GB2379227A

GB2379227A - Securement means for a pole

Info

Publication number: GB2379227A
Application number: GB0217545A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Klaus Krinner; Guenther Thurner
Original assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
Current assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
Priority date: 2001-08-30
Filing date: 2002-07-30
Publication date: 2003-03-05
Also published as: FR2829168A1; DE10142399C2; PL355464A1; DE10142399A1; GB0217545D0; CZ20022917A3

Abstract

A securement means is provided with which tubular poles e.g. posts or masts, are erected. A ground peg 9 with helices 11 is driven into the ground 2. The ground peg is attached to a retaining bolt 8 which at its upper end is configured as a mounting spindle 3. The tubular pole 1 is mounted on the spindle 3 with its securement end 19. The retaining bolt 8 has a support and abutment plate 10 with a support and abutment face 5, on which is seated an annular seal 18. After mounting the tubular pole 1, a granular filler material 6 such as rolled chip, is poured into the annular space 4 between the pole 1 and the spindle 3.

Description

Title: Securement means for a tubular pole and use of the securement means for erecting flagpoles DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a securement means, with which a pole, such as, for example, a mast, post or stake, which is tubular at least at its securement end, is detachably secured on a flat base, said means having a mounting spindle which protrudes from the flat base, and onto which the securement end of the pole is mounted, the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting spindle being smaller than the internal cross-sectional dimension of the pole so that an annular space is provided between the mounting spindle and the pole.

Such a securement means is known from DE 295 13 554 Ul belonging to the Applicant company. This known securement means is principally intended for posts and stakes formed from wood, but it may also be basically used for poles formed from steel tubes in the embodiment according to Figs. 2A and 2B. In the known securement means, the mounting spindle is positioned, for example, on a ground peg and is provided, at its upper end, with a transverse bore. The pole, mounted with its tubular securement end on the mounting spindle, may be tilted thereupon as a result of the annular space between the pole and the mounting spindle. In this manner, if the ground peg has been screwed into the ground somewhat obliquely, such tilting can be compensated-for. For securement, a transversely extending pin is inserted into the bore situated in the upper end of the retaining spindle, and this pin is screwed into matching bores in the wall of the tubular pole. Since the bore, situated in the retaining spindle, has a greater dimension than the pin, the possibility of tilting still remains. The securement end of the pole is braced between the transversely extending pin and a retaining plate, which is provided at the lower end of the pole and can be screwed against the front end of the pole by means of a nut.

The known securement means has proved to be effective in practice, but it nevertheless requires careful and accurate fitting. In such case, it can happen that the

also possible. Pouring the granular filler material into the pole itself from above or through a lateral opening is effected more easily and more cleanly than pouring filler material into an open annular hopper directly on the ground. By tilting the pole on the mounting spindle and by mounting it in different positions relative to the mounting spindle, the position of inclination and the arrangement location of the pole relative to the mounting spindle can be varied, so that an adjustment in position and direction becomes possible, and an inclined position of the mounting spindle relative to the plane of erection can be easily and safely compensated-for. By interchangeable support and abutment faces, adapting quickly to poles of different cross-sectional dimension and configuration is possible. The securement means according to the invention is, in addition, very cheap to produce and ensures that, despite fast work even by untrained work-forces, a good appearance of the erected poles is ensured.

The granular filler material may consist of a hard sand, rolled chip or stone material and/or of a resilient plastics material.

Although the dimensions of the individual grains of the filler material are selectable within wide limits, it has nevertheless proved to be particularly advantageous that the mean granular size d of the individual grains, forming the filler material, relative to the mean gap width s of the annular space amounts to about 0. 1. s < d < 0. 7. s. The use of a rolled chip having a mean granular size of between 2 and 4 mm is particularly advantageous and cheap.

The cross-sectional dimension of the mounting spindle may be constant over its entire length, or a decreasing cross-sectional dimension of the mounting spindle from its securement end to its free end may be provided. In both cases, a good retention effect is achieved.

In the case most frequently occurring in practical application, a mounting spindle having a circular cross-section will be used. In this case, it is particularly advantageous to provide a helix in the form of one or more threads on the external circumference of the mounting spindle. In practice, the most frequently occurring

In many cases, however, poles, stakes, masts and the like have to be erected very quickly, the work cannot be carried out excessively carefully and yet a satisfactorily aesthetic effect is to be achieved. This is the case, for example, for fairs, exhibitions and shows in the widest sense, where flagpoles, stakes for barriers and indicator boards or even for lighter tent constructions are to be quickly erected and removed again. Also, on such occasions, masts, poles and posts of various diameters, which have to be erected quickly, are involved, and it is often not easy to keep available the necessary relatively large number of different types for the securement means.

Hence, the basic object of the invention is to provide a securement means of the initially mentioned type, with which tubular poles formed from various materials and having different diameters can be erected so as to be adjustable in position and direction, and also simply removed again in a quick and clean operation, even by minimally trained personnel; in addition, this securement means is still to be cheap to produce.

According to the invention, the solution is achieved according to the characterising part of claim 1, in that there is a granular filler material in the annular space between the mounting spindle and the pole.

In contrast to the securement system known from DE 199 60 854 Al, wherein a cupshaped or tubular filler section is provided, into which the pole is inserted and adjusted, and the annular space formed between the filler section and the pole is filled by the granular filler material, provision is made, in the securement means according to the invention, for the pole to be mounted onto the mounting spindle, and for the granular filler material to be placed inside the pole, so that it is ultimately situated in the annular space between the mounting spindle and the pole.

The securement means according to the invention generally leads to an arrangement having clearly smaller cross-sectional dimensions than in the prior art. The crosssectional dimension is principally determined by the pole itself, which will usually be a tube of circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional configurations are

With the vertical erection of posts, poles or masts, it must be ensured that the granular filler material does not run downwardly out of the securement end of the post, of the pole or of the mast. On the one hand, the emergent filler material is missing for the securement to be achieved and, on the other hand, it will be unsightly in many cases when rolled chip material or the like lies around near the securement means, for example on a mown surface. Hence it is necessary, for a reliable and clean operation, to close-off the securement end of the tubular pole downwardly.

