WO2016191291A1

WO2016191291A1 - Bracket for fixing members in a structure together

Info

Publication number: WO2016191291A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/033574
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard Joseph KENNELLY
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2015-05-22
Filing date: 2016-05-20
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-22

Abstract

There is disclosed a bracket for fixing a first member to a second member in a structure, the bracket comprising first and second walls, the first wall being at right angles to the second wall and having one or more openings therethrough, whereby the bracket can be installed with another such bracket such that there is formed an assembly in which the first walls of the two brackets overlap and at least one said opening through the first wall of one bracket aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of the other bracket, at least one fastener passes through a respective pair of aligned openings whereby the first walls are secured together, and either: the second walls project in the same direction and are rotationally offset from each other about an axis perpendicular to the first wall and fixed against one of the members, and the first walls are connected to the other member via the fastener(s); or the second walls project in opposite directions and are fixed against respective ones of the members.

Description

BRACKET FOR FIXING MEMBERS IN A STRUCTURE TOGETHER

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This international application claims priority to and the benefit of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2015901894, which was filed on May 22, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to the fixing together of members in a structure. The invention has particular (though not exclusive) applicability to construction of buildings using prefabricated building units, especially floor panels or cassettes, e.g., of the kind disclosed in Australian provisional patent application no. 2014903029, filed on 5 August 2014 and entitled Coupling an upper end of a hollow section column to a building unit support, the content of which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In preferred embodiments thereof, the present invention relates to fixing of a column (e.g., of the kind disclosed in the aforementioned provisional application) to another member, such as a footing member (e.g., of the kind disclosed in the aforementioned provisional application), bearer (e.g., of the kind disclosed in the aforementioned provisional application) or tie member, in a building structure.

BACKGROUND

[0003] There are a number of current trends in the building industry, including trends towards smaller lot sizes, larger houses with more open spaces and a greater focus placed on site safety, which have given rise to comparatively more large and heavy components and an increased use of cranes, scaffolding and systems to protect installers working at heights, with attendant increases in site costs. Becoming increasingly more attractive and competitive, therefore, is offsite prefabrication of components, panels and modules, including in particular floor panels or "cassettes". [0004] Such cassettes require foundations. The traditional poured concrete slab foundation, given its inbuilt inaccuracies and susceptibility to movement under adverse conditions, as well as the level of skill required to install it satisfactorily and the relatively long time required for it to cure, is increasingly being replaced with quicker, simpler and cheaper foundations. Where the site is sloping or the floor level is to be raised above the natural ground level, there is generally a need for a post/ column and fittings at either end of it to connect it at its top end to the floor system and at its bottom end to the foundation system. It is important that these fittings be as economical, versatile and quick-to-install as possible.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for fixing a first member to a second member in a structure, the bracket comprising first and second walls, the first wall being at right angles to the second wall and having one or more openings therethrough, whereby the bracket can be installed with another such bracket such that there is formed an assembly in which the first walls of the two brackets overlap and at least one said opening through the first wall of one bracket aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of the other bracket, at least one fastener passes through a respective pair of aligned openings whereby the first walls are secured together, and either:

the second walls project in the same direction and are rotationally offset from each other about an axis perpendicular to the first wall and fixed against one of the members, and the first walls are connected to the other member via the fastener(s); or

the second walls project in opposite directions and are fixed against respective ones of the members.

[0006] Preferably, the first wall has an edge which extends substantially perpendicular to the second wall, the bracket including a locating portion on one lateral side thereof and an edge portion on the other lateral side thereof, wherein the locating portion has an edge extending parallel to the edge of the first wall whereby, when the first walls of the two brackets are overlapping and a spacing between the second walls thereof, extending in the same direction and arranged opposite each other, is being set for the assembly, the edge of the locating portion can abut said edge portion to facilitate alignment of the edges of the first walls which is such that a lateral position of one bracket relative to the other is correctly set for the assembly. Preferably, the bracket is configured such that the edges of the first walls are flush when said alignment thereof is realised.

[0007] Preferably, the locating portion is arranged at a distal end of the first wall, and an opening is formed through a proximal end of the second wall and bounded at an end thereof by said edge portion, the opening being arranged such that, when the first walls of the two brackets are overlapping and said spacing between the opposed second walls is being set, the locating portion of the other bracket passes therethrough. Preferably, the locating portion is defined by a tongue or tab and the opening through the proximal end of the second wall is defined by a slot. Preferably, the tongue or tab has a substantially constant width which is equal to a length of the slot.

[0008] Preferably, the locating portion and the opening through the proximal end of the second wall are dimensioned such that the locating portion forms a substantially size-for-size sliding fit within the opening through the proximal end of the second wall when passing therethrough.

[0009] Preferably, the locating portion is arranged at one lateral side of the bracket, and the opening through the proximal end of the second wall is arranged at the opposite lateral side of the bracket and opens through an edge of the second wall at said opposite lateral side whereby the locating portion of the other bracket can be transversely introduced into that opening.

[0010] Preferably, the abutment between the locating portion thereof and the edge portion of the other bracket can be established when the first wall of the other bracket is the furthest of the two first walls from distal ends of the second walls.

[0011] Preferably, the locating portion is arranged such that torque imparted to bracket during screwing of a said fastener received through a pair of aligned holes to secure the first walls in the assembly is resisted by the abutment.

[0012] Preferably, the bracket has an L-shaped configuration, each of the two arms of the L shape being defined by a respective one of the walls.

[0013] Preferably, the bracket is configured such that the two brackets can be installed with a further such bracket whereby, in said assembly, the first wall of the further bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said further bracket so that the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said further bracket, whereby that wall is secured to the overlapping first walls of said two brackets.

[0014] Preferably, the bracket is configured such that an additional such bracket can be installed with the two or three brackets whereby, in said assembly, the first wall of the additional bracket and the overlapping walls of said two or three brackets overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said additional bracket so that the fastener passing through the openings in that pair also passes through said respective opening through the first wall of said additional bracket, whereby that wall is secured to the overlapping first walls of said two brackets.

