WO2017118657A1

WO2017118657A1 - Attachment assembly and method of using same

Info

Publication number: WO2017118657A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/050139
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Anthony Naylor
Original assignee: Bja Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-05
Filing date: 2017-01-04
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Also published as: GB2546072B; GB2546072A; GB201600142D0

Abstract

An attachment assembly comprising a first part, a second part,a coupling part, and a fastening mechanism. The coupling part comprises an interlock portion and an anchor portion and the fastening mechanism can fasten the second part to the coupling part. The first part comprises a first receiving mechanism,and the interlock portion can be inserted into the first receiving mechanism and rotated to interlock the coupling part with the first part. The a second part comprises a second receiving mechanism,and the anchor portion can be inserted into the second receiving mechanism to anchor the orientation of the coupling part by resisting the coupling part from rotating relative to the second part. When the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and rotationally anchored by the second part, the fastening mechanism can be applied to fasten the second part to the coupling part.

Description

ATTACHMENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USING SAME

This disclosure relates generally to attachment assemblies, particularly but not exclusively for mounting a gate or door on a frame or post; to parts that can be used for the attachment assemblies; and to methods of using the attachment assemblies and parts.

A known gate assembly may comprise a gate attached to a gate post by means of a hinge. An advantage of metal gate posts over wooden ones is their reduced risk of deformation in use over time, since even high quality wood may tend to warp with repetitive use over time. Metal posts usually need to be bespoke and manufactured remotely in workshops using information from a detailed survey of the site where they are to be located. Metal hinge brackets may be welded to a metal gate post, or attached by nuts and bolts, for example. It may be necessary to drill holes into the gate post and to provide threading in the holes for screws, before the gate can be finished and painted. Certain kinds of known fittings for attaching hinges to gate posts may include a bracket clamped to a post, and may be visible to an undesirable extent and scratch the surface of the post when its position along the post is adjusted. Other example fasteners include expansion anchors, hollow wall anchors, threaded anchors, toggle bolts and winged anchors. United States patent number 1 ,808,318 discloses an integral bolt anchor comprising an integral cage and expanding means connected to the cage by a breakable means. German utility model patent number DE 94 22 153 U1 discloses an anchor unit for attaching a panel to a hollow wall comprises a screw, an anchor foot and expansion segments. When the anchor unit is inserted into a hole in a hollow wall and the screw is turned, a metal anchor is pulled towards the head of the screw and the expansion segments slide over plastic anchors and impinge onto the wall, resulting in a robust support for the panel.

United States patent number 8,333,048 discloses a fixture set fixture set comprising a means for fastening an accessory part to a front surface of a structure such as a wall, hollow post or frame. The fastening means comprises an anchor, a bolt screwed into the anchor and a splitter arranged between the head of the bolt and the anchor. The anchor is entirely inserted in a hole in the structure and comprises at least two parts which are radially expandable by the splitter, when tightening the bolt, to lock the anchor against the back surface of the structure. The splitter and the anchor comprise interlocking mechanisms to restrict rotation of the anchor relative to the splitter. There is a need for an attachment mechanism that can be relatively easily installed with reduced risk of damaging the parts to be attached. There is also a need for attachment mechanisms that can be used in a variety of circumstances, with reduced need for bespoke components manufactured according to specific circumstances of the intended location or the dimensions or configuration of the objects to be attached, for example. In particular, but not exclusively, there is a need for gate assemblies in which gates having any of a variety of configurations or dimensions can be attached to a relatively generic metal gate post, potentially in a variety of circumstances, whilst reducing the risk of damaging the components during installation.

Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided an attachment assembly comprising a first part, a second part, a coupling part for connecting the second part to the first part, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the second part to the coupling part; in which the coupling part comprises an interlock portion, and an anchor portion; the first part comprises a first receiving mechanism cooperatively configured with the interlock portion, such that the interlock portion can be inserted into the first receiving mechanism and rotated relative to it, operative to interlock the coupling part with the first part and prevent it (the coupling part) from being withdrawn from the first receiving mechanism; the second part comprises a second receiving mechanism cooperatively configured with the anchor portion such that the second receiving mechanism can receive the anchor portion and resist its rotation relative to the second receiving mechanism (and the second part), operative to anchor the orientation of the coupling part relative to the second part; and the first part, coupling part, second part and fastening mechanism are cooperatively configured such that when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and rotationally anchored by the second part, the second part can be fastened to the coupling part by the fastening mechanism, operative to attach the second part to the first part.

Viewed from a second aspect, there is provided a first part for an example attachment assembly according to the first aspect.

Viewed from a third aspect, there is provided a second part for an example attachment assembly according to the first aspect. Viewed from a fourth aspect, there is provided a coupling part for an example attachment assembly according to the first aspect.

Viewed from a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of using an example attachment assembly to attach the second part to the first part, the method including inserting the interlock portion of the coupling part into the first receiving mechanism; rotating the coupling part relative to the first receiving mechanism and interlocking the coupling part with the first part; locating the second part against the coupling part such that the anchor portion of the coupling part is inserted into the second receiving mechanism and the coupling part is prevented from rotating relative to the second part; and using the fastening mechanism to fasten the second part to the coupling part.

