt assembly 52 is tightened onto bolt 56 to drive flanges 54 closer together, thereby to have bracket member 50 grip or clamp onto the rail. Releasing nut-and-bolt assembly 52 enlarges passage 60 to allow rail bracket 14 to receive an end of the rail and slide up and down the rail.

[0054] Connector 16 is generally L-shaped. Connector 16 includes two flanges or arms 70, 72 which are square relative to each other. Connector 16 is a plate with a 90° bend. Arms 70 and 72 are joined at the bend. Each of arms 70, 72 has a through-hole 74 for receiving a shank of a bolt. Through holes 74 of the two arms 70, 72 are perpendicular to each other. Connector 16 may be any shape that provides for arm 70 to project relative to side 26 when arm 72 is fixed to side 26. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 9 [0055] Arm 70 of connector 16 is received between flanges 54 of rail bracket 14. Through-hole 74 aligns with through-holes 58 in flanges 54 to define a passage in which bolt 56 of nut-and-bolt assembly 52 is received. A shank of bolt 56 is a pivot mechanism about which rail bracket 14 pivots.

[0056] Arm 72 of connector 16 is secured to the outside of bracket member 20 by nut-and-bolt assembly 44. Arm 72 is secured against side 26 where kink 32 bulges outwardly. Arm 72 may be integrally formed with side 26.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 4, fence bracket assembly 10 is configured with a second rail bracket 80. Rail bracket 80 is secured to side 26 of post bracket 12 opposite to rail bracket 14. Post bracket 12 is interposed between rail bracket 14 and rail bracket 80. Rail bracket 80 is the same as rail bracket 14.

[0058] In Fig. 4, the same reference numerals are used for features of rail bracket 80 which are the same as the features of rail bracket 14. Rail bracket 80 is secured to flanges 24 of bracket member 20. Flanges 54 of rail bracket 80 interlock or interleave with flanges 24 of bracket member 20. Bolt 36 of nut-and-bolt assembly 22 extends through flanges 24 of post bracket 12 and through flanges 54 of rail bracket 14. The shank of bolt 36 is a pivot mechanism or shaft about which rail bracket 80 pivots relative to post bracket 12. Nut 38 of nut-and-bolt assembly 22 is a drive mechanism which drives flanges 54 of rail bracket 80 closer together and at the same time drives flanges 24 of post bracket 12 closer together. The configuration of fence bracket assembly 10 with two rail brackets 14, 80 on opposite sides 26 of post bracket 12 can be used to secure two rails to a post in an adjustable manner using a single bracket assembly.

[0059] Fig. 5 shows post bracket 12 of fence bracket assembly 10 gripping a section of a post 90 to be clamped to post 90. Bracket member 20 of post bracket 12 surrounds a majority of the section of post 90. Post 90 is received in passage 46 of post bracket 12. Nut 38 of nut-and-bolt assembly 22 is tightened so that flanges 24 of bracket member 20 are urged towards each other, reducing passage 46 in size to tighten bracket member 20 around post 90. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 [0060] or pipe. 10

Rail bracket 14 grips an end 92 of a rail 94. Rail 94 is a length of hollow tubing [0061] Referring to Fig. 6, another embodiment of a fence bracket assembly, in the form of a strainer bracket assembly 100, includes a post bracket 112 and two rail brackets 114.

[0062] Post bracket 112 is similar to post bracket 12, comprising a generally rectangular or trapezoidal bracket member 120 defining a gripping zone and a drive mechanism in the form of a nut 138 of a nut-and-bolt assembly 122.

[0063] Bracket member 120 has four sides 126. One of the sides 126 has flanges 124 extending from the gripping zone. The other of the sides 126 have kinks 132, which are the same as kinks 32 of bracket assembly 10.

[0064] Strainer bracket assembly 100 may have a rail bracket 114 secured to each of the sides 126. Rail bracket 114 may be secured to the outside faces of each of the kinks 132 using connector 16 in the same manner as described for bracket assembly 10.

