Abstract:
The repair of foundations formed by pouring concrete about a timber post is greatly simplified by the present invention. A post bracket is provided having a first portion that can be inserted into and mechanically restrained in the recess of an existing foundation, for example a foundation wherein a rotted old post has been removed. The post bracket also has second portion to which a new post can be attached. The post bracket is used by clearing out the old post, inserting the first portion and securing the bracket, and then attaching the post. The inventive bracket and method greatly reduce the time and expense construction compared with the prior art method of replacing foundations.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention generally relates to securing a post to a foundation, and more particularly to a method and device to secure a timber post in an existing concrete foundation.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of the Background  
         [0004]     Wood structures are commonly secured to the ground by connecting posts to the ground through a concrete foundation. Thus, for example, one method of securing fence posts is by a poured concrete foundation that sets the post in concrete. Poured concrete foundations are formed by digging a hole in the ground that is roughly three times the diameter of the post and one-third of the post length, filling the hole with several inches of gravel, positioning and restraining the post in the ground in the desired final position, pouring concrete into the hole, and then removing the post restraints after the concrete has dried. Poured concrete foundations improve the structural integrity of the structure and, in the case of timber posts, provide protection of the post and wood structure from earth dwelling insects or fungi.  
         [0005]     Even with the added protection of a concrete foundation, the integrity of posts degrades over time, for example as the result of termites or dry rot. Thus, for example, a fence may require replacement due to dry rot. If the existing foundation cannot be reused, prior art techniques call for the entire fence to be dismantled and rebuilt with the piers located at different locations. Alternatively the piers are removed, disposed of, and re-poured to allow fence panels to be reused.  
         [0006]     An example of a post needing replacement is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , which shows a cut-way of a prior art post and poured concrete foundation. Post P typically has a square cross section W on a side. Fence posts, for example, are typically constructed using 4″×4″ posts, which have an actual cross-section that measures W=3½ inches on a side. Post P extends above a surface S above ground G, and is embedded a depth D below the surface in a recess R of a concrete foundation F. The support of foundation F is provided by the extension of the foundation by a depth Y below the bottom of post P, and has a radius X at surface S that is several times the width W. When post P is damaged, there are several prior art options for providing a foundation for a new structure. If the damage to post P is sufficiently far above surface S, it may be possible to remove damaged portions of the wood from the post and splice an extension to the post remaining in the foundation. If the damage is close to or below surface S, or if it is not desirable or possible to splice an extension to the post, then post P and foundation remaining F are typically removed, and a new foundation is poured about a new support post.  
         [0007]     While the demolition and replacement of a foundation is effective, there are several problems with this method. First, the process is time consuming. The replacement of the foundation requires time to remove and dispose of the old foundation, and additional time to set a replacement post in concrete. Second, there may be space limitation near the fence posts that make removal and replacement problematic. For example, construction or plants added after the original post was put in place may make it difficult to set a post in the old position.  
         [0008]     Thus there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus that permits for the easy replacement of damaged support posts. Such a method and apparatus should be easy to implement, should not be significantly more expensive that standard demolition and disposal techniques, and should be compatible with conventional construction materials.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of prior art by providing an apparatus and method for using the existing concrete foundation when repairing a poured concrete post foundation. The inventive apparatus and method requires less time and is less expensive than those available in the prior art.  
         [0010]     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a post bracket that allows for the retrofitting of a new post into the recess of the foundation of an old post. In one embodiment of the present invention, the post bracket has a timber receiving portion to accept a new post and foundation support portion for insertion and mechanical securing to the recess of the foundation.  
