US20180135330A1

US20180135330A1 - Methods and Systems for Providing an Accessible Fence Gate with Efficient Separability of Fencing Railing from Support Posts

Info

Publication number: US20180135330A1
Application number: US15/815,285
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott A. Lee
Original assignee: Innovative Fencing Products
Current assignee: Innovative Fencing Products
Priority date: 2016-11-16
Filing date: 2017-11-16
Publication date: 2018-05-17

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide novel support brackets that can be utilized in existing fencing systems to convert at least part of a fence into an invisible gate. A support bracket may include, but is not limited to, a solid planar backing, a u-shaped fence railing holder, at least one collateral rib on each side of a fence railing holder, and perhaps even at least four guide projections on a back of a support bracket.

Description

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/423,050 filed on Nov. 16, 2016, said application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many types of fencing brackets have been used in the past such as for use to attach a fence railing to a building or even for use to attach a fence railing to a fence post. It may be important to use a fencing bracket system which may allow conversion of a secured fence into a type of gate where secured railings may be removed such as to form a type of gate.
The present invention, in its various embodiments, recognizes and addresses this issue and other problems by providing bracket systems which have efficient and easy installation, are able to secure railings to a post perhaps while also allowing efficient separability of railings from the posts when desirable to open the fence as a gate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses methods and systems for efficient separability of secured fencing railing from support posts.
It is therefore broadly an object of the present invention to provide improved methods and apparatus for brackets with fencing and fencing posts.
Another object of the present invention may include, in embodiments, easy installation of a bracket to a fencing post, perhaps even a fencing post that is pre-routed (cut out to accept fence sections) line post.
Yet another object of the present invention may include, in embodiments, a bracket system that provides securely removable attachment of a fence railing to a fence post.
Naturally, further objects, goals and embodiments of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, claims, and figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following descriptions and referenced drawings are for selected embodiments of the present invention. Naturally, changes may be made to the disclosed embodiments while still falling within the scope and spirit of the present invention and the patent granted to its inventors.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a fencing system in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a fencing post in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an example support bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an example front view of a support bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an example bottom view of a support bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example side view of a support bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an example back view of a support bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an alternative embodiment of a support bracket in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an example of an end of a railing attached to a support bracket which is then attached to a fence post in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an end of a railing attached to a support bracket having hole therein perhaps for a gate engagement which is then attached to a fence post in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a non-limiting example of a gate engagement in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention includes a variety of aspects, which may be combined in different ways. The following descriptions are provided to list elements and describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. These elements are listed with initial embodiments; however, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The variously described examples and embodiments should not be construed to limit the present invention to only the explicitly described systems, techniques, and applications. Further, this description should be understood to support and encompass descriptions and claims of all the various embodiments, systems, techniques, methods, devices, and applications with any number of the disclosed elements, with each element alone, and also with any and all various permutations and combinations of all elements in this or any subsequent application.
The present invention may provide a bracket system (perhaps called the Invisi-Gate™ bracket) that may be designed to support fence type rails securely perhaps while allowing the rail to be removed easily such as to utilize the space between posts for walk/drive through access.
The present invention may provide a method for converting part of a fence to a gate comprising the steps of: providing a fence having at least one fence post and at least one railing attached to said fence post via a railing connector opening in said fence post; removing an end of said at least one railing out of said railing connector opening in said fence post to expose said railing connector opening; providing a support bracket having a solid planar backing, a u-shaped fence railing holder, and at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; aligning said support bracket over said railing connector opening of said fence post utilizing at least four guide projections on a back side of said solid planar backing; wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned projecting away from said fence post; and wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned so that an opening of said u-shape fence railing holder is above a closed portion of said u-shaped fence railing holder; attaching said support bracket to said fence post with at least one attachment; placing said end of said at least one railing above said u-shaped fence railing holder; engaging said end of said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder; supporting said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder and said at least one collateral rib on said each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; and perhaps even providing a capability to remove and replace said end of said at least one railing from said support bracket of said fence post.
