Patent Publication Number: US-2015082735-A1

Title: Post support bracket system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present application relates generally to structural attachment members in the building industry and, more particularly, to a post support bracket system for securing vertical rail support posts. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Decks are a common outdoor structure for residential and commercial buildings. Posts or railings are usually provided to prevent individuals from falling off a portion of the deck. The posts are usually made from either wood or metal. One or more railings are then used to join two or more posts. An issue with railings on decks or other raised flooring surface is an inability to secure the vertical posts in a vertical alignment. 
     Traditionally a butt end of a vertical post is placed in relative contact with the flooring surface, the vertical post perpendicular to the flooring surface. Fasteners are used to secure the post in alignment relative to the flooring surface. The fasteners engage the vertical post and the flooring surface. Such a fastening method is typically very weak causing failure as lateral loads are applied to the vertical post at an end distal to the flooring surface. Lateral loads cause the vertical post to act like a lever with a fulcrum point that can greatly magnify the structural load placed onto the mode of attachment. 
     In an effort to stabilize the vertical posts to withstand lateral loads, a post support may be used. The post support is designed to sit flush to the flooring surface and surround a portion of the vertical post. Fasteners then engage the post support and the flooring surface. Another method involves strengthening the flooring surface with one or more additional pieces of material (wood/composite) to, in effect, thicken the floor. Despite these efforts, none of these methods of attachment or strengthening generally succeed in securing the vertical post. Each typically fails to meet building code regulations and fail to provide adequate stabilization to the vertical post over time as weather and environmental conditions weaken the flooring surface and additional materials. 
     It is desirable to provide a post support bracket system capable of meeting building code requirements and increased rigidity. Although some strides have been made with attachment members in the building industry, considerable shortcomings remain. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a post support bracket system according to the preferred embodiment of the present application; 
         FIGS. 2A-2D  are views of an alternative embodiment of the post support bracket in the post support bracket system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3A-3D  are views of an alternative embodiment of the post support bracket of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of deck framing using the post support bracket system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5A-5B  are views of the post support bracket system of  FIG. 1  used in the deck framing of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the post support bracket of  FIGS. 3A-3D  coupled to the deck framing; and 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of the post support bracket of  FIG. 6  coupled to the deck framing, rotated 90 degrees. 
     
    
    
     While the system and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. 
     The post support bracket system of the present application is configured to first addresses the structural attachment of surface mounted vertical posts to flooring members, such as a deck (deck members), floors, and stairs; and secondly is configured to structurally attach rail support posts to the side of a floor or deck (i.e. a framing member) all while maintaining the structural requirements of building codes for lateral loads. A framing member may be a joist, a blocking, and a stair (framing). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  in the drawings, an exploded view of a post support bracket system  101  is illustrated. System  101  includes a bracket  103  and optionally the use of a post anchor  105  and an optional load plate  107 . Bracket  103  is configured to use a plurality of fasteners to attach a vertical post to framing members which are used to support the flooring surface of a deck. Bracket  103  is configured to have a horizontal portion  109  and a vertical portion  111 . Vertical portion  111  and horizontal portion  109  are joined together along neighboring edges at a pre-selected angle  113  to each other. As seen in  FIG. 1 , angle  113  is 90 degrees (see  FIG. 2B ), thereby forming an “L” shape between the horizontal portion  109  and the vertical portion  111 . It is understood that angle  113  may be increased or decreased depending on design considerations and is therefore not limiting, but is given merely as an example. It is further understood that vertical portion  111  and horizontal portion  109  may be formed from a single integral piece of material wherein angle  113  is formed at the line of bending, thereby creating portions  109  and  111 . 
     Horizontal portion  109  includes a plurality of apertures  115  configured to permit the passage of a fastener  117 . Apertures  115  may be shaped as needed or selected by designers to perform specific functions. As seen in  FIG. 1 , apertures  115  are slotted. It is understood that apertures  115  may be circular, oval, or any other shape. Vertical portion  111  also includes a plurality of apertures  119 . Apertures  119  are similar in form and function to that of apertures  115  and are configured to accept a fastener  118 . Fastener  117  may be a bolt, screw, nail, and even adhesive. 