A particularly simple embodiment which serves this purpose may reside in the fact that the internal dimension of the tubular pole is greater than the largest external dimension of the retaining bolt, so that the tubular pole can be completely inverted over the retaining bolt. Then, indeed, the tubular pole is positioned, when secured, with the end face of its securement end on the ground or some other flat base such as, for example, a road surface or a cement base or the like, whereby the necessary lower termination is achieved.

An alternative advantageous embodiment may reside in the fact that a support and abutment face is effective between the mounting spindle and the tubular pole and determines the axial position of the pole relative to the retaining spindle. In this embodiment, the securement is independent of uneven areas or irregularities in the erection surface.

For the constructive realisation of this support and abutment face, the procedure may be that the retaining bolt is provided with a support and abutment plate, which protrudes laterally from said bolt and has at least the cross-sectional dimension of the tubular pole, said plate being disposed between the regions of the ground peg or respectively of the securement pin, on the one hand, and of the mounting spindle on the other hand, and the support and abutment face for the tubular pole being provided on said plate.

cross-section of the tubular pole is the circular cross-section. The mounting spindle with a circular cross-section, provided with helices, can be used, however, without any problem even in connection with tubular poles which have a cross-section deviating from the circular cross-section, that is to say, for example, an oval or polygonal cross-section. The helices permit a particularly firm connection between the tubular pole and the mounting spindle, in that the pole is rotated after being mounted on the mounting spindle and is thereby screwed firmly to a certain extent.

Furthermore, in this case, even a simple detachment of the tubular pole after use is readily possible, because the pole can be unscrewed to a certain extent.

The securement means according to the invention is suitable for many commercial sites where poles are to be secured, that is to say even for a horizontal or inclined arrangement of the poles, just so long as it is ensured that the granular filler material remains packed reliably in the annular space between the mounting spindle and the pole.

A particularly large field of application for the securement means according to the invention resides, however, in the fact that the mounting spindle is part of a retaining bolt, which is configured as a ground peg at its end situated opposite the mounting spindle. In this case, the securement means according to the invention is used to erect posts, poles or masts vertically on the ground.

However, a variant of the securement means according to the invention is also well suited for the same field of application, wherein the mounting spindle is part of a retaining bolt, which is provided, at its end situated opposite the mounting spindle, with a securement pin for insertion into a separate ground peg which, for its part, has a cup-shaped or tubular filler section for accommodating a granular filler material retaining the securement pin. In this case, therefore, the securement means according to the invention is combined with that according to DE 199 60 854 Al belonging to the Applicant company. The result thereof is an even greater adjustability for the tubular pole to be erected.

are also sufficiently resilient materials which are themselves suited to multiple use.

With poles of large diameter, with particularly harsh use, with the use of sharply- edged chip material for the granular filler material and with frequent dismantling and re-construction of the securement means according to the invention, however, it will be preferable to use a sealing body formed from a form-retaining material, such as steel for example, which is more resistant than resilient material.

Then, according to an additional advantageous embodiment, an annular body formed from a shape-retaining material is provided, which is laid on the support and abutment plate or is integrally connected thereto, has a circular or trapezoidal cross- section or has a cup-shaped configuration, and is dimensioned in such a manner that it reliably seals a gap which is otherwise formed when the mounting spindle and the securement end of the pole are inclined relative to each other without an annular body. In such case, the tubular pole sits on the annular body and can, by sliding on its internal surface, i. e. on the circular or trapezoidal surface or cup-shaped surface of the annular body, assume different inclined positions, whereby it can be adjusted without the risk of bodies of the filler material emerging. When the annular body is configured as a separate part, which is laid on the support and abutment plate, it can be displaced radially on the support and abutment plate with a sufficiently large internal diameter. By this means, the possibility of positioning the tubular pole relative to the retaining bolt is retained. In contrast thereto, the integral construction of the annular body with the support and abutment plate is cheaper. Such an annular body has an almost unlimited service life, even when it is used again and again.

The embodiment already mentioned of the mounting spindle with a reducing cross-sectional dimension from its securement end to its free end, that is to say, for example, in the form of a truncated cone, offers an additional, surprisingly simple possibility of closing-off downwardly the annular space for the filler material; in fact, the dimensions can be set in such a manner that the support and abutment face for the tubular pole is formed by the external circumference of the mounting spindle. In consequence, the tubular pole"rides", to a certain extent, in an inclinedly-

A particularly solid and stable embodiment is achieved, in such case, by the retaining bolt being integral with the mounting spindle, the support and abutment plate and the ground peg or respectively the securement pin.

However, the procedure may also be that the support and abutment plate is a separate perforated plate, which is mounted on the retaining bolt and is supported by a band, provided on said bolt, in a transverse position relative to the retaining bolt or in a pivotable manner. In this advantageous embodiment, the retaining bolt becomes cheaper to produce on the one hand, since the band must only have a slightly larger diameter than the retaining bolt itself. On the other hand, by providing various interchangeable perforated plates, there is the possibility of providing a box construction system, through which poles of different diameter may be secured with one and the same retaining bolt.

The tiltability of the perforated plate permits inclined positioning and hence adjustment of the tubular pole relative to the retaining bolt. The tilting becomes possible in that the band is conically chamfered or spherically curved on its upper side; the perforated plate and the tubular pole then form one unit which is adjustable relative to the band.

In the most simple embodiment, the securement end of the tubular pole can be supported directly on the support and abutment plate or the perforated plate. When, through stronger tilting of the pole, however, this pole is to be adjusted on the support and abutment face, it will be preferable if, according to an additional embodiment, a resilient intermediate layer is disposed between the end face of the tubular pole and the support and abutment face of the retaining bolt. This layer can be configured as an annular seal. With a stronger tilting, the end face of the tubular pole digs itself more strongly in that region into the resiliently deformable annular seal, and it is still ensured that no filler material can fall unintentionally outwardly.