         [0011]     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a bracket for attaching a timber post to a recess of a foundation including a first portion for attaching to the timber post and a second portion having at least one pair of outwards facing, and a second portion including opposed surfaces having a first spacing and a mechanism to increase the spacing of the surfaces. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first portion includes two opposing surface and at least one pair of holes through the opposing surfaces, thus providing for attachment of the timber post. In another embodiment of the present invention, each of the opposed surfaces is a portion of an elongated member having a first end proximal the first portion and a second end. The mechanism includes a first plate having an internally threaded hole and a width greater than the first spacing, a second plate rigidly connected to the second portion proximal the first portion and having a hole, and a bolt having a head supported on the second plate and a body passing through the second plate and threadably attached to the first plate. The rotation of the bolt to decrease the spacing between the first and second plates increases the spacing of the surfaces. Preferably, the second portion is adapted to fit within the shape of a standard size timber post, such as a 4″×4″ post.  
         [0012]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a bracket for attaching a timber post to a recess of a foundation, where the bracket includes a first portion for attaching to the timber post, and a second portion including at least one pair of outwards facing, opposed members having a first end proximal the first portion and a second end, and a first spacing at the a first end proximal the first portion, and a mechanism to increase the spacing between the at least one pair of opposed members.  
         [0013]     It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a bracket for attaching a timber post to a recess of a foundation, where the bracket includes a first portion for attaching the timber post, and a second portion including an elongate portion attached to the first portion and having a shape to allow acceptance by the recess with the first portion protruding above the recess, and a mechanism to move at least a portion of the accepted elongate portion against the recess. The elongate portion, when moved, provides a resistive force to the movement of the connector from the recess.  
         [0014]     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of mounting a post in an existing poured concrete foundation using a post bracket having a timber receiving portion and a foundation securing portion. The method includes placing the foundation receiving portion of the post bracket in the recess, mechanically securing the foundation receiving portion in the recess, and mounting the post to the timber receiving portion of the post bracket. Additionally the method includes first exposing the recess of the existing foundation.  
         [0015]     These features together with the various ancillary provisions and features which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, are attained by the exercise device of the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof being shown with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, wherein: 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective cut-way view of a prior art post and poured concrete foundation;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment post bracket attaching a post to a foundation;  
         [0018]      FIGS. 3A-5  are views of one embodiment post bracket of the present invention, where  FIG. 3A  is a first side view,  FIG. 3B  is a second side view;  FIG. 4  is a top view and  FIG. 5  is a bottom view;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 6-9  are cross-sectional views of one embodiment post bracket of the present invention, where  FIG. 6  is a side sectional view  6 - 6  of  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 7  is a side sectional view  7 - 7  of  FIG. 3B , and  FIGS. 8 and 9  are a top sectional views  8 - 8  and  9 - 9 , respectively, of  FIG. 3B ;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are side views of the elongate member corresponding to the views of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a top view of the upper foundation plate;  
         [0022]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  are side views of the cap corresponding to the views of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a detail  13 - 13  from  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0024]      FIGS. 14A-14E  are views of a channel used to form the elongate member, where  FIGS. 14A and 14B  are orthogonal side views, and  FIG. 14C  is a top view and  FIG. 14D  is a bottom view, and  FIG. 14E  shows the channel cut and folded;  
         [0025]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  are sectional views  6 - 6  and  7 - 7 , respectively, showing the deformation of the foundation support portion after a first tightening of the bolt;  
         [0026]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are sectional views  6 - 6  and  7 - 7 , respectively, showing the deformation of the foundation support portion after a further tightening of the bolt; and  
         [0027]      FIGS. 17A-17F  are sectional side views illustrating one method of using the post bracket of the present invention, where  FIG. 17A  shows an existing foundation prepared for the post bracket,  FIG. 17B  shows the foundation support portion fit within the foundation recess,  FIG. 17C  shows the tightening of the bolt to secure the post bracket in the foundation,  FIG. 17D  shows the cap placed on the plate,  FIG. 17E  shows the replacement post placed within the timber receiving portion; and  FIG. 17F  shows the replacement post secured to the existing foundation. 
