AU2016100258A4 - A Post Support Device And Method Of Use - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to a post support device for support a post on a ground surface. The device includes a body having an upper surface and at least one side wall. The body includes an opening defined in the upper surface and configured to at least partially receive a ground engaging portion of a post. The device is configured to be inserted into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body of the device lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface. Figure 1

Description

1 A POST SUPPORT DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a post support device and method of use. BACKGROUND [0002] When erecting a fence, vertical fence posts are inserted into a ground surface around a perimeter of an area being fenced. Typically, each fence post is driven or dug into the ground and backfilled with compacted ground material (i.e., a dirt footer) or concrete (i.e., a concrete footer) to secure the post in place. [0003] A problem with setting fence posts directly in dirt footers is that the posts are prone to leaning or swaying as the ground material around the foot of each post loosens. [0004] Conversely, a problem with setting fence posts in concrete footers is that it is labour intensive to initially set each post, and, equally or more labour intensive to remove, re-set or replace a set post at a later date. When removing, re-setting or replacing a set post, the process typically involves excavating both the post and the concrete footer, and, generally, the excavated post is not able to be re-used and re-set but has to be replaced together with a fresh concrete footer. [0005] Another problem with traditional concrete footers is that they are prone to not providing sufficient drainage away from the foot of a post, which can significantly shorten the life of the post due to rot and/or rust. [0006] Various fence post holders and brackets have been developed. Typically such holders and brackets include skewers or augers that are embedded in the ground and/or complicated brackets or holders that sit above a ground surface to which the fence post is attached. [0007] While the various holders and brackets may be suitable for their intended purpose, they nevertheless possess certain disadvantages. For example, most of the various holders and brackets consist of multiple components that require assembly or other manipulation prior to use, which is time consuming and labour intensive. Other holders and brackets are designed to only secure specific types of fence posts and are therefore limited in their usefulness.

2 SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0008] Embodiments of the present invention provide a post support device, a post assembly including the post support device and a method of use, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above or which may provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post support device including a body having an upper surface and at least one side wall, the body includes an opening defined in the upper surface for at least partially receiving a ground engaging portion of a post, wherein the device is configured to be inserted into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface. [0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a post assembly including: a post having a ground engaging portion; and a post support device including a body having an upper surface and at least one side wall, the body including an opening defined in the upper surface adapted to at least partially receive the ground engaging portion of the post, wherein the device is configured to be inserted into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface. [0011] Advantageously, the post support device of the present invention allows a fence post to be readily set, re-set or replaced in a ground surface. By being preformed, the device simply needs only to be set or inserted into the ground surface, and then a fence post may be erected by simply inserting the ground engaging portion of the fence post into the opening of the device. Furthermore, a fence post may be readily replaced by simply removing the old fence post and inserting a fresh fence post into the opening of the device. Moreover, the fence post removed from the device can generally be reused as it does not have a concrete footer attached to it. Accordingly, the post support device of the present invention provides a way of erecting fence posts in a secure manner that is less time consuming and labour intensive than conventional concrete footers or alternative fence post holder and brackets on the market. [0012] As used herein, the term "post" may encompass any vertical structural element, such as, e.g., a fence post, a vertical support post, a lamp post, a sign post or a utility pole. Preferably, the post may be a fence post for upholding a fence, such as, e.g., a wooden, concrete 3 or metal fence post or picket. [0013] The post may have any suitable cross sectional shape. For example, the post may have a substantially circular, rectangular, triangular, T-shaped, Y-shaped or star-shaped cross sectional shape. [0014] Typically, the post includes a footer or ground engaging portion with a ground engaging end that is received in a dirt or concrete footer for holding the post in an erect position. [0015] The body of the device may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials to receive and hold a post in an erect position. [0016] The body may preferably be elongate. Typically, the body may include the upper surface, an opposed lower surface and the at least one side wall extending therebetween and defining a longitudinal axis of the body. The body may include at least one upper edge defined between the upper surface and the at least one side wall. [0017] In one embodiment, the opposed surfaces may be substantially parallel to one another. [0018] In another embodiment, the opposed lower surface may be pointed to assist in insertion of the device into a ground surface. [0019] The body may have a substantially rectangular, circular, oblong, ellipsoidal or oval cross sectional shape, preferably substantially rectangular, more preferably substantially square shaped. [0020] Generally, the body may be of any suitable length, width and/or height to be inserted into a ground surface and stably hold a post in an erect position. [0021] For example, the body may have a height extending between the upper and lower surfaces of at least 300mm, at least 350mm, at least 400mm, at least 450mm, at least 500mm, at least 550mm, at least 600mm, at least 650mm, at least 700mm, at least 750mm, at least 800mm, at least 850mm, at least 900mm, at least 950mm, at least 1,000mm, at least 1,050mm, at least 1,100mm, at least 1,150mm, at least 1,200mm, at least 1,250mm, at least 1,300mm, at least 1,350mm, at least 1,400mm, at least 1,450mm or at least 1,500mm.

