Abstract:
The invention described herein is a fence post bracket for inserting into a retaining wall or other structure capable of securely holding a fence post. The fence post bracket offsets the placement of the fence post from the center of the retaining wall so that the fence post placement is on the actual perimeter of the wall and not in the center. This results in a significant increase in usable land for large fenced area.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Retaining walls are used all over the world in thousands of different environments to support massive amounts of earth seeking the path of gravity. They are commonly made of blocks of concrete and/or other materials which are stacked and shaped depending on the desired end use. The blocks of these retaining walls usually have a hollow section therein. Often one desires to build a fence on top of the retaining wall. The fence does not require the structural capabilities of the concrete wall, and may thus be made of wood or similar materials. 
         [0002]    The prior art teaches to build such a fence on top of the concrete block, generally centrally located over the block because that is how the blocks were designed. This is because fence post brackets of the prior art are designed to be connected to the concrete block in the hollow section of the concrete block, which is generally centrally located on the block. By connecting the fence post brackets this way, the prior art fence post brackets only displace the fence post vertically, directly above the central portion of a concrete block. The problem with this arrangement is that there is territory outside of the fence post and above the concrete block that is not captured by the fence, and is effectively lost to the owner. Depending on the size of the retaining wall block and fence and the number of feet of retaining wall, this lost amount of usable land may be worth a significant amount of money. 
         [0003]    Fence post brackets according to the instant invention are designed to solve this problem by providing a fence post bracket that enables the fence post to be displaced to the edge of the retaining wall, thus capturing a significant amount of more “fenced-in” property for the owner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a bracket for supporting a fence post comprising a base plate having a first end and a second end, a first fence post support plate capable of having a fence post attached thereto attached to the base plate at the first end and extending up from the base plate in a substantially orthogonal relationship to the base plate, and means for connecting the bracket to a structure positioned on the base plate at a position between the first fence post support plate and the second end. In another embodiment the bracket comprises a second fence post support plate. In another embodiment the second fence post support plate is positioned on the base plate between the first fence post support plate and the second end, and extends up from the base plate in a substantially orthogonal relationship to the base plate, and the first and second fence post support plates are substantially parallel to each other. In another embodiment the second fence post support plate comprises a first section capable of having, a fence post attached thereto and a second section attached to the first section, wherein the second section comprises means for connecting the bracket to a structure, and the second fence post support plate is attached to the edge of the second end. In another embodiment there is at least one aperture in each of the first and second fence post support plates. In another embodiment the means for connecting the bracket to a structure comprises at least one solid metal rod. In another embodiment the support means for supporting the second fence post support plate to the base plate and the means for connecting the bracket to a structure is positioned on the base plate between the second fence post support plate and the second end. In another embodiment the first fence post support plate is positioned at the first end of the base plate, and the support means for supporting the second fence post support plate comprises a brace comprising a first end attached to the base plate and a second end attached to the second fence post support plate. In another embodiment the second end of the brace is attached to the second fence post support plate at an angle of between 25° and 35°, more preferably between 29° and 31°. In one embodiment the first end of the brace is attached to the base plate at the second end. In another embodiment a third fence post support plate is attached to the base plate and extends up from the base plate in a substantially orthogonal relationship to the base plate, and the third fence post support plate is disposed substantially orthogonally to the first and second fence post support plates. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  shows a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  shows a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention holding a fence post while the bracket is installed inside a retaining wall. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  shows a side view of a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention holding a fence post while the bracket is installed inside a retaining wall. 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  shows a prior art fence post installed in a retaining wall. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  shows a fence post bolted to a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention installed in a retaining wall. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  shows a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6A  shows a top view of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  shows a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7A  shows a top view of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 7B  shows a top view of  FIG. 7 , with modifications. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  shows the fence post bracket of  FIG. 7  installed in a retaining wall. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  shows a fence post bracket in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  shows the bracket of  FIG. 9  installed in a retaining wall. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    The present invention will be described in connection with particular embodiments using the attached Figures. These embodiments are illustrative only of the present invention, and not exhaustive of the inventions embodiments. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  depicts a bracket  1  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Bracket  1  comprises a base plate  3  having a first end  4  and a second end  5 . The invention contemplates that the base plate  3  may be any length or width depending on the desired end use so long as the fence post bracket  1  is capable of supporting a fence post. The width of the base plate  3  is generally dictated by the size of fence post being installed. For example a 4-inch base plate  3  is appropriate for a 4-inch fence post. The width of the base plate  3  may be larger or smaller than the fence post if so desired. The base plate  3  may be larger if there is supplemental hardware such as an external basket installed inside between the first fence post support plate  6  and the second fence post support plate  7 . The base plate  3  may be any length desired depending on the amount of offset of the first and/or second fence post support plates  6 ,  9  that is necessary from the means for connecting the bracket to a structure  8   a  and  8   b , the size of the fence post and the desired structural integrity of the resulting fence. Preferably for a four-inch post the base plate is between about 6.0 and 9.0 inches, more preferably between 7.0 and 8.0 inches. In this embodiment the base plate  3  has attached thereto a first fence post support plate  6  such that the plane of the face of the first fence post support plate  6  is substantially orthogonal to the plane of the face of the base plate. As used herein, “attached to the base plate” includes an embodiment where the first fence post support plate  6  is integral with the base plate  3  and is formed by bending, as well as an embodiment where the two pieces are formed separately then joined thus making an integral piece as if by welding, or glue for example. The invention contemplates that if the bracket  1  is manufactured by bending the corner of the base plate  3  and the first fence support plate  6  may not form a substantially orthogonal relationship due to a slight manufacturing deformation at the corner, but that a plane of the face of the first fence support plate  6  will. The face of the fence support plates shall be that surface that the fence shall sit against. By “substantially orthogonal” it is meant to include ±20°, however it is preferred that the degree of difference be closer to 5°. The first and second fence post support plates  6 ,  9  may be any length desired depending on the end use and desired stability. For example, if using a 4-inch fence post, the first and second fence post support plates may have a length independently or the same of between 1 inch and 3 feet or larger, depending on the height of the fence post attached thereto. For a six foot fence a preferred length is between 12 and 24 inches. As used “herein” plate means a relatively flat, thin piece of material, preferred is steel and may be formed by any method such as forging, rolling or casting. Any thickness is suitable depending on the desired end use but between ⅛ inch and ½ inch is preferred if using metal. 
         [0021]    The invention contemplates that many methods may be used to connect the fence post to the first and second fence post support plates  6 ,  9 . Preferably the first and second fence post support plates  6 ,  9  have at least one aperture  7   b  therein for attaching hardware such as nails or bolts through to a fence post. In a more preferred embodiment there are at least two apertures  7   a ,  7   b  and  13   a ,  13   b  in each of the first and second fence post support plate and the apertures  7   a ,  7   b  and  13   a ,  13   b  are parallel to one another such that a bolt may pass through the fence post and each of the first and second fence post support plates  6 ,  9 . The location of the apertures  7   a ,  7   b  and  13   a  and  13   b  may be positioned to optimize stability. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments and referring again to  FIG. 1  the fence post bracket  1  may comprise a second fence post support plate  9  having support means  10 . The invention envisions support means  10  for supporting the any fence post support plate to the base plate  3  or other location encompassing any structure such as a solid or hollow, brace, plate, bar, block, rod or combination and/or plurality of such and similar structures to support the second fence post support plate  9 . Multiple braces may be used at the same time. In  FIG. 1  a brace  10  having a first end  11  connects to the base plate  3  at the edge of the base plate second end  5  at an angle θ and a second end  12  that is attached to the second fence post support plate  9 . Angle θ may be any angle depending on the desired stability. In a preferred embodiment using a 4-inch post, the angle θ  14  is between 55° and 65°, more preferably between 57° and 63° and most preferably between 59° and 61°. 
