GB2243629A

GB2243629A - A jointing bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2243629A
Application number: GB9109248A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Christopher Lawlor; Kenneth Michael Lawlor
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-05-04
Filing date: 1991-04-30
Publication date: 1991-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2011-04-30
Also published as: GB9109248D0; IE66028B1; GB2243629B; IE901627A1

Abstract

A fence (1) comprises posts (2) and rails (3) joined together by brackets (8). Each bracket (8) comprises a plate (9) having an abutment surface (10) for abutting a rail (3). A hollow spacer (22) extends from the plate (9) through holes (25) and (26) in a post (2) and a rail (3) and terminates adjacent a rear face (28) of the post (2). A bolt (20) through the plate (9) and the spacer (22) with a nut (31) secures the rail (3) to the post (2) without crushing the rail and post. The bolt may extend between the adjacent ends 34 of two rails. Surface 10 may have teeth to grip the rails. <IMAGE>

Description

A JOINTING BRACKET The present invention relates to a jointing bracket for joining a pair of members together and in particular though not limited to a jointing bracket for joining rails to fence posts of a fence assembly.

In general, fence assemblies are constructed by inserting a plurality of fence posts at spaced apart intervals into the ground. Horizontally extending rails are then secured to the fence posts. Generally, a top rail extends along the fence posts adjacent the top, and an intermediate rail extends along the fence posts intermediate the ground and the top rail. Such fence assemblies are particularly common in stud farms.

The fence posts and rails are, in general, of timber material. The rails may be secured to the fence posts by screws, nails and more commonly by nuts and bolts.

This, however, presents considerable difficulty in that the timber material by its nature tends to progressively yield as a nut and bolt is tightened, thereby making it virtually impossible to securely tighten a nut on a bolt. If one continues to tighten the bolt and the nut in an attempt to securely tighten the rail and fence post, the rail and fence post tend to fracture.

There is therefore a need for a jointing bracket which overcome these problems. There is also a need for a fence assembly which overcomes these problems.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a jointing bracket and fence assembly.

According to the invention, there is provided a jointing bracket for securing a first member to a second member, the jointing bracket comprising an abutment means having an abutment surface for abutting one face of one of the first and second members and a fastener aperture extending through the abutment means for accommodating a fastening means for securing the first and second members together, an elongated spacer member extending from the abutment surface of the abutment means for, in use, extending through the first and second members, and terminating in a free end adjacent an opposite face of the other of the first and second members for engaging the fastening means for preventing distortion of the first and second members on tightening of the fastening means. In one embodiment of the invention, the spacer member extends from the abutment means adjacent the fastener aperture.

In another embodiment of the invention, vhe spacer member is a tubular member having a bore extending therethrough for accommodating the fastening means, the tubular member extending from the abutment means with the bore of the tubular member co-inciding with the fastener aperture and communicating therewith.

Advantageously, the abutment means comprises a plate member, one face of the plate member forming the abutment surface.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plate member terminates in a pair of opposite side edges, side brackets extending from the respective edges for embracing one of the first and second members.

Advantageously, grip means is provided on the jointing bracket for engaging one of the first and second members.

In one embodiment of the invention, the grip means is provided on the abutment surface of the plate member.

Advantageously, grip means are provided on opposite ends of the plate member for engaging a pair of first members for joining to the second member.

Preferably, the jointing bracket comprises the fastening means. Advantageously, the fastening means comprises a nut and bolt.

Additionally, the invention provides a first member and a second member joined together by the jointing bracket according to the invention.

Further, the invention provides a fence assembly comprising at least one upstanding fence post and at least one rail joined together by the jointing bracket according to the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, the abutment surface of the abutment means engages the rail and the free end of the spacer member terminates adjacent an opposite surface of the fence post. Preferably, the side brackets of the plate member embrace the rail.

Advantageously, the abutment surface on opposite ends of the fastener aperture abuts respective rails.

In one embodiment of the invention, each rail is of plastics material. Preferably, each rail is of fibreglass material, and advantageously, each rail is of tubular construction.

In another embodiment of the invention, each post is of plastics material. Preferably, each post is of fibreglass material. Advantageously, each post is of tubular construction.

Advantageously, each post and each rail is of rectangular cross section.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a fence assembly according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a sectional end elevational view of a joint of the fence assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a jointing bracket also according to the invention for use in the fence assembly of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a perspective view from a different direction of the jointing bracket of Fig. 3, and Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of portion of the fence assembly of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a fence assembly according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 comprising a plurality of first and second members, namely, a plurality of upstanding fence posts 2 supporting a plurality of rails 3 respectively. The rails 3 extend horizontally between the fence posts 2 and comprise a top rail 4 adjacent the top of the fence post 2 and an intermediate rail 5 extending intermediate the top rail and the ground. The rails 3 are secured to the fence posts 2 by jointing brackets also according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 8.

