GB2324321A

GB2324321A - Installing a post in the ground

Info

Publication number: GB2324321A
Application number: GB9807870A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-04-17
Filing date: 1998-04-15
Publication date: 1998-10-21
Also published as: GB9707618D0; GB9807870D0

Abstract

A structure for installing a post in the ground 25 comprises a hollow sleeve 10 with a cap member and base member 11 connected at its opposite ends. The cap and base members are provided with portions 14, 19 which engage with the post such that a space exists between the post and the inner surface of the sleeve in the portion between the members. Both members may have outwardly extending flanges 16, 20 which help to stabilize the structure and the cap member may have a part which is adjustably engageable with the post. A waterproof cover may be provided which lies over the cap member and seals the space between the cap member and the post. The base member 11 and cap member are preferably both detachable from the sleeve 10 and are either a sliding frictional fit or snap fit with the sleeve 10. The cap member may contain a spirit level device to ensure that the structure is vertical.

Description

"Structure for installing a post in the ground" The invention relates to a structure for installing a post in the ground.

There are many situations where the lower end of an upstanding post requires to be fixed to the ground. The present invention relates particularly to the installation of fencing posts but is by no means limited to this particular application and may be applied to the installation of posts for many other purposes such as support posts for road and traffic signs, marker posts and crash barrier support posts for roadways and other locations, gate posts and railings, anchorages for security purposes such as antitheft anchorages for motor cycles and cycles, trailers and caravans, and garden ornaments, bus stop posts, street lighting standards and washing line support posts. The structure of the invention may also be used for securing support legs of more complex installations, such as children's play equipment, public telephone canopies and other forms of shelter or light building.

For convenience the invention will be described particularly in relation to the installation of wooden fence posts, but this is strictly by way of example.

The traditional way of installing a wooden fence post is to dig in the ground a hole which is of greater diameter than the post, introduce the lower end of the post into the hole and then surround it by an infill of soil, hardcore or concrete. While such method is inexpensive as regards cost of materials, it suffers from several disadvantages.

Labour costs can be high and a certain amount of skill is required to ensure that the post is vertical. If the hole infill is simply soil or hardcore, there is a danger of the post moving away from the vertical position after installation, as the soil or hardcore moves and compacts with time. If concrete is used for the infill, the post must be supported in the vertical position by braces until the concrete has hardened, increasing the time taken to complete the installation.

The lower end of the post itself is closely contacted by the infill and if the post is wooden its lower end may be liable to rot. If it subsequently becomes necessary to replace the post, for example due to rot or damage or any other reason, this may be difficult and may involve time consuming and laborious digging out of the post and breaking up the concrete, if this has been used.

In view of the disadvantages of this traditional system, modular systems have been marketed to facilitate the installation offence and other posts. In such systems the lower end of the post is secured within a socket, usually metal, located generally at ground level. The socket may be welded to the upper end of a spike which is simply driven into the ground, or the socket may be bolted to a paving or concrete surface, or may itself be concreted into the ground.

Although such a modular system may be quick to install it can be costly. Also it may be difficult to ensure that the axis of the socket is vertical, particularly in the case where the support is driven into the ground, and any small error in the angle of the socket will be magnified in the post which is installed in the socket. Since the sockets are of comparatively short depth the anchorage provided for the post is not particularly secure and it may be possible for a wooden post, in particular, to be wrenched and broken away from its socket either by accident or as the result of vandalism. Also, since a part of the socket usually projects above ground level such modular installations can be unsightly, particularly if installed by relatively unskilled personnel.

The present invention sets out to provide a new structure for installation of posts which may overcome some or all of these disadvantages.

According to the invention there is provided a structure for installing a post in the ground comprising a hollow sleeve, a base member connected to the lower end of the sleeve, and a cap member connected to the upper end of the sleeve and having an aperture in register with the opening in the upper end of the sleeve, the structure further including post-supporting means located at the upper and lower ends of the sleeve, for engagement with the post in a manner to provide a space between the outer surface of the post and the inner surface of the sleeve.

