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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention pertains to support post assemblies and, more particularly, to connector brackets and hinge plate assemblies for attaching support posts to signs, luminaires, and the like.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Typical support post installations involve securing one end of the post in the ground and attaching a sign, light fixture, or other object of interest to the other end. In certain installations, a plurality of posts are used to support each end of a large object or objects that span a distance, such as over a road.  
         [0005]     In order to support the weight of large objects and to withstand the forces of nature, such as the wind, as well as impact from vehicles and other objects, the posts are sunk deep in the earth. When required, the posts are anchored in place with concrete or other anchoring methods. The disadvantage of such installations is that damage to a post requires replacement of the post and the anchoring system. For example, a vehicle impacting a post that supports a sign spanning a highway will cause damage to the impacted post, typically near the ground, necessitating excavation and replacement of the entire post and the anchoring system. In addition, the sign attached to the other end of the impacted post may remain suspended because it is supported by the other posts but become damage itself due to twisting and bending of the impacted post. This may also result in damage to the non-impacted posts.  
         [0006]     In order to avoid replacement of the entire post and related anchoring system, a mounting bracket with breakaway connectors has been developed by the applicant, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,319, entitled “Breakaway Connector” and U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,066, entitled “Breakaway Bracket Assembly,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Briefly, the mounting bracket and breakaway connectors have preformed stress points that will fracture when subjected to a predetermined load. The bracket and connectors will separate from the anchoring system without damaging it. Replacement of the post becomes a matter of replacing the remaining bracket or connector fragment at the anchor point with a new component and re-attaching the repaired post or a replacement post.  
         [0007]     While the foregoing is sufficient for its intended purpose, it does not address damage occurring at the other end of the impacted post. In most situations a post that is broken or deformed at impact will damage the sign attached to it and possibly other supporting posts. Hence, there is a need for an attachment assembly that prevents or reduces damage to the attached sign or other supported object and facilitates replacement of the impacted post.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present disclosure is directed to a support post assembly and to a hinge plate and a mounting bracket assembly used in conjunction with support posts. In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a mounting bracket assembly is provided for holding a first post member to a second post member, the assembly includes a first bracket member having a plurality of openings to enable connection of the first bracket member to the first and second post members, and a second bracket member coupled to the first bracket member in a location that will be between the first and second post members. The second bracket member has a channel formed therein to define a first half portion and a second half portion, and to define a hinge point in the second bracket member about which the first half portion will bend with respect to the second half portion when subjected to a predetermined force. In this manner the first post member will remain attached to the second post member but be permitted to swing about the bend line, thus preventing damage to the second post member and facilitating replacement thereof. Ideally, the second bracket member forms shoulders that are adapted to provide a surface against which the first and second post members rest or bear against.  
         [0009]     In accordance with another embodiment, a mounting bracket assembly is provided for holding a first post member to a second post member that includes a first bracket member having a plurality of openings to enable connection of the first bracket member to the first and second post members. A second bracket member is provided that is coupled to the first bracket member in a location between the first and second post members. A plurality of openings are formed transversely through the second bracket member that define a first half portion and a second half portion in the second bracket member, and further define a breakpoint about which the first half portion will break with respect to the second half portion when subjected to a predetermined force. In this manner, the second post member will be permitted to break free from the first post member, preventing damage to the first post member and enhancing replacement of the second post member. Ideally, the second bracket member is configured to provide shoulders that are adapted to have surfaces against which the first and second post members rest or bear against.  
         [0010]     In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the disclosure, a hinge plate for holding a first post member to a second post member in fixed space relationship is provided. The hinge plate is formed to have a body configured to be attached to the first and second post members. The body includes an enhanced section having shoulders and a channel formed between the shoulders that divides the body into a first portion and a second portion and that defines a bend line about which the first portion will bend with respect to the second portion when subjected to a predetermined force. Ideally, the enhanced section has a thickness that is greater than the non-enhanced remaining sections of the body.  
         [0011]     In accordance with another embodiment, the hinge plate described above is provided with an enhanced section that, instead of having a channel, includes a plurality of openings formed transversely thereacross that divide the body into a first portion and a second portion and define a break line about which the first portion will bend or break or both with respect to the second portion when subjected to a predetermined force.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing embodiments of the disclosure, the hinge plate described above is provided that includes a combination of the channel and the plurality of openings formed across the enhanced section, the plurality of openings intersecting with the channel.  
