GB2523343A - Post brace - Google Patents

Abstract

The coupling, bracket, tie or brace for a strut or post 12 with a mounting or capture member 41 and incorporating a reception throat. The coupling also includes provision for mutual entrainment and some way of allowing either positional adjustment or angular articulation. The coupling may include an open sided/splayed jaw, yoke or cuff member 42. The coupling may include a closed box (22, Figure 3A). The angular articulation may be as a result of a split hinge pivot 46. The coupling may include a pair of helical strip members intertwined (Figure 17B). The coupling may include a resilient spring grip throat (Figure 18A).

Description

Post Brace This invention relates to couplings or brackets for joining, supporting and bracing posts, struts or frames. A particular application is post and wire perimeter fencing.

Variants have a wider role for mutual interconnection, location and bracing of frame elements in space frames, including timber structures where direct joints, such as complementary profiling of mutually abutting surfaces and fastenings, such as nails, screws or bolts, might be used, but which could be supplemented or substituted altogether by a prefabricated joint. In the present disclosure, fencing is present as a prime example use as a basis for a wider frame element intercouple role. A besoke joint is time consumhng and expensive, whereas a prefbricated coupling could be cheapaer and quicker to installl.

Background

For long fencing runs, post and wire fencing is popular as more economic and stock-proof than, say, post and rail timber fencing. ConstructionaHy, an upper Ienson wro is typcaIy stretched generafly hodzoniafly, or at east foflowing oca underying ground contours, between the upper ends ci upright posts set at ntervas, and from which a mesh fence can be suspended. ntermedia!e posts may be used to brace and support the mesh between man tension wre supports.

The atera tenson loads are such as to requfte bracing of at east the posts supporting the opposite ends of a run. A diagona post s typcafly used for this, sot frito the ground a! one end along the fence run, and fastened to an end uprãght post nterrnediate ts fuU hoght. A corner end post is subject to tension oads from different direeflons so its bracing s a special challenge.

n the tradtionah post brace nstaflation, an mprovised ad hoc cut and wedge pnt s often Lised for the upper end of the dagonaI post to upright post abutment, a!ong with a suppernenfary naiL screw or boll faster To keep the respectve post ejements fl pOSIIOfl.

Generally, a prehmnary ho!e s dug, wfth a grass turf sod removed or prised up, an nclined pIot ho!e struck, posfflby just using the pole useR as a drver and a bradng post end inserted + brought down upon the target updght post to he braced. The upper brace post end s protHed manuafly. Ony when there s secure wedged contact between dagona and upright s a rrutua fastener (nafi) driven ri The sod can be replaced and tamped back for a neat appearance.

For close contormal upright and brace post mutual tace or recessed notch intertit, the brace post can be given a modest end taper and incinod end face truncaflon and the upright post given a modest recess or stepped notch n which the brace post end s desftaby a snug nested nierfit.

Post shaping involves an niormaP chamfer saw cut made by guesstimate for an indeterminate brace ang'e before final instaflaflon and so does not exaciiy abut and fastener spike dr!ven through an uncertain jthnt.

Intrusion into the post or brace body penetrates any surface protective treatment and exposeshe core to water ingress with risk of accelerated rot and decay so an informal dab of preservative is usuafly appiled. it also marginaliy weakens the post fabric and structural integrity. The traditional method of manually siting.

fitting and fixing brace posts is awkward, time-consuming and of unpredictable and variable outcome.

Prior Art

US 814,403 Smith shows a demountable bolt-on diagonal brace for a metal fence post system;the brace spans between respectwe top and bottom ends of successive posts. US 3674243 Brown shows an end bracket for a horizontal fence rail with provision for a diagonal wire brace. Neither provide an effective solution for mutually bracing timber posts.

Statement of Invention

A coupling, joint, brace or support bracket for an (elongate) post, pole, bar, brace, strut, spar, beam, tie or frame element comprises respective post (surface) contact and/or profile or cross-section capture member, with provision for mutuai entrainment, such as a pivot or interlink, whilst allowing some relative positional adjustment and/or angular articulaUon.