In use, the structure is positioned in a hole in the ground of suitable diameter and depth, with the base member at the bottom of the hole and the cap member at ground level. The hole around the structure is then infilled with soil, hardcore, concrete or other material. A convenient method will be described for ensuring that the structure is vertical.

After installation of the structure, the lower end of a post is lowered into the hollow sleeve and is supported by the post-supporting means located at the upper and lower ends. This arrangement provides a number of advantages. The installation of the post may take place in two stages, since a series of structures may be installed in the ground ready to receive the posts at a later date. Since the post only engages the interior ofthe structure at the upper and lower ends ofthe sleeve it may be fairly readily removed from the structure for any purpose when required. Also the space between the post and sleeve can be sealed, as will be described, to help prevent rotting in the case where the post is wooden.

Preferably the base member has parts which project outwardly away from the sleeve so as to extend below the infill which is subsequently applied around the structure. This locates the structure against vertical movement in the ground.

The outwardly projecting parts on the base member may comprise an outwardly extending circumferential flange. Preferably the flange provides a lower surface on which the base member sits, in use. The flange may also have an upper surface which is inclined downwardly towards the lower surface as it extends outwardly.

The cap member may also be formed with outwardly projecting parts which may, in use, rest on the surface of the ground. For example the outwardly projecting parts may again comprise an outwardly extending circumferential flange, providing a lower surface which engages the surface of the ground, in use. The flange may have an upper surface which is inclined downwardly towards the lower surface as it extends outwardly, thus tending to deflect rain away from the aperture in the cap member.

The post-supporting means at the upper end of the sleeve may comprise one or more projecting portions on the cap member which project into the opening in the upper end of the sleeve. For example, the cap member may be formed with a hollow, downwardly directed circumferential wall which engages within the upper end of the sleeve. In this case the surface of the post will, at the upper end of the sleeve, engage only the internal surface of this circumferential wall on the cap member.

The projecting portion on the cap member may comprise a flange structure which projects inwardly partly across the opening in the upper end of the sleeve when the cap member is located on the sleeve.

In any ofthe above arrangements the post-supporting means on the cap member may include one or more parts which are adjustably mounted on the cap member for inward and outward movement into and out of engagement with a post located within the sleeve. Each said adjustable part and the cap member may have interengaging camming surfaces and the adjustable part may be connected to the cap member by a screw-threaded device, so that adjustment of the screw-threaded device displaces the camming surfaces in a manner to urge the adjustable part towards or away from the post. The interengaging camming surfaces may be substantially planar surfaces inclined with respect to the surface of the post. Preferably the screw-threaded device extends generally longitudinally of the sleeve and is accessible for adjustment from the top of the cap member.

In any of the above arrangements the underside of the cap member may be formed with a recess which fits over the top of the sleeve.

The structure may further comprise a waterproof cover which fits over the cap member. The waterproof cover may be formed with a central aperture which, in use, sealingly engages against the surface of a post passing through the cap member.

The post-supporting means at the lower end of the sleeve may comprise one or more projecting portions on the base member which project into the opening in the lower end of the sleeve. The base member may be formed with a hollow, upwardly directed circumferential wall which engages within the lower end of the sleeve.

In any of the above arrangements the base member and/or cap member may be detachably connected to the ends of the sleeve, or may be permanently connected thereto. For example, if the sleeve is formed from metal, one or both of the members may be welded, bolted or riveted to the sleeve.

In the case where the base member and/or cap member is detachably connected to the end of the sleeve, the member may be a sliding friction fit on the sleeve.

Alternatively, or additionally, the member and sleeve may have inter-engaging formations which snap into engagement as the member is fitted to the sleeve, to hold the member in place on the sleeve. For example, the inter-engaging formations may comprise a flexible tag projecting from one part, preferably the base member or cap member, which snaps into an aperture on the other part, preferably the sleeve.