         [0023]    The fence post bracket  1  according to the present invention comprises means for connecting the bracket to a structure,  FIG. 1   8   a ,  8   b . As used herein “structure” includes any block, combination of blocks, walls, especially retaining walls or other construction embodiment or physical location capable of holding a bracket and fence post. Also, the bracket may be used in cement without external support. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, when the bracket of the instant invention is used, the “means for connecting the bracket to a structure”  8   a ,  8   b , will be placed inside a hollow wall or block, and cemented therein. Other methods of connecting the bracket  1  to a structure are possible and within the scope of this invention. As used herein “means for connecting the bracket to a structure”  8   a ,  8   b  may include solid or hollow rods or pipes, thin plates or the like attached, by welding for example, to the bottom of the base plate  3 . Multiple items may be attached in any pattern desired to optimize stability in the final installation. Also included in “means” is at least one aperture disposed on or in the area of the second end of the base plate  5 . Exact location will depend on the length of the base plate  3  and the height of the fence post. Multiple apertures are contemplated by this invention. There are many possible ways to connect the bracket  1  to a structure through the aperture(s). A bolt of any length may be used. With multiple apertures a U bolt may be installed therein. Glues and cements may also be employed with the means. Any construction glue or cement is suitable with this invention. 
         [0025]    It is understood that when the present invention refers to “said means located on the base plate at a position between the first fence post support plate the second end” this position includes positions on the base plate up to and including the second end and the second end edge. 
         [0026]    In a preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  two pieces of #4 rebar  8   a ,  8   b  are welded to the bottom of the base plate  3  at  15   a ,  15   b  respectively. The ends of the rebar  8   a ,  8   b  may have any desired shape, be bent or otherwise that may facilitate connecting to other structures or wires for further support. The length of the means for connecting the bracket to a structure  8   a ,  8   b  may be any length depending on the desired end use and the size of the bracket. Their positioning on the bottom of the base plate  3  is designed to optimize stability. If desired, one, two, three or four pieces of support means  8   a  and  8   b  or rebar may be used. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows the fence post bracket  1  of  FIG. 1  installed in a wall  17  and supporting a fence post  18 . Base plate  3  is in contact with the top of the wall  17  and the base plate first end  4  meets the front edge of the wall  17 . First fence post support plate  6  and second fence post support plate  9  cradle a fence post  18  and are supported by supporting means  10  that is attached to the base plate  3  at the base plate second end  5 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 3  shows the fence post bracket  1  of  FIG. 1  installed in wall  17 , which is used to retain a section of earth  19 . The fence post bracket  1  supports a fence post  18  that is offset from the means for connecting the bracket  1  to a structure  8   a ,  8   b  by an amount that can be determined by the length of the base plate  3 . The wall  17  has voids  20  in the center that are typically filled with concrete after inserting the means for connecting the bracket to a structure  8   a ,  8   b  having first ends  15  and second ends  16 . First fence post support plate  6  is at the base plate first end  4  and parallel to second fence post support plate  9  which is supported by support means  10  having a first end  11  attached to a base plate second end  5  to create angle θ  14  and a second end  12  attached to the second fence post support plate  9 . 
         [0029]    By comparing  FIG. 3  with  FIG. 4 , the benefits of the instant invention are easily seen.  FIG. 4  shows two prior art fence posts  21   a ,  21   b  located in or on retaining wall  17  holding back earth  19 . Prior art fence post  21   a  is set in the center of the wall in void  20  and will be either held in place by a prior art bracket or cement. Prior art fence post  21   b  will be held in place by support of earth  19 . In either case the amount of land that is not useable to the owner is the land on the outside of the fence  22 . This amount of lost land can be significant and valuable. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  shows fence post bracket  1  that is stable and securely holds an offset fence post  18  attached to wall  17  holding earth  19 . Bolts  40   a ,  40   b  and nuts  45   a ,  45   b  are used to connect the first and second fence post support plates  6 ,  9 . Base plate  3  has a first end  4  that meets the edge  50  of the retaining wall  17 , thus there is no lost land. The wall  17  is typically filled with concrete  60  after inserting the means for connecting the bracket to a structure  8   a ,  8   b  having first ends  15   a ,  15   b  and second ends  16   a ,  16   b . Second fence post support plate  9  is supported by support means  10  having a first end  11  attached to a base plate second end  5  to create angle θ  14  and a second end  12  attached to the second fence post support plate  9 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  discloses another embodiment of the present invention where the means for connecting the bracket to