AU2020277107B2

AU2020277107B2 - Improved bracket

Info

Publication number: AU2020277107B2
Application number: AU2020277107A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Joe Didonna; Kerry George PARSONS
Original assignee: Pandoe Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Pandoe Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-11-26
Filing date: 2020-11-23
Publication date: 2023-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2040-11-23
Also published as: AU2020277107A1

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to brackets of the type used to support stumps, poles, posts, columns and other elongate structures used in the footings of buildings and other structures. In one form, the invention is embodied as a bracket comprising: a base portion configured to connect to an underlying support and having a central region and one or more peripheral connecting regions lateral thereto, and a structure engagement portion configured to locate a structure on or over the central region of the base portion and to engage with the structure, wherein the bracket is configured such that when a structure is engaged with the structure engagement portion, the one or more peripheral connecting regions extend clear of the structure. 1/5 10 20,_ 30 30 25c 25 15 o 25 25 o 30 30 35 FIG. 1

Description

The present invention relates generally to brackets of the type used to support stumps, poles, posts, columns and other elongate structures used in the footings of buildings and other structures. In one form, the invention is embodied as a bracket comprising: a base portion configured to connect to an underlying support and having a central region and one or more peripheral connecting regions lateral thereto, and a structure engagement portion configured to locate a structure on or over the central region of the base portion and to engage with the structure, wherein the bracket is configured such that when a structure is engaged with the structure engagement portion, the one or more peripheral connecting regions extend clear of the structure.

1/5

10

,_

30

25c 25 15

o 25 25 o

30 30 35 FIG. 1

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IMPROVED BRACKET FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001]. The present invention relates generally to brackets of the type used to support stumps, poles, posts, colums and other elongate structures used in the footings of buildings and other structures.

o BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[002]. It is often the case in the building arts for a structure (such as a building stump, a carport post, a fence post, or an exterior deck support post) to require a footing of some type to provide support and stability.

[003]. The prior art provides suitable apparatus in the form of familiar stirrup-type brackets that may be bolted to an underlying support, or cast into a concrete mass. Other stirrup-type brackets have a large threaded base which is screwed directly into the ground with the stirrup extending above the ground. In either case, a post is fitted snugly into the stirrup, and is therefore supported.

[004]. An alternative apparatus is a substantially U-shaped bracket having a flattened base, with the base being bolted directly to an underlying support. Again, the post is fitted snugly between the two upright portions of the U-shape.

[005]. In some cases, the bracket is configured to connect to a footing plate that itself anchors into the ground. The footing plate may be anchored by way of a number of piles which extend through the plate and are forced into the ground. A bracket of some type is typically bolted to the footing plate, and the post is then fitted into the bracket.

[006]. A problem in prior art brackets that form a part of a footing is that they are liable to separate from the support to which they are connected when a lateral force is applied

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toward the end of a post retained by the bracket. In some instances a lateral force toward the lower end of the post or even on the bracket itself can lead to separation.

[007]. Another problem in prior art brackets is that the dimensions of the space which receives the post must be congruent with the dimensions of the post to be received. For example, a post having a specific width requires a bracket capable of snugly accepting that specific width. This necessitates an installer keeping a range of brackets at hand to allow for the various post sizes that may be used in a particular construction.

[008]. It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art brackets. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art brackets.

[009]. The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010]. In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a bracket comprising: a base portion configured to connect to an underlying support and having a central region and one or more peripheral connecting regions lateral thereto, and a structure engagement portion configured to locate a structure on or over the central region of the base portion and to engage with the structure, wherein the bracket is configured such that when a structure is engaged with the structure engagement portion, the one or more peripheral connecting regions extend clear of the structure.

[011]. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a ground anchor comprising:

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(i) a support having associated therewith angled tubes each tube configured to receive a pile passing into the ground, and (ii) a bracket overlying the support surface and comprising: a base portion connected to the support and having a central region and one or more peripheral connecting regions lateral thereto, and a structure engagement portion configured to locate a structure on or over the central region of the base portion and to engage with the structure, wherein the bracket is configured such that when a structure is engaged with the structure engagement portion, the one or more peripheral connecting regions extend clear of the structure.

[012]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion is configured to contact a portion of a laterally outwardly facing surface of a structure or a portion of an inwardly facing surface of a structure.

[013]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion is configured to contact (i) only one or two outside corners of a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion, (ii) only one or two inside corners of a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion, (iii) only one or two outside o curved portions of a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion, or (iv) only one or two inside curved portions of a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[014]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion is a socket or a portion of a socket configured to accept an end of a structure.