In the case ofthe base member, the orientation ofthe inter-engaging formations is preferably such that the formations may be inter-engaged by lowering the lower end of the sleeve into engagement with the base member.

The sleeve may be of rectangular or circular cross-section, or of any other required cross-sectional shape. The components of the structure may be formed from metal, plastics, wood or any other suitable natural or synthetic material.

In any of the above arrangements, there may be provided one or more resilient seals to prevent moisture passing into the interior of the sleeve.

In any ofthe above arrangements also, there may be provided a levelling device comprising a support element which may be temporarily mounted on the cap member of the structure, and a spirit level mounted on the support element. The support element may comprise a plug which is received in the central aperture in the cap member. The spirit level is preferably of the kind having a circular bubble which comes into register with a central mark, such as a ring, on a transparent window on the device, when the axis of the spirit level is vertical.

The levelling device is applied to the cap member after the structure has been introduced into the hole in the ground, the spirit level then being used to adjust the structure to the vertical position while the infill is introduced into the hole. Since there is no post or other significant projection extending above ground level while the concrete is setting, it is not necessary to provide any bracing means to hold the structure in the vertical position while the concrete sets.

There may also be provided with each structure a temporary plug, not incorporating a spirit level, which may be used to fill the aperture in the cap member temporarily if the structure is to be left for some time temporarily before the post is fitted.

The following is a more detailed description of an embodiment of the invention, by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of a post installation structure, Figure 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the structure installed in the ground before the post is fitted, Figure 3 is a similar view to Figure 2 showing the post installed, and Figure 4 is a sectional view showing an alternative form of cap member for the structure.

Referring to Figure 1, the post installation structure comprises a square section hollow sleeve 10, a base member 11 and a cap member 12. All three components may be formed from metal, although in some circumstances plastics or other materials may be preferred. The sleeve 10 may be an extrusion of metal or plastics or may be fabricated from sheet metal The base member and cap member may also be fabricated from sheet metal but might also be cast from suitable material, such as aluminium, or moulded from suitable plastics.

The base member 11 comprises a flat base plate 13 from which upstands a central rectangular wall 14 and an outer rectangular wall 15. An inclined flange plate 16 extends outwardly and downwardly from the top of the exterior wall 15 to the outer extremity of the base plate 13.

The dimensions ofthe parts ofthe base member are such that the inner wall 14 fits snugly into the interior of the lower end of the sleeve 10 and the lower end of the sleeve fits between the inner wall 14 and outer wall 15 ofthe base member, the lower edge of the sleeve resting on the base plate 13, as best seen in Figure 2.

Each side of the sleeve 10, near its lower end, is formed with a bent out tag 17 which is engageable with a slot 18 formed in the adjacent wall 14 ofthe base member 11. Each tag 17 is so spaced from the end edge ofthe sleeve 10 that when the lower end ofthe sleeve is fitted over the inner wall 14 the tag 17 snaps into each slot 18 when the lower edge of the sleeve rests on the base plate 13.

The cap member 12 comprises a square section downwardly extending a wall 19 which is a snug sliding fit within the upper end of the sleeve 10. An outwardly and downwardly inclined flange 20 extends away from the upper end of the inner wall 19 and welded to it is a downwardly extending outer wall 21. A flat base wall 22 extends outwardly from the lower end of the outer wall 21 to the lower extremity of the inclined flange 20. The dimensions are such that the upper end of the sleeve 10 fits between the inner and outer walls 19, 21 a watertight seal 23, which may be a rubber seal or flexible mastic being disposed between the outer surface of the sleeve 10 and the inner surface of the wall 21.

In order to install the structure in the ground a hole 24 is dug in the ground 25 to a depth equal to the distance between the lower surfaces of the base member 11 and cap member 12. The diameter of the hole 24 is large enough to accommodate the base member 11.

