Post bracket and post support structure incorporating the same

A post bracket includes a mounting portion, a first flange portion, and a first post support portion. The mounting portion includes a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge. The first flange portion is disposed at the first edge of the mounting portion and is configured to extend along a side surface of a block. The first post support portion is disposed at the second edge of the mounting portion and is configured to be fastened to a post.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to post brackets and post support structures incorporating the same. More specifically, this disclosure relates to post brackets having a post support portion configured to be fastened to a post and a flange portion configured to extend along a side surface of a block, and to post support structures including a block and a post bracket.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ground or earth anchors have been used to anchor structures such as posts firmly to the ground. Some ground anchors are designed to be manually embedded into the soil while others are designed to be mechanically embedded by the use of power tools. Once posts are anchored to the ground, it is often difficult to move or remove the posts from their anchored position. Also, installing such ground anchors is often a labor intensive and time consuming process requiring holes to be dug and concrete to be poured and cured. Temporary anchors are known to exist, but often provide less than adequate support for the posts and other structures attached to them.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention address problems such as those described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many different forms and embodiments are possible without deviating from the spirit and teachings of the invention and so the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes and relative sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.

FIG. 1Aillustrates a top plan view of a post bracket according to an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 1Billustrates a front plan view of the post bracket shown inFIG. 1A.

Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B, a post bracket10can generally be characterized as including a mounting portion20, a first flange portion30and a first post support portion40. In one embodiment, the mounting portion20, first flange portion30and first post support portion40are formed of a material such as steel and may be connected to each other in any suitable manner (e.g., by welding). In another embodiment, one or both of the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40may be integrally formed with the mounting portion20. For example, the post bracket10may be formed as a single piece of metal that is bent to form the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40.

The mounting portion20, first flange portion30and first post support portion40can be generally characterized as having lengths, L1, L2and L3, respectively. As exemplarily illustrated, the mounting portion20, first flange portion30and first post support portion40each have the same height, H1. The height, H1, may be in a range of 6 inches (or about 6 inches) to 18 inches (or about 18 inches). In other embodiments, however, the height of one or more of the mounting portion20, first flange portion30and first post support portion40can be different from the height of any other component of the post bracket10. As exemplarily illustrated, the lengths L2and L3of the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40, respectively, are the same. In other embodiments, however, the length L2of the first flange portion30may be less than or greater than the length L3of the first post support portion40. In one embodiment, the length, L1, of the mounting portion20may be in a range of 1 foot (or about 1 foot) to 3 feet (or about 3 feet). In one embodiment, the length, L2, of the first flange portion30may be in a range of 3 inches (or about 3 inches) to 1 foot (or about 1 foot). In one embodiment, the length, L3, of the first post support portion40may be in a range of 3 inches (or about 3 inches) to 1 foot (or about 1 foot).

The mounting portion20includes a mating surface22a, an exterior surface22bopposite the mating surface22a, a first edge24aand a second edge24bopposite the first edge24a. The mating surface22aand the exterior surface22bboth extend between the first edge24aand the second edge24b. The distance between the first edge24aand the second edge24bof the mounting portion20is fixed. As will be discussed in greater detail with respect toFIGS. 9-12, the mating surface22afaces toward a block to which the post bracket10is fastened, whereas the exterior surface22bfaces away from the block. In one embodiment, one or both of the mating surface22aand the exterior surface22bmay be coated with a suitable interface material (not shown) to minimize or reduce any damage or wear the mounting portion20may experience if the mating surface22aor exterior surface22bcontacts a block. The interface material may be a material such as a polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)).

As exemplarily illustrated, the mating surface22aextends between the first edge24aand the second edge24bsubstantially along a plane (e.g., a “first plane”). In another embodiment, however, the mating surface22acan extend between the first edge24aand the second edge24bin a non-planar manner. For example, the mating surface22acan define a generally concave, convex, undulating surface, or the like, or a combination thereof, extending between the first edge24aand the second edge24b. Further, the mating surface22acan define a stepped surface extending between the first edge24aand the second edge24b.