[0015] Preferably, said openings comprise circumferentially spaced openings centres of which are equidistant from said axis whereby ones of said circumferentially spaced openings align either:

when the second walls in said assembly project in opposite directions, and are coplanar or rotationally offset about said axis by any of one or more predetermined angles; or

when the second walls in said assembly project in the same direction and are rotationally offset about said axis by any one said predetermined angle.

[0016] Preferably, said circumferentially spaced openings are arranged such that said predetermined angles comprise an angle of 90 degrees and an angle of 180 degrees. Preferably, said circumferentially spaced openings are arranged such that said predetermined angles include an angle of 270 degrees.

[0017] Preferably, the one or more openings comprise a central opening through which said axis passes whereby the central opening in one of the overlapping first walls aligns with that in the other of the overlapping first walls in the assembly and a said fastener is or can be received through the aligned central openings. Preferably, the central opening is elongate along an axis perpendicular to the second wall whereby the central opening in one of the overlapping first walls aligns with that in the other of the overlapping first walls in the assembly such that a spacing between the fastener received through the aligned central openings and the second wall of the bracket can vary.

[0018] Preferably, said one or more openings comprise openings arranged in two rows parallel to and spaced equal distances to either side of an axis which extends perpendicular to the second wall, each opening in one of the rows being transversely aligned with a respective opening in the other row, whereby, with parallel planes in which faces of the second walls, each of which faces is received against a said member in the assembly, lie being spaced by any one of plural predetermined distances, at least one pair of transversely aligned openings in one of the overlapping first walls aligns with a respective pair of aligned openings in the other first wall for receipt of said fasteners therethrough. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said plural predetermined distances comprise any two of 114mm, 127mm and 137mm, and preferably further include the other of those three distances. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said plural predetermined distances comprise any two of 77mm, 91mm and 102mm, and preferably further include the other of those three distances.

[0019] Preferably, said bracket is configured such that, in an alternative said structure, the first wall thereof functions as said second wall and vice versa in a said assembly. Preferably, the distances that the rows of holes in the first wall are spaced to either side of said axis which extends perpendicular to the second wall differs from the distances that the rows of holes in the second wall are spaced to either side of the axis which extends perpendicular to the first wall, whereby no pair of transversely aligned holes in the first wall can be aligned with any pair of transversely aligned holes in the second wall of another such bracket. Advantageously, fixing together, with said fastener(s), of inappropriately overlapping first and second walls of the bracket and other bracket can thus be precluded. Preferably, a dimension of the first wall from a proximal end to a distal end thereof differs from a dimension of the second wall from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, so the first and second walls can be distinguished from each other.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided said bracket.

[0021] Preferably, said one of the members comprises a column or post.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said other of the members comprises a beam or bearer. Preferably, the overlapping first walls overlie a top end of the column or post.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a building unit is supported on said one of the members via said other of the members. [0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said other of the members comprises a footing member. Preferably, said overlapping first walls underlie a bottom end of the column or post and/or overlie an upwardly facing surface of the footing member.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said other of the members comprises a tie or bracing member extending transverse, perpendicular or diagonal to said one of the members. Preferably, in that embodiment, a said fastener is defined by the tie or bracing member. Preferably, in that embodiment, the second walls project in the same direction, are rotationally offset from each other about said axis by 180 degrees, and are fixed against opposite sides of the column or post.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said second walls project in the same direction and are rotationally offset from each other about the axis and fixed against said one of the members, and the first walls are connected to the other member via the fastener(s).

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said second walls project in opposite directions and are fixed against respective ones of the members. Said second walls may be not rotationally offset from each other about the axis. Alternatively, said second walls may be rotationally offset from each other about the axis. Said rotational offset may be 90, 180 or 270 degrees.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembly includes a further said bracket, the first wall of the further bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said further bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said further bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to said overlapping first walls, and the second wall of the further bracket projects in the same direction as said second walls of the other two brackets, is rotationally offset therefrom and is fixed against said one of the members.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembly includes a further said bracket, the first wall of the further bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said further bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said further bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to said overlapping first walls, and the second wall of the further bracket projects in the same direction, and is fixed to the same member, as one of said second walls.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembly includes an additional said bracket, the first wall of the additional bracket and the overlapping first walls of the other three brackets overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said additional bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said additional bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to the overlapping first walls of said other three brackets, and the second wall of the additional bracket projects in the same direction as said second walls of said two brackets, is rotationally offset therefrom and is fixed against said one of the members.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said assembly includes an additional said bracket, the first wall of the additional bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said additional bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said additional bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to said overlapping first walls, and the second wall of the additional bracket projects in the same direction, and is fixed to the same member, as the second wall of another of the brackets.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming said bracket, comprising bending a blank to form the bracket.

[0033] Preferably, the blank is formed from a single flat piece of plate in which the or each opening is formed.

[0034] Preferably, the or each opening has been formed by stamping.

[0035] Preferably, the blank comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion and a junction between the first and second wall portions, and the method comprises bending the plate at said junction such that the first and second wall portions define the first and second walls.

[0036] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the blank for said method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bracket, for fixing a first member to a second member, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a blank, foldable to form the bracket, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3A to 3F show dimensions of the blank and bracket;

[0041] Figures 4A to 4C are plan views showing alternative spacings between opposed short walls of two brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0042] Figures 5A to 5C are plan views showing alternative spacings between opposed long walls of two brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 6 comprises two cross-sectional elevation views showing alternative arrangements of brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembly comprising a column and a bearer;

[0044] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the arrangement of two brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembly comprising a column and a footing member via which the assembly is secured to a foundation;

[0045] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the arrangement of four brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention secured to the upper end of a column;

[0046] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional elevation view showing the arrangement of four brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention in an assembly comprising a column and a bearer of equal thickness;

[0047] Figure 9B is a cross-sectional elevation view showing how overlapping walls of the four brackets can be secured together in the assembly shown in Figure 9A;

[0048] Figure 10 shows how assemblies comprising brackets embodying the invention and respective columns can be configured such that bearer lower faces in those assemblies can be positioned at the same level; [0049] Figure 11 shows schematically an arrangement in which brackets embodying the invention interconnect diagonal tie rods and columns;

