U.S. patent application number 14/050260 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-09 for attachment bracket.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANTSINK MANUFACTURING, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is CANTSINK MANUFACTURING, INC.. Invention is credited to Patrick Hutchinson.
Application Number | 20150096165 14/050260 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52775768 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150096165 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hutchinson; Patrick |
April 9, 2015 |
ATTACHMENT BRACKET
Abstract
An attachment bracket for attachment of a frame or structure to
a supporting column regardless of the orientation of the frame
relative to the supporting column is provided. A column element of
the attachment bracket is configured to couple the attachment
bracket to the supporting column. An optional frame element is
attached to the column element and configured to couple the
attachment bracket to the frame. A slot is defined in the column
element. The attachment bracket is rotatable relative to the
supporting column and a fastener can be inserted through the slot
to fixedly attach the attachment bracket to the supporting column
at the desired position.
Inventors: |
Hutchinson; Patrick;
(Buford, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CANTSINK MANUFACTURING, INC. |
Lilburn |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CANTSINK MANUFACTURING,
INC.
Lilburn
GA
|
Family ID: |
52775768 |
Appl. No.: |
14/050260 |
Filed: |
October 9, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/525.01 ;
248/218.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/2415 20130101;
E04B 2001/2463 20130101; A47B 13/021 20130101; F16B 2012/443
20130101; E04B 2001/2451 20130101; Y10T 29/49947 20150115; F16B
12/42 20130101; E04B 2001/2439 20130101; E04B 2001/2644 20130101;
A47B 2013/022 20130101; E04B 1/185 20130101; E04B 2001/2684
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/525.01 ;
248/218.4 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/18 20060101
E04B001/18; A47B 96/07 20060101 A47B096/07 |
Claims
1. An attachment bracket for attachment of a frame to a supporting
column, the attachment bracket comprising: a column element
configured to couple the attachment bracket to the supporting
column, wherein the column element has a longitudinal axis, wherein
the column element comprises at least one sidewall and a cover
plate fixedly attached to a first end of the sidewall, wherein at
least one slot having a slot length is defined in a portion of the
at least one sidewall, and wherein the slot length is the length of
an arc formed on the at least one sidewall subtended by a
predetermined angle plus the diameter of a fastener configured to
couple the attachment bracket to the supporting column that is
insertable through the slot, wherein at least a portion of the
attachment bracket is selectively rotatable relative to a
longitudinal axis of the supporting column, and wherein at least a
portion of the attachment bracket is configured to couple to the
frame.
2. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein a plane of the cover
plate is substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the
column element.
3. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein the slot has a slot
height, and wherein the slot is substantially rectangular when
viewed in a side elevational view.
4. The attachment bracket of claim 3, wherein the slot length is
greater than the slot height.
5. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein the predetermined
angle is greater than about 45 degrees.
6. The attachment bracket of claim 5, wherein the predetermined
angle is about 90 degrees.
7. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein a center of the slot
is a predetermined length longitudinally from the cover plate that
is less than an outer diameter of the column element.
8. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein a portion of the
cover plate overhangs the at least one sidewall.
9. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis
of the cover plate is selectively rotatable relative to the
longitudinal axis of the supporting column.
10. The attachment bracket of claim 1, wherein the cover plate is
configured to couple the attachment bracket to the frame.
11. The attachment bracket of claim 1, further comprising at least
one frame element configured to couple the attachment bracket to
the frame, wherein the at least one frame element is fixedly
attached to the cover plate.
12. The attachment bracket of claim 11, wherein the at least one
frame element is a substantially planar plate.
13. The attachment bracket of claim 12, wherein the plane of the
frame element is substantially normal to a plane of the cover
plate.
14. The attachment bracket of claim 13, wherein at least one frame
bore is defined in a portion of the at least one frame element, and
wherein the at least one frame bore is positioned to correspond to
at least one frame mounting hole defined in a portion of the
frame.
