NZ246034A - Ground anchor tube with helical blade(s) and open ground penetrating end for supporting posts or columns etc - Google Patents

Description

246 0 3 4 New Zealand No. 246034 International No. PCT/AU92/00662 TO BE ENTERED AFTER ACCEPTANCE AND PUBLICATION Priority dates; ^ International filing date: tit)i x) Q "2.

Classification: iPc(o\ eot+rtojii) «a/aa; Colonial*'*, to Publication date: 2 5 JUN 1996 Journal No.: KfOi" NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Title of invention: GROUND ANCHORS * Name, address and nationality of applicant(s) as in international application fonn: INSTANT FOUNDATIONS (AUST) PTY. LTD., 10 Activity Crescent, Ernest Junction, Queensland, 4214, Australia^ 4^ |. (ffllourij losj Pile It) 246034 - 1 K -GROUND ANCHORS Technical Field This invention relates to ground anchors having particular but not exclusive application for supporting 5 upstanding members such as posts for permanent or temporary fencing, sign and delineator posts, columns such as for street lighting, for providing a building foundations or for other applications where ground anchorage and support is required. Background Art The conventional means for erecting fences, barriers or other constructions including upstanding supporting posts often involves the excavation of foundation holes, placement of supporting posts in an upstanding attitude within the holes and thereafter applying concrete to the holes and about the 15 posts so that the posts are supported in an upright attitude. Such arrangements are suitable where permanent structures such as permanent fencing is to be erected, however, costs associated with erection including foundation hole excavation, and concrete supply and placement is high. Additionally such 20 conventional arrangements are generally unsuitable where only a temporary fence or barrier is required, due mainly to the difficulty and expense in removing the posts and rehabi1itating the ground where the foundation is formed.

An alternative arrangement for temporary structures has 25 been to erect short spigots in a foundation and thereafter locating posts over the spigots, however, whilst this allows for easy dismantling of a fence, or other structure, removal of the spigots or alternatively rendering same safe results in time loss and expense.

The erection of buildings, for example transportable buildings on a site, generally requires considerable site preparations and excavations for ground levelling and associated soil removal. Such buildings are either required to be supported on a concrete slab or supported on stumps which 35 are erected in foundation holes and concreted in position. The above procedures add y tr -inmii Df such _ .,. N.Z. PATENT OFFICE buildings. — 2 2 NOV 1995 uncover 246 034 Summary of the Invention The present invention aims to provide ground anchors giving efficient, effective and reliable ground support for many different applications. In particular 5 aspects, the ground anchors of the invention may be adapted for location in the ground for supporting posts or the like say of a fence or other structure in an upstanding attitude. In a further aspect, the ground anchor of the present invention may be used for providing foundations for 10 buildings or other like applications. The ground anchor of the present invention may be used in the above applications for providing a permanent or temporary foundation. For the latter situation, the ground anchors of the invention may be constructed to be easily removable from the ground. 15 Other objects advantages and applications of the ground anchors of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

According to the present invention there is provided a ground anchor comprising a load bearing tube of 20 uniform diameter having a helical flat adjacent its open ground penetrating end and, spaced along the tube from said helical flat, an integral ground engaging flange having either a planar disc shape or a helical shape.

In one preferred configuration, the load bearing 25 tube extends beyond the transversely extending surface so as to define a spigot for engagement in use by an upstanding post or the like. The spigot may be configured to engage and support posts of any cross-section such as circular or square and the spigot may either comprise a 30 male spigot for location within the post or alternatively a female spigot in which the lower end of the post may be located and supported. In an alternative configuration, the anchor may include a bracket such as a U-shaped saddle or angle bracket adapted to support any form of structure 35 such as a building bearer or an upstanding post of a structure. The bracket or brackets may be releasably engaged with the anchor and for this purpose the bracket or shank for brackets may be provided wiftS. PATEisfTr©6BSff. 2 2 NOV 1995 246034 engagement with a threaded aperture in the anchor.

The ground engaging flange may be defined by a planar member of sufficient size to define a radial abutment surface for location at ground level so that soil 5 may be compressed thereagainst. The planar member may be of disc-like form, square, rectangular or of any other form.

