Rail bracket mounting system

Abstract

A rail bracket mounting system, including a bracket that is attached to a post. The bracket is formed to support the notching of a rail. The end of a rail is then nested into the bracket, and is supported by the bracket. The rail is then secured to the bracket by fasteners such as screws, and a cover may then be placed over the bracket, housing the securing fasteners. The rail may be hollow or solid. A hollow rail may be reinforced along its entire length by the insertion of one or more reinforcing members through a hollow portion of the rail.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A bracket for supporting and attaching a rail to a fence in a fence system comprising upwardly-extending fence posts and laterally-extending fence rails, said bracket comprising: 
 a non-metallic bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardly-extending in orientation, the nonmetallic bracket further comprising at least a first ledge and at least two sides;    wherein the ledge is disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a laterally-extending fence rail inserted into said non-metallic bracket;    
     
     
         2 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is capable of fully supporting the rail when the rail is inserted therein.  
     
     
         3 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein each side of the two bracket sides is disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail.  
     
     
         4 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         5 . The bracket of  claim 4 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         6 . The bracket of  claim 4 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         7 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein at least of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         8 . The bracket of  claim 7 , wherein each of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         9 . The bracket of  claim 7 , wherein the rail may be fastened to the bracket by inserting a fastener into said rail through the opening.  
     
     
         10 . The bracket of  claim 9 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         11 . A system for assembling a fence comprising upwardly-extending fence posts and laterally-extending fence rails, comprising: 
 a bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardly-extending in orientation, the bracket further comprising at least a first ledge, at least two sides, and at least one receiving structure;    the ledge disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a rail inserted into said bracket, each side disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail, such that said bracket is capable of fully supporting the rail when the rail is inserted therein; and    a cover designed and configured to attach to the bracket and conceal the attachment of the rail to the bracket.    
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the cover comprises at least one fastening structure, such that when the cover is attached to the bracket, the fastening structure interacts with the receiving structure to secure the cover to the bracket.  
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the fastening structure consists of at least one tab on the cover and the receiving structure consists of at least one groove on the rail.  
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the fastening structure consists of at least one groove on the cover and the receiving structure consists of at least one tab on the rail.  
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the cover provides at least a part of the fastening that secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket.  
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the cover secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket.  
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the bracket is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the bracket is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the bracket is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the cover is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the cover is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the cover is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the cover is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein at least of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein each of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the rail may be fastened to the bracket by inserting a fastener into said rail through the opening.  
     
     
         28 . The system of  claim 27 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the rail is hollow.  
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 29  wherein the rail contains at least one hollow reinforcement chamber.  
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 30 , further comprising at least one reinforcement member that is inserted into the at least one hollow reinforcement chamber.  
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member extends the complete length of the rail.  
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         34 . A bracket for supporting and attaching a rail to a fence in a fence system comprising upwardly-extending fence posts and laterally-extending fence rails, said bracket comprising: 
 a non-metallic bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardly-extending in orientation, the nonmetallic bracket comprising attachment holes for attaching the bracket to the post that are accessible when a rail is inserted into the bracket; the non-metallic bracket further comprising at least a first ledge and at least two sides;    wherein the attachment holes are position to be accessible when a laterally extending fence rail is inserted into the bracket; and    wherein the ledge is disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a laterally-extending fence rail inserted into said non-metallic bracket.    
     
     
         35 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein the attachment holes are located in the at least two bracket sides.  
     
     
         36 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein the attachment holes reside in a lateral position with respect to the rail.  
     
     
         37 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein the non-metallic bracket may be fastened to the post by inserting a fastener into said post through the attachment holes.  
     
     
         38 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is capable of fully supporting the rail when the rail is inserted therein.  
     
     
         39 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein each side of the two bracket sides is disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail.  
     
     
         40 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         41 . The bracket of  claim 40 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         42 . The bracket of  claim 40 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         43 . The bracket of  claim 34 , wherein at least of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         44 . The bracket of  claim 43 , wherein each of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         45 . The bracket of  claim 43 , wherein the rail may be fastened to the bracket by inserting a fastener into said rail through the opening.  
     