The sleeve 10, base member 11, and cap member 12 are then assembled together and introduced into the hole so that the underside of the cap member 12 is at ground level. There is then fitted to the cap member 12 a levelling device 26. Alternatively the levelling device may be fitted before the structure is introduced into the hole.

The levelling device 26 comprises a cover plate 27 from which extends downwardly a square wall 28 which fits within the square aperture in the cap member 12, as shown in Figure 2. A spirit level 29 is mounted in the centre of the cover plate 27 and is of the kind in which a circular bubble comes into register with a ring marked on a transparent window when the axis of the spirit level is vertical.

The structure is then adjusted if necessary to ensure that it is vertical as indicated by the spirit level 29. The spaces between the sleeve 10 and the sides of the hole 24 are then filled with suitable infill material 9 to secure the structure within the ground, care being taken to ensure that the structure remains upright and vertical while the infill is applied. The hole may be infilled with soil, rubber, gravel, hardcore, concrete or any other suitable material. The upper level of the infill is 50mm below the bottom plate 22 of the cap member.

If further posts are to be installed the procedure is followed with further structures and the same levelling device 26 may be employed for the installation of each structure.

If the post is not to be inserted immediately into its support structure a temporary plug (not shown) may be fitted to each cap member 12 to prevent debris falling down the sleeve 10. Such plug may be similar in form to the levelling device 26, but having a plain cover plate, without the spirit level.

When it is required to introduce a post into the structure, the temporary plug is removed, and the lower end ofthe post is passed downwards through the aperture in the cap member 12. The post will be of such dimensions that it is a close sliding fit in the cap member 12. The post is then lowered through the sleeve 10 until its lower end enters into the upstanding inner wall 14 on the base member 11. Preferably the lower end of the post is a snug fit within this wall. The post 30 is then in the position shown in Figure 3. Finally a mastic sealant 31 is applied between the upper edge of the cap member 12 and the surface of the post to prevent the ingress of moisture.

As will be seen from Figure 3, the post 30 is supported within the structure only at its lower end, by the wall 14, and at its upper end, by the wall 19. Accordingly, there is a surrounding void 32 between the post 30 and the surrounding sleeve 10 along most ofthe length ofthe sleeve. This arrangement reduces any tendency for a wooden post to rot and also facilitates removal of the post if this is required.

In order to remove the post it is simply lifted vertically until the lower end of the post is disengaged from the base member 11. At the same time the cap member 12 will be slid upwardly away from the upper end of the sleeve 10 so that the post can be lifted completely from the sleeve. The cap member 12 is then removed from the post and replaced on the upper end of the sleeve 10 a temporary plug then being fitted, as described above, to close the aperture in the cap member 12 to keep the hole clear of debris as long as the post is removed.

Although it may be advantageous for the base member 11 to be detachably connected to the sleeve 10, as shown, this is not essential and the base member could be welded, bolted, riveted or otherwise secured to the lower end ofthe sleeve.

It is preferable for the cap member 12 to be detachable from the upper end of the sleeve 10. This facilitates withdrawal of the post from the sleeve since the cap member may move with the post and it is not necessary to withdraw the post simultaneously from the base member and cap member. However, the invention does not exclude arrangements where the cap member 12 is secured to the upper end of the sleeve 10, such as by welding, bolting, riveting, etc.

A primary advantage of the arrangement according to the invention is the easy insertion and removal of the post into the support structure. However, in some circumstances it may be required that the lower end of the post is retained more securely than the frictional retention provided by the base member and cap member. In this case additional fixing means may be provided to secure the post temporarily to the sleeve or cap member. For example, the cap member 12 may be slid on to the post before it is inserted into the sleeve 10 to such position that the cap member is initially spaced above the exposed top of the sleeve 10 when the lower end of the post engages the base member 11. Screws may then be passed through the exposed end of the sleeve 10 into the post so as to secure the post more securely to the sleeve. The heads of the screws are then covered when the cap member 12 is slid down the post to the position shown in Figure 3 where it engages the upper end of the sleeve 10.

