Fence rail bracket

A fence rail bracket for use with a member having maximum and minimum cross-sectional dimensions comprising:

• a generally planar body portion, having a longitudinal length essentially the same as the maximum cross-sectional dimension and a longitudinal stiffening rib;
• a pair of L-shaped ears, disposed transversely of the body portion, parallel to one another, extending perpendicularly to the plane of the body portion by a distance essentially the same as the minimum cross-sectional dimension;
• a generally rectangular tab disposed longitudinally of the body portion, extending perpendicularly to the plane of the body portion and being perpendicular to each of the L-shaped ears, having a length exceeding the maximum cross-sectional dimension, and a width no greater than the minimum cross-sectional dimension;
• the planar body portion, the pair of L-shaped ears, and the generally rectangular tab defining a laterally open pocket;
• wherein the body portion, the ears, and the tab are formed from a single metal piece;
• wherein each of the L-shaped ears defines a notch;
• wherein each notch is offset from the plane of the body portion by a predetermined distance;
• and
• wherein the sum of those predetermined distances and the length of the body portion is essentially equal to the length of the rectangular tab;
• whereby material waste is effectively eliminated in the manufacturing process.