Example attachment assemblies may be provided fully or partly assembled, or non- assembled, as in kit form.

Various arrangements and combinations of features are envisaged for attachment assemblies in this disclosure, non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of which are described below. In some example arrangements, the fastening mechanism may be such that using it to fasten the second part to the coupling part may apply a rotational force on the coupling part, which will be resisted by the second receiving mechanism that will resist or prevent the coupling part from rotating relative to the second part. In other words, the fastening mechanism, the coupling part and the second part are cooperatively configured such that when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and rotationally anchored by the second part, the fastening mechanism can secure the second part to the coupling part without causing rotation of the coupling part with respect to the first part and consequential detachment of the coupling part from the first part. Thus can be provided an assembly comprising the second part indirectly attached to the first part by the coupling part, which is interlocked with the first part and rotationally anchored by the second part to prevent it from becoming detached from the first part.

In some examples, an example attachment assembly may be used for attaching a structure to the first part, in which the structure may comprise or consist of a gate or door, and the first part may comprise or consist of a post, beam, frame or wall. In some examples, the structure may be a shelf, cupboard or the like; and / or the first part may comprise a wall, such as a dry-wall. The second part may comprise or consist of a bracket capable of supporting the structure; for example, the second part may comprise a hinge bracket or part of a hinge assembly, for mounting the structure such that it can pivot relative to the first part. As used herein, a bracket can be attached to each of at least two structural members such that the structural members will be kept in a substantially fastened spatial relationship to each other. A bracket may project from one of the structural members.

In some examples, the first part may comprise or consist of a post or frame for a gateway, and the structure may comprise or consist of a gate door. The attachment assembly may comprise 1 to 4 (or more) hinge assemblies for pivotally supporting the gate door. Each hinge assembly may comprise a hinge bracket, and each hinge bracket may comprise a hinge plate provided with at least 2 receiving mechanisms in the form of through-holes through the plate, for receiving respective anchor members of respective coupling parts. Therefore, the attachment assembly may comprise one coupling part for each of the second receiving mechanisms of the hinge brackets; so in various examples, the attachment assembly may comprise 2 to 6 (or more) coupling parts. In other words, the number of coupling parts comprised in an example attachment assembly may be the number of hinge assemblies multiplied by the number of second receiving mechanisms per hinge assembly. In some examples, the first part may be provided with the same number of first receiving mechanisms as there are coupling parts (and second receiving mechanisms).

In some example arrangements, the first part may comprise more first receiving mechanisms than the number of coupling parts (and second receiving mechanisms); for example, the number of first receiving mechanisms may be at least 2 or 3 times the number of coupling parts; and / or at most 10 or 20 times the number of coupling parts. In some examples, the attachment assembly may comprise 1 to 4, or 1 to 8, or 1 to 10 coupling parts, and the first part may comprise at least 4, at least 6, at least 8 or at least 10 first receiving mechanisms; and / or the first part may comprise up to 15, up to 20, or up to 30 first receiving mechanisms.

If the first part such as a gate post is provided with more, or substantially more first receiving mechanisms (which may be holes) that would be necessary to attach an object such as a gate door to it, then example attachment assemblies may have the aspect of providing a user (for example an installer who will assembly the assembly) with flexibility and options for locating the hinge assemblies on the first part, which may depend on the design of the object to be attached. For example, a single design of post or frame may be used for installing a variety of different gates and doors of various designs, which may avoid the need for the installer to drill holes into the post or frame, or to machine it in some other way in order to install the gateway. The first receiving mechanisms may be arranged equidistant from each other, or at different distances from each other, so that the structure may be fastened to the first part at any of a plurality of receiving mechanisms, depending on the configuration of the structure or other contingent factors. In some examples, the attachment assembly may comprise a plurality of caps, blanks, covers or the like, configured to be attached to first receiving mechanisms that are not required when the attachment assembly is assembled.

In some example arrangements, the first receiving mechanism may comprise an interlock hole provided in the first part; the interlock portion may comprise an interlock member projecting from the coupling part; and the interlock hole may be configured to receive the interlock portion when the interlock member is arranged in a first orientation relative to the interlock hole, and to prevent withdrawal of the interlock portion when the interlock portion is inserted into the interlock hole and the interlock member is arranged at a second orientation relative to the interlock hole. In some examples, the first and second orientations may be at about 60 to 90 degrees to each other. An example interlock member may be in the form of a lateral or longitudinally projecting flange, or a semi-spheroidal lobe.