     
    
       [0028]     Reference symbols are used in the Figures to indicate certain components, aspects or features shown therein, with reference symbols common to more than one Figure indicating like components, aspects or features shown therein.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0029]     The present invention provides a device and method for repairing damaged foundations formed by setting a post with concrete without the need for replacing existing concrete foundations or piers. Thus, for example, if an existing concrete foundation is secure in the ground, the present invention provides a device and method for repairing the foundation prior to replacing a structure without the necessity of removing and replacing the concrete. In particular, the present invention provides a post bracket having a first portion that can be inserted into the space previously occupied by the old timber post previously poured foundation and a second portion that can secure a new timber post.  
         [0030]     As one example of a post bracket that is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, a user has need to replace a post P from a prior art concrete foundation F as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , where, importantly, foundation F is structurally sound. For illustrative purposed,  FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of post bracket  200  of the present invention after a new, replacement post P′ is secured in the existing foundation F. Post bracket  200  includes a first portion, also referred to herein as a timber receiving portion  210  and a second portion, also referred to herein as a foundation support portion  220 . As is described subsequently, one use of post bracket  200  to replace post P includes removing the post to expose recess R, inserting and mechanically securing foundation support portion  220  of the post bracket into the recess, and attaching a new post P′ to timber receiving portion  210  of the post bracket. In one embodiment of the present invention, foundation support portion  220  has a first configuration that allows the portion to be inserted into recess R and a second configuration that forces the sides of the portion outwards and against the recess to secure the post bracket in the foundation. It is preferred that structural components of post bracket  200  are constructed of galvanized steel, stainless steel, or reinforced aluminum of sufficient thickness and dimension to provide structural support. Specific embodiments of post bracket  200 , which are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention, provide a device for performing the functions of accepting a timber post, including but not limited to a fence post, and securing the post bracket into a foundation. The dimensions and shapes provided are for illustrative purposes and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.  
         [0031]     Post bracket  200  is shown in greater tail in  FIGS. 3-9 , where  FIG. 3A  is a first side view of the post bracket,  FIG. 3B  is a second side view of the post bracket that is orthogonal to the view of  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 4  is a top view of the post bracket,  FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the post bracket,  FIGS. 6 and 7  are sectional side views of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively, and  FIGS. 8 and 9  are sectional top views of  FIG. 3B . With reference to  FIGS. 3A and 6 , post bracket  200  includes a longitudinal elongate member  202  that extends from a first end  201  to a second end  223 , an upper foundation plate  205 , a cap  207  adapted to fit on the plate and having a cap surface  209 , a lower foundation plate  230 , and a bolt  240  that spans the distance from the upper to lower foundation plates. Further illustrations of post bracket  200  are shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  as two side views of elongate member  202  corresponding to the views of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively,  FIG. 11  as a top view of plate  205 ,  FIGS. 12A and 12B  as two side view of cap  207  corresponding to the views of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively, and  FIG. 13  as a detail of plate  230  from  FIG. 6 .  
         [0032]     As shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  7 , timber receiving portion  210  includes a pair of opposing sides  215  of elongate member  202  having a length A 3  from first end  201  to cap surface  209  and a width of A 2 . Sides  215 , indicated individually as side  215   a  and  215   b , are separated by a distance A 1  and each have timber mounting holes  217   a  and  217   b  that are aligned across sides  215 . Timber receiving portion  210  is preferably sized to receive a length A 3  of a timber post of a specific size or range, such as standard post sizes between sides  215 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , for example. Importantly, as described subsequently, the separation of sides  215  and placement of holes  217  allow a timber post of a given size to be inserted and attached to the pair of sides  215 , for example by drilling holes through an inserted post aligned with the holes and securing the post to the post bracket with bolts. Sides  215  can either be straight or may have a slight inwards bow along their length to help restrain a received post.  