A post or strut, etc could be an element for ioading in compression, tension or bending. The coupling could similarly be used for load transfer, which can be re-directed upon coupling articulation. A straight or profiled member, such as an elbow or crank arm, could be used.

The coupling can feature a plurality, in particular dual, coupling limbs or members, for respective posts or struts. A Umb can be configured as an open-sided throat, splayed-jaw, yoke or cuff. convenient for post capture and retention at or intermediate post ends. An alternative closed stub tube or box can be employed to enshroud a post end.

Coupling members can he discrete, coupled, demountable or permanently coupled, such as by a hinge or pivot. The intercouple or interlink for mutual entrainment of members and thus any posts upon which they are fitted, admits of variation. A captive hinge, with pivot pin in between respective sleeves or collars, is one convenient closed or permanently coupled format. An alternative would be a loose intercouple of initially discrete members. A hinge pivot intercouple allows relative dispositional and angular adjustment, and provision for fastening or fixing.

A particular example role is in timber lence constructior, such as post bracing where an upright post or stake, stood with one lower end in the ground, is braced laterally by a laterally offset diagonal post set at one upper end intermediate the upright height. but generally above a mid-point or between mid-point and top and the lower end set in the ground somewhat spaced from the ground penetration of the upright post.

Embodiments There now foflows a description of some particular embodiments of the invention, by way of supporting example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic and schematic drawings, in which diverse variants of post capture, wrap or enfold and entrainment for mutual articulation are depicted, with the emphasis upon simplicity of overafi form and fijnction, hut retaining scope for local elaboration and refinement of elements, in the context of fencing, thus: Figures IA through 1K show a hinged tube couphng bracket 20, with one hinge element configured as a flat back plate 21 for surface mounting on one (upright) post, and another hinge element configured as a hollow (cyhndrical or rectangular) stub tube, sleeve or collar 22, closed at one end and open at the other, for (diagonal) brace post end capture, mounting and restraint by insertion in an end aperture 23; a hinge pivot 241s set between the tube closed edge rim and a pivot axis transverse the plate adjacent one edge: more specfficaliy Figure IA shows a 3D perspective view of a hinged tube coupling, with tube element set perpendicular to a mounting back plate, which has apertures 26 at its corners to receive and locate mounting fasteners (not shown), such as nails, screws or coach bolts, into a post body; this allows either the plate to be fitted and secured either before or alter insertion of a (diagonal brace) post in the stub tube; the mounting plate can he foreshortened and the hing disposition varied: with the hinge itself a simple collar or sleeve and slack inserted pin or rod; Figure I B shows the bracket coupiing of Figure IA with back plate pivoted to lie aiongsde the stub tube; to reveal the closed tube end and closed hinge sleeves; this could also be an initial installation disposition by exposing the upper fastener mounting apertures: Figure IC shows a perspective view of a coupling of Fgures IA and B deployed for fence post bracing, with back plate fitted to an upright corner post 12, and stub tube open lower end juxtaposed with a diagonal brace post 13 as an end capture element; a rectangular section upright post is shown by way of example, but round sections could be used with either a flat or complementary profiled plate; Figure ID shows the coupling 20 of Figure IC with diagonal brace post 13 upper end inserted into the stub tube cup aperture 23 for end capture: the opposite lower end (not shown) of the brace post 13 can be wedged into the ground either with or without a preparatory mounting hole or trench; alternatively, the turned-over and/or reinforced plate could be used as an impact buffer head for driving the brace post 13 into the ground, either upright before canting over into a diagonal or at a preparatory slant nearer the eventual bracing angle; generally a free pivot hinge 24 intercoupie allows modest positional adjustment and relative articulation of upright post and diagonal brace post; post faces or ends could be given an addtional protective coating against moisture and weathering: the bracket couphng itself could also have a preparatory protecfive coating of say red oxide primer or zinc qalvanising as a corrosion inhibitor; a demountable end closure, cover plate or cap couki be employed for the post capture stub tube; a fufi depth, truncated or foreshortened mounting pate, with a variable number of fastener reception apertures can be employed; fastener driving access beneath a post capture shroud tube or collar can be awkward when canted down, but it has been found from experience that using only upper fasteners may suffice; similarly the hinge disposition on a back plate admits of variation along with the depth of a post tube; Figure 1 E shows a side elevation of different back plate to post shroud tube hinge positions from a lower edge to intermediate; Figure 1 F shows a side elevation of different depth post shroud tubes; a slit tube variant allows expansion or contraction for different post sizes, although a slack' fit can be tolerated; Figure IG shows a sectional view clan articulated coupiing and slack or generous tolerance post-toW capture tube interfit, along with an optional end driving, location and friction retention spike; Figure 1 H shows a side elevation of a post snd wire fencing run, with respective diagonal brace posts set between upright end posts for an intervening overall wire post run of indefinite length, but with an indicative intermediate support post; a typical span between uprights might be 3-5 metres; Figure 11 shows a side elevation of a horizontal transverse rail or bar fence variant of Figure 1 H. with coupling brace deployed at various distributed junctions or interfaces, to allow both horizontal post rails and diagonal post brace to both uprights and transfers post runs; Figure IJ shows a multiple splayed tube limb upon a common back plate; Figure IM shows a staggered tube cluster upon a common back plate; alternatively, mounting plates could be waisted (say tapered or triangular) for mutual juxtaposition, or overlaid for securing with a common (perhaps single) fastener: Figure IN shows respective hinged tubes upon respective tnangular tapered back plate portions; Figure 10 shows a telescopic sleeve or tube: Figures 2A through 2B show a hinged box coupling variant of Figures 1A through 1 D round tube coupling.