In some example arrangements, the interlock portion may comprise a plurality of interlock members projecting laterally from a body portion of the coupling part ("lateral" being in relation to a longitudinal axis about which the coupling part will be rotated to interlock the coupling part with the first part). The body portion may be a generally cylindrical in shape, but may have other shapes. In some example arrangements, the interlock portion may comprise a pair of interlock members, which may be in the form of lobes, projecting from diametrically opposite sides of the body portion, and the interlock hole may have the shape of a central circle for receiving the body portion, and a pair of side holes extending laterally from diametrically opposite sides of the central circle, for receiving the pair of interlock members. In some example arrangements, the first part may comprise a wall to which the second part may be attached, and the first receiving mechanism may comprise a through-hole through the wall. In some example arrangements, the first part may comprise or consist of a hollow body, including a cavity entirely or partly enclosed by a wall, in which the first receiving mechanisms may be provided. For example, the first part may comprise or consist of a hollow or "U-shaped" post.

In some example arrangements, the second receiving mechanism may comprise an anchor hole in the second part; the anchor portion of the coupling part may comprise an anchor member projecting from a body portion of the coupling part; and the anchor hole may be configured to receive the anchor portion when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part, and the second part is arranged relative to the first part as desired in the final arrangement. An example anchor member may be generally oblong in shape, and the second receiving mechanism may comprise a generally oblong hole or depression in the second part, configured to accommodate the anchor member. The anchor member and the second receiving mechanism will be configured such that the anchor member will not be able to rotate within the second receiving mechanism about a longitudinal axis of the coupling part.

In some example arrangements, the anchor member may be coterminous with an end of the coupling part. In some example arrangements, the anchor member may project laterally from the coupling part, in relation to a longitudinal axis about which the coupling part will be rotated to interlock the interlock portion with the first part. In some example arrangements, the coupling part may comprise a body portion, the interlock portion may comprise one or more interlock members projecting from the body portion, and the anchor portion may comprise one or more anchor members projecting from the body portion; the anchor and interlock portions may be proximate or coterminous opposite ends of the coupling part.

In some example arrangements, the fastening mechanism may comprise a dowel rod (or pin) and fastener element that can be fastened to the dowel rod; the coupling part may include a though-hole configured to accommodate the dowel rod, and when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part, the dowel rod will project sufficiently from the coupling part such that the fastener element can be fastened to the dowel element when the second interlock mechanism is interlocked with the second interlock portion of the coupling part. The dowel rod may comprise or consist of a bolt, and the fastener element may comprise a nut; and / or the through-hole through the coupling part may include a countersunk portion for accommodating a head of the bolt, which may have a polygonal shape.

In some example attachment assemblies, the first part may comprise a support structure (for example a post, beam, frame, wall or dry-wall) for supporting an object (for example a gate, door or shelf). For example, the first structure may comprise a post for supporting a gate, and the second part may comprise a hinge bracket, for supporting a hinge mechanism for the gate; the post and / or the hinge bracket may comprise steel or other metal-based material. The post may comprise a plurality of receiving mechanisms, such as through- holes, along a length of the post.

In some example attachment assemblies, the first part may comprises a post or frame for supporting a door or gate; the attachment assembly may comprise one or more second parts, each comprising a hinge bracket for supporting one or more respective hinge mechanisms to which the door or gate will be fastened; the first part may comprise a number of first receiving mechanisms, the number exceeding the combined number of second receiving mechanisms of the one or more second parts; and the first receiving mechanisms may be arranged substantially equidistantly along a length of the first part. In some examples, the first and / or second part may comprise or consist of steel or other metal-based material, concrete, ceramic material, wood or composite material.

Some example methods may include directly or indirectly attaching an object to the second part. For example, the first part may comprise a post for supporting a gate, the object may comprises a gate, and the second part may comprise a hinge bracket.

In some example arrangements, the first part may comprise a number of first receiving mechanisms, exceeding the number of second receiving mechanisms; and the method may include selecting the first receiving mechanism or mechanisms to which the second part or parts are to be attached. For example, the one or more first receiving mechanisms may be selected according to the dimensions and / or configuration of an object, such as a gate or door, to be attached to the second part. In some examples, once the attachment assembly has been assembled, covers, such as caps or plugs, may be placed over one or more of the first receiving mechanisms that were not selected for attaching the second part or parts to the first part. Non-limiting examples of attachment assemblies will be described below with reference to the following drawings, of which

Fig. 1A shows perspective views of a prior art bracket for a gate post, separately from the post and fastened to the post as in use; and

Fig. 1 B shows a front view of a prior art gateway, comprising a gate door attached to a gate post by hinges mounted onto brackets as shown in Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A shows a side view of an example of a different type of prior art bracket attached to a gate post by a prior art attachment mechanism shown in an expanded view; and Fig. 2B shows a schematic side view of the example prior art attachment mechanism of Fig.

2A, both before being attached to the post and attached to the post;

Fig. 3A shows a schematic perspective view of an example attachment assembly for attaching a gate to a gate post;

Fig. 3B shows schematic perspective view of one of the example hinge brackets shown in

Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3C shows a schematic perspective view of one of the example coupling parts shown in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 3D shows schematic perspective views of an example coupling part, both with and without an example fastening bolt;

Fig. 3E shows a schematic longitudinal cross section view through the longitudinal axis of an example coupling part;

Fig. 3F shows a schematic top view of the example coupling part shown in Fig. 3E;

Fig. 3G shows a schematic view of an area of a side wall of the example gate post shown in

Fig. 3A, in which two through-hole first receiving mechanisms are evident;

Fig. 3H shows a schematic top views of one of the hinge brackets shown in Fig. 3A.