         [0033]     Thus, for example, a timber receiving portion adapted to accept a nominal 4″×4″ timber post, which has an actual dimension of 3½ inches on a side, has a spacing A 1  that is slightly larger than 3½ inches, has a width A 2  that is preferably less than a side of the 4×4, for example from 2 inches to 3 inches in width, and a length A 3  that is sufficiently long to allow 2 or more holes with a spacing approximately equal to the width of the post. Thus, for example A 3  is preferably from 6 to 8 inches long, having holes  217  to accept a half inch bolt and spaced approximately 4 inches apart. It is also preferred that sides  215  are formed from galvanized steel having a thickness of from ⅛ inch to ¼ inch, and more preferably that the thickness be 3/16 inches.  
         [0034]     In an alternative embodiment of timber receiving portion  210 , not shown, holes  217  are arranged in other matching patterns on opposing sides  215  to facilitate the attachment of a post to post bracket  200 , and in another alternative embodiment, two pair of opposing sides are provided to restrain an inserted post on all four sides.  
         [0035]     Support and spacing for sides  215  and cap  207  are provided by plate  205 . As shown in  FIGS. 7 and 11 , plate  205  has a pair of slots  701  spaced a distance A 1  and each sized to accept one of the pair of sides  215  by having a length that is slightly larger than width A 2  and a width slightly larger than the thickness of sides  215 . Cap  207 , as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , has a pair of mutually opposing sides  601  attached to transverse cap surface  209  and having a wide portion  1201  of length H and a narrow portion  1203 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 11 , plate  205  has a pair of slots  603 . The pair of narrow portions  1303  fit within slots  603  to support cap  207  on the plate with spacing H. Plate  205  is preferably formed from a steel plate, for example a plate 4¼ inch square and 3/16 inch thick.  
         [0036]     As is shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  5 ,  6 , and  7 , elongate member  202  extends from plate  205  through a shoulder  221  a distance C 2  to second end  223 . Foundation support portion  220  includes four surfaces  225  of elongate member  202  that form two pairs of mutually opposing and outwards facing surfaces  225   a  and  226   b , as shown in  FIG. 5 , and that each extend from a portion having a size W 2 ×W 2 , as indicated in  FIG. 8 , and have a length C 1  from a plane  227  to second end  223 . The cross-sectional shape of sides  215  and elongate member  202  from shoulder  221  to second end  223  is bound within a square having sides W 1 , as is shown in  FIGS. 6, 7 , and  9 , and the thickness of elongate member  202  at surfaces  225  is t as is shown in  FIG. 13 . It is important that the cross-section of foundation support portion  220  fits than the width W of the intended recess R and that the length C 2  is less than the length D. It is preferable that the difference between W and W 1  be great enough so that foundation support portion  220  easily fits within recess R.  
         [0037]     Foundation support portion  220  also includes, as is shown in  FIG. 6 , bolt  240  that has a head  611 , a body  613  that is at least partially threaded, and an end  241 . As is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 11 , plate  205  has a hole  605  that accepts body  613  while providing support for head  611 . The distance H of cap  207  is selected to allow the cap to sit on plate  205  and not rest on head  611 . Body  613  is also threadably connected to plate  230 , as is shown in greater detail in  FIGS. 13 . Plate  230  has a first side  231  facing away from plate  205  and an opposing side  233  facing the plate. A threaded nut  607  is attached to side  233 , preferably by welding, and is aligned with a hole  609  in plate  230 . A threaded portion of body  613  threadably engages nut  607 . Rotation of head  611  can thus place bolt  240  in tension and pull plate  230  towards plate  205 . It is preferred that bolt  240  is a galvanized course thread ¾ inch ×6 inch bolt. The diameter of holes  605  and  609  and the threads of nut  607  are chosen to match bolt  240 . For example, holes  605  and  609  sized to receive a ¾ inch bolt have diameters of ⅞ inch.  
