AU2022202041A1 - Post bracket and blank for forming same - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket for holding a post fixed above a support surface comprises a base securable against the surface, a mounting section arranged for mounting of the post thereto, and a spacer 5 section via which the mounting section is spaced above the base. The bracket includes one or more brace portions extending between the base and mounting section to provide bearing support to the mounting section. 7/17 62 62 100 200 25 1 10 25 10 FIGURE 31

Description

7/17

62 62 100

200

1

10 25

10

FIGURE 31

POST BRACKET AND BLANK FOR FORMING SAME

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2021900889, filed 25 March 2021, which is entitled "Post bracket and blank for forming same" and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to a bracket for securing a post, such as a timber post, over a support surface, such as a support surface defined by a concrete slab. The present invention also relates to a method of/blank for forming such a bracket, and to a method of mounting a post over a support surface.

Building standards in Australia and elsewhere stipulate particular requirements for structural timber posts - for the purposes of ensuring, inter alia, that anchorage thereof to an underlying (typically reinforced) concrete slab and protection thereof against insect or moisture damage are satisfactory. Satisfactory protection against insect or moisture damage, particularly where the timber will be exposed when the post is in situ, requires that the post lower end be spaced a sufficient height above the underfoot/floor surface where it is secured.

It is desirable to provide improvements relating to the securing of a said post over a said support surface.

Alternatively or additionally, it would be desirable to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for holding a post fixed above a support surface, the bracket comprising a base securable against the surface, a mounting section arranged for mounting of the post thereto, and a spacer section via which the mounting section is spaced above the base, the bracket including one or more brace portions extending between the base and mounting section to provide bearing support to the mounting section.

Preferably, the mounting section comprises a shelf portion, arranged transverse to the spacer section and abutted by the brace portion(s) such that said bearing support is provided through the shelf portion. Preferably, the shelf portion is arranged to overlie the base. Preferably, the mounting section further comprises a side portion projecting upwardly from the shelf portion to be receivable against a sideways or laterally facing surface of the post. Preferably, the side portion is configured with at least one hole arranged so as to receive a fastener to secure the side portion against the sideways or laterally facing surface.

Preferably, the base is configured with at least one opening arranged so as to receive therethrough a fastener to secure the base against the support surface. Preferably, the opening is elongated whereby the position of the bracket on the surface is adjustable prior to tightening of the fastener. Preferably, the opening is elongated in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the side portion lies, whereby the position of the bracket on the surface is adjustable prior to tightening of the fastener.

Preferably, the spacer section comprises a bridge portion which interconnects the base and mounting section and said brace portion(s). Preferably, the opening is elongated in a direction extending transverse to the bridge portion.

Preferably, the opening opens through an edge of the base whereby the bracket can be engaged with and disengaged from the fastener prior to tightening of the fastener.

Preferably, the shelf portion is configured with an opening arranged so as to receive therethrough a tool to engage a said fastener received through the base to tighten or loosen said fastener.

Preferably, the bracket is bent from plate whereby the mounting section, base and spacer section are defined, wherein the or each brace portion is bent from a portion of the plate that defines the spacer section.

Preferably, a said brace portion is bent from an edge portion of said portion that defines the spacer section.

Preferably, the bracket comprises a pair of said brace portions each of which is bent from a respective edge portion of said portion that defines the spacer section.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank bendable to form a said bracket, the blank comprising a portion for defining said base, a portion for defining said spacer section and a portion for defining said mounting section, the blank being bendable at: a junction between the portion for defining said base and the portion for defining said spacer section; and a junction between the portion for defining said spacer section and the portion for defining said mounting section, the blank being additionally bendable at the portion for defining said spacer section whereby the or each brace portion is formed once the blank has been bent at said junctions.

Preferably, the blank is configured to be preferentially yieldable at either or each junction so as to bend at that junction.

Preferably, the portion for defining said spacer section is configured to be preferentially yieldable at one or more positions therealong so as to bend at the or each position whereby a said brace portion is formed.