15. A method of attaching a frame to a supporting column
comprising: providing an attachment bracket comprising: a column
element configured to couple the attachment bracket to the
supporting column, wherein the column element has a longitudinal
axis, wherein the column element comprise at least one sidewall and
a cover plate fixedly attached to a first end of the sidewall to
define an internal chamber, wherein at least one slot having a slot
length is defined in a portion of the at least one sidewall, and
wherein the slot length is the length of an arc formed on the at
least one sidewall subtended by a predetermined angle plus the
diameter of a fastener configured to couple the attachment bracket
to the supporting column that is insertable through the slot; and
at least one frame element configured to couple the attachment
bracket to the frame, wherein the at least one frame element is
fixedly attached to the cover plate; positioning a proximal end of
the supporting column in the internal chamber of the attachment
bracket; rotating the attachment bracket relative to the supporting
column until a portion of the at least one frame element is
substantially aligned with a portion of the frame; fixedly
attaching the attachment bracket to the distal end of the
supporting column; and fixedly attaching a portion of the frame to
the supporting column.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the slot has a slot height, and
wherein the slot is substantially rectangular when viewed in a side
elevational view.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the predetermined angle is
greater than about 45 degrees.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined angle is
about 90 degrees.
19. The method of claim 15, wherein a plane of the cover plate is
substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the column
element.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one frame element
is a substantially planar plate.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the plane of the frame element
is substantially normal to the plane of the cover plate.
22. An attachment bracket for attachment of a frame to a supporting
column, the attachment bracket comprising: a column element
configured to couple the attachment bracket to the supporting
column, wherein the column element has a longitudinal axis, wherein
the column element comprises at least one sidewall and a cover
plate fixedly attached to a first end of the sidewall, wherein at
least one slot having a slot length is defined in a portion of the
at least one sidewall, and wherein the slot length is the length of
an arc formed on the at least one sidewall subtended by a
predetermined angle plus the diameter of a fastener configured to
couple the attachment bracket to the supporting column that is
insertable through the slot; and at least one frame element
configured to couple the attachment bracket to the frame, wherein
the at least one frame element is fixedly attached to the cover
plate, wherein at least a portion of the attachment bracket is
selectively rotatable relative to a longitudinal axis of the
supporting column.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to an attachment bracket.
More specifically, methods, devices and systems are provided for
attachment of a frame or structure to a supporting column
regardless of the orientation of the frame relative to the
supporting column.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In many industries it is necessary to attach a frame or
other structure onto a supporting column or pile. For example, in
the construction industry, it is common to use various pile systems
to provide support from the hard pan soil that exists below the
soil surface to the foundation. Generally, these pile systems have
a substantially cylindrical supporting member that can be coupled
to the foundation or other portion of the structure. In other
examples, a support frame such as the frame for a solar panel array
can be coupled to a supporting column or member.
[0003] Conventionally, an attachment bracket can be used to couple
the frame or other structure to the supporting column. However,
providing the correct alignment between the supporting column and
the frame can be difficult. That is, a conventional bracket has to
be aligned on the supporting column so that the bracket can be
fixedly attached to the column, and the frame can be fixedly
attached to the bracket at a fixed, predetermined orientation. If
there is misalignment between the frame and the column,
conventionally, in one example, the cylindrical supporting column
has to be rotated to a desired angle so that attachment holes of
the supporting column are aligned with corresponding attachment
holes of the attachment bracket. Often, however, rotating the
column to provide the correct alignment between the supporting
column and the attachment bracket can be prohibitive or impossible.
In another example, if the frame cannot be attached to the bracket
so that the frame is at a desired orientation, custom attachment
brackets can be manufactured to compensate for a specific
misalignment between attachment holes of the supporting column and
the attachment bracket. This can be, of course, a costly and
time-consuming activity. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a
universal attachment bracket that can couple the frame or other
structure to the supporting column regardless of the orientation of
the frame relative to the supporting column. This and other
objectives are met by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with the purpose(s) of this invention, as
embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one
aspect, relates to methods, devices and systems for attachment of a
frame or structure to a supporting column.
[0005] An attachment bracket is provided for attachment of a frame
or structure to a supporting column regardless of the orientation
of the frame relative to the supporting column. In one aspect, the
attachment bracket comprises a column element configured to couple
the attachment bracket to the supporting column. Optionally, the
attachment bracket further comprises at least one frame element
fixedly attached to the column element and configured to couple the
attachment bracket to the frame.
[0006] The column element can comprise at least one sidewall and a
cover plate fixedly attached to a first end of the sidewall. The at
least one sidewall can be sized and shaped to matingly engage a
proximal end of the supporting column. For example, the at least
one sidewall and the cover plate can define an internal chamber
configured to receive the proximal end of the supporting column
therein.
