NZ746289A - An improved foundation sleeve - Google Patents

Abstract

A foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body of substantially obround cross-section, the body having an open end which is adapted to receive a post into the body and an opposite end partially closed to form a figure of eight cross-section or a wavy terminus so as to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, characterized in that the tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support. of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, characterized in that the tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support.

Description

An improved foundation sleeve Field of the invention This invention relates to a foundation sleeve for a post. Foundation sleeves are particularly useful with WRSF or wire rope safety fences. This type of barrier is commonly used as a median barrier separating oncoming traffic lanes or on roadway verges.

Background of the invention A prior art foundation sleeve is described in Australian patent 2001100281, having an ovoid shape but it suffers from one or more deficiencies.

Other prior art foundation sleeves have been available, as described at https://www.nixalite.com/product/premium-deer-fence-posts which have been available as early as May 2006, and which is illustrated in Figure 15.

Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention The present invention provides a foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body of substantially obround cross-section, the body having an open end which is adapted to receive a post into the body and an opposite end partially closed to form a figure of eight cross-section or a wavy terminus so as to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, characterized in that the tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support.

The figure of eight cross-section or wavy terminus at the opposite end can be formed so as to taper the opposite end for a length of the order of 50mm to 100mm.

The laterally extending post support can be located somewhere within the middle third or middle two quarters of the foundation sleeve based on the length of the foundation sleeve and the height of the post to be above the ground.

P5406AU01/NZ00 The figure of eight cross-section or the wavy terminus of the opposite end can define at least one aperture in the opposite end of the sleeve. Alternatively two or three apertures can be formed.

The laterally extending post support can be a laterally extending pin, welded into position.

The laterally extending post support can be at least one pushed in tab, which can be formed on a side or an end of the sleeve.

The present invention also provides a foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body of substantially round cross-section, the body having an open end adapted to for insertion of or receiving of the post into the body and an opposite end closed to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, characterized in that the tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support.

The closed end can form a taper for a length of the order of 50mm to 100mm.

On the round post sleeve, the laterally extending post support can be located somewhere within the middle third or middle two quarters of the foundation sleeve based on the length of the foundation sleeve and the height of the post to be above the ground.

The laterally extending post support can be a laterally extending pin, welded into position, it can be laterally extending post support is at least one pushed in tab.

If desired the end closed to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, has a partially closed profile, which has one or more apertures in it.

The present invention also provides a foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body, the body having an open end which is adapted to receive a post into the body and an opposite end, the opposite end, when viewed in side-view, has an outline which includes two lateral edges connected by a bottom edge, wherein there is an aperture which opens from the lateral edge or the bottom edge of the side-view profile and communicates with an interior of the tube body.

The aperture can be one or more apertures.

P5406AU01/NZ00 The aperture can be in said bottom edge of said side-view profile of said opposite end.

The aperture can be centrally located on said bottom edge of said side-view profile.

There can be two apertures, located at opposed sides of said opposite end.

The two apertures can be located in the lateral edges of the side-view profile. . Alternatively the apertures can be located at a spacing above the bottom edge of the side-view profile.

In the foundation sleeves mentioned in paragraphs [016] to [21], the tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, can include a laterally extending post support The opposite end can form a wavy terminus.

The foundation sleeve can include further apertures located on either side of said centrally located aperture, which are open from said free edge of said opposite end.

The opposite end can be shaped for insertion into the ground.

The opposite end can form a taper for a length of the order of 50mm to 100mm.

The laterally extending post support can be located somewhere within the middle third or middle two quarters of said foundation sleeve based on the length of said foundation sleeve and the height of the post to be above the ground.

The laterally extending post support can be a laterally extending pin, secured into position.

The laterally extending post support can be at least one pushed-in tab.

P5406AU01/NZ00 The aperture, and/or apertures, can be a cut-out, or a drilled, milled, or stamped opening.

The present invention also provides an end cap or plug for a sleeve tube, the end cap or plug being adapted to engage a driven end of the sleeve, the plug or cap providing a shaped ground engaging end.

The plug or cap can include a flange to engage a lower rim of the sleeve.

The flange can include an outer periphery or profile which is the same as or matches the shape or profile of the sleeve to which it is to be fitted.

The plug or cap can include a double inclined plane.