[015]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the socket or the portion of the socket is configured to accept the end of a pole or a post.

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[016]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion is configured to insert into a space at an end of a structure.

[017]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion comprises means to connect to a structure engaged therewith.

[018]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the means to connect to a structure is one or more fastener holes extending through the structure engagement portion so as to allow a fastener to fasten the structure engagement portion to a structure o engaged therewith.

[019]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion comprises one or more plates.

[020]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the one or more connecting regions ofthe base portion each comprise means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support.

[021]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is one or more fastener holes.

[022]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the bracket comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support.

[023]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are disposed about the periphery of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

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[024]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are spaced regularly about the periphery of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[025]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are disposed between an edge of the structure engagement portion and an edge of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[026]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are disposed at least about 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm and 30mm between an edge of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[027]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are disposed a distance o from the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion to provide sufficient space for the fastening means to be applied by a nail gun, a rivet gun, a wrench, a spanner, or a socket such that the nail gun, the rivet gun, the wrench, the spanner, or the socket clears the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[028]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are spaced regularly about the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

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[029]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support flank, straddle or encircle the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[030]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are disposed a distance from the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion and toward an edge ofthe base portion so as to decrease the possibility of separation of the base portion and the structure engagement portion when a structure is engaged by the structure engagement portion and the structure is subjected to a lateral force vector, the decrease being compared to the same arrangement except where the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor, or to an underlying support is/are disposed beneath the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion or within the lateral limits of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

[031]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the base portion and the structure engagement portion are fabricated as separate components and mutually connected to form the bracket.

[032]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion comprises one or more downwardly extending members, and the base portion comprises one or more spaces each configured to the accept one of the one or more downwardly extending members.

[033]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the bracket comprises one or more welds configured to connect the base portion and the structure engagement portion.

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[034]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the structure engagement portion comprises one or more downwardly extending member, and the base portion comprises one or more spaces each configured to the accept one of the one or more downwardly extending members, the weld connects a downwardly extending member and the material about a space.

[035]. In one embodiment of the first aspect or the second aspect, the one or more downwardly extending members is a tab and the one or more spaces is a slot.

[036]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the bracket is fabricated partially, predominantly or completely from a metal.

[037]. In one embodiment ofthe first aspect or the second aspect, the bracket is fabricated partially, predominantly or completely from a corrosion-resistant material, or coated in a corrosion resistant material.

[038]. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for fabricating a bracket, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base portion configured to connect to an underlying support and having a central region and one or more peripheral connecting regions lateral thereto, and providing a structure engagement portion configured to locate a structure on or over the central region of the base portion and to engage with the structure, wherein the bracket is configured such that when a structure is engaged with the structure engagement portion, the one or more peripheral connecting regions extend clear of the structure, and connecting the base portion to the structure engagement portion.

[039]. In one embodiment of the third aspect, the step of connecting comprises the step of welding the base portion to the structure engagement portion.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[040]. FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective view an exemplary bracket of the invention, alone and not connected to any other structure.

[041]. FIG. 2 illustrates in plan view the bracket of FIG. 1.

[042]. FIG. 3 illustrates the bracket of FIG. 2, having a square tubular steel post engaged therewith.

[043]. FIG. 4 illustrates in perspective view the structure engaging portion of the bracket of FIG. 1 before assembly into a complete bracket, and showing the downwardly extending tabs.

[044]. FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the bracket of FIG. 1, showing the slots in the base portion of the bracket having accepted the tabs of the structure engagement portion.

[045]. FIG. 6 illustrates the assembly of a bracket of the present invention with a ground anchor. The piles used to secure the anchor to the ground are not shown.

[046]. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative bracket ofthe present invention in perspective view, and having a three-faced structure support portion, as compared with the two-faced structure support portion of FIG. 1. The alternative bracket of FIG. 7 further comprises a base portion that is octagonal, as compared with the cruciform base portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[047]. FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative bracket ofthe present invention in perspective view, and having a three-faced structure support portion, as for the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, although replacing the octagonal base portion with a generally cruciform structure.

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[048]. Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[049]. The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

[050]. After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

[051]. Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations ofthe word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[052]. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

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[053]. As used herein, positional terms such as "lateral", "across", "above", "below", "higher", "lower", "upward", "downward", "plan view" and the like are to be considered with reference to a bracket as used in a normal upright position with the structure engagement portion being directly generally upwardly (toward the sky) and the lower face of the base portion being generally directed downwardly (toward the ground).