with a hollow rectangular, in particular square, brace post end capture; more specifically Figure 2A shows a 3D perspective view of a coupling with hinge closed', that is back mounting plate turned over upon the tube closed end wafl; the plate is again provided with apertures for reception and location of rrountnq fasteners to secure the bracket to an upright post: Figure 2B shows a 3D perspective view of a coupling of Figure 2A with hinge open, that is back mounting plate swung backwards to reveal the dosed box end and allow access to fastener mounting apertures; Figures 3A through 30 show a hinged box coupling of Figure 2A and 2B, with internai jagged tooth or serrated wedge fastening' friction and penetrative gripping jaw plates or strakes 39 set within an end capture tube 22; more specifically Figure 3A shows a 3D perspective view of a coupling with internal strakes 30 set generaDy perpendicular to internal box wall faces, with a profile to facilitate post end driving insertion as the teeth dig into a post wall in the manner of coarse tooth protile saw cut blades, but to resist withdrawal as the teeth tend to dig in; Figure 3B shows cros&section of the box coupling of Figure 3A juxtaposed with an end of a brace post 13: Figure 30 shows a subsequent stage of fitment of the box coupling of Figure 3A. with a brace post inserted and secured by serrated teeth digging into the post end body; Figures 4A through 40 show a variant of the box coupling of Figure 2A with internal spring tang grip 31 within end capture element; the tang is show on one internal face of box 22 as local intnjsions in cup aperture 23 section, hut could be repeated on other faces; more specifically...