Preferably, the blank includes at least one edge section and, extending from the or each edge section to a (respective) said position, a pair of spaced apart slots, the or each edge section defining a distal edge of a (respective) said brace portion and the slots extending therefrom delineating upper and lower ends, respectively, of that brace portion. Preferably, the blank comprises plural said edge sections, from each of which a respective said pair of slots extends to a respective said position.

Preferably, the or each edge section is defined by a peripheral edge of the blank.

Preferably, the blank is configured with formations whereby the blank is preferentially yieldable at each junction so as to bend at that junction, said formations comprising said slots.

Preferably, the blank is configured with formations whereby the blank is preferentially yieldable the or each position so as to bend at that junction, said formations comprising ones defined by said slots.

Preferably, the slots of the or each pair are configured with notch regions projecting one towards the other at said position to which the slots extend.

Preferably, the formations comprise said notch regions.

Preferably, the blank is additionally bendable at the portion for defining said mounting section whereby said shelf portion and side portion are defined. Preferably, the portion for defining said mounting section is configured to be preferentially yieldable at one or more positions therealong so as to bend at the or each position whereby the shelf portion and side portion are defined.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a bracket, comprising bending a said blank at said junctions and said section(s).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the bracket formed by said method.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is a method of mounting a post over a support surface, comprising providing at least one said bracket, securing the bracket(s) against the surface and securing a lower end of the post to the bracket(s). Preferably, securing of the or each bracket against the surface precedes securing of the lower end to the bracket.

Preferably, securing the or each bracket against the surface comprises tightening the fastener(s) using a said tool inserted through the opening in the or each shelf portion.

Preferably, the position of at least one said bracket on the surface is adjusted prior to tightening of the fastener.

Preferably, at least one said bracket is moved parallel to said surface such that a said fastener inserted through said surface is received into the opening through said edge prior to being tightened.

Preferably, said brackets are arranged in laterally opposed relation and secured to laterally opposed portions of the post.

Preferably, the, each, or at least one said, bracket is secured against a said sideways or laterally facing surface of the post.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the, each, or at least one said bracket secured against a said sideways or laterally facing surface of the post is received against an exterior surface of the post defining the sideways or laterally facing surface against which it is secured.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the, each, or at least one said, bracket secured against a said sideways or laterally facing surface of the post is received in a slot which is formed in said lower end to define the sideways or laterally facing surface against which it is secured. Preferably, the, each, or at least one said slot opens through at least one exterior side face of said post, and the method includes fitting at least one element to the post to cover an opening defined by that slot at at least one said side face.

Preferably, the method includes arranging a protective cover or shroud around the bracket prior to receipt thereof against the surface or receipt of the lower end by the mounting section. Preferably, the or each cover or shroud is defined by a sleeve and the arranging thereof around the bracket comprises effecting receipt of the bracket through an open end of the sleeve.

Preferably, said shelf portion of at least one said bracket receives the post thereagainst, thereby defining a seat.

Preferably, said post is comprised of timber.

Preferably, the support surface is defined by a slab.

In the description in this specification, reference may be made to subject matter which is not within the scope of the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist in putting into practice the invention as defined in the presently appended claims.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A to IF show a blank and successive stages of folding thereof to form a bracket in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the bracket; Figures 3A to 31 show successive stages in securing a timber post over a slab using such brackets in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figures 4A to 4L show successive stages in securing the post over the slab in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figures 5A to 5E show components employed in the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4L; Figure 6 shows the brackets in sleeves, being one of the said components; and Figure 7 shows the configuration of the structural interconnection between the post and the slab effected in the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4L.

Shown in Figures 1A and IF are a blank1 and a bracket 10 folded therefrom respectively. Referring to Figure 31, a plurality of brackets 10 (four thereof in the example shown) are used to secure a timber post 100 to a concrete slab 200 such that the bottom of the post 100 is spaced (sufficiently) clear of the surface of the slab 200.