[054]. The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventors' discovery that a bracket useful in retaining an elongate structure (such as a stump, a post, a column, or a pole) in the context of a ground anchor is provided where the bracket has two portions (a base portion and a structure engagement portion). The base portion has a connecting region extending laterally outwardly and away from the structure engagement portion. The connecting region is for the purpose of connecting the bracket to an underlying structure such as ground anchor. This extension of the connecting region outwardly from the structure engagement portion allows for connecting means (such as fasteners) to be disposed lateral to the structure engagement or any structure engaged therewith. This contrast with prior art brackets where a bracket is secured by some means below the elongate structure being engaged by the bracket. By spreading the fastening points outwardly and away from the elongate structure, any forces occasioned on the elongate structure are distributed over a larger area of the bracket base portion (and also over a larger o area of a ground anchor to which the bracket may be connected via the fastening points) so as to avoid the concentration of forces closer to the structure engaged by the bracket.

[055]. As will be appreciated, where the structure engaged by the bracket is elongate, and a lateral force bears on the distal end of the elongate structure (i.e. the end away from the bracket and toward the sky), forces are transferred and amplified at the fixed end of the elongate structure (i.e. the end that is engaged with the bracket). Accordingly, significant forces may be bear on and undermine the connection between the bracket and an underlying ground anchor (or other underlying support structure).

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[056]. Spreading the fastening points outwardly and away from the elongate structure also allows for a larger number of fasteners to be used, where necessary to better stabilise the bracket on an underlying ground anchor.

[057]. As another advantage, spreading the fastener points outwardly allows for the use of bulky tools such as power drills and nail guns to be used to apply fasteners to the connecting region. This allows for the rapid connection of the bracket to a ground anchor on site or in a factory situation.

[058]. Typically, the fastening means will be a fastener (such as a screw or a bolt or a nail) which extends through fastener holes in the base portion of the bracket, so as to be capable of extending downwardly through a ground anchor (or other support structure) disposed beneath so as to connect the bracket to the ground anchor.

[059]. In one embodiment, the bracket comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 fastener holes. For a large number of fastener holes, (such as at least 4) the fastener holes may be disposed about the periphery of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion, and in which case the fastener holes may be spaced regularly about the periphery of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the o structure engagement portion.

[060]. The fastener holes may be disposed between an edge of the base portion and an edge of the structure engagement portion or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion.

[061]. In certain embodiments, the fastener holes are disposed at least about 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 21 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm, 26 mm, 27 mm, 28 mm, 29 mm and 30mm from of structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion.

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[062]. In certain embodiments, the fastener holes may be disposed a distance from the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion to provide sufficient space for the fastening means to be applied by a nail gun, a rivet gun, a wrench, a spanner, or a socket such that the nail gun, the rivet gun, the wrench, the spanner, or the socket clears the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion.

[063]. In certain embodiments, the fastener holes flank, straddle or encircle the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion.

[064]. The fastener holes may be disposed a distance from the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion, and toward an edge of the base portion so as decrease the possibility of separation of the bracket from an underlying support structure (such as a ground anchor) when a structure is engaged by the structure engagement portion and the structure is subjected to a lateral force vector, the decrease being compared to the same arrangement except where the fastener holes are disposed beneath the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion, or within the lateral limits or the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged with the structure engagement portion.

[065]. Together, the present bracket when connected to a ground anchor or any other structure providing stability may be considered a footing.

[066]. In some embodiments of the bracket, the structure engagement portion is configured to contact only a portion of an external or internal surface of the structure to be engaged. The portion may be an internal corner or an external corner, and the contact is made only with the corner of the structure and not with any other surface of the structure. This arrangement provides flexibility as to the dimensions of structure that may be engaged, as compared with a prior art stirrup or socket-type means for engaging with a post or similar. In the latter cases, the stirrup or socket can only be configured to snugly receive a structure of set dimension. However, where only a corner of the structure is contacted

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by the bracket, the structure may have a range of dimensions so long as the two faces of the structure contact two faces of the bracket.

[067]. The invention will now be more fully described by reference to the non-limiting examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

[068]. Turning firstly to FIG. 1 there is shown a bracket (10) of the present invention, having a base portion (15) and a structure engagement portion (20) extending upwardly therefrom. In this embodiment, the structure engagement portion is configured as an internal corner, and is adapted such that an external corner of a wooden post may be received therein. Alternatively, the corner structure (20) may be considered to present an external corner (i.e. by the faces directed into the page), and is adapted such that a square tubular steel may be lowered onto it such that an internal corner of the tube contacts the external corner of the structure engagement portion (20). In some embodiments the broad faces of the structure engagement portion have fastener holes (not shown) to allow a fastener (such as a screw) to pass through and into a structure to be retained by the bracket.

