Post Bracket

Abstract

2022215257 11 2022 Aug 30 Fi g. 1 Fi g. 2 10 10 12 12 14 14 16 16 20 30 22 23 40 42 42 2018 18 62 60 68 68 68 68 60 50 50 68 68 20 22 21 52 57 1 1 A ug 2 02 2 68 20 18 14 68 10 40 42 50 42 68 10 Fig. 2

Description

POST BRACKET TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to a bracket for securement to a post and, in particular, to a bracket that is configured to be secured to a hollow post, such as a trellis-type post. The bracket can also be employed to secure a component such as an elongate rod to the post. The disclosure also relates to the elongate rod for use with the bracket. BACKGROUND ART Trellis posts are employed in horticulture and viticulture to support fruit trees and climbing-type plants. A line of trellis posts can support wire, mesh and / or netting which, in turn, can support the growing and / or climbing tree / plant. The posts can be made from timber, steel or concrete, Brackets are known for mounting to such posts, Some such brackets have a general U-shaped configuration, with arms of the U-shape receiving and surrounding the post and being affixed thereto, such as by respective fasteners. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Disclosed herein a bracket for securing to a post. The bracket may also be employed to secure a component (such as an elongate rod) to the post. The post can be of a type that has an opening into a hollow interior thereof. For example, the opening can be defined in a face of the post (e.g. a front face), and the post may be hollow for its length, Further, the opening may extend along the face for a length of the post to open into the hollow interior along the post length. In one form, the post may be a trellis-type post, however, it should be understood that the bracket as well as the elongate rod as disclosed herein are not limited to use with trellis-type posts. The bracket as disclosed herein can comprise a body. Opposing arms of the body can extend from opposite sides of the body. The arms can be adapted for location with respect to the post (e.g. at or adjacent to the post). For example, the arms can locate at opposite sides of the post opening (e.g. at or adjacent to opposite sides of the post). The bracket as disclosed herein can also comprise a clamp element. The clamp element can be configured for location within the post hollow interior, The clamp element can be located adjacent to the opening in use. Further, the clamp element can be configured for internal interfacing with the post, The bracket as disclosed herein can further comprise an adjustable fastener. The fastener can extend from the body to the clamp element. In use, the fastener can extend through the post opening. In use, adjustment of the fastener can cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body. In this way, the clamp element can be brought into interfacing engagement with the post. Adjustment of the fastener can also cause the body to move relatively towards the post. Adjustment of the fastener can thereby (eventually) secure the bracket to the post. As set forth above, the bracket may be employed to secure a component (such as an elongate rod) to the post. Thus, when the bracket is secured to the post, the component (e.g. elongate rod) may become secured to the post. The bracket is configured to provide a simple, reliable and rapid means of being secured to a post, and also a simple, reliable and rapid means for securing components (e.g. such as rod, bar, wire, panels, etc.) to a post (e.g. to a trellis-type post). Such components can, in turn, support wire, mesh, netting, etc. in relation to the post. In some embodiments, the post may be of a type that has opposing external grooves extending along its length, Typically, these grooves are provided to strengthen / stiffen the post. A number of discrete, spaced grooves may be formed in the post around a perimeter thereof. Two such grooves may be located, one on either side of the post opening. The bracket may be designed to take advantage of such grooves. For example, the opposing arms of the bracket may be adapted for external interfacing with the post. By way of further example, distal ends of the arms may respectively locate into the external grooves in use. In addition, adjustment of the fastener may cause the arm distal ends to be moved into engagement with the grooves. This interfacing of the bracket arms with the post (e.g. in the grooves) can better secure the bracket to the post. In a variation of the bracket, the arms may be configured to locate at opposite lateral sides of the post (i.e. whereby the distal ends of the arms do not interface with the post). Such a bracket variation may also be employed with hollow posts that do not comprise external grooves extending along a length of the post. In some embodiments, the arms may each have a length such that, when the bracket is secured to the post, the bracket body is spaced from the post. The spacing may be such that a component (e.g. rod) can be secured by the bracket with respect to the post. In this regard, at least a portion of the component can locate in the spacing in use. Further, the body of the bracket may retain (e.g. it may clamp against) said at least a portion of the component when located in the spacing, In some embodiments, and as set forth above, the component may comprise an elongate rod. However, other such components (e.g. wire, bar, panels, etc.) may be secured by the bracket to the post. The body may be configured to secure the elongate rod at the face of the post (e.g. the face in which the opening is located). ‘When so secured, the rod may extend laterally with respect to the post. For example, the rod may be mounted by the bracket to the post such that it extends laterally from opposing lateral sides of the post (e.g. evenly). When so mounted, the rod can support wire, mesh, netting, etc, at both lateral sides of the post. This can allow the post to provide a canopy structure for a growing / climbing tree or plant. In some embodiments, the arms may each comprise a cut-out. The cut-out in each arm may be configured such that e.g. the elongate rod is able to locate therein and extend therethrough. In use, the cut-outs may be configured to hold the rod in its laterally extending orientation, By doing so, the cut-outs may in use also hold the vertical position of the rod along the post. The cut-outs can also allow the body of the bracket to be secured closer to a face of the post. For example, the spacing of the bracket body from the post may generally correspond to the thickness of the rod. In some embodiments, the elongate rod may comprise a number of adjacent bends located at an intermediate location along a length of the rod. The bends may be configured to define an intermediate kink in the rod. The kink may be configured to receive therein a profile of the post