In many cases, it will be not the upper/exposed surface of the concrete/slab 200, but rather a finishing texture to be installed on/over it - e.g. comprising any of tiles, floorboards, carpet, linoleum, etc. (along with one or more intermediate layers or courses, such as a mortar bed, glue, etc., as/where appropriate) - that defines the floor/underfoot surface, possibly necessitating that the said level be spaced below the intended level of the floor/underfoot surface (typically called the "fixed floor level" (FFL)) by the (known) thickness of the finishing texture, the degree of spacing being typically termed the "setdown". In any case, the brackets 10, regardless of whether or not the upper/exposed surface of the concrete/slab 200 defines the floor/underfoot surface, are to be positioned/installed in order to comply with Australian Standard 1684 (AS1684-2010), incorporated herein by reference, which prescribes a minimum clearance, between the floor/underfoot surface/FFL and bottom of the post, of 75mm.

Referring to Figures IF and 2, the bracket 10 has a base 15, a mounting section 20 above the base 15 and a spacer section 30 via which the mounting section is connected to and spaced from the base.

The mounting section comprises a laterally projecting shelf portion 21, a proximal part of which is connected to an upper end of the spacer section, and a side portion 25, which is connected to a distal part of the shelf portion, via a junction 6 at which a bend is formed in the blank, and projects upwardly therefrom.

The spacer section 30 comprises a bridge portion 31 which interconnects the base and shelf portion, the bridge portion being connected at a lower end thereof to a proximal part of the base 15, via a junction 2 at which a bend is formed in the blank 1, and connected at an upper end thereof to the proximal part of the mounting section shelf portion, via a junction 4 at which a bend is formed in the blank 1.

The spacer section 30 further comprises opposed brace portions 35 each of which projects from a respective side part of the bridge portion 31 and is connected at a proximal part thereof to the said side part, via a junction 8 at which a bend is formed in the blank.

Referring to Figure 1A, the blank 1 comprises a plate, typically of steel or another suitable metal. In the embodiment shown, the blank is stamped (cut/punched) from plate, though it may be otherwise produced - e.g. by laser cutting plate or by moulding.

The blank 1 is rectangular in shape, having opposed ends 3, each comprising a peripheral edge extending perpendicular to a central axis A of the blank (which in the present embodiment is longitudinal but which in other embodiments of the invention may be transverse), and opposed lateral sides 5, each comprising a peripheral edge extending parallel to the axis.

The blank 1 comprises spaced apart slots 7A and 7B through the plate at each of the sides 5, which open laterally outwardly through the edge at that side, thereby defining notches, and are arranged on respective common axes of the blank 1 perpendicular to axis A. The junctions 2 and 4 are defined by a portion of the plate between the slots/notches 7A and a portion of the plate between the slots/notches 7B respectively. The blank 1 further comprises a slot 9 through the plate at one end 3 thereof, which slot extends along and is centred on the axis A and opens through the edge at that end. Referring to Figure 31, the slot 9 is arranged so as to receive a fastener 60 to secure the base 15 against the slab 200.

The blank 1, again referring to Figure 31, includes holes 11 through the plate which are arranged so as to receive fasteners 60 to secure the side portion 25 against the post 100, and a hole 13 through the plate which is centred on the axis A and is arranged to be disposed on/through the shelf portion 21, above the slot 9, to receive therethrough a fastening tool (e.g. a driver extension) such that the tool can engage the fastener 50 to drive it home.

Referring to Figure IB, a right-angle bend is formed in the plate/blank 1 at the junction 2, whereby the base 15, base proximal part and bridge portion lower end are defined. Referring to Figure IC, a right-angle bend is formed in the plate/blank 1 at the junction 4, whereby the proximal part of the shelf portion 21 and the bridge portion upper end are defined. The slots/notches 7A and 7B render the plate/blank 1 preferentially yieldable at the regions 2 and 4 respectively, under respective moments applied about those regions, facilitating formation of the right-angle bends thereat.