         [0038]      FIG. 13  also shows detail of edges  1301  and  1303  of plate  230 . Plate  230  is preferably formed from a steel plate, for example a U×U square, 3/16 inch thick plate. Edge  1301  is formed from the side of the plate and is perpendicular to side  231 , and edge  1303  is angled relative to edge  1301  and side  233 . Preferably edge  1303  form an angle of 45 degrees relative to edge  1301  and side  233 , and plate  230  is sized such that ends  223  contact edge  1303 . Preferably, as described below, the dimensions W 1 , W 2 , U, and t are selected relative to W to permit foundation support portion  220  to easily be inserted into recess R, and for the geometry to be changed by rotating bolt  240  to secure the  
         [0039]     Before discussing methods of using post bracket  200 , one method for manufacturing elongate member  202  is now discussed with reference to  FIGS. 14A-14E , where  FIGS. 14A and 14B  are orthogonal side views of the steel channel, and  FIG. 14C  is a top view and  FIG. 14D  is a bottom view of the channel, and  FIG. 14E  shows the channel cut and folded. Steel channel  1400  is a  14  inch length of 3 inch by 3 inch channel (that is, W 2 =3 inches) having a wall thickness of 3/16 inches.  FIGS. 14A-1D  have marks indicating cuts and folds used to produce elongate member  202 . Lines  1401 ,  1403 ,  1405 , and  1407  show cuts to the corners of channel  1400  that form surfaces  225 . Lines  1409  and  1411  show cuts to the corners and sides of channel  1400  that produce planar sides  215 . Lines  1413  and  1415  indicate fold lines used to form shoulder  211 .  FIG. 14E  shows the part resulting from the cuts and folds of  FIGS. 14A-14D  that can subsequently be used to form elongate member  202 .  FIG. 14E  also shows a slight bowing of the ends  223 . This bowing can result from the release of stress from within channel  1400  when it is cut. It is important that the cross section of the resulting channel fit within a desired cross-sectional area, for example a square having sides W.  
         [0040]     Post bracket  200  includes a mechanism for expanding the outer dimension of the cross-section of foundation support portion  220 . Specifically, post bracket  200  has an initial configuration, shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , where plate  230  is beyond ends  223 , where the configuration allows foundation support portion  220  to fits within a recess of size W. When bolt  240  is rotated in a direction that reduces the spacing between plate  230  and plate  205 , plate  230  moves upwards along elongated member  202 , increasing the spacing of surfaces  225 . This movement results in a deformation of surfaces  225 , specifically of a bending of each side from position. An illustration of the response of post bracket  200  to a tightening of bolt  240  relative to that of  FIGS. 6 and 7  is illustrated in a first set of  FIGS. 15A and 15B , where the bolt is turned a first amount, resulting in the displacement of plate by a distance Z 1  to the position shown as plate  230   a . As noted previously, the angled edge  1303  of plate  230  is positioned to contact ends  223 . As a result of the displacement of plate  230 , surfaces  225  bend outwards from plane  227 , having a dimension W 2  as shown in  FIG. 8 , and continue to contact either edge  1301  or  1303 , with a separation that increases with the displacement of the plate. As illustrated in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , ends  223  are displaced by a distance Q 1 , to a total separation of W.  
         [0041]     The further tightening of bolt  240  is shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , where the position of the plate in  FIGS. 6 and 7  is indicated as the phantom plate  230 . In  FIGS. 16A and 16B , bolt  240  is turned a greater amount, resulting in the displacement of plate by a distance Z 2  as indicated by plate  230   b . As a result of the displacement of the plate, surfaces  225  bend from plane  227  outwards a greater distance. The lateral displacement of surfaces  225 , indicated as a distance Q 2 , increases the spacing between opposing ends  233  to a distance greater than W. If post bracket  200  were in a recess of size W, foundation support portion  220  would be laterally expanding to secure the post bracket in the recess.  
         [0042]     Importantly, the rotation of bolt  240  thus causes plate  230  to travel along elongated member  202  adjacent surfaces  225  and for ends  223  to correspondingly expand outward. Preferably, width W is greater than width W 1 , permitting foundation support portion  220  to be inserted into recess R, the combined width of plate  230  and the thickness of elongated member  202  adjacent sides  225  (that is, U+2t) is less than the width W to permit plate  230  to traverse the foundation support portion while it is inserted in the recess, and the dimensions U, t, W 2 , and C 1  allow the edges of the foundation support portion to extends at least to the edges of the recess.  