[0007] At least one column bore can be defined in a portion of the
at least one sidewall. The at least one column bore can be
configured so that, upon alignment with a column mounting hole of
the supporting column, a fastener can be inserted through the at
least one column bore and the column mounting hole to fixedly
attached the column element to the supporting column. In one
aspect, the at least one column bore can be a slot that is
substantially rectangular when viewed in a side elevational view.
Thus, the slot can have a slot length and a slot height. In another
aspect, the slot length can be the length of an arc formed on the
at least one sidewall subtended by a predetermined angle. For
example, the predetermined angle can be an angle of about 45
degrees, about 90 degrees or any other desired angle. Optionally,
in another aspect, the slot length can be the length of an arc
formed on the at least one sidewall subtended by a predetermined
angle plus the diameter of the fastener configured to couple the
attachment bracket to the supporting column.
[0008] In use, the attachment bracket can be positioned on the
proximal end of the supporting column. At least a portion of the
attachment bracket can be rotated relative to the supporting column
until at least a portion of the attachment bracket is positioned as
desired relative to a portion of the frame. For example, the
attachment bracket can be rotated relative to the supporting column
until the longitudinal axis of the cover plate is substantially
aligned with a portion of the frame. In another example, the
attachment bracket can be rotated relative to the supporting column
until at least a portion of the at least one frame element is
substantially aligned with a portion of the frame. The column
element of the attachment bracket can then be fixedly attached to
the proximal end of the supporting column and a portion of the
frame can be fixedly attached to the cover plate and/or the at
least one frame element. Thus, the frame can be coupled to the
supporting column regardless of the orientation of the frame
relative to the supporting column.
[0009] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that
both the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects
of the invention and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attachment bracket,
according to one aspect.
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the
attachment bracket of FIG. 1, a supporting column, and a frame.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a frame element of the
attachment bracket of FIG. 1, according to one aspect.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an attachment bracket,
according to one aspect.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view an attachment bracket, according
to one aspect.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an attachment bracket,
according to one aspect.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description, examples,
drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description.
However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are
disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention
is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods
disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary.
It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for
the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not
intended to be limiting.
[0018] The following description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly,
those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications
and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even
be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present
invention. Thus, the following description is provided as
illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in
limitation thereof.
[0019] As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a bracket" can include
two or more such brackets unless the context indicates
otherwise.
[0020] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one
particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When
such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one
particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the
antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value
forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to
the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
[0021] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean
that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may
not occur, and that the description includes instances where said
event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0022] The present invention may be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments of the invention and the examples included therein and
to the Figures and their previous and following description.
[0023] In one broad aspect, the present invention comprises an
attachment bracket. More specifically, methods, devices and systems
are provided for attachment of a frame or structure to a supporting
column.
[0024] With reference to the Figures, the attachment bracket 10
comprises a column element 12. Optionally, in one aspect, the
attachment bracket further comprises at least one frame element 14.
In use, as described more fully below, the column element can be
configured to couple the attachment bracket to a supporting column
16 and a portion of the column element and/or the frame element can
be configured to couple the attachment bracket 10 to a frame 18 or
other structure. For convenience, as used herein, the terms
"column" and "supporting column" can refer to any compression
member used to transmit the weight of a frame or other structure
above the column to a structural element below the column, such as,
for example and without limitation, the ground. For example, a
"column" or "supporting column" can refer to a conventional column,
a helical pile, a post, and the like. For convenience, as used
herein, the terms "frame" refers to any element or structure
needing to be supported, such as for example and without
limitation, a footing of a house, a frame of a solar panel, and the
like.
[0025] In one aspect, at least a portion of the column element 12
of the attachment bracket 10 can be sized and shaped to correspond
to the size and shape of the supporting column 16. For example, if
the supporting column is substantially circular in cross-section,
at least a portion of the column element can be substantially
circular in cross-section. In another example, if the supporting
column 16 is substantially square in cross-section, at least a
portion of the column element 12 can be substantially square in
cross-section.
[0026] In another aspect, the column element 12 can comprise at
least one sidewall 20 and a cover plate 22 fixedly attached to a
first end 24 of the sidewall to define an internal chamber 26. In
this aspect, the cover plate can be fixedly attached to the first
end 24 of the at least one sidewall with welds. Optionally, the at
least one sidewall and the cover plate can be cut and/or formed
together as a monolithic piece. For example, the sidewall 20 and
the cover plate 22 could be cut from a single sheet of metal and
formed into the desired shape. In another example, the sidewall and
the cover plate could be cast as a monolithic piece.