Embodiments of the present invention may also provide a method for converting part of a fence to a gate comprising the steps of: providing a fence having at least one fence post and at least one railing attached to said fence post via a railing connector opening in said fence post; removing an end of said at least one railing out of said railing connector opening in said fence post to expose said railing connector opening; providing a support bracket having a solid planar backing, a u-shaped fence railing holder, and at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; placing said end of said at least one railing into said support bracket; aligning said support bracket over said railing connector opening of said fence post utilizing at least four guide projections on a back side of said solid planar backing; attaching said support bracket with said railing engaged in said support bracket to said fence post with at least one attachment; supporting said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder and said at least one collateral rib on said each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; and perhaps even providing a capability to remove and replace said end of said at least one railing from said support bracket of said fence post.
In embodiments, the present invention may provide a convertible fence-to-gate bracket comprising: a support bracket having a solid planar backing and a u-shaped fence railing holder; at least four guide projections on a back of said solid planar backing configured to align said support positioned over a railing connector opening of a fence post; wherein said railing connector opening in said fence post is configured to allow a fence railing to be placed therein; and wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is configured to accept and support an end of a fence railing; at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; and perhaps even at least one attachment configured to attach said support to said fence post.
Embodiments of the present invention may include a support bracket (6) which may be used to convert part of a fence (1), such as a ranch and field fencing, into a gate. A fence (1) may have fence posts (2) and railings (3) such as those shown in FIG. 1. Some fencing systems provide fence posts that may be hollow with at least one railing connector opening (4) where a railing can be inserted and even attached into the fence post (2) via a railing connector opening (4) such as shown in FIG. 2. As such, a railing connector opening (4) may be configured to allow an end of a fence railing to be placed therein. A support bracket may be attached to a fence post (2) perhaps by first removing an end (5) of a railing (3) out of a railing connector opening (4) to expose the railing connector opening (4). Then, the support bracket may be attached to the fence post. A support bracket may be installed in a vertical (22) or even a horizontal (23) position.
A support bracket (6) may have a solid planar backing (7), a railing holder (8), and perhaps even at least one guide projection (10). A solid planar backing (7) may be any shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, and the like. A railing holder (8) of a support bracket (6) may be a support and perhaps even a holder for an end (5) of a railing (3). In some embodiments, a fence railing holder (8) may be a u-shaped fence railing holder as shown in FIG. 3. Of course, any shape may be used as a railing holder and all are meant to be included in this disclosure. FIG. 4 provides a non-limiting example of a u-shaped fence railing holder which may be configured to accept and support an end (5) of a railing (3) such as shown in FIG. 9. FIGS. 5 and 6 provide an end view and a side view, respectively, of a non-limiting example of a u-shaped fence railing holder.
In an embodiment, a support bracket may be positioned onto a fence post so that a u-shaped fence railing holder may be positioned projecting away (12) from a fence post, such as shown in FIG. 9. An opening (13) of a u-shaped fence railing holder may be positioned above a closed portion (14) of a u-shaped fence railing holder. In other embodiments, a support bracket or even a u-shaped fence railing holder may be positioned so that an opening of said u-shape fence railing holder may be adjacent to a closed portion of said u-shaped fence railing holder. In a non-limiting example, a support bracket or even a u-shaped fence railing holder may be positioned in a vertical position (22) or perhaps even a horizontal position (23).
