AU3078592A - Ground anchors - Google Patents

Description

GROUND ANCHORS Technical Field

This invention relates to ground anchors having particular but not exclusive application for supporting upstanding members such as posts for permanent or temporary fencing, sign and delineator posts, columns such as for street lighting, for providing a building foundations or for other applications where ground anchorage and support is required. Background Art The conventional means for erecting fences, barriers or other constructions including upstanding supporting posts often involves the excavation of foundation holes, placement of supporting posts in an upstanding attitude within the holes and thereafter applying concrete to the holes and about the posts so that the posts are supported in an upright attitude. Such arrangements are suitable where permanent structures such as permanent fencing is to be erected, however, costs associated with erection including foundation hole excavation, and concrete supply and placement is high. Additionally such conventional arrangements are generally unsuitable where only a temporary fence or barrier is required, due mainly to the difficulty and expense in removing the posts and rehabilitating the ground where the foundation is formed.

An alternative arrangement for temporary structures has been to erect short spigots in a foundation and thereafter locating posts over the spigots, however, whilst this allows for easy dismantling of a fence, or other structure, removal of the spigots or alternatively rendering same safe results in time loss and expense. The erection of buildings, for example transportable buildings on a site, generally requires considerable site preparations and excavations for ground levelling and associated soil removal. Such buildings are either required to be supported on a concrete slab or supported on stumps which are erected in foundation holes and concreted in position. The above procedures add considerably to the overall cost of such buiIdings. Summary of the Invention

The present invention aims to provide ground anchors giving efficient, effective and reliable ground support for many different application. In particular aspects, the ground anchors of the invention may be adapted for location in the ground for supporting posts or the like say of a fence or other structure in an upstanding attitude. In a further aspect, the ground anchor of the present invention may be used for providing foundations for buildings or other like applications. The ground anchor of the present invention may be used in the above applications for providing a permanent or temporary foundation. For the latter situation, the ground anchors of the invention may be constructed to be easily removable from the ground. Other objects advantages and applications of the ground anchors of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

The present invention thus provides in a first form a ground anchor comprising an elongated member, said member having a helical or spiral rib at its leading end, a transversely extending surface spaced from said helical rib for location on or in the ground, said anchor being adapted to support a load above ground.

The elongated member may be of any cross section and in some aspect of hollow form. In one preferred configuration, the elongated member extends beyond the transversely extending surface so as to define a spigot for engagement in use by an upstanding post or the like. The spigot may be configured to engage and support posts of any cross-section such as circular or square and the spigot may either comprise a male spigot for location within the post or alternatively a female spigot in which the lower end of the post may be located and supported. In an alternative configuration, the anchor may include a bracket such as a U-shaped saddle or angle bracket adapted to support any form of structure such as a building bearer or an upstanding post of a structure. The bracket or brackets may be releasably engaged with the anchor and for this purpose the bracket or brackets may be provided with a threaded shank for engagement with a threaded aperture in the anchor.

The transversely extending surface may be defined by a planar member of sufficient size to define a radial abutment surface for location at ground level so that soil may be compressed thereagainst. The planar member may be of disc¬ like form, square, rectangular or of any other form.

In an alternative configuration, the transversely extending surface may be defined by a further helical or spiral rib on the member.

The helical rib or ribs may be in the form of a strip of material fixed to the elongated member to extend outwardly therefrom and follow a helical or spiral path about the member.

The helical rib may taper at each end adjacent its junction with the elongated member.

In one form, the radial dimension of the rib at the leading end of the member is substantially the same as the radial dimension of the abutment surface. Suitably, the or each helical rib extends approximately 360 degrees about the member.

The leading end of the elongated member may be pointed to facilitate engagement with the ground. Such pointed end may be defined by portion of the member or a tip secured to the member. The member may be further provided with oppositely directly teeth to provide a lead in to the helical rib at the leading end of the member.

The anchor of the invention may be used for supporting a bumper post or the like and include for this purpose an upstanding spigot over which the bumper post is located. Alternatively, the bumper post may be provided with a flange so as to enable bolting to the anchor.

Where used in building applications the anchor may support a telescopically adjusted post which may damped in position at a desired elevation to support, for example, a bearer of a building.

In a further aspect the present invention provides an anchor comprising an elongated member having a helical rib thereon, the elongated member having means for connection to a tie rod or the like so that the anchor of the invention is adapted for tie back applications. A plurality of such anchors may be interconnected through a connector member having sockets at either end for receipt of the elongated members of respective anchors.