[0027] The at least one sidewall 20 of the column element 12 can
have an outer diameter D.sub.O less than an inner diameter D.sub.CI
of a proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16, according to one
aspect. For example, the outer diameter D.sub.O of the sidewall can
be less than about 1.5 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches,
about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75
inches, about 3 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.5 inches, about
3.75 inches, about 4 inches, about 4.25 inches, about 4.5 inches,
about 4.75 inches, about 5 inches, and greater than about 5 inches.
In another aspect, the outer diameter D.sub.O of the sidewall 20
can be sized to fit therein the inner diameter D.sub.CI of the
proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. The outer diameter
D.sub.O of the sidewall 20 can form an interference fit with the
inner diameter D.sub.CI of the proximal end 28 of the supporting
column 16. Optionally, in a further aspect, the outer diameter
D.sub.O of the sidewall can be substantially the same as, or just
slightly less than the inner diameter D.sub.CI of the proximal end
of the supporting column.
[0028] In one aspect, the at least one sidewall 20 of the column
element 12 can have an inner diameter D.sub.I greater than an outer
diameter D.sub.CO of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column
16. For example, the inner diameter D.sub.I of the sidewall can be
less than about 1.5 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches,
about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75
inches, about 3 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.5 inches, about
3.75 inches, about 4 inches, about 4.25 inches, about 4.5 inches,
about 4.75 inches, about 5 inches, and greater than about 5 inches.
In another aspect, the inner diameter D.sub.I of the sidewall 20
can be sized such that the outer diameter D.sub.CO of the proximal
end 28 of the supporting column 16 can fit therein. In one aspect,
the inner diameter D.sub.I of the sidewall 20 can form an
interference fit with the outer diameter D.sub.CO of the proximal
end 28 of the supporting column 16. Optionally, in a further
aspect, the inner diameter D.sub.I of the sidewall can be
substantially the same as, or just slightly greater than the outer
diameter D.sub.CO of the proximal end of the supporting column.
[0029] In one aspect, the column element 12 can have a column
element length L.sub.CE extending along a column element
longitudinal axis A.sub.CE from the first end 24 of the at least
one sidewall 20 to a second end 30 of the sidewall. In another
aspect, the column element length L.sub.CE can be less than about 1
inch, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75
inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about
3 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.75 inches,
about 4 inches, about 4.25 inches, about 4.5 inches, about 4.75
inches, about 5 inches, and greater than about 5 inches. Thus, in
one aspect, at least a portion of the column element 12 can be
substantially cylindrical in shape.
[0030] At least one column bore 32 can be defined in a portion of
the at least one sidewall 20 of the column element 12. In one
aspect, at least one column bore can be a slot 34 that is
substantially rectangular when viewed in a side elevational view as
in FIG. 4. The slot can have a slot length L.sub.S and a slot
height H.sub.S. In one aspect, the slot length L.sub.S can be
greater than the slot height H.sub.S. In another aspect, the slot
height H.sub.S can be selected so that a portion of a fastener used
to couple the attachment bracket 10 to the supporting column 16 can
be inserted through the slot 34. In yet another aspect, the slot
length L.sub.S can be selected based in part on the outer diameter
D.sub.O of the at least one sidewall 20. In a further aspect, the
slot length L.sub.S can be about the length of an arc formed on the
outer diameter of the sidewall subtended by a predetermined angle.
For example, the predetermined angle can be about 90 degrees. In
other examples, the slot length L.sub.S can be the length of an arc
formed on the outer diameter D.sub.O of sidewall 20 subtended by a
predetermined angle of about 5 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 15
degrees, about 20 degrees, 25 degrees, about 30 degrees, about 35
degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees,
about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70
degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, about 85 degrees,
about 95 degrees, about 100 degrees, about 105 degrees, about 110
degrees, about 115 degrees, about 120 degrees, about 125 degrees,
about 130 degrees, about 135 degrees, about 140 degrees, about 145
degrees, about 150 degrees, about 155 degrees, about 160 degrees,
about 165 degrees, about 170 degrees, about 175 degrees, about 180
degrees, or greater than about 180 degrees. Of course, it is
contemplated that the slot length L.sub.S can be about the length
of an arc formed on the outer diameter D.sub.O of the sidewall
subtended by any other angle.