Referring to Figure ID, a right-angle bend is formed in the plate/blank 1 at the junction 6, whereby the shelf portion 21 and side portion 25 are defined. Although not shown, one or more formations may be provided in the region of the junction 6 to render the plate/blank 1 preferentially yieldable at that region under a moment applied thereabout, such as any of slots/notches through the edges 5 to either end of that junction, scoring along that region and one or more perforations or slots within that region to facilitate formation of the right-angle bend thereat.

Referring to Figures 1E and IF, at each of the junctions 8, a right-angle bend is formed in the plate/blank 1 whereby the spacer section 30, including each of the brace portions 35, is defined, the portions 35 being arranged such that the upper ends thereof abut the underside of the portion 21 and the lower ends thereof abut the topside of the base 15. Advantageously, the brace portions 35, in addition to affording the bracket1/spacer section 30 stiffness against buckling under compression resulting from downward loading exerted by the post 100, provide bracing between the base 15 and shelf portion 21, reinforcing the bracket 1 against bending at the junctions 2 and 4 respectively, under such loading - and are integral with the remainder of the bracket. The bracket 1 is thus afforded significant bearing capacity.

Laterally inner ends of the slots/notches 7A and 7B on each side 5 define respective notch regions 7C which are aligned on a respective axis parallel to axis A and extend one towards the other, the junction 8 at that side being defined by a respective portion of the plate/blank 1 between the regions 7C. On each side 5, once the right-angle bends have been formed at junctions 2 and 4, the notch regions 7C define notches in their own right, rendering the plate/blank 1 preferentially yieldable at respective ones of the regions 8, under respective moments applied about those regions, facilitating formation of the right-angle bends thereat.

Without departure from the invention, one or more other formations may be provided, as an alternative or additional to the notch regions/notches 7C, to render the plate/blank 1 preferentially yieldable at each junction/region 8 under a moment applied thereabout, such as any of scoring along that junction/region, one or more perforations within that region or one or more slots within that region, to facilitate formation of the right-angle bend thereat.

It will of course be recognised that the bends may be formed into the plate/blank 1 in a different sequence without departure from the invention.

Especially advantageous is the ease, rapidity, precision/accuracy and repeatability with which the blanks 1, and the brackets 10 bent therefrom, are formed, the unitary nature of the blank 1/bracket 10 eliminating any requirement for welding or otherwise interconnecting parts of the bracket. Associated material, manufacturing/fabrication and labour costs are thus comparatively low.

Installation of the post 100 and brackets 10 may be such that the side portions 25 of the latter are received against exterior faces of the former at its lower end and thus exposed, as shown in Figure 31, or instead such that those portions are received in slots 105 formed into the lower end and thus concealed, as shown in Figure 7. A method of installing/mounting a timber post over a slab, in which brackets 10 are employed, will now be described.

In the installation whereby the side portions 25 are exposed, referring to Figures 3A and 3B, opposed pairs of holes are formed in the slab and opposed pairs of brackets 10 positioned base-down on the slab in face-to-face or front-to-front relation with the slots 9 overlying respective holes. Referring to Figures 3C and 3D, a washer 45 is positioned on each base and a screw 50 inserted through the washer 45 and slot 9 and into the respective hole. The screws 50 are driven, by a tool received through the respective holes 13 as described above, along the holes such that the heads thereof engage the washers 45 and the brackets 10 are thus held against the slab.

The post 100, referring to Figures 3E to 3G, is positioned such that the lower end thereof is received between the side portions 25 of the opposed pairs of brackets 10 and the underside of the post is received against the portions 21 of those pairs, whereby holes 110 formed through the post lower end align with the holes 11. Advantageously, owing to the mounting opening 9 through the base being elongated/slotted in the manner disclosed, any of the brackets 10 can be displaced laterally to a degree - typically by knocking/tapping the spacer section(s) 30 thereof with a hammer or other suitable tool - whereby it is adjusted to assume a correct position relative to the post 100.