when the rod is secured with respect to the post. In this way, the rod can generally ‘interface’ with the post (i.e. to better allow for its securement to the post by the bracket). Also, the kink of the rod can locate at (e.g. within) the bracket such that the body may hold or ‘clamp’ the kink to the post. In some embodiments, the body and fastener may each be configured such that, in use, the fastener extends through the body and through the opening, and such that the fastener may locate vertically under the rod. This orientation can thereby assist in preventing movement of the rod out of its securement with respect to the post (i.e. the fastener may assist with holding the vertical position of the rod along the post in use). In some embodiments, the clamp element may comprise a plate. Opposing lips may be formed to extend from opposite sides of the plate (e.g. to extend forwards from the plate in use). The lips may be adapted for internal interfacing with the post — e.g. with corresponding lips defined at the post at opposite sides of the post opening. The corresponding lips of the post may be inwardly facing. The clamp lips can help to promote better centring of and better clamping by the clamp element in use. In some embodiments, the clamp element may comprise a tongue that extends from an end of the plate (e.g. an end that extends between the opposite sides of the plate). The tongue may be adapted for extending closely through the post opening in use. The tongue can also assist with a centring of the clamp element when it is caused to move relatively towards the body in use (i.e. when the fastener is adjusted — e.g. tightened). In some embodiments, the body may comprise a generally rectangular plate. However, to form the body, the plate may be bent at opposite sides thereof. The bends at opposite sides thereof can serve to define the opposing arms. The opposing arms can extend outwards from opposite sides of the rectangular plate. The plate can be further formed whereby an angled face of the body first extends from each side of a body back plate, out to a respective arm, with each arm then extending forwards from its respective angled face (i.e. the join of each angled face with its respective arm can be akin to an ‘elbow’). Again, such forming / shaping of the body can better allow it to receive and closely interface with the post profile in use. In some embodiments, either or both of an in-use upper side edge and an in-use lower side edge of the body may comprise a lip. Each lip may be bent over. Each lip may face inwardly of the bracket (i.e. in towards the post in use), Further, each lip may be configured to interact with the post to resist vertical movement of the bracket along the post in use, and / or to resist twisting and / or rotation of the bracket. This twisting and / or rotation may especially be exacerbated when the bracket is used to clamp e.g. an elongate rod to the post, because such rods extend out laterally and may in use create a bending moment or like action on the bracket. In a further example, for an in-use uppermost bracket, the lip at the upper side edge of the body may interact with an uppermost edge of the post (i.e. to resist a vertically downwards movement along the post). Additionally, an edge of each lip may be configured to match an external profile of the post. For example, the edge of each lip may be chamfered at opposite end corners of each lip. This matching to the post external profile can allow the lip to closely interface with the post (e.g. frictionally). In some embodiments, the fastener may comprise a head which is retained externally at the body for ease of access (e.g. the fastener may take the form of a bolt). The head may be configured to be engaged by a suitable tool for adjustment of the fastener (e.g. the head may comprise a hexagonal bolt head to be engaged by a suitable hex-tool). A fastener shank may extend from the head. The shank may extend through an aperture in the body (e.g. an unthreaded body aperture). In use, the shank may then extend through the post opening. The shank may ultimately extend through an aperture in the clamp element, The shank may be externally threaded. Further, the clamp element aperture may be internally threaded. Thus, in use, rotation of the fastener about its elongate axis, in a given rotational direction, may cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body (and vice versa). Here, the clamp element is akin to a ‘nut’ for the bolt. Thus, the fastener can be used to ‘tighten’ the bracket to firmly secure it to the post (and vice versa), As set forth above, the post opening may take the form of an elongate slot that extends for a length of the post. Thus, the fastener may be extended through the slot of the post at various positions therealong. This can enable the bracket to be located at multiple locations along the length of the post. As set forth above, multiple brackets (and components) may be secured to the post at discrete spaced- out locations therealong. Also disclosed herein is an elongate rod for securement to the trellis post. The elongate rod may be employed with the bracket as set forth above. In this regard, the rod may be configured for use with, to be secured with respect to a post by, the bracket as set forth above. The rod can comprise a number of adjacent bends located at an intermediate location along a length of the rod. The bends can be such as to define an intermediate kink in the rod. The kink can be configured to receive therein a profile of the post when the rod is secured with respect to the post. The kink can facilitate both close location to the post as well as a firm securement by the bracket. In some embodiments of the rod, the rod may comprise up to four adjacent bends at the intermediate location of the rod. In sequence, a first bend may cause the rod to deviate laterally from an elongate axis of the rod. A second bend may cause the rod to deviate back into a generally parallel orientation with the rod elongate axis. A third bend may cause the rod to deviate laterally back towards the rod elongate axis. A fourth bend may cause the rod to deviate back into alignment with the rod elongate axis. The up to four adjacent bends may e.g. be replaced with two bends along the axis of the rod and a curved (laterally protruding) section at the intermediate location of the rod and that connects the two bends. In some embodiments of the rod, the first to fourth bends may be spaced from each other to produce an intermediate kink in the rod that generally corresponds to the post profile. In this way, the bends can facilitate a close location to the post. In some embodiments of the rod, the kink may be located midway along the length of the rod. Thus, when the rod is secured with respect to the post in use, the rod may comprise discrete rod lengths that project laterally from either side of the post. The discrete rod lengths may be generally even in length. In some embodiments of the rod, the rod may comprise one or more discrete rings formed therein or mounted (e.g. welded) thereto, Each ring may be configured to support wire therein in use (e.g. trellis wire). When the rings are formed therein, the rings may be formed by a twist, being a continuation of the rod. For example, the rod may comprise four rings, two rings spaced from and located on the rod on either side of the post when the rod is secured with respect to the post. In some embodiments, one of the two rings may be located at a respective end of the rod. Another of the two rings may be located along the rod at a location that is intermediate the end-located ring and the post. Also disclosed herein is a post that has an opening into a hollow interior thereof. As set forth above, the opening can be defined in a face of the post. Further, as set forth above, the opening may extend for a length of the post. The post can have secured thereto one or more brackets as set forth above. In some embodiments of the post, the one or more brackets may be discretely spaced out along the length of an above-ground in-use portion of the post. In some embodiments of the post, one, some or all of the one or more brackets may each be arranged to support a component at the post. The component may, for example, comprise an elongate rod (e.g, as set forth above). In some embodiments of the post, when multiple brackets are spaced out along and secured to the post in use, each bracket may support a respective component, Each such component may take the form of a respective elongate rod. In some embodiments of the post, the elongate rods may vary in length. For example, starting at a lower bracket, the rod may have a shortest length. Progressively, the rod may increase in length at each successive bracket, moving up the post from the lower bracket. This can provide a kind of V-shaped arrangement of the rods at the post, which may be a useful configuration for e.g. a trellis-type application, The post and bracket together may define a post and bracket securement system. Such a system may be used for securing one or more elongate rods to the post, as set forth above. For example, the post may be supplied with multiple brackets, and each bracket may be employed to secure a respective elongate rod to the post. Further, each of the post, bracket(s) and rod(s) may be supplied as a kit. Also disclosed herein is a method of using the bracket as set forth above. In the method as disclosed herein, the bracket may be employed to secure a component (e.g. an elongate rod as set forth above) to a post. As also set forth above, the post may comprise an opening into a hollow interior (e.g. the opening may comprise an elongate slot extending for the length of a face of the post). The method can comprise locating the clamp element in the post hollow interior, adjacent to the opening and at a given location along the post. Typically, in the method, the clamp element can be connected to the body by the fastener during this step, although in some cases the clamp element may be connected to the body by the fastener once (i.e. after) it has been located within the post hollow interior. The method can also comprise arranging the fastener to extend from the body through the opening and to the clamp element. As set forth above, typically in the method, the fastener is arranged to extend from the body to the clamp element prior to locating the clamp element within the post hollow interior (and thus prior to arranging the fastener such that it extends through the opening). The method can further comprise adjusting the fastener to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body and into interfacing engagement with an interior of the post. When this occurs, the body and the arms can likewise be moved relatively towards the post at opposite sides of the post opening. This movement can continue until the bracket is secured to the post. As set forth above, in some embodiments of the method, the fastener may be arranged to extend from the body to the clamp element prior to locating the clamp element in the post hollow interior. In this regard, prior to securing the bracket to the post, the body, fastener and clamp element may be ‘pre-joined’. Thus, as the clamp element is moved into the post hollow interior (typically from and via an open end of the post), the fastener is moved into the post opening (i.e. the fastener is likewise moved into the opening from an open end of the post). As set forth above, in some embodiments of the method, the fastener may be adjusted to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body after the clamp element has been located in the post hollow interior at a given location, and after the fastener has been moved to the given location along the post opening, In some embodiments of the method, the bracket may be used to secure a component to the post, such as an elongate rod as set forth above. Further, prior to securing the elongate rod to the post, the rod may be arranged such that the intermediate kink of the rod locates with respect to the body (i.e. between the opposing arms of the bracket). In some embodiments of the method, the bracket and the pre-arranged rod may then be positioned together at the post. This can be achieved whilst locating the clamp element in the post hollow interior, adjacent to the opening and at a given location along the post. Once suitably located, the fastener that extends from the body through the opening and to the clamp element may then be adjusted to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body and into interfacing engagement with an interior of the post, and also such that the body and arms are moved relatively towards the post at opposite sides of the post opening. As this occurs, the body can urge (i.e. bear) against the elongate rod to secure the rod against the post. In some embodiments of the method, the elongate rod may be arranged with respect to the body such that, when the rod is secured against the post by the body, the fastener extends through the opening at a location that is vertically under the rod. In some embodiments of the method, the arms may comprise cut-outs as set forth above. Further, when the elongate rod is arranged with respect to the body it may be arranged as to extend through the cut-outs of the arms, This can help to maintain the elongate rod at the body during positioning of the bracket at the post. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 & 2 respectively show plan and front views of an embodiment of a bracket according to the disclosure when secured to a post and when securing an elongate rod thereto, with Figure 1A showing a plan view of the post of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a front view similar to Figure 2, but where the post comprises three discretely spaced brackets, each according to the disclosure, the three brackets each secured to the post and each securing thereto a respective elongate rod. Figure 4 is a perspective detail similar to Figure 1 showing the bracket mounted adjacent to an end of a post and securing an elongate rod thereto. Figure 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bracket according to the disclosure, the bracket detached from a post but supporting an elongate rod therein. Figure 6 is a perspective detail of an embodiment of an elongate rod according to the disclosure, the rod detached from a bracket and post. Figure 7 is a perspective detail of a post with a bracket and rod according to the disclosure being secured thereon. Figures 8A & 8B are each perspective details of a post with alternative bracket embodiments and rods according to the disclosure being secured thereon, with Figure 8B showing a modified version of the bracket of Figure 8A. Figures 9A & 9B are schematic plan and end views of a modified clamp element according to the disclosure, with Figure 9B schematically showing the clamp element located inside a post. Figure 10 is a schematic end view of a post and bracket, the view illustrating a difference in securing to the post between two different bracket embodiments, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting, Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure. Referring firstly to Figs. 1 to 3, a first bracket embodiment for securing to a post is shown in the form of a post bracket 10. Whilst the post bracket 10 can be secured to a post on its own, typically post bracket 10 is employed to secure a component such as an elongate rod to the post (described in more detail below). Securing of such a component can enable the post to provide a more complex function. For example, a post fitted with one or more post brackets 10 can form part of a canopy-type structure for e.g. horticultural and viticulture applications. The post to which the post bracket 10 is secured is typically hollow (i.e. for its length). Further, the post can have an opening into a hollow interior thereof. The opening can be defined in a face of the post and can extend along the face for a length of the post. Thus, the opening can define a type of slot that opens into the hollow interior along the post length, The post bracket 10 can be designed to take advantage of this slot. In the embodiments shown in the drawings, the post takes the form of a hollow trellis post 20 (e.g. that is roll formed from metal, such as a galvanized steel). However, it is to be understood that the post bracket 10 as well as the components to be secured by such a bracket are not limited to use with trellis-style posts. For example, the post could take the form of a hollow tube, etc. Hereafter a trellis post 20 will be referred to, but in a non-limiting manner. As best shown in Fig. 1A, the trellis post 20 comprises a hollow interior 22, and an elongate, longitudinally extending opening in the form of a slot 23 that is defined in a front face 24 of the trellis post. The slot 23 extends for the full length of the front face 24 of trellis post 20 and opens into the hollow interior 22 along the post length. The slot 23 defines opposing internal lips 25 that extend inwards of the trellis post, into the hollow interior 22. The post bracket 10 is designed to take advantage of the lips 235, as explained below. The trellis post 20 also comprises a front groove pair 26 located on either side of the slot 23. Further, the trellis post 20 comprises three rear grooves 27, with a central rear groove 27° being located at an opposite side of the post to the slot 23. The grooves 26, 27 serve to strengthen / stiffen the profile of the trellis post 20. Again, as explained below, the post bracket 10 is designed to take advantage of the front grooves 26 during and once mounted to the trellis post. The profile of the trellis post 20 also defines protruding lateral sides 28, and again the post bracket 10 can be designed to take advantage of such lateral sides 28 during and once mounted to the trellis post. The post bracket 10 comprises a body in the form of a preformed mounting plate 12. The plate can be deformed (e.g. bent) from flat metal plate (e.g. from a plate of steel alloy, coated steel, aluminium, etc.). The plate can be deformed (e.g. bent) to define opposing arms 14 that extends out / forwards from opposite respective sides of a backing plate 16 of mounting plate 12. The arms 14 are adapted for location with respect to the trellis post 20. The backing plate 16 also comprises a central aperture 15 therethrough which is configured to enable a fastener to extend therethrough in use of the post bracket 10 (explained in more detail below). In the post bracket 10 of Figs. 1 to 3, the arms 14 extend out directly from the backing plate 16. Conversely, in the post bracket 10° of Figs. 4, 5, 7 and 8, the arms 14 are indirectly connected to the backing plate 16. In this regard, the mounting plate 12 is further formed to defined angled faces 17 that extend from each side of the backing plate 16, and out to a respective arm 14. Thus, each arm 14 extends forwards from its respective angled face 17 (e.g. it can be seen that an ‘elbow’ is defined where each arm 14 extends from its respective angled face 17). As best illustrated by Fig. 4, such forming / shaping of the mounting plate 12 can better allow it to receive and closely interface with the profile of the trellis post 20 in use. The angled faces 17 can each be replaced by a curved region, such that the arms 14 curve out and away from the backing plate 16. In the various embodiments of post bracket 10, the arms 14 are configured to locate at the trellis post 20 such that distal ends 18 of the arms 14 can abut, closely interface with, or located adjacent to the trellis post 20, For example, the distal ends 18 of the arms 14 can respectively abut or closely interface with the front groove pair 26, In this regard, when the post bracket 10° of Figs. 4, 5 and 10 is secured to trellis post 20, the distal ends 18 of arms 14 can locate at a base of each front groove 26 (i.e. see Fig. 4) in a secure mounting relationship. Conversely, in the post bracket embodiments of Figs. 1 to 3, and 7 to 8, the distal ends 18 of arms 14 are configured to locate in adjacency of the opposite lateral sides 28 of the trellis post 20. In these embodiments, the distal ends 18 of the arms 14 are generally spaced from the lateral sides 28 of the trellis post 20, These latter embodiments of the post bracket can, for example, be employed with hollow posts that do not comprise external grooves extending along a length of the post. Fig. 10 uses dotted outline to schematically illustrate the difference in arm configuration between the post