[0065] Strainer bracket assembly 100 may be configured with rail brackets 114 on opposing sides 126, rail brackets 114 on adjacent sides 126, only one rail bracket 114 on one of the sides 126, or any combination of rail brackets 114. When one of the sides 126 does not have a rail bracket 114 secured to that side, connector 16 and associated nut-and-bolt assembly 44 is removed from that side. This prevents any unnecessary protrusions from strainer bracket assembly 100 which may cause injury to livestock or passers-by.

[0066] Flanges 124 of bracket member 120 are connected by nut-and-bolt assembly 122. A rail bracket 114 may further be secured to flanges 124 in the same manner as described for securing a rail bracket 14 to flanges 24.

[0067] The gripping zone defined by bracket member 120 is a generally rectangular or trapezoidal passage 146 in which a strainer post can be received. Passage 146 may be any complementary shape for receiving a strainer post, including round, square, starshaped, oval, triangular, etc. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 11 [0068] In another embodiment, flange or arm 70 of connector 16 may be permanently fixed to the outside of bracket member 120, as shown in Fig. 26. Connector 16 of the embodiment of bracket assembly 100 shown in Fig. 26 is arm 70 welded to the outside of bracket member 120. Connector 16 of fence bracket assembly 10 may similarly be arm 70 extending orthogonally from sides 26 or 28. Arm 70 may be integrally formed with sides 26 or 28 by being welded to sides 26 or 28. Bracket member 120 of bracket assembly 100 shown in Fig. 26 includes two bracket member components 120.1 and 120.2 secured together by nut-and-bolt assemblies.

[0069] Connector 16, bracket member 20 and bracket member 50 may all be fabricated by being pressed or punched out of sheet metal and bent to shape. The components are preferably hot dip galvanized. Connector 16, bracket member 20 and bracket member 50 may be of any suitable material, including plastics material or composite material. The width and thickness of the members 20, 50 may vary depending upon several factors including the strength properties of the metal from which the bands are made.

[0070] Referring to Fig. 7, another embodiment of a bracket member 180 of post bracket 12 or 112 includes three components 180.1, 180.2 and 180.3. Bracket member 180 is the same as bracket member 20, or bracket member 120, but is divided into three components. In Fig. 7 the same reference numerals are used for features of bracket member 180 which are the same as the features of bracket member 20.

[0071] Component 180.1 defines one side 26 of bracket member 180. Component 180.1 has slots or slits 182 at opposite ends of the component 180.1. The components 180.2 and 180.3 have connecting ends 184 including complementary slits 186. Slits 186 cooperate with the slits 182 of component 180.1 to secure the components 180.2 and 180.3 to component 180.1.

[0072] Bracket member 180 can easily be connected to a post which may have wires or other clamps preventing post bracket 12 or strainer bracket 112 from sliding into position along the post. Section 180.1 is placed against one side of the post and the components 180.2 and 180.3 are clipped to components 180.1 by interconnecting the slits 182 and 186. Bracket member 180 may then grip the post in the same manner as described with reference to Fig. 5. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 12 [0073] Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, a fence assembly 200 includes fence bracket assembly 10 and strainer bracket assembly 100. Fence bracket assembly 10 is engaged with a concrete fence post 202 of fence assembly 200. Fence bracket assembly 10 is configured with a single rail bracket 14. Strainer bracket assembly 100 is engaged with a concrete strainer post 204. Strainer bracket assembly 100 is configured with two rail brackets 114, which are secured to adjacent sides of post bracket 112. Only one of the two rail brackets 114 are shown in Fig. 8, the other rail bracket 114 being hidden behind strainer post 204. Fig. 9 shows a view of the strainer post 204 of fence assembly 200 in which the both rail brackets 114 of strainer bracket assembly 100 can be seen. Rail brackets 114 of strainer bracket assembly 100 are generally perpendicular to each other.

[0074] Strainer posts are important structural members of a fence. Strainer posts generally provide an immovable anchorage against which other parts of the fence can strain. Strainer posts can generally be found at the start and finish of the fence, at a point of major changes of direction or elevation of the fence, and a structure from to which a swing gate is secured.

[0075] Fence assembly 200 further includes a rail 206 which extends between fence post 202 and strainer post 204. One end of rail 206 is gripped by rail bracket 14 of fence bracket assembly 10. The other end of rail 206 is gripped by rail bracket 114 (not visible in Fig. 8) of strainer bracket assembly 100.