The shaped ground engaging end can be symmetrical around two orthogonal planes relative to the shape of the sleeve into which it will be deployed.

The plug or cap can be inserted into and held secure to a sleeve when it is deployed.

The plug or cap can be held secure by one or more of the following: an interference fit; a bulbous formation to provide an interference fit; a barb formation; a TEK screw; welding; otherwise adhered.

The plug or cap can be manufactured from steel or polymer.

The plug or cap can include at least one drainage aperture leading a portion which opens into the inner volume of a sleeve when deployed and leads to a side of the plug or cap which is not obstructed by a sleeve.

The plug or cap can include a hollow portion for insertion into a sleeve when deployed.

The at least one drainage aperture can lead from the hollow portion to a side of the plug or cap which is not obstructed by the sleeve.

The plug or cap can include a portion for insertion into the sleeve, the portion having a tapered outer surface for engagement with an inner surface or rim of the sleeve, so that initial engagement of the plug or cap with a sleeve is a clearance fit, and as the plug or cap moves further into a sleeve, an interference fit is achieved.

The present invention also provides a foundation sleeve assembly, being a tubular or hollow sleeve in combination with a plug or cap as described above.

P5406AU01/NZ00 Brief description of the drawings A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a foundation sleeve, Figure 2 is a side view of the foundation sleeve of figure 1; Figure 3 is a rear view of the sleeve of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates an underneath view of the sleeve of Figure 1; Figure 5 illustrates a post support in the form of a bent in or pushed in tab, supports a post; Figure 6 illustrates a schematic representation of sleeve end having three apertures, or a wavy cross section; Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of a sleeve with fully compressed opposed ends between which is a single central aperture; Figure 8 illustrates a FLEXFENCE branded post having its central web with a slot to work with a round sleeve illustrated in Figures 9 to 11, Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of a round foundation sleeve, having a diametrically located laterally extending post support which supports a FLEXFENCE fence post; Figure 10 illustrates a front view of the sleeve of Figure 9 with the upper part in cross section showing the post and it interaction with the support; Figure 11 illustrates an underneath view of the sleeve of Figure 9 and 10, showing a fully closed end; Figure 12 illustrates an underneath view of a FLEXFENCE fence post having open slots cut through its ends to engage opposed tab supports as in Figure 13; Figure 13 illustrates a front view of the lower edge of the FLEXFENCE fence post of Figure 12 showing a front view of the slots; Figure 14 illustrates a plan view of a round sleeve with two opposed pushed in tabs supporting a post end of Figure 12; and Figure 15 illustrates an image of a post sleeve available in the prior art as of May 2006; P5406AU01/NZ00 Figure 16 Illustrates a perspective view of a sleeve lower end plug or end cap for the lower end of a sleeve, so that a sleeve can be pile driven without any end re- working; Figure 17 illustrates a wire frame view of the plug or end cap of Figure 16 in wire-frame representation to show the hollow centre and oppositely directed aperture to allow egress of water; Figure 18 illustrates a front view of the plug or end cap of figure 16 and 17, being inserted into a straight cut sleeve (no closing or tapering) shown in cross section ; Figure 19 illustrates a side view of the plug or endcap of Figures 16 to 18; Figure 20 illustrates a front view of a plug or end cap which has a tapered sleeve insertion portion; Figure 21 illustrates an underside perspective view of another sleeve for receiving a post; Figure 22 illustrates an upper perspective view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21.

Figure 23 illustrates a left side view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21; Figure 24 illustrates a right side view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21; Figure 25 illustrates a top plan view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21; Figure 26 illustrates a bottom plan view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21; Figure 27 illustrates a front view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21; Figure 28 illustrates a rear view of the sleeve shown in Figure 21; Figure 29 illustrates a left side view of a sleeve according to another embodiment; and Figure 30 illustrates a left side view of a sleeve according to a further embodiment.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments The sleeve, as will be described, includes an elongated body having an end portion which is tapered to be closed or partially closed. Thus, the cross section of the tapered end portion, taken through a longitudinal axis of the elongated sleeve, will have a major axis and a minor axis. In the description and claims, the term “side view” P5406AU01/NZ00 (or “side-view”) refers to the elevation view of the sleeve or any of its components, taken from an aspect, such that the line of view to the sleeve is perpendicular to the major axis of the aforementioned cross section.

