Pivoting bracket for a post

Abstract

A bracket device for use with a misaligned post, the bracket comprising a first bracket portion for receiving a first end portion of the post, a second bracket portion for receiving a second end portion of the post, a pivoting means between and connected to the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion, wherein one or more angles of the misaligned post is adjusted using the pivoting means to correct the alignment of the post. The pivoting means includes a locking mechanism to secure the angle of the post. The bracket device may be installed on a fence that is in place, enabling repairs without removing the fence. As well, the bracket device may be utilized as part of the initial installation and construction of a new fence.

1 . A bracket device for use with a post comprising a first post portion and a second post portion,
 the bracket device comprising:   a first bracket portion for receiving an end of the first post portion;   a second bracket portion for receiving an end of the second post portion; and   a pivoting means positioned between and connected to the first bracket portion and second bracket portion for adjusting one or more angles of the post.   
     
     
         2 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the pivoting means pivots along one axis of freedom. 
     
     
         3 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the pivoting means pivots along two axes of freedom. 
     
     
         4 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein a misalignment of the post is corrected by adjusting the pivoting means. 
     
     
         5 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the pivoting means includes a locking mechanism to secure the post in place with the adjusted one or more angles. 
     
     
         6 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more adjusting means between the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion for additional adjustment of the one or more angles of the post. 
     
     
         7 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion each comprise a base and two side portions extending perpendicular from opposing sides of the base, wherein the two side portions each have a plurality of holes for use with a plurality of fasteners to secure the first and second bracket portions to the post. 
     
     
         8 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the post is part of a pre-existing fence and the bracket device is installed on the post without removing the fence. 
     
     
         9 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket device is installed on the post during the construction of a fence. 
     
     
         10 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , wherein the first post portion is a cut post portion and the second post portion is a base post portion having one end secured to the ground. 
     
     
         11 . The bracket device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of adjustable bolts positioned between the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion and adjacent to the pivoting mechanism, wherein the adjustable bolts are each rotated to have the bolt head push against the second bracket portion to adjust one or more angles of the post. 
     
     
         12 . The bracket device of  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of adjustable bolts are rotated by different amounts to achieve the desired adjusted one or more angles of the second bracket portion to cause the post to be straightened. 
     
     
         13 . A method of repairing a misaligned post, the method comprising:
 cutting the post at a first location resulting in a cut post portion and a base post portion;   attaching a bracket device to the post, the bracket device comprising:
 a first bracket portion for receiving an end of the cut post portion; 
 a second bracket portion for receiving an end of the base post portion; 
 a pivoting means positioned between and connected to the first bracket portion and the second bracket portion; and 
   adjusting one or more angles of the cut post portion using the pivoting means.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising cutting the post at a second location, a predetermined distance away from the first cut location, the predetermined distance corresponding to the height of the bracket device, wherein the repaired post has the same height as before the repair. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the adjusted angles cause the cut post portion to be straightened vertically. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of adjusting includes adjusting two angles of the cut post portion along two axes of freedom. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the method of repairing the misaligned post is performed on the post without removing the post from a fence. 
     
     
         18 . A bracket device for use with a post being installed on uneven ground, the bracket device comprising:
 a post support for receiving an end of the post;   a base; and   a pivoting means between and connected to the flat base and the bottom of the post support,   wherein one or more angles of the post is adjusted using the pivoting means.   
     
     
         19 . The bracket device of  claim 18 , wherein a plurality of holes on the base for use with a plurality of bolts are used to secure the bracket device to the ground. 
     
     
         20 . The bracket device of  claim 18 , wherein the pivoting means includes a locking mechanism to secure the post in place with the adjusted one or more angles.