In a further aspect the present invention provides an anchor for sign supporting purposes, the anchor including an elongated member having a helical rib for ground engagement for supporting the member in an upstanding attitude and a transverse support arm assembly is provided for engagement over the elongated member for support of a sign or the like.

In a further aspect the invention provides a ground anchor for appl cation as a survey marker. Other applications of the invention will be described below. Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:-

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a ground anchor according to the present invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate different elevational views of the leading end of the anchor;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the ground anchor of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 illustrates the manner in which the ground anchor of the invention is used;

Figs. 6 is a side elevation of a an alternative ground anchor according to the present invention incorporating a female socket;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the female socket of the anchor of Fig. 6;

Figs. 8 is an elevational view of an alternative female socket ground anchor according to the invention;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the female socket of the anchor of Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is an elevational view of a male socket ground anchor according to the present invention;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the socket of the anchor of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 illustrates an alternative male socket ground anchor;

Fig.^' 13 is a plan view of the socket of the anchor of Fig. 12;

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate alternative ground anchors for supporting posts;

Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate alternative post supporting anchors;

Figs. 18 and 19 illustrate ground anchors particularly adapted for pergola support; Figs. 20 and 21 illustrate simplified forms of ground anchor for fencing applications;

Figs. 22 illustrates a delineator or bumper post incorporating a ground anchor according to the present invention; Figs. 23 illustrates an alternative bumper post assembly;

Figs. 24 and 25 illustrate typical foundation anchors according to the invention;

Figs. 26 and 27 illustrate further forms of foundation anchor;

Fig. 28 illustrates a foundation anchor assembly for piling applications;

Fig. 29 illustrates an extension member for the ground anchor of Fig. 28; Fig. 30 illustrates the manner in which the anchor of Fig. 28 and extension member of Fig. 29 are interconnected with a driving member;

Figs. 31 and 32 illustrate adjustable ground anchors according to the present invention; Fig. 33 illustrates a ground anchor having the capability of supporting different members;

Fig. 34 i1 lustrates a driving tool for the anchor of Fig. -33;

Figs. 35 a), b), c) and d) illustrate components for use with the anchor of Fig. 33:

Fig.36 llustrates atypical sign post/anchor assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 37 illustrates in enlarged form for the assembly of Fig. 36;

Fig. 38 illustrates a ground anchor according to the present invention for a tie-back application; Fig.39 illustrates interconnected tie-back anchors of the type illustrated in Fig. 38;

Fig. 40 illustrates a typical application of the tie- back anchors of Fig. 38 and 39;

Fig. 41 illustrates a real estate or other sign incorporating an anchor according to the invention;

Fig. 42 illustrates a driving tool for use with the anchor of Fig. 41 ;

Fig. 43 illustrates the application of the anchor to survey markers; Fig. 44 illustrates a typical tool for installation of the survey markers of Fig. 43; and

Fig. 45 illustrates the survey marker of Fig. 43 installed. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figs. 1 to 4 there is illustrated a ground anchor 10 according to the present invention comprising an elongated member 11 in this embodiment, a tubular member provided at one end with a helical rib 12, at its opposite end with a spigot portion 13, and an intermediate abutment member 14. The leading end of the member 11 is flattened and formed into a central tapered point 15 and a pair of opposite side teeth 16 and 17 which extend in opposite directions. The helical rib 12 suitably comprises a strip 18 which is fixed to the member 11 from a position adjacent the tooth 17 and extends helically around the member 11 to terminate at a position 19 along the member 11. The opposite ends of the strip 18 taper in width to their junction with the member 11. The region 20 between the helical rib 12 and abutment member 14 is free of any projections and defines a compression zone for soil.

The abutment member 14 in this embodiment is in the form of a circular washer 21 which preferably has a radial dimension substantially the same as the radial dimension of the rib 12 to define an abutment surface 22. The spigot portion 13 is defined by the upper end of the member 11 which is provided with a plurality of radially extending ribs 23 so that the spigot 13 can receive posts of circular, square or other cross-section.

In use and as shown in Fig. 5 the anchor 10 is simply driven into the ground 24 with any suitable tool which may comprise a hand tool or motor driven tool which can impart rotation to the anchor 10. The point 15 will facilitate penetration of the member 11 into the ground 24 and the helical rib 12 will cause the anchor 10 to be advanced into the ground 24 as it is rotated. Material displaced by the helical rib 12 will be compressed between the rib 12 and radial abutment surface 22 defined by the member 14. The anchor 10 is driven into the ground 24 to a extent such that the spigot 13 is left projecting above the ground for receipt of a post 25 thereover, the post 25 preferably seating on the member 14. If necessary fastening means may be provided to secure the posts 25 to the spigot 13. For disassembly each post 25 may be simply removed from a spigot 13 and thereafter the anchor 10 unscrewed from the ground for reuse as required.

For increased holding force the member 11 may be of increased length in the region between the abutment member 14 and helical rib 12. The helical rib 12 may also have a circumferential extent greater or less than that described above. The leading end of the member 11 may have a configuration other than the pointed configuration illustrated and the teeth 16 and 17 may be eliminated. Additionally the leading end may be hardened to assist in ground penetration. In a preferred construction, the member 11 may comprise a galvanized pipe with the rib 12, abutment member 12 and ribs 23 welded^* thereto. Alternatively, the anchor 10 may be formed in one piece as by casting and preferably of a corrosion resistant mater al. Other embodiments of the invention incorporating the above principles are described below. In Figs. 6 and 7 there is illustrated a further form of anchor 26 according to the present invention, including an elongated shaft portion 27 of hollow box cross-section and carrying at spaced apart positions helical ribs 28 and 29, the ribs being of the same hand and the rib 28 being located at the leading end of the shaft 27. The rib 29 also has increased radial extent compared to the rib 28. The leading end of the shaft 27 may be pointed or provided with a pointed tip as at 30 to facilitate ground engagement. At its opposite end the shaft 27 is connected to a coaxial female socket 31 comprising a length of hollow tube for receiving a position (shown in dotted outline).

Figs. 8 and 9 show a similar form of ground anchor 32, however, in this instance the helix 29 is eliminated and the shaft 27 of shorter extent. In each case the upper end of the shaft 27 is accessible through the socket 31 for engagement by a correspondingly shaped driving tool which may be inserted therein for rotatably driving the anchors 26 and 32 into the ground. The additional helix 29 of the anchor 26 improves the holding force whilst the anchor 32 performs a similar function to that described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.

The above described anchors are particularly suited for resisting sideways load in such applications as security fencing, sign erection, sign post supports, tennis court fencing, swimming pool fencing and contractors compounds where the socket 31 can receive and support an upstanding post which may if desired be secured to the socket 31 by means of a screw or bolt.

The ground anchors 33 and 34 illustrated in Figs. 10 to 13 are similar to that of Figs. 6 to 9 except that male sockets 35 and 36 are provided over which an upstanding post (shown in dotted out ine) may be engaged. The shaft 37 of the anchor 33 may project beyond the socket 35 which is of tubular form to provide an engagement spigot 38 for engagement by a driving tool or alternatively the arrangement for driving may be similar to that provided in the embodiments of Figs. 6 to 9. The socket 36 of Fig. 13 is of box section form as illustrated to receive a similarly configured post.

The ground anchors 33 and 34 of Figs. 10 and 12 additionally include a base plate 39 at the base of the sockets 35 and 36, the base plate 39 preferably being of disc-like form and sitting in use at or adjacent the ground surface as in Fig. Fig. 5. It will be apparent that the sockets 35 and 36 may be made of different sizes and of differing cross-sections to suit posts or the like to be supported.

The embodiments of Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate anchors 40 and 41 of similar form to those of Figs. 10 and 12 except that in this instance female U-shaped saddles 42 and 43 are provided for receipt of a timber post 44 (shown in dotted outline) which may be received within the saddles 42 and 43 and bolted thereto in a conventional manner. As in Figs. 10 and 12, the anchors 40 and 41 include ground engaging base plates 45. The anchors of Figs. 14 and 15 are designed to resist uplift forces predominantly produced by winds and may be installed by means of a hand tool or power driven drive tool which engages the saddles 42 and 43 for rotatably driving the anchors 40 and 41 into the ground until the plates 45 seat thereon.

The anchors 46 and 47 of Figs. 16 and 17 are of similar form except that in this instance the saddles 42 and 43 are replaced by brackets 48 of angle section form to which a post may be bolted through holes 49. Such anchors are particularly suited to engage and support upstanding round logs such as logs of treated pine.