     Fastener  118  is configured to couple vertical portion  111  to a framing member (see  FIG. 5A ). Vertical portion  111  is in a vertical plane configured to attach bracket  103  to a framing member (i.e. a joist, a blocking, and a stair). Fasteners  118  are configured to pass through apertures  119  and into the framing member. Horizontal portion  109  is in a relatively horizontal plane configured to attach bracket  103  to a post  121  (see  FIG. 5B ). Fasteners  117  are configured to pass through apertures  115  in the horizontal portion  109 . 
     Bracket  103  is illustrated with a rigid side member  123 . Side member  123  is optional as seen in the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS. 2A-3D . Side member  123  extends along a common shared edge  127  between portions  109  and  111 . Side member  123  increases the rigidity of bracket  103  as a means to prevent flexure of portion  109  relative to portion  111 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , side member  123  also includes a set of apertures  125  for acceptance of a fastener. Fasteners are inserted through aperture  125  and pass through a second framing member or flooring member depending on orientation of bracket  103 . For example, see the orientations differences described in  FIGS. 6 and 7  below. It is understood that side member  123  is optional and if used, is typically integrally formed or permanently attached along edge  127 . Bracket  103  and side member  123  may be formed or produced from a plurality of various metals to affect performance characteristics. However, materials such as metal, plastic and a composite are most typically envisioned for use. 
     Load plate  107  is a separate detached member of system  101  and also is optionally used by a user and may not be included with bracket  103  originally. Plate  107  is contoured to match the shape of horizontal portion  109 . Plate  107  is configured to contact an under side (closest to portion  111 ) of portion  109 . Apertures are formed in plate  107  to match apertures  115 . Plate  107  is designed to increase stiffening and rigidity of portion  109  when coupled to post  121 . 
     Post anchor  105  is in communication with post  121  and is configured to mount post  121  to a horizontal plane adjacent the floor member. Anchor  105  includes a hollowed elongated housing  129  with an externally extending flange  131  at one end of housing  129 . Although flange  131  is illustrated as surrounding the complete perimeter of housing  129 , other embodiments may limit flange  131  to specific portions of the perimeter. For example, flange  131  may be broken into four individual flanges, one for each side of housing  129 . Additionally, the number of flanges may be more or less than the number of sides of housing  129 . Furthermore, additional embodiments of anchor  105  may align any flanges and corresponding fastening apertures internally within housing  129 . The internal flanges may be individual per side of anchor  105  or may create a collective unitary surface to create a concealed bottom within housing  129 . Fastener apertures would be located within the concealed bottom for the passage of fasteners spaced to match apertures of the corresponding bracket (i.e. apertures  115 ). As noted previously, system  101  does not need to use anchor  105  to provide adequately secure post  121  in vertical alignment with the flooring surface. 
     Housing  129  is depicted as rectangular in  FIG. 1 . Housing  129  may be shaped to conform to the contours of post  121 . Exemplary shapes of housing  129  may be round, square, rectangular, and “U”-shaped (wherein housing  129  fails to completely surround post  121 ). 
     During installation and design of the decking or flooring, the precise location and use of anchor  105  may be adjusted. For example, anchor  105  may be placed flush along an upper surface of the flooring member. Fasteners  117  that pass through apertures  115  may also pass through apertures in anchor  105 . In this example, the flooring member passes between horizontal portion  109  and flange  131 . In other words, fasteners  117  pass through flooring members and compress flange  131  to that of horizontal portion  109 . Such an embodiment of installation is seen at least in  FIG. 5B . In another example, flange  131  may pass through flooring members and contact directly with bracket  103 . In this example, flooring members pass around anchor  105 . 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 2A-2D  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of bracket  103  is illustrated. Bracket  102  may replace bracket  103  within system  101 . Bracket  102  is similar in form and function to that of bracket  103  in  FIG. 1 . Bracket  102  is shown to illustrate bracket  103  without the use of side members  123 . The advantages and abilities of bracket  103  are the same for bracket  102 , minus the use of side members  123 . Bracket  102  includes the use of a plurality of apertures  135  that function similar to that of apertures  115  and  119  of bracket  103 . More clearly seen in  FIGS. 2A-2D , system  101  optionally includes the use of a stiffener  137  and grooves  139  formed into bracket  102 / 103  to improve rigidity. The use of stiffener  137  does not require the formation of groove  139 . 
