AU2010262739B2

AU2010262739B2 - A post brace

Info

Publication number: AU2010262739B2
Application number: AU2010262739A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Efstahios Ignatiadis
Original assignee: B P BUILDING PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Bp Building Products Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-15
Filing date: 2010-05-27
Publication date: 2016-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-27
Also published as: AU2010262739A1; WO2010144944A1

Abstract

A post brace (1) comprising a clamp (3) formed from first (5) and second (7) parts, adjustable locking means (13) interengageable with the first and second parts, and a plurality of legs (15) that are attached to the first and second parts, wherein the first and second parts may be placed on the post at a desired location relative to the post's length, and the adjustable locking means (13) are adapted to force the first and second parts towards each other thereby clamping the post, and wherein at least one of the legs (15) has adjustment means (22) and (32) that permits the angle of the post being braced to be adjusted into a desired orientation relative to the ground when the post is erected.

Description

WO 2010/144944 PCT/AU2010/000652 1

A POST BRACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of temporary braces for supporting and maintaining a post in a desired angular orientation, typically vertically, with respect to the ground.

Background of the Invention

It is common to mount posts, poles and pillars or the like by first digging a suitable hole, then placing the post in the hole, then holding the post in a desired orientation relative to the ground and any other neighbouring posts, and then filling the hole with cement. Most often, it is a requirement that the post be held vertically for sufficient time to allow the cement to set. There have been many previous attempts to hold a post or pole in position while concrete is allowed to set or earth compaction is carried out or other permanent means of supporting a pole or post is used. Generally a small operator will employ methods which could be hazardous, such as using temporary timber props nailed to the post at one end and nailed to a wooden stake driven into the ground at the other end. Similar hazardous methods are used when a metal pole is to be erected in a vertical or near vertical position. Also this type of bracing, while cheap and easy to construct from a materials perspective, is both relatively time consuming, and there is often no means of finely adjusting the angle of the post with respect to the ground once the brace has been constructed. Furthermore the fixing of a temporary prop may damage the post or pole being set, and often more time is wasted by the need to disassemble and reassemble the temporary brace to ensure the post is held in the correct orientation.

There is generally great difficulty for a single operator to erect large and unwieldy posts or poles in a vertical or on a precise angle of inclination. It can be a very dangerous task with the possibility of the post or pole falling over and injuring the operator or the operator suffering strain injury from having to lift the post or pole PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 2 vertically while trying to manipulate it into correct position or orientation. Often it requires at least two people to both manipulate a large post into the hole in the ground, hold it in the desired angle relative to the ground, and construct the brace while keeping the post in place. This adds substantially to the labour costs associated with the construction.

There have been efforts to develop re-usable braces for assisting in the erection of posts in the past, but these have had a variety of shortcomings, primarily in not being able to accommodate a wide variety of posts of different cross-sectional shapes and/or sizes.

United States patent number 6,684,580 in the name of David Hull discloses an apparatus for supporting and stabilizing a post. The invention uses a box shaped collar that is slid over the post, and the collar has a series of cam levers that when operated, clamp against the post to secure the collar to it. Optionally, the boxed shaped collar may have one of its side panels removable, or hingedly attached, thereby eliminating the need to slide the collar over one end of the post. The collar has a plurality of legs attached to it that support and hold the post in proper orientation when erected. The problems associated with this device are that the collar has limited applicability to the size and shape of the posts it can operate on. The size of the post can only fall within a relatively narrow range in order for it to be able to be engaged by the locking cams, and the boxed shape collar is more difficult to use on a post with a cross section other than square e.g. circular. Also because the lever cams directly engage with the post to be braced, pressing against it, there is potential for the post to be marked or indented where the cam has engaged with it, thereby potentially degrading the external appearance of the post.

It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the aforementioned problems. WO 2010/144944 PCT/AU2010/000652 3

Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a post brace comprising a clamp formed from first and second parts, adjustable locking means interengageable with the first and second parts, and a plurality of legs that are attached to the first and second parts wherein the first and second parts may be placed on the post at a desired location relative to the post’s length, and the adjustable locking means are adapted to force the first and second parts towards one another thereby clamping the post, and wherein at least one of the legs has adjustment means that permits the angle of the post being braced to be adjusted into a desired orientation relative to the ground when the post is erected.

Preferably the first and second parts are substantially L shaped, such that when each is in its respective use position, they substantially surround the post and form a collar around the post.

Preferably each arm of the L shaped first part has an outwardly directed tab, and each arm of the L shaped second part hits an outwardly directed tab orientated to oppose a corresponding tab of the first part, thereby creating two pairs of opposing tabs such that when the first and second parts are in their use position, each pair of opposing tabs may receive the adjustable locking means, and the first and second parts are then forced into gripping engagement with the post by tightening the adjustable locking means.