[0050] Figure 12 shows ways in which brackets embodying the invention can be arranged so as to secure upper or lower ends of solid or hollow columns, having rectangular cross sections of varying dimensions, to a respective structure to be supported by the column or to support the column;

[0051] Figure 13A shows how a jig can be used to arrange brackets embodying the invention such that they can be fastened together;

[0052] Figure 13B shows how particular holes in overlapping walls of brackets embodying the invention can be used to fix two of the brackets together at right angles to each other;

[0053] Figure 13C shows how the holes mentioned in the description of Figure 13B can be used to fix pairs of brackets together, the non-overlapping walls of the brackets in one pair being aligned with (and projecting in an opposite direction to) the non-overlapping walls of the brackets in the other pair, or the non-overlapping walls of the brackets in one pair being able to be instead rotationally offset (by 90 degrees) from (and projecting in an opposite direction to) the non-overlapping walls of the brackets in the other pair;

[0054] Figures 13D and 13E show how other holes in overlapping walls of brackets embodying the invention can be used to fix the brackets together;

[0055] Figures 14A to 14C show successive stages in the formation of an assembly comprising two brackets embodying the invention, a column and a footing member via which the assembly is secured to a foundation;

[0056] Figures 15A and 15B are perspective views of an assembly comprising two brackets embodying the invention, a column and a tie rod connected to the column via the brackets;

[0057] Figure 16 is an elevation view showing a building structure including a footing member, a column, a bearer and diagonal tie rods, in which brackets embodying the invention secure the footing member to the column, the column to the bearer, and the tie rods to the column; and

[0058] Figures 17A to 17D show alternative arrangements of brackets according to the preferred embodiment of the invention for the purposes of securing one member to another in an assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Shown in Figure 1 is a bracket 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 1, referring to Figure 2, is folded from a blank 5, which is formed from a single piece of steel plate that is punched to form the blank 5. Advantageously, costs to manufacture the bracket 1 are thus very low, since the plate is formed by folding a single, punched part, with no welding being required.

[0060] The bracket 1 comprises a first wall 10 and a second wall 20 which is substantially perpendicular to the first wall 10. The first wall 10 is a configured with a central hole 11 therethrough, the hole 11 being elongated along an axis X, which axis is parallel to a direction in which a first wall 10 projects from a corner 2 of the bracket 1. The first wall 10 is further configured with two rows of holes 12 parallel to and spaced equal distances to either side of the axis X, each hole 12 in a given row being transversely aligned with a respective hole 12 in the other row. The first wall 10 comprises a main portion 13, in which the holes 11 and 12 are formed, and a guide portion 14, in the form of a finger or tongue, which is arranged at one lateral side of the bracket 1 and projects from a distal end of the main portion 13 in a direction parallel to the axis X. A hole 15 is formed through the guide portion 14.

[0061] The second wall 20, similarly, is configured with a central hole 21 therethrough, the hole 21 being elongated along an axis Y, which axis is parallel to a direction in which the second wall 20 projects from the corner 2. The second wall 20 is further configured with two rows of holes 22 parallel to and spaced equal distances to either side of the axis Y, each hole 22 in a given row being transversely aligned with a respective hole 22 in the other row. The second wall 20 comprises a main portion 23, in which the holes 21 and 22 are formed, and a guide portion 24, in the form of a finger or tongue, which is arranged at a lateral side of the bracket 1 opposite to that at which the guide portion 14 is arranged, and projects from a distal end of the main portion 23 in a direction parallel to the axis Y. A hole 25 is formed through the guide portion 24. The second wall 20 is configured with three additional holes 26 therethrough, two of which holes are provided in the main portion 23, adjacent the proximal end thereof, and spaced equal distances from and to either side of the axis Y and transversely aligned, and the other of which is provided in the guide portion 24 adjacent a proximal end thereof. Referring to Figures 3B and 3C, the centres of the holes 26 are all spaced the same distance from a centre of the hole 21 for reasons which will be discussed in further detail later. The main portion 13 has a length LI which is greater than a length L2 of the main portion 23.

[0062] An opening 17 is formed through the proximal end of the main portion 13 on the same side of that main portion as that on which the guide portion 14 is arranged, the opening 17 being defined by a laterally outwardly opening slot 18. Similarly, an opening 27 is formed through the proximal end of the main portion 23 on the same side of that main portion as that on which the guide portion 24 is arranged, the opening 27 being defined by a laterally outwardly opening slot 28 formed in the corner 2.

[0063] As mentioned previously, the bracket 1 is formed by bending or folding a blank 5 which is formed from a unitary piece of plate. Specifically, referring to Figure 2, the blank 5 includes a first portion 10', which defines the wall 10 in the blank 1 folded therefrom, and a second portion 20', which defines the wall 20 in the blank 1 folded therefrom. The blank further comprises a bridging portion 2' interconnecting proximal ends of the portions 10', 20', the portion 2' being foldable at fold lines 6 and 7 (which lines may be imaginary or score lines formed in the blank 5) whereby the corner 2, and thus the bracket 1, is formed. Preferred dimensions of the blank 5/bracket 1 are shown in Figure 3.

[0064] The bracket 1 is configured to cooperate with one or more further brackets in an assembly whereby to secure a first member to a second member in that assembly. More particularly, the bracket 1 is suitable for fixing a first member to a second member in a structure and, to this end, can be installed with another such bracket such that there is formed an assembly in which either the first walls or the second walls of the two brackets overlap whereby openings through the overlapping walls align and a fastener passes through the or each pair of aligned openings to effect fixation of the overlapping walls to the first member, the other (non-overlapped) wall of one bracket is rotationally offset from the other (non-overlapped) wall of the other bracket about an axis perpendicular to the overlapping walls, and the said other walls are fixed against respective surface portions of the second member.

[0065] Figure 6 shows two examples of how brackets 1 can be arranged to secure together first and second members in a structure. Each of the two assemblies shown in Figure 6 comprises a column 50, defining one member, a bearer 60 (via which a prefabricated building unit, such as floor cassette, may be supported over the ground by the column 50), defining the other member, and a plurality of brackets 1 via which the bearer 60 is secured to an upper end of the column 60.

