GB2243171A

GB2243171A - Post sockets

Info

Publication number: GB2243171A
Application number: GB9108168A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vincent Michael Demarest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1990-04-19
Filing date: 1991-04-17
Publication date: 1991-10-23
Anticipated expiration: 2011-04-17
Also published as: GB2243171B; EP0453252A1; GB9108168D0

Abstract

A post socket 12 comprises a pair of L-shaped components 14, 15 which are abutted so that the free edge of each short limb 17 can slide over the long limb 16. The dimensions of the hole 16 are infinitely variable, but once selected the components may be retained in the respective mutual positions by tape 19 or wires 20a. The fence-post may be inserted with some play in the plane of the fence and a capping unit 20 prevents ingress of concrete but allows for drainage. <IMAGE>

Description

2 -123 -1 -7 1- Sockets This invention relates to sockets f or posts and

in particular, but not exclusively, to posts f or supporting fences or noise barriers.

Fences and noise barriers of the type that are mounted along motorways and other major roads are generally supported by steel or wooden posts. Both these, and wooden posts, are subject to corrosion or rot just above and below ground level due to the hostile environment near major roads and the excess moisture which accumulates at ground level. It has been appreciated f or some time that sockets might provide an element of protection against such corrosion and in addition would make removal repair very much easier. However the manufacturing tolerances of posts are such that it is very difficult to make a socket which will provide a snug and rattle free housing for a post but which will not be too tight or large for the posts manuf actured. The variation in sizes of the post between it being an impossibly tight fit and too loose in the socket is only a matter of a millimetre or so. Thus the manufacturing tolerances f or both the sockets and the posts can combine to prevent the system working properly.

In an earlier proposal the Applicant provided an arrangement of manufacturing a socket from two elements which enabled them to provide three different sizes of socket to receive different sizes of post. However whilst 2 this was an improvement on the existing proposals, it essentially only provided a socket which may or may not fit on three different post sizes due to the tolerances mentioned above.

According to the present invention there is provided a socket for a post comprising a pair of generally L-shaped components, each disposed with the edge of their short leg facing or engaging against the components of the long leg of the other component so that by mutually lateral movement they can define an infinitely variable socket hole and means for retaining the components in a selected position to provide a selected socket hole size.

The holding means comprises one or more wires or bands passed around the components, when mounted on the post, in which case at least one of the components may have a notch, hole or other formation for locating the band or wire.

In a preferred arrangement the holding means consists of strips of adhesive tape which preferably bend along at least part of the joints between the components. In addition to retaining them in their desired position, this tape may also act as a seal to prevent concrete entering the socket.

The socket may also include a capping component for covering a part of the space between a post located in the socket and the socket wall. The capping component may be shaped and/or dimensioned to allow rainwater to drain through the socket and out of its open bottom into the 1 3 ground. The capping component may also include an anchor element for securing this component in the ground or concrete socket foundation. The capping component may be generally L-shaped, in which case one leg provides the 5 cover, whilst the other forms the anchor element.

Preferably at least one of the components is made of plastics material or metal.

From another aspect the invention consists in a capping component for a socket comprising a body for covering a part of the space between the post located in the socket and the socket wall.

Preferably the capping component includes an anchor element.

Although the invention has been defined above, it will be understood that it includes any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following description.

The invention may be performed in various ways and specific embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a sectional view through a fence showing the post located in a socket; Figure 2 is a perspective 'view of a socket; Figure 3 is a view from above of a socket with a post located therein and a capping component; and Figures 4 and 5 illustrate alternative positions for the capping component relative to the post and the socket 1 4 foundation.

A f ence panel 10 is supported by a post 11 which is located in a socket 12, which is itself secured in a concrete block 13.

As has been mentioned above there are problems with existing sockets and the Applicant proposes that the socket 12 should be formed from a pair of L-shaped components 14,15 which are abutted as shown in Figures 2 and 3 to def ine a socket hole 16. It will be seen that the components can be moved relative to one another in the direction shown by the arrow so that that dimension of the socket relative to the outward faces 11a,11b of the post can readily be varied so as to allow for posts of different sizes and manufacturing tolerances whilst ensuring accurate location and retention of those faces. In addition because two components can be mounted loosely on the posts before the concrete is poured, it is absolutely essential that the short arms 17 of the components 14,15 either engage the long arms 18 such that any space is sufficiently small to prevent any significant penetration of concrete into the socket or that the components 14,15 are joined by adhesive tape or any sealing medium 19 extending along the joint.

An alternate or additional method of securing the components together is to wire or band them and holes or notches such as shown at 20 may be provided to receive such wires or bands 20a.

As can be seen in Figure 3 the post 11 is preferably 1 located in the socket hole 16 with the socket formed so that there is some room for movement along the line of the fence, but little or no room for movement at right angles to that line. This is because the wind loading force is generally at right angles to the line of the f ence and some ability to adjust the post position along the line of the fence is most useful when the horizontal parts which f it between the posts are installed.

The voids on either side of the post allow free drainage of rainwater and dirt through the socket, thus prolonging the lif e of the post at or below ground level. Additionally post removal and replacement is much easier.

It is desirable that the socket hole 16 does not become f illed during backf illing of the post hole af ter concreting.

is It is however also desirable that there be proper drainage around the post. For these purposes the Applicant provides a capping component 21, which may be in the form of a section of one of the other components, the short leg 17 covering one side of the socket hole, whilst the long leg acts as a anchor either in the ground or in the concrete (see Figure 5). The short leg 17 may be notched or dimensioned to leave passages 22 for rain water to pass through into the socket and out of its open bottom. Additionally or alternatively the capping component 20 may be inclined to the post so that water and rubble will run down its surface away from the post socket (see Figure 4).

6

Claims

1. A socket for a post comprising a pair of generally L-shaped components each disposed with edge of their short leg engaging against the face of the long leg of the other component so that by mutual lateral movement they can def ine an inf inited variable socket hole and means f or retaining the components in a selected position to provide a selected hole size.

2. A socket as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding means comprises one of more wires or bands passed around the components.

3. A socket as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one component has a notch, hole or other f ormation for locating a band or wire.

4. A socket as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the holding means comprises adhesive tape extending along at least part of joints between the components.

5. A socket as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, further including a capping component for covering a part of the space between a post located in the socket and the socket wall.

6. A socket as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the capping component is shaped and/or dimensioned to allow water to flow into the socket.

7. A socket as claimed in Claim 5 or Claim 6, wherein the capping component includes an anchor element for securing the component in the ground or concrete socket 1 1 7 surround.

8. A socket as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the capping component is generally L-shaped.

9. A socket as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein in at least one of the components is made of plastics material.

10. A socket as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 8, including a pair of capping components for respective sides of the post.

11. A capping component for a socket comprising a body for covering a part of the space between a post located in the socket and the socket wall.

Published 199 1 at The Patent Office, Concept House. Cardiff Road. Newport. Gwent NP9 1 RH. Further copies may be obtained from Sales Branch. Unit 6_ Nine Mile Point. Cx-nifelinfach. Cross Keys. Newport. NPI 71-IZ. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd. St Mary Cray. Kent.