The mounting portion20includes a first mounting component22having apertures26defined therein. Each aperture26is configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for fastening the post bracket10to a block. The first flange portion30, however, includes no such apertures. In other embodiments, however, the first flange portion30may include at least one aperture. AlthoughFIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate the first mounting component22as including four apertures26disposed in a rectangular arrangement, the first mounting component22may have any number of apertures26(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) disposed in any type of arrangement.

The first flange portion30is disposed at the first edge24aof the mounting portion20. The first flange portion30is configured to extend along a side surface of a block (not shown). In one embodiment, the first flange portion30includes a mating surface30aextending along the side surface of a block along another plane (e.g., a “second plane”) that is different from the first plane. The second plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first plane (i.e., α=90 degrees). In other embodiments, the angle α between the second plane and the first plane may be acute or obtuse. In one embodiment, the mating surface30aof the first flange portion30may be configured to contact the side surface of a block. Accordingly, the mating surface30amay be coated with a suitable interface material (not shown) to minimize or reduce any damage or wear the first flange portion30may experience if the mating surface30acontacts a block. The interface material may be a material such as a polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)). Constructed as described above, the first flange portion30can press against a side surface of a block to reduce any stress the block may experience due to movement of the fasteners within a block (e.g., caused by movement of a post fastened to the first post support portion40).

The first post support portion40is disposed at the second edge24bof the mounting portion20. The first post support portion40is configured to be fastened to a post (not shown). In one embodiment, the first post support portion40is provided as a sleeve defining a post-receiving space configured to receive a post. AlthoughFIG. 1Aillustrates the post-receiving space as having a generally square or rectangular perimeter, the perimeter of the post-receiving space may be any suitable shape (e.g., triangular, hexagonal, circular, elliptical, etc., or some irregular shape). The first post support portion40may be configured to extend along a side surface of a block. In one embodiment, the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40are disposed at the same side of the mounting portion20as the mating surface22a. As a result, each of the first post support portion40and the first flange portion30is configured to extend along a side surface of the same block. In another embodiment, however, the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40may be disposed at the same side of the mounting portion20as the exterior surface22b. In one embodiment, the first post support portion40may include a mating surface40aconfigured to contact the side surface of a block. Accordingly, the mating surface40amay be coated with a suitable interface material (not shown) to minimize or reduce any damage or wear the first post support portion40may experience if the mating surface40acontacts a block. The interface material may be a material such as a polymer (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)).

As exemplarily illustrated, the sleeve of the first post support portion40includes a first sleeve portion42, a second sleeve portion44, and a third sleeve portion46, which collectively define a post-receiving space therebetween. AlthoughFIG. 1Aillustrates the first sleeve portion42as adjoining the second edge24bof the mounting portion20, the first post support portion40may be rotated such that the second sleeve portion44or the third sleeve portion46adjoins the second edge24bof the mounting portion20. A post (not shown) received within the post-receiving space may be fastened to the first post support portion40by inserting fasteners (not shown) through apertures48and into the post. AlthoughFIGS. 1A and 1Billustrate two apertures48being defined in each of the first sleeve portion42, second sleeve portion44and third sleeve portion46, any of the first sleeve portion42, second sleeve portion44and third sleeve portion46may include more or fewer apertures48, or no apertures at all. Although not shown, the first post support portion40may, in some embodiments, include an optional bottom sleeve portion extending from one or more of the first sleeve portion42, second sleeve portion44and third sleeve portion46so that a post may rest on the bottom sleeve portion.

FIGS. 2-8illustrate top plan views of post brackets according to some other embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 2, a post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B), but the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40are configured to extend along a side surface of different blocks (e.g., “BLOCK A” and “BLOCK B”). AlthoughFIG. 2illustrates the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40as each being disposed at the same side of the mounting portion20as the mating surface22aand exterior surface22b, respectively, the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40may each be disposed at the same side of the mounting portion20as the exterior surface22band the mating surface22a, respectively.