         [0013]     In accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a post system is provided that includes a first post adapted to be connected to an object; a second post member adapted to be anchored to the ground; and a mounting bracket assembly for holding the first post member to the second post member. In one embodiment, the mounting bracket assembly comprises first and second bracket members, the first bracket member having a plurality of openings to enable connection of the first bracket member to the first and second post members, and the second bracket member coupled to the first bracket member in a location between the first and second post members and having a channel formed therein to define a hinge point about which the first and second post members will swing when either of the first and second post members are subjected to a predetermined force. Ideally, the second bracket member is configured to have shoulders that are adapted to provide a surface against which the first and second post members will bear.  
         [0014]     In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the post support system utilizes a unitary hinge plate instead of the mounting bracket assembly, the unitary hinge plate configured to be attached to the first and second post members and includes an enhanced section having shoulders and a channel formed between the shoulders to define a bend line about which the first and second post members will bend when either or both are subjected to a predetermined force.  
         [0015]     In accordance with still yet another embodiment of the disclosure, a connector for attaching a first post section to a second post section to form a unitary support post for road signs, lights, and the like, is provided. The connector includes a plate having a first plate section sized and shaped to be attached to the first post section, a second plate section sized and shaped to be attached to the second post section, and a channel formed entirely across at least one side of the plate to divide the first plate section from the second plate section and to provide a weakened portion of the plate to enable bending and tearing of the plate when the unitary post is subjected to a force from any direction.  
         [0016]     In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the channel includes at least one opening formed therein through the plate to further direct the force for bending and tearing of the plate.  
         [0017]     In accordance with yet another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the channel includes two or more parallel grooves formed in the plate. In one embodiment, the channel is formed on both sides of the plate in back-to-back relationship. In another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the channel is formed of two parallel adjacent grooves on at least one side and preferably on both sides of the plate.  
         [0018]     In accordance with yet a further embodiment, the foregoing plate also includes at least one, and preferably two, sections that are cut out adjacent to the channel formed in the fuse plate. Ideally, the cutout sections are in the shape of a V wherein the point or apex of the V terminates in the channel and the width of the cutout increases to the side of the plate.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]     The foregoing and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0020]      FIG. 1  is an isometric projection of a signpost assembly formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is an isometric projection of a unitary hinge plate formed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the unitary hinge plate of  FIG. 1  installed on a square tube post assembly;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is an isometric projection of another embodiment of the unitary hinge plate formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is an exploded isometric projection of a two-piece hinge plate assembly formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is an isometric projection of a strap member of the two-piece hinge plate assembly formed in according with another embodiment of the invention as installed on an I-beam post;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is an isometric projection of the strap member of  FIG. 6  and a crosspiece of the hinge plate assembly of  FIG. 5  installed on the I-beam post of  FIG. 6  in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is an exploded isometric projection of a two-piece mounting bracket assembly formed in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is an exploded isometric projection of the mounting bracket assembly of  FIG. 8  in conjunction with a U-channel post;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a plan view of a fuse plate formed in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is an isometric view of the fuse plate of  FIG. 10  in conjunction with a support post;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is an isometric view of a fuse plate formed in accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention;  
         [0032]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are isometric views of alternative applications of the fuse plate of  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of the invention; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is an isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15  employed on the exterior of a post. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]     Representative embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-9 . It is to be understood that while these embodiments are described in conjunction with a support post system for supporting road signs, it is to be understood that the present invention will have application with respect to luminaires, and to other objects supported above the ground where either or both of the support posts and the supported object are subjected to a predetermined load, such as from impact or from the wind.  
         [0036]     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , shown therein is a support post system  10  that includes a sign  12  supported about the ground  14  by a support post assembly  16 . In this embodiment, the support post assembly  16  includes a first post member  18  attached to the sign  12 , and a second post member  20  attached to an anchor assembly  22  by a breakaway connector system  24 . It is to be understood that the breakaway connector system  24  can be formed of existing systems or the embodiments disclosed herein can be used where applicable.  
         [0037]     The second post member  20  is attached to the first post member  18  by a joint splice  26  formed in accordance with the embodiments described in more detail below.  