With resilient intermediate layers and annular seals, a gap between the end face of the tubular pole and the support and abutment face can be very reliably sealed, and there

cheap, commercially available masts, which already offer the possibility that the filler material, necessary for the erection, can be inserted laterally into the mast, yet there is a conventional cover for the opening with a satisfactory appearance.

If such masts are not involved, individual solutions for covering the lateral filler opening must be proposed.

The closure may be formed by a rotary sleeve, which is rotatably disposed on the pole and has a through-opening which, by rotating the rotary sleeve, can be brought to coincide and not to coincide with the filler opening provided on the pole. However, a closure may also be selected in the form of a cover adapted to the filler opening, which cover is insertable into said opening and engages behind the edges of said opening on two opposite sides with two retaining pins, on the one hand, and with the projection member of a pivot bar on the other hand.

In many cases, the aesthetic effect will be decisive as to whether a lateral filler opening, accessible from outside, can be accepted with an associated closure. Moreover, care must be taken to ensure that the pole is not weakened too much by the provision of the lateral filler opening. This can be of importance with flagpoles, for example, which are subjected to a considerable wind pressure. For that very reason, in further embodiments of the securement means according to the invention, care is also taken to ensure that the granular filler material is in the interior of the tubular pole as a pre-metered portion and is emptied into the annular space after the pole has been mounted on the securement spindle.

With this basic solution, provision may be made, according to a first embodiment, for the mounting spindle to be provided with a point and, prior to assembly, for the granular filler material to be situated in a tearable container, which is secured in the tubular pole at its securement end at such a spacing from the end face thereof that, by mounting the tubular pole on the mounting spindle and guiding it to its abutment position, the tearable container is tom open by the point of the mounting spindle, and the granular filler material is automatically distributed.

adjustable manner on the mounting spindle, and the interests of adjustment are best combined with those of sealing.

For the practical operation of the securement means according to the invention, it is also of great importance how the filler material can be introduced, at the point of erection of the tubular poles, into the annular space between the pole wall and the point of erection. For this purpose, various solutions are provided according to the invention.

In a particularly simple embodiment of the securement means according to the invention, it is provided that the pole is configured as a continuously open tube and is closed, at its free end remote from the securement end, with a separate cover formed from plastics material. This arrangement applies particularly for poles of relatively low height since, in such case, the granular filler material can be poured-in through the opening situated at the free end of the pole.

Other solutions must be found for poles of greater height.

Thus, according to one advantageous embodiment, provision may be made for the tubular pole to have a lateral filler opening for the granular filler material, which opening is provided with a closure. In such case, the filler opening is provided at a spacing from the end face of the securement end of the tubular pole, which spacing substantially corresponds to between 1. 5- and 2.2-times the length of the mounting spindle. In the assembled state, the filler opening is then sufficiently high above the mounting spindle, so that a uniform distribution of the filler material is ensured in the annular space.

In any case, many masts are available with a lateral opening, which can be covered by a closure. For example, that is the case with light masts, in which the electrical cables must be accessible. Furthermore, there are also flagpoles in which a cable guide means is accommodated. In such case, a service opening is also provided, which is covered by a flap. In many cases, therefore, it is possible to fall back on

portions of the resilient strip to be bent in the transverse direction at their free ends and to engage in bayonet-like slots which are cut-out at the edges of the tubular pole. In such case, there is a particularly simple operation for the assembly. If the additional measures associated therewith at the edges of the pole to be erected are considered to be too expensive, a further solution can be used in which the two portions of the resilient strip have, at their free ends, U-shaped bent-over portions which engage around the edges of the tubular pole in the inserted position of the strip and have through-apertures which are in alignment with bores in the tubular pole, safety means, such as hollow rivets, screws, wire loops or the like, being inserted into the through-apertures and the bores.

The basket may, however, also consist of two intersecting sheet metal strips.

One embodiment is particularly advantageous, in which the tearable container is formed by a bag which is formed from plastics material and is provided, at its upper end in the installation position, with a securement loop which is adapted to engage around the transverse web of the resilient strip. Such a bag, formed from plastics material, can be destroyed particularly easily when the granular filler material is to be emptied into the annular space. In order to prevent damage to the bag, formed from plastics material, when it is inserted into the tubular pole, said bag can be additionally protected, during this operation, by a covering formed from cardboard.

When the securement means according to the invention is to be detached again, it will be possible, on many occasions, to rotate the tubular pole in the detachment direction in order to loosen the granular filler material thereby, until finally the pole can be raised from the support and abutment face. However, this type of detachment possibility is often made more difficult because the smooth cylindrical outer face of the pole cannot be grasped firmly enough. Hence, it is worth the effort to remove the granular filler material from the annular space to detach the securement means.

A first possibility for this resides in the fact the tubular pole has, at its securement end, at least one substantially U-shaped outlet opening in the form of an archway,

The emptying of the granular filler material situated in the tearable container can also, however, be triggered when the wall of the tubular pole is provided, at the height of the inserted tearable container, with a plurality of actuation openings through which a tool can be introduced to pierce and tear-open the tearable container. These actuation openings remain relatively small and weaken the pole, from a static point of view, less than a single large filler opening for the granular filler material.

According to another embodiment, however, provision may also be made for the tearable container to have an incorporated cord with an actuating end for tearing purposes, the actuating end of the cord extending from the tubular pole and being accessible for actuation purposes even after the pole has been mounted on the mounting spindle.

A safe method to insert the tearable container prior to assembly in the tubular pole and to keep it safe therein is very crucial for the last-mentioned possibilities of introducing jointly the granular filler material as a portion from the outset into the tubular pole. For this purpose, provision is advantageously made for the tearable container to be secured on a basket which is insertable in a resiliently compressible manner into the securement end of the tubular pole and is retained there in a transverse snug fit. In many cases, the transverse snug fit will already suffice to retain the tearable container safely. Should one wish to be completely safe, provision may also be made for the edge of the basket to be additionally secured on the edge of the tubular pole.

In the simplest manner, the basket is formed by a strip formed from resilient material which is bent substantially in a V-shaped manner with a transverse web and is deformed to form a"U"by being pushed into the securement end of the tubular pole, the transverse web serving as the retaining means for the tearable container.

