End fitting for crossarm brace

Abstract

A metal end fitting for structurally interconnecting a crossarm brace to a crossarm and utility pole includes an extruded metal body having a dovetail recess for receiving an end portion of an enlongated wooden brace. The brace is inserted into the recess of the fitting and a bight portion of the recess abuts an end face of the wooden member. A pair of spaced apart legs integrally joining the bight portion are formed to taper toward one another to directly engage tapered dovetailed surfaces provided on opposite sides of the wooden member. A generally similar metal end fitting is mounted on an opposite end of the wooden brace. Each end fitting includes a tang integrally joining the bight portion and adapted to be secured to the crossarm or the utility pole with a single elongated fastener. The metal fittings are originally extruded so that a degree of taper is provided between the opposite legs which form the dovetailed recess, and this taper angle is greater than the degree of taper between the dovetailed surfaces of the wooden brace at the ends. Accordingly, the legs of the metal end fitting are forcefully biased by internal spring action to tightly confront the dovetailed surfaces of the wooden brace to permanently secure the metal end fitting in place on the wooded brace without requiring fasteners.