     As seen in particular with  FIGS. 2A and 2C , an alignment hole  138  is located in the horizontal portion. Alignment hole  138  is used to set the bracket level with the underside of the deck flooring members with a removable screw to set the bracket to the correct height prior to attaching bracket  102  to a joist or blocking. Additionally, after the screw is removed, a small hole can be drilled through the center hole and through the decking to serve as a guide to an installer as to the exact position of the bracket apertures  135  under the flooring member. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3A-3D  in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of bracket  103  and  102  is illustrated. Bracket  104  may replace bracket  103  and  102  within system  101 . Bracket  104  is similar in form and function to that of bracket  103  in  FIG. 1 . Bracket  104  is shown to illustrate the use of side members  141  having a different shape to that of side members  123 . Members  141  are formed along an edge of bracket  104  as seen in bracket  103 , however side member  141  only extends a partial length of one of the portions. The use of apertures  143  are seen in bracket  104  and are similar in form and function to those of apertures  115 ,  119 , and  125  of bracket  103 . 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  also are used to illustrate the optional use a spike protruding from an exterior surface of bracket  104 . Spikes  143  are used to protrude and pierce into flooring members and framing members. Spikes  143  may facilitate the positioning and orientation of bracket  104  while fasteners are inserted through any one of apertures  143 . It is understood that spikes  143  are equally applicable for use on brackets  103  and  102 . Furthermore, although system  101  has been disclosed with different types of brackets, system  101  may include any combination of brackets  102 ,  103 ,  104 . In  FIGS. 3A and 3C  is shown an alignment hole  142  similar in form and function to that of alignment hole  138  in  FIGS. 2A and 2C . Alignment hole  142  provides similar functionality during installation as seen with alignment hole  138 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4  in the drawings, a top view of deck framing or framing members  145  used in the formation of a deck are illustrated. Framing members are illustrated as a joist  145   a,  a blocking  145   b,  a rim joist, and a stair.  FIG. 4  illustrates the location of system  101 . Bracket  103  will be used to represent all possible brackets in  FIG. 4 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , bracket  103  is located in the internal corner where two joists  145   a  abut one another. This placement allows bracket  103  to be secured to more than one joist  145   a  and also permits post  121  to be placed nearer to the edge of the deck. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 5A-5B  in the drawings, system  101  (as seen in  FIG. 1 ) is more clearly illustrated as used in framing members  145  shown in  FIG. 4 . Bracket  103  is clearly illustrated, being located in the internal corner of two abutting framing members  145 . Directly above, and in contact with, portion  109  is a flooring member  147 . System  101  is illustrated with plate  107  adjacent and in contact with portion  109  to add increased strength by increasing the thickness of bracket  103  along portion  109 . Fasteners  117  pass through apertures  129  and  115 . Vertical portion  111  is secured to framing member  145  with fasteners  118 . Side member  123  is in contact with framing member  145  and additional fasteners  148  pass through apertures  125  to optionally secure bracket  103  to a secondary framing member  145 . Although illustrated wherein bracket  103  is in contact with joist  145   a,  it is understood that bracket  103  may be spaced away from joist  145   a  to locate post  121  in a desired location (as seen in  FIG. 6 ) This may occur in situations where post  121  needs to be located further toward the interior of the deck. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6  in the drawings, is a view of bracket  104  is illustrated.  FIG. 6  is used to show the resultant forces applied to framing members  145  as a lateral force  149  is applied to post  121 . Of interest in  FIG. 6  are how the application of lateral force  149  affects framing member  145 . Fasteners  118  are set and engaged through apertures  119  and into framing member  145 . As a lateral force  149  is applied, a rotational force  151  is experienced on fasteners  118  of bracket  104 . Fasteners  118  are selectively spaced so as to produce a pinching compressive force between fasteners  118  in framing member  145  as a lateral load is applied to an upper portion of the post  121 . The spacing of the fasteners  118  are configured to increase holding resistance to the lateral force  147 . The banded area of compressive force is illustrated in region  153 . 