         [0038]     Turning next to  FIG. 2 , shown therein is a hinge plate  28  formed in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure. The hinge plate  28  in this embodiment comprises a unitary body  30  having a first substantially planar mounting portion  32  and a second substantially planar mounting portion  34  depending from an enhanced section  36  that forms the central portion of the body  30 . The enhanced section  36  has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the unenhanced portions of the body  30 , i.e., the first and second mounting portions  32 ,  34 . A channel  38  is formed in the enhanced section  36  that in this embodiment extends transversely across the entire width of the body  30 .  
         [0039]     In one embodiment, the channel  38  has a substantially curved or arcuate cross-sectional configuration to facilitate bending without breaking. The channel  38  divides the body  30  into first and second halves and constitutes a weakened area that functions as a bend line. When one or the other or both of the first and second mounting portions  32 ,  34  are subjected to a predetermined force normal to a face of the mounting portions  32 ,  34 , the body  30  will bend about the channel  38 . This predetermined force can be a compound of a larger total force acting from a different direction. The enhanced section  36  projects from one side of the body  30  to form two shoulders  44 . Openings  40 ,  42  in the first and second mounting portions  32 ,  34 , respectively, provide access for fasteners (shown in  FIG. 3 ). Ideally, they channel is adapted to permit bending while resisting breaking, thus retaining the attached post members in a connected relationship.  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a pair of hinge plates  28  are used to hold the first post member  18  and second post member  20  in fixed spaced relationship. Each hinge plate  28  has the enhanced section  36  positioned so that the first and second first post members  18 ,  20  bear against the respective shoulders  44 . A pair of fasteners  46  pass through the first and second first post members  18 ,  20  and the openings  40 ,  42  in the hinge plates  28 , which are then secured in place by nuts  48 .  
         [0041]     When one or the other or both of the first and second first post members  18 ,  20  are subjected to a force that is less than the maximum sustainable load of the first and second post members  18 ,  20 , the hinge plates  28  will bend about their respective channel  38 , allowing the second post member  20  to move or swing with respect to the first post member  18 . Similarly, should the sign  20  be subjected to a wind force that is greater than the predetermined load of the hinge plate  28 , the first post member  18  will bend with respect to the second post member  20  about the channel  38  in the respective hinge plates  28 .  
         [0042]     Turning next to  FIG. 4 , shown therein is an alternative embodiment of a hinge plate  50  formed in accordance with the present disclosure. For ease of reference, elements in common with the hinge plate  50  and the hinge plate  28  will have the same reference numbers. In this embodiment, the enhanced section  52  has two channels  54 ,  56  formed therethrough. The additional channel provides additional flexibility to the hinge plate  50  and enables it to swing more readily, i.e., at a lower amount of force.  
         [0043]     Turning next to  FIG. 5 , shown in an exploded view is a mounting bracket assembly  60  that includes a strap  62  and crosspiece  64  that attaches to the strap  62  with a fastener  66  and nut  68 . The strap  62  includes an elongate body  70  having a plurality of openings  72  formed therein and aligned along the longitudinal axis of the body  70  for attaching the body  70  to support posts (not shown). The fastener  66  passes through a central opening  74  in the crosspiece  64  and an opening  76  in the strap  62  to connect with the nut  68 .  
         [0044]     The crosspiece  64  includes two channels  78 ,  80  formed across its width. The crosspiece  64  has a top surface  82  and bottom surface  84  that function as shoulders when attached to the strap  62 . The shoulders  82 ,  84  provide a surface against which post members will bear. The opening  74  is formed in the ridge between the channels  78 ,  80  so as not to interfere with bending of the cross piece  64 .  
         [0045]     This mounting bracket assembly  60  is configured to attached to first and second post members  18 ,  20 , in the same manner as the hinge plate  28  shown in  FIG. 3 . The fasteners  46  pass through the openings  72  of the strap  62  to hold the first and second post members in fixed spaced relationship. However, in this embodiment the strap  62  may be used alone or in combination with the crosspiece  64 . In one manner of use, the crosspiece  64  is preinstalled on the strap  62  before attachment to the post members  18 ,  20 . Alternatively, the crosspiece  64  can be inserted between the first and second post members  18 ,  20  after the strap  62  has been attached. The two channels  78 ,  80  function in the same manner as described above with respect to the channels  54 ,  56  of the hinge plate  50  of  FIG. 4 .  
