Patent ID: 6802496
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: E04H,Y10T

Abstract:
A bracket system for assembling a fence that includes posts and rails, the bracket system comprising:a unitary or one-piece bent sheet metal post bracket that is securable to a post wherein the unitary or one-piece post bracket has a circular or polygonal shape and is configured to receive therein the post; the post bracket comprises a first projecting portion and a second projecting portion; each of the first and second projecting portions being formed by cutting and bending portions of the sheet metal forming the post bracket; the first projecting portion extending in one direction and the second projecting portion extending a different direction; the first projecting portion comprising a first opening and the second projecting portion comprising a second opening, wherein the first and second openings are aligned with each other such that a distance between a center of the first opening and an upper edge of the post bracket is equal to a distance between a center of the second opening and the upper edge of the post bracket, whereby each distance is measured in a direction that is parallel to a center axis running through an internal opening of the post bracket; a bent sheet metal first rail bracket that includes a first end which is securable and movably mounted to the first projecting portion and a second end that is securable to a rail; a bent sheet metal second rail bracket that includes a first end which is securable a movably mounted to the second projecting portion and a second end that is securable to another rail; the first end of the first rail bracket comprising a third opening; the first end of the second rail bracket comprising a fourth opening; the post bracket comprising one of: at least two edges which can move towards one another when the post bracket is secured to the post; and at least two surfaces which can move towards one another when the post bracket is secured to the post; the post bracket and each of the first and second rail brackets including at least one of: at least one securing opening configured to receive a securing fastener; and at least one integrally formed securing barb, wherein, prior to being secured thereto, each of the first and second rail brackets can slide over or onto an end of a respective rail.