CA2448732A1 - Post mounting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A novel post mounting system is disclosed for mounting a post onto a support. The post has a bottom end and a top end and defining an outer periphery extending between said top end and said bottom end. The post mounting system comprises a mounting plate securable to a support and means for securing said mounting means to the support. There is also a threaded fastener for securing the post to the mounting means such that the mounting means is disposed substantially between the post and the support.

Description

CANADA
TITLE: POST MOUNTING SYSTEM
INVENTOR: RICHARD HAREYCHUK

v FIE7.~1D OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to post mounting systems for mounting vertical posts onto a support, and more particularly to such post mounting systems for mounting vertical posts, especially wooden posts, onto a horizontal top surface of a deck, patio, or the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many structures such as decks and patios, which are commonly found in residential backyards and in public parks, have railings or fences bordering a portion of their perimeter, for reasons of safety, privacy, and aesthetics. Typically, a plurality of vertical posts are mounted on the deck or patio. Usually, a hand rail or top rail of some sort is secured across a number of the vertical posts to form a continuous structure that acts as a divider, fence, or the like.

[0003] Preferably, for structural reasons, each of the plurality of posts is securely affixed to the top surface of the deck or patio in order to have the weight of the post, and the weight of i any structure or load borne by the post, directly supported by the deck or patio.

[0004] There are various ways known in the prior art to secure such vertical post to a deck or patio. Typically, on a deck such as those commonly found in residential back yards, the vertical posts comprise four inch by four inch wooden posts. The most common way to secure such wooden posts to a deck is by means of a metal mounting bracket that is secured to the bottom end of the exterior of the wooden post typically by threaded fasteners or nails. The metal mounting bracket extends laterally outwardly from the bottom end of the wooden post. The metal bracket is also secured to the deck by threaded fasteners or nails. Such metal brackets are inexpensive, and are not only complicated to install;
however, there is a huge inherent disadvantage in using such metal mounting brackets in that they are secured to the exterior of the wooden post so as to be in full view, and accordingly are extremely unsightly.

[0005] United States patent 6,336,620 issued January 8, 2002 to Belli, discloses a Bracket for Retaining Post and Board Ends. A
bracket, which would typically be made from plastic, has a post receiving tubular wall portion extending upwardly from an outwardly extending base portion. The post receiving tubular wall portion is ., CA 02448732 2003-11-19 i secured to a post, typically a wooden post, that is inserted into the interior of the post receiving tubular wall portion, by means of threaded fasteners. The outwardly extending base portion is secured to a horizontal surface, such as a deck or a patio, also by means of threaded fasteners. As discussed above a with general reference to the prior art, the bracket disclosed in the Belli patent is very unsightly, and therefore undesirable.

[0006] U.S. patent 6,141,928 issued November 7, 2000, to Platt, discloses a post mount that is similar to that disclosed in the Belli patent discussed above, but is even more complicated to install. Further, the post mount disclosed in the Platt patent requires that the underside of the deck or floor to which the post is being mounted must be readily accessible. A post having an internal cavity disposed at its bottom end is secured to a floor or deck via and elongate bolt and nut. The compressive clamping force generated by the bolt and nut are transmitted through a clamping plate underneath the floor or deck and a bearing plate above the floor or deck. The base of the post bears on an adjustment plate that transmits the forces through adjustment bolts to the bearing plate. Compression pins must initially be installed into the floor or deck to transmit forces between the bearing plate and the clamping plate. A base molding that provides an aesthetic transition between the post and the floor or deck is disposed ,q CA 02448732 2003-11-19 exteriorly to the post. As discussed above a with general reference to the prior art and with reference to the Belli patent, the bracket disclosed in the Platt patent is very unsightly, and therefore undesirable.

[0007] It is also known in the prior art to manufacture posts and rails from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, and the like;
however, such plastic posts and rails are generally considered cheap and unsightly and are more prone to breaking than are wooden posts and rails. Similarly, wooden posts having a plastic covering are also known.