Figure 4 shows an alternative, and preferred, construction for the cap member.

In this case the hollow sleeve 35 is generally square in cross-section and may be formed from suitable plastics. The cap member 36, which is also moulded from plastics, is formed on its underside with a rectangular recess 37 into which the upper end of the sleeve 35 fits in frictional engagement. A peripheral flange 38 projects inwardly across the top of the sleeve 35 so as to define a rectangular aperture 39 which is smaller than the internal dimensions ofthe sleeve 35. The post 40 extends downwardly through the aperture 39, through the sleeve 35 and engages the base member (not shown) at the bottom of the sleeve, for example as in the arrangements of Figures 2 and 3.

The upper part of the cap member 36 is formed with a peripheral recess 41 around the aperture 39, the peripheral wall ofthe recess having an inclined surface.

Four elongate wedge members 42, which may also be moulded or extruded from plastics, are located in each side of the recess and each has an inclined surface 43 which is engageable with the inclined surface on the recess 41.

Each wedge 42 is secured to the cap member 36 by two screws 44 which pass through open sided slots 45 in the wedges 42. The arrangement is such that when the screws 44 are tightened the wedges 42 are forced downwardly and, because of the engagement between the inclined surfaces on the wedges and cap member, are also forced inwardly so as firmly to engage the outer surfaces of the post 40.

The wedges 42 thus secure the post 40 firmly to the cap member 36 and prevent it moving in the aperture 39 if it is smaller than that aperture. The wedges 42 may also be used for fine adjustment of the verticality of the post 40 by differential adjustment of wedges on opposite sides of the post.

A rubber cover or boot 46 is secured to the upper surface of the cap member 36 and is formed with a central aperture through which the post 40 passes, so that the inner periphery of the cover 46 sealingly engages the outer surface of the post to prevent the ingress of moisture. The cover 46 may be slid on to the post 40 before it is inserted into the sleeve 35. The cover is kept spaced above the cap member 36 while the screws 44 are adjusted to secure the post, and is then slid down the post 40 for engagement with, and attachment to, the upper surface of the cap member 36.

In the case where the cap member 36 has a circular central aperture for use with a circular post, three or more arcuate wedge members, of similar section to the wedges 42, may be spaced apart around the periphery of a circular inclined wall recess in the upper surface of the cap member. In this case the waterproof cover may have an inner peripheral portion which extends downwardly between the wedges and the surface of the post. Alternatively, there may be provided a separate rubber sleeve which is first fitted over the post 40 at the location where the wedges will engage the surface of the post. In that case the inner periphery of the rubber cover 46 preferably engages an upper part of the rubber sleeve so as to provide a waterproof seal.

In the arrangement of Figure 4, the base member at the foot of the structure may be of somewhat similar construction to the cap member 36. That is to say, it may be formed on its upper surface with a recess in which the lower end of the sleeve 35 is a friction fit. The inner portion of the recess is shaped with a further recess or an upstanding wall to receive the lower end of the post 40. The base member may also be moulded from suitable plastics.

The arrangements described above and shown in the drawings are strictly by way of example, and it will be appreciated that modifications and developments may be made to the shape and materials of the components of the structure without departing from the scope of the invention.

CLAIMS 1. A structure for installing a post in the ground comprising a hollow sleeve, a base member connected to the lower end ofthe sleeve, and a cap member connected to the upper end of the sleeve and having an aperture in register with the opening in the upper end of the sleeve, the structure further including post-supporting means located at the upper and lower ends ofthe sleeve, for engagement with the post in a manner to provide a space between the outer surface of the post and the inner surface of the sleeve.

2. A structure according to Claim 1, wherein the base member has parts which project outwardly away from the sleeve so as to extend below the infill which is subsequently applied around the structure.