[069]. The base portion (15) is comprised of a central region (25) surrounded by connecting regions (30). The base portion (15) further comprises a number of fastener holes (one marked 35) extending through the connecting regions (30). Each connecting region (30) has three fastener holes (35).

[070]. As will be noted the fastener holes (53-0) are some distance away from the structure support portion (20). This feature is made clearer in FIG. 2 whereby the fastener holes (35) at the top and left are distal to the structure support portion (20), while the fastener holes (35) at the bottom and right are very distal to the structure support portion (20).

[071]. FIG. 3 shows a length of square tube steel (40) that has been lowered onto the structure support portion (20). In this embodiment, the structure support portion (20) is dimensioned so as to snugly receive the square tube steel (40), and the latter is therefore

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prevented from tilting or rotating relative to the former even where no fasteners are used to secure the two structure together. Even where the tube (40) is fitted, the fastener holes (35-30) in the right hand and bottom connecting regions (30) are still distal to the edge of the tube (40), as are the fastener holes at the top and left-hand connecting regions (30).

[072]. The fastener holes are intended to accept fasteners (not shown) for the purpose of connecting the bracket (10) to a ground anchor disposed beneath. Reference is made to FIG. 6 which shows an exemplary ground anchor (100). A fastener (not shown) such as a ballistic nail, a screw or a rivet may be passed through each fastener hole (35) and into a ground anchor beneath so as to firmly connect the two components together.

[073]. Returning to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the fastener holes (35) are distributed evenly around the steel tube (40), and each at an equal distance therefrom. This spreading of fasteners away laterally from the steel tube (40) spreads any forces caused a lateral force bearing on the upper end ofthe tube (40) over a greater area, compared with the case where the fasteners were disposed beneath the tube. In some cases, the bracket (10) is connected to the ground anchor (100) with ballistic nails. While there is significant advantage in the use of ballistic nails (e.g. speed of assembly and cost), the nails have a lower resistance to pull-out as compared with, say, a bolt or a screw. Spreading forces which may separate the structure engagement portion (20) from the base portion (15) addresses at least in part the lower pull-out resistance of ballistic nails given the lower force occasioned on each nail.

[074]. Spreading the fastener holes (35) laterally outwardly also allows room for the tip of a nail gun to fire a nail into each fastener hole (35) without interference from the structure engagement portion (20), or the steel tube (40) if already fitted. Typically, however, the tube (40) is not fitted until after the structure engagement portion (20) is connected to the ground anchor (100).

[075]. To explain a preferred method of fabricating a bracket of the invention, reference is made to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the structure engagement portion (20)

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is fabricated from a single piece of steel plate which has a right angled bend formed therein. A series of downwardly extending tabs (one marked 50) are integral.

[076]. As shown in FIG. 5, the base portion_(5) is fabricated from a single piece of steel plate, having a series of slots (one marked 55) each respectively positioned so as to be in register with a respect tab (50) of the structure engagement portion (20).

[077]. To assemble the bracket, each tab (50) is inserted into its respective slot (55), and a plug weld is used to connect the two. For added strength a weld may be also run along the interface between a lower edge of the structure support portion (20) and the upper face of the base portion (15) where the two make mutual contact.

[078]. Returning again to FIG. 6, one intended use ofthe assembled bracket (10) is shown, that being to form a footing in combination with a ground anchor (100). The ground anchor (100) has an upper surface (105) which is substantially planar upon which the base portion (15) of the bracket (10) is rested. The upper surface (105) has no fastener holes in this embodiment, as the intention is to use ballistic nails to as fasteners (not shown) to insert through the fastener holes (35) of the bracket (10) and through the ground anchor (100) below. If the fasteners were screws, then pilot holes may be formed in the upper surface (105). Where the fasteners were bolts, then bolt holes would be formed instead.

[079]. The ground anchor (100) exemplified comprises angled tubes (one marked 110) through which piles (not shown) are forced into the underlying ground so as to secure the anchor (100) and also the connected bracket (10). When the steel tube (40) is lowered onto the structure engagement portion (20) it too is indirectly secured to the underlying ground, and therefore useful as a post for a fence, or a building.