In an alternative configuration, the ground engaging flange may be defined by a further helical flat on 10 the tube.

The helical flat or flats may be in the form of strip of material fixed to the load bearing tube to extend outwardly therefrom and follow a helical path about the tube. The helical flat may taper at each end adjacent its 15 junction with the tube.

In one form, the radial dimension of the helical flat at the leading end of the tube is substantially the same as the radial dimension of the abutment surface. Suitably, the or each helical flat extends approximately 20 360 degrees about the tube.

The leading end of the load bearing tube may be pointed to facilitate engagement with the ground. Such pointed end may be defined by a portion of the tube. The tube may be further provided with oppositely directed teeth 25 to provide a lead in to the helical flat at the leading end of the tube.

The anchor of the invention may be used for supporting a bumper post or the like and include for this purpose an upstanding spigot over which the bumper post is 30 located. Alternatively, the bumper post may be provided with a flange so as to enable bolting to the anchor.

Where used in building applications the anchor may support a telescopically adjusted post which may be clamped in position at a desired elevation to support, for 35 example, a bearer of a building.

Brief Description of the Drawings f— ) In order that the Invention^ ~mav~Ibe n^r^8&Sdjfly understood and put into practical effect; ^r^f^r^n^e will 246034 now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:- Figure 1 is an elevational view of a ground anchor according to the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates an elevational view of the leading end of the anchor; Figure 3 ia a plan view of the ground anchor of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates the manner in which the 10 ground anchor of the invention is used; Figure 5 is a side elevation of an alternative ground anchor according to the present invention incorporating a female socket; Figure 6 is a plan view of the female socket of 15 the anchor of Figure 5; Figure 7 is an elevational view of a male socket ground anchor according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a plan view of the socket of the anchor of Figure 7; Figure 9 illustrates an alternative male socket ground anchor; Figure 10 is a plan view of the socket of the anchor of Figure 9; Figures 11 and Ii2 illustrate alternative ground 25 anchors for supporting posts; Figures 13 and 14 illustrate alternative post support anchors; Figures 15 and 16 illustrate ground anchors particularly adapted for pergola support; 30 Figures 17 and 18 illustrate simplified forms of ground anchor for fencing applications; Figure 19 illustrates a delineator or bumper post incorporating a ground anchor according to the present invention; Figure 20 illustrates an alternative bumper post assembly; Figures 21 and 22 illu;n^'^L^.Lg^iiaol foundation anchors according to the inventic li; OFRCE f 2 > fc»0V 1395 ;VED 246034 Figures 23 and 24 illustrate further forms of foundation anchor; Figure 25 illustrates a foundation anchdr assembly for piling applications; Figure 26 illustrates an extension member for the ground anchor of Figure 25; Figure 27 illustrates the manner in which the anchor of Figure 25 and extension member of Figure 26 are Interconnected with a driving member; 10 Figures 28 and 29 illustrate adjustable ground anchors according to the present invention; Figure 30 illustrates a ground anchor having the capability of supporting different members; Figure 31 illustrates a driving tool for the 15 anchor of Fig. 30; Figs. 32 a), b), c) and d) illustrate components for use with the anchor of Fig. 30: Fig. 33 illustrates a typical sign post/anchor assembly according to the invention; 20 Fig* 34 illustrates in enlarged form part of the assembly of Fig. 33; Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to the drawings and firstly to Figs. 1 to 4 there is illustrated a ground anchor 10 according to 25 the present invention comprising an elongated member 11 in this embodiment, a tubular member provided at one end with a helical rib 12, at its opposite end with a spigot portion 13, and an Intermediate abutment member 14. The leading end Qf the member 11 is open and has a tapered point 15 and 30 a pair of opposite side teeth 16 and 17 which extend in opposite directions. The helical rib 12 suitably comprises a strip 18 which is fixed to the member 11 from a position adjacent the tooth 17 and extends helically around the member 11 to terminate at a position 19 along the member 35 11. The opposite ends of the strip 18 taper in width to their junction with the member 11. The region 20 between the helical rib 12 and abutment member projections and defines a compression zor 246034 The abutment member 14 in this embodiment is in the form of a circular washer 21 which preferably has a radial dimension substantially the same as the radial dimension of the rib 12 to define an abutment surface 22.