Referring toFIG. 3, a post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B), but further includes a second flange portion30′ disposed at the second edge24bof the mounting portion20. The second flange portion30′ may include a mating surface30a′, similar to the mating surface30aof the first flange portion30. In one embodiment, the second flange portion30′ is provided in the same manner as the first flange portion30. In another embodiment, the second flange portion30′ and the first flange portion30are provided differently. In one embodiment, each of the first flange portion30and the second flange portion30′ are configured to extend along a side surface of the same block. In another embodiment, the first flange portion30and the second flange portion30′ are configured to extend along a side surface of different blocks.

Referring toFIG. 4, a post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B), but further includes a second post support portion40′ disposed at the first edge24aof the mounting portion20. Generally, the second post support portion40′ is configured to be fastened to a post (not shown). As a result, the post bracket shown inFIG. 4may be fastened to two posts. In one embodiment, the second post support portion40′ is provided in the same manner as the first post support portion40. In another embodiment, the second post support portion40′ and the first post support portion40are provided differently. In one embodiment, each of the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ is configured to extend along a side surface of the same block. In another embodiment, the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ are configured to extend along a side surface of different blocks. Although the post bracket shown inFIG. 4is provided as exemplarily described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, a post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B), but further includes a second flange portion30′ disposed at the second edge24bof the mounting portion20and a second post support portion40′ disposed at the first edge24aof the mounting portion20. The second flange portion30′ may be configured as exemplarily described above with respect toFIG. 3and the second post support portion40′ may be configured as exemplarily described above with respect toFIG. 4. The first post support portion40and the second flange portion30′ may be separately formed as shown inFIG. 5, or integrally formed as shown inFIG. 6. Similarly, the first flange portion30and the second post support portion40′ may be separately formed as shown inFIG. 5, or integrally formed as shown inFIG. 6. In one embodiment, the post bracket shown inFIG. 6may be formed as a single piece of metal that is bent to form the integrally-formed first flange portion30and second post support portion40′ and the integrally-formed first flange portion30and second post support portion40′.

Referring toFIG. 7, a post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B), but further includes a third flange portion30″ disposed at the first edge24aof the mounting portion20and a third post support portion40″ disposed at the second edge24bof the mounting portion20. The first flange portion30and the third flange portion30″ are each disposed at the same side of the mounting portion20as the mating surface22aand exterior surface22b, respectively. As a result, each of the first flange portion30and the third flange portion30″ are configured to extend along a side surface of different blocks. The first post support portion40and the third post support portion40″ are each disposed at the same side of the mounting portion20as the mating surface22aand exterior surface22b, respectively. As a result, each of the first post support portion40and the third post support portion40″ are configured to extend along a side surface of different blocks. Generally, the third post support portion40″ is configured to be fastened to a post (not shown). As a result, the post bracket shown inFIG. 7may be fastened to two posts. Although the first flange portion30and the third flange portion30″ are illustrated as being integrally formed, it will be appreciated that the first flange portion30and the third flange portion30″ may be separate and distinct components. Similarly, although the first post support portion40and the third post support portion40″ are illustrated as being integrally formed, it will be appreciated that the first post support portion40and the third post support portion40″ may be separate and distinct components. Further, one or both of the third flange portion30″ and the third post support portion40″ may be a separate and distinct component from the mounting portion20, or may be integrally formed with the mounting portion20.

As discussed above, a post bracket according to the embodiments exemplarily described above generally includes a flange portion, a post support portion, or a combination thereof disposed at each of the first edge24aand the second edge24bof the mounting portion20. In some embodiments, however, any of the post brackets exemplarily described above with respect toFIGS. 1A to 7may be provided with one or more post support portions disposed at only one of the first edge24aand the second edge24bof the mounting portion20and not at the other of the first edge24aand the second edge24b. In such embodiments, the length, L1, of the mounting portion20may be shorted as desired.