For the securement of the basket edge on the edge of the tubular pole, which securement serves as an additional safety means, provision may be made for the two

exchangeable parts and because even untrained workers are capable of accomplishing a neat operation in a short time with the securement means.

The invention is explained more fully hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to embodiments. The following is illustrated in the drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the securement means according to the invention, shown partially in cross-section; Fig. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the securement means according to the invention, also shown partially in cross-section; Fig. 3 has, as its subject-matter, one possibiliry of how the granular filler material of the securement means can be supplied laterally when erecting the pole; Fig. 4 contains the cross-sectional view taken along the line A-B in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 illustrates a cover for closing the filler opening for the filler material; Fig. 6 illustrates an additional possibility of how the granular filler material can be introduced in the case of the securement means according to the invention; the situation prior to the introduction of the filler material into the tubular pole is illustrated therein; Fig. 7 is an illustration corresponding to Fig. 6, the situation after assembly of the parts, but prior to the securement situation, being illustrated; Fig. 8 has, as its subject-matter, a detail of how the edges of the basket for the tearable container can be secured; Fig. 9 illustrates a first possibility for removing the filler material when releasing the securement means;

which opening protrudes into the end face and is covered by a slidable sleeve, which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the tubular pole and is adapted to the external circumference thereof In this case it is sufficient to raise the displaceable sleeve, whereby the outlet opening becomes free and the granular filler material can escape outwardly. Possibly, hammer blows on the tubular pole can subsequently be of help.

When the support and abutment face, which can be situated on the support and abutment plate or a perforated plate, leaves sufficient space, it is also possible for outlet slots to be provided in the above-mentioned plates, which slots are shaped like circular portions, a rotary slide plate being rotatably mounted beneath the support and abutment plate or the perforated plate, in which rotary slide plate there are also slots in the form of circular portions, the outlet slots being open or closed depending on the position of the rotary slide plate.

It has already been mentioned that the securement means according to the invention can also be used for erecting those masts in which electrical lines are located. For example, this is the case with light masts or stakes for erecting infrared radiators. For such masts, means are often provided for extending the electrical lines in the ground.

So that this connection possibility is also maintained with the securement means according to the invention, provision is made, according to a further advantageous embodiment, for the retaining bolt to be provided with an elongate bore. An electrical connection cable can be guided outwardly in this manner through the retaining bolt so as to be unobtrusive.

A particularly preferred use of the securement means according to the invention is for the erection of flagpoles having a circular cross-section. At fairs, exhibitions and public shows of every type, very many flagpoles, also of various diameters, often have to be erected in a short time, a visually pleasing overall impression having to be created without considerable previous or subsequent work. The securement means according to the invention is particularly well-suited for this, because it permits an adaptation of various tube diameters to be achieved easily with only a few

The upper region of the retaining bolt 8, which serves as the mounting spindle 3, is configured to taper conically upwardly and is provided with a point 31. Helices 7 are also provided on the conical region of the mounting peg.

The tubular pole 1 is illustrated in an interrupted manner in Fig. 1. The securement end of the tubular pole 1 is referenced 19. The securement end 19 has an end face 19A below, with which face the tubular pole 1 lies on the annular seal 18 in the secured position.

The upper or free end 20 of the tubular pole 1 is closed by a cover 12 in the form of a resilient plastics material cap.

The secured position of the securement means according to the invention is illustrated in Fig. 1. Between the tubular pole 1 and the mounting spindle 3 there is an annular space 4, in which a granular filler material 6 is situated. This may consist of a hard sand, rolled chip or stone material. However, a resilient plastics material is also considered. In such case, the mean granular size of the individual bodies forming the filler material is adapted to the average gap width of the annular space. In general, the ratio between the mean granular size d and the average gap width s of the annular space 4 should be established roughly according to the equation:

In practical usage, a mean granular size of between 2 and 4 mm has proved satisfactory.

The erection and securement of the tubular pole, illustrated in Fig. 1, are effected as follows : Firstly, in known manner, the retaining bolt 8 is inserted into the ground as a ground peg. For this purpose, it can be turned by means of an iron rod which is inserted into the insert opening 21, or a motorised screwing-in apparatus is considered. Then, the annular seal 18 is laid on the support and abutment plate 10, and subsequently the

Fig. 10 illustrates a second possibility for removing the filler material in the securement means according to the invention; Fig. 11 is the cross-sectional view taken along the line C-D in Fig. 10; and Figs. 12-16 illustrate different possibilities of how, in the securement means according to the invention, the annular space for accommodating the granular filler material is to be downwardly closed, and yet adjustment of the tubular pole in terms of position and direction is possible.

In the illustration according to Fig. 1,1 signifies a tubular pole which, for example, may be a post for securing a washing line, a fence post or a flagpole. This pole is to be erected on a flat base 2, which is the ground here, quickly and yet in as accurate a location and alignment as possible. For this purpose, a retaining bolt 8 in a single piece is provided which, in its embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, has a cylindrical central part and two pointed ends. The upper end is configured as a mounting spindle 3. The lower end of the retaining bolt 8 forms a ground peg 9, with which the retaining bolt 8 can be screwed into the ground. For this purpose, the ground peg 9 has helices 11, which act as threads. An insert opening 21, provided in the retaining bolt, is used for the insertion of a tool such as, for example, an iron rod, so that the ground peg can be easily turned. If a larger number of tubular poles 1 are to be erected, a motorised apparatus for screwing-in purposes can also be used. In other respects, such ground pegs are known, so that a fuller description can be eliminated here.

Here, the retaining bolt 8 has a support and abutment plate 10, which is integrally connected thereto, the diameter of which plate is greater than that of the tubular pole 1 to be erected. The upper side of the support and abutment plate 10 forms a support and abutment face 5. A flexible annular seal 18 is laid on said support and abutment face.

retaining spindle and of the ground peg or respectively of the securement pin, evident in Figs. 1 and 2, may be combined in any desirable manner.