Referring to Figures 3H and 31, with the relative positioning of the post 100 and brackets 10 thus effected, bolts 60 are inserted through the aligned holes 11, 110 in the side portions 25 and post 100 and nuts 62 received over the leading ends thereof and tightened, whereby the securement of the post 100 to the slab 200 is complete.

In the installation whereby the side portions 25 are concealed, referring to Figures 4A to 4E, the brackets 10 are instead arranged in back-to-back relation. The screws 50 are driven in the same manner as described above. In one advantageous version of this installation, referring to Figure 4F, provision of sleeves 70 (preferably of plastic), one of which is shown in detail at Figure 5A, each received over and around the base 15, section 30 and portion 21 of a respective one of the brackets 10 (whereby an upper end/edge of the sleeve 70 is flush with the topside of portion 21), results in the brackets 10 being concealed in their entirety. In another version of the installation in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, the sleeves 70 could be omitted.

The post 100, referring to Figures 4G and 4H, is positioned such that the side portions 25 of the opposed pairs of brackets 10 are received in respective ones of the slots 105 and the underside of the post is received against the portions 21 of those bracket pairs, whereby holes 110 formed through the post lower end align with the holes 11. Again, owing to the mounting opening 9 through the base being elongated/slotted in the manner disclosed, any of the brackets 10, advantageously, can be displaced laterally to a degree - in the same manner as described above - whereby it is adjusted to assume a correct position relative to the post 100 (being in particular such that the portion 25 thereof is receivable in the respective slot).

Referring to Figures 41 and 4J, internally threaded sleeves 80, one of which is shown in detail at Figure 5B, are inserted into the holes 110 such that they extend therewithin, passing through the holes 11 in the side portions 25 coaxial therewith. Referring to Figures 4K, 5C and 5D, a screw 82, provided with a washer 84 received thereover, is inserted into each hole 110 at each end thereof and screwed into a respective sleeve threaded end, such that the head of the screw 82 urges the washer 84 against the post surface, whereby the securement of the post 100 to the slab 200 is complete.

Finally, referring to Figures 4L and 5E, covering elements 86 are applied to the post 100 at opposed ends of the slots, affording the joint between the post and brackets 10/slab 200 an aesthetic appearance and precluding ingress of moisture into the slots through the ends. In another version of the installation in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, the covering elements 86 could be omitted.

Nuts and bolts as employed to fix the post 100 to the brackets 10 in the first embodiment could be used in place of the sleeves 80, screws 82 and washers 84 as employed to fix the post 100 to the brackets 10 in the second embodiment and vice versa.

In the blank 1, the slot 9 is centred on the axis A, though in other embodiments it may be laterally offset from the central axis A, in which case the hole 13 will (in order to overlie the slot in the bracket) be likewise offset, and/or be one of plural such slots spaced laterally and opening through the end 3, in which case the hole 13 will be one of plural such holes, correspondingly spaced laterally (in order to overlie respective ones of the slots in the bracket).

Also, although the blank 1 is configured such that there is a pair of portions 35, arranged at laterally opposed positions thereof - which, advantageously, provides bracing at separate lateral positions in the bracket 10 (which are symmetrically arranged about the middle of the bracket 10 in the example shown) - there could instead, without departure from the invention, be provided a single such portion, at only one of the laterally opposed positions.

In addition, although the blank 1 is configured such that the portions 35 are at laterally outermost positions thereof - which, advantageously, allows for the bracket side edges 5 to define the distal edges of those portions and provides for ease of access to bend those portions into position (at junctions 8) - at least one such portion could, alternatively or additionally, be arranged laterally inward of a given side edge of the bracket, in which case the lower and upper edges thereof would be delineated by slots in the plate/blank which may have the same configuration as the slots/notches 7A and 7B respectively but which terminate laterally inward of the side edge (instead of opening through it), and the distal edge thereof delineated by a slot in the plate/blank which extends from the distal end of one of those slots to the distal end of the other.