         [0046]     Shown in  FIG. 6  is another embodiment of the invention wherein a first strap  86  and another strap  88  are attached to either side of a first I-beam member  90  and a second I-beam member  92  to hold the first and second I-beam members  90 ,  92  in fixed spaced relationship. Fasteners  98  are provided to hold the straps  86 ,  88  to their respective I-beam members  90 ,  92 . Here, the first and second straps  86 ,  88  each have a plurality of openings  94  formed transversely across a central portion  96  thereof. The openings  94  may vary in size and number; however, their center points are aligned along a desired bend line. The function of the openings  94  is to provide a weakened area about which the strap  86 ,  88  will bend when subjected to a predetermined force.  
         [0047]     Shown in  FIG. 7  is yet another alternative embodiment of the support post assembly of  FIG. 6  wherein crosspieces  100 ,  102  have been inserted between the first and second I-beam members  90 ,  92  and bolted to the respective straps  86 ,  88  by fasteners  104 . Each crosspiece  100 ,  102  includes a plurality of channels  106 ,  108  formed in the manner as described above with respect to the crosspiece  64  in  FIG. 5 . The I-beams  90 ,  92  bear against the shoulders  110  of the respective crosspieces  100 ,  102 . In this embodiment, the channels  106 ,  108  cooperate with the openings  94  in the straps  86 ,  88  to ensure bending and breaking occurs at the desired location, i.e., along the channels  106 ,  108 .  
         [0048]     In  FIG. 8 , yet a further embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein a mounting bracket assembly  112  is provided to include a strap  114  and crosspiece  116  configured to be bolted to the strap  114  by fastener  118  and nut  120 . As with previous embodiments, the crosspiece  116  has shoulders  122 , 124  formed on the respect top and bottom sides thereof. The fastener  118  passes through a central opening  74  in the crosspiece  116  and an opening  76  in the strap  114  to connect with the nut  120 . A plurality of openings  72  are provided in the strap  114  for connection to appropriate post members (not shown).  
         [0049]     In this embodiment, a plurality of openings  126  are formed transversely across the strap  114 , preferably in alignment with the opening  76  to define a linear breakpoint or bend line for the strap  114 . Openings  128  are formed across the width of the strap  114  that provide a similar function as the openings  126  in the strap  114 . This embodiment may be used in place of the mounting bracket assembly  130  shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0050]     Turning next to  FIG. 9 , illustrated therein is a post support assembly  111  having the mounting bracket assembly  112  of  FIG. 8  shown in exploded relationship with a U-channel post assembly  132  comprising a first post member  134  positioned above the mounting bracket assembly  130  and second post member  136  anchored in a concrete pad  138  formed in the ground. The first and second post members  134 ,  136  each include openings  140  for aligning with the openings  72  in the strap  114  for attachment. The first and second post members  134 ,  136  are positioned to bear against the crosspiece  116  on the shoulders  122 ,  124  thereof.  
         [0051]     The mounting bracket assembly  112  may be positioned on the inside of the U-channel post members  134 ,  136  or on the outside. In either mounting position, the crosspiece  116  will be positioned between the first and second post members  134 ,  136 .  
         [0052]     Referring next to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , shown therein is another embodiment of the invention in the form of a breakaway fuse plate  150  attached to a support post  152 . As shown in these figures, the support post  152  is formed of an upper post section  154  and a lower post section  156  that are held together by the fuse plate  150  to form a unitary support post  152 . Ideally, a corresponding plate is used on a reverse side of the web  158 . In this embodiment, the support post  152  is a typical I-beam or H-beam post having a web  158  with flanges  160  at each end of the web  158 . It is to be understood, however, that the present embodiment can be adapted for use by sizing and shaping it for attachment to support posts of different configurations, including channel, angle, and rectangular or square solid post construction, of either metal, wood, or metal alloys of varying forms. In one embodiment, the metal is ASTM-36 steel or 65-45-12 ductile iron or 60-40-18 ductile iron.  
         [0053]     The plate  150  as seen in these views is of substantially a rectangular shape and is divided into a first plate section  162  and second plate section  164  by a channel  166 . In the embodiment shown, the plate  150  is substantially flat having mutually opposing parallel faces  168  that are circumscribed by a top edge  170 , first and second side edges  172 ,  174 , and a bottom edge  176 .  