The anchors 50 and 51 of Figs. 18 and 19 are again similar to those of Figs. 14 and 15 except that in this instance the saddles 52 are supported by an extension 53 of the main shaft of the anchor above the base plate 54. This arrangement permits concrete or paver installation beneath the supporting saddles 52 after installation as at 55 in Fig. 19. It will be seen in this arrangement that the upstand 53 projects above the base of the saddles 52 to provide a spigot portion 54 to facilitate driving of the anchors 50 and 51 into the ground.

The anchors 57 and 58 of Figs. 20 and 21 are particularly suited for supporting fencing posts (shown in dotted outline) such as for security fencing applications. Each anchor includes a hollow cylindrical shaft 59 carrying at one end spaced helices 60 and 61 and a driving socket 62 at its opposite end. As shown the upper helix 60 has an increased radial dimension as compared to the helix 61 for increased holding adjacent the ground surface. Each shaft 59 is also tapered and open at its leading end. The embodiment of Fig. 21 includes a sleeve 63 about the shaft 59 for providing a male spigot or socket for increased sized posts. The anchors 57 and 58 are normally arranged vertically for post support but may be arranged at an angle say for the purposes of corner bracing. Figs. 22 and 23 illustrate a specific application of the ground anchor of the invention to- provide bumper or delineator posts. In Figs. 22, the ground anchor 64 is of a similar form to that described with reference to Fig. 12 except that it includes a cylindrical male socket 65 for supporting an upstanding bumper post 66 which is of hollow form and which may simply locate over the upstanding socket 65 of the anchor 64 and be secured thereto by a screw or bolt.

In the embodiment of Figs. 23 the anchor 67 is in the form of a hollow tubular member 68 having a disc-like flange 69 at one end and a helical rib 70 at its opposite end. The bumper post 71 is also of hollow form and provided with a disc-like flange 72 at its lower end which may mate with the flange 69 and be secured thereto by bolts 73 or other fasteners.

The post assemblies described in Figs. 22 and 23 may be used for roadside protection of telecommunication equipment, civic infrastructural electrical equipment, gas meters or other similar units positioned above the ground. The upper post section 66 or 71 of the two part assembly will break away under heavy stress leaving the inground anchor portion intact to be used again. If the top post section of the assembly is damaged it may simply be replaced over the ground anchor which remains in the ground.

Figs. 24 and 25 illustrate alternative foundation anchors 74 and 75 each of which includes a rectangular section shaft 76, a base plate 77 above which the shaft 76 extends to form a driving spigot 78 and a helix 79 at its lower leading end. The embodiment of Fig. 25 additionally includes a reinforcing tube 80 coaxial with the shaft 76, the tube 80 when in the ground increasing resistance to lateral forces. Each shaft 76 may include an additional helix if required as for example in Fig. 18. The anchors 81 and 82 of Figs. 26 and 27 are designed for foundation applications for taking heavier loads such as for example supporting power or communication poles or columns or street lighting poles. Both anchors 81 and 82 include a tubular shaft 83 having a mounting flange 84 suitably of disc- like form at their upper end and a helix 85 at their opposite lower end and in each case the leading ends 86 of the shafts 33 are tapered and open as shown. The anchor 82 additionally includes a further helix 87 intermediate its end for increased holding capacity in for example sand. Both anchors 81 and 82 may be provided in their shafts 83 with slots 88 adjacent the flanges 84 through which cables may pass for underground supply, say to lighting installations. For cable communication, the flanges are centrally apertured or the flange 84 may be of washer-like form for coaxial location about the shaft 83. This permits cables to be passed through the slot 88 and up internally into a post supported on the anchor 81 or 82.

Fig. 28 illustrates a further development of the ground anchors of Figs. 26 and 27. In this embodiment the ground anchor 89 is of similar form at its lower end to the anchors 81 and 82, however, at the upper end, the anchor 89 terminates in a^' helix 90 which is provided with spaced apart apertures- 91. A driving member 92 (see Fig. 30) is provided with a helix 93 at its lower end complementary to the helix 90 and having apertures 94 for alignment with the apertures 91 in the helix 90. At its upper end the driving member 92 is provided with a driving flange 95 which may be connected to a rotatable driving apparatus or tool so that the anchor 89 may be driven into the ground. During driving, the torque applied by the driving tool is monitored with increasing torque being indicative of increased holding capacity. When a predetermined torque is reached, the anchor 89 has been driven into the ground to a desired extent. If the torque level is not reached additional joining sections 96 (see Fig. 30) may be joined to the anchor 89, the joining sections 96 having helices 97 and 98 at opposite ends for complementary mating with the helices 90 and 94 of the anchor 89 and tool 92, the helices 97 and 98 being apertured for interconnection. The mating helices between tool 92 and anchor 89 or tool/joiner and joiner/anchor are joined by bolts through the respective apertures in the helices. Additional joiners 96 may be added until the desired torque and thus penetrated has been achieved.