[080]. In this embodiment, both base portion (15) and structure engagement region (20) are fabricated from steel plate, and the bracket (10) as a whole is galvanised so as to confer corrosion resistance.

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[081]. An alternative bracket (10) is shown at FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 having a three-faced structure support portion (20), and a base portion (5-30) that is octagonal. It has been found that the three-faced structure support portion (20) provides for improved strength in the engineering moment value.

[082]. The octagonal base portion (5-30) shown in FIG. 7 may contribute to the improved strength (due to the greater foot, or may be more simple or economical to manufacture than the analogous cruciform structure of FIG. 1. The octagonal base portion utilises more material for fabrication than the cruciform embodiment. However material used may be lessened by the use of the modified cruciform base portion of FIG. 8, which may be considered a hybrid of the base portions of FIG. 1 and FIG. 7 having a footprint intermediate between the two.

[083]. The embodiments of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 further comprise fastener holes (52-50) in the structure support portion (20). The fastener hole (52-59) may each function to accept a screw, a bolt, a rivet or a nail for example, an assist in retaining a post a stump or another article against the structure support portion and prevent shifting.

[084]. Another aspect ofthe invention may be a footing comprising a bracket as described herein connected to a ground anchor or other support structure. Examples of other support structures include a simple concrete pad, and a building slab in such cases ballistic nails are an appropriate means for rapid and economical connection with the bracket.

[085]. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[086]. While the invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

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[087]. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

IRN20103753 CLAIMS:

1. A footing comprising: (i) a ground anchor having associated therewith angled tubes each tube configured to receive a pile passing into the ground, and (ii) a bracket overlying the ground anchor and comprising: a base portion connected to the ground anchor and having a central region and one or more peripheral connecting regions lateral thereto, and a structure engagement portion configured to locate a structure on or over the o central region of the base portion and to engage with the structure, wherein the bracket is configured such that when a structure is engaged with the structure engagement portion, the one or more peripheral connecting regions extend clear of the structure.

2. The footing of claim 1, wherein the structure engagement portion is configured to contact a portion of a laterally outwardly facing surface of a structure or a portion of an inwardly facing surface of a structure.

3. The footing of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the structure engagement portion is a socket or a portion of a socket configured to accept an end of a pole or a post or another structure.

4. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the structure engagement portion is configured to insert into a space at an end of a structure.

5. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the structure engagement portion comprises means to connect to a structure engaged therewith.

6. The footing of claim 5, wherein the means to connect to a structure is one or more fastener holes extending through the structure engagement portion so as to allow a fastener to fasten the structure engagement portion to a structure engaged therewith.

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7. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the structure engagement portion comprises one or more plates.

8. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more connecting regions of the base portion each comprise means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor.

9. The footing of claim 8, wherein means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is one or more fastener holes.

10. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is/are disposed about the periphery of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

11. The footing of claim 10, wherein the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is/are spaced regularly about the periphery of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

12. The footing of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is/are disposed between an edge of the base portion and an edge of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

13. The footing of claim 12, wherein the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is/are disposed a distance from the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion to provide sufficient space for the fastening means to be applied by a nail gun, a rivet gun, a wrench, a spanner, or a socket such that the nail gun, the rivet gun, the wrench, the spanner, or the socket clears the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

14. The footing of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor flank, straddle or encircle the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

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15. The footing of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is/are disposed a distance from the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion and toward an edge of the base portion so as to decrease the possibility of separation of the base portion and the structure engagement portion when a structure is engaged by the structure engagement portion and the structure is subjected to a lateral force vector, the decrease being compared to the same arrangement except where the means for connecting the base portion to the ground anchor is/are disposed beneath the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion or within the lateral limits of the structure engagement portion, or a structure engaged by the structure engagement portion.

16. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the base portion and the structure engagement portion are fabricated as separate components and mutually connected to form the bracket.

17. The footing of claim 16, wherein the structure engagement portion comprises one or more downwardly extending members, and the base portion comprises one or more spaces each configured to the accept one of the one or more downwardly extending members.

18. The footing of claim 16 or claim 17, comprising one or more welds configured to connect the base portion and the structure engagement portion.

19. The footing of claim 18, wherein the structure engagement portion comprises one or more downwardly extending member, and the base portion comprises one or more spaces each configured to the accept one of the one or more downwardly extending members, the weld connects a downwardly extending member and the material about a space.

20. The footing of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the one or more downwardly extending members is a tab and the one or more spaces is a slot.