Fig. 4A shows a schematic perspective view of an example coupling part and an example first part, in which the coupling part is spaced apart from the first part as prior to attachment in a first orientation, in which it can be inserted into a through-hole provided in the first part (the perspective shows a front side of the first part);

Fig. 4B shows a schematic perspective view as in Fig. 4A, in which the interlock portion of the example coupling part is inserted into the through-hole of the first part, as in a first attachment step; Fig. 4C shows the example arrangement of the example coupling part and first part of Fig.

4B, from a perspective view of the opposite side of the first part (the perspective shows a rear side of the first part); and

Fig. 4D shows a schematic perspective view of the example coupling part and first part as shown in Fig. 4C, in which the coupling part has been rotated from the first orientation (the perspective shows a front side of the first part);

Fig. 5A shows a schematic exploded perspective view of an example attachment and hinge assembly for attaching a gate to a gate post; and

Fig. 5B shows a schematic perspective view of the attachment and hinge assembly, assembled.

With reference to Fig. 1 A and Fig. 1 B, a prior art bracket assembly 1000 for attaching a gate door 3000 to a gate post 2000 by means of a hinge mechanism (which is not fully shown), comprises a clamp 1080 that can be fitted around the gate post 2000 and fastened to it by tightening a nut 1060 on a bolt through flanges 1040 at opposite ends of the clamp 1080. The bracket assembly 1000 comprises a pin 1 100 for insertion into a gudgeon (not shown) to provide a hinge mechanism 1500 for the gate 3000.

With reference to Fig. 2A and 2B, three hinge brackets 1200 are attached to a gate post 2000 by respective prior art anchor fasteners 1300, different from the kind shown in Fig. 1A and 1 B. Each anchor fastener comprises a sleeve having deflectable segments 1320, a threaded bolt 1450 having a bolt head 1340, a washer 1380 and a splitter 1400. The splitter 1400 is internally threaded and fastened onto the bolt 1450, and the sleeve is fitted around a portion of the bolt between the washer 1380 and the splitter 1400. The washer 1380 is located against the bolt head 1340 at a proximate end of the bolt 1450. When the anchor fastener 1300 is inserted through a hole in a plate 1360 of the hinge bracket 1200 and into a hole drilled in the post 2000, the washer will abut the plate 1360 and the splitter 1400 will be attached to the bolt 1450 proximate a distal end of the bolt 1450. When the bolt is rotated by a tool acting on the bolt head 1340, the splitter 1400 will be drawn towards the bolt head 1340 and impinge on the deflectable segments1320 and increasingly deflect them away from the bolt 1450 as the bolt 1450 is rotated. A portion of the sleeve will remain within a combined through-hole defined by the plate 1360 and the post 2000 and thus substantially non-deflected. The segments 1320 adjacent the post 2000 will be deflected such that the anchor fastener 1300 cannot be withdrawn from the hole in the post 2000 and the plate 1360 cannot be detached from the post 2000 in normal use. With reference to Fig. 3A to 3H, an example arrangement of a gate post assembly may comprise a hollow gate post 200 (corresponding to the first part), and end cap 230 for covering top end of the gate post 200, a pair of example attachment and hinge assemblies 400, 500, and a plurality of plugs 220. The gate post 200 may comprise or consist of steel or other metal-based material, and the end cap 230 (if present) may comprise or consist of plastic material. In this particular example, the gate post 200 is approximately square in lateral cross section and includes an elongate hollow volume extending between its opposite ends. The hinge brackets 500 for a gate (not shown) will be attached to a front side of the gate post 200, along the length of which are provided fourteen through-holes 210 for receiving coupling parts 400. In other examples, the number of through-holes 210 provided may be one, two, four, or any integer number of through-holes 210 from one to as many as can be accommodated along the gate post 200 or other structure. In some examples, the gate post may consist of steel, it may be about 1 ,000 to 2,400 mm long and it may be supplied with a plurality of interlock though-holes, which may be punched or drilled during the manufacturing process, which may be equidistant from each other along the length of the gate post.

Although only two hinge brackets 500 are to be attached to the gate post 200, and each requires only two coupling parts 400 and two corresponding through-holes 210, many more through-holes 210 are provided so that the hinge brackets 500 can be fastened to the gate post 200 at suitable positions along the gate post 200, depending on the design of the gate doors, for example. This allows the gate post 200 to be manufactured to finished condition and be suitable for use with a wide range of gate door designs, reducing the need for an installer to drill or otherwise machine the gate post 200 at the installation location. The ten plugs 200 (in this particular illustration) are configured to fit into the ten unused through- holes 210 and cover them to improve the aesthetics of the gate post 200. In other examples, different numbers of through-holes 210 and plugs 220 may be provided; and in some examples plugs 220 may not be provided.