Figs. 31 and 32 illustrate alternative forms of adjustable anchor assemblies 99 and 100, particularly suited for providing foundations for buildings such a transportable buildings. In the embodiment of Fig. 31, the assembly 99 comprises a ground anchor 101 including a hollow main shaft 102 provided at its leading end with a helical rib 103 supported about a reduced diameter shaft 104. The main shaft 102 also carries a base plate 105 above which the shaft 102 extends as at 106. The portion 106 comprises or is provided with a clamp 107. Extending co-axially into the hollow shaft 102 is a support post 108 provided with a bracket 109 at its upper end for supporting say a floor bearer of a transportable building or the like. The anchor 102 can be installed in the ground at a desired location and the post 108 extended therefrom and clamped at a desired elevation for example as shown in dotted outline by means of the clamp 107.

The assembly 100 of Fig. 32 includes a ground anchor 110 provided with spaced apart helices 111 and 112 and an upstanding post portion 113 located in use above ground level. Located over the post portion 113 is a hollow tubular member 114 having a support bracket 115 at its upper end and a clamp 116 at its opposite end so that the post 114 can be raised relative to the post 113 and clamped in position by means of the clamp 116.

In an alternative arrangement, the clamp 107 may be eliminated and the post section 106 provided with one or more apertures. The post 108 may also be provided with a series of spaced apertures alignable with the apertures in the section 106 to receive a bolt or the like to lock the post 108 at a desired extended position.

The adjustable anchor assemblies of Figs. 31 and 32 are particularly but not exclusively suited to use on sloping sites without the need for site preparation. The posts 108 or 114 may be simply adjusted to a desired height and clamped in position. In an alternative arrangement the post 114 may be provided with spaced apertures for alignment with similar apertures in the post 113 to receive pins or bolts therethrough. The brackets 109 and 115 can be of many different designs to suit the application.

The ground anchor 119 of Fig. 33 includes an elongated shaft 120 having at its leading end a small diameter helix 121 and terminating at its opposite end in a base plate 122. A further helix 123 is arranged on the underside of the base plate 122 around the shaft 120, the helix 123 being of increased radial dimension relative to the helix 121. The base plate 122 is provided with a central threaded aperture 124 and with further circumferentially spaced apertures 125. For driving the anchor 120 into the ground, the drive tool 126 shown in Fig. 34 is provided, the tool 126 having a base flange

127 and spaced studs 128 for location in the apertures 125 for connection to the base plate 122. The tool 126 additionally includes a drive spigot 129 adapted to be engaged by a rotatable driving apparatus. The tool 126 in use is bolted to the base plate 122 via the studs 128 and thereafter driven into the ground. The tool 126 may then be removed and selected fittings as shown in Figs. 35a, b, c and d screw engaged with the aperture 124. The anchor of Fig. 33 may thus be used for many different purposes. For example the saddles shown in Figs. 35a and b may be screw engaged with the threaded aperture 124 and locked at a desired height by locking nuts to form anchors of the type shown in Figs, 14, 15, 18 or 19 for support of upstanding posts. The components shown in Fig. 35c forms the anchor 119 into a configuration similar to that shown in Figs. 16 and 17 for post support. The components shown in Fig. 35d form the anchor 119 into a configuration similar to that shown in Fig. 32 permitting height adjustment for bearer support. Of course, many different components may be engaged with the anchor 119 to be supported thereby. Referring now to Figs. 36 and 37 there is illustrated a support post assembly 130 for supporting signs or the like. The assembly 130 includes an anchor 131 of similar form to that shown in Fig. 25 with the inclusion of an additional helix 132 about the shaft 133 adjacent the tubular portion 134. The base plate 135 in this instance is provided with four upstanding studs 136 for receipt of an apertured flange 137 fixed to the lower end of a post 138. The anchor 131 may be driven into the ground through the extended spigot portion 139 of the shaft 133 until the base plate 135 is at or adjacent ground level. The flange 137 may then be located over the studs 136 and nuts 140 on the studs 136 and on opposite sides of the flange 137 adjusted to position the post 138 in a desired upstanding attitude. The post 138 also includes a coaxial cover 141 which may be slid down the post 138 to the position shown in Fig. 36 to cover the studs 136 and nuts 140 and flange 137. The post 138 may carry any form of sign 142 such as a road sign secured to the post 138 by fasteners of any suitable form.