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 7  in the drawings, bracket  104  is illustrated in a rotated orientation relative to framing member  145 . The change in axis orientation is to allow bracket  104  to be attached to a side  157  of post  155 . As seen in the figure, bracket  104  is rotated counter clockwise 90 degrees. In this embodiment of using bracket  104 , post  155  is mounted off surface of the flooring member  147 . Post  155  is located in an internal corner of framing members  145   d  and  145   e.  Post  155  is secured between bracket  104  and framing member  145   e.  Vertical portion  111   a  is secured to a first framing member  145   d  and horizontal portion  109   a  is rotated 90 degrees relative to the horizontal to be in contact with side  157  of post  155 . Second framing member  145   e  is located on a side opposite side  157 . Fasteners pass through bracket  104  and framing members  145   d  and  145   e  to secure post  155 . In this embodiment, side members  141  are not shown contacting framing members or flooring members. 
     Although  FIG. 7  depicts locating post  155  between horizontal portion  109   a  and second framing member  145   e,  it is understood that second framing member  145   e  is not required. Fasteners may pass through portion  109   a  and post  155  only, without engaging second framing member  145   e.  Additionally post  155  may be secured inside or outside framing members  145   d - 145   e.  Brackets  102  and  103  are also configured to permit rotated installation similar to that of bracket  104 . 
     The embodiment where bracket  104  is rotated 90 degrees is very advantageous. In instances wherein post  155  is not secured directly to the flooring surface, anchor  105  is not able to be used. Bracket  104  is configured to secure vertical posts with or without the use of anchor  105  and can be installed on posts abutting the flooring surface directly and those mounted off surface. 
     In this rotate installation, bracket  104  performs at least three functions. First, bracket  104  facilitates the passage of at least one horizontal fastener into or through side  157 , structurally attaching bracket  104  to post  155 . Secondly, since bracket  104  is set flush against side  157 , any outward, lateral movement along an upper portion (end opposite of end  159  of post  155 ) of post  155  is resisted by the flush structural attachment of bracket  104  with framing member  145   e,  which resists the inward movement of end  159  when lateral forces  149  are applied. 
     Third, the surface of bracket  104  attached against the framing member is off set in relation to the axis  161  of post  155 . Since bracket  104  is attached flush to post  155 , any lateral movement will transmit a rotational force to the attachment fasteners set into or through the framing members. This rotational action is significant in increasing the ability of bracket  104  to resist lateral forces  149  transmitted from post  155 . The rotational action of the bracket against the fasteners causes a compressive pinching effect against the grain of the wood framing, thereby jamming the fasteners as they are pushed sideways from both directions into the wood grain (as seen in  FIG. 6 ). This attachment differs greatly from conventional attachment methods which place fasteners are placed in the same axial alignment of the post. Such fasteners are placed under shear and subjected to pulling forces only. Pulling forces applied to a bracket have a tendency to simply split the grain of the wood framing under even moderate loads when pulling in the direction of the wood grain. The direct mounting of the post to framing members and placing fasteners in different axial alignment to the post permit a rotational action on the bracket and fasteners to cause the compressive pinching effect. 
     The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) horizontal attachment plane for attachment of surface mounted posts; (2) rotational holding effect for enhanced lateral load holding power; (3) ability to turn bracket at 90 degrees for side attachment of posts; (4) center location hole in horizontal plane for correct positioning of bracket to underside of decking; (5) slotted or round holes in horizontal plane; (6) optional side members of various shapes; and (7) ability to hold lateral load forces applies to posts mounted on exterior rim joist of deck. 
     The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.