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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an attachment bracket, according to one aspect.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment bracket of FIG. 1, a supporting column, and a frame.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a frame element of the attachment bracket of FIG. 1, according to one aspect.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an attachment bracket, according to one aspect.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view an attachment bracket, according to one aspect.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an attachment bracket, according to one aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The at least one sidewall 20 of the column element 12 can have an outer diameter D_O less than an inner diameter D_CI of a proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16, according to one aspect. For example, the outer diameter D_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_O of the sidewall 20 can be sized to fit therein the inner diameter D_CI of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. The outer diameter D_O of the sidewall 20 can form an interference fit with the inner diameter D_CI of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. Optionally, in a further aspect, the outer diameter D_O of the sidewall can be substantially the same as, or just slightly less than the inner diameter D_CI of the proximal end of the supporting column.

In one aspect, the at least one sidewall 20 of the column element 12 can have an inner diameter D_I greater than an outer diameter D_CO of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. For example, the inner diameter D_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_I of the sidewall 20 can be sized such that the outer diameter D_CO of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16 can fit therein. In one aspect, the inner diameter D_I of the sidewall 20 can form an interference fit with the outer diameter D_CO of the proximal end 28 of the supporting column 16. Optionally, in a further aspect, the inner diameter D_I of the sidewall can be substantially the same as, or just slightly greater than the outer diameter D_CO of the proximal end of the supporting column.

In one aspect, the column element 12 can have a column element length L_CE extending along a column element longitudinal axis A_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_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.

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_S and a slot height H_S. In one aspect, the slot length L_S can be greater than the slot height H_S. In another aspect, the slot height H_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_S can be selected based in part on the outer diameter D_O of the at least one sidewall 20. In a further aspect, the slot length L_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_S can be the length of an arc formed on the outer diameter D_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_S can be about the length of an arc formed on the outer diameter D_O of the sidewall subtended by any other angle.

In one aspect, the slot length L_S of the slot 34 can be the length of an arc formed on the outer diameter D_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 ½ of an inch, and the arc length is to be subtended by an angle of about 90 degrees, the slot length L_S can be (90°×π/180°×1 inch)+½ 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.

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_B longitudinally from the first end 24 of the sidewall 20 and/or the cover plate 22. In another aspect, the length L_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_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.

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_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_CE of the column element. Optionally, at least a portion of the cover plate 22 can be positioned at first angle α₁ relative to the longitudinal axis A_CE of the column element 12. For example, the first angle α₁ formed between the longitudinal axis A_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_CP of the cover plate 22 can be selectively rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the column element A_CE. That is, the cover plate can selectively rotate relative to the longitudinal axis of the column element A_CE such that the longitudinal axis A_CP of the cover plate 22 can be oriented at any desired orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the column element A_CE.

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.

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_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 α₂ relative to the plane of the cover plate 22. For example, the second angle α₂ formed between the longitudinal axis A_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_FE of at least one frame element 14 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A_CE of the column element 12.

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.

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_F and/or a frame width W_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_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_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.

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.

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.

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.

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_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 a₃ relative to the plane of the connecting member 48. For example, the third angle α₃ formed between the longitudinal axis A_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.

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_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.

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_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_W can be greater than the opening diameter D_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.

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.

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.

In use, according to this aspect, the second end 30 of the sidewall 20 can be positioned therein the inner diameter D_cI or, alternatively, around the outer diameter D_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_C of the supporting column 16 until the longitudinal axis of the cover plate A_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_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_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.

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).

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.

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_C of the supporting column 16 until the longitudinal axis of the connecting member A_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.

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_CI or alternatively around the outer diameter D_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).

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.

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: 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.

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,