GB2267102A

GB2267102A - Improvements in or relating to installation of posts

Info

Publication number: GB2267102A
Application number: GB9210678A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Martin Price; John Anthony Price
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-19
Filing date: 1992-05-19
Publication date: 1993-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-19
Also published as: GB9210678D0; GB2267102B

Abstract

A method of installing a post comprises the steps of producing in the ground a socket receiving cavity introducing into the cavity a tubular support socket (30) together with a concrete mix (31) such that the socket extends upwardly from a position below ground to a position above the surface of the concrete, compacting the concrete and allowing it to harden. A mark (15) may be made on the socket to indicate depth of embedment, and the tube may be of square section polypropylene tubing. The post may be provided with a polypropylene sleeve fixed around its lower end, which sleeve is a close fit in the socket (Fig. 6, not shown). <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO INSTALLATION OF POSTS This invention relates to the installation of posts and more particularly to a method of post installation and a post support socket.

Traditionally posts for example fence posts have been installed in the ground by digging or boring a cavity and setting the post into concrete in the cavity. Such a method has been used for wooden, concrete and metal posts.

Whilst the proper use of concrete in the cavity provides an excellent and solid installation, problems arise if a fence post snaps due to rotting in the case of wooden posts, corrosion in the case of metal posts and breakage due to shock or wind in the case of concrete posts. In almost all cases breakage occurs at the junction of the post with the concrete and replacement is a lengthy and costly exercise involving the digging out of the concrete block and recasting in a new post.

Other methods of installation of wooden posts are known for example the use of metal sockets such as are known under the Trade Mark METPOST. There are two types one which comprises a socket with a spike. In this type the spike is driven into the ground until the socket portion contacts the ground and provides a socket above ground into which a post can be inserted. The other type is a metal socket having a base flange for securing the socket on the ground by means of bolts into a concrete surface. Again the socket is above ground level and can receive a post. The former of these constructions is heavy, expensive and difficult to install accurately as the spike portion has to be hammered into the ground and can be easily diverted by underground obstructions such as stones. The second of the constructions is only suitable for mounting on a firm surface to which it can be bolted.Neither of these constructions provide the same degree of support as a concreted post as their socket portions are relatively short and the post does not extend below ground level.

The present invention results from a consideration of the previously mentioned disadvantages and from a realisation that the support by means of a post set in concrete provides the best support.

According to the invention there is provided a method of installing a post, comprising the steps of producing in the ground a socket receiving cavity, introducing into the cavity a tubular support socket together with a concrete mix such that the socket extends upwardly from a position below ground to a positon above the surface of the concrete, compacting the concrete and allowing it to harden.

The method results in a socket that projects above ground level such that the post is less likely to rot at the point where it enters the socket as it will not accumulate water and will dry out. Furthermore the fact that the socket extends below ground level into the concrete ensures that the solid installation provided by a concrete foundation is ensured. Furthermore the provision of a socket in the concrete permits removal of the post for replacement.

Preferably the method employs a socket formed of a plastics material for example polypropylene. This has the advantage that the socket material cannot rot or corrode.

Furthermore by providing a smooth plastics inner surface of the socket a post is easily inserted and removed. The plastics socket also provides a simple light weight and inexpensive former to set into the concrete.

In one advantageous refinement of the method the socket is mounted on one end of a post and that end bearing the socket is inserted into the cavity together with the concrete mix such that the socket extends upwardly above the cavity and the post is secured in a required disposition prior to compacting the concrete. This facilitates the alignment of posts and permits accurate vertical positioning. Furthermore, it permits a plastics socket of relatively thin wall thickness to be employed as the post located in the socket prevents distortion or collapse of the socket during compaction of the concrete.

In the case of a fence post the preferred dimension is the standard square wooden post of 3 inches by 3 inches or 4 inches by 4 inches and the method then employs a socket the inside cross-sectional dimensions of which are of complementary square cross-section.