     
         46 . The bracket of  claim 45 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         47 . A system for assembling a fence comprising upwardly-extending fence posts and laterally-extending fence rails, comprising: 
 a bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardly-extending in orientation, the bracket comprising attachment holes for attaching the bracket to the post that are accessible when a rail is inserted into the bracket; the bracket further comprising at least a first ledge, at least two sides, and at least one receiving structure;    the ledge disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a rail inserted into said bracket, each side disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail, such that said bracket is capable of fully supporting the rail when the rail is inserted therein; and    a cover designed and configured to attach to the bracket and conceal the attachment of the rail to the bracket.    
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the attachment holes are located in the at least two bracket sides.  
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the attachment holes reside in a lateral position with respect to the rail.  
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the bracket may be fastened to the post by inserting a fastener into said post through the attachment holes.  
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 50 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the cover comprises at least one fastening structure, such that when the cover is attached to the bracket, the fastening structure interacts with the receiving structure to secure the cover to the bracket.  
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein the fastening structure consists of at least one tab on the cover and the receiving structure consists of at least one groove on the rail.  
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 52 , wherein the fastening structure consists of at least one groove on the cover and the receiving structure consists of at least one tab on the rail.  
     
     
         55 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the cover is designed and configured to cover the attachment holes.  
     
     
         56 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the cover provides at least a part of the fastening that secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket.  
     
     
         57 . The system of  claim 56 , wherein the cover secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket.  
     
     
         58 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the bracket is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         59 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the bracket is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         60 . The system of  claim 58 , wherein the bracket is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         61 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the bracket is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         62 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the cover is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         63 . The system of  claim 62 , wherein the cover is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         64 . The system of  claim 62 , wherein the cover is constructed of fiberglass reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         65 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the cover is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         66 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein at least of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         67 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein each of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         68 . The system of  claim 66 , wherein the rail may be fastened to the bracket by inserting a fastener into said rail through the opening.  
     
     
         69 . The system of  claim 68 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         70 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the rail is hollow.  
     
     
         71 . The system of  claim 70  wherein the rail contains at least one hollow reinforcement chamber.  
     
     
         72 . The system of  claim 71 , further comprising at least one reinforcement member that is inserted into the at least one hollow reinforcement chamber.  
     
     
         73 . The system of  claim 72 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member extends the complete length of the rail.  
     
     
         74 . The system of  claim 72 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         75 . A system for assembling a fence comprising upwardlyextending fence posts and laterally-extending fence rails, comprising: 
 a rigid fiberglass reinforced nylon plastic bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardlyextending in orientation, the bracket comprising 
 at least a first ledge, the ledge disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a rail inserted into said bracket, each side disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail, such that said bracket is capable of fully supporting the rail when the rail is inserted therein;  
 two sides each of the two sides having at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket by attaching a fastener to the rail through the opening, the bracket further comprising 
 attachment holes for attaching the bracket to the post that are accessible when a rail is inserted into the bracket, the attachment holes located in the at least two bracket sides, the attachment holes residing in a lateral position with respect to a rail inserted into the bracket; and  
 
   a cover made of rigid molded PVC, the cover designed and configured to attach to the bracket and conceal the attachment of the rail to the bracket comprising at least one fastening structure on the cover comprising at least one tab disposed on the cover, such that when the cover is attached to the bracket, the fastening structure interacts with the at least one receiving structure comprising at least one groove located on the bracket to secure the cover to the bracket;    the cover further designed and configured to cover the attachment holes and provide at least a part of the fastening that secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket;    a PVC rail containing at least one hollow reinforcement chamber;    at least one reinforcement member inserted into the at least one hollow reinforcement chamber, the at least one reinforcement member made of metal and extending the complete length of the rail.    
     