[0031] In one aspect, the slot length L.sub.S of the slot 34 can be
the length of an arc formed on the outer diameter D.sub.O of the at
least one sidewall 20 subtended by an angle (as described above)
plus the diameter of a fastener used to couple the attachment
bracket 10 to the supporting column 16 that is inserted through the
slot 34. For example, if the outer diameter of the column element
12 is 2 inches, the diameter of the fastener is 1/2 of an inch, and
the arc length is to be subtended by an angle of about 90 degrees,
the slot length L.sub.S can be
(90.degree..times..pi./180.degree..times.1 inch)+1/2 inch=2.07
inches. Thus, in one aspect, the slot 34 can be sized and shaped to
permit selective rotation of at least a portion of the attachment
bracket 10 relative to the supporting column 16 before being
securedly fastened to the supporting column 16 by the fastener.
[0032] In one aspect, at least one column bore 32 can be positioned
such that a center 36 of the column bore is a predetermined length
L.sub.B longitudinally from the first end 24 of the sidewall 20
and/or the cover plate 22. In another aspect, the length L.sub.B
from the center of the column bore to the first end of the sidewall
can be less than about 1 inch, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches,
about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25
inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3 inches, about
3.25 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.75 inches, about 4 inches,
about 4.25 inches, about 4.5 inches, about 4.75 inches, about 5
inches, and greater than about 5 inches. In a further aspect, the
length L.sub.B from the center 36 of the column bore to the first
end 24 of the sidewall 20 can be selected such that when the column
element 12 is coupled to the supporting column 16, at least one
column bore is aligned longitudinally with at least one column
mounting hole 38 defined in the supporting column.
[0033] The cover plate 22 can be a substantially planar plate
configured to enclose the first end 24 of the column element 12
and/or provide a supporting surface for a portion of the frame 18.
That is, a first side of the cover plate can be coupled to or
formed integrally with the column element 12, and a second, opposed
side of the cover plate can be coupled to or formed integrally with
the at least one frame element 14. In one aspect, a longitudinal
axis A.sub.CP of the cover plate can extend in the plane of the
cover plate 22. In another aspect, the cover plate can be
positioned substantially normal to the longitudinal axis A.sub.CE
of the column element. Optionally, at least a portion of the cover
plate 22 can be positioned at first angle .alpha..sub.1 relative to
the longitudinal axis A.sub.CE of the column element 12. For
example, the first angle .alpha..sub.1 formed between the
longitudinal axis A.sub.CE of the column element and the cover
plate can be less than about 10 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20
degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees,
about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 80
degrees, or about 90 degrees. In yet another aspect, the
longitudinal axis A.sub.CP of the cover plate 22 can be selectively
rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the column element
A.sub.CE. That is, the cover plate can selectively rotate relative
to the longitudinal axis of the column element A.sub.CE such that
the longitudinal axis A.sub.CP of the cover plate 22 can be
oriented at any desired orientation relative to the longitudinal
axis of the column element A.sub.CE.
[0034] In one aspect, the cover plate 22 can have an area about the
same as the cross-sectional area of the first end 24 of the at
least one sidewall 20. Optionally, the cover plate 22 can have an
area greater than the cross-sectional area of the first end of the
sidewall 20 such that a portion of the cover plate overhangs the
sidewall. In one aspect, the cover plate 22 can be substantially
rectangular, substantially circular, substantially hexagonal and
the like. In another aspect and with and with reference to FIGS. 5
and 6, at least one attachment hole 58 can be defined therethrough
the cover plate. At least one attachment hole can be sized, shaped
and positioned to correspond to at least one frame mounting hole 44
defined in a portion of the frame 18. For example, an attachment
hole can be defined in the cover plate such that when the frame is
in a desired position relative to the attachment bracket 10, the
attachment hole is substantially aligned with at least one frame
mounting hole. When so aligned, a fastener can be inserted through
the attachment hole and the frame mounting hole 44 to securedly
couple the frame 18 to the attachment bracket. While the attachment
hole 58 is illustrated as being substantially circular, it is
contemplated that the attachment hole can be slotted, oblong or any
other shape as desired. For example, a slotted attachment hole
could provide a means to couple the frame 18 to the attachment
bracket without precise alignment between the attachment hole 58
and the frame mounting hole 44.
