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  Bracket for an offset fencepostUSPTO Application #: 20070210295Title: Bracket for an offset fencepost Abstract: An offset fencepost system including an offset bracket configured to enable an upper fencepost to be offset relative to a lower fencepost as the upper fencepost extends from the ground. In particular, the offset bracket may be configured such that a lower fencepost may be buried in the ground and terminate near the ground surface. An upper fencepost may extend upward from the ground surface and be supported by the lower fencepost offset from the upper fencepost. The upper fencepost may be positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the upper fencepost is offset relative to a longitudinal axis of the lower fencepost while the longitudinal axes remain generally parallel to each other. (end of abstract) Agent: Akerman Senterfitt - West Palm Beach, FL, US Inventor: Robert W. Smith USPTO Applicaton #: 20070210295 - Class: 256065140 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Fences, Rail, Connection, Post To Base Support The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070210295. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to fencing systems, and more particularly, to fence support systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Fences are used for a variety of purposes including security, privacy, and containment of livestock, people, pets, and others. Fences often extend from side walls of houses or other structures. Typically, such walls sit on top of concrete footers that support the load of the walls and roof system resting on the walls. Footers can be formed in a number of configurations. In one configuration, footers extend laterally outside of a wall and interfere with installation of fenceposts, as shown in FIG. 1. In such a configuration, a gap is formed between the fence and the wall because the footer prevents the fencepost from being installed close to a wall. The gap is undesirable because animals and people can pass through the gap. In addition, the gap in the fence enables people outside of the fence to see through the gap in the fence. Thus, a need exists for system for positioning a fencepost in close proximity to a wall supported by a footer extending outside of the wall. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] This invention is directed to an offset fencepost system configured to enable a fencepost to extend above a ground surface along a longitudinal axis that is offset from a longitudinal axis of a fencepost extending into the ground. The offset fencepost system may include an offset bracket that is capable of offsetting a longitudinal axis of a lower fencepost from a longitudinal axis of an upper fencepost while maintaining the longitudinal axes generally parallel to each other. The offset bracket may be configured such that the offset bracket may be used to position a portion of a fencepost that extends out of the ground, such as the upper fencepost, in close proximity with a wall in situations were a footer of the wall prevents a conventional single pole fencepost from being placed in close proximity with the wall, such as in contact with the wall. [0004] The offset fencepost system may include an offset fencepost bracket comprising a first elongated plate having a first post receiver coupled to a first end of the first elongated plate and a second post receiver coupled to a second end of the first elongated plate opposite to the first end. The bracket may also include a second elongated plate having a first post receiver coupled to a first end of the second elongated plate and a second post receiver coupled to a second end of the second elongated plate opposite to the first end, wherein the first and second elongated plates may be positioned generally parallel to each other such that the first post receiver is capable of being attached to a first post extending in a first direction from the first and second plates and the second post receiver is capable of being attached to a second post extending in a second direction from the first and second plates that is generally opposite to the first direction. In at least one embodiment, the first and second post receivers of the first elongated plate may be curved out of a plane of the first elongated plate, and the first and second post receivers of the second elongated plate may be curved out of a plane of the second elongated plate. In one embodiment, the first and second post receivers of the first and second elongated plates may be semicircular in shape. In this configuration, the bracket may be attached to cylindrical fenceposts. [0005] The offset fencepost system may also include a mechanical connection device coupling the first elongated plate to the second elongated plate. The mechanical connection device may be formed from at least one connector in close proximity with the first post receivers of the first and second plates and at least one connector in close proximity with the second post receiver of the first and second plates. The mechanical connection device may include at least one connector positioned on both sides of the first receiver of the first elongated plate proximate to a first edge of the first plate and extending to contact the second elongated plate, and at least one connector positioned on both sides of the second receiver of the first elongated plate proximate to a first edge of the first plate and extending to contact the second elongated plate. The mechanical connection device may also include at least one connector positioned on both sides