With reference to Fig. 3B, an example hinge bracket 500 (corresponding to the second part) may include through-holes 510 provided in a plate structure that will abut the front side of the gate post 200 when attached, and hinge hook members 530 configured to receive and retain a pivot member 540. In some examples, the hinge bracket may comprise or consist of steel or other metal-based material. With reference to Fig. 3C to 3F, an example coupling part 400 comprises an interlock portion IP that is coterminous with a distal end DE, and an anchor portion AP that is coterminous with a proximate end PE, and a neck portion 412 connecting the interlock IP and anchor AP portions. In this particular example, the interlock portion IP has the appearance of a pair of semi-cylindrical lobes 420 attached to diametrically opposite sides of a central cylindrical portion, in which surfaces 410 of the cylindrical portion space apart the lobes 420. Viewed from the distal end DE, the inter-lock portion IP has the appearance of a pair of semi-circular lobes attached on diametrically opposite sides of a central circle. A through-hole extends from the distal DE to the proximate ends PE for accommodating a fastening bolt 440, a component of the fastening mechanism that will fasten the hinge bracket plate 500 to the coupling part 400 (the fastening bolt 440 is not shown in Fig. 3C, but is evident in Fig. 3D). An anchor portion AP of the coupling part 400 is coterminous with the proximate end PE of the coupling part 400 and has the shape of an oblong anchor plate 430 connected to the proximate end of a cylinder, spaced apart from the lobes 420 of the interlock portion IP by the cylindrical neck 412. The oblong anchor plate 430 has a mutually opposite pair of semicircular flange portions 432 at opposite ends, connected by a pair of mutually opposite straight sides 434. In this particular example, each of the flange portions 432 projects over an area of a respective interlock lobe 430

With reference to Fig 3E, an example coupling part 400 may have an overall length from the proximate PE to the distal end DE of about 24 mm (H2 + H3 + H4), in which the longitudinal height H2 of each lobe 420 of the interlock portion IP may be about 15 mm, the height H3 of the neck 412 may be about 6 mm and the thickness H4 of the oblong anchor plate 430 of the anchor portion AP may be about 3 mm. The diameter D2 of the opening 405 of the through- hole at the distal end DE of the coupling portion 400, which will accommodate the head of a fastening nut, may be about 19 mm, and the diameter D1 of the opening at the proximate end PE of the through-hole, which will accommodate the bolt may be about 12 mm. With reference to Fig. 3F, the width W2 of the interlock portion IP, from the side of one of the lobes 420 to the opposite side of the other lobe 420 may be about 35 mm; and the width W1 between the semi-circular end flange portions 432 of the oblong structure 430 of the anchor portion IP may be about 26 mm. The width W1 of the oblong structure 430 between the opposite straight sides may be about 14 mm, and the radius of curvature of the semi-circular end flange portions 432 may be about 7 mm. With reference to Fig. 3G, the through-holes 210 provided in the front side wall of the gate post 200 are shaped to accommodate the interlock portions IP of a coupling part 400 when the latter is oriented in either of two specific opposite first directions, but not when the coupling part 400 is arranged at other orientations with respect to the gate poste 200. In the particular example shown in Fig. 3G, the through-holes 210, which may be referred to as 'interlock' through-holes owing to their collaborative inter-locking function with the interlock portions IP of the coupling parts 400, may be arranged length-wise across the front wall of the post 200, such that the lateral length L is greater than the longitudinal breadth B. For example, L may be about 42 mm and B may be about 16 mm. The shape and dimensions of the through-holes will be configured to be able to receive the interlock portion IP of the coupling part 400 when the latter is arranged in a first orientation but not in a substantially different orientation. Once the interlock potion IP has been fully inserted into an interlock through-hole 210 and rotated by a sufficient degree to a second orientation, then the coupling part 400 will be effectively interlocked with the side wall of the gate post, and it will not be possible to withdraw the interlock portion IP from the interlock through-hole in normal use.

With reference to Fig. 3H, the example plate of the hinge bracket 500 includes two through- holes 510, which may be referred to as anchor through-holes 210 owing to their collaborative anchoring function with each of the oblong structures 430, which may be referred to as anchor plates, of the respective coupling parts 400. The shape and dimensions of the anchor through-holes 520 will be configured to accommodate and anchor each of the anchor portions AP of the respective coupling parts 400. For example, the length AL of the straight sides of the anchor through-holes 210 may be about 35 mm and the overall length of the hinge bracket plate 500 may be about 210 mm. When both coupling parts 400 are interlocked with the side wall of the gate post 200, with their respective interlock portions I P inserted through the respective through-holes 210, and the coupling parts 400 have been rotated 90 degrees to the second orientation so that the coupling parts 400 are inter-locked with the wall of the gate post 200 and the former cannot be withdrawn from the latter in normal use, then the oblong anchor plates 230 will be aligned with the length of the gate post 200 and the respective anchor through-holes 510. When the hinge bracket plate 500 are then placed against the side wall of the gate post 200 as in use, each pair of oblong anchor plates 230 can be fitted into respective anchor through-holes 510 and the hinge bracket plates 500 can be located against the side of the gate post 200. The shapes and dimensions of the anchor plates 430 and the anchor through-holes will be configured such that the coupling parts 400 will not be able substantially to rotate away from the second orientation, in which their interlock portions IP are interlocked with the interlock through- holed 210. The fastening bolt 440 projecting through each coupling part 400 will project sufficiently far for a washer and nut to be applied to them to fasten the hinge bracket plate 500 against the proximate ends PE of the coupling parts. The anchoring effect of the anchor through-holes 510 and the anchor plates 430 of the coupling parts 400, which may be referred to as the anchoring mechanism, will ensure that the interlock portion IP and the interlock through-holes 210, which may be referred to as the interlock mechanism, will not be reversed when nuts are tightly screwed onto the ends of the bolts.