bracket embodiment of Figs, 1 to 3 and the post bracket embodiment of Figs. 4, 5 and 7 to 8. The distal ends 18 of the arms 14 can also be modified to locate in and engage with predefined apertures (e.g. N-shaped notches) defined in the trellis post 20. In the post bracket embodiment of Fig. 5 and 7 to 8, either or both of an in-use upper side edge and an in-use lower side edge of the backing plate 16 can comprise a lip 19. Each lip 19 is defined by a bent over extension of the backing plate 16. Each lip 19 faces inwardly of the post bracket 10. Further, each lip 19 is configured to interact with the trellis post front face 24 to resist vertical movement of the post bracket 10 along the trellis post 20 in use. Each lip 19 can also interact with the trellis post front face 24 to resist twisting and / or rotation of the post bracket 10. The post bracket 10 can be caused to twist and / or rotate on the trellis post 20 it is used to clamp e.g. an elongate rod to the trellis post (described in more detail below). This is because such rods extend out laterally and may in use have forces applied thereto that create a bending moment or like action on the post bracket 10. Further, for a post bracket 10 that, in use, is located uppermost on the trellis post, the lip 19 at the upper side edge of the backing plate may interact with an uppermost edge of the trellis post 20 (i.e. to further resist a vertically downwards movement along the trellis post). Additionally, Figs. 8A and 8B show how an edge of each lip 19 can be reconfigured to match an external profile of the front face 24 of the trellis post 20. In this regard, the edge of each lip 19 can be chamfered at opposite end corners 19a and 19b of each lip 19. The chamfering can be such as to generally match the external profile of the edge of the lip 19 to the external profile of the front face 24 (see Fig, 8B). This allows the lip 19 to closely interface with the trellis post (i.e. to promote better frictional engagement along the lip edge). The post bracket 10 also comprises a clamp element in the form of a clamping plate 30, The clamping plate 30 is configured for location within the hollow interior 22 of the trellis post 20, When located in the hollow interior 22, the clamping plate 30 is located adjacent to the slot 23 in use. More specifically, the clamping plate 30 is configured for internal interfacing with the lips 25 of the trellis post 20. In this regard, the clamping plate 30 can be deformed (e.g. bent) from flat metal plate (e.g. from a plate of steel alloy, coated steel, aluminium, etc.). The plate can be deformed (e.g. bent) to define opposing lips 32 that extend out / forwards from opposite respective sides of the clamping plate 30. During securing / mounting of the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20, the clamping plates lips 32 interface with the corresponding inwardly extending post lips 25. Thus, the lips 32 help to promote better centring of and better clamping by the clamping plate 30 in use. The clamping plate 30 comprises a central aperture 34 therethrough which is internally threaded. This internal thread enables an externally threaded shank of a fastener to extend through and engage with the clamping plate 30 in use of the post bracket 10 (such as when the fastener is tightened or loosened, as explained in more detail below). Additionally, in a further embodiment of the clamping plate 30° shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the plate can be provided with a tongue 36 that extends from an end 37 of the clamping plate 30°, being an end that extends between the opposite respective lip sides 32 of the clamping plate. In use, the tongue 36 is configured for extending closely through the slot 23 of the trellis post 20. In this way, the tongue 36 can also assist with providing a centring action to the clamping plate 30’ as it is caused to move relatively towards the lips 25 and towards the mounting plate 12 (i.e. when the fastener is adjusted / tightened). The post bracket 10 further comprises an adjustable fastener in the form of a threaded hex-bolt 40. The hex-bolt 40 comprises a hexagonally-profiled head 42 and an externally threaded shank 44 extending from head 42. The hex-head 42 is retained externally at the backing plate 16 for ease of access (e.g. by a suitable tool for adjustment of the bolt, such as a suitable hex-tool - e.g. spanner, socket, etc.). In use of the post bracket 10, the bolt 40 extends from the mounting plate 12 to the clamping plate 30. In this regard the hex-head 42 is retained at the backing plate 16 of mounting plate 12, and the shank 44 extends through the unthreaded central aperture 15 of the backing plate. Further, the shank 44 extends through the internally threaded central aperture 34 of the clamping plate 30, with the shank external threads engaging with the internal threads of central aperture 34. The arrangement is such that, as the hex-bolt 40 is rotatably adjusted about its longitudinal axis in a given rotational direction (e.g. by a suitable tool applied to the hex-head 42), the shank external threads act on the internal threads of the clamping plate central aperture 34 to cause the clamping plate 30 to move either towards or away from the mounting plate 12, depending on the direction of rotation of bolt 40. As explained below, this can facilitate securing / mounting of the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20 at a given location therealong. Thus, the hex-bolt 40 is used to ‘tighten’ (or loosen) the post bracket 10 to firmly secure it to (or release it from) the trellis post 20. The arrangement is also such that, when securing the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20 at a given location therealong, the hex-bolt 40 extends through the slot 23 (i.e. as best shown in Figs. 1 and 4}, Thus, as the bolt 40 is rotatably adjusted about its longitudinal axis in a certain rotational direction, the clamping plate 30 is moved towards the lips 25 of the trellis post 20, with the clamping body lips 32 interfacing with the trellis post lips 25 to eventually secure the post bracket 10 to the trellis post at the given location. The hex-bolt 40 can be extended through the slot 23 at various positions therealong, This enables the post bracket 10 to be located at multiple locations along the length of the post (see e.g. Figs. 3 and 8A). Figs. 3 and 8A also show that multiple post brackets 10 and multiple components (e.g. multiple rods, etc.) can be mounted to the trellis post 20 at discrete spaced- out locations therealong, As best shown in Figs. 1, 4, 8 and 10, when securely mounted to the trellis post 20, typically the post bracket 10 is configured such that the backing plate 16 of mounting plate 12 is spaced from the front face 24 of trellis post 20. This spacing can allow the post bracket 10 to be employed to secure a