According to some embodiments, a post bracket may be provided as exemplarily described above with respect to any ofFIGS. 1A to 7, but the distance between the first edge24aand the second edge24bof the mounting portion20may be adjustable. For example, with reference toFIG. 8, the mounting portion20of the post bracket shown inFIGS. 1A and 1Bmay include a first plate52ahaving a first aperture54adefined therein and a second plate52bhaving a second aperture54bdefined therein. The first plate52amay define the exterior surface22band the first edge24aof the mounting portion20while the second plate52bmay define the mating surface22aand the second edge24bof the mounting portion20.

The first plate52aand the second plate52bmay be coupled together by a fastener56. The fastener56may, for example, include a threaded bolt inserted through the first aperture54aand the second aperture54bfrom the exterior surface22bof the mounting portion20and a nut threaded onto a distal end of the bolt at the mating surface22aof the mounting portion20. The head of the bolt (or a washer, not shown, provided between head of the bolt and the exterior surface22bof the mounting portion20) and the nut (or a washer, not shown, provided between nut and the mating surface22aof the mounting portion20), may each have a width that is greater than the width of the first aperture54aand the second aperture54b, respectively, so that the fastener presses the first plate52aand the second plate52btogether when the nut is suitably threaded onto the bolt. When sufficiently pressed together, the first plate52ais immovably coupled to the second plate52b. In one embodiment, the length of one or more of the first aperture54aand the second aperture54bcan be extended so that the first plate52acan be slid relative to the second plate52b(e.g., in a direction along arrows58) to adjust the distance L1between the first edge24aand the second edge24bof the mounting portion20. In one embodiment, adjustments to L1(i.e., ΔL1) can be as large as 6 feet (or about 6 feet) when ΔL1=L1—Max−L1—Min. Thus, ΔL1can have a range of greater than zero to less than or equal to (L1—Max−L1—Min).

FIG. 9illustrates a method of forming a post support structure incorporating the post bracket shown inFIG. 1, according to one embodiment.FIG. 10illustrates a side plan view of a post support structure formed according to the method shown inFIG. 9.FIGS. 11A-11Cillustrate a partial perspective view of the block in the post structure shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, according to some embodiments.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10a post support structure60can generally be characterized as including a block70, a post bracket10, and fasteners fastening the post bracket10to the block70. Although the post bracket10is shown as exemplarily described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the post bracket10may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above. Constructed as exemplarily described above, the first flange portion30of the post bracket10is configured to extend along a side surface72aof the block70.

Generally, the block70is a pre-formed block, configured to provide a foundation that is sufficient to maintain a post86in a predetermined orientation (e.g., in an upright orientation) when the post86is fastened to the post bracket10and when the post bracket10is fastened to the block70, even when the post86is attached to structure such as a wooden fence, a sign, a roof, or the like or the like. The block70may further be configured to maintain the post86in the predetermined orientation when the block70is itself not fixed to another object, but is simply resting on the ground. In one embodiment, the block70may be configured to be moved from one location to another location using readily-available equipment such as a forklift, a tractor, etc.

In one embodiment, the block70may have a length, L4, in a range of 1 foot (or about 1 foot) to 10 feet (or about 10 feet), a width, W, in a range of 1 foot (or about 1 foot) to 30 inches (or about 30 inches) and a height, H2, in a range of 1 foot (or about 1 foot) to 3 feet (or about 3 feet). Height H2of the block70may be greater than, less than, or equal to height H1of the post bracket10. In another embodiment, the block70may have a weight in a range of 600 pounds (or about 600 pounds) to 9000 pounds (or about 9000 pounds). The block may be made of a material such as metal, wood, stone, concrete, or the like or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the block70may be provided as a concrete retaining wall block such as those manufactured by ULTRABLOCK, INC. of Vancouver, Wash.