The fence posts 2 and rails 3 are of fibreglass material of hollow cross section, see Fig. 2. In general, the fence posts 2 would be of rectangular cross section, generally, 130 mm by 100 mm, while the rails 3 would also be of rectangular cross section of 100 mm by 50 mm.

Each jointing bracket 8 comprises an abutment means, in this case, a plate member 9 of steel having an abutment surface 10 for engaging a face, namely, a front face 11 of the rails 3. Side brackets 14 of steel extending on each of two opposite side edges 15 of the plate member 9 embrace the rails 3. A fastener aperture, namely, a bolt accommodating aperture 18 in the plate member 9 accommodates a fastening means, namely, a bolt 20 for securing a rail or rails 3 to a fence post 2. An elongated spacer member 22 formed by a tubular member of steel having a bore 23 extending therethrough extends from the abutment surface 10 of the plate member 9 for engaging holes 25 and 26 in a fence post 2 and a rail 3, respectively.The bore 23 of the spacer member 22 co-incides with the bolt accommodating aperture 18 so that the bore 23 of the spacer member 22 accommodates the bolt 20 extending through the bolt accommodating aperture 18. The spacer member 22 is of length just sufficient that a free end 27 terminates in an opposite face, namely, a rear face 28 of the fence post 2 to prevent crushing of the fence post 2 and the rail 3 on a nut 31 being tightened on the bolt 20. The bolt 20 comprises a head 29 which engages the plate member 9. A washer 30 is placed on the bolt 20 and abuts the free end 27 of the spacer member 22 and the rear face 28 of the fence post 2. The nut 31 tightens the washer 30 against the free end 27 of the spacer member 22 for securing the rail 3 to the fence post 2 while at the same time avoiding crushing or other damage being caused to the fence post 2 and the rail 3.

Grip means are provided on the abutment surface 10 of the plate member 9 adjacent opposite ends 32 for engaging the front face 11 of the rails 3. Each grip means comprises a plurality of barb type grip members 33 extending outwardly from the abutment surface 10 in a general direction towards the bolt accommodating aperture 18. The grip members 33 on engaging an end 34 of a rail 3 prevent the rail 3 slipping out between the jointing bracket 8 and the fence post 2. If desired, washers 35 may be provided between the rails 3 and the fence post 2 on the spacer members 22, see Fig. 2.

In use, to erect a fence assembly 1, the fence posts 2 are inserted upright in the ground at appropriately spaced intervals. The holes 25 and 26 are drilled through the fence posts 2 and rails 3, respectively, where a rail and fence post are to be joined together.

A jointing bracket 8 is engaged on the rail 3 by inserting the spacer member 22 through the hole 26 in the rail 3. The rail 3 and jointing bracket 8 are then offered up to the fence post 2 so that the spacer member 22 engages the hole 25 in the fence post 2. The spacer member 22 is pressed through the hole 25 until the free end 27 of the spacer member 22 substantially co-incides with the rear face 28 of the fence post 2.

The bolt 20 is passed through the bolt accommodating aperture 18 and the bore 23 of the spacer member 22. A washer 30 is placed on the bolt 20 adjacent the free end 27 of the spacer member 22. The nut 31 is then screwed onto the bolt 20. The nut 31 is tightened until the nut 31 tightly clamps the washer 30 against the free end 27 of the spacer member 22. As the nut 31 is tightened, the grip members 33 engage the front face 11 of the rail 3 thereby tightly gripping the rail 3 between the jointing bracket 8 and the fence post 2.

Should it be desired to provide a washer 35 between the rail 3 and fence post 2, the washer 35 is mounted on the spacer member 22 as the rail 3 and jointing bracket 8 is being offered up to the fence post 2.

Where it is desired to join two rails 3 to a fence post 2 with the ends 34 of the rails 3 adjacent each other and adjacent the fence post 2, the spacer member 22 is passed between the adjacent ends 34 of the rails 3 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5, see joint A. The spacer member 22 is then passed through the hole 25 in the fence post 2. The washer 30 and nut 31 are placed on the bolt 20 and tightened as already described. The fact that the grip members 33 extend into the front face 11 of the rails 3 secures the rails 3 between the jointing bracket 8 and the fence post 2. Thus, there is relatively no danger of the ends 34 of the rails 3 disengaging either the fence post 2 or the jointing bracket 8.