component (e.g. such as an elongate rod as explained below) to the post. In this regard, when the post bracket 10 is secured to the trellis post 20, a portion of the component (e.g. part of the rod, etc.) can be located in the spacing to eventually become secured to the trellis post. In this way, the post bracket 10 is designed to provide a simple, reliable and rapid means for securing components (e.g. such as rod, bar, wire, panels, etc.) to the trellis post 20. When such components are secured, they can, in turn, be used to support further wire, mesh, netting, canopies, etc. in relation to the trellis post (e.g. such that the trellis post 20 can form part of a crop-support and / or crop-protection system, etc.). The extent of spacing of the backing plate 16 from the front face 24 of the trellis post can, for example, be determined by the length of the arms 14. Alternatively, the spacing can be determined by the interaction of a component (e.g. rod, bar, wire, etc.) with respective cut-outs 50 that are provided in the arms 14. The cut- outs 50 can be pre-formed in the mounting plate 12 and are designed to hold the rod, etc. in a laterally extending orientation. By doing so, the cut-outs 50 also hold the vertical position of the rod, etc. along the trellis post 20. When the post bracket 10 clamps against the component (e.g. rod, etc.) that is located in the spacing, the component (e.g. rod, etc.) can be located at or towards a closed end of each cut-out 50 to be retained thereby (see Figs. 2 and 7). This can allow the backing plate 16 of the post bracket 10 to be secured as close as possible to the front face 24 of the trellis post 20. The resultant spacing of the backing plate 16 from the front face 24 can generally correspond to the thickness of the rod, etc. As best illustrated by Fig. 4, when the hex-bolt 40 is rotatably adjusted such that its threaded shank 44 acts on the clamping plate 30, this first causes the clamping plate lips 32 to interface with the lips 25 of the trellis post 20, with further rotational adjustment of hex-bolt 40 causing the hex-head 42 to bear against backing plate 16. This causes the backing plate 16 to be moved towards the post front face 24 so that the arm distal ends 18 are moved into interfacing engagement with the front grooves 26. The bolt 40 is rotated until it is tightened to thereby firmly secure the post bracket 10 to trellis post 20, Figs. 1 to 8 show a component to be secured by the post bracket 10 to trellis post 20. The component as shown takes the form of an elongate wire support rod 60. As set forth above, other such components (e.g. wire, bar, panels, etc.) can be secured by the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20. The post bracket 10 typically secures the support rod 60 at the front face 24 of the trellis post 20. Once secured, the wire support rod 60 extends laterally with respect to the trellis post 20, as best shown in Figs. 1 to 3. Usually the support rod 60 is mounted by the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20 such that it extends laterally and evenly from opposing lateral sides of the trellis post. Once mounted, the wire support rod 60 is able to support wire, mesh, netting etc. at both lateral sides of the trellis post 20. The resultant trellis post can form part of a canopy structure for growing / climbing trees or plants. Typically, the wire support rod 60 is designed to complement the post bracket 10. In this regard, the support rod 60 can be pre-formed at an intermediate location along its length with a kink-formation 62, The kink-formation 62 is located midway along the length of the support rod 60. Thus, when the support rod 60 is secured by the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20 in use, the support rod 60 defines discrete rod lengths that project laterally from either side of the trellis post. Usually, the discrete rod lengths are generally even in length. Fig. 3 also illustrates that the length of each wire support rod 60, 60’ and 60” can be varied, depending on the application. The kink-formation 62 is also configured such that the support rod 60 extends through the cut-outs 50 in the arms 14 (see e.g, Figs. 2, 5 and 7). In a variation, when the arms 14 do not comprise cut-outs, the kink-formation can be reconfigured such that the wire support rod 60 extends laterally under (or over) the arms 14 (i.e. to extend out from either side of the post bracket 10). The kink-formation 62 is defined by a number of adjacent bends located at the intermediate location of the support rod 60. As best shown in Fig. 7, the kink- formation 62 comprises four adjacent bends at the intermediate location of the support rod 60. In sequence, a first bend 63 causes the support rod 60 to deviate laterally from an elongate axis A of the support rod. A second bend 64 causes the support rod 60 to deviate back into a generally parallel orientation with the rod elongate axis A, A third bend 65 causes the support rod 60 to deviate laterally back towards the rod elongate axis A. A fourth bend 66 causes the support rod 60 to deviate back into alignment with the rod elongate axis A. The four adjacent bends 63-66 can be replaced with two bends that locate along rod axis A, and with a curved (i.e. laterally protruding) section that replaces the second and third bends 64, 65 at the intermediate location of the support rod 60. The kink-formation 62 is configured to receive therein a profile of the trellis post 20 when the wire support rod 60 is secured with respect to the trellis post by the post bracket 10 (see Figs. 1 and 4). The kink-formation 62 can also generally follow (e.g. mimic) an internal profile of the mounting plate 12. This configuring of the kink-formation 62 facilitates both close location of the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20 as well as a firm clamping and securement of the support rod 60 to the trellis post by the post bracket 10, Typically, when mounting the wire support rod 60 to the trellis post 20, the kink- formation 62 is located vertically above the hex-bolt 40. In this regard, the hex- bolt 40 extends through the backing plate 16 and through the slot 23 such that it locates vertically under the kink-formation 62 of support rod 60. This arrangement assists the post bracket 10 in preventing movement of the support rod 60 out of its secured orientation with respect to the trellis post 20 (i.e. the hex-bolt 40 assists with holding the vertical position of the wire support rod 60 along the trellis post 20 in use). The wire support rod 60 typically comprises a number of (i.e. typically four) discrete rings 68 formed therein (or mounted - e.g. welded thereto). The rings 68 can be formed by twisting of the support rod 60 (i.e. being a continuation of the rod). Alternatively, the rings 68 can be separately formed and mounted (e.g. welded) to the support