3. A structure according to Claim 2, wherein the outwardly projecting parts on the base member comprise an outwardly extending circumferential flange.

4. A structure according to Claim 3, wherein the flange provides a lower surface on which the base member sits, in use.

5. A structure according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the flange has an upper surface which is inclined downwardly towards the lower surface as it extends outwardly.

6. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cap member is formed with outwardly projecting parts which may, in use, rest on the surface of the ground.

7. A structure according to Claim 6, wherein the outwardly projecting parts comprise an outwardly extending circumferential flange, providing a lower surface which engages the surface of the ground, in use.

Claims

8. A structure according to Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the flange has an upper

surface which is inclined downwardly towards the lower surface as it extends outwardly.

9. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the postsupporting means at the upper end of the sleeve comprise one or more projecting portions on the cap member which project into the opening in the upper end of the sleeve.

10. A structure according to Claim 9, wherein the cap member is formed with a hollow, downwardly directed circumferential wall which engages within the upper end of the sleeve.

11. A structure according to Claim 9, wherein the projecting portion on the cap member comprises a flange structure which projects inwardly partly across the opening in the upper end of the sleeve when the cap member is located on the sleeve.

12. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the postsupporting means includes one or more parts which are adjustably mounted on the cap member for inward and outward movement into and out of engagement with a post located within the sleeve.

13. A structure according to Claim 12, wherein each said adjustable part and the cap member have interengaging camming surfiices and the adjustable part is connected to the cap member by a screw-threaded device, so that adjustment of the screw-threaded device displaces the camming surfaces in a manner to urge the adjustable part towards or away from the post.

14. A structure according to Claim 13, wherein said interengaging camming surfaces are substantially planar surfaces inclined with respect to the surface of the post.

15. A structure according to Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the screw-threaded device extends generally longitudinally of the sleeve and is accessible for adjustment from the top of the cap member.

16. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the underside of the cap member is formed with a recess which fits over the top of the sleeve.

17. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a waterproof cover which fits over the cap member.

18. A structure according to Claim 17, wherein the waterproof cover is formed with a central aperture which, in use, sealingly engages against the surface of a post passing through the cap member.

19. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the postsupporting means at the lower end of the sleeve comprise one or more projecting portions on the base member which project into the opening in the lower end of the sleeve.

20. A structure according to Claim 19, wherein the base member is formed with a hollow, upwardly directed circumferential wall which engages within the lower end of the sleeve.

21. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member and/or cap member are detachably connected to the ends of the sleeve.

22. A structure according to Claim 21, wherein the base and/or cap member is a sliding friction fit on the sleeve.

23. A structure according to Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the base and/or cap member and sleeve have inter-engaging formations which snap into engagement as the member is fitted to the sleeve, to hold the member in place on the sleeve.

24. A structure according to Claim 23, wherein the inter-engaging formations comprise a flexible tag projecting from one part, which snaps into an aperture on the other part.

25. A structure according to Claim 23 or Claim 24, wherein in the case of the base member, the orientation of the inter-engaging formations is such that the formations may be inter-engaged by lowering the lower end of the sleeve into engagement with the base member.

26. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve is of rectangular or circular cross-section.

27. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there are provided one or more resilient seals to prevent moisture passing into the interior of the sleeve.

28. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided a levelling device comprising a support element which may be temporarily mounted on the cap member of the structure, and a spirit level mounted on the support element.

29. A structure according to Claim 28, wherein the support element comprises a plug which is received in the central aperture in the cap member.

30. A structure according to Claim 28 or Claim 29, wherein the spirit level is of the kind having a circular bubble which comes into register with a central mark on a transparent window on the device, when the axis of the spirit level is vertical.

31. A structure according to any of the preceding claims, and further comprising a plug which may be used to fill the aperture in the cap member temporarily.

32. A structure for installing a post in the ground, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.