[0076] Fence assembly 200 includes another rail in the form of an end stay 208 which extends between strainer post 204 and a stay pad 210. End stay 208 is a length of hollow tubing or pipe. One end 212 of end stay 208 is secured to strainer post 204 by strainer bracket assembly 100. End 212 is gripped by one of the rail brackets 114 of strainer bracket assembly 100. The other end of end stay 208 butts against stay pad 210.

[0077] End stay 208 extends from an upper end region of strainer post 204 down to stay pad 210 on the ground. End stay 208 is inclined relative to strainer post 204. Rail bracket 114 is pivotally connected to post bracket 112 to accommodate end stay 208 at the inclined angle at which it is secured to strainer post 204. The rail bracket 114 and the post bracket 112 are locked together at the inclined angle. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 13 [0078] Fence assembly 200 includes a rod 214 which extends generally horizontally between a lower end region of strainer post 204 and stay pad 210. A threaded end of rod 214 is captured in a bracket 216 fixed to stay pad 210. The horizontal distance between strainer post 204 and stay pad 210 can be set by rotating a nut 218 at the threaded end of rod 214. Nut 218 seats against one side of bracket 216.

[0079] Fig. 10 shows a fence assembly 300 including strainer post 204 configured as a corner post. Two rails 206 are secured to adjacent sides of strainer post 204. Rails 206 extend between the strainer post 204 and fence posts 202.

[0080] Fence bracket assembly 10 is secured to fence post 202. Fence bracket assembly 10 is configured with a single rail bracket 14. Strainer bracket assembly 100 is secured to strainer post 204. Strainer bracket assembly 100 is configured with two rail brackets 114 which are fixed to adjacent sides of post bracket 112. Rail brackets 114 of strainer bracket assembly 100 are oriented to be generally perpendicular to each other.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 11, rail 206 and end stay 208 are secured to strainer post 204 by two strainer bracket assemblies 100. Rail bracket 114 of one of the strainer bracket assemblies 100 is hinged to a position wherein rail 206 extends relatively horizontally from strainer post 204. The other rail bracket 114 is pivoted to a position allowing stay 206 to be inclined relative to strainer post 204. Rail bracket 114 is locked in place by tightening the nut-and-bolt assembly.

[0082] Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, typical dimensions of fence post 202 are shown. Fence post 202 includes larger holes 220 and smaller holes 222. The holes 220, 222 extend transversely through fence post 202. Larger holes 220 are dimensioned to receive barb wire which passes through fence post 202. Smaller holes 222 are dimensioned to receive plain wire which passes through fence post 202.

[0083] Referring to Figs. 14 and 15, typical dimensions of strainer post 204 are shown. Strainer post 204 includes holes 224 which extend transversely through strainer post 204. Accessories such as gates or brackets may be screwed onto strainer post 204 utilizing holes 224. 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 14 [0084] Referring to Figs. 16 to 18, a fence bracket assembly 400 comprises two star picket brackets 402 and 404. The star picket brackets 402 and 404 are pivotally connected by a pivot mechanism in the form of a shank of a bolt 420. Bolt 420 is part of a nut-and-bolt assembly 406. Nut-and-bolt assembly 406 includes a drive mechanism in the form of a nut 403 threaded onto the shank of bolt 420.

[0085] Each star picket bracket 402, 404 includes a bracket member 408. Bracket member 408 is dimensioned and configured to define a gripping zone for gripping a star picket post 430. Star picket posts are also referred to as T-Posts, iron fence post, Y- Posts or angle posts. The gripping zone is in the form of a triangular passage 410 for receiving part of the star picket post 430. The star picket post 430 is Y-shaped in transverse cross-sectional view, or may be T-shaped in transverse cross-sectional view.

[0086] Bracket member 408 has flanges 412 at its free ends. Flanges 412 are spaced generally parallel to each other. Each flange 412 has a through-hole 416, in which a shank of a bolt 420 of nut-and-bolt assembly 406 is received. The shank is a pivot mechanism about which the star picket brackets 402, 404 hinge. Through-holes 416 of adjacent flanges 412 are aligned.

