WO2004113659A2

WO2004113659A2 - Support kit for structures such as fences and mailboxes

Info

Publication number: WO2004113659A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/019317
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregg Yasher
Original assignee: Gregg Yasher
Priority date: 2003-06-18
Filing date: 2004-06-18
Publication date: 2004-12-29
Also published as: WO2004113659A3

Abstract

A mounting post assembly for a hollow structure such as a fence post or an arbor leg includes a post that can be pounded into the ground. Brackets on the post engage inner side surfaces of the structure to support the structure on the post. Thus, the structure is supported on the ground without digging and filling a hole with concrete.

Description

Support Kit for Structures Such As Fences and Mailboxes

Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional application No. 60/479,622 filed June 18, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to apparatus and method for supporting structures on the ground, in the ground or attaching to the ground. In particular, the present invention relates to a kit that can be pounded or otherwise inserted into the ground, without concrete, and support a structure such as a fence post, arbor, mailbox, sign post, or lamp post; and to a method of using such a no-dig installation kit.

[0003] Currently, structures such as fence posts, arbors, mailboxes, sign posts, and lamp posts are mounted on the ground by digging a hole in the ground, filing the hole with concrete, inserting the structure into the wet concrete, and allowing the concrete to cure. This entails a substantial amount of work, materials, and time. The finished product is not usable for at least a day until the concrete cures; thus, a fence or other structure can not be completed in one day, for example, until the posts are firmly set.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an arbor mounting kit that is a first embodiment of the invention;

[0005] Fig. 2 is an elevational view of a mounting post assembly that forms part of the arbor mounting kit of Fig. 1 ;

[0006] Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of a bracket that forms part of the mounting post assembly of Fig. 2; [0007] Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view showing the mounting post assembly in the ground and supporting an arbor leg;

[0008] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a fence including a fence post that is supported by a fence post mounting kit that is a second embodiment of the invention;

[0009] Fig. 6 is an elevational view of a mounting post assembly that forms part of the fence post mounting kit of Fig. 5;

[0010] Fig. 7 is another elevational view of the mounting post assembly of Fig. 6;

[0011] Fig. 8 is a close up perspective view of a portion of the mounting post assembly of Fig 5 including a ground stop;

[0012] Fig. 9 is a bottom plan view of a bracket that forms part of the mounting post assembly of Fig. 5;

[0013] Fig. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the ground stop of Fig. 9;

[0014] Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view showing the mounting post assembly of Fig. 5 supporting a fence post;

[0015] Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing the mounting post assembly in the ground and supporting a fence post;

[0016] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a fence post mounting post assembly in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Fig. 14 is an enlarged bottom perspective view of the fence post mounting post assembly of Fig 13;

[0018] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of packaging for mounting kits of the invention;

[0019] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of one alternative bracket for use with the mounting post assemblies of the present invention; [0020] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of another alternative bracket for use with the mounting post assemblies of the present invention;

[0021] Figs. 18-22 are views of a mailbox mounting kit including a mailbox platform, in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Fig. 23 is a view of an alternative bracket in accordance with the invention;

[0023] Fig. 24 shows the bracket of Fig. 23 on an installation post;

[0024] Fig. 25 is a view showing an alternative pounding cap mounted on an installation post; and

[0025] Figs. 26 and 27 are views of an alternative hard surface mounting post assembly.

Description of the Invention

[0026] As representative of the present invention, Fig. 1 illustrates an arbor mounting kit 10 constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The arbor mounting kit 10 is adapted for use with an existing PVC or Vinyl arbor 12 of the type sold under various brand names.

[0027] The arbor 12 has an upper part 14 supported by four identical support legs 16. Each one of the support legs 16 has a central opening 18 (Fig. 4) with a square cross- sectional configuration. The opening 18 has a width (inside dimension) of about 3 and one-quarter inches, and can be sized anywhere from 1 inch to 12 inches depending on the application and intended use. As described below, the kit 10 includes four identical mounting post assemblies 20, each of which fits into the ground 22 and into one of the four legs 16 of the arbor 12, thereby to support the arbor on the ground.