The advantages of the invention are many, however, one of the most important advantages of the invention is that it permits a relatively tight and secure joint to be made between a rail and a fence post, or between rails and a fence post as the case may be, while at the same avoiding any danger of distortion, crushing or destruction of the rail and fence post adjacent the joint.

While the jointing bracket has been described as comprising a pair of side brackets, if desired, in certain circumstances the side brackets may be dispensed with altogether. Further, it will be appreciated that other suitable spacer members besides a tubular spacer member may be provided. Indeed, it is also envisaged in certain cases that the spacer member need not be adjacent the bolt aperture. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by providing the spacer member as a tubular member coinciding with the bolt aperture provides a relatively strong, robust and secure jointing bracket. It also provides for relatively simple and easy assembly.

While the plate member of the jointing bracket has been described as being of particular shape and construction, a plate member of any shape and construction having an abutment surface may be used.

Needless to say, any other abutment means may be used, besides a plate member.

Further, it will be appreciated that the washers may be dispensed with, and other nuts and bolts may be used, or other fastening means besides a nut and bolt may also be used if desired.

Where a nut and bolt is used, it will be appreciated that the bolt head may engage the free end of the spacer member while the nut would engage the plate member.

While the jointing bracket has been described for joining a rail or rails to a fence post of a fence assembly, it will be readily apparent that the jointing bracket may be used for joining any other two or more members together.

While the fence assembly has been described as comprising fence posts and rails of fibreglass material, the fence posts and rails may be of any other material, for example, any other suitable plastics material, or indeed, the fence posts and rails may be of timber. Where the fence posts are of fibreglass material or a plastics material, it is not essential that they be of hollow tubular construction. They may be of any other construction, and needless to say, it will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the fence posts and rails to be of rectangular cross section, they may be of any other suitable or desired cross section.

Needless to say, the jointing bracket may be of any other suitable material besides steel. For example, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the jointing bracket may be of plastics material or the like.

Claims

1. A jointing bracket for securing a first member to a second member, the jointing bracket comprising an abutment means having an abutment surface for abutting one face of one of the first and second members and a fastener aperture extending through the abutment means for accommodating a fastening means for securing the first and second members together, an elongated spacer member extending from the abutment surface of the abutment means for, in use, extending through the first and second members, and terminating in a free end adjacent an opposite face of the other of the first and second members for engaging the fastening means for preventing distortion of the first and second members on tightening of the fastening means.

2. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 1 in which the spacer member extends from the abutment means adjacent the fastener aperture.

3. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the spacer member is a tubular member having a bore extending therethrough for accommodating the fastening means, the tubular member extending from the abutment means with the bore of the tubular member coinciding with the fastener aperture and communicating therewith.

4. A jointing bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in which the abutment means comprises a plate member, one face of the plate member forming the abutment surface.

5. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 4 in which the plate member terminates in a pair of opposite side edges, side brackets extending from the respective edges for embracing one of the first and second members.

6. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 4 or 5 in which grip means is provided on the jointing bracket for engaging one of the first and second members.

7. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 6 in which the grip means is provided on the abutment surface of the plate member.

8. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 6 or 7 in which grip means are provided on opposite ends of the plate member for engaging a pair of first members for joining to the second member.

9. A jointing bracket as claimed in any of Claims 6 to 8 in which each grip means comprises at least one barb type member extending outwardly from the abutment surface in a general direction towards the fastener aperture.

10. A jointing bracket as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the fastening means.

11. A jointing bracket as claimed in Claim 10 in which the fastening means comprises a nut and bolt.

12. A jointing bracket substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

13. A first member and a second member joined together by the jointing bracket according to any of Claims 1 to 12.

14. A fence assembly comprising at least one upstanding fence post and at least one rail joined together by the jointing bracket of any of Claims 1 to 13.

15. A fence assembly as claimed in Claim 14 in which the abutment surface of the abutment means engages the rail and the free end of the spacer member terminates adjacent an opposite surface of the fence post.

16. A fence assembly as claimed in Claim 14 or 15 in which the side brackets of the plate member embrace the rail.

17. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 16 in which the abutment surface on opposite ends of the fastener aperture abuts respective rails.

18. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 17 in which each rail is of plastics material.

19. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 18 in which each rail is of fibreglass material.

20. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 19 in which each rail is of tubular construction.

21. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 20 in which each post is of plastics material.

22. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 21 in which each post is of fibreglass material.

23. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 22 in which each post is of tubular construction.

24. A fence assembly as claimed in any of Claims 14 to 23 in which each post and each rail is of rectangular cross section.

25. A fence assembly substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.