In embodiments of the present invention, a support bracket may be attached to a fence post with at least one attachment (15). As such, an attachment may be configured to attach a support bracket to a fence post. An attachment may be any kind of securement to attach a support bracket to a fence post including, but not limited to, mounting screws, nails, rivets, bolts, glue, staples, or the like. For example, an attachment (15) may include at least one opening in a solid planar backing (7) of a support bracket, such as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, where a securement may be placed such as a nail or mounting screw. Embodiments of the present invention may provide several attachments such as at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or more openings in a solid planar backing where securements may be installed. Embodiments of the present invention may provide a broad base with perhaps about six (6) mounting holes such as to provide secure attachment to vinyl or other wall material including thin wall materials or the like. This may be due to a large number of attachment points, such as six or more or less, and even a wide distance between attachment points. In embodiments, a bracket support may provide a broad base that may provide an ability to cover post damage perhaps in the event an opening becomes damaged or compromised or the like.
In some embodiments, the present invention may provide at least one guide projection (10) perhaps located on a back (11) of a solid planar backing (7). FIG. 7 provides a non-limiting example showing at least four guide projections (10) on a back side (11) of a support bracket. Guide projections may be placed on a back of a support bracket so that they may match dimensions of a standard 1½″×5½″ rail post hole. Of course, other sizing may be used. The guide projections may be configured to align a support bracket over a railing connector opening in a fence post. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide projections may be placed at the four corners where the back side (11) of a support bracket may align with a railing connector opening (4). When installed into an existing post hole, they may provide exact bracket alignment for a proper rail position perhaps as well as distributing a weight of the rail directly to the wall of the post. This may greatly reduce the direct weight supported by the mounting screws. In some embodiments, guide projections may be designed to be as short as possible which may allow a bracket to be mounted securely to a flat surface and provide a universal mount. In some embodiments, these may be called nipples that may be found on a back of a bracket. There may be about four nipples or there may be at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, more than one, more than two, or the like. It may guide the bracket into hole in the post which may allow an installer to install the bracket perhaps with no measuring the height of the rail. This may allow each rail to be even every time a bracket may be installed.
In an alternative embodiment, a support bracket may be attached to a fence post that does not have a railing connector opening where a support bracket may or may not have guide projections. In some embodiments, guide projections may be shallow perhaps to allow a support bracket to be mounted onto a solid surface.
In embodiments, the present invention may provide at least one support such as a collateral rib (9) perhaps on each side (20) of said u-shaped fence railing holder as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. More than one collateral rib (9) may be provided perhaps even at least two collateral ribs on each side of a fence railing holder or more. A collateral rib (9) may provide a side wall support reinforcement which may ensure that a support bracket maintains shape integrity, may maximize side load strength and may perhaps even improve durability. A collateral rib may be straight, triangular, diagonal, curved, or the like. Other types of reinforcements may be provided and may include at least one brace, as least two braces, at least three braces, at least four braces, or more may be provided in certain embodiments.
Once a support bracket may be attached to a fence post, a railing may be placed in the bracket perhaps by engaging an end (5) of a railing with a u-shaped fence railing holder. The support bracket can then support the end of a railing which can also be supported by at least one collateral rib as discussed above. In some embodiments, a railing may be placed into a support bracket by locating the railing above a support bracket and sliding the railing therein. Alternatively, a railing may be located in front of a support bracket and slide into the railing. A support bracket may be support a railing in both horizontal and vertical planes perhaps without any additional mechanical intervention. A railing can be supported by a support bracket and fence railing holder when such support bracket or even a fence railing holder may be in a vertical or even horizontal position. An attached support bracket to a fence railing may provide a capability of allowing easy removal and replacement of an end of a railing to and from the support bracket. This may in turn provide a way to open fence railings perhaps providing a gate in the fencing.
For example, in opening a gate in a fence one may remove an end (5) of a railing from a support bracket (6), remove an opposite end (17) of the railing from a railing connector opening in an adjacent fence post (18); and may even place the railing aside. In closing a gate in a fence, one may place the opposite end (17) of a railing in a railing connector opening (4) in an adjacent fence post (18); and may even place the other end (5) of a railing in a support bracket. In embodiments, a support bracket may be placed at both fence posts supporting the railing.
Some embodiments of the present invention may provide for securing a fence railing to a support bracket. A gate engagement (16) may be provided which may be configured to secure an end of fence railing to a support bracket. A gate engagement (16) may be a pin, a locking element, lock, nail, chain, wire, rivet, bolt, clip, rod (such as shown in FIG. 11), metal rod, cable, or the like. In embodiments, a hole may be drilled through a support bracket and perhaps even the railing so that a gate engagement can pass through the bracket and railing to secure the two together. For example, a hole (21) is shown on a side (20) of a u-shaped fence railing holder in FIGS. 6, 8 and 10. When a fence railing may be supported in a support bracket, one may drill a hole through each side (20) of a u-shaped fence railing holder and through a railing which may provide an opening to which a gate engagement can be placed. This feature may allow a rail to be secured directly to the fence post perhaps using a paddle lock or even latching securement which may even eliminate unintended separation yet may allow simple and quick disconnection for easy safe removal.