The interlock mechanism by which the coupling part 400 can be attached to the gate post 200 by interlocking parts will be described with reference to Fig. 4A to 4D. Fig. 4A shows the coupling part 400 spaced apart from the gate post 200 prior to attachment, with a fastening bolt 440 in place through the coupling part 400. The head of the fastening bolt 440 is not visible in Fig. 4A because it is fully inserted into the distal end of the coupling part 400, so that the proximate end of the fastening bolt 400 projects fully from its proximate end. The coupling part 400 comprises the interlock portion formed of a pair of interlock lobes 420 on opposite sides of a generally cylindrical central body portion (only one of the interlock lobes 420 is visible in Fig. 4A, since the other interlock lobe 420 is on the opposite side), and it comprises an oblong anchor plate 430 that extends over and beyond the generally cylindrical body portion, the end portions projecting as a pair of flanges over each of the interlock lobes 430 to some extent. In other words, the oblong anchor plate 430 is substantially aligned with the interlock lobes 420. The flange portions 432 of the anchor plate 430 are spaced apart from each of the interlock lobes 420 by a gap sufficiently large to accommodate the thickness of the wall of the gate post to which the coupling part is to be attached. An area 410 of the cylindrical body portion of the coupling part 400 lies between each of the flange portions 432 of the anchor plate 430 and the respective lobe 420. An interlock through-hole 210 is provided in a wall of the gate post 200 and has the same general shape as the coupling part 400 as viewed from the distal end. In in other words, in this particular example, the interlock through-hole 210 is shaped as a central circle and a pair of semi-circles on diametrically opposite sides of the circle. The dimensions of the interlock through-hole 210 are such that the interlock portion of the coupling part 400, in particular the interlock lobes 420 and the central cylindrical portion, can be inserted through the interlock through-hole 210, as shown in Fig. 4B. The anchor plate 440 will not be inserted through the interlock through-hole 210 in use.

With reference to Fig. 4C and 4D, when the interlock lobes 420 have been inserted through the interlock through-hole 210, the coupling part 400 will be rotated in the direction R (in this example). Once the coupling part 400 has been rotated by a sufficient degree, then the interlock lobes 420 will interlock with the interlock through-hole 210 and prevent the coupling part from being withdrawn from the interlock through-hole 210. In this example, the flange portions 432 of the anchor plate 430 will project over the surface of the gate post 200 to some extent and prevent the coupling part from passing entirely through the interlock through-hole 210. Since the hinge bracket (not shown) will be aligned with the gate post, it will be necessary (in this example) to rotate the coupling part by 90 degrees, so that the interlock mechanism is maximally engaged owing to the entire upper surface areas of the interlock lobes bearing against the distal side of wall of the gate post, and the anchor plate 430 is aligned with the gate post 200. The neck area 412 between the anchor plate 430 and the interlock lobes 420 may abut the side of the inter-lock through-hole 210. Then in this arrangement, the coupling part 400 cannot be withdrawn from or further inserted through the interlock through-hole 210. With reference to Fig. 5A and 5B, the attachment of an example hinge assembly arrangement will be described. Each of two coupling parts 400, with respective fastening bolts 440 mounted through them, is interlocked through respective interlock through-holes 210 in the gate post 200, as described above. The hinge plate 500 is then placed against the wall of the gate post 200 such that each of the two anchor plates 430 of the coupling parts 400 fits through respective anchor through-holes 510 provided in the hinge plate 500. The oblong shapes of the anchor plates 430 and the anchor through-holes 510 will be aligned and once both anchor plates 430 are inserted into the anchor through-holes 510, neither of the coupling parts 400 will be able to rotate substantially, owing to the anchoring mechanism between the anchor plates 430 and the anchor through-holes 510, thus stabilising both coupling parts 400 in their interlocked arrangements with respect to the gate post 200. The washers 442 can then be placed over each of the projecting ends of the bolts 440, and the 444 can be screwed tightly onto the bolts 440 without risk of the coupling parts 400 rotating sufficiently to become detached from the gate post 200. In this way, the hinge plate 500 will be firmly attached to the gate-post 200, and a hinge pin 520 can be fastened to the hinge hooks 530 of the hinge bracket by means of a bolt 540 and nut 542, in this particular example. Fig. 5B shows one of the interlock through-holes 210 that was not used in this example.

