A bracket assembly

Abstract

A bracket assembly comprising a first bracket member associated with a first side of a structural element, a second bracket member associated with an opposed second side of the structural element, and wherein the first bracket member, the second bracket member and the structural element are fastened to one another using one or more fastening assemblies.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bracket assembly comprising a first bracket member associated with a first side of a structural element, a second bracket member associated with an opposed second side of the structural element, and wherein the first bracket member, the second bracket member and the structural element are fastened to one another using one or more fastening assemblies. 
     
     
         2 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the structural element has a C- or I-shaped cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         3 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 2  wherein the I-shaped cross-sectional shape is formed by placing two C-shaped sections in abutment with, or close proximity to, one another. 
     
     
         4 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the structural element comprises a beam, column, rafter, bracket or purlin. 
     
     
         5 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member extend along substantially the entire length of the structural element. 
     
     
         6 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member comprise a web member and one or more flange members extending from or adjacent to at least one of an upper edge and a lower edge of the web member. 
     
     
         7 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 6  wherein the one or more flange members overlie at least a portion of the structural element. 
     
     
         8 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the first bracket member and/or the second bracket member are substantially C-shaped in cross-section. 
     
     
         9 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  wherein the one or more fastening assemblies comprise a mechanical fastener that extends through the first bracket member, the second bracket member and the structural element so as to fasten them together. 
     
     
         10 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 9  wherein the one or more fastening assemblies further comprise one or more sleeve members, wherein a portion of the mechanical fastener is received in the one or more sleeve members in use. 
     
     
         11 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 10  wherein the one or more sleeve members extend substantially between opposed sides of the bracket assembly, such that opposed ends of the sleeve members are located in abutment with, or close proximity to, opposed inner surfaces of the bracket assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the opposed inner surfaces of the bracket assembly comprise an inner surface of the structural element and an inner surface of the first bracket member or second bracket member. 
     
     
         13 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 11  wherein the opposed inner surfaces of the bracket assembly comprise and inner surface of the first bracket member and an inner surface of the second bracket member. 
     
     
         14 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 1  whereinone or more carrying members are associated with the bracket assembly, the one or more carrying members being configured to carry a weight thereon. 
     
     
         15 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 14  wherein the one or more carrying members are configured for movement relative to the bracket assembly when the weight is placed on the carrying member. 
     
     
         16 . The bracket assembly according to  claim 15  wherein the carrying member is associated with an elongate member configured to allow the carrying member to move relative to the bracket assembly. 
     
     
         17 . A bracket assembly comprising a bracket member associated with a side of a structural element, the bracket member and the structural member being fastened to one another using one or more fastening assemblies. 
     
     
         18 . An assembly for securing and/or reinforcing a structure, the assembly comprising:
 A first upright structural member and a second upright structural member, the first upright structural member and the second upright structural member being connected to one another via a bracket assembly;   An elongate flexible member connected at a first end thereof to the first upright structural member and at a second end thereof to the second upright structural member; and   A tensioning assembly associated with the bracket assembly,   Wherein upon application of a weight to the tensioning assembly, the tensioning assembly is actuated to tension the elongate flexible member, and wherein tensioning of the elongate flexible member results in the application of a force to the first upright structural member in a direction generally towards the second upright structural members, and to the second upright structural member in a direction generally toward the first upright structural member.   
     
     
         19 . The assembly for securing and/or reinforcing a structure according to  claim 18  wherein the tensioning assembly includes a mechanical fastener with which the elongate flexible member is associated. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . The assembly for securing and/or reinforcing a structure according to  claim 18  wherein a carrying member is associated with the tensioning assembly. 
     
     
         22 . (canceled)