Preferably the adjustable locking means comprises a shaft with a thread at one end and a plurality of coplanar diametrically opposed outwardly extending pairs of lugs that are spaced along the length of the shaft.

Preferably at least one tab in each pair of opposing tabs has a recess which is capable of receiving the shaft with one of the lugs in abutment with sides of the tab defining the recess, and its opposing tab has a recess or opening for receiving the threaded end of the shaft, such that when the first and second parts are in their use position, the clamp may be tightened on the post by tightening a nut on the thread. WO 2010/144944 PCT/AU2010/000652 4

Preferably each outwardly extending tab abutting a lug has retaining means to hold the lug in a preferred orientation relative to the tab, thereby preventing the shaft from turning when the nut is turned to either tighten or loosen the clamp.

Preferably one or more of the legs comprises a foot which is capable of being fastened to the ground so as to provide a pivot point about which the post can pivot when erected.

Preferably the adjustment means is adapted to vary the length of a leg.

Alternatively the adjustment means comprises a height adjustable foot.

Preferably the leg is pivotally connected to the respective foot.

Preferably at least one leg is pivotally connected to the clamp.

Preferably the first part comprises two of the legs and the second part comprises one of the legs. A post is erected and braced in accordance with the present invention by firstly preparing a hole in the ground to receive the post, positioning the post to be erected and braced relative to the hole, measuring an appropriate length along the post to position the post brace such that when the post is erected, a desired portion of the post enters the hole in the ground, placing a temporary stand in a position remote from the hole, placing the first part on the temporary stand such that the feet are in contact with the ground and orientated towards the hole in the ground, laying the post on the first part so that it is supported by the stand off the ground laying the second part over the post, adjusting the locking means to clamp the post, pivoting the post about the two feet of the first part that are in contact with the ground, thereby allowing the end of the post to enter the hole in the ground and the at least one leg of the second part to PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 5 make contact with the ground on the opposite side of the hole in the ground, creating a tripod, setting the angle of the post relative to the ground by the adjustment means.

In order that the invention can be better understood it will now be described non-limitingly by reference to preferred embodiments as shown in the attached Figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled post brace (post not shown) in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first part of the clamp without legs attached.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the second part of the clamp without leg attached.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the locking means without nut attached.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the assembled post brace (post not shown) in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a leg used in conjunction with the brace.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connector by which the leg is attached to a foot.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing greater detail of how the leg and foot interact to adjust the height where the leg is connected to the foot.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the foot. PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 6

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the leg connector height adjustment shaft.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the temporary stand.

Figure 12 is an exploded view that shows the temporary stand in use with the first part of the clamp and post supported on it, ready to receive the second part of the clamp and engage with the locking means to grip the post.

Figure 13 is a side view showing the post and assembled post brace resting on the temporary stand, ready to be erected.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the clamp fully assembled on the post prior to erection.

Figure 15 shows a view of a person erecting the post by pivoting the post and brace about the feet attached to the first part of the clamp.

Figure 16 show an alternative embodiment where the leg attached to the second part is hingedly attached so that it my be swung into a more convenient position to account for nearby obstructions and voids such as a wall, adjacent post, rock or slope etc.

Figures 17 and 18 show perspective views of this alternative embodiment in use near a wall.

Figure 19 shows a plan view of yet another alternative embodiment where the leg is angled so at to avoid nearby obstructions.

Figures 20 and 21 show yet another alternative embodiment where the leg and its associated height adjustment shaft is pivotally attached to the foot to ensure the foot pad remains in full contact with the ground while the post is being PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 7 prepared for erection, and when the post is being rotated about the feet attached to the first part and swung into position in the hole in the ground.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The various elements identified by numerals in the drawings are listed in the following integer list.

Integer List 1 Post brace 2 Locking bolt 3 Clamp 4 Thread 5 First part (clamp) 6 Opening 7 Second part (clamp) 9 Outwardly extending tab (first part) 10 Slot 11 Outwardly extending tab (second part) 12 Opening 13 Adjustable locking means 14 Outwardly extending lug pairs 15 Leg 16 Thread 17 Foot connector 18 Recess 19 Foot 20 Leg connector 21 Shaft 22 Connector height adjustment means 23 Stand 8 24 L shaped pad 25 Post 26 Shaft 27 Rotational coupling 28 Recess 29 Angled leg 30 Thread 31 Obstruction 32 Alternate height adjustment means 33 Pivoting connector 34 lock bolt 35 Locking bolt receiving means 36 Nut for adjustable locking means 37 Foot connector receiving means 39 Openings 40 Hole in the ground 41 Pivot point WO 2010/144944 PCT/AU2010/000652

Figure 1 shows a post brace 1 according to the present invention. The post brace has a clamp 3 comprising a first part 5 and a second part 7. The first part 5 having two legs 15 attachable to it which terminate at foot connectors 17 which in turn are each attached to a shaft 21 which in turn is connected to a foot 19. The height at which a foot connector 17 attaches to a shaft 21 is adjustable by turning 22 or 32.