As exemplarily illustrated, the block70is provided in a generally prismatic shape, having four planar rectangular side surfaces72a,72b,72cand72dextending between two opposing planar rectangular end surfaces74aand74band a substantially straight axis extending through the end surfaces74aand74b. Each side surface72a,72b,72cand72dadjoins both end surfaces74aand74band is disposed perpendicularly with respect both end surfaces74aand74b. Side surfaces72aand72bhave the same dimensions, side surfaces72cand72dhave the same dimensions, and end surfaces74aand74bhave the same dimensions. In other embodiments, however, any of the side surfaces74a,74b,74cand74dor end surfaces74aand7bmay have any shape (e.g., square, triangular, trapezoidal, zig-zag, arcuate, L-shaped, or the like or a combination thereof) and may be planar, curved, smooth, rough, or the like, or a combination thereof. Moreover, one or more of the side surfaces74a,74b,74cand74dmay be disposed at acute or obtuse angles with respect to one or both of the end surfaces74aand74b. Further, side surfaces72aand72bcan be dimensioned differently, as can side surfaces72cand72dand end surfaces74aand74b. Moreover, the block70may have more or fewer than four side surfaces. Similarly, the block70may have only one end surface (e.g., the block may be wedge-shaped). Although the axis of the block70is illustrated as substantially straight, the axis may have any configuration (e.g., be curved, zig-zagged, or the like or a combination thereof).

In one embodiment, one or more of the side surfaces72a,72b,72cand72dmay be configured to provide added functionality to the block70. For example, a recess78amay be provided to extend into the block70from the side surface72cand to retain growing media (e.g., soil) for growing plants (e.g., ground-cover, vegetables, shrubs, trees, etc.). One or more drainage outlets (not shown) may be provided within the block70allowing excess water to be removed from the recess78aand away from the block70, as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the recess78aand the one or more drainage outlets may be formed during casting of the block70. In another embodiment, one or both of the recess78aand the one or more drainage outlets may be formed after the block70is formed (e.g., by cutting or grinding the block70). Although only one recess78ais shown, any number of recesses, having any desired dimension, may also be provided. In another example, a groove78bmay be provided to extend into the block70from the side surface72d, and intersect the side surfaces72aand72bto facilitate water drainage from one side of the block70to another side of the block70. In one embodiment, the groove78bmay be formed during casting of the block70. In another embodiment, the groove78bmay be formed after the block70is formed (e.g., by cutting or grinding the block70). Although only one groove78bis shown, any number of grooves, having any desired dimension, may also be provided. Further, a groove such as groove78bmay also be provided to intersect end surfaces74aand74b.

The post bracket10is configured such that the mounting portion20can be brought adjacent to the block70where it can be subsequently fastened to the block70(e.g., using fasteners). In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting component22extends along the end surface74aof the block70when the mounting portion20is brought adjacent to the block70. In one embodiment, the mating surface22acontacts the end surface74aof the block70when the mounting portion20is adjacent to the block70. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first flange portion30extends along a side surface72aof the block70to which the mounting portion20is fastened. As exemplarily illustrated, the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40can extend along side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the block70when the mounting portion20is adjacent to the block70. In one embodiment, the mating surfaces30aand40aof the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40can contact side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the block70. In another embodiment, however, one or both of the mating surfaces30aand40amay not contact side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the block70.

The fasteners fasten the mounting portion20to the end surface74aof the block70. AlthoughFIGS. 9 and 10illustrate many fasteners to fasten the mounting portion20to the end surface74aof the block70, any number of fasteners (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) may be used to fasten the mounting portion20to the block70. In one embodiment, at least one of the fasteners include a device such as a threaded bolt82configured to be inserted through a corresponding aperture26formed in the first mounting component22of the mounting portion20, and into the block70. In one embodiment, the block70may include cavities76extending into the block70from the end surface74a. The cavities76may be configured to receive a bolt. In another embodiment, at least one of the fasteners further includes a bolt cup84to receive the bolt82. The bolt cup84may be inserted into a corresponding cavity76of the block70and be configured to expand and press against block70(e.g., against sidewalls of the cavity76) when the bolt82is received therein and tightened. Upon pressing against the block70, the bolt82and the post bracket10are secured to the block70.

As shown inFIG. 10, the post86can be fastened to the post support portion40such that the bottom surface of the post86is suspended above side surface72dof the block70, and can be suspended over the surface on which the block70rests. Therefore, if the post86is a wooden post, any water absorbed by the post86can drip off the bottom of the post86to prevent the post86from rotting due to water damage.