[0008] U. S. patent 6, 152, 428 issued November 28, 2000 to Simioni discloses a fence system are in a post has an internal body and an external vinyl cover. The internal body is secured to a deck, or the like, by means of an "L"-shaped bracket and threaded fasteners, and also a threaded bold depending from the bottom of the post.
The need for an external vinyl cover makes the overall post more expensive than would be desirable, and also means that the natural wood is hidden, which in many cases, such as backyard decks, is undesirable.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a post mounting system for mounting vertical posts onto a support, " CA 02448732 2003-11-19 t such as a deck or a patio, which post mounting system produces an aesthetically pleasing result.

[00010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a post mounting system for mounting vertical posts onto a support, such as a deck or a patio, which post mounting system is inexpensive to manufacture.

[00011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a post mounting system for mounting vertical posts onto a support, such as a deck or a patio, which post mounting system is simple to use, [00012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a post mounting system for mounting vertical posts onto a support, such as a deck or a patio, which post mounting system provides a substantially uninterrupted transition between the vertical posts and the surface the vertical posts are mounted onto.
SU1~ARY OF THE INVENTION

[00013] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel post mounting system for mounting a post onto a support. The post has a bottom end and a top end and defining an outer periphery extending between said top end and said bottom end. The post mounting system comprises a mounting means securable to a support and means for securing said mounting means to the support. There are also means for securing the post to the mounting means such that the mounting means is disposed substantially between the post and the support.

[00014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel mounting means for use in a post mounting system for mounting a post onto a support. The mounting means comprises a main body having top surface and a bottom surface. A threaded fastener extends upwardly from the top surface of the mounting means for securely engaging a post.

[00015] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel mounting plate for use in a post mounting system for mounting a post onto a support. The post has a bottom end, a top end and defining a periphery extending between the top and bottom ends. The mounting plate comprises a main body having top surface and a bottom surface and an outer peripheral edge. There is also means for permitting mounting of the main body to a support.

" CA 02448732 2003-11-19 [00016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel mounting means for mounting a post onto a support. The mounting means comprises a post-engaging member having an outer peripheral edge, a first threaded portion and means for permitting the post-engaging member to be secured a post. A support-engaging member has an outer peripheral edge, a second threaded portion and means for permitting the support-engaging member to be secured a support. The first threaded portion of the post-engaging member threadibly engages the second threaded portion of the support-engaging member so as to secure together the post-engaging member and the support-engaging member, thereby permitting a post to be mounted onto a support.

[00017] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.

i BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00018] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the post mounting system according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[00019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention, showing several installations of the post mounting system on a deck;

[00020] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first preferred embodiment of the post mounting system of Figure l;
_ g _ " CA 02448732 2003-11-19 [00021] Figure 3 is an exploded enlarged perspective view of a portion of the first preferred embodiment of the post mounting system of Figure 1;

[00022] Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the post mounting system of Figure 1;

[00023] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the post mounting system of Figure 1, taken along section line 5-5 in Figure 3;

[00024] Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the mounting plate of the post mounting system of Figure 1, with a lag bolt being inserted into place;

[00025] Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the mounting plate and lag bolt of Figure 6, with the lag bolt having been inserted into place;

[00026] Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the mounting plate and lag bolt of Figure 7, with the mounting plate being secured to a deck by threaded fasteners;

___..___._ _._.__..__..r__._ ___....._ _._...... ______._._..~

[00027] Figure 9 is a side elevational view similar to Figure 8, but with a post being retainably secured to the lag bolt that extends upwardly from the mounting plate;

[00028] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention;

[00029] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the bottom end of a post having a recess suitable for receiving the mounting plate of Figure 10 therein;

[00030] Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the post of Figure 11 secured to a deck;

[00031] Figure 13 is a partially cut away side elevational view of the post of Figure 11 secured to a deck;

[00032] Figure 14 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a third preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention;

~, CA 02448732 2003-11-19 [00033] Figure 15 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention;

[00034] Figure 16 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention;

[00035] Figure 17 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention;

[00036] Figure 18 is a partially cut away side elevational view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention; and, [00037] Figure 19 is a side elevational view of a eighth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention.

