Patent ID: 7992842

Claim:
A gate assembly adapted to be connected to a structural member, the gate assembly comprising: a plurality of support members; and a bracket system comprising first and second brace assemblies, where each brace assembly comprises: a brace member defining a first support surface, a second support surface, and a spacing portion rigidly connected to the second support surface and extending away from the first support surface, and a hinge assembly comprising first and second hinge plates, wherein: the first hinge plate is rigidly connected to the spacing portion of the brace member, the brace member is configured to maintain a fixed angular relationship between the first and second support surfaces, the first support surface engages a surface of one of the support members, the second support surface engages a surface of another one of the support members, the second hinge plate is adapted to be connected to the structural member, and each hinge assembly defines a hinge axis; whereby: the hinge axes are aligned when the hinge assemblies of the first and second brace assemblies are adapted to be connected to the structural member; the hinge assemblies are rigidly connected to the spacing portions of the brace members; the first and second brace assemblies are movable relative to each other when the first and second brace assemblies are not connected to the support members; and when the first and second brace assemblies are connected to the support members: a spatial relationship of the first brace assembly and the second brace assembly is fixed, the spacing portions of the brace members space the hinge assemblies a spacing distance from the second support surfaces, and the spacing distance is configured to accommodate one of the support members, wherein the one support member snugly fits between the first hinge plates and a portion of the brace members defining the second support surfaces; and fastening holes are formed in each brace member to facilitate connection of the brace members to the support members.