Figures 1 to 4 show a foundation sleeve 10 to receive a post 100 (not shown). The sleeve 10 has an elongate tube body 20 of obround cross-section. The cross-section is best seen in Figure 1. The sleeve 10 can be formed from galvanised steel pipe with a wall thickness of approximately 4 mm. The upper end 12 of the sleeve is open to provide for the insertion-of a post 100 (not shown) into the sleeve 10. The sleeve 10 is well suited for use with a sleeve of S-shaped cross-section (not shown) such as that known as the Brifen Wire Rope Safety Barrier post. The sleeve can also be used with other posts such as that sold under the trade mark FLEXFENCE by INGAL CIVIL PROODUCTS. The FLEXFENCE post 100, as illustrated inn Figures 8, 9 and 10 fits within the obround cross-section of the sleeve 10 which is formed by two flat parallel sides 15 and 16 joined by rounded ends 15.1 and 16.1.

The other or lower end 14 of the sleeve 10 is shaped to form a wave or wavy cross section 13, which in the case of figures 1 to 4 is of a figure eight cross- section 13. This is best seen in Figure 3. In the illustrated embodiment of figures 1 to 4 the sides 15, 16 of the figure of eight touch to close the tube at its centre and define two spaced apertures 18. These apertures provide for drainage of any water which may enter or be condensed within the sleeve 10. The forming of the figure of eight 13 shapes the end 14 of the sleeve 10 and also forms a tapered or pointy end as best illustrated by Figures 3 and 4, and this provides for ease of insertion of the sleeve 10 into the ground.

Due to the taper in the opposite end 14, the sleeve 10 at the opposite end 14 will have a slight outward flair, when viewed in side-view. However for ease of illustration, the flair in the outline is not shown.

The obround cross-section of the sleeve 10 and the figure of eight 13 or wavy shaping of the lower end 14 can be performed in a single pressing operation, or they can be formed by hot rolling or working the tube of the sleeve 10.

As is best illustrated in Figures 7, a wavy end 14 profile can be achieved by providing three apertures 18 formed from two troughs and two crests in sides 15 and 16 meeting each other, as illustrated in Figure 6. BY this manner a better taper is formed. In the end 14 of figure 7, in which three apertures 18 are formed, which are of smaller cross sectional area than the apertures 18 of figure 4.

P5406AU01/NZ00 In each of Figures 1 to 4 there is also illustrated a post support 50 in the form of a welded pin or rod 50, that extends between the opposed sides of the sleeve . The rod 50 is preferably welded in position by being welded to the respective sides and 16. The height at which the support 50 is located on the sleeve, depends upon the length of the sleeve 10, the post 100 which I will go into it, and the depth of to which the post 100 has to be in the ground.

The rod 50 provides additional structural integrity to the sleeve 10 and also acts as a stop for a post 100 to be inserted into the sleeve 10. The rod 50 is located at a predetermined location, somewhere within the middle third section or the two middle quarter sections (depending upon the use, conditions and environment in which the sleeve 10 will be used). By way of example only, the sleeve 10 can be of the order of 800mm in length, a width of 120mm, a depth of 40mm. Whereas the envelope of the end 14 or wavy end can be of the order of 20mm, a height in the order of 100mm and a width in the order of 135mm. The diameter of the rod 50 may be in the order of 12mm. The total mass of the sleeve 10 may be in the order of 6.7kg.

Figure 5 illustrates a post support 50.1 in the form of a punched and or pressed laterally extending wall tab 50.2 which is pressed in from the side walls 15 and 16, but could be pressed in from the ends 15.1 and 16.1 if desired. In Figure 5, the base of the post 100, engages the upwardly facing surface 50.3 of the support 50.1. An advantage of the pressed in tabs 50.2 is that they thus also provide a drainage aperture 50.4.

In Figure 7 there is illustrated another end 14 which can be formed on the sleeve 10. The end 14 is comprised of two outboard straight or fully closed sections 19 while the middle section is a single open aperture 18.

For ease of illustration the support 50 is not illustrated in the ends 14 of figures 6 and 7.

Illustrated in Figure 8 is a FLEXFENCE fence post 100, which has been modified from that which is described in a co-pending application Australian patent application 2017203155. The item numbers used in this figure 8 except for the numbers 100 and 100.1, are those used in the co-pending application and have no relevance to this description.