4 [0022] For example, the body may have a length and/or width extending between opposed sidewalls of the body of at least 150mm, at least 155mm, at least 160mm, at least 165mm, at least 170mm, at least 175mm, at least 180mm, at least 185mm, at least 190mm, at least 195mm, at least 200mm, at least 205mm, at least 210mm, at least 215mm, at least 220mm, at least 225mm, at least 230mm, at least 235mm, at least 240mm, at least 245mm, at least 250mm, at least 255mm, at least 260mm, at least 265mm, at least 270mm, at least 275mm, at least 280mm, at least 285mm, at least 290mm, at least 295mm, at least 300mm, at least 310mm, at least 320mm, at least 330mm, at least 340mm or at least 350mm, or any combination thereof. [0023] The body may be of unitary construction or formed from two or more body pieces, preferably the former. [0024] The body may be formed from a rigid and durable material or materials. For example, the body may be formed from wood, metal, plastic, concrete or composite material or materials or any combination thereof. Preferably, the body may be formed from plastic or concrete material or materials. [0025] Typically, the body may be formed from a mould. [0026] In some embodiments, the at least one side wall of the body of the device may include one or more retention members to at least partially provide resistance to the device being inadvertently pulled out of a ground surface. [0027] The one or more retention members may be of any suitable size, shape and form. For example, the retention members may be in the form of corrugations or ridge members/formations. In some embodiments, the retention members may be in the form of one or more stepped portions protruding outwards from the at least one side wall and extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces of the device, preferably a stepped portion may be centrally located on the at least one side of the body of the device. [0028] Advantageously, the one or more retention members may also assist in the handling of the device and/or removal of the device from a ground surface by providing one or more gripping locations for attachment of a gripping tool, for example. [0029] The opening defined in the upper surface of the body of the device may be of any suitable size and shape to, in use, at least partially receive a ground engaging portion of a post.