In embodiments, a bracket may be constructed of injection molded type material which may match physical properties of popular PVC fencing materials and can be color matched to many popular fencing materials or the like. A bracket for rails may be used with any material to secure the rail to a post or wall each of those may be made of any material. In embodiments, a bracket system may allow rails to move freely and may have gate characteristics for easy access such as for any traffic needed to pass through this gate. A bracket system, in embodiments, may provide rails to become more secure and can even be made secured with a securement fastener or the like such as while gate is not in use. This may allow better security and may even allow easy mobility if the gate function is ever needed. A bracket system may fit into existing rail holes in the post and may not only fill in the gap, but may also instantly make a gate. A securement fastener may secure each rail as it goes through the bracket as well as through the rail. A bracket, in embodiments, may be used as a mount, security, gate access, or the like.
As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. It involves both bracket techniques as well as devices to accomplish the appropriate bracket. In this application, the bracket techniques are disclosed as part of the results shown to be achieved by the various devices described and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They are simply the natural result of utilizing the devices as intended and described. In addition, while some devices are disclosed, it should be understood that these not only accomplish certain methods but also can be varied in a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all of these facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.
The discussion included in this application is intended to serve as a basic description. The reader should be aware that the specific discussion may not explicitly describe all embodiments possible; many alternatives are implicit. It also may not fully explain the generic nature of the invention and may not explicitly show how each feature or element can actually be representative of a broader function or of a great variety of alternative or equivalent elements. Again, these are implicitly included in this disclosure. Where the invention is described in device-oriented terminology, each element of the device implicitly performs a function. Apparatus claims may not only be included for the device described, but also method or process claims may be included to address the functions the invention and each element performs. Neither the description nor the terminology is intended to limit the scope of the claims that will be included in any subsequent patent application.
It should also be understood that a variety of changes may be made without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. They still fall within the scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both the explicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternative embodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like are encompassed by this disclosure and may be relied upon when drafting the claims for any subsequent patent application. It should be understood that such language changes and broader or more detailed claiming may be accomplished at a later date (such as by any required deadline) or in the event the applicant subsequently seeks a patent filing based on this filing. With this understanding, the reader should be aware that this disclosure is to be understood to support any subsequently filed patent application that may seek examination of as broad a base of claims as deemed within the applicant's right and may be designed to yield a patent covering numerous aspects of the invention both independently and as an overall system.
Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claims may also be achieved in a variety of manners. Additionally, when used or implied, an element is to be understood as encompassing individual as well as plural structures that may or may not be physically connected. This disclosure should be understood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of an embodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment, or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, it should be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of the invention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalent apparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result is the same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should be considered to be encompassed in the description of each element or action. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressed as a means for taking that action or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each physical element disclosed should be understood to encompass a disclosure of the action which that physical element facilitates. Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of a “securement” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “securing”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of “securing”, such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a “securement” and even a “means for securing.” Such changes and alternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description. Further, each such means (whether explicitly so described or not) should be understood as encompassing all elements that can perform the given function, and all descriptions of elements that perform a described function should be understood as a non-limiting example of means for performing that function.