Figure 4A shows a 3D perspective view of coupling with an inwardly-intrualve profiled spring wedge internal friction grip tang 31; Figure 4B shows a cross-section of the coupling of Figure 4A juxtaposed with a brace post 13 end; Figure 40 showa a cross-section of the coupling of Figure 4A with a brace post end inserted and secured by spring grip; the spring profile allows box removal without undue post surface damage; Figures 5A through 5D show a split post coupling 40 ot demountable discrete individual yoke or cuff profile coupling members 41, 42, with respective complementary profile interlink portions 43, for mutual entrainment at a generally preset relative angular disposition; hut allowing for some local adjustment by applied bending force; more specifically Figure 5A shows a 3D perspective view of mutually juxtaposed open or splayed jaw, throat. cup or yoke coupling membera, with a serrated face male locking tab upatand of one coupling member (for a diagonal bracing post) offered up in mutually alignment ready for insertion, with a complementary profile reception aperture or slot in another companion open jaw coupling member (for an uphght post); the male tab has face serrations for interfit and interlock with the reception slot, with an optional complementary facc-profile; Figure SB shows a 3D perspective view of a variant of Figure 5A. with an open-sided location indent in the other coupling; this would be easier to fahricte, by say stamping or pressing; Figure 50 shows a side elevation of the yoke coupling of Figure 5k with diagonal bracing post inserted into one yoke coupling member and supported thereby as a yoke or saddle and the other coupling member juxtaposed with the top end of an upright post; the respective locating tang and slot mutually aligned ready For mutual entrainment; Figure SD shows a subsequent step to Figure SC with couplings mutually interfitted, to entrain respective (upright and diagonal brace) posts at a relaUve angular disposition reflecting the coupling prof He, but wth provi&on for informal local adjustment by applied bending force; the upright post is capture somewhat below its top end left clear for fence top wire (not shown) stringing and tensioning; the yoke or cuff arms or jaws could be provided with apertures (not shown) for (say. screw or nail fasteners) (not shown) to secure the coupling members to the respective posts: Figures GA through SF show variant demountable post yoke coupling brackets to those of Figures 5A through SD, but with insertion of a male coupling element from above rather than below; again either or both yokes could have apertures (not shown) for post iasteners more specifically Figure 6A shows a side elevation of juxtaposed coupling bracket members fitted to respective posts or struts 12, 13 juxtaposed in mutually splayed offset disposition; Figure 6B shows a subsequent stage to Figure GA, with coupling bracket members mutually interfitled by insertion of a male tab 43 into a recess 45 in the other bracket; Figure CC shows a local enlargement detail ot the mutual bracket alignment of Figure GA, showing a protruding locking and retention end lip 44 to the depending male insertion tab; Figure GD shows a subsequent nsertion stage to Figure GB with male locating and lockmg tang held captive in the female slot in the other coupling bracket; an optional fastener may be driven through aligned reception apertures (not shown) in the tang and slot oint; Figure 6E shows a variant of Figure 60 with a serrated tooth tab or tang profile and complementary internal reception aperture face profile in the other juxtaposed coupling bracket; Figure 6F shows a subsequent stage to FIgure 6E with tang fully inserted and locked; Figures 7A through 70 show a fabricated from flat strip bracket coupling; more specifically...

Figures 7A shows a plan view of a profiled tlat strip bracket 51 prior to folding; apertures 26 for fasteners (not shown) are incorporated along mutually splayed bracket arms 41 42 to be folded into two contiguous yokes or cuffs joined by a mid-span bridge 46; Figure 7B shows a 3D perspective view of the strip of Figure 7A folded nto a twin yoke form, with fastener apertures being omitted for simpUcity; Figure 70 shows a side elevation of Figure 7B with arms fitted to respective upright and diagonal posts or struts, in mutually splayed disposition; S Figures 8A through BC show yoke or cuff post capture couphng brackets mutually entrained by a hinge pivot; again fastener apertures are optional: more specifically Figure BA shows a 3D perspective view of a pair of yoke or cuff coupling bracket members, mutually entrained by a closed format or permanent hinge; Figure BB shows a variant of Figure BA with a loose or slack open and so demountable or severable binge; Figure 80 shows a side elevation of the mutually hinge members of Figure 8B, fitted to respective posts; Figures 9A through 90 show demountable post yoke or cuff capture fittings; more specifically Figure 9A shows a 3D perspective view of juxtaposed open-sided, splayed jaw, clasp capture or yoke members, one with a serrated face tab or tongue male upstand, the other with a complementary profile (flat or serrated) step recess or indent, with a reception aperture for a through-fastener (not shown); Figure 9B shows side elevation of mutually entrained members of Figure 9k fitted on respective posts or struts, in mutually splayed disposition, with one as a diagonal brace to the other stood upright; a generally horizontal transverse through-fastener (screw or bolt) 25 penetrates the oint and then on into one upright member: Figure 90 shows a variant of the brace mounting of Figure 9B, with a diagonal path through-fastener; Figures 1OA through 100 show variant demountable post yoke or cuff capture fitting variants of Figures 9A through SC; more specifically Figure bA shows a 3D perspective view of juxtaposed horseshoe open--sided, pre-formed cup--shaped yoke.