P5406AU01/NZ00 The post 100 differs from the post of the co-pending application in that a centrally located slot 100.1 has been made in the lower most periphery of the post 100.

This slot 100.1 allows the post 100 to be used with a round sleeve 110, which has its lower end 114 fully closed as best illustrated in Figure 11.

The slot 100.1 allows the post to be inserted into the round sleeve 110, and by the slot 100.1 receiving the support 50, ensures that the post 100 will not rotate in the sleeve 110, when assembled, as best illustrated in the upper sections of Figure It will be noted from Figure 11 and Figure 10 that the end 114 in being fully closed is wider than the outer diameter of the sleeve 110. This is a result of the closing process. While a fully closed end 114 is provided, and as was used in the prior art of Figure 15, it will be understood that a figure eight profile 13 or a wavy profile of figure 6 or the “saturn” profile of Figure 7 can be applied to the end 114.

While the slot 100.1 is laterally formed in the web of the post 100, it will be understood that a slot could also be formed across the width of the base of the FLEXFENCE fence post so that support 50 in sleeve 110 engages the post so that the pin 50 and width of the post are aligned or parallel, not at 90 degrees like in Figure 9.

Illustrated in Figure 14 is a round sleeve 110 which has two post supports 50.1 formed by pushed in tabs 50.2 as in Figure 5. The tabs 50.2 are opposed and diametrically located on the sleeve 110.

The sleeve 110 of Figure 14, engages a post 1100 of figures 12 and 13 in which an open slot 111 has been formed in the lowest edge of the post 1100. The slot 111 receives the tabs 50.2 when the post 1100 is positioned within the sleeve 110. The interaction of the slots 111 and tabs 50.2 ensures that the post 1100 will not rotate once the post and sleeve are assembled.

In general terms, and as illustrated in Figures 16 to 19 there is illustrated an end cap or plug 70 for a sleeve tube 200. The end cap or plug 70 is adapted to engage a driven end of the sleeve 200, and provides a shaped ground engaging end.

The sleeve 200 is preferably of the obround shape which is suited to the FLEXFENCE sigma post profile, but it will be understood that any shape sleeve can be used with an appropriately shaped end cap or plug 70.

P5406AU01/NZ00 The plug or cap 70 includes a flange 78 to engage a lower rim of the sleeve 200.

The flange 78 includes an outer periphery or profile 78.1, which is located below the flange 78, which is the same as or matches the shape or profile of the sleeve 200 to which it is to be fitted. For example while the same as is the best solution, the profile could be marginally bigger than the sleeve cross section, or smaller.

The plug or cap can includes a double inclined plane in its end formation The shaped ground engaging end 74 is symmetrical around two orthogonal planes relative to the shape of the sleeve into which it will be deployed, as is best illustrated by Figures 17 and 18.

The plug or cap 70, in use, is to be inserted into and held secure to sleeve 200 when it is deployed. It is preferably secure by one or more of the following: an interference fit; a bulbous formation to provide an interference fit; a barb formation; a TEK screw; welding; otherwise adhered.

The plug or cap 70 can be manufactured from steel or polymer, and can be cast or machined or injection moulded in the case of a polymeric plug 70. For a polymeric plug or cap 70 a nylon or fibre filled nylon polymer will be able to adequately handle the compressive and or impact loads that will be encountered during pile driving.

The plug or cap 70 has at least one drainage aperture 76 (in this case two as illustrated in Figures 16 to 19) which provides communicable passage from a portion which opens into the inner volume of a sleeve 200 when deployed and leads to a side of the plug or cap 70, which is not obstructed by a sleeve 200, in this case in the side profile 78.1.

The plug or cap 70 is preferably formed with a hollow portion 72 which is sized and shaped for insertion into sleeve 200 when deployed.

The drainage aperture or apertures 76,as illustrated in Figure 17, leads from hollow portion 71 to a side 78.1 of the plug or cap 70 which is not obstructed by the sleeve 200 when deployed.

The plug or cap 70’, as illustrated in Figure 20, can include a portion 72.1 for insertion into the sleeve 200, which has tapered outer surface for engagement with an inner surface or rim of the sleeve 200 so that initial engagement of the plug or cap P5406AU01/NZ00 70’ with a sleeve 200 is a clearance fit, and as the plug or cap 70’ moves further into a sleeve 200, an interference fit is achieved.

Generally there is also provided a foundation sleeve assembly, being a combination of the tubular or hollow sleeve 200 with a plug or cap 70 or 70’ as described above.

More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 16 to 19 is an end cap or plug 70, which has a hollow insertion section 72 which is sized so as to fit within the inner dimensions of a straight cut sleeve 200, which is seen in cross section in Figure 18, wherein the cap or plug 70 is being inserted upwardly into the sleeve 200. The cap or plug 70 serves three functions. The first is to close the end of the straight cut sleeve, by the sleeve lower rim engaging flange 78 to protect the lower rim of the sleeve from damage when it is being pile driven into earth. The second purpose is to provide the combined sleeve 200 and plug 70 with a symmetrical, double inclined plane or symmetrically tapered, chisel like, end formation 74 at the bottom of the assembly. This assists the straight driving of the pile driven sleeve and plug. The third function is to provide laterally extending apertures 76, on either side of its obround shape, which communicate with outside faces of the plug 70, and the hollow portion 71, so that any water or condensation which enters the sleeve 200 when deployed can drain out to the surrounding soil.

The end cap or plug 70 can be secured to the lower end of the sleeve 200, by any known means, such as by a TEK screw, welding, or appropriate sizing of eth plug 70 an d sleeve 200 so that a fine interference fit is present. Or on the sides of the hollow insertion section 72, there can be provided barbs, or bulbous formations, so that the main body of the section72 has clearance with eth inner surfaces of the sleeve 200, while the barbs or bulbous sections can make interference fit contact. A hammer may be needed for this.

The hollow section 72 is represented as a parallel sided formation.

However as the is plug or end 70 can be injection moulded, it may instead be provided with inclined or tapering sides, such that the upper rim of section 72 is considerable smaller that the opening of the sleeve 200. With the lower end of section 72 being marginally larger. By this mechanism, the operator need simply locate the sleeve 200 and loosely fit in the plug or cap 70, then apply the pile driving forces, which firstly will P5406AU01/NZ00 compress the end cap 70 into the end of sleeve 200, then continue with the pile driving process until the sleeve 200 is set the correct depth.

It is envisaged for soft soil or earth such as sand and the like, the plug 70 can be made of injection moulded plastic or any appropriate polymer. However if rock is expected to be encountered then the plug or end cap 70 to be used can be made of steel or other appropriate metal, whether cast or machined.

An advantage of the plug or cap 70, is that a single inventory of sleeves 200 can be kept or carried to site, and if a pile driven sleeve able to be deployed then a plug or cap 70 is simply added to the sleeve 200 and pile driven. However, as some locations may also need concrete encased sleeves, the installers can deploy a sleeve 200 without the need to put a plug 70 into place. Alternatively the plug 70 can still be added to the sleeve 200 so that the sleeve 200 and plug 70 “driven” into wet concrete to be allowed to set in place.

It will be understood that the plug or cap 70 can be of any appropriate shape to suit the sleeve shape that is to be pile driven in to the ground or earth.

The angle of incline and length of taper of the end formation 74 can be of any magnitude and or length of taper., depending upon the conditions of the earth or concrete into which the plug 70 will have to engage when pile driven on the end of sleeve 200. The included angle between the side faces of end formation 74 as illustrated in Figure 18 is of the order of 110 to 115 degrees.

The foundation sleeve 10 or 110, or combined sleeve 200 and plug or cap 70, can be readily driven into the ground using conventional driving implements at the locations required to receive the posts. For the obround profile, it has been found that the ORTECO brand hammer driver adequately fits the obround profile of sleeve 10, 110, 200 and minimises steel face or surface damage of the upper rim of the sleeve.

In respect of the sleeves 10, 110 or 200 preferably they are manufactured from steel of Grade 350MPa, which will ensure their suitability to be pile driven. To manufacture them existing roll forming pipe mill manufacturing methods can be utilised to produce a specific dimensional obround or circular tube.

The rolling process can utilise 4mm thick 350MPa flat steel hot roll coil to manufacture the tube. The coil steel can be then passed through the roll forming process where it is then inline welded using a high frequency welder, deburred, and cut P5406AU01/NZ00 to size. Once the obround or round tube is cut to size the holes for the steel pin 50, and any drainage holes and pull-out points are drilled using a CNC machine. The steel pins 50, which are preferably made from 250Mpa grade solid steel bar or 12mm diameter, are welded into place, and then grinded clean. The ends 14 or 114 are formed in a pressing machine which ensures the pinching jaws moving equally to deform the ends 14 or 114 thereby ensuring the end 114 or 14 has a symmetrical construction around two orthogonal axes as in the Figure 4 and Figure 11. In the case of end 14 the pressing is done by using a die to form the apertures 18 and the wavy end 14. Then to the sleeve 200, 10, 110 is sent for galvanizing, where they are hot dipped galvanized to a min average coating of 500 gm/m and AS/NZ4680-2006.

Figures 21 to 28 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the foundation sleeve 10. Similar to the embodiment shown in e.g. Figures 1 to 4 and 7, this embodiment has a tubular body 20 having an upper end 12 and a lower end 14. As can be seen from Figures 25 and 26, the sleeve’s body 20 has an obround cross section with flat sides 15, 16 joined by rounded ends 15.1, 16.1. However, it can have another cross sectional shape, such as round, in which case the sides 15, 16 will be rounded sides. Similar to the previous embodiments, the sleeve 10 is provided with aligned apertures on the sides 15, 16, through which a support pin 50 for the post is inserted and secured (e.g. by welding).

The top end 12 is an open end, as can be seen from e.g. Figures 21, 22, and 25. The sides 15, 16 of the sleeve 10 are pressed toward each other at the lower end 14. As can be seen from Figures 27 and 28, the sides 15, 16 are inclined and taper towards each other at the lower end 14. Thus, the cross-section of the lower end portion 14, taken through the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 10, will generally have a major axis and a minor axis. The incline and length of the taper are variable depending on the site conditions or requirements, e.g. the condition of the earth, as discussed previously. The ranges and figures provided for the previously described embodiments are applicable in this embodiment also.

Figure 26 show that the sides 15, 16 meet each other at the lower end 14.

There is therefore a tapered section 14.1 at the lower end 14. The tapered shape helps with the insertion of the sleeve 10 into the ground. The sides 15, 16 will thereby close the sleeve 10 at the lower end 14, except for an aperture 17 which is provided in the tapered section 14.1. The aperture is made through the thicknesses of both of the sides P5406AU01/NZ00 , 16, and into the tapered section 14.1. The aperture 17 thus opens or extends from the lower end 14, i.e. the free, lowermost edge of the tube body 20 at this end, into the inclined sides 15, 16. The aperture 17 communicates with the internal vacant portion of the sleeve 10.

Figures 29 and 30 depict further embodiments, where the lower end 14 of the sleeve 10 has a “lateral” aperture 21 and/or “lateral” aperture 22. When the lower end 14 is viewed from its side, its profile or outline includes two lateral edges 14.2, 14.3 and a bottom edge 14.4 connecting the two lateral edges 14.2, 14.3. That is, the aperture 21 and/or the aperture 22 are provided so that when the lower end 14 is viewed from its left hand or right hand side, they open laterally from the lower end’s outer perimeter or envelope, to communicate with the internal vacant portion of the lower end 14. The lateral apertures 21, 22 can also be considered as opening from the front and rear portions of the lower end 14. By the provision of the apertures 21, 22, the envelope or profile of the lower end 14 is changed compared to the shape of the lower end profile prior to the apertures 21, 22 being made. Thus, when the lower end 14 is viewed in side-view, the apertures 21, 22 open into, and the lateral edges 14.2, 14.3 of the outline of the side-view profile. Two apertures 21, 22 are depicted in Figure 20, but it is also an embodiment of the invention that only either one of the apertures be included, and the two-aperture embodiment is only an optional alternative.

In the embodiment depicted in Figure 29, one aperture 21, 22 is provided on each of the front and rear lateral portions of the lower end section 14. That is, when the lower end 14 is viewed from the side, the apertures 21, 22, appear to be located on the lateral edges 14, 2, 14.3 of the lower end’s outline. The apertures 21, 22 are vertically spaced from the bottom edge of the lower end. When viewed from the left- hand or right-hand sides of the sleeve 10, the apertures 21, 22 open laterally and inwardly into the outline or envelope of the lower end’s side-view profile, and are thus visible from the outline or envelope of the side-view profile.