[0066] In the arrangement shown on the left in Figure 6, two brackets 1 are arranged such that the second walls 20 thereof overlap and the first walls 10 thereof are received against opposed parallel outer faces of the column 50. Fasteners (not shown) pass through holes 11 and/or 12 of each of those first walls 10, and into the column 50, whereby those first walls 10 are secured against the opposite sides of the column 50. A single further bracket 1 is arranged such that the second wall 20 thereof overlaps the overlapping second walls 20 of the other two brackets 1 and the first wall 10 thereof is received against a side face of the bearer 60. At least one fastener (not shown) passes through a respective one of holes 11 and 12 and into the bearer 60 to secure to it the first wall 10 which is received thereagainst. The overlapping second walls 20 of the three brackets 1 receive, through aligned holes therein, at least one fastener (not shown) which secures them together, the or each fastener additionally being received into the bearer 60 to secure the overlapping second walls 20 against a lower face against the bearer 60. In the arrangement shown, the column 50 comprises a length of rectangular or square hollow section, whereby a lower end of the or each fastener received through aligned holes of the second walls 20 are housed in an interior of the column 50. As will be clear from Figure 6, the central holes 21 of the overlapping first walls 20 all align, whereby a single fastener (such as a screw or bolt) can be received through those holes and into the bearer 60 through the lower face thereof. Also, as will be clear from Figure 5C (which shows the positions of the two brackets 1 relative to each other when they are secured directly to the column 50), two of the three holes 22 in each hole row in one of the overlapping walls 20 in those two brackets 1 align with respective holes in the other of those walls 20. The second wall 20 of the bracket 1 secured directly against the side face of the bearer 60 is arranged such that two aligned holes 22 in the second wall 20 thereof align with two of the aligned pairs of holes 22 in the brackets 1 secured directly against the column side faces, whereby a pair of fasteners (either alternative or additional to a fastener received to the aligned holes 21) (e.g., screws or bolts) may be received through aligned holes 22 in all three second walls 20 to secure the three walls 20 against the bearer lower face (heads at the lower ends of those fasteners being able to be housed within the hollow column interior). [0067] In the arrangement shown on the right in Figure 6, there are four brackets 1, the lower two of which are arranged in an identical manner to the lower two brackets 1 in the arrangement shown on the left in Figure 6, the first walls 10 thereof being secured against the opposed parallel outer faces of the hollow column 50 in exactly the same manner as in the arrangement shown on the left in Figure 6. A third bracket 1 is received against the left-hand upright face and lower face of the bearer 60 in the same manner as the bracket 1 is received against those faces in the arrangement shown on the left in Figure 6, and a fourth bracket 1 is arranged such that its first wall 10 is received against a right-hand upright face of the bearer 60 and its second wall 20 is received directly against an underside of the wall 20 in contact with the bearer lower face. The holes 21 of the four overlapping second walls 20 in the arrangement shown on the right in Figure 6 all align, whereby a fastener can pass through all of them to secure the overlapping walls 20 to the underside of the bearer 60. Fasteners (not shown) are received through the wall 10 which contacts the right-side upright face of the bearer 60, in the same manner as fasteners secure the opposing wall 10 in contact with the opposite upright bearer face as described in respect of the arrangement on the left in Figure 6. The arrangement of the interposing additional bracket 1 in the arrangement 1 shown on the right in Figure 6 is such that two of the holes 22 in the wall 20 of that bracket align with the aligned holes 22 in the walls 20 of the other three brackets, whereby the fasteners can, alternatively or additionally, be received through the aligned holes 22 to secure the second walls 20 against the bearer lower face. The two brackets 1 which are secured against the opposed upright faces of the bearer 60 assume the configuration shown in Figure 5A.

[0068] As can be seen in Figures 5A to 5C, when two brackets 1 are arranged such that the first walls 10 thereof are opposed (like those in the two lowermost brackets in the arrangement shown on the right in Figure 6 or those in the two uppermost brackets in that arrangement), the tongue 24 of one bracket (being the bracket having the closer one of the overlapping walls to the distal ends of the non-overlapping walls) which is received into the opening 17 in the other bracket whereby a laterally inner side edge of the tongue 24 abuts an edge which bounds the opening 17 at a laterally inner end thereof. With the abutment thus established in the two-bracket arrangement (as shown in each of Figures 5A to 5C), the respective rows of holes 22 in the overlapping second walls 20 (provided the edges of the overlapping walls which extend parallel to the axes Y of those walls are maintained in line) are set in alignment and can be maintained in alignment as the spacing between the first walls 10 in the arrangement is adjusted, so long as the aforementioned abutment is maintained. The holes 21 in the overlapping walls are likewise in alignment while the abutment is maintained and the aforementioned edges are kept in line. Advantageously, the brackets 1 in the arrangement are thus self-aligning, whereby formation of an assembly incorporating that arrangement is facilitated.

[0069] It will be appreciated that if the bearer 60 in the arrangement shown on the right in Figure 6 were to be thicker/ wider (by an appropriate amount), the upper brackets in that arrangement would assume the configuration shown in Figure 5B or 5C. Similarly, if the column 50 in that arrangement were narrower, i.e., the distance between the column side faces against which first walls 10 of the lower brackets are received were smaller (by an appropriate amount), the lower brackets in that arrangement would assume the configuration shown in Figure 5B or 5A.