rod 60. Each ring 68 is configured to support wire therein in use (e.g. trellis wire). As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the support rod 60 comprises four rings 68, namely, two rings 68 spaced from and located on either side of the trellis post 20 when the support rod is secured to the trellis post. In the embodiments depicted, one of the two rings 68 is located at a respective end of the support rod 60, and the other of the two rings 68 is located along the rod at an intermediate location (i.e. intermediate the end-located ring and the trellis post). In use of the trellis post 20, the one or more post brackets 10 are discretely spaced out along the length of an above-ground in-use portion of the trellis post. In use, one, some or typically all of the post brackets 10 each support a component such as a wire support rod 60, 60° and / or 60 at the trellis post 20. As set forth above, the wire support rods 60, 60°, 60” can vary in length. For example, and as illustrated by Fig. 3, a lowermost post bracket 10a can secure a wire support rod 60” that has a shortest length. An intermediate post bracket 10b can secure a wire support rod 60° that has a mid-size length. An uppermost post bracket 10c can secure a wire support rod 60 that has a longest length. This can provide a kind of V-shaped arrangement of the support rods at the trellis post, which may be a useful configuration for various trellis-type horticulture and viticulture applications. Together, the post bracket 10 and the post 20 define a securement system that can be used for securing one or more wire support rods 60, 60°, 60” to the post, as set forth above, For example, the post 20 can be supplied with multiple post brackets 10, with each post bracket able to secure a respective rod to the post, Further, each of the post, post bracket(s) and wire support rod(s) can be supplied as a kit. To mount a given post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20, the clamping plate 30 is located in the trellis post hollow interior 22, adjacent to the slot 23 and at a given location along the trellis post, Typically, the clamping plate 30 is pre-connected (i.e. pre-joined) to the mounting plate 12 by the hex-bolt 40 and remains connected during the mounting step. Thus, the mounting plate 12 can be manoeuvred to move the clamping plate 30 through an open (e.g. upper) end of the trellis post, and then move it down to its desired location along the inside of the trellis post 20, adjacent to slot 23, As the clamping plate 30 is moved to its desired location, the shank 44 of the hex-bolt 40 moves into and travels along the slot 23. Once at the desired location, the hex-bolt 40 is then rotatably tightened by a suitable hex-tool (e.g. spanner, socket, etc.) This causes the lips 32 of the clamping plate 30 to move into interfacing engagement with the interior surfaces of the lips 25 of the trellis post 20. When this occurs, the backing plate 16 and the arms 14 are likewise moved relatively towards the front face 24 of the trellis post 20, at opposite sides of the slot 23. This movement continues until the post bracket 10 is secured to the trellis post 20. In a variation, the clamping plate 30 can be connected to the mounting plate 12 by the hex-bolt 40 after it has been located at a desired location within the hollow interior 22. For example, the post may take the form of a tube (i.e. without a slot running along a face thereof). The tube can instead have a series of discrete holes spaced out therealong. The clamping plate 30 can be positioned by another suitable tool (e.g. an elongate grip) in proximity of one of these holes, and the bolt 40 can be extended through this hole (i.e. before or after locating the clamping plate thereat), the bolt 40 passing into engagement with the central aperture 34 of the clamping plate. When the post bracket 10 is used to secure a component to the trellis post 20, such as the wire support rod 60 as set forth above, the support rod 60 is typically pre- located at the post bracket 10 prior to securing the support rod to the trellis post. In this regard, the kink-formation 62 of the support rod 60 is pre-located with respect to the backing plate 16, between the backing plate 16 and the clamping plate 30, and between the opposing arms 14 and above the hex-bolt 40. The support rod 60 is also located at the mounting plate 12 to extend through the cut- outs 50 of the arms 14. The cut-outs 50 can help to maintain the support rod 60 at the mounting plate 12 during positioning of the post bracket 10 at the trellis post 20 (and also once the post bracket is secured to the trellis post). The post bracket 10 and the pre-arranged wire support rod 60 are then positioned together at the trellis post 20. This can be achieved whilst locating the clamping plate 30 in the trellis post hollow interior 22 at the given location along the trellis post 20, and whilst moving the hex-bolt 40 into the slot 23. The hex-bolt 40 extends through the slot 23 at a location that is vertically under the support rod 60. Once suitably located, and once the hex-bolt 40 is rotated to tighten the post bracket 10 to the trellis post 20, the backing plate 16 urges (i.e. bears) against the support rod 60 to secure the rod against the front face 24 of the trellis post. This clamps the support rod 60 to the trellis post 20, and securely mounted the post bracket to the trellis post. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the bracket, elongate rod, post and method.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A bracket for securing to a post that has an opening into a hollow interior, the opening defined in a face of the post, the bracket comprising: a body, with opposing arms extending from opposite sides of the body, the arms being adapted for location with respect to the post at opposite sides of the post opening; a clamp element for location within the post hollow interior adjacent to the opening, the clamp element configured for internal interfacing with the post; an adjustable fastener for extending from the body to the clamp element, the fastener able to extend through the opening in use, wherein adjustment of the fastener is able to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body such that, in use, the clamp element is brought into interfacing engagement with the post to secure the bracket to the post, 2; A bracket according to claim 1 wherein the post is of a type that has opposing external grooves extending along its length, the grooves located on either side of the post opening, and wherein the opposing arms are adapted for external interfacing with the post such as by distal ends of the arms being able to respectively locate into the external grooves in use, and wherein adjustment of the fastener is able to cause the arm distal ends to be moved into engagement with the grooves.