jaw or cuff members, one with protruding locating and threaded locking stem stud, the other with a complementary reception aperture; Figure lOB shows the members of Figure bOA mutually intercoupled with lock nut fitted to the locking stem; Figure lOG shows a side elevation of Figure lOB fitted to respective posts or struts in mutually splayed disposition: a Figures llAthrough hG show oose or &ack intercouple of demountable post yoke or cuff capture fittings; More specificafly Figure hA shows a 3D perspective view of juxtaposed clasp bracket coupling members with a split or open hinge interconnection with a male tab or tongue on one coupling member aligned beneath an open hinge pin carried by the other coupling member; Figure Ii B shows a successive view to Figure hA with coupling members mutually entrained by insertion and partial wrap of the male tab on the lower coupling member around the formerly exposed hinge pin of the other upper coupling member; Figure 1 IC shows a side elevation of the entrained members of Figure 118 fitted to respective upright and thagonal bracing posts or struts in mutually splayed dsposition; Figures 12A through 12C show variant loose or slack intercouple of demountable post yoke, clasp or cuff capture fittings to Figures llAthrough hG; more specifically Figure 12A shows a 3D perspective view of mutually juxtaposed pair open sided clasp members profiled for co-operative interlit, lhrough a male tab or tang on one member and a step recess or indent in the other member; Figure 12B shows a successive step to Figure 12A, with male tab of one member inserted into the recess in the other member; Figure 12C shows a side elevation of the mutually entrained members of Figure 128 fitted to respective splayed upright and diagonal bracing posts; Figures 13 through 18 show alternative loose or slack intercouple of demountable post yoke or cuff capture fittings; More specifically...

Figure 13 shows an open-sided yoke, splayed jaw or cuff pair of members 41,42, with a male mounting tab or tang extension 43 on one member for co-operative interf it and engagement with a female reception or location indent or recess 45 in another member; corresponding profile through-fastener (not shown) reception apertures 26 are provided in tab and recess; Figure 14 shows a variant of Figure 13 with a closed bounded slot on one member for more defined tab location arid retention; Figure 15 shows a variant of Figure 14 with an out-turned slot on one member protruding modesty out.ward to receive the tab on the other member for more comfortable or aligned mutual intedit: Figures 16 shows a variant of Figure IS with mounting slot in the face profile of one member, an arrangement which ends itseif to easier fabrication. such as by stamping or punching as a pressing; Figures 1 7A through I 70 show variant heHcal post capture and intertwine coupling bracket forms; the shape and proportion admit of considerable variation with a compromise between secure post mounting and location and economy of material; more specificafly Figure 17A shows a 3D perspective* Jew of a pair of loosely or partially intertwined helical strip members for post capture and interlink; again post fastener apertures are optional in the strip bodies; Figure 17B shows tha helical strips of Figure I 7A tided to respective posts, iniFally mutually juxtaposed to facilitate this; Figure 170 shows a subsequent step to Figure 178 with posts mutually splayed, hut still intercoupled at around mid-span, with a mutual (say nail, screw or stud) through-fastener option depicted in broken outline; Figure 17D shows a variant of Figure 1 7A with tapered or waisted slender mid-sections to respective helical strip members, with mutual intertwine or interlink at the mid-span narrower region, for greater relative freedom of movement, in particular relative articulation, such as required to hold and secure posts at a pronounced inciuded angle, say, of between circa 3&-60 degrees; Figure 18 shows a helical spring wrap strap post bracket, with a tapered or waisted throat to embrace a diversity of end post diamters and to allow progressively greater grip with increased depth of insertion; this suits a tapered spike post as commonly available, can accommodate a variety of post diameters of regular stock sizes and aflows some flexibility in post mounting; it also provides some useful resilient give or spring; mounting the helical spring wrap upon a hinged plate usefully allows horizontal disposition as a gate hinge and/or closure capture throat; although not shown, such helical wraps could be mounted back-to-back in opposition, as a bride coupiing or joint with some give; similarly a radial spoke cluster of spiral wrap post or bar reception sockets could be contrived; whilst a round section is convenient other pofoygonaf sections wraps could be contrived, such as rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal ate, by bending a strap through a succession of incremental folds rather than a continuous curvature; Figures 1 through 4 sequence represent rigid enclosed end sockets, of which the helical coil of Figure 18 represents a more flexible open lattice format. The open yokes of Figures 5 through 15 represent a more minimalist format, with a lacility to uncouple for ease of fabrication and assembly in the case of Figures 5, 6, 8 16. An extreme simplification of intertwined strands is reflected in Figure 17.

