US 7,396,002 B1 · Terrain-adjustable bracket

Abstract

A bracket is formed from a channel-shaped lower section adapted for attachment to the post, and a channel-shaped upper section pivotably joined to the lower section at its upper end. The bracket is used in fence assembly to connect the end of a channel-shaped rail and a post. The upper section may be pivoted with respect to the lower section, as required to align the upper section with the terrain upon which the rail and post are to be installed. The upper section and lower sections of the bracket cooperate to define a pair of spaced pockets adapted to receive the spaced side walls of a rail. Engagement of the side walls of the upper section of the bracket with internally projecting longitudinal ridges in the rail channel interfere with lifting of the rail from the bracket. Externally projecting tabs on the side walls of the upper section interfere with longitudinal withdrawal of the rail from the bracket.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A kit comprising:

a plurality of posts;
a plurality of panels, each panel formed from a plurality of channel-shaped rails and a plurality of upright members extending in transverse relationship to the plural rails;
and
a plurality of brackets, each bracket, comprising:
a lower section formed from a pair of spaced first and second side walls interconnected by a web, the web and side walls cooperating to define a channel, the lower section having an upper end and a lower end;
and
an upper section partially received within the channel of the lower section and pivotably joined to the lower section at the upper end of the lower section, the upper section having opposed first and second side walls;
in which the first side walls of the upper and lower sections cooperate to define a first pocket, and the second side walls of the upper and lower sections cooperate to define a second pocket spaced from the first pocket, with each pocket sized to receive a side wall of a channel-shaped rail therein.

5 more elements

A barrier comprising:

a plurality of posts, each post embedded at its base within an underground substrate;
a plurality of channel-shaped rails disposed in spaced and parallel relationship, each rail having a web and opposed side walls and extending between an adjacent pair of said posts;
and
a plurality of brackets for securing each end of each rail to an adjacent post of said posts, each bracket comprising:
a lower section formed from a pair of spaced first and second side walls interconnected by a web, the web and side walls cooperating to define a channel, the lower section having an upper end and a lower end;
and
an upper section partially received within the channel of the lower section, longitudinally received within the channel of one of said rails, and pivotably joined to the lower section at the upper end of the lower section, the upper section having opposed first and second side walls;
in which the first side walls of the upper and lower sections cooperate to define a first pocket, and the second side walls of the upper and lower sections cooperate to define a second pocket spaced from the first pocket, with each pocket receiving a side wall of one of said rails therein.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Terrain-adjustable bracket

Life of this patent

Terrain-adjustable bracket

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18