[00038] Referring to Figures 1 through 19 of the drawings, it will be noted that Figures 1 through 9 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention, Figures 10 through 13 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention, Figure 14 illustrates a third preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 15 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 16 illustrates a fifth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 17 illustrates a sixth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention; Figure 18 illustrates a seventh preferred embodiment of the past mounting system according to the present invention; and Figure 19 illustrates an eighth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention.

[00039] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 9, which show a first preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention, as indicated by general reference numeral 20. The post mounting system 20 is for mounting a post onto a support, such as a deck or a patio. For the sake of convenience and clarity, a deck 22 is shown. The post mounting system 20 comprises a post 30 having a bottom end 32 and a top end 34, and a defined outer periphery 36 at its bottom end 32. As illustrated, the post 30 is wooden and is substantially square in cross-section, with bevelled vertical edges. Posts of other shapes could also be used.

[00040] A mounting plate 40 has a support-engaging bottom surface 42, a post-engaging top surface 44, and an outer peripheral edge 46, and is substantially square in cross-section. The mounting plate 40 may be made from a suitable plastic, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylonTM, high density polyethylene, or ABS plastic.
Preferably, the plastic is suitably coloured so as to appear close to the colour of wood used for such decks 22 and posts 30, so as to help make the mounting plate 40 less noticeable and blend in with the wooden posts 30.

[00041] There is a means to secure the mounting plate 40 to a support, such as a deck 22 or the like, such that the support-engaging bottom surface 42 of the plate engages the deck 22. The means to secure the mounting plate 40 comprises at least one threaded fastener, and in the preferred embodiment, as illustrated, comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners, specifically four wood screws 50. Each of the four wood screws 50 extends through a respective co-operating aperture 48 in the mounting plate 40 and threadibly engages the deck 22.

[00042] There is also means to secure the past 30 to the mounting plate 40 such that the post-engaging top surface 44 engages the post 30. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated, the means to secure the post 30 to the mounting plate 40 comprises a , specifically a lag bolt 60. The lag bolt 60 projects upwardly through a bore hole 47 and extends upwardly from the mounting plate 40 for securely engaging the post 30 at the bottom end 32 thereof.
As can be best seen in Figure 7, the hexagonal head 62 of the lag bolt 60 is retained in a co-operating hexagonal recess 49 in the bottom surface 42 of the mounting plate 40, so as to preclude the lag bolt 60 from turning, as will be discussed in greater detail subsequently.

[00043] As can be seen in Figures 2, 4 and 5, when the post 30 is secured to the mounting plate 40, the outer peripheral edge 46 of the mounting plate 40 is disposed within the boundary of the outer periphery 36 of the post 30. More specifically, the outer peripheral edge 46 of the mounting plate 40 matches the boundary of the outer periphery 36 of the post 30, so as to help make the mounting plate 40 less noticeable and blend in with the wooden posts 30.

[00044] The installation of the post 30 onto the deck 22 using the post mounting system 20 according to the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 6 through 9. First, the lag bolt 60 is inserted through the co-operating aperture 48 in the mounting plate 40, as indicated by arrow "A" in Figure 6. As discussed above, the hexagonal head 62 of the lag bolt 60 is retained in the co-operating hexagonal recess 49 in the bottom surface 42 of the mounting plate 40, as can be best seen in Figure 7, when the post 30 is secured to the lag bolt 60. The mounting plate 40 complete with lag bolt 60 is secured to the deck 22 by means of the four wood screws 50 (only two shown), as indicated by arrows "B" in Figure 8. Finally, the post 30 is placed on the lag bolt 60 as guided by a small starter hole centrally disposed in the bottom end 32 of the post 30. The post 30 is then rotated, as indicated by arrow "C" in Figure 9, so as to cause the lag bolt 60 to threadibly engage the post 30. The lag bolt is precluded from rotating due too engagement of the hexagonal head 62 of the lag bolt 60 in the co-operating recess 49 in the mounting plate 40.
The post 30 is rotated until it is snugly in place with its bottom end 32 butting against the post-engaging top surface 44 of the mounting plate 40. The post 30 is then rotated slightly further so that the edges of the post 30 are properly aligned with the outer peripheral edge 46 of the mounting plate 40. If the mounting plate 40 and the post 30 axe the same type of wood, it is difficult to notice that a mounting plate 40 has been used.