Instead of mounting the post directly into the socket a sleeve may be fitted to one end of the post which sleeve is arranged to be a snug sliding fit in the socket.

This facilitates insertion and removal of the post/sleeve into the socket.

The invention also includes a fence comprising a line of fence posts installed in accordance with the method previously defined.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a post support socket formed as a tube of rectangular cross-section.

The socket may have inwardly projecting ribs which extend longitudinally.

The socket towards one end of the tube may be provided with one or more stops for abutment by an inserted post to prevent passage of the post to the end of the tube.

The stop may comprise an inward projection formed in a wall of the tube or alternatively the or each stop may comprise an element extending through the wall into the interior of the tube for example a rod extending through oppositely opposed walls of the tube which may be a headed screw secured by a nut.

The socket may include a seal adapted to form a close fit between one end of the tube and an inserted post thereby to resist penetration of water into the tube. The seal may be a resilient gasket mountable on the end of the tube or alternatively may be a resilient portion formed on the end of the tube. The seal may be adapted to roll over into the tube upon insertion of the post to effect sealing.

The tube may be provided with one or more outward projections to aid keying of the tube into a concrete base.

A plurality of such projections may be provided displaced longitudinally along the outside of the tube. The projection may be formed by elongate ribs having spacings therethrough and the spacings through the ribs may be holes or cut outs.

The outside of the tube may be provided with a rough surface to aid keying to concrete and the rough surface may be formed by an adhesive grit.

In a refinement of the invention, the tube is provided, towards one end, with one or more projections adapted for securement of a fence panel. The or each projection may have a hole therethrough for receiving a screw to effect securement of a fence panel.

In another refinement of the invention the tube is provided, at or near one end, on at least one external side, with one or more pairs of space projections arranged to permit location of a fence panel or gravel board therebetween. The or each pair of projections may comprise longitudinally extending ribs.

The tube may be formed of a plastics material for example polypropylene and may have an internal cross-section of rectangular or square configuration for example of 3 inches by 3 inches or 4 inches by 4 inches to accommodate standard posts.

The outside of the tube may be provided with a marker to identify a predetermined projection below ground and the marker may comprise one or more projections arranged to resist sinking of the tube into a non set concrete base.

A suitable projection could be in the form of a collar which is securably displaceable on the tube to adjust the depth.

The invention also includes a fence post support comprising the combination of a fence post support socket as previously defined and a rectangular sleeve adapted for securement on the end of a fence post and for snug slidable insertion into the socket thereby to facilitate insertion and removal of a post. Preferably the sleeve is arranged to be a light sliding fit onto the fence post to effect securement thereon. and may have one or more holes therethrough to permit securement on the fence post by means of nails or screws. The sleeve may be provided with at least one outward projection which serves to limit insertion of the sleeve into the socket and the projection may comprise a flange which extends around the outer surface of the sleeve.Such a flange may be provided at one end of the sleeve or may be spaced from one end such that part of the sleeve projects beyond the entry to the socket when installed therein. The sleeve may be provided with a seal adapted to form a close fit between one end of the sleeve and a post thereby to resist penetration of water into the sleeve. The seal may be a resilient gasket mountable on the end of the sleeve or alternatively may be a resilient portion formed on the end of the sleeve. The seal may be adapted to roll over into the sleeve upon insertion onto a post to effect sealing.

In order that the invention and its various other preferred features may be understood more easily, some embodiments thereof and the method of installation will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view towards one corner of a rectangular fence post support socket constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is an end view of the socket illustrated in Figure 1 taken from above, Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of fence post support socket constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of fence post support socket constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of fence post support socket constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sleeve suitable for use with the fence post support sockets of Figures 1 to 5, Figure 7 is a modified version of the sleeve of Figure 6, Figure 8 is another modified version of the sleeve of Figure 6, Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a method of installing a post in accordance with the invention, Figure 10 illustrates an alternative method of installing a post in accordance with the invention.