In the case of the securement means illustrated in Fig. 2, the retaining bolt 13 is inserted into a separate ground peg 15, which has a filler section 16. In this filler section there is also a granular filler material 17. Ground pegs of this type are known, and are described and illustrated in DE 199 60 854 Al belonging to the Applicant company. Hence, a fuller explanation of the ground peg 15 can be omitted.

The retaining bolt 13 of the securement means according to Fig. 2 has an incorporated band, which has a substantially smaller diameter than the support and abutment plate 10 of the retaining bolt according to Fig. 1. Hence, the retaining bolt 13 is particularly economical to produce. A rotary slide plate 48, a perforated plate 3A and the annular seal 18, already known from Fig. 1, are supported on the band 13A. Here, the perforated plate 3A has the function of the support and abutment plate. The rotary slide plate 48 will be explained even more fully with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.

The securement of the tubular pole, which has to be inverted with its securement end 19 over the mounting spindle 3, is effected in the same manner as was described with reference to Fig. 1. However, the embodiment according to Fig. 2 offers additional adjustment possibilities because, after the screwing-in of the separate ground peg 15, the retaining bolt 13 can be additionally adjusted in the filler section 16, before the granular filler material 17 is poured therein. In both cases, i. e. with the embodiment according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, there is in addition the possibility of not only pivoting the tubular pole 1 with its securement end 19 relative to the mounting spindle 3 but also of erecting it on the annular seal 18 in various positions relative to said spindle.

The disposition location of the tubular pole 1 can also be adjusted by said means. This is of importance when a row of poles are erected in a straight line, since the human eye registers deviations from the straight line very clearly.

tubular pole is placed upon the mounting spindle 3 of the retaining bolt 8 with its securement end 19.

Efforts will always be made to screw the retaining bolt into the ground in an accurately vertical position. Often, however, this is not possible, because the ground is not completely homogeneous because of the presence of roots, stones or foreign bodies. Furthermore, the accuracy of the vertical position of the retaining bolt also depends on how skilful, experienced and careful those entrusted with this task are. If, therefore, the mounting spindle should have a position which deviates from the vertical, compensation is readily possible with the illustrated securement means. After the vertical pole I has been placed upon the mounting spindle 3, said pole can be brought into the vertical position and secured there. For this purpose, the tubular pole 1 is pivoted on the resiliently yielding annular seal 18 and retained in the desired position. The granular filler material is introduced into the vertical pole 1 through the opening situated at the free end 20 and falls into the annular space provided between the mounting spindle 3 and the internal wall of the pole 1, and the filler material completely fills this space. The compression of the granular filler material can be assisted by a few hammer blows from outside. The annular seal 18 prevents any undesirable escape of individual grains of the filler material 6 even when, as a result of the adjustment, the longitudinal axis of the vertical pole 1 extends in an inclined manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the retaining bolt 8. After the cover 12 has been fitted, the tubular pole 1 is reliably erected and securely retained.

The securement means illustrated in Fig. 2 corresponds substantially to that according to Fig. 1, but it is modified in a few structural details.

Here, therefore, the retaining bolt 13 has a substantially continuously cylindrical configuration. Even the mounting spindle 3, situated on the upper end of the retaining bolt 13, has a cylindrical configuration here. In its lower region, the retaining bolt 13 is provided with a securement pin 14 of a continuously cylindrical configuration. In other respects, it is not imperative that a cylindrical securement pin 14 also has a cylindrical retaining spindle 3. Rather, the embodiments of the

Each lateral filler opening must weaken the pole to be erected in the static respect. This can possibly lead to problems with flagpoles, when wind loadings are to be taken into account. Furthermore, aesthetic reasons make it preferable, in many cases, to eliminate completely a lateral filler opening with the associated covering.

In these cases, the securement means according to the invention is configured in such a manner that the granular filler material is situated in the interior of the tubular pole to be erected as a pre-packed portion, when said pole is mounted on the mounting spindle with its securement end. While there are various possibilities for emptying the supply of granular filler material, situated in the interior of the tubular pole, into the annular space surrounding the mounting spindle, care must be taken, in each case, to ensure that the portioned filler material is retained safely in the tubular pole when the latter is being mounted. The details necessary for this purpose are explained with reference to Figs. 6 and 7.

In the securement means illustrated in Fig. 6,19 again signifies the securement end of the pole 1. The granular filler material is situated in a tearable container 32, which is formed here by a bag formed from plastics material. A cord 41 is incorporated in the bag, the actuating end 41A of which cord protrudes from the tearable container 32.

At its upper end, the tearable container 32 has a securement loop 44.

For the subsequent insertion and reliable securement of the tearable container 32 in the securement end 19 of the tubular pole 1, a basket 35 is used which, in the embodiment illustrated, comprises a multiply-bent strip 37 formed from resilient material. For this purpose, a sheet steel plate, for example, is considered. The strip 37 has a transverse web 38 with two portions 39A and 39B protruding inclinedly therefrom on both sides. These portions protrude from the transverse web 38 in a Vshaped and resilient manner. At their free ends, the portions 39A and 39B are not bent.

Pouring the granular filler material 6 into the annular space 4 between the tubular pole 1 and the mounting spindle 3 can only be effected, via the opening at the free upper end 20 of the pole 1, when this is not too high. With longer posts or masts, such as flagpoles for example, this type of filling is no longer possible.

Hence, Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate the securement end 19 of a tubular pole, in which a lateral filler opening 22 is provided. This is illustrated by dotted lines in Fig. 3. It is situated above the upper end of the mounting spindle 3 with the point 31. In the region of the filler opening 22, the tubular pole 1 is surrounded by a rotary sleeve 23, in which there is a through-opening 24. The through-opening 24 is adapted to the filler opening 22 in size and configuration. By rotating the rotary sleeve, the openings can be brought into alignment or displaced towards each other. The rotary sleeve is supported on a supporting ring 25, which is welded onto the securement end 19 of the pole 1. Securement upwardly can be achieved by one or more retaining brackets 26.