Ground spike mounted variants of the helical wrap strap are reflected in Figures 19A through IYH.

Figures 20A through 20F show variants helical mounted strap variants with Figures 21A through 210 show helical spring wrap strap post bracked insitu with a fence post.

Figure 22 shows a fence configuration with heHcai spring wraps Figures 23A through 23C show fence set up with with heVc spring wraps Figures 24A through 24D show fence post insertion into hehcal spring wraps Figures 25A through 25D show show fence post removal from heHcal spring wraps

Description of the drawings

The variants are generafly self explanatory from the illustrations and the individual drawing introductions. A broad categorisalion is of entrained arid demountable coupling bracket members. The bracket (capture) profile can be open yoke or cuff or closed box or tube. Similarly the mutual entrainment can be permanent or severable for ease of labrication and (dis)assenibiy. Features can be selectively mixed and matched. Thus closed and open coupling members could be employed with mutual entrainment. Similarly, a closed box or tube could he used for the top of an upright fence post as a protective top cap. Multiple arm couphngs could allow, say. a diagonal brace to opposite post sides. Bracing could be effected from more than one side by providing the upright post coupling with appropriate additional entrainment elements for respective diagonal brace posts. Thus, say, a two, three or four way brace could he achieved for a central upright stake post.

All the various backet couplings admit of local bending or forming by tamping adjustment for closer surface conformity with the respective local post profiles. The yoke or strip sizes, shapes and proportions admit of considerable variation to suit circumstances, and constraints such as post sizes and profiles available.

Fasteners could be driven through the material, local weakening, section size reduction) or apertures. The material section is desirably stiff enough to retain shape under loads experienced in operational use once installed, but conveniently somewhat malleable to allow positional adjustment in installation. The coupling bracket examples are designed for convenience of exposed site worldng, without specialist tools or fixtures, for rapid fence erection.

The examples have been developed in the context of fencing, but have wider applicability to Iramework elemental or member joints, such as for ease of constructon of pergolas, trellis, shelters, porches or coupling timber frame members generally.

Component List for convenience, generaUy corresponchng or equiva!ent parts are accorded the same references; corner & brace post istrainer assembiy 11 line post 12 corner post 13 brace post 14 fence wire diagonal brace wire coupng 21 back plate 22 brace post capture element 23 cup/cyHnder 24 hinge screw / bolt fastening 26 Iastenng aperture ratchet teeth 31 spring-form grip coupling 41 corner post fastening element 42 brace post fastening element 43 interlocking hinge