[0035] The at least one frame element 14 can be a substantially
planar plate coupled to a portion of the cover plate 22 to provide
an attachment surface for a portion of the frame 18. In one aspect,
a longitudinal axis A.sub.EE of the frame element can extend in the
plane of the frame element 14. In another aspect, at least one
frame element can be positioned substantially normal to the plane
of the cover plate. Optionally, at least a portion of at least one
frame element 14 can be positioned at second angle .alpha..sub.2
relative to the plane of the cover plate 22. For example, the
second angle .alpha..sub.2 formed between the longitudinal axis
A.sub.FE of at least one frame element and the plane of the cover
plate can be less than about 10 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20
degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees,
about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 80
degrees, or about 90 degrees. In another aspect, the longitudinal
axis A.sub.FE of at least one frame element 14 can be substantially
parallel to the longitudinal axis A.sub.CE of the column element
12.
[0036] In one aspect, at least one frame element 14 can be fixedly
attached to a first edge 40 of the cover plate 22 with welds.
Optionally, at least one frame element and the cover plate can be
cut and/or formed together as a monolithic piece. For example, at
least one frame element 14 and the cover plate 22 could be cut from
a single sheet of metal and formed into the desired shape. In
another example, the frame element and the cover plate could be
cast as a monolithic piece.
[0037] The at least one frame element 14 can be generally
rectangular in shape, though other shapes such as generally square,
generally triangular and the like are also contemplated. In one
aspect, at least one frame element can be generally pentagonal in
shape, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In another aspect, the frame
element 14 can have a frame height H.sub.F and/or a frame width
W.sub.F of less than about 1 inch, about 1 inch, about 1.5 inches,
about 2 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 3 inches, about 3.5 inches,
about 4 inches, about 4.5 inches, about 5 inches, about 5.5 inches,
about 6 inches, about 6.5 inches, about 7 inches, about 7.5 inches,
about 8 inches, about 8.5 inches, about 9 inches, about 9.5 inches,
about 10 inches, about 10.5 inches, about 11 inches, about 11.5
inches, about 12 inches and greater than about 12 inches. In
another aspect, the frame height H.sub.F can be selected based on
the height of the frame 18 to be attached to the attachment bracket
10. For example, the frame height H.sub.F can be selected so that
the frame element 14 is slightly higher than, substantially equal
to, or slightly lower than the height of the frame to be attached
to the attachment bracket.
[0038] In one aspect, at least one frame bore 42 can be defined in
a portion of at least one frame element 14. At least one frame bore
can be sized, shaped and positioned to correspond to at least one
frame mounting hole 44 defined in a portion of the frame 18. For
example, at least one frame bore 42 can defined in at least one
frame element such that when the frame is in a desired position
relative to the attachment bracket 10, the frame bore is
substantially aligned with at least one frame mounting hole. When
so aligned, a fastener can be inserted through the frame bore 42
and the frame mounting hole 44 to securedly couple the frame 18 to
the attachment bracket.
[0039] The frame bore 42 can be substantially circular, according
to one aspect. In another aspects, the frame bore can be
substantially oval, substantially rectangular and the like. For
example, at least one frame bore 42 can be an elongated slot as
illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, at least one frame bore can provide
means for adjusting the position of the frame 18 relative to the
attachment bracket 10 before securedly coupling the frame to the
attachment bracket.
[0040] In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the at least one
frame element 14 can comprise a plurality of frame elements. For
example, a first frame element 14a can be fixedly attached to the
first edge 40 of the cover plate, and a second frame element 14b
can be fixedly attached to a second edge 46 of the cover plate 22.
Each frame element of the plurality of frame elements 14 can be
attached to or formed integrally with the cover plate 22 as
described above. In another aspect, however the at least one frame
element 14 can further comprise a connecting member 48 configured
to position the plurality of frame elements a predetermined
distance from each other. Thus, in this aspect, the plurality of
frame elements and the connecting member 48 can form a
substantially U-shaped member 50 configured to receive a portion of
the frame 18 therein.