[0070] Referring now to Figure 7, in another application, brackets 1 are used to secure a lower end of column 50, which column defines one member, to a footing member 70, which defines the other member. The footing member 70 comprises a base 71 which includes a top wall 72, a side wall 73, extending around a periphery of the top wall 72, and sleeves 74 arranged at differing angles with respect to the top wall 72, each sleeve being configured to receive therethrough a respective stake 80, defined by an open- ended tube, which is driven into the ground whereby the base 71 is secured to the ground. The base 71 is marketed in Australia under the trademark SUREFOOT. The footing member 70 further comprises a plate 75, bolts 76 which are received through aligned holes in the top wall 72 and plate 75, and nuts 77 which secure the bolts 76 to the top wall 72 and plate 75 and hold the latter a set distance above the former. In the assembly shown in Figure 7, the number of brackets 1 is two and opposed first walls 10 of those brackets are received against opposed parallel exterior faces of the column 50 and secured against those faces via fasteners as previously described in respect of the opposed first walls 10 received against the column 50 in each of the arrangements shown in Figure 6. The brackets 1 assume the configuration shown in Figure 5C, and a fastener, comprising a bolt 55, passes through the aligned holes 21 of the brackets 1, and through a hole provided in the plate 75, the bolt 55 receiving a nut 56 on its lower end whereby the overlapping second walls 20 are secured against the plate 75. A washer 57 may be interposed between a head of the bolt 55 and upper most one of the overlapping walls 20. A washer 57 may also be interposed between an underside of the plate 75 and the nut 56. A guide portion/edge abutment and edge alignment as described above in connection with the arrangements shown in Figure 6, again facilitate formation of the arrangement shown in Figure 7.

[0071] In an alternative assembly, details of which are shown in Figure 8, four brackets 1 are secured to an upper end of a column 50, the brackets 1 being arranged such that the second wall 20 of each is received against a respective one of the exterior faces of the column 50 and the first walls 10 thereof are arranged atop the upper end of the column 50 in overlapping relation. Fasteners 65 are received through holes in the second walls 20 and into the walls of the column 50, whereby the brackets 1 are fixed to the upper end of the column 50.

[0072] In each pair of opposed brackets 1, the tongue 14 of one bracket (being the bracket having the closer one of the overlapping walls to the distal ends of the non-overlapping walls in that pair) is received into the opening 27 in the other bracket whereby a laterally inner side edge of the tongue 14 abuts an edge which bounds the opening 27 at a laterally inner end thereof. With the abutment thus established (as shown in each of Figures 4A to 4C), the respective rows of holes 12 in the overlapping first walls 10 (provided the edges of the overlapping walls which extend parallel to the axes X of those walls are maintained in line) are set in alignment and can be maintained in alignment as the spacing between the second walls 20 is adjusted, so long as the aforementioned abutment is maintained. The holes 11 in the overlapping walls are likewise in alignment while the abutment is maintained and the aforementioned edges are kept in line. It will be appreciated that the brackets 1 are thus self-aligning where the first walls thereof overlap and the second walls thereof are opposed, just as they are when the second walls thereof overlap and the first walls thereof are opposed, whereby formation of the opposed bracket pair is facilitated.

[0073] As can be seen in Figures 4A to 4C, the guide portion/tongue 14 has a width (a dimension perpendicular to the axis along which it projects and extending parallel to the corner 2 in the same bracket 1) which is equal to the length of the slot/opening 27/28 into which it is received (i.e., the dimension of the opening parallel to the corner 2), whereby when the edge of the guide portion/tongue 14 abuts the edge at the laterally inner end of the slot/ opening 27/28, alignment of the edges of the side walls which extend parallel to the axis X results in those edges being flush/coplanar, whereby establishing such alignment is particularly easy. Similarly, as can be seen in Figures 5A to 5C, the guide portion/ tongue 24 has a width (a dimension perpendicular to the axis along which it projects and extending parallel to the corner 2) which is equal to the length of the slot/opening 17/18 into which it is received (i.e., the dimension of the opening parallel to the corner 2), whereby when the edge of the guide portion/tongue 24 abuts the edge at the laterally inner end of the slot/opening 17/18, alignment of the edges of the side walls which extend parallel to the axis X results in those edges being flush/coplanar, whereby establishing such alignment is particularly easy.

[0074] Owing to the differences in the lengths LI and L2 and the manner in which the holes 12 and the holes 22 are arranged, the first wall 10 cannot overlap with and be secured to the second wall 20 of a like bracket, and vice-versa; in other words, to the extent that the first wall 10 overlaps with a wall of one or more like brackets, the latter can only be a first wall 10, and to the extent that the second wall 20 overlaps and is secured to a wall of one or more like brackets, the latter can only be a second wall 20.

[0075] In another assembly embodying the invention, shown in Figures 9A and 9B, four brackets 1 secure together a column 50 and bearer 60 having the same width or thickness. In this arrangement, each of the upper and lower pairs of brackets assumes the configuration shown in Figure 5A whereby holes 22 in the overlapping first walls 20 align, permitting fasteners 65 to pass therethrough and into the lower face of the bearer 60 (see Figure 9B), whereby the walls 20 are secured against that lower face. Fasteners can be inserted through holes in the walls 10 of the upper brackets and into the bearer 60 to secure those upper walls against the side faces of the bearer 60. Similarly, fasteners can be inserted through holes in the walls 10 of the lower brackets and into the column 50 so as to secure those walls against the opposed, parallel faces of the column 50.

[0076] A particularly suitable application of brackets 1 embodying the invention is fixation of upper ends of columns to a building unit, e.g., a panel-like building unit, which may comprise a floor panel or cassette, or may instead comprise a roof module or a wall panel. Where the building unit comprises a cassette or roof module, a bearer (forming part of or being additional to the building unit), supported by columns 50, must assume a substantially level orientation when secured to the columns 50. Referring to Figure 10, building requirements or constraints may be such that the number of brackets used to effect interconnection with one column 50 differs from the number used to effect connection with another column 50. Owing to the thickness of the plate from which each bracket 1 is formed being standard (e.g., 3mm or 5mm), one or more standard washers 67 can be arranged atop the wall(s) 10/20 overlying a given column top end to compensate for a difference in level resulting from there being a different number of walls 10/20 overlying the top end of another of the columns (the or each washer 67 having the same thickness as a said wall).

[0077] Figure 11 shows schematically an arrangement 200 in which brackets 1 interconnect diagonal tie rods 201 and columns 202.

[0078] Referring to Figure 12, it will be clear that brackets 1 can be secured directly to column upper ends in several different ways, according to the cross-sectional dimensions of the column (which column can be solid, e.g., timber, or hollow, e.g., square or rectangular hollow section), the self-aligning functionality of opposed ones of the brackets in each arrangement being able to facilitate correct positioning of those brackets.

[0079] Formation of an exemplary assembly of brackets 1 is shown in Figure 13 A. A first bracket 1 is placed on a support surface 90 of a jig 93 such that its second wall 20 rests against that surface and its first wall 10 projects downwardly therefrom. Second and third brackets 1 are then arranged such that their second walls 20 overlap and are received atop the second wall 20 of the first bracket 1. Dowels 95 are inserted through the holes 25 of the upper two brackets 1, and into holes through the support surface 90, after the spacing between the opposed first walls 10 of those brackets has been set, whereby those two brackets are fixed with respect to each other and holes in the overlapping second walls 20 thereof align. With the lowermost bracket positioned such that its downwardly projecting first wall 10 abuts a side surface of the jig 93 (which side surface is perpendicular to the support surface 90), the lowermost bracket 1 is slid axially along the jig 93 such that holes in the second wall 20 thereof align with aligned holes in the overlapping second walls 20 of the two upper brackets, and fasteners 65 are inserted through the aligned holes.

[0080] Referring to Figures 13B and 13C, owing to the centres of the holes 26 in each bracket 1 being spaced the same distance from the centre of the central hole 21 in that bracket, arranging a given two brackets such that their second walls 20 overlap (and are parallel) and the centres of the central holes 21 in those walls lie on an axis perpendicular to the second walls, will result in the holes 26 in one wall 20 aligning with the holes 26 in the other wall, provided, in the case where the first walls 10 project in the same direction, one of those first walls 10 is rotationally offset from the other by 90 degrees, 180 degrees or 270 degrees in a given rotational direction about that axis, and, in the case where the first walls 10 project in opposite directions, one of those first walls is rotationally aligned/ coplanar with the other or is rotationally offset from the other by 90 degrees, 180 degrees or 270 degrees in a given rotational direction about that axis. Figure 13B shows how the holes 26 of overlapping second walls 20 of three brackets 1 (the first walls 10 of two of which project in the same direction and the first wall 10 of the other of which projects in the opposite direction and is rotationally offset from them by 90 degrees) can receive fasteners 65 such that the three second walls 20 are fastened together. Figure 13C shows how the holes of overlapping second walls 20 of four brackets 1 (the first walls 10 of two of which are opposed and project in the one direction and the first walls 10 of the other two of which are opposed and project in the opposite direction) can receive fasteners 65 such that the four second walls 20 are fastened together.

[0081] In another embodiment, holes 26 may, additionally or alternatively, be formed in the first wall.

[0082] Figures 13D and 13E show holes 22 in overlapping second walls 20 of brackets 1 can receive fasteners 65 such that the second walls are secured together.

[0083] Figures 14A to 14C show successive stages in the formation of the assembly shown in cross-section at Figure 7. The brackets 1 firstly are arranged on the plate 75, alignment thereof being facilitated by the guide portion 14 on the upper one of the overlapping second walls 20 and the edge portion at the end of the slot into which that guide portion is received. The bolt 55 is then received through the aligned central holes 21 and the nut 56 secured to the lower end thereof, and fasteners 65 are received through aligned holes 22, whereby the brackets 1 are secured to the footing member 70. Next, the column lower end is positioned between the spaced apart upright walls 10 of the thus-secured brackets 1 whereby it rests against the overlapping second walls 20 (the head of the bolt 55 being received in the hollow interior of the column 50), and fasteners 65 are inserted through holes 12 in those walls, whereby the lower end of the column is secured to the brackets 1.

[0084] Shown in Figures 15A and 15B are details of another exemplary assembly in which brackets 1 embodying the present invention secure one structural member to another. In this example, one of the structural members is defined by a tie rod 100 and the other structural member is defined by a column 50. The two brackets 1 are arranged such that the second walls 20 overlap and the first walls 10 thereof are opposed and parallel, and project in the same direction. A distal end of the tie rod 100 is received through the aligned holes 21 in the overlapping second walls 20. A washer and nut are received over the portion of the rod distal end which projects from the second wall 20 towards the column, the nut 56 being tightened to tension the rod 100. A further nut 56, threaded onto the rod 100 at a position proximal of the overlapping walls 20, is tightened against the proximal-most face of the overlapping second walls (either directly or via a plate arranged between that nut and the overlapping walls, whereby the overlapping walls are compressed between the nuts 56 and the two brackets are connected to the tie rod 100. The opposed walls 10 of the brackets are received against opposed exterior faces of the column 50 and secured thereagainst by fastener 65 inserted through holes in those walls and into the respective side walls of the columns. Advantageously, owing to the pair of brackets 1 in the assembly shown in Figures 15A and 15B having an open distal end and opposed sides (which in the arrangement shown are upper and lower sides) that are open, the side walls 10 of the assembled pair of brackets 1 can be sideways introduced over the column 50 so as to be fixed to opposed upright faces thereof; i.e., the parallel axis along which the walls 10 project need not be parallel to the (upright) axis of the column. The pair of brackets can thus straddle the column at an intermediate position along its length.

[0085] An exemplary building structure in which brackets 100 are used to interconnect members in the structure is shown in Figure 16. The structure includes the arrangement/ assembly 110 shown in Figure 7, the arrangement 120 shown in Figures 15A and 15B and an arrangement 120' which is similar to the arrangement 120 though orientated so as to form a criss-cross arrangement therewith, and a bracket arrangement 130 via which bearer 60 is secured to a top end of the column 50.