Fig. 4 is the cross-sectional view taken along the line A-B of Fig. 3 and, in such case, the function is readily apparent from the view itself. Instead of the rotary sleeve 23 illustrated, it might even suffice to provide a slidable sleeve, which only needs to be raised when filling the tubular pole 1 with the granular filler material 6. In such case, however, the slidable sleeve must be held firmly during the filling process, and this involves a somewhat more complicated operation.

An additional possibility for closing the filler opening is apparent from Fig. 5. In such case, a cover 27, adapted in its curvature to the tubular pole, is provided at the bottom with two retaining pins 28. Furthermore, the cover has a pivot bar 29, with which a projection member 30 can be pivoted. The cover 27 is inserted into the filler opening 22 so as to fit exactly, the retaining pins 28 engaging behind the lower edge of said opening. By actuating the pivot bar 29, the projection member 30 can then also be guided behind the edge of the filler opening, and the cover 27 is safely situated in the filler opening, thereby immediately presenting an improvement in the static respect.

annular space 4. Inconspicuous actuation openings 33 are provided for the opening process in the securement end 19 of the tubular pole 1, into which openings a tool 34 may be inserted. With this tool, the tearable container is then pierced until the granular filler material empties into the annular space 4.

Another possibility is to pull on the cord 41, which is incorporated in the tearable container 32, and the actuating end 41A of which extends outwardly. For this purpose, the support and abutment plate 10 has a cord opening 1 OA.

Another possibility is to dispose the tearable container at such a spacing from the end face 19A of the securement end 19 that, when the tubular pole 1 is mounted on the mounting spindle 3, the lower end of said container is pierced and torn-open by the point of said mounting spindle, so that the granular filler material 6 empties automatically into the annular space. In this manner, a particularly fast assembly is possible; indeed, with this type of erection, no longer adjustment of the tubular pole 1 relative to the mounting spindle 3 is possible.

When the erected tubular pole 1 is to be removed again, it may be sufficient to turn it and unscrew it to a certain extent. This is more especially possible when a mounting spindle is provided with a helix. Indeed, smooth-surfaced cylindrical poles or masts can often be difficult to grip, so that the torque to be applied is not sufficient in practical conditions.

Hence, in the securement means according to the invention, precautions are taken to remove the filler material, situated in the annular space, prior to releasing the tubular pole.

A first possibility for this is illustrated in Fig. 9. In such case, on the securement end 19 of the tubular pole 1, an outlet opening 45 is provided which is substantially Ushaped, is configured like an archway and passes downwardly into the end face 19A of the securement end. On the securement end 19 there is a slidable sleeve 46 surrounding this securement end, said sleeve having no opening and, in consequence,

The U-shaped bent-over portions 36 are provided with through-apertures 42A and 42B, into which securing means such as hollow rivets, screws or wire loops can be inserted.

During the securement operation, the bag forming the tearable container 32 and formed from plastics material is secured to the transverse web 38 of the resilient strip 37 with its securement loop 44. Then, the resilient strip 37 forming the basket 35 is pushed into the securement end 19 of the tubular pole 1. In such case, the protruding portions 39A and 39B of the resilient strip 37, which initially protrude in a V-shaped manner, are bent-over inwardly so that the V is gradually deformed into a U. The insertion is continued until the U-shaped bent-over portions 36 abut against the end face 19A of the securement end 19. The basket 35 is then already retained completely reliably on the tubular pole 1 solely by the friction between the portions 39A and 39B and the internal wall of said pole. However, in order to be completely safe, the additional safety measures by means of the U-shaped bent-over portions 36 are provided. The through-apertures 42A and 42B of said portions are, in fact, aligned with bores 43, after the insertion of the basket, which bores are provided in the securement end 19 of the tubular pole 1 and may be configured as through-bores or threaded bores. The inserted position of the basket 35, with the tearable container 32, is in fact definitively and reliably secured by inserting and mounting securing means, such as hollow rivets, screws or wire loops, through the through-apertures 42A and 42B and the bores 43. In such case, the provision of the bores 43 themselves in commercially available poles or masts involves no great expense.

If a somewhat larger preparation outlay is possible, the securement end 19 of the tubular pole 1 may also be provided with bayonet-like slots 40, as is illustrated in Fig.

8. The bent-over ends 36 of the resilient strip 37 can be inserted and locked in the bayonet-like slots, so that assembly at the point of erection is simplified.

Fig. 7 illustrates the situation after the insertion of the basket into the securement end 19 and after the mounting of the tubular pole 1 on the mounting spindle 3 of the retaining bolt 8. It is evident that the tearable container 32 now hangs over the

completely over the retaining bolt 8. In such case, the end face 19A of the pole 1 partially penetrates into the flat base 2 of the ground. Without additional constructional means, a tight termination of the securement end 19 relative to the ground is provided here, so that the granular filler material 6 is retained safely in the annular space 4.

Fig. 13 shows a modification of the securement means illustrated in Fig. 2. Here, too, the support and abutment plate is in the form of a perforated plate 3A, but the band 13A has a conical configuration. In consequence, the perforated plate 3A is tiltable relative to the retaining bolt 14. The tubular pole, mounted with its securement end 19 on the perforated plate 3, can thereby be inclined relative to the retaining bolt 14 and the mounting spindle 3, i. e. it can be adjusted, as the dotted illustration shows for clarity in an exaggerated manner. In addition, by displacing the securement end on the perforated plate, positioning of the tubular pole is possible after securement of the retaining bolt 14 in the ground and, consequently, the pole can be adjusted according to position and direction with an even easier constructive embodiment of the securement means.

With the securement means according to Fig. 14, the mounting spindle 3 and the support and abutment plate 10 are integrally connected to the retaining bolt 8. An annular body 50, which has a trapezoidal profile, is placed upon the support and abutment plate 10. Here, if the tubular pole 1 with its securement end 19 is inverted over the retaining bolt 8, it slides on the conical surface of the annular body 50 and can be adjusted thereby. In addition, since the annular body 50 can slide radially on the support and abutment plate 10, there is also the possibility of positioning. Fig. 14 also shows how the tubular pole 1 is adjusted according to position and direction with a retaining bolt 8 inserted inclinedly into the flat base 2 of the ground. It is apparent that the annular body 50 is offset radially towards the left relative to the mounting spindle 3. Securing the position of the tubular pole, achieved by the adjustment, is effected here, as in all other cases, by pouring in the granular filler material. The annular body may also have a profile in the form of a partial sphere, which makes adjustment particularly possible. An economical variant

reliably covering the outlet opening 45 in every rotational position. If the slidable sleeve 46 is raised sufficiently high, as is indicated by the double-headed arrow, the filler material situated in the annular space empties outwardly, and this can be assisted by hitting the tubular pole with hammer blows from outside.

Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate an additional possibility for emptying outwardly the filler material situated in the annular space. In such case, the already mentioned perforated plate 3A has outlet slots 47 which are configured as circular portions. Beneath the perforated plate 3A there is the already mentioned rotary slide plate 48, in which there are also slots 49 in the shape of circular portions. By rotating the rotary slide plate 48, the outlet slots 47 can be brought to coincide with or not coincide with the slots 49. When they coincide, the filler material situated in the annular space falls downwardly by itself.

In the embodiment according to Figs. 10 and 11, the rotary slide plate must still be at a certain minimum spacing from the ground.

It must still be mentioned that all of the displaceable parts of the securement means, such as the rotary sleeve 23 according to Figs. 3 and 4, the slidable sleeve 46 according to Fig. 8 and the rotary slide plate 48 according to Figs. 10 and 11, must be provided with safety devices when using the securement means in public, so that misuse is prevented. For this purpose, conventional padlocks can inconspicuously be provided, for example.

Hereinafter, some additional possible embodiments of the hitherto described securement means are described with reference to additional drawings.

In Fig. 12, a variant of the securement means according to Fig. 1 is illustrated. Here, however, the retaining bolt 8 has no support and abutment plate and also no band.

Rather, it has a smooth cylindrical central part 8A, which passes upwardly into the mounting spindle 3 and downwardly into the ground peg 9. The tubular pole 1 has such a large internal diameter that it can be inverted, with its securement end 19,

Claims 1. Securement means, with which a pole (1), such as, for example, a mast, post or stake, which is tubular at least at its securement end (19), is detachably secured on a flat base (2), said means having a mounting spindle (3) which protrudes from the flat base (2), and onto which the securement end (19) of the pole (1) is mounted, the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting spindle (3) being smaller than the internal cross-sectional dimension of the pole (1) so that an annular space (4) is provided between the mounting spindle (3) and the pole (1), characterised in that there is a granular filler material (6) in the annular space (4) between the mounting spindle (3) and the pole (1).

2. Securement means according to claim 1, characterised in that the granular filler material (6) consists of a hard sand, rolled chip or stone material and/or of a resilient plastics material.

3. Securement means according to claim 2, characterised in that the mean granular size d of the individual bodies, forming the filler material (6), relative to the mean gap width s of the annular space (4) amounts to about 0. 1. s < d < 0. 7. s.

4. Securement means according to claim 2 or 3, characterised by the use of a rolled chip having a mean granular size of between 2 and 4 mm.

5. Securement means according to any one of claims I to 4, characterised in that the cross-sectional dimension of the mounting spindle (3) remains constant over its entire length.

6. Securement means according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised by a decreasing cross-sectional dimension of the mounting spindle (3) from its securement end to its free end.

of the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14 may reside in the fact that the annular body 50 is integral with the support and abutment plate 10. Then, however, there is no possibility of radial positioning.

Fig. 15 reveals a securement means according to the invention, in which the retaining bolt 8, the mounting spindle 3 and the tubular pole 1 have circular cross-sections.

The mounting spindle 3 is conical, and the circular pole 1 has an internal diameter which is smaller than the greatest diameter of the mounting spindle 3. As a result, the securement end 19 of the pole 1 slides when placed on the conical surface of the mounting spindle 3. Hence, it is easily possible to correct the alignment of the tubular pole.

Fig. 16 shows a securement means similar to that illustrated in Fig. 14. The annular body 50 on the support and abutment plate 10 has a profile cross-section, the inwardly directed side of which, in the form of a cup-like configuration, serves to accommodate the securement end 19. More especially, the end of the tubular pole 1 slides on this inwardly directed face, whereby the pole can be aligned. This face, more especially, has a conical or concave configuration.

Claims

(3) on the other hand, and the support and abutment face (5) for the tubular pole (1) being provided on said plate.

14. Securement means according to claim 13, characterised by the retaining bolt (8,13) being integral with the mounting spindle (3), the support and abutment plate (10) and the ground peg (9) or respectively the securement pin (14).

15. Securement means according to claim 13, characterised in that the support and abutment plate is a separate perforated plate (3A), which is mounted on the retaining bolt (13) and is supported by a band (13A), provided on said bolt, in a transverse position relative to the retaining bolt (13) or in a pivotable manner.

16. Securement means according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that a resilient intermediate layer is disposed between the end face (19A) of the tubular pole (1) and the support and abutment face (5) of the retaining bolt (8,13).

17. Securement means according to claim 16, characterised in that the resilient intermediate layer is configured as an annular seal (18).

18. Securement means according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterised by an annular body (50) formed from a shape-retaining material, which is laid on the support and abutment plate (10) or is integrally connected thereto, has a circular or trapezoidal cross-section and is dimensioned in such a manner that it reliably seals a gap which is formed when the mounting spindle (3) and the securement end (19) of the pole (1) are inclined relative to each other.

19. Securement means according to claim 12, when appendent on claim 6, characterised in that the support and abutment face for the tubular pole (1) is formed by the external circumference of the mounting spindle (3).

20. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterised in that the pole (1) is configured as a continuously open tube and is closed, at its free end (20) remote from the securement end (19), with a separate cover (21) formed from plastics material.

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7. Securement means according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised by a mounting spindle (3) having a circular cross-section.

8. Securement means according to claim 7, characterised by a helix (7) in the form of one or more threads on the external circumference of the mounting spindle (3).

9. Securement means according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the mounting spindle (3) is part of a retaining bolt (8), which is configured as a ground peg (9) at its end situated opposite the mounting spindle (3).