If the sign described above is subject to an impact force such as from a vehicle or the like, it will shear at the junction between the flange 137 and post 138 leaving the anchor

131 in the ground intact so as to enable replacement of the sign. Of course more than one post assembly as described above may be provided for supporting a single sign.

Figs. 38 and 39 illustrate the application of the the principles of the invention to a tie back anchor. In this form, respective anchors 143 are provided each comprising a short square section shaft 144 having a helix 145 thereon and a leading tapered closed end 146. The opposite end of the shaft 144 has a threaded aperture 147 to receive the threaded end 148 of a tie back rod 149. The anchor 143 may be driven into the ground to a desired extent by a driving tool engaging and rotating the shaft 144. The tie back rod 149 may then be screw engaged with the anchor 143 through the co-operating threaded end 148 and threaded aperture 147. A locking nut 150 is provided to secure the tie back rod 149 to the anchor 143. If additional holding capacity is required a joining member 151 is provided, the member 151 having female sockets 152 at either end complementary to the shafts 144 of respective anchors 143. The shafts 144 of the anchors 143 are apertured at 153 at opposite ends to receive pins or bolts 154 which are passed through aligned apertures in the sockets 152 to secure the anchors 143 together. This procedure is carried out either after the first anchor 143 has been partially driven into the ground or before this occurs. Further anchors 143 may be interconnected in a similar manner. Anchor assemblies as formed above may be used in many different applications for tie down or tie back purposes. One such application is shown in Fig. 40 where the anchors are driven into the ground to support a prefabricated concrete wall panel in the manner illustrated. Fig. 41 illustrates the application of the ground anchor of the invention to real estate type signs. Each anchor 155 includes a rectangular section shaft 156 having a portion 157 at its lower end provided with a helix 158. A driving tool 159 (see Fig. 42) may be located over the shaft 156 as shown in dotted outline) for driving the anchor 155 into the ground. The tool for this purpose includes a sleeve 160 complementary* to the shaft 156 and a cross bar 161. The sleeve 160 carries a clamping screw 162 to enable the sleeve 160 to be secured to the shaft 156 at any desired height. The bar 160 is then rotated with a downwards force to drive the shaft 156 into the ground. The cross bar 161 may then be removed and a sign hanging assembly 163 located over the shaft 156. The sign hanging assembly 163 also includes a sleeve 164 complementary to the shaft 156, and a support arm 165 extending therefrom. The sleeve 1'64 is closed at its upper end so that it may be simply slid over the shaft 156 and supported as shown so that a sign 166 may be hung from the arm 165. Alternatively, the sleeve 164 may be slid along the shaft 156 and secured by screws bolts or the like.

Fig. 43 shows the application of the ground anchor of the invention to a survey marker 167 which comprises a tubular above ground portion 168 and a anchor portion 169 comprising a shaft 170 carrying a helix 171 at its leading end. The shaft 170 is joined to cross members 172 and 173 which extend though the tubular portion 168. For driving the marker 167 into the ground, the tool 174 shown in Fig. 44 is provided, the tool 174 including a cross bar 175 and a tubular drive portion 176 slotted at its free end at 177 for location over and engagement with the members 172 and 173. The tool 174 may then be rotated by using the cross bar 175 to drive the marker 167 into the ground as shown in Fig. 45. A cap 178 may then be provided to close over the end of the marker 167. The present invention thus provides ground anchors which have many different applications as described above. The anchors of the invention are preferably constructed of a corrosion resistant or corrosion protected material and for this purpose may be galvanized. In some applications the anchors of the invention may be driven into the ground using hand tools whilst in other applications power driven means may be employed.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative embodiment of the invention, all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. A ground anchor comprising an elongated member, said member having a helical or spiral rib at its leading end, and a transversely extending surface spaced from said helical rib for location on or in the ground, said anchor being adapted to support a load above ground.

2. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 and including a male spigot adapted to locate within and support an upstanding post or the like.

3. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 and including a female socket adapted to receive and support an upstanding post or the 1 ike.

4. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 wherein said elongated member extends beyond said transversely extending surface so as to define a spigot for engagement by an upstanding post or the like.

5. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 and including a bracket adapted to support a building member.

5. A ground anchor according to Claim 5 wherein said bracket comprises a U-shaped saddle.

7. A ground anchor according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said transversely extending surface is defined by a planar member forming an abutment surface for location at ground level .

8. A ground anchor according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said transversely extending surface is defined by a further helical or spiral rib on said elongated member.

9. A ground anchor according to Claim 7 wherein the radial dimension of said rib at the leading end of said member is substantially the same as the radial dimension of said planar member.

10. A ground anchor according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said helical or spiral rib extends approximately 360 degrees about said member.

11. A ground anchor according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the leading end of said elongated member is pointed to facilitate engagement with the ground.

12. A ground anchor according to Claim 6 wherein said transversely extending surface comprises a planar member adapted to be located at or adjacent ground level and wherein said U-shaped saddle is supported by a portion of said elongated member extending above said planar member.

13. A post assembly, including a ground anchor having an elongated member, said elongated member carrying a helical or spiral rib at its leading end and a planar member spaced from said rib adapted to be disposed at or adjacent ground level and an upstanding post releasably mounted to said anchor above said planar member.

14. A post assembly according to Claim 13 wherein said ground anchor includes a male spigot extending upwardly of said planar member and said post is disposed over said spigot and supported thereby.

15. A post assembly according to Claim 13 wherein said post includes a flange adapted to be mated with said planar member and there being provided releasably fastening means for securing said flange to said planar member to support said post in an upstanding attitude.

16. A post assembly according to Claim 15 wherein said elongated member ^"is hollow. 17. A ground anchor according to Claim 7 wherein said elongated member is hollow.

18. A ground anchor according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 and including a hollow tubular member extending along portion of said elongated member and disposed coaxially relative thereto.

19. A ground anchor including a hollow elongated member, a first helical or spiral rib at or adjacent the leading end of said member and a second helical or spiral rib at the opposite end of said member and having the same hand as said first rib, said second rib being adapted to be mated with a further said rib of a member and adapted to be connected thereto.

20. A ground anchor according to Claim 19 wherein said mating helical or spiral ribs are provided with spaced apertures adapted to be aligned to receive connecting fasteners therethrough^'.

21. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 wherein said elongated member is hollow and adapted to telescopical 1y receive an upstanding post therein, said post being extendable from said elongated member and thus being provided clamping means for clamping said post at a desired extension relative to said member.

22. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 wherein said above ground portion comprises an upstanding spigot adapted to be telescopically extend into a hollow post, said post including clamping means for clamping said post at a desired position along said spigot.

23. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 wherein said transversely extending surface comprises a planar member, said planar member being provided with a central threaded aperture aligned with said elongated member and adapted to receive the threaded shank of a load supporting bracket.

24. A ground anchor according to Claim 23 wherein said planar member further includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving the shanks of a driving tool whereby said anchor may be driven into the ground.

25. A ground anchor according to Claim 1 wherein said transversely extending surface comprises a planar member and wherein said above ground portion comprises a plurality of upstanding threaded studs upon which a post may be supported.

26. A ground anchor according to Claim 25 wherein said post includes a flange apertured to receive said studs, said studs being provided with adjustable nuts for varying the attitude of said flange and said post relative to said anchor.

27. A ground anchor according to Claim 26 wherein said post includes a cover slidably movable therealong from a position covering said studs and flange to a position exposing said studs and flange.

28. A ground anchor comprising an elongated member having a helical or spiral rib extending therearound and means at one end of said member adapted to be engaged by a tie rod or the like.

29. A pair of spaced apart ground anchors of the type according to Claim 28 and including elongated connector means for connecting said spaced apart said anchors, said connector means having sockets at its opposite end for receiving the elongated members of respective anchors and connector means for releasably connecting said anchors to said sockets.

30. A survey marker including an elongated member, said member having a helical or spiral rib at its leading end and an above ground marker portion adapted to be supported in an upstanding position above a ground surface.

31. A sign assembly including an elongated member having a helical or spiral rib at one end adapted to be located in the ground to support said member in an upstanding attitude and a transverse arm assembly to be supported on said upstanding member and adapted to carry a sign.