[0086] As will be clear from each of Figures 4A to 4C, the spacings of the holes 12 in each row thereof in the first wall of the bracket 1 is such that, when the second walls 20 of like brackets 1 are spaced apart by the respective distances shown in those drawings, different pairs of those holes in the overlapping first walls 10 line up to be able to receive fasteners 65 securing the overlapping walls together. Likewise, as will be clear from each of Figures 5A to 5C, the spacings of the holes 22 in each row thereof in the second wall 20 of the bracket 1 is such that, when the first walls 10 of like brackets 1 are spaced apart by the respective distances shown in those drawings, different pairs of those holes in the overlapping second walls 20 line up to be able to receive fasteners 65 securing the overlapping walls together. Advantageously, referring to Figure 12, the holes 12 are spaced such that pairs thereof in said overlapping first walls 10 align when, and only when, the spacing between the surfaces of the second walls 20 which face each other are equal to thicknesses /widths of members (e.g., bearers/beams or columns/posts) which are standard or commonly available, e.g., 114mm, 127mm and 137mm, as indicated in Figures 4A to 4C respectively, and the holes 22, likewise, are spaced such that pairs thereof in said overlapping second walls 20 align when the spacing between the surfaces of the first walls 10 which face each other are equal to thicknesses /widths of members (e.g., bearers/beams or columns/posts) which are standard or more commonly available, e.g., 77mm, 91mm and 102mm, as indicated in Figures 5A to 5C respectively. Specifically, the thicknesses/widths in the examples shown are as follows:

- steel posts: 75x75SHS all gauges, 89x89SHS all gauges, lOOxlOOSHS all

gauges

- timber posts: 90x90 solid, 112x 112 GL8, 125x 125 GL8, 135x 135 GL8

[0087] Because holes 12 or 22 align with other holes 12 or 22 only when there is a standard spacing between surfaces of the opposed non-overlapping walls which face each other, it can be ensured that the spacing between those surfaces is matched to the thickness/width of the member received between the non-overlapping walls, so that there will not be a clearance between the member and either or each of those walls resulting from alignment of holes 12 or 22 with inappropriate ones of other holes 12 or 22.

[0088] Figures 17A to 17D show various ways in which brackets 1 embodying the invention can be assembled to suit particular structural requirements. Brackets 1 can be combined in "legs up" and "legs down" orientations at the top of a column to fix various columns and bearers together, with the brackets square or at right angles to each other and this is set by fixing screws or bolts through holes that are located for the purpose. Examples include:

- one up, one down - square or at right angles;

- one up, two down - square or at right angles;

- two up, two down - square or at right angles; and - three or four if necessary.

[0089] Cost of connections for a given project can be minimised as the minimum number of brackets can be used, as required, to meet strength/ configurational requirements.

[0090] Also, a minimum of one fixing is required to set two brackets to a predetermined width whereby assembly on site is easy.

[0091] Moreover, a minimum of two fixings is required to fix brackets with legs up and down together in predetermined widths, either square or at right angles to each other.

[0092] Assembly is made easy because pair of transversely aligned holes in each leg (wall) only aligns with a given pair of transversely aligned holes in the same leg of a like bracket, and only at predetermined spacing, i.e., to suit the commonly available post and beam sizes.

[0093] The fixing locations have been strategically placed so that they do not clash with washers for tie-down or the bearing of steel posts of various sizes and thicknesses.

[0094] Advantageously, brackets 1, owing to the divergent profiles defined by the walls 10 and 20, nest well for transportation purposes. Moreover, the blanks 5, since each comprises a flat piece, can be compactly stacked so as to occupy a relatively small volume for transportation.

[0095] Brackets embodying the invention can, advantageously, be used in combination to form a column cap, a base connection for a column or a connection between the column and a bracing component for the column.

[0096] It will be appreciated that, in any assembly embodying the invention, the first or second wall of a given bracket fixed against a given member can be directly received against the member (i.e., in contact therewith) or indirectly received against the member (i.e., not in contact therewith but in abutting relation therewith via an element (e.g., a plate or washer arranged between the wall and the member).

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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

1. A bracket for fixing a first member to a second member in a structure, the bracket comprising first and second walls, the first wall being at right angles to the second wall and having one or more openings therethrough, whereby the bracket can be installed with another such bracket such that there is formed an assembly in which the first walls of the two brackets overlap and at least one said opening through the first wall of one bracket aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of the other bracket, at least one fastener passes through a respective pair of aligned openings whereby the first walls are secured together, and either:

2. A bracket according to claim 1, wherein the first wall has an edge which extends substantially perpendicular to the second wall, the bracket including a locating portion on one lateral side thereof and an edge portion on the other lateral side thereof, wherein the locating portion has an edge extending parallel to the edge of the first wall whereby, when the first walls of the two brackets are overlapping and a spacing between the second walls thereof, extending in the same direction and arranged opposite each other, is being set for the assembly, the edge of the locating portion can abut said edge portion to facilitate alignment of the edges of the first walls which is such that a lateral position of one bracket relative to the other is correctly set for the assembly.

3. A bracket according to claim 2, being configured such that the edges of the first walls are flush when said alignment thereof is realised.

4. A bracket according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the locating portion is arranged at a distal end of the first wall, and an opening is formed through a proximal end of the second wall and bounded at an end thereof by said edge portion, the opening being arranged such that, when the first walls of the two brackets are overlapping and said spacing between the opposed second walls is being set, the locating portion of the other bracket passes therethrough.

5. A bracket according to claim 4, wherein the locating portion is defined by a tongue or tab and the opening through the proximal end of the second wall is defined by a slot.

6. A bracket according to claim 5, wherein the tongue or tab has a substantially constant width which is equal to a length of the slot.

7. A bracket according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the locating portion and the opening through the proximal end of the second wall are dimensioned such that the locating portion forms a substantially size-for-size sliding fit within the opening through the proximal end of the second wall when passing therethrough.

8. A bracket according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the locating portion is arranged at one lateral side of the bracket, and the opening through the proximal end of the second wall is arranged at the opposite lateral side of the bracket and opens through an edge of the second wall at said opposite lateral side whereby the locating portion of the other bracket can be transversely introduced into that opening.

9. A bracket according to any one of claims 2 to 8, being configured such that the abutment between the locating portion thereof and the edge portion of the other bracket can be established when the first wall of the other bracket is the furthest of the two first walls from distal ends of the second walls.

10. A bracket according to claim 9 as appended to claim 8, wherein the locating portion is arranged such that torque imparted to bracket during screwing of a said fastener received through a pair of aligned holes to secure the first walls in the assembly is resisted by the abutment.

11. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, having an L-shaped configuration, each of the two arms of the L shape being defined by a respective one of the walls.

12. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims being configured such that the two brackets can be installed with a further such bracket whereby, in said assembly, the first wall of the further bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said further bracket so that the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said further bracket, whereby that wall is secured to the overlapping first walls of said two brackets.

13. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, being configured such that an additional such bracket can be installed with the two or three brackets whereby, in said assembly, the first wall of the additional bracket and the overlapping walls of said two or three brackets overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said additional bracket so that the fastener passing through the openings in that pair also passes through said respective opening through the first wall of said additional bracket, whereby that wall is secured to the overlapping first walls of said two brackets.

14. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said openings comprise circumferentially spaced openings centres of which are equidistant from said axis whereby ones of said circumferentially spaced openings align either:

15. A bracket according to claim 14, wherein said circumferentially spaced openings are arranged such that said predetermined angles comprise an angle of 90 degrees and an angle of 180 degrees.

16. A bracket according to claim 15, wherein said circumferentially spaced openings are arranged such that said predetermined angles include an angle of 270 degrees.

17. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more openings comprise a central opening through which said axis passes whereby the central opening in one of the overlapping first walls aligns with that in the other of the overlapping first walls in the assembly and a said fastener is or can be received through the aligned central openings.

18. A bracket according to claim 17, wherein the central opening is elongate along an axis perpendicular to the second wall whereby the central opening in one of the overlapping first walls aligns with that in the other of the overlapping first walls in the assembly such that a spacing between the fastener received through the aligned central openings and the second wall of the bracket can vary.

19. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said one or more openings comprise openings arranged in two rows parallel to and spaced equal distances to either side of an axis which extends perpendicular to the second wall, each opening in one of the rows being transversely aligned with a respective opening in the other row, whereby, with parallel planes in which faces of the second walls, each of which faces is received against a said member in the assembly, lie being spaced by any one of plural predetermined distances, at least one pair of transversely aligned openings in one of the overlapping first walls aligns with a respective pair of aligned openings in the other first wall for receipt of said fasteners therethrough.

20. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, being configured such that, in an alternative said structure, the first wall thereof functions as said second wall and vice versa in a said assembly.

21. A bracket according to claim 20 as appended to claim 19, wherein the distances that the rows of holes in the first wall are spaced to either side of said axis which extends perpendicular to the second wall differs from the distances that the rows of holes in the second wall are spaced to either side of the axis which extends perpendicular to the first wall, whereby no pair of transversely aligned holes in the first wall can be aligned with any pair of transversely aligned holes in the second wall of another such bracket.

22. A bracket according claim 20 or 21, wherein a dimension of the first wall from a proximal end to a distal end thereof differs from a dimension of the second wall from a proximal end to a distal end thereof, so the first and second walls can be distinguished from each other.

23. A bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 23 in said assembly.

24. The assembly including a bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 22.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, wherein said one of the members comprises a column or post.

26. An assembly according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said other of the members comprises a beam or bearer.

27. An assembly according to claim 25 or claim 26 as appended thereto, wherein the overlapping first walls overlie a top end of the column or post.

28. An assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein a building unit is supported on said one of the members via said other of the members.

29. An assembly according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said other of the members comprises a footing member.

30 An assembly according to claim 25 or claim 29 as appended thereto, wherein said overlapping first walls underlie a bottom end of the column or post and/ or overlie an upwardly facing surface of the footing member.

31. An assembly according to claim 24 or 25, wherein said other of the members comprises a tie or bracing member extending transverse, perpendicular or diagonal to said one of the members.

32. An assembly according to claim 31 , wherein a said fastener is defined by the tie or bracing member.

33. An assembly according to claim 31 or 32, wherein the second walls project in the same direction, are rotationally offset from each other about said axis by 180 degrees, and are fixed against opposite sides of the column or post.

34. An assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein said second walls project in the same direction and are rotationally offset from each other about the axis and fixed against said one of the members, and the first walls are connected to the other member via the fastener(s).

35. An assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 32, wherein the second walls project in opposite directions and are fixed against respective ones of the members.

36. An assembly according to claim 35, wherein the second walls are not rotationally offset from each other about the axis.

37. An assembly according to claim 35, wherein the second walls are rotationally offset from each other about the axis.

38. An assembly according to claim 34 or 37, wherein the rotational offset is 90 degrees.

39. An assembly according to claim 34 or 37, wherein the rotational offset is 180 degrees.

40. An assembly according to claim 34 or 37, wherein the rotational offset is 270 degrees.

41. An assembly according to claim 34 or any one of claims 38 to 40 as dependent therefrom, including a further said bracket, wherein the first wall of the further bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said further bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said further bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to said overlapping first walls, and wherein the second wall of the further bracket projects in the same direction as said second walls of the other two brackets, is rotationally offset therefrom and is fixed against said one of the members.

42. An assembly according to any one of claims 35 to 37 or any one of claims 38 to 40 as dependent from claim 37, including a further said bracket, wherein the first wall of the further bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said further bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said further bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to said overlapping first walls, and wherein the second wall of the further bracket projects in the same direction, and is fixed to the same member, as one of said second walls.

43. An assembly according to claim 41 or 42, including an additional said bracket, wherein the first wall of the additional bracket and the overlapping first walls of the other three brackets overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said additional bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said additional bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to the overlapping first walls of said other three brackets, and wherein the second wall of the additional bracket projects in the same direction as said second walls of said two brackets, is rotationally offset therefrom and is fixed against said one of the members.

44. An assembly according to claim 41 or 42, including an additional said bracket, wherein the first wall of the additional bracket and said overlapping first walls overlap and the or each pair of aligned openings aligns with a respective said opening through the first wall of said additional bracket whereby the fastener received through the openings in that pair is also received through said respective opening through the first wall of said additional bracket, to effect fixation of that wall to said overlapping first walls, and wherein the second wall of the additional bracket projects in the same direction, and is fixed to the same member, as the second wall of another of the brackets.

45. A method of forming a bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising bending a blank to form the bracket.

46. A method according to claim 45, wherein the blank is formed from a single flat piece of plate in which the or each opening is formed.

47. A method according to claim 46, wherein the or each opening has been formed by stamping.

48. A method according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the blank comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion and a junction between the first and second wall portions, and the method comprises bending the plate at said junction such that the first and second wall portions define the first and second walls.

49. For a method according to any one of claims 45 to 48, said blank.