a structure comprises two apertures  108   a ,  108   b . A bolt  115   a  may be inserted through the apertures and nut  150  may or may not be used. Bracket  101  of  FIG. 6  uses a plate  110 ,  110   a  as support means for the second fence post support plate  109 . The plates  110  and  110   a  have a support means first end  111  and  111   a,  respectively, that is attached to the base plate second end at a position between the second fence post support plate  109  and the edge of the second end  105  and a support means second end  112 ,  112   a  are attached to the second fence post support plate  109 . A third fence post support plate  125  having a top edge  126 , a first edge  127  and a second edge  128  and a bottom edge  129 . The second edge  128  may be eliminated in some embodiments by making the third fence post support plate  125  integral with the support means  110   a . In some embodiments of the present invention the height and width of the third fence post support plate  125  is variable. The edge  127  may extend to the first fence post support plate  106  if so desired. The edge  129  may not extend all the way to the bottom of the base plate first end  103 . The base plate first end  104  has extending substantially orthogonally from it&#39;s edge a first fence post support plate  106  having apertures  107   a ,  107   b  therein for communicating with apertures  113   a ,  113   b . The fence post support plates  106 ,  109 ,  125  may be attached to an edge of the base plate  103  or they may be attached to the top of the base plate  103 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 6A  shows a top view of  FIG. 6  and clearly depicts a first fence post support plate  106 , a second fence post support plate  109 , the top of the third fence post support plate  126 , fence post  18 , support means  110  and  110   a  and two apertures  108   a ,  108   b  near the base plate second end  105 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 7  shows a bracket  201  in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention and  FIG. 8  depicts the  FIG. 7  bracket in use.  FIG. 7A  shows a top view of the  FIG. 7  bracket  201 . Bracket  201  includes a first fence post support plate  206  having two apertures therein  207   a ,  207   b  and connected thereto is the means for connecting the bracket to a structure  208   a ,  208   b , which in this embodiment comprise two rods welded to the back of the first fence post support plate  206 , the rods having a first end  215 ,  216  and a second end  215   a ,  216   b . Fence post support means  210  comprises a first end  211  that is designed to communicate with the wall  17  in use providing support to the fence post bracket  201 . The size of support means  210  is variable depending on the desired end use and amount of stability desired. Support means second end  212  is attached to the first fence post support plate  206 . If desired two or more of similar support means may be employed on brackets in accordance with this invention for increased stability. As shown in  FIG. 7 ,  8  the brace  210  is a triangular plate of steel but the invention includes those support means  10  previously disclosed herein. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  discloses a bracket  201  having a first fence post support plate  206  and an attached side fence support plate  225  having a top  226  and a first edge  227 , second edge  228 , and a bottom edge  229 . The side fence support plate  225  may be integral with the first fence post support plate and be formed by bending, for example, or the two pieces may be welded together and made integral in that manner.  FIG. 8  shows a fence post  18  held by side fence post support plate  225  and bolts  240   a ,  240   b  and nuts  245   a ,  245   b . Concrete  60  secures the means for connecting a bracket  208   a  to a structure. The edge of the fence post  18  abuts the end of the wall  17  at point  50 , depicting how effective the brackets are in capturing all of the usable space available to owner.  FIG. 7B  shows a top view of an embodiment where there is a second side fence support plate  230 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Fence post bracket  301  comprises a second fence post support plate  309  that is integral with the means for connecting the bracket to a structure  308  and it is place of attaching the integral unit to the base plate  303  second end  305  that may be termed the juncture that splits the two sections. The first fence post support plate  306  connects to the base plate first end and contains two apertures  307   a ,  307   b  for communicating with apertures  313   a ,  313   b  respectively using bolts  340   a ,  340   b  and nuts  345   a ,  345   b  of  FIG. 10 . When the means for connecting a bracket to a structure  308  is cemented  60  in a wall  17 , it can be seen by point  50  where the fence post  18  essentially abuts the property line of the fence, that there is very little if any property lost. 
         [0036]    One having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are many ways to manufacture the brackets of the instant invention. Preferably the brackets are made of galvanized steel, but any other material is suitable, depending on the desired end use. Other bracket coatings are also possible such as plastics and paints known in the art. 
         [0037]    While this invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is clearly to be understood that this is done only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of our invention as set forth in the objects thereof and in the appended claims. 
         [0038]    All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.