[00045] Reference will now be made to Figures 10 through 13, which shows a second preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention. The second preferred embodiment post mounting system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 200, is similar to the first preferred embodiment post mounting system 20 in terms of its structure and its installation procedure, except for two structural differences. The mounting plate 240 is substantially circular in cross-section, as can be best seen in Figure 10. A lag bolt 260 projects upwardly through a bore hole 247 and extends upwardly from the mounting plate 240 for securely engaging the post 230. The diameter of the mounting plate 240 is somewhat less than the width of the post 230, as can be best seen in Figure 13. Further, the post 230 has a circular mounting member receiving recess 238 disposed at the bottom end 232 of the post 230, as can be best seen in Figure 11. As can be best seen in Figure 13, the mounting plate 240 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the mounting member receiving recess 238. Further, the top surface 244 of the mounting plate 240 preferably does not quite contact the flat surface 239 of the recess 238 in order to permit the bottom end 232 of the post 230 to engage the deck 222. Alternatively, the mounting plate and the mounting member receiving recess may be any other suitable shape: however, a circular recess is easy to bore into the post 230.

[00046] Reference will now be made to Figure 14, which shows a third preferred embodiment of the past mounting system according to the present invention. The third preferred embodiment post mounting system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 300, is similar to the first preferred embodiment post mounting system 20 in terms of its structure and its installation procedure, except for the inclusion of a expandable metal anchor 302 securely retained within a borehole 304 in the bottom end 332 of the post 330. The threads of the lag bolt 360 securely threadibly engage the interior surface 306 of the expandable metal anchor 302. The exterior surface 308 of the expandable metal anchor 302 fractionally engages the surface of the borehole 304. Preferably the expandable metal anchor 302 is pre-installed in the borehole 304 during manufacture so as to ensure proper and secure fitment. When the lag bolt 360 is turned into the expandable metal anchor 302, the serrations 310 of the expandable metal anchor 302 securely engage the surface of the borehole 304, so as to preclude the post 330 from separating from the expandable metal anchor 302, thus keeping the post in place on the mounting plate 340. The mounting plate 340 is secured to a deck 322 by means of threaded fasteners 324.

[00047] Reference will now be made to Figure 15, which shows a fourth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention. The fourth preferred embodiment post mounting system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 400, is similar to the second preferred embodiment post mounting system 200 in terms of its structure and its installation procedure, except that there is no lag bolt. Instead, the circular mounting plate 440 has a thread 442 at its circumferential surface. The circular mounting plate 440 is secured to a deck 422 by means of threaded fasteners 424. The thread 442 on the circular mounting plate 440 mates with a co-operating thread 452 in a recess 454 in an insert 450 that is securely retained in a co-operating recess 431 in the post 430 by means of a suitable adhesive 432 or threaded fasteners (not shown). Preferably, the top surface 441 of the circular mounting plate 440 is convex, and the circular mounting plate 440 is made from a slightly pliable material. Accordingly, when the insert 450 is threaded completely onto the circular mounting plate 440, there is a biasing force between the thread 442 on the mounting plate 440 and the thread 452 on the insert 450 against each other.
In this manner, the mounting plate 440 and the insert 450 are fractionally retained together and thereby precluded from loosening.