Example disclosed posts may have the aspect of reducing or avoiding the need to be manufactured according to a bespoke design based on the particular circumstances of their intended location, and can be configured substantially in situ. Example posts may be finished and painted before being installed, since it will likely not be necessary for holes to be drilled into them during installation. Certain example arrangements may enable steel hinge brackets to be easily and efficiently attached to a steel structure, such as a gate post or frame, without requiring special skills on the part of the installer.

The following numbered clauses describe example embodiments of disclosed attachment assemblies having any of various potential combinations of features, of example parts for example embodiments of attachment assemblies, and of methods of using example embodiments of attachment assemblies:

1. Certain example attachment assemblies may comprise a first part, a second part, a coupling part for connecting the second part to the first part, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the second part to the coupling part; in which the coupling part comprises an interlock portion, and an anchor portion; the first part comprises a first receiving mechanism cooperatively configured with the interlock portion, such that the interlock portion can be inserted into the first receiving mechanism and rotated relative to it, operative to interlock the coupling part with the first part and prevent it from being withdrawn from the first receiving mechanism, the second part comprises a second receiving mechanism cooperatively configured with the anchor portion such that the second receiving mechanism can receive the anchor portion and resist its rotation relative to the second receiving mechanism, operative to anchor the orientation of the coupling part relative to the second part; and the first part, coupling part, second part and fastening mechanism are cooperatively configured such that when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and rotationally anchored by the second part, the second part can be fastened to the coupling part by the fastening mechanism, operative to attach the second part to the first part.

2. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 1 , in which the first receiving mechanism may comprise an interlock hole provided in the first part; the interlock portion may comprise an interlock member projecting from a body portion of the coupling part; and the interlock hole may be configured to receive the interlock portion when the interlock member is arranged in a first orientation relative to the interlock hole, and to prevent withdrawal of the interlock portion when the interlock portion is inserted into the interlock hole and the interlock member is arranged at a second orientation relative to the interlock hole.

Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 2, in which the interlock portion may comprise one or more interlock members projecting laterally from the body portion, in relation to a longitudinal axis about which the coupling part will be rotated relative to the first receiving mechanism.

Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 2 or clause 3, in which the interlock portion may comprise a pair of interlock members projecting from diametrically opposite sides of the body portion.

Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses, in which the first part may comprise a wall to which the second part will be attached, and the first receiving mechanism may comprise a through-hole through the wall.

Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses, in which the second receiving mechanism may comprise an anchor hole provided in the second part; the anchor portion may comprise an anchor member projecting from a body portion of the coupling part; and the anchor hole may be configured to receive the anchor member when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and the second part is arranged relative to the first part in a desired orientation.

Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 6, in which the anchor member may be coterminous with an end of the coupling part.

Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 6 or 7, in which the anchor member may project laterally from the body portion of the coupling part, in relation to a longitudinal axis about which the coupling part will be rotated relative to the first receiving mechanism. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of clauses 6 to 8, in which the anchor member and the anchor hole may be oblong in shape. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses, in which the fastening mechanism may comprise a dowel rod and fastener element that can be fastened to the dowel rod; the coupling part may include a though-hole configured to accommodate the dowel rod, and when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part, the dowel rod will project sufficiently from the coupling part such that the fastener element can be fastened to the dowel rod when the coupling part is rotationally anchored by the second part. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 10, in which the dowel rod may comprise a bolt and the fastener element comprises a nut; and the through-hole through the coupling part includes a countersunk portion for accommodating a head of the bolt. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses, in which the first part may comprise a support structure for supporting an object, and the second part may comprise or be attachable to the object. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses, in which the first part may comprise a post for supporting a gate or door, and the second part may comprise a hinge bracket for a hinge mechanism; and the post and / or the hinge bracket may comprise steel or other metal-based material. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in clause 13, in which the post may comprise a plurality of receiving mechanisms arranged equidistantly along at least a length of the post. Certain example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses, in which the first part may comprise a number of first receiving mechanisms, exceeding the number of second receiving mechanisms. Example embodiments of the first part for example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses may be provided. Example embodiments of the second part for example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses may be provided. Example embodiments of the coupling part for example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of the preceding clauses may be provided. Certain example embodiments of methods of using example embodiments of attachment assemblies as described in any combination of clauses 1 to 15, to attach the second part to the first part, may include:

inserting the interlock portion of the coupling part into the first receiving mechanism; rotating the coupling part relative to the first receiving mechanism and interlocking the coupling part with the first part;

locating the second part against the coupling part such that the anchor portion of the coupling part is inserted into the second receiving mechanism and the coupling part is prevented from rotating relative to the second part; and

using the fastening mechanism to fasten the second part to the coupling part. Certain example embodiments of methods as described in clause 19 may include directly or indirectly attaching an object to the second part. In certain example embodiments of methods as described in clause 20, the first part may comprise a post for supporting a gate, the object may comprise a gate, and the second part may comprise a hinge bracket. In certain example embodiments of methods as described in clause 20 and / or 21 , the first part may comprise a number of first receiving mechanisms, exceeding the number of second receiving mechanisms; the method including selecting the first receiving mechanism to which the second part is to be attached. Certain example embodiments of methods as described in clause 22 may include placing a cover over one or more of the first receiving mechanisms that are not selected and used for attaching the second part to the first part.