As shown in this preferred embodiment a single leg 15 is attached to the second part of the clamp 7 and terminates at a foot connector 17 which in turn is connected to a shaft 21 which in turn connects to a foot 19. In this example all three legs can have their heights independently adjusted by turning either 22 and/or 32.

The first part 5 and the second part 7 of the clamp are locked together via adjustable locking means 13. As best shown in Figure 4, the adjustable locking means comprises a shaft 26 with a threaded end 16 and a plurality of outwardly extending PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 9 lugs pairs 14 that are spaced along the shaft with a terminating pair of lugs at the extreme end of the shaft opposite to the threaded end 16. The plurality of lug pairs enable the clamp assembly 3 to accommodate a wide range of post crass-sectional shapes and sizes. The clamp 3 is attached to larger posts by utilizing the most suitable lug pair further away from the threaded end 16, while the clamp 3 can be attached to smaller sized posts by utilizing a suitable lug pair nearer to the threaded end 16. Also the plurality of lug pairs on the adjustable locking means 13 enable the clamp 3 to clamp onto a wide variety of posts with various cross sections.

Figure 2 shows the first part of the clamp which is substantially L-shaped and features a pair of outwardly extended tabs 9 which each feature a slot 10 which is capable of receiving a portion of the shaft 26 of the locking means 13. As shown in this embodiment, a pair of recesses 18 are located adjacent the slots 10, that are capable of receiving a pair of lugs 14, and holding them in desired orientation with respect to the first part 5. Finally there is a pair of leg connector means 20.

Figure 3 shows the second part of the clamp 7 which also features an L-shaped body and a pair of outwardly extended tabs 11 which each feature opening 12 for receiving the threaded end of the shaft 26 of locking means 13. In this embodiment, a single leg connector means 20 is shown.

As best shown in Figure 7, the foot connector 17 connects to the end of each leg 15. The connector has an opening 6 which has an inner thread 4 that co-operates with the external thread of shaft 21.

Shaft 21 is best shown in Figure 10 and comprises an elongate circular body with a hexagonal section 22 at one extreme end, a threaded portion 30, and another hexagonal section at section 32 at an opposite end nearer the foot. The end of the connector 21 opposite the hexagonal end 22 is inserted into the foot. The lower sidewall of hexagonal section 32 abuts against the top of the foot. A recess 28 is formed in the shaft and rests wholly within the foot when connected. PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 10

As shown in Figure 9, foot 19 has a vertical tubular section 37 that receives the end of the foot connector 21 with the recess 28. The end of 21 is inserted in the tubular section 37 and a lock bolt is screwed into lock bolt receiving means 35. The lock bolt is sufficiently long so that when fully tightened in 35, the end of the lock bolt extends inside the interior diameter of the tubular extension 37 and rides in the recess 28, thereby allowing the foot to be rotatably attached to the shaft 21. The foot 19 may have openings 39 for receiving fastening means such as tent pegs or the like for fastening the foot to the ground.

As shown in Figures 20 and 21, in an alternative embodiment, the foot 19 has a pivotally attached circular connector 33. This allows the maximum area of the foot to remain in complete contact with the ground while the brace is being assembled on the post, and while the post is being pivoted into its erect position.

The process for erecting a post and bracing it in position will now be described. First an appropriate hole in the ground is dug to receive one end of the post to be erected. A suitable distance from the hole is measured, and a stand 23 (Figure 11) is placed in that location on the ground. Stand 23 has an L-shaped section at the top that is pivotally coupled so as to accommodate the substantially L-shaped section of the first part 5 of the clamp 3. The first part 5 is laid upon the stand so that its legs 15 and associated feet 19 are in contact with the ground, and pointing back in the direction of the hole in the ground. The post is then laid upon the first part 5 of the clamp. The post is manipulated into the correct position to allow for the desired amount overhang over the hole in the ground 40 to ensure a desired length of post enters the hole when erected. The second part of the clamp 7 is prepared for engagement with the first part 5 by first inserting the threaded end of the locking means into each opening 12. A nut 36 is attached to the threaded end 16 to loosely hold each of the two locking means 13 to the second part 7. The second part is then laid on top of the post and positioned directly above the first part so that the opposing pairs of outwardly extending tabs 9 and 11 are aligned with one another. A portion of the shaft 26 is then slid into each respective slot 10. The clamp 3 is then brought into gripping engagement with the post 25 by tightening one or both of the nuts 36. This is best shown in Figure 12. PCT/AU2010/000652 WO 2010/144944 11

Recesses 18 may be formed adjacent the slots 10 for respectively receiving a pair of lugs and holding them in preferred alignment with respect to the outwardly extending tab so as to prevent the shaft 26 from turning when the nut 36 on either or both locking means are turned. This completes the preparatory work associated with attaching the brace and locking the clamp. Figure 13 best illustrates the brace assembly attached to the post on the stand ready for erection.