[00048] Reference will now be made to Figure 16, which shows a fifth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention. The fifth preferred embodiment post mounting system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 500, is similar to the fourth preferred embodiment post mounting system 400 in terms of its structure and its installation procedure, except that there are no threads on the circular mounting plate 540.
Instead, the circular mounting plate 540 has a tapered lower portion 541 and a head portion 542 that locks into a co-operating head-receiving portion 554 of a recess 552 in an insert 550. The circular mounting plate 540 is secured to a deck 522 by means of threaded fasteners 524. The insert 550 is securely retained in a co-operating recess 531 in the post 530 by means of a suitable adhesive 532 or threaded fasteners (not shown). Either or both of the circular mounting plate 540 and the insert 550 must be made of a slightly pliable material in order to accommodate passage of the head portion 542 into and out of the co-operating head-receiving portion 554.

[00049] Reference will now be made to Figure 17, which shows a sixth preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention. The sixth preferred embodiment post mounting system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 600, is similar to the second preferred embodiment post mounting system 200 in terms of its structure and its installation procedure, except that the lag bolt has been replaced by a threaded shank 660 permanently mounted in the circular mounting plate 640 for threaded engagement into a post 630. The circular mounting plate 640 is secured to a deck 622 by means of threaded fasteners 624.

[00050] Reference will now be made to Figure 18, which shows a seventh preferred embodiment of the post mounting system according to the present invention. The seventh preferred embodiment post mounting system, as indicated by the general reference numeral 700, is similar to the fourth preferred embodiment post mounting system 400 in terms of its structure and its installation procedure, except that the circular mounting plate 740 has a wide lower portion 742, a central portion 744, and a narrow threaded portion 746. The circular mounting plate 740 is secured to a deck 722 by means of threaded fasteners 724. The insert 750 is sunk one to two inches into the recess 731 in the post 730. The narrow threaded portion 746 threadibly engages the co-operating threads 754 of the recess 752 in the insert 750. The insert 750 is securely retained in the co-operating recess 731 in the post 730 by means of a suitable adhesive 732 or threaded fasteners (not shown). Additionally, the inner wall 734 of the recess 731 in the post 730 engages the wide lower portion 742 of the circular mounting plate 740 in force transmitting relation. In this manner, any lateral forces or moment forces experienced by the post 730 are not only transmitted through the insert 750 to the circular mounting plate 740, but are also transmitted directly from the post 730 to the circular mounting plate 740, thus increasing the overall strength of the system.

(00051] Reference will now be made to Figure 19, which shows an eighth preferred embodiment mounting plate 800 according to the present invention. The mounting plate 800 has an angled top surface 844 and also two angled side surfaces 849, to permit the installation of a post 830 in an angled, non-vertical orientation.

[00052] As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a post mounting system for mounting vertical posts onto a support, which post mounting system produces an aesthetically pleasing result, is inexpensive to manufacture, is simple to use and provides a substantially uninterrupted transition between the vertical posts and the surface the vertical pasts are mounted onto, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

[00053] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For instance, the mounting plate could also be recessed in a co-operating recess in the deck that a vertical post is mounted on. Also, the lag bolt could be securely mounted in the post so as to extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the post. It is also contemplated that the mounting plate could be secured to the post or to the insert in the post, by means of a suitable adhesive contained within a frangible container retained within the recess in the post or insert, as the case may be. When the post is mounted onto the mounting plate, the frangible container is broken and the adhesive adheres to the post or insert and to the mounting plate, thus forming a permanent connection.
j00054] Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the post mounting system of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (26)

1. ~A post mounting system for mounting a post onto a support, said post having a bottom end and a top end and defining an outer periphery extending between said top end and said bottom end, said post mounting system comprising:

a mounting means securable to a support;

means for securing said mounting means to said support;
means for securing said post to said mounting means such that said mounting means is disposed substantially between said post and said support.

2. ~The post mounting system of claim 1, wherein said means for securing said post to said mounting means engages said post at said bottom end.

