Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – With piercing or expanding earth anchor – Auger-type penetrator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-02
2001-03-20
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
With piercing or expanding earth anchor
Auger-type penetrator
C052S165000, C248S156000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202368
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a post structure, and in particular to a multi-part post system including a ground anchor for vertical insertion into the earth, and a post that is mounted onto an above-ground portion of the anchor. The invention also contemplates use of the ground anchor without the post.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
Posts such as fence posts, mailbox posts, and the like, are conventionally mounted vertically above the surface of the ground by inserting the lower end of the post into a prepared hole. After the post has been vertically aligned, e.g., by placing a spirit level along the side of the post, the area around the post is filled with dirt or a concrete mix. This procedure, while effective, is time consuming. In addition, the lower end of the post will rot over time due to exposure to moisture in the soil. Also, removal or replacement of the post, particularly if the lower end is set in concrete, can be difficult.
Alternative post mounting procedures use devices known as ground anchors, which are described in various prior art patents, including the following:
U.S. Pat. No.
Inventor(s)
3,011,597
Galloway et al.
3,952,523
Gale
4,593,872
Svensson
4,803,812
Alexander, Sr.
4,863,137
Cockman
4,923,165
Cockman
5,011,107
Reece
Ground anchors of the type used to mount posts are basically comprised of a rod or staff having a lower end that is inserted into the ground, and an upper end to which the lower end of a post is secured. While the lower end of the rod can be simply driven into the earth, many ground anchors include an auger blade around the lower end of the rod, so that the rod can be screwed into the earth to provide a more stable anchor.
These ground anchors, have some advantages over conventional post mounting, in particular, ease of post installation, and post removal or replacement. However, correct installation of post anchors is difficult, since the anchor must be installed vertically in order for the post to be vertical. While specialized, bulky devices are available in the prior art to facilitate vertical insertion of ground anchors, their cost to the average homeowner is prohibitive. Vertical insertion of prior art anchors either manually or with hand operated power tools has not been possible.
An additional problem with prior art ground anchors is due to the fact that the connection between the post and the ground anchor is only between the extreme lower end of the post and the extreme upper end of the anchor. For example, most prior art ground anchors include a horizontal plate at their upper end with spaced, upwardly projecting side plates. The lower post end is positioned on the horizontal plate and attached to the anchor with nails or screws that extend through the side plates and into the post. As a result, the post can be easily broken away from, or shifted in relation to, the ground anchor.
Prior art ground anchors, and post attached thereto, are often unstable. That is, the ground anchor, even if initially installed vertically, tends to shift or lean to a non-vertical alignment when even moderate lateral forces are placed against the post, due to the large moment arm of the post, and the small diameter of the rod which provides only a limited contact between the rod and adjacent earth. Avoidance of this problem has not been addressed in the past, however, due to the difficulty in inserting large diameter rods into the earth.
A system having the advantages of known ground anchors that also provided for ease of vertical anchor installation, improved attachment between the post and anchor, time and cost savings for the end consumer, prolonged fence life, and a high level of stability, would be of significant commercial value.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a post system that includes a ground anchor and a post mountable over an above-ground part of the ground anchor. The invention also contemplates a tool for use in vertically installing the ground anchor.
Generally, the post system providing the desired advantages over the prior art is comprised of a ground anchor having a lower end insertable into the earth, and an upper end adapted to project above ground level, and a post with an axially aligned internal bore adapted for insertion over the upper end of the anchor. The system also contemplates a tool for use in inserting the lower end of the ground anchor into the earth, and optional components to enhance the utility of the system.
More specifically, the ground anchor forming a part of the present system is comprised of a tube or tubular member having a lower segment for insertion into the earth and an upper segment that remains above-ground when the anchor is installed. At least the lower segment of the member is of a uniform cross-section along its length. A helical or auger blade extends outwardly from the outer periphery of the tubular member adjacent the lower end of the tubular member. The exact configuration of this blade is not critical to the invention. Normally, the blade will be spot welded to the tubular member. Preferably, both the blade and tubular member arc constructed of steel.
Two through holes, the use of which will be described in detail herein, extend transversely through the upper end of the tubular member. The longitudinal axis of each hole intersects the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. The longitudinal axes of the holes arc also perpendicular to each other, and are both horizontal when the tubular member is vertically aligned.
Unlike prior art ground anchors that use a small diameter rod, the present device is based upon a tubular member having a relatively large, uniform diameter, at least along the portion of the tubular member that is inserted into the earth. As a result of this larger diameter, a much greater surface area between the tubular member and the surrounding soil is achieved. Thus, due to the resultant much higher frictional forces that result, shifting of the anchor once it is in position is substantially reduced.
However, unlike insertion of prior art devices, it is not possible to simply push the soil outwardly as the device is inserted into the soil. Because of the large diameter of the tubular member, the volume of soil that would require displacement would require a force that would prohibit manual insertion. In other words, the tubular member could not be turned without a power tool. Moreover, if a power tool was used in an attempt to rotate the tubular member, the member might be twisted due to the resistance encountered.
Therefore, the tubular member is constructed so that most of the soil is moved through the interior of the tubular member as the tubular member is inserted into the soil. As a result, the only soil displaced during insertion of the tubular member is the soil displaced by the annular wall of the tubular member. This relatively small volume can be readily displaced manually by a single user. However, the advantages of the large diameter are achieved, since the frictional contact is between the exterior wall of the tube and the soil.
In order to ensure that the soil beneath the interior of the tube is moved into the tube interior during placement of the ground anchor, the lower edge of the tubular member is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member, as opposed to being beveled. In other words, the lower edge of the tubular member is circular, instead of oval. Therefore, during vertical insertion of the tube, the pressure against the soil is substantially equal around the periphery of the lower edge, so that the soil is not urged in a lateral direction. Also, the tube is of the same cross-sectional shape and dimension throughout its length, so that no part of the tube deflects soil away from the interior to the tube.
In order to achieve a reasonable level of stability, the tube should have a diameter of at least 1.25 inches. Diameters of above about 2.5 inches will not normally be employed due to cost, increased pressure during insertion, and post diam
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Rhodes & Mason PLLC
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