The spigot portion 13 is defined by the upper end of the member 11 which is provided with a plurality of~~radially extending ribs 23 so that the spigot 13 can receive posts of circular, square or other cross-section.

In use and as shown in Fig. 4 the anchor 10 is 10 simply driven into the ground 24 with any suitable tool which may comprise a hand tool or motor driven tool which can impart rotation to the anchor 10. The point 15 will facilitate penetration of the member 11 into the ground 24 and the helical rib 12 will cause the anchor 10 to be 15 advanced into the ground 24 as it is rotated. Material displaced by the helical rib 12 will be compressed between the rib 12 and radial abutment surface 22 defined by the member 14. The anchor 10 is driven into the ground 24 to a extent such that the spigot 13 is left projecting above 20 the ground for receipt within a post 25 thereover, the post 25 preferably seating on the member 14. If necessary fastening means may be provided to secure the posts 25 to the spigot 13. For disassembly each post 25 may be simply removed from the spigot 13 and thereafter the anchor 10 25 unscrewed from the ground for reuse as required.

For increased holding force the member 11 may be of increased length in the region between the abutment member 14 and helical rib 12. The helical rib 12 may also have .a circumferential extent greater or less than that 30 described above. The leading end of the member 11 may have a configuration other than the pointed configuration illustrated and the teeth 16 and 17 may be eliminated. Additionally the leading end may be hardened to assist in ground penetration.

In a preferred construction, the member 11 may comprise a galvanised pipe with the rib 12, abutment member 14 and ribs 23 welded thereto. * tarnativaJi may be formed in ono pi an, i proforahi y 2 ? MOV 1995 : " 3E1VED try., _ - the anchor 2460 of a corrosion resistant material. Other embodiments of the invention incorporating the above principles are described below. ' In Figs. 5 and 6 there is illustrated a further 5 form of anchor 26 according to the present invention, including an elongated shaft portion 27 of the hollow box cross-section and carrying at spaced apart positions helical ribs 28 and 29, the ribs being of the same hand and ^:he rib 28 being located at the leading end of shaft 27.

The rib 29 also has increased radial extent compared to the rib 28. The leading end of the shaft 27 may be pointed or provided with a pointed tip as at 30 to facilitate ground engagement. At its opposite end the shaft 27 is connected to a coaxial female socket 31 comprising a length of hollow tube for receiving a post in position (shown in dotted outline).

The ground anchors 33 and 34 illustrated in Figs. 7 to 10 are similar to that of Figs. 5 and 6 except that male sockets 35 and 36 are provided over which an upstanding post (shown in dotted outline) may be engaged. j The shaft 37 of the anchor 33 may project beyond the socket 35 which is of tubular form to provide an engagement spigot 38 for engagement by a driving tool or alternatively the arrangement for driving may be similar to that provided in the embodiments of Figs. 5 and 6. The socket 36 of Fig. 10 is of box section form as illustrated to be received within a similarly configured post.

The ground anchors 33 and 34 of Figs. 7 and 9 additionally include a base plate 39 at the base of the sockets 35 and 36, the base plate 39 preferably being of disc-like form and sitting in use at or adjacent the ground surface as in Fig. 4. It will be apparent that the sockets 35 and 36 may be made of different sizes and of differing cross-sections to suit posts or the like to be supported.

The embodiments of Figs. 11 and 12 illustrate anchors 40 and 41 of similar form to those of Figs. 7 and 9 except that in this instance female U-shaped saddles 42 and 43 are provided for receipt of a timber post 44 (shown in dotted outline) which may b<; W<2b£i^€flJTw©t:FitCrtE 1 2 2 NOV 1995 ■j RECEIVED he saddles 246034 8 42 and 43 and bolted thereto in a conventional manner. As in Figs. 7 and 9, the anchors 40 and 41 include ground engaging base plates 45.

