GB2235937A

GB2235937A - Fence post support

Info

Publication number: GB2235937A
Application number: GB9019563A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Brusaferro
Original assignee: Western Expanded Metal Industries Company Ltd
Current assignee: Western Expanded Metal Industries Company Ltd
Priority date: 1989-09-14
Filing date: 1990-09-07
Publication date: 1991-03-20
Also published as: GB9019563D0; GB8920816D0

Abstract

A fence post support has a lower spike portion (D) which is driven into the ground and an upper socket portion (B) into which the lower end of a fence post fits. The two portions are universally adjustable by means of complementary seats 16, 20, and then rigidified by a bolt (A) whereby, oven if the spike portion (D) is not driven vertically into the ground, the socket portion (B) can be positioned with its axis vertical. <IMAGE>

Description

FENCE POST SUPPORT The invention relates to a fence post support of the kind (hereinafter referred to as of the kind described) having a lower spike portion which is driven into the ground and an upper socket portion into which the lower end of a fence post fits. Conventionally the spike and socket portions are rigid with one another and this leads to the problem that, if the spike is not driven vertically into the ground, the fence post will not be supported vertically.

In accordance with the present invention, the lower spike portion and upper socket portion of a fence post support of the kind described are interconnected by a universal coupling which allows adjustment of the axis of the socket portion relatively to that of the spike portion, and means are provided for fixing the two portions together in an adjusted position.

With this arrangement, exceptional care does not have to be taken to drive the spike vertically downwards into the ground as any misalignment can be accommodated by the universal adjustment of the socket portion relatively to the spike portion.

The coupling which provides the universal adjustment may be provided by two relatively moveable complementary seats, at least one of which is part spherical. The fixing means may then be provided by a bolt which is connected to the spike portion, passes through the complementary seats, and carries a nut which is tightened down to tension the bolt and hold the two seats in frictional contact with one another.

In one construction the coupling is provided by an upwardly convex part spherical seat of an insert which is located on top of the spike portion after the spike portion has been driven into the ground. The insert may have edge flanges which are located by complementary flanges on the upper edge of the spike portion. The complementary seat may then be a downwardly concave seat rigidly fixed to the socket portion.

An example of a fence post support constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partial central vertical section through the support; Figure 2 is a plan of the socket portion; Figure 3 is a side elevation of the spike portion to a much reduced scale; Figure 4 is a plan of an insert; and, Figure 5 is a plan of the spike portion.

The support has a spike portion D, consisting of a downwardly tapering spike 10, of cruciform cross-section to the upper end of which is welded a plate is having a central square hole 12. Three edges of the plate 11 are provided with flanges 13 forming inwardly facing grooves.

Across the hole 12 and welded to the bottom of the plate 11 is a driving bar 15. In use the spike is driven into the ground by applying a force, by a hammer or otherwise, to the portion of the bar 15 exposed in the hole 12.

A cast aluminium insert C, consisting of a part spherical,upwardly convex seat 16, with a central hole 17, and formed integrally with a square base plate 18, is then fitted to the top of the spike portion by sliding two edges of the plate 18, forming flanges, into the grooves 13 on top of the plate 11, from the left as seen in Figure 5.

A hook end of a hook bolt A is then inserted downwardly through the hole 17 so that the hook engages around the bar 15.

An upper socket portion B having a socket 19 of rectangular section, and, at its lower end, an integral, part spherical, downwardly concave seat 20 with a central hole 21 to accommodate the bolt A, is lowered over the bolt until the seatings 16 and 20 mate with one another. The upper end of the bolt at this time extends through another hole 22 in a cross plate 23 within the socket 19 and a washer 24 and nut 25 are loosely fitted onto the bolt.

The socket portion B is then adjusted so that the axis of the socket 19 is truly vertical, the universal adjustment being possible owing to the complementary nature of the seats 16 and 20, as indicated in full and chain dotted lines in Figure 1. When the socket portion is deemed vertical the nut 25 is tightened down to rigidify the socket portion relatively to the spike portion. A fence post of rectangular cross section, which is a close fit within the socket 19, is then inserted downwardly into the top of the socket for use.

Claims

1. A fence post support of the kind described wherein the lower spike portion and upper socket portion are interconnected by a universal coupling which allows adjustment of the axis of the socket portion relatively to that of the spike portion, and means are provided for fixing the two portions together in an adjusted position.

2. A support according to claim 1, wherein the universal coupling is provided by two relatively moveable complementary seats, at least one of which is part spherical.

3. A support according to claim 2, wherein the fixing means is provided by a bolt which is connected to the spike portion, passes through the complementary seats, and carries a nut which is tightened down to tension the bolt and hold the two seats in frictional contact with one another.

4. A support according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the coupling is provided by an upwardly convex part spherical seat of an insert which is located on top of the spike portion after the spike portion has been driven into the ground.

5. A support according to claim 2, wherein the insert has edge flanges which are located by complementary flanges on the upper edge of the spike portion.

6. A support according to claim 5, wherein the complementary seat is a downwardly concave seat rigidly fixed to the socket portion.

7. A fence post support, substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings.