Retrofit timber post bracket

Abstract

The repair of foundations formed by pouring concrete about a timber post is greatly simplified by the present invention. A post bracket is provided having a first portion that can be inserted into and mechanically restrained in the recess of an existing foundation, for example a foundation wherein a rotted old post has been removed. The post bracket also has second portion to which a new post can be attached. The post bracket is used by clearing out the old post, inserting the first portion and securing the bracket, and then attaching the post. The inventive bracket and method greatly reduce the time and expense construction compared with the prior art method of replacing foundations.

1 . A bracket for attaching a timber post to a foundation recess comprising: 
 a first portion for attachment to the timber post; and    a second portion including 
 at least one pair of outwards facing, opposed surfaces having a first spacing, and  
 a mechanism to increase the spacing of said opposed surfaces.  
   
   
   
       2 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein said first portion includes two opposing surface and at least one pair of holes through said opposing surfaces.  
   
   
       3 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein each of said at least one pair of opposed surfaces is a portion of an elongated member having a first end proximal said first portion and a second end, and wherein said mechanism includes a first plate having an internally threaded hole and a width greater than said first spacing, a second plate rigidly connected to said second portion proximal said first portion and having a hole, and a bolt having a head supported on said second plate and a body passing through said second plate and threadably attached to said first plate, where the rotation of said bolt to decrease the spacing between said first plate and said second plate increases the spacing of said surfaces.  
   
   
       4 . The bracket of  claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of said second portion having said first spacing is bound by an elongated square extending away from said first portion.  
   
   
       5 . The bracket of  claim 4 , wherein said square is approximately 3½ inches on a side.  
   
   
       6 . A bracket for attaching a timber post to a foundation recess having inwardly facing walls, said bracket comprising: 
 a first portion for attachment to the timber post; and    a second portion including 
 at least one pair of outwards facing, opposed members having a first end proximal said first portion and a second end, and having a first spacing at said a first end proximal said first portion, where said first spacing is less than the distance between said inwardly facing walls, and  
 a mechanism to increase the spacing between said at least one pair of opposed members.  
   
   
   
       7 . The bracket of  claim 5 , wherein said first portion includes two opposing surface and at least one pair of holes through said opposing surfaces.  
   
   
       8 . The bracket of  claim 5 , wherein said mechanism includes a first plate having an internally threaded hole and a width greater than said first spacing, a second plate rigidly connected to said second portion proximal said first portion and having a hole, and a bolt having a head supported on said second plate and a body passing through said second plate and threadably attached to said first plate, where the rotation of said bolt to decrease the spacing between said first plate and said second plate increases the spacing of said surfaces.  
   
   
       9 . The bracket of  claim 5 , wherein the outer surface of said second portion having said first spacing is bound by an elongated square extending away from said first portion.  
   
   
       10 . The bracket of  claim 9 , wherein said square is approximately 3½ inches on a side.  
   
   
       11 . A bracket for attaching a timber post to a recess of a foundation comprising: 
 a first portion for attachment to the timber post; and    a second portion including 
 an elongate portion attached to said first portion and having a shape to allow acceptance by the recess with said first portion protruding above said recess, and  
 a mechanism to move at least a portion of said accepted elongate portion against said recess, where said moved elongate portion of provides a resistive force to the movement of said connector from said recess.  
   
   
   
       12 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein said first portion includes two opposing surface and at least one pair of holes through said opposing surfaces.  
   
   
       13 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein said mechanism includes a first plate having an internally threaded hole and a width greater than said first spacing, a second plate rigidly connected to said second portion proximal said first portion and having a hole, and a bolt having a head supported on said second plate and a body passing through said second plate and threadably attached to said first plate, where the rotation of said bolt to decrease the spacing between said first plate and said second plate increases the spacing of said surfaces.  
   
   
       14 . The bracket of  claim 11 , wherein said recess has a square cross-sectional shape.  
   
   
       15 . The bracket of  claim 14 , wherein said square is approximately 3½ inches on a side.  
   
   
       16 . A method of mounting a post in an existing poured concrete foundation using a post bracket having a timber receiving portion and a foundation securing portion, said method comprising: 
 placing the foundation receiving portion of the post bracket in the recess;    mechanically securing the foundation receiving portion in the recess; and    mounting the post to the timber receiving portion of the post bracket.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , further including, first exposing the recess of the existing foundation.