As exemplarily shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the end surface74aand side surfaces72aand72bof the block70is substantially planar. In other embodiments, however, one or more of the end surface74aand side surfaces72aand72bof the block70may include a recess configured to receive at least a portion of the post bracket10. For example, referring toFIG. 11A, the end surface74aand side surfaces72aand72bof the block70may include a recess71configured to receive at least a portion of the first mounting component22, at least a portion of the first flange portion30and at least a portion of the first post support portion40. In another example shown inFIG. 11B, the side surfaces72aand72bof the block70may each include a recess71′ configured to receive at least a portion of the first flange portion30and at least a portion of the first post support portion40. In yet another example shown inFIG. 11C, the end surface74aof the block70may include a recess71″ configured to receive at least a portion of the first mounting component22. Although not shown, it will be appreciated that only one of the side surfaces72aand72bof the block may include a recess71′. Likewise, it will be appreciated that one of the recesses71′ formed in either one of side surfaces72aand72bmay be combined with the recess71″ formed in the end surface74ato produce a recess that is a somewhat modified version of recess71. In one embodiment, the depth of each of the recesses71,71′ and71″ can be less than the thickness of the first mounting component22. In another embodiment, however, the depth of each of the recesses71,71′ and71″ can be greater than or equal to the thickness of each portion of the post bracket10which they are configured to receive.

FIGS. 12A and 12Billustrate top plan views of construction systems incorporating multiple post support structures shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, according to some embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 12A, a construction system90can generally be characterized as including a block70(also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “first block70”) and a second block70′, a post bracket10(also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “first post bracket10”) interposed between the first block70and the second block70′, and fasteners. The first block70may be configured in the same manner or differently from the second block70′. Although the first post bracket10is shown as exemplarily described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the first post bracket10may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above.

As exemplarily illustrated, fasteners such as bolts82fasten the mounting portion20of the first post bracket10to the first block70as exemplarily described above with respect toFIGS. 9 and 10. In another embodiment, fasteners may fasten the first post bracket10to the second block70′ instead of to the first block70. As such, the first flange portion30of the first post bracket10can extend along a side surface72aof the first block70, but mounting portion20of the first post bracket10is fastened to the second block70′.

Constructed as exemplarily described above, the combination of the first post bracket10, the first block70, and the fasteners fastening the first post bracket10to the first block70constitute the post support structure60exemplarily described above with respect toFIGS. 9 and 10. Accordingly, the second block70′ may be spaced apart from the post support structure60as exemplarily illustrated, or may contact the post support structure60. It will be appreciated that the first post support structure60shown inFIG. 12Amay be provided as exemplarily discussed above with respect toFIG. 11. By providing the first post support structure60as exemplarily discussed above with respect toFIG. 11, the distance between the first block70and the second block70′ may be reduced.

In one embodiment, the end surface74bof the second block70′ may include recesses92configured to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener in the post support structure60. In another embodiment, more than one fastener, or all fasteners, in the post support structure60may be received within a single recess92. In one embodiment, the depth of each recess92may be selected such that the end surface74bof the second block70′ contacts the exterior surface22bof the first post bracket10. By providing the recesses92in the second block70′, the distance between the first block70and the second block70′ may be reduced. In another embodiment, the recesses92may be configured to receive the mounting portion20of the first post bracket10, thereby further reducing the distance between the first block70and the second block70′. It will be appreciated that the end surface74bof the first block70may also include one or more recesses92as exemplarily described above. The one or more recesses92may be formed during casting of one or both of the first block70or the second block70′, of after the block is formed (e.g., by cutting or grinding).

As exemplarily illustrated, the construction system90may further include a second post bracket10′ fastened to the second block70′. Constructed as exemplarily described above, the combination of the second post bracket10′, the second block70′, and the fasteners fastening the second post bracket10′ to the second block70′ may constitute a second post support structure60′. The second post bracket10′ may be configured in the same manner as, or differently from, the first post bracket10. Further, although the second post bracket10′ is shown as exemplarily described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the second post bracket10′ may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above.

As exemplarily illustrated, the construction system90may further include a post86(also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “first post86”) fastened to the post support portion40(also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “first post support portion40”) of the first post bracket10and a second post86′ fastened to the post support portion (also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “second post support portion40”) of the second post bracket10′. The first post86and second post86′ may be formed of a material such as wood, metal, concrete, stone, or the like, or a combination thereof. The first post86may be configured the same as, or differently from, the second post86′. An inter-post connector94may be coupled to the first post86and the second post86′ (e.g., above the first post bracket10and the second post bracket10′) so as to extend between the first post86and the second post86′. The inter-post connector94may be formed of a material such as wood, metal, concrete, stone, or the like, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the first post86and the second post86′ are fence posts, and the inter-post connector94is a cross-beam on which fence boards (not shown) may be hung (e.g., via nails, screws, etc.) to construct a fence, as is known in the art. If desired, an additional inter-post connector may be coupled to the first post86and the second post86′ (e.g., below the inter-post connector94) so as to extend between the first post86and the second post86′. The fence boards may be fastened (e.g., via nails, screws, etc.) to the additional inter-post connector to provide additional stability to the fence, as is known in the art. It will be appreciated that any other suitable structure (e.g., a door, a sign, a shelf, a roof, etc.) may be attached to any of the first post86or second post86′. It will also be appreciated that any other suitable structure (e.g., a door, a sign, a shelf, a roof, etc.) may be attached to any inter-post connector coupled to the first post86and second post86′.

In embodiments where one or both of the first post bracket10and the second post bracket10′ are configured as exemplarily described above with respect toFIGS. 4-6, each post bracket may be fastened to an additional post86″ that is configured in the same manner as, or differently from, first post86or second post86′. In such embodiments, structures attached to each additional post may be configured in the same manner as, or differently from, structures attached to one or both of the first post86and second post86′.

Although the construction system90is illustrated as including only two post support structures, the construction system90may include any number of additional post support structures, which are the same as or different from the first post support structure60or the second post support structure60′. The additional post support structures may be arranged so as to provide a construction system extending in along a substantially straight line, along a curved line, or the like or a combination thereof. It will be appreciated that additional post support structures such as post support structures60″ may be provided to form an L-shaped construction system90′, as exemplarily shown inFIG. 12B. In the construction system90′, the additional post support structures60″ may include post brackets10″, blocks70″, and inter-post connector94′. Although the post brackets10″ are illustrated as being the same as post brackets10and10′, it will be appreciated that each of the post brackets10″ may be provided according to any embodiment exemplarily described herein. Although the blocks70″ are illustrated as being the same as post brackets10and10′, it will be appreciated that each of the blocks70″ may be provided according to any embodiment exemplarily described herein. The inter-post connector94′ may be configured in the same manner as, or differently from, the inter-post connector94. Moreover, more post support structures may be added to the construction system such as the construction system90′ shown inFIG. 12Bto form any shape.

FIG. 13Aillustrates a top plan view of a post bracket according to yet another embodiment.FIG. 13Billustrates a front plan view of the post bracket shown inFIG. 13A.FIG. 14illustrates a top plan view of post bracket according to still another embodiment.

Referring toFIGS. 13A and 13B, a post bracket100may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIG. 5), but the mounting portion20may include two first mounting components23connected together by a second mounting component25extending therebetween. The first mounting components23define either the aforementioned first edge24aor the second edge24b.

Each of the two first mounting components23include apertures26defined therein, which are each configured to receive a fastener (not shown) for fastening the post bracket100to a block. AlthoughFIGS. 13A and 13Billustrate the first mounting components23as each including two apertures26, the first mounting component23may have any number of apertures26(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) disposed in any type of arrangement. In another embodiment, any one of the two first mounting components23need not include any apertures.