The socket of Figures 1 and 2 is a tube 10 of square cross section having internal dimensions of 3 inches by 3 inches and of length 3 feet the tube is provided internally with optional ribs 11 which extend longitudinally of the tube and which serve to grip a wooden fence post when inserted therein. At the top of the tube there is provided an optional resilient sealing portion 12 which extends around the tube entry. The sealing portion 12 is arranged to be resiliently urged against the surface of an inserted fence post to resist the ingress of water into the tube and may be arranged to remain on the outside of the tube or alternatively may be arranged to roll over inwardly of the tube during insertion of the post to effect sealing between post and tube. The tube 10 is provided near its lower end with one or more optional projections 13 positioned at 2 inches from the end.In the embodiment described there are four projections one in each side of the tube formed by a pressing tool acting from the outside face to deform a portion of the wall inwardly. These projections act as stops which serve to limit the depth of insertion of a post into the socket. The tube is provided at its upper end with optional lugs 14 which serve to locate and/or secure a fence panel or gravel board. The tube 11 is also provided with a marker 15 in this case a line extending around the outside surface of the tube 11 at about 1 foot from the post inserting end. The marker serves as a guide in use to determine when a predetermined socket depth below ground has been achieved.

Referring now to Figure 3, this shows a socket constructed in accordance with the invention having a range of alternative or additional features any of which may be substituted for or incorporated in any of the embodiments described herein. The tube is provided on each of two external surfaces with substantially parallel longitudinally extending fins 16. The fins are spaced apart by the thickness of a fence panel or gravel board and the upper portion serves to locate a fence panel or gravel board therebetween. A cut out 17 is provided part way along the fins below the ground level marker. The fins serve to retain the socket when the lower part is set into concrete.

Alternatively or additionally the fins may have one or more holes 18 or cut outs in their lower part into which concrete flows, when the socket is set into a concrete base, thereby serving to retain the socket. It will be appreciated that the fins need not be provided on 2 surfaces one or more elongate fins can be provided on one or more of the external surfaces or on all the surfaces.

Referring now to Figure 4, this shows a socket constructed in accordance with the invention having a further range of alternative or additional features any of which may be incorporated in any of the other described embodiment, or substituted for features therein. In this construction the tube 10 is provided with fins 16 only at the above ground end. The bottom of the fins may define a market to indicate when the socket is located to a predetermined depth below ground. This construction is also shown to employ a post step formed by a rod 19 extending through opposite side walls of the tube instead of the projections 13. In the illustrated embodiment the rod is a threaded screw and it is secured by a nut 20. The lower portion of the tube is provided with a rough external surface 21 which serves to retain the socket when it is set into concrete.The roughened surface may be provided in any suitable way for example the exterior of the tube may be sprayed with an adhesive grit. Referring now to Figure 5 this shows a socket constructed in accordance with the invention having a further range of alternative or additional features any of which may be incorporated in any of the other described embodiments, or substituted for features described therein. This construction is similar to that of Figure 1 except that only a single lug 14 is employed on one or more external faces and the lower end of the tube is provided with through apertures 22 into which cement can penetrate when the socket is set into a concrete base thereby serving to retain the socket.This embodiment is also provided with an adjustable collar 23 which is slideably retentionaly mounted on the tube 10 by means of a synthetic rubber ring 24 which permits the collar position to be adjusted on the tube to define the depth of insertion into the ground. The tube itself could have a series of calibration markers 25 to permit setting of the collar for a predetermined insertion depth. The collar serves to prevent the tube sinking into a concrete base during setting. It will be appreciated that instead of an adjustable collar a fixed collar could be provided.

Referring now to Figure 6 there is shown a rectangular sleeve 26 which is shown located on the end of a wooden fence post 27. The sleeve is either arranged to be a snug secure fit or is provided with means for retaining it such as screws or nails through one or more holes 28. As with the socket the sleeve may be formed from a plastics material e.g. polypropylene. A fence post with a sleeve fitted is suitable for insertion in a socket as previously described and the sleeve and socket combination forms another aspect of the invention. The use of a sleeve facilitates insertion and removal of a fence post from a socket. Furthermore as the sleeve and socket can be manufactured to provide a close fit the tolerance normally required in a socket to accommodate fence posts is reduced.