[0041] The connecting member 48 can be a substantially planar plate
sized and shaped to overlie at least a portion of the cover plate
22. In one aspect, a longitudinal axis A.sub.CM of the connecting
member can extend in the plane of the connecting member 48. In
another aspect, each frame element can be positioned substantially
normal to the plane of the connecting member such that the frame
elements are substantially parallel to each other. Optionally, each
frame element can be positioned at third angle a.sub.3 relative to
the plane of the connecting member 48. For example, the third angle
.alpha..sub.3 formed between the longitudinal axis A.sub.FE of at
least one frame element 14 and the plane of the connecting member
can be less than about 10 degrees, about 10 degrees, about 20
degrees, about 30 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees,
about 50 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 80
degrees, or about 90 degrees. Further, it is not required that each
frame element be positioned at the same angle relative to the
connecting member. For example, the first frame element 14a could
be positioned at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the
connecting member 48, and the second frame element 14b could be
positioned at an angle of about 30 degrees relative to the
connecting member.
[0042] An opening 52 can be defined in a portion of the connecting
member 48. In one aspect, the opening can be a generally circular
opening having an opening diameter D.sub.O. In another aspect, the
opening diameter can be about less than about 0.5 inches, about 0.5
inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches, about
1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches,
about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3 inches, about 3.25
inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.75 inches, about 4 inches, and
greater than about 4 inches. In yet another aspect, the opening can
be sized and shaped such that a fastener could pass therethrough.
Thus, it is contemplated that the opening can be other shapes such
as substantially oval, substantially square and the like.
[0043] In one aspect, the at least one frame element 14 can further
comprise a washer 54 configured to enable the U-shaped member 50 to
be rotatably coupled to the column element 12. In this aspect, the
washer can be a generally circular member having a washer diameter
D.sub.W. In another aspect, the washer diameter can be about less
than about 0.5 inches, about 0.5 inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1
inch, about 1.25 inches, about 1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about
2 inches, about 2.25 inches, about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches,
about 3 inches, about 3.25 inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.75
inches, about 4 inches, about 4.25 inches, about 4.5 inches, about
4.75 inches, about 5 inches, about 5.25 inches, about 5.5 inches,
about 5.75 inches, about 6 inches, and greater than about 6 inches.
In yet another aspect, the washer 54 can be sized and shaped so
that the washer cannot pass through the opening 52 of the
connecting member 48. That is, the washer diameter D.sub.W can be
greater than the opening diameter D.sub.O. In use, as described
more fully below, at least a portion of the washer can overlie the
opening of the connecting member. It is of course contemplated that
the washer 54 can be other shapes such as substantially oval,
substantially square and the like.
[0044] A washer slot 56 can be defined in a portion of the washer
54. In one aspect, the washer slot can be configured to allow a
fastener to pass therethrough. In another aspect, the washer slot
56 can have a slot length of less than about 0.5 inches, about 0.5
inches, about 0.75 inches, about 1 inch, about 1.25 inches, about
1.5 inches, about 1.75 inches, about 2 inches, about 2.25 inches,
about 2.5 inches, about 2.75 inches, about 3 inches, about 3.25
inches, about 3.5 inches, about 3.75 inches, about 4 inches, and
greater than about 4 inches. In yet another aspect, the washer slot
56 can have any other shapes such as substantially oval,
substantially square and the like.
[0045] To assemble the attachment bracket 10 of the present
application, in one aspect and with reference to FIG. 2, at least
one frame element 14 can be coupled to or formed integrally with
the cover plate 22 such that frame element extends away from the
cover plate at the desired second angle. The cover plate 22 can be
coupled to or formed integrally with the column element 12.
[0046] In use, according to this aspect, the second end 30 of the
sidewall 20 can be positioned therein the inner diameter D.sub.cI
or, alternatively, around the outer diameter D.sub.CO of the
proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. For example, the
proximal end of the supporting column can be positioned in the
internal chamber 26 of the column element 12. The second end of the
sidewall can then be urged longitudinally towards a distal end of
the supporting column until at least one column bore 32 is
substantially aligned with at least one column mounting hole 38 of
the supporting column 16. In this position, a portion of the cover
plate 22 can contact the proximal end of the supporting column
though this is not required. In one aspect, the attachment bracket
10 can be rotated relative to a longitudinal axis A.sub.C of the
supporting column 16 until the longitudinal axis of the cover plate
A.sub.CP is positioned as desired relative to a portion of the
frame. For example, the attachment bracket can be rotated relative
to the supporting column until the longitudinal axis of the cover
plate A.sub.CP is substantially aligned with a portion of the frame
18. In another aspect, the attachment bracket can be rotated
relative to a longitudinal axis A.sub.C of the supporting column
until the plane of at least one frame element 14 is positioned as
desired relative to a portion of the frame.