The anchors of Figs. 11 and 12 are designed to 5 resist uplift forces predominantly produced Jby winds and may be installed by means of a hand tool or power driven drive tool which engages the saddles 42 and 43 for rot at ably driving the anchors 40 and 41 into the ground until the plates 45 seat thereon. 10 The anchors 46 and 47 of Figs. 13 and 14 are of similar form except that in this instance the saddles 42 and 43 are replaced by brackets 48 of angle section form to which a post may be bolted through holes 49. Such anchors are particularly suited to engage and support upstanding 15 round logs such as logs of treated pine.

The anchors 50 and 51 of Figs. 15 and 16 are again similar to those of Figs. 11 and 12 except that in this instance the saddles 52 are supported by an extension 53 of the main shaft of the anchor above the base plate 54. 20 This arrangement permits concrete or paver installation beneath the supporting saddles 52 after installation as at 55 in Fig. 16. It will be seen in this arrangement that the upstand 53 projects above the base of the saddles 52 to provide a spigot portion 54 to facilitate driving of the 25 anchors 50 and 51 into the ground.

The anchors 57 and 58 of Figs. 17 and 18 are particularly suited for supporting fencing posts (shown in dotted outline) such as for security fencing applications. Each anchor includes a hollow cylindrical shaft 59 carrying 30 at one end spaced helices 60 and 61 and a driving socket 62 at its opposite end. As shown the upper helix 60 has an increased radial dimension as compared to the helix 61 for increased holding adjacent the ground surface. Each shaft 59 is also tapered and open at its leading end. The 35 embodiment of Fig. 18 includes a sleeve 63 about the shaft 59 for providing a male spigot or socket for increased sized posts. The anchors 57 and 58 arr- inrirr"l1|Y arranged vertically for post support but ^t an angle 22 NOV (995 received 246034 say for the purposes of corner bracing.

Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate a specific application of the ground anchor of the invention to provide bumper or delineator posts. In Fig. 19, the ground anchor 64 is of 5 a similar form to that described with reference to Fig. 9 except that it includes a cylindrical male socket 65 for supporting an upstanding bumper post 66 which is of hollow form and which may simply located over the upstanding socket 65 of the anchor 64 and be secured thereto by a 10 screw or bolt.

In the embodiment of Fig. 20 the anchor 67 is in the form of a hollow tubular member 68 having a disc-like flange 69 at one end and a helical rib 70 at its opposite end. The bumper post 71 is also of hollow form and 15 provided with a disc-like flange 72 at its lower end which may mate with the flange 69 and be secured thereto by bolts 73 or other fasteners.

The post assemblies described in Fig. 19 and 20 may be used for roadside protection of telecommunication 20 equipment, civic infrastructural electrical equipment, gas meters or other similar units positioned above the ground. The upper post section 66 or 71 of the two part assembly will break away under heavy stress leaving the inground anchor portion intact to be used again. If the top post 25 section of the assembly is damaged it may simply be replaced over the ground anchor which remains in the ground.

Figs. 21 and 22 illustrate alternative foundation anchers 74 and 75 each of which includes a rectangular 30 section shaft 76, a base plate 77 above which the shaft 76 extends to form a driving spigot 78 and a helix 79 at its lower leading end. The embodiment of Fig. 22 additionally includes a reinforcing tube 80 coaxial with the shaft 76, the tube 80 when in the ground increasing resistance to 35 lateral forces. Each shaft 76 may include an additional helix if required as for example in Fig. 15.

The anchors 81 and nd 24 are designed for foundation appl: C3rt±tjns fCSf takir 2 2 NOV 1995 heavier P.-CStV j 246034 loads such as for example supporting power or communication poles or columns or street lighting poles. Both anchors 81 and 82 include a tubular shaft 83 having a mounting flange 84 suitably of disc-like form at their upper end and a 5 helix 85 at their opposite lower end and in each case the leading ends 86 of the shafts 83 are tapered and open as shown. The anchor 82 additionally includes a further helix 87 intermediate its end for increased holding capacity in for* example sand. Both anchors 81 and 82 may be provided in 10 their shafts 83 with slots 88 adjacent the flanges 84 through which cables may pass for underground supply, say to lighting installations. For cable communication, the flanges are centrally apertured or the flange 84 may be of washer-like form for coaxial location about the shaft 83. 15 This permits cables to be passed through the slot 88 and up internally into a post supported on the anchor 81 or 82.

Fig. 25 illustrates a further development of the ground anchors of Figs. 23 and 24. In this embodiment the ground anchor 89 is of similar form at its lower end to the 20 anchors 81 and 82, however, at the upper end, the anchor 89 terminates in a helix 90 which is provided with spaced apart aperatures 91. A driving member 92 (see Fig. 27) is provided with a helix 93 at its lower end complementary to the helix 90 and having aperatures 94 for alignment with 25 the aperatures 91 in the helix 90. At its upper end the driving member 92 is provided with a driving flange 95 which may be connected to a rotatable driving apparatus or tool so that the anchor 89 may be driven into the ground. During driving, the torque applied by the driving tool is 30 monitored with increasing torque being indicative of increased holding capacity. When a predetermined torque is reached, the anchor 89 has been driven into the ground to a desired extent. If the torque level is not reached additional joining sections 96 (see Fig. 27) may be joined 35 to the anchor 89, the joining sections 96 having helices 97 and 98 at opposite ends for complementary mating with the helices 90 and 94 of the anchor 89 and tnni Q?-. the helices The mating 97 and 98 being apertured f< >iN 2 2 NOV 1995 received 11 helices between tool 92 and anchor 89 or tool/joiner and joiner/anchor are joined by bolts through the respective apertures in the helices. Additional joiners 96 may fcfe added until the desired torque and penetration has been 5 achieved.

Figs. 28 and 29 illustrate alternative forms of adjustable anchor assemblies 99 and 100, particularly suited for providing foundations for buildings such as transportable buildings. In the embodiment of Fig. 28, the 10 assembly 99 comprises a ground anchor 101 including a hollow main shaft 102 provided at its leading end with a helical rib 103 supported about a reduced diameter shaft 104. The main shaft 102 also carries a base plate 105 above which the shaft 102 extends as at 106. The portion 15 106 comprises or is provided with a clamp 107. Extending co-axially into the hollow shaft 102 is a support post 108 provided with a bracket 109 at its upper end for supporting say a floor bearer of a transportable building or the like. The anchor 102 can be installed in the ground at a desired 20 location and the post 108 extended therefrom and clamped at a desired elevation for examples as shown in dotted outline by means of the clamp 107.

The assembly 100 of Fig. 29 includes a ground anchor 110 provided with spaced apart helices 111 and 112 25 and an upstanding post portion 113 located in use above ground level. Located over the post portion 113 is a hollow tubular member114 having a support bracket 115 at its upper end and a clamp 116 at its opposite end so that the post 114 can be raised relative to the post 113 aind 30 clamped in position by means of the clamp 116.

In an alternative arrangement, the clamp 107 may be eliminated and the post section 106 provided with one or more apertures. The post 108 may also be provided with a series of spaced apertures alignable with the apertures in 35 the section 106 to receive a bolt or the like to lock the post 108 at a desired extended position.

The adjustable an 29 are particularly but no : exclusively suit 2 2 NOV 1995 HECEIVED Figs. 28 and ed to use on 246034 12 sloping sites without the need for site preparation. The posts 108 or 114 may be simply adjusted to a desired height and clamped in position. In an alternative arrangement the post 114 may be provided with spaced apertures for 5 alignment with similar apertures in the post 113 to receive pins or bolts therethrough. The brackets 109 and 115 can bu of many different designs to suite the application.

The ground anchor 119 of Fig. 30 includes an elongated shaft 120 having at its leading end a small 10 diameter helix 121 and terminating at its opposite end in a base plate 122. A further helix 123 is arranged on the underside of the base plate 122 around the shaft 120, the helix 123 being of increased radial dimension relative to the helix 121. The base plate 122 is provided with a 15 central threaded aperture 124 and with further circumferentially spaced apertures 125, For driving the anchor 120 into the ground, the drive tool 126 shown in Fig. 31 is provided, the tool 126 having a base flange 127 and spaced studs 128 for location in the apertures 125 for 20 connection to the base plate 122. The tool 126 additionally includes a drive spigot 129 adapted to be engaged by a rotatable driving apparatus. The tool 126 in use is bolted to the base plate 122 via the studs 128 and thereafter driven into the ground. The tool 126 may then 25 be removed and selected fittings as shown in Figs. 32 a,b,c and screw engaged with the aperture 124. The anchor of Fig. 30 may thus be used for many different purposes. For example the saddles shown in Figs. 32a and b may be screw engaged with the threaded aperture 124 and locked at a 30 desired height by locking nuts to form anchors of the type shown in Figs. 11, 12, 15, or 16 for support of upstanding posts. The components shown in Fig. 32c forms the anchor 119 into a configuration similar to that shown in Figs. 13 and 14 for post supports. The components shown in Fig. 32d 35 form the anchor 119 into a configuration similar to that shown in Fig. 29 permitting height adingi-i^n-t: for bearer support. Of course, nu engaged with the anchor 1 may be 19 tQ bf» finnnru-t-oH thereby. t fwssr -«VED 246034 13 Referring now to Figs. 33 and 34 there is illustrated a support post assembly 130 for supporting signs or the like. The assembly 130 includes an anchor 131 of similar form to that: shown in Fig. 22 with the inclusion 5 of an additional helix 132 about the shaft 133 adjacent the tubular portion 134. The base plate 135 in this instance is provided with four upstanding studs 136 for receipt of an apertured flange 137 fixed to the lower end of a post 138. The anchor 131 may be driven into the ground through 10 the extended spigot portion 139 of the shaft 133 until the base plate 135 is at or adjacent ground level. The flange 137 may then be located over the studs 136 and nuts 140 on the studs 136 and on opposite sides of the flange 137 adjusted to position the post 138 in a desired upstanding 15 attitude. The post 138 also includes a coaxial cover 141 which may be slid down the post 138 to the position shown in Fig. 33 to cover the studs 136 and nuts 140 and flange 137. The post 138 may carry any form of sign 142 such as a road sign secured to the post 138 by fasteners of any 20 suitable form.

If the sign described above is subject to an impact force such as from a vehicle or the like, it will shear at the junction between the flange 137 and post 138 leaving the anchor 131 in the ground intact so as to enable 25 replacement of the sign. Of course more than one post assembly as described above may be provided for supporting a single sign.

The present invention thus provides ground anchors which many different applications as described 30 above. The anchors of the invention are preferably constructed of a corrosion resistant or corrosion protected material and for this purpose may be galvanised. In some applications the anchors of the invention may be driven into the ground using hand tools whilst in other 35 applications power driven means may be employed.

N.Z. patent office ~1 2 2 NOV WS ^FCEIVKD

Claims (10)

246034 WHAT VWE CLAIM IS; 14 TIIC CLAIMS DDriNINO TIIE INVENTION ARB AG TOLLOWOl

1. A ground anchor comprising a load bearing tube of uniform diameter having a helical flat adjacent Its open 5 ground penetrating end and, spaced along the tube from said helical flat, an integral ground engaging flange having either a planar disc shape or a helical shape.

2. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein safd ground engaging flange is a helical flat having 10 substantially the same radial dimension as the helical flat adjacent the ground penetrating end of the anchor.

3. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 2, wherein the helical flats extend approximately 360 degrees about the tube. 15

4. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tube has a bracket on the end opposite its ground penetrating end for supporting a building member.

5. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tube has a male spigot on the end opposite its ground 20 penetrating end to locate within, and support, a post connecting element, or further tube.

6. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tube has a female socket on the end opposite its ground penetrating end to receive and support a post, a 25 connecting element or further tube.

7. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integral ground engaging flange is located at the opposite end of the tube to the helical flat, and wherein said jflange is adapted to be mated with a further flange of 30 a further tube and to be connected thereto.

8. A ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integral ground engaging flange is located at the opposite end of the tube to the helical flat, and wherein a second integral ground engaging flange is located at an 35 intermediary position of the tube between the ends of the tube.

9. A ground anchor»-afl^u^^g^ 1 or claim 2, wherein said load bearing, tube Include.; clamping means to 15 enable a building element: to be securely fitted thereto.

10. A ground anchor substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. « N.Z. patent office 1 2 2 NOV 1995 RECEIVED