3. ~The post mounting system of claim 1, wherein, when said post is secured to said mounting means, said mounting means is disposed within the boundary of said outer periphery of said post.

4. ~The post mounting system of claim 1, wherein said mounting means comprises a mounting member.

5. ~The post mounting system of claim 4, wherein said mounting member has a support-engaging bottom surface and a post-engaging top surface.

6. ~The post mounting system of claim 5, wherein said mounting member comprises a mounting plate.

7. ~The post mounting system of claim 6, wherein said post has a mount receiving recess disposed at said bottom end, and said mounting member is shaped and dimensioned to fit within said mount receiving recess.

8. ~The post mounting system of claim 7, wherein said mounting member is substantially cylindrical.

9. ~The post mounting system of claim 8, wherein said means for securing said post to said mounting means comprises at least one threaded fastener.

10. ~The post mounting system of claim 9, wherein said at least one threaded fastener comprises a single threaded fastener extending upwardly from said mounting means for securely engaging said post at said bottom end thereof.

11. ~The post mounting system of claim 10, wherein said mounting plate includes at least one aperture for receiving said at least one threaded fastener therethrough.

12. ~A mounting means for use in a post mounting system for mounting a post onto a support, said mounting means comprising:

a main body having top surface and a bottom surface; and, a threaded fastener extending upwardly from said top surface of said mounting means for securely engaging a post.

13. ~The mounting plate of claim 12, wherein said mounting means comprises a mounting plate.

14. ~The mounting plate of claim 13, wherein said mounting plate has a support-engaging bottom surface and a post-engaging top surface.

15. ~The mounting plate of claim 14, wherein said mounting plate is substantially circular in cross-section.

16. ~The post mounting system of claim 15, wherein said mounting plate includes at least one aperture in said main body for receiving at least one threaded fastener therethrough.

17. ~A mounting plate for use in a post mounting system for mounting a post onto a support, said post having a bottom end, a top end and defining a periphery extending between the top and bottom ends, said mounting plate comprising:
a main body having top surface and a bottom surface and an outer peripheral edge; and,~
means for permitting mounting of said main body to a support.

18. ~The mounting plate of claim 17, wherein said means for permitting mounting of said main body to a support comprises at least one aperture in said main body for receiving at least one threaded fastener therethrough.

19. ~The mounting plate of claim 17, wherein said post has a mount receiving recess disposed at its bottom end and defined by a peripheral wall surface and a top surface, and wherein, when said post is secured to said mounting plate, said outer peripheral edge of said mounting plate is disposed within the boundary of the outer periphery of said post.

20. ~The mounting plate of claim 19, further comprising means for securing said post to said mounting plate.

21. ~The mounting plate of claim 20, wherein said means to secure said post to said mounting plate comprises a extending upwardly from said mounting plate for securely engaging said post at said bottom end thereof.

22. ~The mounting plate of claim 17, wherein said mounting plate has a support-engaging bottom surface and a post-engaging top surface.

23. ~The mounting plate of claim 17, wherein said mounting plate is substantially circular in cross-section.

24. ~A mounting means for mounting a post onto a support, said mounting means comprising:
a post-engaging member having an outer peripheral edge, a first threaded portion and means for permitting said post-engaging member to be secured a post; and, a support-engaging member having an outer peripheral edge, a second threaded portion and means for permitting said support-engaging member to be secured a support;
wherein said first threaded portion of said post-engaging member threadibly engages the second threaded portion of said support-engaging member so as to secure together said post-engaging member and said support-engaging member, thereby permitting a post to be mounted onto a support.

25. ~The mounting means of claim 24, wherein said first threaded portion of said post-engaging member comprises a male threaded portion, and said second threaded portion of said support-engaging member comprises a female threaded portion.

26. ~The mounting means of claim 25, wherein said post has a mount receiving recess disposed at its bottom end and defined by a peripheral wall surface and a top surface, and wherein said mounting means is shaped and dimensioned to fit within said mount receiving recess.