To erect the post, the person lifts the end of the post in contact with the ground. This causes the post and brace assembly to pivot about the two feet that are already in contact with the ground. This allows the end of the post to swing into the hole in the ground. The person continues to lift the post into a substantially vertical orientation until the leg and foot assembly attached to the second part of the clamp makes contact with the ground on the opposite side of the hole. The user can then use a tool such as a spirit level to see how far off vertical the post is. Adjustment of the post’s angle can be made by turning the adjustment means 22 and/or 32 on one or more legs.

Whilst the above description includes preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. A post brace comprising a clamp formed from first and second parts, adjustable locking means interengageable with the first and second parts, and a pair of legs that are pivotally attached to the first part, and at least one leg is pivotally attached to the second part, wherein the first and second parts are firstly placed upon the post, at a desired location remote from one end of the post that is to be buried in the ground, prior to the post’s erection, the first and second parts thereby effectively forming a collar about the post, and the adjustable locking means are adapted to force the first and second parts towards one another thereby clamping the post within the collar, and wherein the first part is orientated so that it is nearest to the ground, and the pair of legs are in contact with the ground, and are capable of supporting the weight of the post, and the at least one leg of the second part is not in contact with the ground, so that when the post is manipulated into a substantially vertical position, the post pivots about the pivot point generated by the pair of legs in contact with the ground, and when the post is pivoted into its substantially vertical position, the at least one leg of the second part is pivoted away from the post and comes into contact with the ground, thereby bracing the post into a substantially vertical positon, and wherein at least one of the legs has adjustment means that permits the angle of the post being braced to be adjusted into a desired orientation relative to the ground when the post is erected.
2. The post brace as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second parts are substantially L shaped, such that when each is in its respective use position, they substantially surround the post and form a collar around the post.
3. The post brace as claimed in claim 2 wherein each arm of the L shaped first part has an outwardly directed tab, and each arm of the L shaped second part has an outwardly directed tab orientated to oppose a corresponding tab of the first part, thereby creating two pairs of opposing tabs such that when the first and second parts are in their use position, each pair of opposing tabs may receive the adjustable locking means, and the first and second parts are then forced into gripping engagement with the post by tightening the adjustable locking means.
4. The post brace as claimed in claim 3 wherein the adjustable locking means comprises a shaft with a thread at one end and a plurality of coplanar diametrically opposed outwardly extending pairs of lugs that are spaced along the length of the shaft.
5. The post brace as claimed in claim 4 wherein at least one tab in each pair of opposing tabs has a recess which is capable of receiving the shaft with one of the lugs in abutment with sides of the tab defining the recess, and its opposing tab has a recess or opening for receiving the threaded end of the shaft, such that when the first and second parts are in their use position, the clamp may be tightened on the post by tightening a nut on the thread.
6. The post brace as claimed in claim 5 wherein each outwardly extending tab abutting a lug has retaining means to hold the lug in a preferred orientation relative to the tab, thereby preventing the shaft from turning when the nut is turned to either tighten or loosen the clamp.
7. The post brace as claimed in claim 1 wherein the adjustment means is adapted to vary the length of a leg.
8. The post brace as claimed in claim 1 wherein at least one of the legs attached to the post brace, terminates in a foot at its ground engaging end, and the height of the foot is adjustable, thereby providing the adjustment means.
9. The post brace as claimed in claim 8 wherein the at least one of the legs is pivotally connected to its respective foot.
10. A method for erecting and bracing a post in the ground using the post brace of claim 9 comprising: a) preparing a hole in the ground to receive a ground engaging end of a post, and b) laying the post upon the ground in a position relative to the hole into which it is to be erected, and c) measuring an appropriate length along the post back from the ground engaging end of the post, to position the post brace such that when the post is erected, a desired portion of the post enters the hole in the ground, and d) placing a temporary stand in a position remote from the hole, and e) placing the first part on the temporary stand such that the corresponding feet that are attached to the pair of legs that are pivotally attached to the first part, are in contact with the ground and orientated towards the hole in the ground, and the first part is ready to receive a portion of the pole place upon it, and f) laying the post on the first part, and g) laying the second part over the post so as to form a collar with the first part, and h) adjusting the locking means to clamp the post within the collar, and i) pivoting the post about the two legs of the first part that are in contact with the ground, thereby receiving the mechanical advantage of the pivot, and allowing the end of the post to enter the hole in the ground, and the at least one leg of the second part to make contact with the ground on the opposite side of the hole in the ground, thereby creating a tripod, and j) setting the angle of the post relative to the ground by the adjustment means.