Figures 6 and 7 show refinements of the sleeve 26 in which there is provided one or more outward projections which limit the insertion of the sleeve into the socket to define the depth of insertion. This can be instead of or in addition to the provision of the projections 13 or rod 19. As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8 the preferred form of projection is an outwardly directed flange 29 which extends around the outer surface of the sleeve. The flange in Figure 6 is positioned at one end of the sleeve whilst the flange in Figure 7 is spaced from one end of the sleeve so that part of the sleeve projects beyond the entry to a socket when installed therein.

The sockets and sleeves previously described can be manufactured from any suitable material but are preferably formed from a plastics material for example polypropylene.

Formation from plastics material can be by extrusion so that it is possible to manufacture easily and at low cost.

Some preferred methods of installation of a post will now be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

Referring now to Figure 9 a hole 28 is dug or bared in the ground. A socket 30 as previously described is now inserted into the hole and positioned in a required upwardly directed disposition with its marker 15 at ground level so that the socket extends from a position below ground to a position above ground. A concrete mix 31 is now introduced into the hole and is compacted by tamping around the socket as illustrated in Figure 10. The concrete is allowed to set when the socket extends above the surface of the concrete.

A post, with or without a sleeve, is then inserted in the socket.

There can be some difficulty in ensuring that the socket is accurately located in its upright disposition and in its spacing from an adjacent post or socket. This can be facilitated as shown in Figure 11. Here, a post 32 is inserted in a socket prior 30 to inserting into the ground and the loose concrete mix 31 can be introduced into the hole before the post and socket. The post is located in the desired position by stays 33 & 34 extending substantially at right angles or, by any other suitable supporting means with the socket marker 15 at ground level. The concrete is then consolidated as before and allowed to set.It will be appreciated that where the latter method is employed it is possible to employ a socket having a thin wall as the strength requirement of the socket is negligible as it is supported by the post during the tamping process and is not subject to deformation by the concrete as might be the case in the previously described method. This enables the volume of plastics material used in the moulding process to be minimised thus reducing costs of manufacture.

Although the sockets and sleeves described are manufactured from plastics materials it will be appreciated that other materials can be employed, for example aluminium or steel which may be treated to resist corrosion. Although the sockets are particularly suitable for use with wooden posts they are also suitable for use with posts of other materials, for example concrete and metal. Whilst the embodiments described and the method relate to square posts it will be appreciated that similar principles can be applied to posts of other cross-sectional configurations e.g. circular. All of these alternatives are considered to fall within the ambit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method- of installing a post, comprising the steps of producing in the ground a socket receiving cavity, introducing into the cavity a tubular support socket together with a concrete mix such that the socket extends upwardly from a position below ground to a position above the surface of the concrete.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, employing a socket formed of a plastics material.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plastics material is polypropylene.

4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the socket is mounted on one end of a post and that end bearing the socket is inserted into the cavity together with the concrete mix such that the socket extends upwardly above the cavity and the post is secured in a required disposition prior to compacting the concrete.

5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the post is of rectangular cross section and the inside dimensions of the support socket is of complementary rectangular configuration.

6. A method of installing a post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which a sleeve is fitted to the end of the post and is a snug sliding fit into the socket thereby to facilitate insertion and removal of the post.

7. A method of installing a post substantially as described herein with reference to the drawing.

8. A fence in which the posts are installed in accordance with the method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

9. A post support socket formed as a tube of rectangular cross-section.

10. A post support socket as claimed in claim 9, wherein the tube has inwardly projecting ribs which extend longitudinally.

11. A post support socket as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein towards one end the tube is provided with one or more stops for abutment by an inserted post to prevent passage of the post to the end of the tube.

12. A post support socket as claimed in claim 11, wherein the or each stop comprises an inward projection formed in the plastics material.