Moreover, although the blank 1 is configured such that each of the portions 35 is "planar", defining a singular rib - whereby, advantageously, it is formed/positioned by formation of a single bend (at respective junction 8) - in an alternative embodiment of the invention, there may, alternatively or additionally, be provided at least one such portion which is to be bent at at least one position ("junction") between the proximal part and distal edge thereof (at which there may be provided one or more formations as described above, rendering the plate/blank preferentially yieldable at that position/junction), such that the or each such brace portion assumes an alternative configuration - e.g. one which as viewed from either end is L-shaped, V-shaped, U-shaped or corrugated.

Furthermore, although in the bracket 10 the shelf portion 21 is a seat portion, arranged for receipt (seating) of the underside of the post 100 thereagainst, it is possible - in the case of that bracket or a bracket according to an alternative embodiment of the invention - for the underside of the post instead to be clear of (preferably albeit only slightly)/not in abutment (either direct or indirect) with the shelf portion when the post is secured to the mounting section/a side portion thereof.

The post 100, referring to Figures 3E to 3G, is positioned such that the lower end thereof is received between the side portions 25 of the opposed pairs of brackets 10 and the underside of the post is received against the portions 21 of those pairs, whereby holes 110 formed through the post lower end align with the holes 11.

It will be appreciated that, although each (planar) brace portion/rib in the blank 1/bracket 10 is rotationally displaced through a right angle, displacement of the/each such portion/rib may - in that blank1/bracket 10 or in another embodying the invention - instead be bent/displaced through an acute angle or an obtuse angle.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (43)

Claims

1. A bracket for holding a post fixed above a support surface, the bracket comprising a base securable against the surface, a mounting section arranged for mounting of the post thereto, and a spacer section via which the mounting section is spaced above the base, the bracket including one or more brace portions extending between the base and mounting section to provide bearing support to the mounting section.

2. A bracket according to claim 1, wherein the mounting section comprises a shelf portion, arranged transverse to the spacer section and abutted by the brace portion(s) such that said bearing support is provided through the shelf portion.

3. A bracket according to claim 2, wherein the shelf portion is arranged to overlie the base.

4. A bracket according to claim 3, wherein the mounting section further comprises a side portion projecting upwardly from the shelf portion to be receivable against a sideways or laterally facing surface of the post.

5. A bracket according to claim 4, wherein the side portion is configured with at least one hole arranged so as to receive a fastener to secure the side portion against the sideways or laterally facing surface.

6. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is configured with at least one opening arranged so as to receive therethrough a fastener to secure the base against the support surface.

7. A bracket according to claim 6 as appended to claim 4 or 5, wherein the opening is elongated in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the side portion lies, whereby the position of the bracket on the surface is adjustable prior to tightening of the fastener.

8. A bracket according to claim 6, wherein the opening is elongated whereby the position of the bracket on the surface is adjustable prior to tightening of the fastener.

9. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer section comprises a bridge portion which interconnects the base and mounting section and said brace portion(s).

10. A bracket according to claim 9 as appended to claim 7 or 8, wherein the opening is elongated in a direction extending transverse to the bridge portion.

11. A bracket according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the opening opens through an edge of the base whereby the bracket can be engaged with and disengaged from the fastener prior to tightening of the fastener.

12. A bracket according to any one of claims 6 to 11 as dependent from any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the shelf portion is configured with an opening arranged so as to receive therethrough a tool to engage a said fastener received through the base to tighten or loosen said fastener.

13. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, being bent from plate whereby the mounting section, base and spacer section are defined, wherein the or each brace portion is bent from a portion of the plate that defines the spacer section.

14. A bracket according to claim any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein a said brace portion is bent from an edge portion of said portion that defines the spacer section.

15. A bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising a pair of said brace portions each of which is bent from a respective edge portion of said portion that defines the spacer section.

16. A blank bendable to form a bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, the blank comprising a portion for defining said base, a portion for defining said spacer section and a portion for defining said mounting section, the blank being bendable at: a junction between the portion for defining said base and the portion for defining said spacer section; and a junction between the portion for defining said spacer section and the portion for defining said mounting section, the blank being additionally bendable at the portion for defining said spacer section whereby the or each brace portion is formed once the blank has been bent at said junctions.

17. A blank according to claim 16, configured to be preferentially yieldable at either or each junction so as to bend at that junction.

18. A blank according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the portion for defining said spacer section is configured to be preferentially yieldable at one or more positions therealong so as to bend at the or each position whereby a said brace portion is formed.

19. A blank according to any one of claims 16 to 18, including at least one edge section and, extending from the or each edge section to a (respective) said position, a pair of spaced apart slots, the or each edge section defining a distal edge of a (respective) said brace portion and the slots extending therefrom delineating upper and lower ends, respectively, of that brace portion.

20. A blank according to claim 19, comprising plural said edge sections, from each of which a respective said pair of slots extends to a respective said position.

21. A blank according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the or each edge section is defined by a peripheral edge of the blank.

22. A blank according to any one of claims 19 to 21, configured with formations whereby the blank is preferentially yieldable at each junction so as to bend at that junction, said formations comprising said slots.

23. A blank according to any one of claims 19 to 22, configured with formations whereby the blank is preferentially yieldable the or each position so as to bend at that junction, said formations comprising ones defined by said slots.

24. A blank according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the slots of the or each pair are configured with notch regions projecting one towards the other at said position to which the slots extend.

25. A blank according to claim 24 as appended to claim 23, wherein the formations comprise said notch regions.

26. A blank according to any one of claims 16 to 25, being for forming a bracket which accords with claim 9, the blank being additionally bendable at the portion for defining said mounting section whereby the shelf portion and side portion are defined.

27. A blank according to claim 26, wherein the portion for defining said mounting section is configured to be preferentially yieldable at one or more positions therealong so as to bend at the or each position whereby the shelf portion and side portion are defined.

28. A method of forming a bracket, comprising bending a blank according to any one of claims 16 to 27 at said junctions and said section(s).

29. The bracket formed by a method according to claim 28.

30. A method of mounting a post over a support surface, comprising providing at least one bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and 29, securing the bracket(s) against the surface and securing a lower end of the post to the bracket(s).

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the or each bracket accords with claim 12 and securing it against the surface comprises tightening the fastener(s) using a said tool inserted through the opening in the or each shelf portion.

32. A method according to claim 30 or 31, wherein at least one said bracket accords with claim 7, 8 or 10 and said position thereof on the surface is adjusted prior to tightening of the fastener.

33. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein at least one said bracket accords with claim 11 and is moved parallel to said surface such that a said fastener inserted through said surface is received into the opening through said edge prior to being tightened.

34. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said brackets are arranged in laterally opposed relation and secured to laterally opposed portions of the post.

35. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the, each, or at least one said, bracket accords with claim 4 and is secured against a said sideways or laterally facing surface of the post.

36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the, each, or at least one said, bracket secured against a said sideways or laterally facing surface of the post is received in a slot which is formed in said lower end to define the sideways or laterally facing surface against which it is secured.

37. A method according to claim 36, wherein the, each, or at least one said slot opens through at least one exterior side face of said post, the method including fitting at least one element to the post to cover an opening defined by that slot at at least one said side face.

38. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein the, each, or at least one said bracket secured against a said sideways or laterally facing surface of the post is received against an exterior surface of the post defining the sideways or laterally facing surface against which it is secured.

39. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 38, wherein the, each or at least one said, bracket accords with any one of claims 2 to 4, the method including arranging a protective cover or shroud around the bracket prior to receipt thereof against the surface or receipt of the lower end by the mounting section.

40. A method according to claim 39, wherein the or each cover or shroud is defined by a sleeve and the arranging thereof around the bracket comprises effecting receipt of the bracket through an open end of the sleeve.

41. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 40, wherein at least one said bracket accords with claim 2, 3 or 4 and the shelf portion thereof receives the post thereagainst, thereby defining a seat.

42. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 41, wherein the post is comprised of timber.

43. A method according to any one of claims 30 to 42, wherein the support surface is defined by a slab.