         [0043]     Thus, for example, foundation support portion  220  that is sized for replacement of a 4″×4″ post must be able to fit within the W=3½ inch square recess R that was formed by the pouring of concrete about the post. A value of W 1  from 3 to 3¼ inches provides adequate space for inserting foundation support portion  220  into recess R. It is also preferred that the length C 2  is from 5 to 8 inches, preferably 6 inches, and that the length C 1  is approximately 5 inches, and t is from ⅛ inch to ¼ inch, and more preferably t= 3/16 inches. In addition, the combined width of plate  230  and the thickness of elongated member  202  adjacent surfaces  225  (U+2t) must be greater than W (for a 4″×4″ post replacement, a preferred value of W 2  is 3 inches, U is 3 inches, and t is 3/16 inches—thus U+2t=3⅜ inches, which is between W and W 1 ). In the example of  FIGS. 15A and 15B , ends  233  have a separation that is greater than W 1  and less than W, while in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  ends  223  have a separation greater than W. The portion of elongated member  202  adjacent surface  225  from the displaced plate  230  to ends  223  can act as spring when placed in a recess of dimension W.  
         [0044]     One method of using post bracket  200  to secure a post in a preexisting foundation using a post bracket of the present invention is shown with reference to the sectional side views of  FIG. 17A-17F . First,  FIG. 17A  shows an existing foundation is prepared for the post bracket. This is accomplished by removing post P the post from foundation F which may be accomplished, for example, by cutting the post flush with the foundation with a reciprocating say and corresponding 8 inch or longer wood blade, and then using a 3 inch drill bit such as a masonry drill bit and a heavy duty drill to remove the timber to a depth of 6½ inch, and finally removing the remaining material with a chisel. Next, foundation support portion  220  is placed with recess R, as shown in  FIG. 17B . Next, as shown in  FIG. 17C , bolt  240  is tightened, resulting in the movement of plate  230  to position  230   b . As illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , this amount of tightening expands unconstrained ends  223  to a separation greater than the recess width W. Since foundation support portion  220  is within recess R, the displacement of plate to position  230   b  forces surfaces  225  against recess R, securing post bracket  200  in foundation F. During the tightening of bolt  240 , the position and orientation of post bracket  200  can be adjusted and, if the position is not quite correct, the bolt can be loosened and the position can be further adjusted. Next, in  FIG. 17D , cap  207  is placed over bolt head  611 , providing a horizontal surface  207 . A new post P is next placed on top of surface  207  and within timber receiving portion  210  ( FIG. 17E ). Lastly, holes H 1  and H 2  are drilled through holes  217  and post P 1  and bolts B 1  and B 2  are used to secure the post to post bracket  200 .  
         [0045]     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined or altered in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.  
         [0046]     Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.  
         [0047]     Thus, while there has been described what is believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, post bracket  200  can be adapted to accept timber of any size and to fit with a recess of any size. Thus the device and method has been described with reference to use with 4″×4″ timber posts. The device and methods are easily modified for use with 3″×3″, 4″×6″, and 6″×6″ posts by adjusting the dimensions of the device accordingly. Timber support portion  210  can include devices other than bolts to secure a post, and can also present surfaces to the post that restrict movement, such as a rough surface. Foundation support portion  220  can provide for other types of mechanical restraints within a recess. Thus, for example, foundation support portion can provide for lateral expansion to the sides of the recess by a bolt that expands a scissor-like expandable mechanism, or by a mechanism that moves one side. In addition, the timber support portion and foundation support portion may be formed from separate pieces that are welded or otherwise joined together. Alternatively, the functions of the timber support portion and the foundation support portions can have overlapping components or pieces to any extends. Steps for the use of the post bracket may be added, deleted, or rearranged to methods described within the scope of the present invention.