[0087] Flanges 412 of the two picket brackets 402, 404 interleave or interlink in an arrangement wherein holes 416 align to form a passage for receiving the shank of bolt 420.

[0088] Nut 403 of nut-and-bolt assembly 406 drives flanges 412 closer together to grip star picket post 430 in one of the passages 410 of star picket brackets 402 and 404. Fig. 18 shows a single star picket post 430 secured inside passage 410 of star picket bracket 404. In use, a second star picket post is gripped by picket bracket 402. Star picket brackets 402 and 404 may be locked at an angle relative to each other accommodate one star picket post as an upright post of a fence and the other star picket post as a generally horizontal rail or an inclined end stay.

[0089] Flaving the star picket brackets 402, 404 pivotally connected to each other adapts fence bracket assembly 400 to be used in terrain of differing elevation. The star picket brackets 402, 404 are hinged at an angle to allow the rails to be connected between two posts. If the terrain was perfectly flat, then brackets with clamps that are fixed at right 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 15 angles could be used to connect rails. With changing terrain fence posts may at different heights, thus the need for the rails to extend at a sloping angle between the fence posts.

[0090] Referring to Figs. 19 and 21, other embodiments of bracket members of star picket brackets of bracket assembly 400 are shown.

[0091] A bracket member 450 of Fig. 19 includes two components 452 and 454. Components 452 and 454 are releasably secured or locked to each other at an apex 448 of picket bracket 450 where ends 456 of components 452 and 454 meet. Ends 456 have slits (not shown) which interconnect to releasably secure component 452 to component 454 at apex 448. Components 452 and 454 have flanges 458, which are the same as flanges 412 of picket brackets 402, 404.

[0092] A bracket member 470 of Fig. 20 also includes two components 472 and 474. Components 472 and 474 are releasably locked to each other at an apex 468 of picket member 470. Component 472 has hooks 476 at one end, which hook into apertures 478 at one end of component 474. Hooks 476 releasably secure component 472 to component 474 at apex 468.

[0093] Components 472 and 474 have flanges 480, which are the same as flanges 412 of picket brackets 402, 404.

[0094] A bracket member 490 of Fig. 21 includes a single integral band 492 with flanges 494 at its free ends. Bracket member 490 is similar to bracket member 408, but with the orientation of the triangular passage 410 rotated by 180°. A base of a triangular passage 496 of bracket member 490 is adjacent flanges 494.

[0095] The components of bracket members 450 and 470 being separable is useful for mounting bracket assembly 400 to picket fences having attached fence wires, past which picket clamps 402 and 404 cannot slide. The components of bracket members 450 and 470 can be locked together along any section of a star picket post.

[0096] Referring to Fig. 22, a bracket assembly 500 includes two rail brackets having bracket members 490 for gripping star picket posts. Bracket members 490 are pivotally 2015246081 20 Oct 2015 16 connected to post bracket 12 of Fig. 1 by nut-and-bolt assemblies 22 and 52. Rails in the form of star picket posts can be secured to a concrete post using bracket assembly 500.

[0097] Figs. 23 to 25 show bracket assemblies with differently shaped and configured rail brackets for gripping differently shaped rails. A bracket assembly 600 of Fig. 23 includes two rail brackets 614. Each rail bracket 614 defines an elongate generally ovalshaped passage 660 for receiving and gripping a cattle rail. Each rail bracket 614 includes parallel spaced-apart flanges 616 along a longer side of its passage 660. Passages 660 are between approximately 70-120mm long and about 40mm wide.

[0098] A bracket assembly 700 of Fig. 24 includes two rail brackets 714. Rail brackets 714 each define an elongate oval-shaped passage 760. Each rail bracket 714 includes parallel spaced-apart flanges 616 along at one of the opposite ends of its passage 760. Passages 760 are oriented differently than passages 660 of bracket assembly 600.

[0099] A bracket assembly 800 of Fig. 25 includes rail brackets 814 defining generally square-shaped passages 860 for receiving and gripping square tubing.

[00100] It will be appreciated that the rail brackets of a bracket assembly in accordance with this description may define passages of any suitable shape to receive different shapes and configurations of rails.