5 [0030] Typically, the opening may be defined at or near a central portion of the upper surface of the body, preferably in a position that co-axially aligns with the longitudinal axis of the body. [0031] In some embodiments, the central portion of the upper surface of the body surrounding the opening may be raised relative to the at least one upper edge to, in use, assist in draining water away from the opening and the device over the at least one upper edge. [0032] Typically, the opening may be sized and shaped to receive a ground engaging portion of a post of a substantially similar size and cross sectional shape. For example, in one embodiment, the opening may have a substantially rectangular cross sectional shape to at least partially receive a post with a substantially rectangular cross sectional shape. Conversely, in another embodiment, the opening may have a substantially circular cross sectional shape to at least partially receive a post with a substantially circular cross sectional shape. The opening may or may not be sized to snugly receive the post. [0033] In other embodiments, the device may further include one or more adaptors for adapting the opening to at least partially receive a post of a particular size and cross sectional shape. For example, in one embodiment, the device may include one or more adaptors for adapting a substantially circular-shaped opening in the device for at least partially receiving a post with a substantially rectangular cross sectional shape. Conversely, in another embodiment, the device may include one or more adaptors for adapting a substantially rectangular-shaped opening in the device for at least partially receiving a post with a substantially circular cross sectional shape. [0034] The opening in the device may extend at least partially extend towards the lower surface of the body. [0035] Typically, the opening may include at least one internal side wall. The at least one internal side wall may or may not be threaded. If threaded, the at least one internal side wall may engage with a threaded ground engaging portion of a post, for example. [0036] Preferably, the opening may be in the form of a shaft, bore or passage extending from the upper surface at least partially towards the lower surface of the body. [0037] In some embodiments, the opening may taper or reduce in cross sectional area as it extends towards the lower surface of the device. In other embodiments, the opening may have 6 a constant cross sectional area extending along a longitudinal length of the opening. [0038] In preferred embodiments, the lower surface of the body may include at least one drainage hole in fluid communication with the opening to assist in drainage of water away from the device and a post supported by the device. Typically, the hole may have smaller cross sectional area than the opening. [0039] In some embodiments, the device may further include an end cap for capping the ground engaging end of a post prior to being at least partially received in the opening of the device. [0040] The end cap may be of any suitable size and shape to fit over the ground engaging end of the post. [0041] Typically, the end cap may include a base, a rim and at least one side wall extending between the base and the rim. Generally, the base may have a substantially similar shape as the cross sectional shape of the ground engaging end of the post over which it is fitted. [0042] Preferably, the base may include at least a convex-shaped or stepped central portion configured to, in use, provide clearance between the end of the post and a bottom of the opening of the device, when the ground engaging portion of the post is at least partially received in the opening of the device. Advantageously, by providing clearance, the end cap facilitates in the drainage of any water away from the end of the post. [0043] Typically, the base of the end cap may further include one or more drainage holes to at least partially prevent water from being trapped within the end of the post. [0044] The at least one side wall of the end cap may include one or more openings for receiving mechanical fasteners for fastening the end cap to the ground engaging end of the post. [0045] In some embodiments, the opening of the device may further include an inner lip or shelf extending around a periphery of the opening at or near the lower surface. In use, the ground engaging end of the post with or without the cap may sit atop the inner lip or shelf and be precluded from being entirely inserted into the opening to thereby provide clearance between the end of the post and a bottom of the opening. Advantageously and as with the end cap as described above, the provision of clearance facilitates in the drainage of water away from the end of the post and prevents the end of the post from being at least partially submerged in water 7 pooling around the ground engaging portion of the post. [0046] As described above, in some embodiments the device may further include an adaptor for adapting the opening of the device to at least partially receive the ground engaging portion of a post. [0047] The adaptor may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. Typically, the adaptor may be formed from a rigid and durable material or materials. For example, the adaptor may be formed from metal, plastic, concrete or composite material or materials or any combination thereof. Preferably, the adaptor may be formed from metal or plastic material or materials. [0048] The adaptor may include a collar and at least one spacing member extending outwardly from the collar for correctly positioning the post relative to the at least one internal sidewall of the opening. The collar of the adaptor may be fitted over or around a periphery of the ground engaging portion of the post. The collar may include one or more openings for receiving mechanical fasteners to fasten the collar and the adaptor to the post. [0049] Preferably, the at least one spacing member of the adaptor may co-axially align the post with the opening and define a void between the post and the at least one internal sidewall of the opening. Advantageously, the defining of the void may facilitate in drainage of water or fluid away from the post. [0050] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of erecting a post, said method including: inserting the post support device of the first aspect into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body of the device lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface; and inserting a ground engaging portion of the post into the opening defined in the upper surface of the body of the device. [0051] The method may include one or more characteristics of the post support device as hereinbefore described. [0052] The inserting the post support device into a ground surface may include an initial step of excavating a suitably sized and shaped hole for receiving the device. The inserting may further include applying or adding a base layer of a coarse ground material, such as, e.g., gravel 8 and/or coarse sand, to the hole prior to inserting the device. [0053] Once said device has been inserted into the suitably sized and shaped hole, the hole may be backfilled with ground material, preferably the ground material previously excavated. [0054] Once backfilled, the ground material surrounding the device may be further compacted. [0055] In some embodiments in which the ground material is prone to erosion, an anchor for the device may be formed by initially inserting a device holding member into the suitably sized and shaped hole and backfilling the hole around the member with concrete. The device may then be inserted into the member within the ground surface. The device holding member may be of any suitable form. Typically, the device holding member may be in the form of a portion of pipe, such as a PVC pipe off cut. [0056] The inserting a ground engaging portion of the post into the opening of the device may include initially aligning the post relative to the opening. [0057] In some embodiments, the inserting may include fitting an end cap to the ground engaging end of the post prior to insertion into the opening of the device. [0058] In other embodiments, the inserting may include fitting an adaptor to the ground engaging portion of the post prior to insertion into the opening of the device. [0059] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0060] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0061] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: 9 [0062] Figure 1 is an illustration showing a sectional side view of a post support device according to an embodiment of the present invention supporting a post in a ground surface; [0063] Figures 2A to 2C are illustrations respectively showing a side view, a top view and a bottom view of the post support device shown in Figure 1; [0064] Figures 3A to 3C are illustrations respectively showing a side view, a top view and a bottom view of the post support device according to another embodiment; and [0065] Figures 4A to 4C respectively show different embodiments of an end cap for capping an end of a post prior to insertion into the post support device as shown in any one of Figures 1, 2A to 2C and 3A to 3C. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0066] Figure 1 shows a post support device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0067] The post support device (100) includes a body (110) having an upper surface (112), an opposed lower surface (114) and four sidewalls (116) extending between the opposed surfaces (112, 114). [0068] The body (110) defines a passage (120; i.e., an opening) extending from the upper surface (112) at least partially towards the lower surface (114) for at least partially receiving a ground engaging end (920) and ground engaging portion (910) of a post (900) to, in use, hold the post (900) in an erect position. [0069] The device (100) is configured to be inserted into a ground surface (800) such that the upper surface (112) of the body (110) of the device (100) lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface (800). [0070] The body (110) of the device (100) has a square-shaped cross sectional shape and is integrally formed and moulded from concrete. [0071] The opening to the passage (120) is defined in a central portion of the upper surface (112), which is raised relative to an upper edge to facilitate in draining water away from the post (900).