         [0054]     The channel  166  extends from the first side edge  172  to the second side edge  174  to bisect the plate  150  and provide a weakened area about which the plate  150  can bend and break or tear when subjected to a predetermined force through the support post  152 . The channel  166  can have different cross-sectional configurations, and as shown here it is arcuate or circular. However, it can have a rectangular or square or V-shaped configuration to meet particular applications. Although the plate  150  shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11  has the channel  166  formed only in the exposed face  168 , it is to be understood that the channel  166  can also be formed on the reverse side of the plate  150 , either alone or in combination with a matching channel on the opposite face. It is to be also understood that while the channel  166  is shown as a single groove, it is possible to form the channel as multiple parallel grooves, such as two or three grooves, either formed on one side or both sides of the plate  150 . When formed on both sides of the plate  150 , the opposing grooves should be back-to-back to facilitate bending of the plate  150  only about the channel  166  or tearing of the plate along the channel  166 .  
         [0055]     To facilitate the tearing of the plate  150 , an opening  178  is formed completely through the plate  150  and positioned within the channel  166 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the opening  178  in the channel  166  is positioned at the center of the plate  150 , both longitudinally and laterally. However, it is to be understood that one or more openings can be formed in the channel  166  and positioned at various points along the channel  166 . Ideally, the diameter of the opening extends to the vertical top and bottom sides of the channel  166 , and it can be laterally elongated as shown.  
         [0056]     The plate  150  is preferably sized and shaped for attachment to the web  158  of each of the upper and lower post sections  154 ,  156 . One manner of attachment is by use of fasteners extending through a plurality of openings (not shown) formed in the plate  150 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the fasteners are in the form of a bolt  180  extending through a corresponding opening formed in the plate  150 , through the web  158  of the support post  152 , and ideally through a second plate  150 , where a nut  182  as shown in  FIG. 11  is used to tighten the bolt, the plates  150 , and the two sections  154 ,  156  of the support post  152 . An optional washer  184  can be used as shown in  FIG. 11 . Other methods of attachment can include welding, bonding with adhesive, riveting, and the like. In this embodiment, six bolts are used, three on each of the first and second plate sections  162 ,  164 . When so attached to the support post  152 , the channel  166  is aligned over the intersection  186  of the upper and lower post sections  154 ,  156 . As shown in this embodiment, the post sections  154 ,  156  are placed together in abutting relationship where they are held by the plates  150 . While two plates  150  are used, it is to be understood that only one plate  150  can be used in certain situations.  
         [0057]     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, and as an enhancement to all of the foregoing embodiments described in conjunction with  FIGS. 2-11 , the breakaway hinges and fuse plates can be further designed to bend and tear at their respective weakened areas by completely removing additional material adjacent to the weakened area. The removal of the material will facilitate directing of forces to the weakened area and guiding the bending, and tearing where required, of the material of the breakaway bracket or fuse plate.  
         [0058]     For example, in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a cutout section  188  is formed in each of the first and second side edges  172 ,  174 . The cutout section  188  is formed by the removal of material from the plate  150  or by forming of the plate  150  such that the cutout section is generated. It is to be understood that the cutout section can be formed in only one of the side edges  172 ,  174 , although preferably it is formed in both side edges  172 ,  174  to direct forces generated from any direction.  
         [0059]     The cutout section as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 10 and 11  has a triangular shape such that an apex  190  of the triangle intersects with the channel  166 . The edges  192  of the cutout section  188  then extend away from the apex  190  such that the width of the cutout section  188  increases towards the edges  172 ,  174 .  
         [0060]     The design illustrated and described in conjunction with  FIGS. 10 and 11  is configured to provide an omni-directional fuse plate that attaches to both the lower and upper sections of a support post for a sign structure, light pole, guardrail post, or any post system that will bend and tear when subjected to a force from any direction. Thus, the system described above will work on all types of posts. On sign structures, the intersection  186  of the upper and lower post sections  154 ,  156  will be approximately nine feet off the ground. With guardrails and posts, it will be approximately four inches off the ground.  