Claims

An attachment assembly comprising:

a first part,

a second part,

a coupling part for connecting the second part to the first part, and

a fastening mechanism for fastening the second part to the coupling part; in which the coupling part comprises

an interlock portion, and

an anchor portion;

the first part comprises

a post for supporting a gate, and

a plurality of first receiving mechanisms arranged along at least a length of the post,

each first receiving mechanism being cooperatively configured with the interlock portion of the coupling part, such that the interlock portion can be inserted into the first receiving mechanism and rotated relative to it, operative to interlock the coupling part with the first part and prevent it from being withdrawn from the first receiving mechanism;

the second part comprises

a hinge bracket for attaching a gate to the post, and

a second receiving mechanism cooperatively configured with the anchor portion of the coupling part, such that the second receiving mechanism can receive the anchor portion and resist its rotation relative to the second receiving mechanism, operative to anchor the orientation of the coupling part relative to the second part; and

the first part, coupling part, second part and fastening mechanism are

cooperatively configured such that when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and rotationally anchored by the second part, the second part can be fastened to the coupling part by the fastening mechanism, operative to attach the second part to the first part.

An attachment assembly as claimed in claim 1 , in which

the first receiving mechanism comprises an interlock hole provided in the first part; the interlock portion comprises an interlock member projecting from a body portion of the coupling part; and

the interlock hole is configured to receive the interlock portion when the interlock member is arranged in a first orientation relative to the interlock hole, and to prevent withdrawal of the interlock portion when the interlock portion is inserted into the interlock hole and the interlock member is arranged at a second orientation relative to the interlock hole.

3. An attachment assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the interlock portion

comprises one or more interlock members projecting laterally from the body portion, in relation to a longitudinal axis about which the coupling part will be rotated relative to the first receiving mechanism.

4. An attachment assembly as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which

the interlock portion comprises a pair of interlock members projecting from diametrically opposite sides of the body portion.

5. An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which

the first part comprises a wall to which the second part will be attached, and the first receiving mechanism comprises a through-hole through the wall.

6. An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which

the second receiving mechanism comprises an anchor hole provided in the

second part;

the anchor portion comprises an anchor member projecting from a body portion of the coupling part; and

the anchor hole is configured to receive the anchor member when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part and the second part is arranged relative to the first part in a desired orientation.

7. An attachment assembly as claimed in claim 6, in which

the anchor member is coterminous with an end of the coupling part.

8. An attachment assembly as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, in which the anchor member projects laterally from the body portion of the coupling part, in relation to a longitudinal axis about which the coupling part will be rotated relative to the first receiving mechanism.

An attachment assembly as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, in which

the anchor member and the anchor hole are oblong in shape.

An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the fastening mechanism comprises a dowel rod and fastener element that can be fastened to the dowel rod;

the coupling part includes a though-hole configured to accommodate the dowel rod, and when the coupling part is interlocked with the first part, the dowel rod will project sufficiently from the coupling part such that the fastener element can be fastened to the dowel rod when the coupling part is rotationally anchored by the second part.

An attachment mechanism as claimed in claim 10, in which

the dowel rod comprises a bolt and

the fastener element comprises a nut; and

the through-hole through the coupling part includes a countersunk portion for accommodating a head of the bolt.

An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the post and / or the hinge bracket comprise steel or other metal-based material.

An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the first receiving mechanisms are arranged equidistantly along at least the length of the post.

An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising one to four hinge brackets, each comprising

a respective hinge plate provided with

at least two second receiving mechanisms in the form of through-holes through the hinge plate, each for receiving a respective anchor mechanism of a respective coupling part; the assembly comprising one respective coupling part for each second receiving mechanism; in which the first part comprises a number of first receiving mechanisms, exceeding the number of second receiving mechanisms.

15. An attachment assembly as claimed in claim 14, in which the number of first receiving mechanisms is at least twice the number of coupling parts in the assembly.

16. An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of caps configured for being attached to first receiving mechanisms that are not used for attaching the second part or parts to the post, when the assembly is assembled.

17. An attachment assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, in which the post comprises a hollow body, including a cavity entirely or partly enclosed by a wall, and each first receiving mechanism comprises a through-hole through the wall.

18. A method of using an attachment assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 17 to attach the second part to the first part, the method including:

selecting the first receiving mechanism to which the second part is to be attached; inserting the interlock portion of the coupling part into the selected first receiving mechanism;

rotating the coupling part relative to the selected first receiving mechanism and interlocking the coupling part with the first part;

locating the second part against the coupling part such that the anchor portion of the coupling part is inserted into the second receiving mechanism and the coupling part is prevented from rotating relative to the second part; and using the fastening mechanism to fasten the second part to the coupling part.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, including directly or indirectly attaching a gate object to the hinge bracket. A method as claimed in claim 18, including placing a cover over one or more of the first receiving mechanisms that are not selected and used for attaching the second part to the first part.