10. Securement means according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the mounting spindle (3) is part of a retaining bolt (13), which is provided, at its end situated opposite the mounting spindle (3), with a securement pin (14) for insertion into a separate ground peg (15) which, for its part, has a cup-shaped or tubular filler section (16) for accommodating a granular filler material (17) retaining the securement pin (14).

11. Securement means according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the internal dimension of the tubular pole is greater than the largest external dimension of the retaining bolt (8,13), so that the tubular pole (1) can be completely inverted over the retaining bolt (8,13).

12. Securement means according to claim 8 or 9, characterised by a support and abutment face (5), which is effective between the mounting spindle (3) and the tubular pole (1) and determines the axial position of the pole (1) relative to the retaining spindle (3).

13. Securement means according to claim 12, characterised in that the retaining bolt (8,13) is provided with a support and abutment plate (10), which protrudes laterally from said bolt and has at least the cross-sectional dimension of the tubular pole (1), said plate being disposed between the regions of the ground peg (9) or respectively of the securement pin (14), on the one hand, and of the mounting spindle

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spacing from the end face (19A) thereof which is greater than the effective length of the mounting spindle (3), and in that the wall of the tubular pole (1) is provided, at the height of the inserted tearable container, with a plurality of actuation openings (33) through which a tool (34) can be introduced to pierce and tear-open the tearable container (32).

27. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterised in that, prior to assembly, the granular filler material (6) is situated in a tearable container (32) which has an incorporated cord (41) with an actuating end (41A) for tearing open the tearable container (32) and is secured in the tubular pole (1) at the securement end (19) thereof at a spacing from its end face (19A) which is greater than the effective length of the mounting spindle (3), the actuating end (41A) of the cord (41) extending from the tubular pole (1) and being accessible for actuation purposes even after the pole (1) has been mounted on the mounting spindle (3).

28. Securement means according to any one of claims 25 to 27, characterised in that the tearable container (32) is secured on a basket (35) which is insertable in a resiliently compressible manner into the securement end (19) of the tubular pole (1) and is retained there in a transverse snug fit.

29. Securement means according to claim 28, characterised in that the edge of the basket (35) is additionally secured on the edge of the tubular pole (1).

30. Securement means according to claim 28 or 29, characterised in that the basket (35) is formed by a strip (37) formed from resilient material which is bent substantially in a V-shaped manner with a transverse web (38) and is deformed to form a"U"by being pushed into the securement end (19) of the tubular pole (1), the transverse web (38) serving as the retaining means for the tearable container (32).

31. Securement means according to claim 30, characterised in that two portions (39A, B) of the resilient strip (37) are bent in the transverse direction at their free ends and engage in bayonet-like slots (40) which are cut-out at the edges of the tubular pole (1).

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21. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterised in that the tubular pole (1) has a lateral filler opening (22) for the granular filler material (6), which opening is provided with a closure.

22. Securement means according to claim 21, characterised in that the filler opening is situated at a spacing from the end face of the securement end of the tubular pole (1), which spacing substantially corresponds to between 1. 5- and 2. 2-times the length of the mounting spindle (3).

23. Securement means according to claim 21 or 22, characterised in that the closure is formed by a rotary sleeve (23), which is rotatably disposed on the pole (1) and has a through-opening (24) which, by rotating the rotary sleeve (23), can be brought to coincide and not to coincide with the filler opening (22) provided on the pole.

24. Securement means according to claim 21 or 22, characterised by a closure in the form of a cover (27) adapted to the filler opening (22), which cover is insertable into said opening and engages behind the edges of said opening on two opposite sides with two retaining pins (28), on the one hand, and with the projection member (30) of a pivot bar (29) on the other hand.

25. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterised in that the mounting spindle (3) is provided with a point (31) and, prior to assembly, the granular filler material (6) is situated in a tearable container (32), which is secured in the tubular pole (1) at its securement end (19) at such a spacing from the end face (19A) thereof that, by mounting the tubular pole (1) on the mounting spindle (3) and guiding it to its abutment position, the tearable container (32) is tom open by the point (31) of the mounting spindle (3), and the granular filler material (6) is automatically distributed.

26. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 19, characterised in that, prior to assembly, the granular filler material (6) is situated in a tearable container (32), which is secured in the tubular pole (1) at its securement end (19) at a

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38. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 37 when used for the erection of flagpoles having a circular cross-section.

39. Securement means constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

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32. Securement means according to claim 30, characterised in that two portions (39A, B) of the resilient strip (37) have, at their free ends, U-shaped bent-over portions (36) which engage around the edges of the tubular pole (1) in the inserted position of the strip (37) and have through-apertures (42A, B) which are in alignment with bores (43) in the tubular pole, and in that safety means, such as hollow rivets, screws, wire loops or the like, are insertable into the through-apertures (42A, B) and bores (43).

33. Securement means according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterised in that the basket (35) consists of two intersecting sheet metal strips.

34. Securement means according to any one of claims 30 to 33, characterised in that the tearable container (32) is formed by a bag which is formed from plastics material and is provided, at its upper end in the installation position, with a securement loop (44) which is adapted to engage around the transverse web (38) of the resilient strip (37).

35. Securement means according to any one of claims 9 to 34, characterised in that the tubular pole (1) has, at its securement end (19), at least one substantially Ushaped outlet opening (45) in the form of an archway, which opening protrudes into the end face (19A) and is covered by a slidable sleeve (46), which is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the tubular pole (1) and is adapted to the external circumference thereof.

36. Securement means according to one of claims 9 to 34, characterised in that, in the support and abutment plate (10) or in the perforated plate (3A), outlet slots are provided which are shaped like circular portions, and in that, beneath the support and abutment plate (10) or the perforated plate (3A), a rotary slide plate (48) is rotatably mounted, in which there are also slots (49) in the form of circular portions, the outlet slots (47) being open or closed depending on the position of the rotary slide plate (48).

37. Securement means according to one of claims 9 to 24 and 26 to 36, characterised in that the retaining bolt (13) is provided with an elongate bore.

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