[0047] At least one fastener such as a bolt, screw, pin and the
like can then be inserted through at least one column bore 32 and
at least one column mounting hole 38 to fixedly attach the
attachment bracket 10 to the supporting column 16 at the desired
orientation (corresponding nuts, washers, etc. can be provided to
engage the at least one fastener). The frame 18 can be positioned
on at least a portion of the cover plate 22 so that at least one
frame bore 42 of frame element 14 is aligned with at least one
attachment hole 58 of the cover plate 22 and/or at least one frame
mounting hole 44 of the frame 18. The frame can be secured to the
cover plate and/or the frame element by passing at least one
fastener such as a bolt, screw, pin and the like through at least
one attachment hole and/or at least one frame bore and at least one
frame mounting hole (again, corresponding nuts, washers, etc. can
be provided to engage the at least one fastener).
[0048] To assemble the attachment bracket 10 in which the at least
one frame element 14 comprises a plurality of frame elements, in
one aspect and with reference to FIG. 5, the plurality of frame
elements can be coupled to or formed integrally with the connecting
member 48 such that each frame element extends away from the
connecting member at the desired third angle. For example, the
first frame element 14a can be coupled to or formed adjacent to the
first edge 40 of the connecting member 48 and the second frame
element 14b can be coupled to or formed adjacent to the second edge
46 of the connecting member. The cover plate 22 can be coupled to
or formed integrally with the column element 12.
[0049] In one aspect, the cover plate 22, the connecting member 48
and the washer 54 can be positioned in a stacked, overlying
relationship. That is, the connecting member can be positioned on
top of the cover plate, and the washer can be positioned on top of
the connecting member. In another aspect, at least a portion of the
attachment hole 58 of the cover plate, the opening 52 of the
connecting member 48, and the washer slot 56 of the washer 54 can
be substantially co-axially aligned. In this aspect, a fastener
such as a bolt, screw and the like can be inserted through the
attachment hole 58, the opening 52, and the washer slot 56 to
couple the cover plate, the connecting member and the washer
together. Prior to fixedly attaching the cover plate 22, the
connecting member 48 and the washer 54 together, the plurality of
frame elements 14 can be rotated relative to the longitudinal axis
A.sub.C of the supporting column 16 until the longitudinal axis of
the connecting member A.sub.CM and/or the plane of at least one
frame element 14 of the plurality of frame elements is
substantially aligned with at least a portion of the frame 18. As
can be appreciated, a nut can be positioned adjacent the first side
of the cover plate to matingly engage the fastener and to fixedly
attach the cover plate 22, the connecting member 48 and the washer
54 together. Alternatively, at least a portion of the attachment
hole 58 can be threaded to matingly engage the fastener and fixedly
attach the cover plate, the connecting member and the washer
together.
[0050] In use, according to this aspect, the second end 30 of the
sidewall 20 of the column element 12 can be positioned therein the
inner diameter D.sub.CI or alternatively around the outer diameter
D.sub.CO of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. The
second end of the sidewall can then be urged longitudinally towards
the distal end of the supporting column until at least one column
bore 32 of the column element 12 is substantially aligned with at
least one column mounting hole 38 of the supporting column 16. In
this position, a portion of the cover plate 22 can contact the
proximal end of the supporting column though this is not required.
At least one fastener such as a bolt, screw, pin and the like can
then be inserted through at least one column bore 32 and at least
one column mounting hole 38 to fixedly couple the attachment
bracket 10 to the supporting column 16 (corresponding nuts,
washers, etc. can be provided to engage the at least one fastener).
The frame 18 can be positioned on at least a portion of the
connecting member 48 so that at least one frame bore 42 of a frame
element 14 of the plurality of frame elements is substantially
aligned with at least one frame mounting hole 44 of the frame 18.
The frame can be secured to the frame element by passing at least
one fastener such as a bolt, screw, pin and the like through the
frame bore and the frame mounting hole (again, corresponding nuts,
washers, etc. can be provided to engage the at least one
fastener).
[0051] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other
aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the
art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit of the invention being indicated by the following
claims.
* * * * *