     
         76 . A method of attaching a fence rail to a fence post in a fence system comprising upwardly-extending fence posts and laterally-extending fence-rails, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) selecting a first non-metallic fence bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardlyextending in orientation, the first non-metallic bracket further comprising at least a first ledge and at least two sides;    the ledge disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a laterally-extending fence rail inserted into said first nonmetallic bracket, each side disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail;    such that said first non-metallic bracket is capable of supporting the rail when an end of the rail is inserted therein;    (b) attaching the bracket to the post;    (c) selecting a fence rail and placing a first end of the rail into the non-metallic bracket, such that the rail is supported by the non-metallic bracket; and    (d) securing the rail to the bracket.    
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , further comprising, attaching a second non-metallic bracket to a second post, and inserting the second end of the rail into the second nonmetallic bracket, such that the rail is entirely supported by the first and second non-metallic brackets, then securing the rail to the first and second non-metallic brackets.  
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein each side of the two bracket sides is disposed to support at least a portion of a side of said rail.  
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 79 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein at least of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 82 , wherein each of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 82 , wherein the rail may be fastened to the bracket by inserting a fastener into said rail through the opening.  
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the bracket further comprises attachment holes for attaching the bracket to the post that are accessible when a rail is inserted into the bracket.  
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the attachment holes are located in the at least two bracket sides.  
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the attachment holes reside in a lateral position with respect to the rail.  
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is fastened to the post by inserting a fastener into the post through the attachment holes.  
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 89 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group comprising nails, screws and bolts.  
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 76  wherein the rail contains at least one hollow reinforcement chamber.  
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91 , further comprising the step of inserting at least one reinforcement member into the at least one hollow reinforcement chamber of the rail, either prior to or after inserting the rail into the bracket.  
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member extends the complete length of the rail.  
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         95 . A method of attaching a fence rail to a fence post in a fence system comprising upwardly-extending fence posts and laterally-extending fence rails, comprising the steps of: 
 (a) selecting a first bracket configured to be attached to a fence post that is upwardly-extending in orientation, the first bracket further comprising at least a first ledge and at least two sides;    the ledge disposed to reside beneath the lowest point of a first end of a laterally-extending fence rail inserted into said first bracket, each side disposed to support at least a portion of a side of one end of said rail;    such that said first bracket is capable of supporting the rail when an end of the rail is inserted therein;    (b) attaching the first bracket to the post;    (c) selecting a fence rail and placing a first end of the rail into the first bracket, such that the rail is supported by the first bracket;    (d) securing the rail to the first bracket;    (e) selecting a bracket cover designed and configured to attach to the first bracket and conceal the attachment of the rail to the first bracket, said cover comprising at least one fastening structure, such that when the cover is attached to the bracket, the fastening structure interacts with the receiving structure to secure the cover to the bracket; and    (f) attaching the cover to the first bracket.    
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95 , further comprising, attaching a second bracket to a second post, and inserting the second end of the rail into the second bracket, such that the rail is entirely supported by the first and second, then securing the rail to the first and second brackets, and selecting and attaching a second bracket cover to the second bracket.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the bracket further comprises attachment holes for attaching the bracket to the post that are accessible when a rail is inserted into the bracket.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 97 , wherein the attachment holes are located in the at least two bracket sides.  
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 97 , wherein the attachment holes reside in a lateral position with respect to the rail.  
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the non-metallic bracket is fastened to the post by inserting a fastener into the post through the attachment holes.  
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 100 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group comprising nails, screws and bolts.  
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the cover comprises at least one fastening structure, such that when the cover is attached to the bracket, the fastening structure interacts with the receiving structure to secure the cover to the bracket.  
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the fastening structure consists of at least one tab on the cover and the receiving structure consists of at least one groove on the rail.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 102 , wherein the fastening structure consists of at least one groove on the cover and the receiving structure consists of at least one tab on the rail.  
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the cover is designed and configured to cover the attachment holes.  
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the cover provides at least a part of the fastening that secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket.  
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 106 , wherein the cover secures the rail to the bracket, when the cover is in attached to the bracket.  
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the bracket is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         109 . The system of  claim 108 , wherein the bracket is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 108 , wherein the bracket is constructed of fiberglass-reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the bracket is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         112 . The system of  claim 95 , wherein the cover is constructed of rigid molded plastic.  
     
     
         113 . The system of  claim 112 , wherein the cover is constructed of PVC.  
     
     
         114 . The system of  claim 112 , wherein the cover is constructed of fiberglass reinforced nylon plastic.  
     
     
         115 . The system of  claim 95 , wherein the cover is constructed of metal.  
     
     
         116 . The system of  claim 95 , wherein at least of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         117 . The system of  claim 116 , wherein each of the two sides has at least one opening therein for fastening the rail to the bracket.  
     
     
         118 . The system of  claim 116 , wherein the rail may be fastened to the bracket by inserting a fastener into said rail through the opening.  
     
     
         119 . The system of  claim 118 , wherein the fastener is selected from the group consisting of nails, screws, and bolts.  
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 95  wherein the rail contains at least one hollow reinforcement chamber.  
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 120 , further comprising the step of inserting at least one reinforcement member into the at least one hollow reinforcement chamber of the rail, either prior to or after inserting the rail into the bracket.  
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 121 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member extends the complete length of the rail.  
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 121 , wherein the at least one reinforcement member is constructed of metal.