As shown in Figure 30, the apertures 21, 22 can optionally be located on the lower-most periphery, i.e. the free edge 14.4 on the side-view profile of the lower end 14. In this embodiment, when the sleeve 10 is viewed from its left hand side or right hand side, the apertures 21, 22 appear to open from the corner of the lower-most edge 14.4. The apertures 21, 22 further opens into the side face of the lower end 14 from the lower end’s bottom end profile. Thus, when the lower end 14 is viewed from the side, P5406AU01/NZ00 the apertures 21, 22 appear to be opening located on the lower corners of the outline or envelope of the lower end’s profile.

The apertures 17, 21, 22 shown in Figures 21 to 30 each allow fluid communication from the interior of the sleeve 10. This allows drainage of, .e.g., the galvanizing liquid, and any moisture build-up in the sleeve after the sleeve and post are assembled. The apertures 17, 21, 22 are thus made before the hot-dipped galvanizing process.

The apertures 17, 21, 22 shown in Figures 21 to 30 can be notches or slots. They may be formed as cut-outs through the lower end 14, or as milled, drilled, or stamped openings. Also, in the depicted example, a single central aperture 17 is provided to the edge of the lower end 14. However the number of the aperture(s) 17 is not an essential limitation. Similarly, in Figures 29 and 30, one aperture 21 (22) on each lateral side of the side-view profile is depicted, but the number of the lateral apertures 21, 22 is not an essential limitation. The same number of aperture(s) may be provided in each of the lateral portions 14.2, 14.3. Conversely, it is possible for only one lateral aperture 21 (or 22) to be provided on one of the lateral sides of the side-view profile. Furthermore, it is within the intended scope of this technology that both central and lateral apertures 17, 21, 22 may be provided.

Thus, the construction of the sleeve 10 which is shown in Figures 21 to 30 is similar as that for embodiments shown in Figure 1 to 20, except for the provision of the apertures, 17 and/or 21, 22, and except that it is optional to roll or die cast the lower end 14 so as to form the wavy shape and provide the communication apertures visible when the sleeve 10 is viewed from the bottom.

Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

P5406AU01/NZ00 While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

P5406AU01/NZ00

Claims (48)

Claims 1.

1. A foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body of substantially obround cross-section, said body having an open end which is adapted to receive a post into said body and an opposite end partially closed to form a figure of eight cross-section or a wavy terminus so as to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, characterized in that said tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support.

2. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 1 wherein the figure of eight cross- section or wavy terminus at said opposite end is formed so as to taper the opposite end for a length of the order of 50mm to 100mm.

3. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said laterally extending post support is located somewhere within the middle third or middle two quarters of said foundation sleeve based on the length of said foundation sleeve and the height of the post to be above the ground.

4. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the figure of eight cross-section or said wavy terminus of said opposite end defines at least one spaced apart aperture in the opposite end of said sleeve.

5. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said laterally extending post support is a laterally extending pin, welded into position.

6. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said laterally extending post support is at least one pushed in tab.

7. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 6, wherein said tab is formed on a side or an end of said sleeve.

8. A foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body of substantially round cross-section, said body having an open end adapted to for insertion of or P5406AU01/NZ00 receiving of said post into said body and an opposite end closed to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, characterized in that said tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support.

9. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 8 wherein the closed end forms a taper for a length of the order of 50mm to 100mm.

10. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein said laterally extending post support is located somewhere within the middle third or middle two quarters of said foundation sleeve based on the length of said foundation sleeve and the height of the post to be above the ground.

11. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein said laterally extending post support is a laterally extending pin, welded into position.

12. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein said laterally extending post support is at least one pushed in tab.

13. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein said end closed to shape the end of the sleeve for insertion into the ground, has a partially closed profile, which has one or more apertures in it.

14. A foundation sleeve for a post including an elongated tube body, said body having an open end which is adapted to receive a post into said body and an opposite end which is tapered, said opposite end, when viewed in side-view, has a profile which includes two lateral edges connected by a bottom edge, wherein there is an aperture which opens from said lateral edge or said bottom edge of said side-view profile and communicates with an interior of said tube body.

15. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 14, wherein said aperture includes one or more apertures.

16. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein said aperture is located in said bottom edge of said side-view profile of said opposite end. P5406AU01/NZ00

17. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said aperture is centrally located on said bottom edge of said side-view profile.

18. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein there are two apertures, located at opposite sides of said opposite end.

19. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 18, wherein said two apertures are located in said lateral edges of said side-view profile; or they are located at a spacing above said bottom edge of said side-view profile.

20. A foundation sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein said opposite end forms a taper for a length of the order of 50mm to 100mm.

21. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein said opposite end is shaped for insertion into the ground.

22. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein said tube body, at a predetermined distance from its upper edge, includes a laterally extending post support.

23. A foundation sleeve as claimed claim 22, wherein said laterally extending post support is located somewhere within the middle third or middle two quarters of said foundation sleeve based on the length of said foundation sleeve and the height of the post to be above the ground.

24. A foundation sleeve as claimed claim 22 or claim 23, wherein said laterally extending post support is a laterally extending pin, welded into position.

25. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein said laterally extending post support is at least one pushed in tab.

26. A foundation sleeve as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein said aperture is a cut-out, or a drilled, milled, or stamped opening.

27. A foundation sleeve assembly comprising a sleeve tube and a plug or cap P5406AU01/NZ00 engaging a driven end of said sleeve, said plug or cap providing a shaped ground engaging end.

28. A foundations sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein said plug or cap includes a flange to engage a lower rim of said sleeve.

29. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 27 or 28, wherein said plug or cap includes a double inclined plane arranged on said plug or cap

30. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 29, wherein said double inclined plane or wedge shape, is arranged so that it is symmetrical around two orthogonal planes relative to the shape of said sleeve.

31. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein said plug or cap is inserted into and held secure to said sleeve.

32. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 31, wherein said plug or cap is held secure by one or more of the following: an interference fit; a bulbous formation to provide an interference fit; a barb formation; a TEK screw; welding; otherwise adhered.

33. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein said plug or cap is manufactured from steel or polymer.

34. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein said plug or clap includes a hollow portion for insertion into said sleeve.

35. A foundation sleeve assembly as claimed in claim 34 wherein said plug or cap includes at least one drainage aperture leading from said hollow portion to a side of said plug or cap which is not obstructed by said sleeve.

36. A foundation assembly as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 35, wherein said plug or cap includes a portion for insertion into said sleeve, said portion having a tapered outer surface for engagement with an inner surface or rim of said sleeve, so that initial engagement of said plug or cap with said sleeve is a clearance fit, P5406AU01/NZ00 and as said plug or cap moves further into said sleeve, an interference fit is achieved.

37. An end cap or plug for a sleeve tube, said end cap or plug being adapted to engage a driven end of said sleeve, said plug or cap providing a shaped ground engaging end.

38. An end cap or plug as claimed in claim 37, wherein said plug or cap includes a flange to engage a lower rim of said sleeve.

39. An end cap or plug as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein said flange includes an outer periphery or profile which is the same as or matches the shape or profile of the sleeve to which it is to be fitted.

40. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein said plug or cap includes a double inclined plane arranged.

41. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein said a shaped ground engaging end is symmetrical around two orthogonal planes relative to the shape of said sleeve.

42. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 41, wherein said plug or cap is inserted into and held secure to said sleeve when it is deployed.

43. An end cap or plug as claimed in claim 42, wherein said plug or cap is held secure by one or more of the following: an interference fit; a bulbous formation to provide an interference fit; a barb formation; a TEK screw; welding; otherwise adhered.

44. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 43, wherein said plug or cap is manufactured from steel or polymer.

45. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 44, including at least one drainage aperture leading a portion which opens into the inner volume of the sleeve when deployed and leads to a side of said plug or cap which is not P5406AU01/NZ00 obstructed by said sleeve.

46. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein said plug or cap includes a hollow portion for insertion into a sleeve when deployed.

47. An end cap or plug as claimed in claim 46 wherein said plug or cap includes at least one drainage aperture leading from said hollow portion to a side of said plug or cap which is not obstructed by said sleeve.

48. An end cap or plug as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 45, wherein said plug or cap includes a portion for insertion into said sleeve, said portion having a tapered outer surface for engagement with an inner surface or rim of said sleeve, so that initial engagement of said plug or cap with a sleeve is a clearance fit, and as said plug or cap moves further into a sleeve, an interference fit is achieved. P5406AU01/NZ00