[00101] Alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims which follow. It will be understood that the term “comprising” is intended to have a broad, open meaning and not limited to a particular embodiment.

[00102] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1. What is claimed is:

   1. A fence bracket assembly for securing two fence members together, the fence bracket assembly comprising: at least two brackets, which are connectable together to be displaceable relative to each other, each bracket being configured to be engaged with a respective fence member, so that the fence members can be secured to each other in an adjustable manner.
2. 2. The fence bracket assembly of claim 1, in which a pivot mechanism is interposed between said at least two brackets, said pivot mechanism being configured so that said brackets are pivotally connectable to each other.
3. 3. The fence bracket assembly of claim 2, in which said brackets are each configured to define a gripping zone that can be reduced in size, the fence bracket assembly including a drive mechanism that is operable to act on said brackets to reduce said gripping zone in size so that said brackets can grip the respective fence members.
4. 4. The fence bracket assembly of claim 3, in which each bracket includes flanges that extend from said gripping zone, said flanges of at least one of said brackets capable of being driven towards each other with said drive mechanism to reduce the size of said gripping zone.
5. 5. The fence bracket assembly of claim 4, in which said pivot mechanism includes a shaft that is received through openings in said flanges of at least one of said brackets so that said brackets can pivot with respect to each other about said shaft.
6. 6. The fence bracket assembly of claim 5, in which said shaft is a shank of a fastener, said shank being at least partially threaded, allowing a drive member to be threaded onto said shank and operable to urge said flanges towards each other to reduce the size of said gripping zone.
7. 7. The fence bracket assembly of claim 6, in which said drive member is a nut threaded onto said shank.
8. 8. The fence bracket assembly of claim 4, in which said at least two brackets are one post bracket, and at least one rail bracket, the, or each, rail bracket having said flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other and said post bracket having at least one connector, the, or each, connector defining one flange that is interposed between said flanges of the, or each, respective rail bracket.
9. 9. The fence bracket assembly of claim 4, which includes three brackets in the form of two rail brackets, each having said flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other, and a post bracket interposed between said rail brackets, said post bracket having a connector that defines one flange that is interposed between said flanges of one of said rail brackets and two flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other to reduce the size of said gripping zone.
10. 10. The fence bracket assembly of either claim 8 or 9, in which said post bracket includes a bracket member that includes an indent along the inside of said bracket member for receiving part of a fastener which secures said connector to said bracket member.
11. 11. The fence bracket assembly of any one of claims 8 to 10, in which said gripping zone of said post bracket is a passage of generally non-circular cross-section.
12. 12. The fence bracket assembly of any one of claims 8 to 11, in which said gripping zone of said rail bracket is a passage of generally circular cross-section.
13. 13. The fence bracket assembly of any one of claims 4 to 7, which includes two brackets in the form of two star picket brackets, each having said flanges that are capable of being driven towards each other, wherein said flanges of one of said star picket brackets are interposed between said flanges of the other of said star picket brackets.
14. 14. The fence bracket assembly of claim 13, in which said flanges of said two respective star picket brackets interleave.
15. 15. The fence bracket assembly of either claim 13 or 14, in which said gripping zones of said two star picket brackets are each a passage with a generally triangular cross-section.
16. 16. The fence bracket assembly of any one of claims 13 to 15, in which at least one of said star picket brackets includes a unitary bracket member defining a majority of said gripping zone of said at least one of said star picket brackets.
17. 17. The fence bracket assembly of any one of claims 13 to 15, in which at least one of said star picket brackets includes a bracket member defining a majority of said gripping zone of said at least one of said star picket brackets, said bracket member comprising at least two components which are configured to be fastened together to form said bracket member.
18. 18. A method of securing at least two fence members together with said fence bracket assembly of any one of the preceding claims, the method including engaging each fence member with a respective bracket.
19. 19. A method of securing at least two fence members together, the method including: clamping a first bracket to part of one of the fence members; clamping a second bracket to another of the fence members; and connecting the first and second brackets together.
20. 20. The method of claim 19, further including pivotally displacing the first and second brackets relative to each other.