Gate Bracket Systems and Methods

Abstract

A bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.

1 . A bracket system for rotatably connecting a gate assembly comprising a plurality of support members to a structural member, the 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, and 
 a hinge assembly comprising first and second hinge plates, wherein:
 the first hinge plate is rigidly connected to 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, and 
 the second hinge plate is adapted to be connected to the structural member; whereby: 
 
   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 plate and a portion of the brace members defining the second support surfaces. 
   
     
     
         2 . A bracket system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the hinge assemblies each define a hinge axis, where the hinge axes are aligned when the hinge assemblies of the first and second brace assemblies are connected to the structural member. 
     
     
         3 . A bracket system as recited in  claim 1 , in which the hinge assemblies are rigidly connected to the spacing portions of the brace members. 
     
     
         4 . A bracket system as recited in  claim 1 , in which fastening holes are formed in the brace members to facilitate connection of the brace members to the support members. 
     
     
         5 . A bracket system as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 first and second distal brace members, where each distal brace member defines a first support surface and a second support surface, wherein:
 the distal brace member is configured to maintain a fixed relationship between the first and second support surfaces thereof, 
 the first support surface of the distal brace member engages a surface of one of the support members, and 
 the second support surface of the distal brace member engages a surface of one of the support members; whereby: 
   the first and second distal brace members are movable relative to each other and to the first and second brace assemblies when not connected to the support members; and   when the first and second brace assemblies and the first and second distal brace members are connected to the support members, a spatial relationship of the first and second brace assemblies and the first and second distal brace members is fixed.