         [0061]     To install the present invention on existing posts, it will be necessary to cut the post where the installation is desired to form the upper and lower post sections  154 ,  156 . When the plate  150  is installed with bolts  180 , there are no torque requirements in most applications. Thus, when subjected to an impact from any direction, the impact side of the omni-directional fuse plate system comes apart while the other side of the system holds the post, allowing the vehicle to pass under the sign structure. With guardrail posts or other systems that are required to break away close to the ground, the present invention allows the post to just lie down from the impact. This enables the vehicle to travel over the post. Hence, the invention provides a unique method and device that is mounted solely to the web of the post in one embodiment.  
         [0062]     With respect to the fuse plate of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , it is to be understood that the plate is preferably formed of a unitary flat piece of metal material. In one embodiment, the plate has a preferred thickness range of one-fourth inch to one-half inch, depending on the size of post or beam to which it is attached. In addition, the single channel  166  has a preferred width of has a preferred depth in the range of one-sixteenth of an inch to three-eighths of an inch, depending on the beam size. When two grooves are formed to create the channel, each groove will have a preferred depth in a range of one-sixteenth of an inch to three-eighths of an inch.  
         [0063]     In another embodiment, the plate  150  is formed such that the first plate section and second plate sections  162 ,  164  are in two pieces and are joined by a breakaway element that includes the channel  166  or grooves. The plate sections can be joined by welding, fasteners, or other means known to those skilled in the art so that the breakaway element is positioned at the desired breaking or tearing point.  
         [0064]      FIGS. 12-14  illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention in which a plate  194  is provided having a configuration similar to the plate  150  described above and further including extensions or wings  196  on one or more corners thereof. For ease of reference, like reference numbers will be used to refer to identical components or features of the plates  150  and  180 .  
         [0065]     In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 12-14 , the fuse plate  194  includes a plurality of flanges or wings  196  extending from each of the first and second side edges  172 ,  174  on each of the first and second plate sections  162 ,  164  for a total of four wings  196 . Each wing has a substantially square-shaped configuration and includes an opening  198  through which a fastener can pass. This particular configuration enables the plate  194  to be retrofit to existing applications where openings  198  can be used with existing fastener openings  200  in the flanges  160  of the support post  152  as shown in  FIG. 13 . It is to be noted in the embodiment of  FIG. 13 , the plate  194  utilizes substantially rectangular cutout sections  202  in association with the wings  196  instead of the V-shaped cutout section  188  shown in  FIG. 12 . As previously explained, the shape of the cutout section can be adapted for the particular application of the fuse plate system.  
         [0066]      FIG. 14  shows the plate  194  used with the upper post section  154  spaced apart from the lower post section  156 . This particular installation prevents the rubbing together and damaging of the post sections  154 ,  156  that can occur when the support post  152  is subjected to the elements, particularly to wind. This particular mounting configuration prevents rubbing off of the galvanization and the subsequent rusting of the area. Hence, the plate  194  is attached to the web and to the flanges of the post  152 , whereas in the past other devices have been attached to only the flanges of the post.  
         [0067]      FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention in which a fuse plate  210  is applied to the exterior of a square tube post  212 . Here, the fuse plate  210  has two additional openings  214 ,  216  to accommodate fasteners  217  through the first and second plate sections  218 ,  220 . In addition, the wings  222 ,  224  extending from each side of the first and second plate sections  218 ,  220  are formed to accommodate a fastener  219  between them, as shown in  FIG. 16 , or cutout sections  188 ,  202  disclosed above can provide clearance for the fastener.  
         [0068]     The web design disclosed herein increases wind load capacity while bending, breaking, and releasing easier when impacted. On a 53×5.7 I-beam, the fuse plate of the present disclosure breaks 69% easier than existing connector plates, yet withstands greater wind loads.  
         [0069]     Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Hence, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims that follow and the equivalents thereof.  
         [0070]     All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.  
         [0071]     From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

Summary:
A support post assembly with mounting bracket assembly and hinge plate with defined bend lines and break points are provided to prevent or reduce damage to objects attached to the support post assembly. The hinge plate has an enhanced section having a channel formed transversely thereacross to function as a bend line when the support post assembly is subjected to a predetermined force. A section of reduced or removed material further directs the force to the weakened area to guide the bending, and openings in the bend line guide breaking or tearing of the plate. Damage is limited to the hinge plate, which is easily replaced. A mounting bracket assembly having a two-piece body for connecting or splicing support posts together includes a strap with crosspiece configured to provide a desired bend line or breakpoint.