3. A bracket according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the arms each have a length such that, when the bracket is secured to the post, the bracket body is spaced from the post such that a component can be secured by the bracket with respect to the post.

4. A bracket according to claim 3 wherein the component comprises an elongate rod, and wherein the body is configured to secure the rod at the face of the post such that it is able to extend laterally with respect to the post, such as from opposing lateral sides thereof, 5. A bracket according to claim 4 wherein the arms each comprise a cut-out, the cut-out being configured such that the elongate rod is able to locate therein and extend therethrough, the cut-outs in use configured to hold the rod in its laterally extending orientation.

6. A bracket according to claim 4 or 5 wherein the rod comprises a number of adjacent bends located at an intermediate location along a length of the rod, the bends defining an intermediate kink in the rod that is configured to receive therein a profile of the post when the rod is secured with respect to the post.

7. A bracket according to any of claims 4 to 6 wherein the body and fastener are each configured such that, in use, the fastener extends through the body and through the opening such that the fastener locates vertically under the rod to thereby assist in preventing movement of the rod out of its securement with respect to the post.

8. A bracket according to any of the preceding claims wherein the clamp element comprises a plate, with opposing lips extending from opposite sides of the plate, the lips being adapted for internal interfacing with corresponding lips defined at the post at opposite sides of the post opening.

9. A bracket according to any of the preceding claims wherein the clamp element comprises a plate, with a tongue extending from an end of the plate, the tongue being adapted for extending closely through the post opening in use to assist with a centring of the clamp element when it is caused to move relatively towards the body in use.

10. A bracket according to any of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises a generally rectangular plate, the plate being bent at opposite sides thereof to define the opposing arms as extending outwards from opposite sides of the rectangular plate.

11. A bracket according to any of the preceding claims wherein either or both of in-use upper side and lower side edges of the body comprise a bent over lip, each bent over lip being configured to interact with the post to resist vertical and / or rotational movement of the bracket along the post in use.

12. A bracket according to claim 11 wherein an edge of each lip is configured to match an external profile of the post, such as by the chamfering thereof of opposite end corners of each lip, 13. A bracket according to any of the preceding claims wherein the fastener comprises a head which is retained externally at the body, the head able to be engaged by a suitable tool for adjustment of the fastener, and wherein a fastener shank extends from the head, the shank extending through an aperture in the body, through the post opening, and through an aperture in the clamp element.

14. A bracket according to claim 13 wherein the fastener shank is externally threaded, and wherein the clamp element aperture is internally threaded, such that rotation of the fastener about its elongate axis is able to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body.

15. A bracket according to any of the preceding claims wherein the post opening is an elongate slot that extends for a length of the post such that the fastener is able to extend therethrough and hence the bracket is able to be located at multiple locations along the length of the post.

16. An elongate rod for use with, and for securement with respect to a post by, the bracket according to any of the preceding claims, the rod comprising a number of adjacent bends located at an intermediate location along a length of the rod, the bends defining an intermediate kink in the rod that is configured to receive therein a profile of the post when the rod is secured with respect to the post.

17. An elongate rod according to claim 16 wherein the rod comprises up to four adjacent bends at the intermediate location of the rod, and wherein in sequence, a first bend causes the rod to deviate laterally from an elongate axis of the rod, a second bend causes the rod to deviate back into a generally parallel orientation with the rod elongate axis, a third bend causes the rod to deviate laterally back towards the rod elongate axis, and a fourth bend causes the rod to deviate back into alignment with the rod elongate axis.

18. An elongate rod according to claim 17 wherein the first to fourth bends are spaced from each other to produce an intermediate kink in the rod that generally corresponds to the post profile.

19. An elongate rod according to any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the kink is located midway along the length of the rod whereby, when the rod is secured with respect to the post, the rod comprises discrete rod lengths that project laterally from either side of the post.

20. An elongate rod according to any of claims 16 to 19 wherein the rod comprises one or more discrete rings formed therein or mounted thereto, each ring configured to support wire therein in use.

21. An elongate rod according to claim 20 wherein the rod comprises four rings, two rings spaced from and located on the rod on either side of the post when the rod is secured with respect to the post, wherein one of the two rings is located at a respective end of the rod, and wherein the other of the two rings is located along the rod at a location that is intermediate the end-located ring and the post.

22. A post that has an opening into a hollow interior thereof, the opening defined in a face of the post, the post having secured thereto one or more brackets as set forth in any of claims 1 to 15, 23. A post according to claim 22 wherein the one or more brackets are discretely spaced out along the length of an above-ground portion of the post in use.

24. A post according to claim 22 or 23 wherein one, some or all of the one or more brackets are each arranged to support at the post a component, such as an elongate rod, the elongate rod being as set forth in any of claims 16 to 21.

25. A post according to any of claims 22 to 24 wherein multiple brackets are spaced out along and secured to the post in use, each bracket supporting a respective component, such as a respective elongate rod, and wherein the elongate rods optionally vary in length, such as by starting from a shortest length at a lower bracket and progressively increasing in length with each successive bracket moving up the post from the lower bracket.

26. A method of securing the bracket as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 15 to a post that comprises an opening into a hollow interior, the method comprising; locating the clamp element in the post hollow interior, adjacent to the opening and at a given location along the post, arranging the fastener to extend from the body through the opening and to the clamp element, adjusting the fastener to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body and into interfacing engagement with an interior of the post and such that the body and arms are moved relatively towards the post at opposite sides of the post opening.

27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the fastener is arranged to extend from the body to the clamp element prior to locating the clamp element in the post hollow interior such that, as the clamp element is moved into the post hollow interior, such as from an open end of the post, the fastener is moved into the post opening, such as from an open end of the post.

28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the fastener is adjusted to cause the clamp element to move relatively towards the body after the clamp element has been located in the post hollow interior at a given location, and after the fastener has been moved to the given location along the post opening, 29. A method according to any of claims 26 to 28 wherein the bracket is used to secure an elongate rod as set forth in any one of claims 16 to 21 to the post.

30. A method according to claim 29 wherein the elongate rod is arranged at the bracket prior to securing the bracket to the post such that the intermediate kink of the rod locates with respect to the body, between the opposing arms of the bracket.

31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the bracket together with the rod are positioned at the post such that adjustment of the fastener causes the body to bear against the elongate rod to secure the rod against the post.

32. A method according to any of claims 29 to 31 wherein the elongate rod is arranged with respect to the body such that, when the rod is secured against the post by the body, the fastener extends through the opening at a location that is vertically under the rod.

33. A method according to any of claims 29 to 32 wherein the arms comprise cut-outs as defined in claim 5, and wherein the elongate rod is arranged with respect to the body and so as to extend through the cut-outs of the arms,

Images