of the first receiver of the first elongated plate proximate to a second edge of the first plate and extending to contact the second elongated plate, and at least one connector positioned on both sides of the second receiver of the first elongated plate proximate to a second edge of the first plate and extending to contact the second elongated plate. [0006] An advantage of this invention is that a fencepost may quickly be constructed from two shafts to extend a fence into close proximity with a wall that rests upon a footer extending outside of the structure in the direction of the fence. [0007] Another advantage of this invention is that the offset fencepost system enables an fence installer to save time, increase efficiency, save money, and become more versatile when compared to conventional welded systems. [0008] These and other embodiments are described in more detail below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the presently disclosed invention and, together with the description, disclose the principles of the invention. [0010] FIG. 1 is a side view of a fencepost installed in the ground proximate to a footer according to conventional methods. [0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an offset bracket attached to upper and lower fenceposts. [0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of a first elongated plate of the offset bracket. [0013] FIG. 4 is a top view of the first elongated plate shown in FIG. 3. [0014] FIG. 5 is a front view of a second elongated plate of the offset bracket. [0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of the second elongated plate shown in FIG. 5. [0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of the offset fencepost system installed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0017] As shown in FIGS. 2-7, this invention is directed to an offset fencepost system 10. The offset fencepost system 10 includes an offset bracket 12 that is capable of offsetting a longitudinal axis 14 of a lower fencepost 16 from a longitudinal axis 18 of an upper fencepost 20 while maintaining the longitudinal axes 14, 18 generally parallel to each other. As shown in FIG. 7, the offset bracket 12 may be configured such that the offset bracket 12 may be used to position a portion of a fencepost that extends out of the ground, such as the upper fencepost 20, in close proximity with a wall in situations were a footer of the wall prevents a conventional single pole fencepost from being placed in close proximity with the wall, such as in contact with the wall. Without the offset bracket 12, a conventional fencepost may only be planted in the ground a distance from the wall sufficient such that the fencepost does not contact the footer. Often times, this distance is sufficient for a person or animal, such as a dog, to leave or enter the fenced area through this gap in the fence. [0018] The offset bracket 12, as shown in FIG. 2, may be formed from a first elongated plate 22 configured to mate with a second elongated plate 24. The plates 22, 24 may be formed from any material having sufficient strength to securely hold the upper and lower fenceposts 20, 16, such as, but not limited to, metals including steel, aluminum, galvanized steel and others, plastics including DELRIN, and other appropriate materials. The plates 22, 24 may be configured to be securely attached to two or more fenceposts, such as the upper and lower fenceposts 20, 16. The offset bracket 12 may include one or more fencepost attachment devices 26 usable to secure the upper and lower fenceposts 20, 16 to the offset bracket 12. [0019] In at least one embodiment, the first elongated plate 22 may include a fencepost attachment device 26 formed from a post receiver 28. The first elongated plate 22 may include a first post receiver 30 offset along a longitudinal axis 32 of the first elongated plate 22 from a second post receiver 34. In one embodiment, the first post receiver 30 may be positioned at a first end 36 of the first elongated plate 22, and the second post receiver 34 may be positioned at a second end 38 of the first elongated plate 22 that is generally opposite to the first end 36. The first and second post receivers 30, 34 may be formed from any configuration facilitating the attachment of a fencepost to the offset bracket 12. In one embodiment, the first and second post receivers 30, 34 may be curved out of a plane in which the first elongated plate 22 resides. As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the first and second post receivers 30, 34 may be curved to such an extent that the first and second post receivers 30, 34 form semicircular shapes. Such a configuration may be configured to be attached to cylindrical fenceposts, such as conventional galvanized steel fenceposts. The first and second post receivers 30, 34 may be sized to receive standard sized fenceposts. Continue reading... Full patent description for Bracket for an offset fencepost Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Bracket for an offset fencepost patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Bracket for an offset fencepost or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Fencing device Next Patent Application: System for mounting a hollow post about a pipe Industry Class: Fences ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Bracket for an offset fencepost patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.18492 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Accenture , Agouron Pharmaceuticals , Amgen , AT&T , Bausch & Lomb , Callaway Golf |
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