As exemplarily illustrated, the second mounting component25extends to the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′. In another embodiment, however, the second mounting component25does not extend to one or both of the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′. For example, the second mounting component25may be provided in the same manner as the second mounting component27shown inFIG. 14. As exemplarily illustrated, the second mounting component27does not include any apertures for receiving fasteners to fasten the post bracket100to a block. In another embodiment, however, the second mounting component27may include any number of apertures, in any suitable arrangement, for receiving fasteners to fasten the post bracket100to a block.

The first post support portion40is disposed at the second edge24bof defined by one of the two first mounting components23and the second post support portion40′ is disposed at the first edge24aof defined by the other of the two first mounting components23. Each of the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above (e.g., as described with respect toFIGS. 1A and 1B). In one embodiment, one or both of the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ may further include a fourth sleeve portion49extending between the first sleeve portion42and one of the second flange portion30′ and the first flange portion30, respectively. When connected to the first sleeve portion42and a corresponding one of the second flange portion30′ and the first flange portion30, the fourth sleeve portion49can provide enhanced structural stability to a respective post support portion.

Referring toFIG. 14, a post bracket may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above with respect toFIGS. 13A and 13B), but the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ are moved away from the mounting portion20such that the first sleeve portion42of each of the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ are connected to respective ones of the second flange portion30′ and the first flange portion30. By arranging the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ relative to the mounting portion20as shown inFIG. 14, fasteners such as bolts82can be accessed with greater ease than when the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ are arranged relative to the mounting portion20as shown inFIG. 13A. Further, the second mounting component27extends only between the two first mounting components23.

AlthoughFIGS. 13A,13B and14describe a post bracket100having a first flange portion30, second flange portion30′, first post support portion40and second post support portion40′ provided in the manner exemplarily described with respect toFIG. 5, the post bracket100may be provided with one or more of the first flange portion30and the second flange portion30′, and one or more of the first post support portion40and the second post support portion40′ in any manner as exemplarily described above.

FIG. 15illustrates a top plan view of a construction system incorporating multiple post support structures shown inFIG. 14, according to one embodiment.

Referring toFIG. 15, a construction system91can generally be characterized as including a block71(also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “first block”71) and a second block71′, a post bracket100(also referred to in the illustrated embodiment as a “first post bracket100”) interposed between the first block71and the second block71′, and fasteners such as fasteners82.

The first block71may be configured in the same manner or differently from the second block71′. As exemplarily illustrated, the first block75and the second block71′ further include chamfered surfaces73. Each chamfered surface73may extend between an end surface74aor74band a corresponding side surface72a,72b,72cor72d. As exemplarily illustrated, a chamfered surface73extends between each end surface74aand74band each side surface72a,72b,72cand72d. In other embodiments, however, a chamfered surface73may extend between one or both end surfaces74aor74band one or more corresponding side surfaces72a,72b,72cor72d.

Although the first post bracket100and the second post bracket100′ are each shown as exemplarily described with respect toFIG. 14, the first post bracket100and the second post bracket100′ may be provided in any manner as exemplarily described above. Moreover, the first post bracket100may be configured in the same manner or differently from the second post bracket100′.

The post bracket100is configured such that the mounting portion20can be brought adjacent to the first block71where it can be subsequently fastened to the first block71(e.g., using fasteners such as bolts82). In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting components23extend along corresponding chamfered surfaces73of the first block71when the mounting portion20is brought adjacent to the first block71. When the first mounting components23extend along chamfered surfaces73of the first block71, the second mounting component27may extend along the end surface74aof the first block71.

In one embodiment, the mating surface22acontacts the chamfered surfaces73of the first block71when the mounting portion20is adjacent to the first block71. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the first flange portion30and the second flange portion30′ extend along side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the first block71to which the mounting portion20is fastened. As exemplarily illustrated, the first flange portion30and the first post support portion40can extend along side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the first block71when the mounting portion20is adjacent to the first block71. In one embodiment, the mating surfaces30aand30a′ of the first flange portion30and the second flange portion30′ can contact side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the first block71. In another embodiment, however, one or both of the mating surfaces30aand30a′ may not contact side surfaces72aand72b, respectively, of the first block71.

The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments of the invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.