Any patents, publications, or other references mentioned in this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference. Any priority case(s) claimed by this application is hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with a broadly supporting interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition are hereby incorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed an information statement filed with the application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated by reference, however, as to each of the above, to the extent that such information or statements incorporated by reference might be considered inconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) such statements are expressly not to be considered as made by the applicant(s).
Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to have support to claim and make a statement of invention to at least: i) each of the bracket devices as herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative designs which accomplish each of the functions shown as are disclosed and described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) each system, method, and element shown or described as now applied to any specific field or devices mentioned, x) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, xi) an apparatus for performing the methods described herein comprising means for performing the steps, xii) the various combinations and permutations of each of the elements disclosed, xiii) each potentially dependent claim or concept as a dependency on each and every one of the independent claims or concepts presented, and xiv) all inventions described herein.
With regard to claims whether now or later presented for examination, it should be understood that for practical reasons and so as to avoid great expansion of the examination burden, the applicant may at any time present only initial claims or perhaps only initial claims with only initial dependencies. The office and any third persons interested in potential scope of this or subsequent applications should understand that broader claims may be presented at a later date in this case, in a case claiming the benefit of this case, or in any continuation in spite of any preliminary amendments, other amendments, claim language, or arguments presented, thus throughout the pendency of any case there is no intention to disclaim or surrender any potential subject matter. It should be understood that if or when broader claims are presented, such may require that any relevant prior art that may have been considered at any prior time may need to be re-visited since it is possible that to the extent any amendments, claim language, or arguments presented in this or any subsequent application are considered as made to avoid such prior art, such reasons may be eliminated by later presented claims or the like. Both the examiner and any person otherwise interested in existing or later potential coverage, or considering if there has at any time been any possibility of an indication of disclaimer or surrender of potential coverage, should be aware that no such surrender or disclaimer is ever intended or ever exists in this or any subsequent application. Limitations such as arose in Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, 479 F.3d 1313 (Fed. Cir 2007), or the like are expressly not intended in this or any subsequent related matter. In addition, support should be understood to exist to the degree required under new matter laws—including but not limited to European Patent Convention Article 123(2) and United States Patent Law 35 USC 132 or other such laws—to permit the addition of any of the various dependencies or other elements presented under one independent claim or concept as dependencies or elements under any other independent claim or concept. In drafting any claims at any time whether in this application or in any subsequent application, it should also be understood that the applicant has intended to capture as full and broad a scope of coverage as legally available. To the extent that insubstantial substitutes are made, to the extent that the applicant did not in fact draft any claim so as to literally encompass any particular embodiment, and to the extent otherwise applicable, the applicant should not be understood to have in any way intended to or actually relinquished such coverage as the applicant simply may not have been able to anticipate all eventualities; one skilled in the art, should not be reasonably expected to have drafted a claim that would have literally encompassed such alternative embodiments.
Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase “comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, according to traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requires otherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elements or steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive form so as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible. The use of the phrase, “or any other claim” is used to provide support for any claim to be dependent on any other claim, such as another dependent claim, another independent claim, a previously listed claim, a subsequently listed claim, and the like. As one clarifying example, if a claim were dependent “on claim 20 or any other claim” or the like, it could be re-drafted as dependent on claim 1, claim 15, or even claim 25 (if such were to exist) if desired and still fall with the disclosure. It should be understood that this phrase also provides support for any combination of elements in the claims and even incorporates any desired proper antecedent basis for certain claim combinations such as with combinations of method, apparatus, process, and the like claims.
Finally, any claims set forth at any time are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for converting part of a fence to a gate comprising the steps of:

providing a fence having at least one fence post and at least one railing attached to said fence post via a railing connector opening in said fence post;

removing an end of said at least one railing out of said railing connector opening in said fence post to expose said railing connector opening;

providing a support bracket having a solid planar backing, a u-shaped fence railing holder, and at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder;

aligning said support bracket over said railing connector opening of said fence post utilizing at least four guide projections on a back side of said solid planar backing; wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned projecting away from said fence post; and wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned so that an opening of said u-shape fence railing holder is above a closed portion of said u-shaped fence railing holder;

attaching said support bracket to said fence post with at least one attachment;

placing said end of said at least one railing above said u-shaped fence railing holder;

engaging said end of said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder;

supporting said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder and said at least one collateral rib on said each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; and

providing a capability to remove and replace said end of said at least one railing from said support bracket of said fence post.

2. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 1 wherein said at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder comprises at least two collateral ribs on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder.

3. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 1 wherein said at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder comprises a straight, diagonal rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder.

4. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 1 wherein said step of attaching said support bracket to said fence post with said at least one attachment comprises a step of providing at least one opening in said solid planar backing of said support bracket and attaching at least one attachment to said support bracket and said fence post.

5. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 4 wherein said at least one attachment is selected from a group consisting of at least four attachments and at least six attachments.

6. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 4 wherein said at least one attachment is selected from a group consisting of a mounting screw, nail, glue, rivets, bolts, and staples.

7. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 1 and further comprising a step of securing said fence railing to said support bracket.

8. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 1 and further comprising when said fence railing is supported in said support bracket, drilling a hole through each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder and through said railing to provide an opening which a gate engagement can be placed.

9. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 7 wherein said step of securing said fence railing to said support bracket comprises a step of securing said fence railing to said support bracket with a gate engagement

10. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 8 wherein said gate engagement is selected from a group consisting of a pin, locking element, lock, nail, chain, wire, rivet, bolt, clip, rod, and metal rod.

11. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 1 wherein said step of providing said capability to remove and replace said end of said at least one railing from said support bracket of said fence post comprises a step of opening a gate in a fence comprising:

removing said end of said fence railing from said support bracket;

removing the opposite end of said fence railing from a railing connector opening in an adjacent fence post; and

placing said fencing railing aside.

12. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 11 wherein said step of providing said capability to remove and replace said end of said at least one railing from said support bracket of said fence post comprises a step of closing said gate in a fence comprising:

placing said opposite end of said fence railing in said railing connector opening in said adjacent fence post; and

placing said end of said railing in said support bracket.

13. A method for converting part of a fence to a gate comprising the steps of:

placing said end of said at least one railing into said support bracket;

aligning said support bracket over said railing connector opening of said fence post utilizing at least four guide projections on a back side of said solid planar backing;

attaching said support bracket with said railing engaged in said support bracket to said fence post with at least one attachment;

14. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 13 wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned projecting away from said fence post; and wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned so that an opening of said u-shape fence railing holder is above a closed portion of said u-shaped fence railing holder.

15. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 13 wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned projecting away from said fence post; and wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is positioned so that an opening of said u-shape fence railing holder is adjacent to a closed portion of said u-shaped fence railing holder.

16. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 13 wherein said step of placing said end of said at least one railing into said support bracket comprises a step of placing said railing above said support bracket and sliding said railing into said u-shaped fence railing holder.

17. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 13 wherein said step of placing said end of said at least one railing into said support bracket comprises a step of placing said railing in front of said support bracket and sliding said railing into said u-shaped fence railing holder.

18. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 13 wherein said step of supporting said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder and said at least one collateral rib on said each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder comprises a step of supporting said end of said railing when said support bracket is in a vertical position (22).

19. The method for converting part of a fence to a gate according to claim 13 wherein said step of supporting said at least one railing with said u-shaped fence railing holder and said at least one collateral rib on said each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder comprises a step of supporting said end of said railing when said support bracket is in a horizontal position (23).

20. A convertible fence-to-gate bracket comprising:

a support bracket having a solid planar backing and a u-shaped fence railing holder;

at least four guide projections on a back of said solid planar backing configured to align said support bracket positioned over a railing connector opening of a fence post;

wherein said railing connector opening in said fence post is configured to allow an end of a fence railing to be placed therein; and wherein said u-shaped fence railing holder is configured to accept and support an end of a fence railing;

at least one collateral rib on each side of said u-shaped fence railing holder; and

at least one attachment configured to attach said support bracket to said fence post.

21-28. (canceled)