13. A post support socket as claimed in claim 11, wherein the or each stop comprises an element extending through the wall into the interior of the tube.

14. A post support socket as claimed in claim 13, wherein the or each stop comprises a rod extending through oppositely opposed walls of the tube.

15. A post support socket as claimed in claim 13, wherein the rod comprises a headed screw which is secured by a nut.

16. A post support socket as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15, including a seal adapted to form a close fit between one end of the tube and an inserted post thereby to resist penetration of water into the tube.

17. A post support socket as claimed in claim 16, wherein the seal is a resilient gasket mountable on the end of the tube.

18. A post support socket as claimed in claim 16, wherein the seal is a resilient portion formed on the end of the tube and adapted to roll over into the tube upon insertion of the post to effect sealing.

19. A post support socket as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the tube is provided with one or more outward projections to aid keying of the tube into a concrete base.

20. A post support socket as claimed in claim 19, wherein a plurality of projections are provided displaced longitudinally along the outside of the tube.

21. A post support socket as claimed in claim 21, wherein the projections are formed by elongate ribs having spacings therethrough.

22. A post support socket as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spacings through the ribs are holes.

23. A post support socket as claimed in claim 21, wherein the spacings through the ribs are constituted by cutouts.

24. A post support socket as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein the outside of the tube is provided with a rough surface to aid keying to concrete.

25. A post support socket as claimed in claim 24, wherein the rough surface is formed by an adhesive grit.

26. A post support socket as claimed in anyone of the claims 9 to 25, wherein towards one end the tube is provided with one or more projections adapted for securement of a fence panel.

27. A post support socket as claimed in claim 26, wherein the or each projection has a hole therethrough for receiving a screw to effect securement of a fence panel.

28. A post support socket as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein at or near one end the tube is provided, on at least one external side, with one or more pairs of space projections arranged to permit location of a fence panel or gravel board therebetween.

29. A post support socket as claimed in claim 28, wherein in each pair of projections comprises longitudinally extending ribs.

30. A post support socket as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 22, wherein the tube is formed from plastics material.

31. A post support socket as claimed in claim 30, wherein the plastics material is polypropylene.

32. A post support socket as claimed in anyone of claims 9 to 31, wherein the inside dimensions of the tube are substantially 3" X 3".

33. A post support socket as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 31, wherein the inside dimensions of the tube are substantially 4" x 4".

34. A post support socket as claimed in anyone of claims 9 to 33, wherein the outside of the tube is provided with a marker to identify a predetermined projection below ground.

35. A post support socket as claimed in claim 34, wherein the marker comprises one or more projections arranged to resist sinking of the tube into a non-set concrete base.

36. A post support socket as claimed in claim 34 or 35, wherein said one or more projections comprises a collar.

37. A post support socket as claimed in claim 36, wherein the collar is securably displaceable on the tube to adjust the depth.

38. A post support socket substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

39. A post support comprising a socket as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 38 and a rectangular sleeve adapted for securement on the end of a fence post and for snug slidable insertion into the socket thereby to facilitate insertion and removal of a post.

40. A post support as claimed in claim 39, wherein the sleeve is arranged to be a tight sliding fit into the fence post to effect securement therein.

41. A post support as claimed in claim 39 or 40, wherein the sleeve has one mor more holes to permit securement on the fence post by means of nails or screws.

42. A post support as claimed in any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein the sleeve is provided with at least one outward projection which serves to limit insertion of the sleeve into the socket.

43. A post support as claimed in claim 42, wherein at least one outward projection comprises a flange which extends around the outer surface of the sleeve.

44. A post support as claimed in claim 43, wherein the flange is provided at one end of the sleeve.

45. A post support as claimed in claim 43, wherein the flange is provided spaced from one end of the sleeve so that part of the sleeve projects beyond the entry to the socket when installed therein.

46. A post support as claimed in anyone of claims 39 to 45, wherein the sleeve is formed of a plastics material.

47. A post support system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.