10 [0072] The lower surface (114) of the body (110) of the device (100) includes a drainage hole (115) in fluid communication with the passage (120) to, likewise, facilitate in draining any water that runs down the post (900) and/or the passage (120) of the body (110) of the device (100). [0073] Figures 2A to 2C respectively show a side view, top view and bottom view of the device (100) as shown in Figure 1. [0074] Best shown in Figures 2B and 2C, each sidewall (116) of the body (110) of the device (100) includes a stepped central portion (210) that protrudes outwards. [0075] The stepped central portion (210) on each sidewall (116) at least partially assists in providing resistance to the device (100) being inadvertently pulled out of a ground surface, when inserted. [0076] Additionally, the stepped central portion (210) on each sidewall (116) assists in the handling of the device (100) and/or removal of the device (100) from a ground surface by providing one or more gripping locations for a hand or attachment of a gripping tool. [0077] Referring to Figure 2B, the passage (120) is sized and shaped for receiving the ground engaging portion (910; not shown) of a post (900; not shown). In the embodiment shown, the device (100) is configured to hold a post (900; not shown) with a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. [0078] Figures 3A to 3B respectively show a side view, top view and bottom view of the device (100) according to another embodiment. [0079] Referring to Figure 3B, the passage (120) in this embodiment of the device (100) is sized and shaped for receiving the ground engaging portion (910; not shown) of a post (900; not shown) with a substantially square cross sectional shape. [0080] Figures 4A to 4C respectively show different embodiments of an end cap (410) for capping the ground engaging end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown) prior to being inserted into the passage (120) of the body (110) of the device (100). [0081] In use, the end cap (410) is configured to be fitted over the end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown).

11 [0082] Figure 4A shows an end cap (410) for capping the end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown) with a substantially circular cross sectional shape. [0083] Figure 4B shows an end cap (410) for capping the end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown) with a substantially square cross sectional shape. [0084] Figure 4C shows an end cap (410) for capping the end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown) with a substantially star-shaped cross section (e.g., star-shape pickets). [0085] Each end cap (410) includes a base (412), a rim (414) and one or more sidewalls (416) extending between the base (412) and the rim (414). [0086] The base (412) include at least a substantially convex-shaped or stepped central portion configured to, in use, provide clearance between the end (920; not shown) of the post (900; not shown) and a bottom of the passage (120; shown in Figures 1, 2A and 3A only). [0087] Advantageously, by providing clearance, the end cap (410) facilitates in drainage of any water that collects in the bottom of the passage (120; shown in Figures 1, 2A and 3A only) and at least partially prevents the end (920; not shown) of the post (900; not shown) from being submerged in any water temporarily collected in the bottom of the passage (120; shown in Figures 1, 2A and 3A only). [0088] The base (412) of each end cap (410) further includes a central drainage hole (not shown) to prevent water from becoming trapped and pooling around the end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown) to which the end cap (410) is fitted. [0089] Each end cap (410) also includes one or more openings (420) for receiving mechanical fasteners for fastening the end cap (410) to the end (920; not shown) of a post (900; not shown). [0090] A method of erecting a post (900) using the post support device (100) is now described in detail. [0091] The method includes an initial step of excavating a suitably sized and shaped hole in a ground surface for receiving the body (110) of the device (100). [0092] The method includes an optional subsequent initial step of applying or adding a base layer to the hole excavated. The base layer includes a course ground material, such as, 12 e.g., gravel, to facilitate in drainage of water away from the device (100). [0093] The device (100) is then inserted into the hole such that the upper surface (112) of the body (110) of the device (100) lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface. [0094] The hole is then backfilled around the device (100), typically with the ground material excavated. In some embodiments, the backfilled ground material can be further compacted with a compactor to firmly secure the device (100) in the ground material. [0095] In circumstances in which the ground material is prone to erosion, the method as a variation can include inserting a device holding member, such as, e.g., a PVC pipe off cut, into the hole excavated and then backfilling around the device holding member with concrete. The device (100) can then be inserted into the device holding member. [0096] Once the device (100) is inserted into a ground surface, the post (900) can be erected by at least partially inserting the ground engaging end (920) and ground engaging portion (910) of the post (900) into the passage (120) defined in the upper surface (112) and extending at least partially towards the lower surface (114) of the body (110) of the device (100). [0097] Optionally, prior to inserting the post (900) into the passage (120), an end cap (410) can be fitted over the ground engaging end (920) of the post (900). [0098] The post (900) once erected with the device (100) of the present invention, can be readily replaced, re-set or removed from the device (100) by simply pulling the post (900) out of the passage (120) of the body (110) of the device (100). The post (900) can then be re-set or replaced by re-inserting the post (900) or inserting a fresh post (900) into the passage (120) of the body (110) of the device (100). [0099] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [00100] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places 13 throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00101] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A post support device including a body having an upper surface and at least one side wall, the body includes an opening defined in the upper surface for at least partially receiving a ground engaging portion of a post, wherein the device is configured to be inserted into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface.

2. A post assembly including: a post having a ground engaging portion; and a post support device including a body having an upper surface and at least one side wall, the body including an opening defined in the upper surface adapted to at least partially receive the ground engaging portion of the post, said device configured to be inserted into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface.

3. The device of claim 1 or the assembly of claim 2, wherein the device includes an opposed lower surface having at least one drainage hole in fluid communication with the opening to assist in drainage of water away from the device.

4. The device of claim 1 or claim 3 or the assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, further including an end cap for capping a ground engaging end of the post prior to being at least partially received in the opening of the device.

5. A method of erecting a post, said method including: inserting the post support device of any one of claims 1, 3 and 4 into a ground surface such that the upper surface of the body of the device lies substantially level with or beneath the ground surface; and inserting a ground engaging portion of the post into the opening defined in the upper surface of the body of the device. Date: 8 March 2016