[0028] The mounting post assembly 20 includes an installation post 30. The installation post 30 in the illustrated embodiment is a round tube about 20" in length and about one and one half inches in diameter. The installation post 30 is preferably made from galvanized steel but could be made from hot or cold rolled steel, stainless steel, or powder coated steel. The installation post 30 has an upper end portion 32, a lower end portion 34, and an intermediate portion 36. The lower end portion 36 of the installation post 30 is open to a central cavity 40 of the installation post.

[0029] The upper end portion 32 of the installation post 30 is closed with a pounding cap 42. The pounding cap 42 has a circular end wall 44 and a side wall 46 that extends over the outer surface of the installation post 30. The pounding cap 42 may be formed from one planar piece of metal with tabs bent over from the end wall 44 to form the side wall 46 or drawn in a stamping process to form a side wall. The pounding cap 42 is adapted to receive force from a hammer or other device and transmit that force to the installation post 30, to minimize deformation of the installation post. The pounding cap 42 is welded on the installation post 30, but can be attached with rivets or screws to the installation post.

[0030] The mounting post assembly also includes an upper bracket 50. The upper bracket 50 is preferably made from galvanized sheet steel that is stamped and formed to the illustrated configuration, then attached to the upper end portion 32 of the installation post 30 either by welding, rivets, or screws. The upper bracket 50 has a box-shaped configuration including an end wall 52, four side walls 54, and an open bottom 56.

[0031] The end wall 52 is planar and has a square overall configuration with a circular central opening 58 (Fig. 3). The central opening 58 in the end wall 52 is adapted to closely receive the installation post 30. The end wall 52 is about three inches across from side to side.

[0032] The four side walls 54 of the upper bracket 50 are identical to each other. Each side wall 54 depends from one side of the end wall 52 for a length of about one and one half inches. In each side wall 54 two locking tabs 60 are formed as part of the bracket 50. The locking tabs 60 are U-shaped portions of the side wall 54 that are punched out from the main body portion 62 of the side wall and bent outwardly (in a direction away from the opposite side wall). Each locking tab 60 has an end edge 64 that is presented away from the end wall 52 of the bracket 50. [0033] In their free state, the locking tabs 60 project outward from the main body portion 62 of the side wall 54 by about one quarter inch and can be up to and exceeding one inch. The locking tabs 60 are resiliently deflectable inward toward the main body portion 62 of the side wall 54.

[0034] The upper bracket 50 is attached by rivets, screws or welding to the upper end portion 32 of the installation post 30, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, near the pounding cap 42. The end wall 52 of the bracket 50 extends generally perpendicular to the installation post 30. The end edges 64 of the locking tabs 60 on the bracket 50 are presented away from the pounding cap 42, that is, in a direction toward the lower end portion 36 of the installation post 30.

[0035] The mounting post assembly 20 also includes a lower bracket 50a. The lower bracket 50a is preferably identical in configuration to the upper bracket 50. Parts of the lower bracket 50a are given the same reference numerals as corresponding parts of the upper bracket 50, with the suffix "a" added.

[0036] Thus, the lower bracket 50a has a box-shaped configuration including an end wall 52a and four side walls 54a. In each side wall 54a two locking tabs 60 are formed as part of the bracket 50a. In their free state, the locking tabs 60a project outward from the main body portion 62a of the side wall 54a by about one quarter inch. The locking tabs 60a are resiliently deflectable inward toward the main body portion 62a of the side wall 54a.

[0037] The lower bracket 50a is attached by rivets, screws or welding to the installation post 30, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, near the center of the installation post. The end edges 64a of the locking tabs 60a on the lower bracket 50a are presented away from the upper bracket 50, that is, in a direction toward the lower end portion 36 of the installation post 30.

[0038] The arbor mounting kit 10 is first secured in the ground, and then the arbor 12 is attached to the kit 10. Each one of the four mounting post assemblies 20 is pounded into the ground 22, in the same manner. The insertion of one mounting post assembly 12 will be described, as exemplary.

[0039] The mounting post assembly 20 is pounded into the ground 22, by pounding on the pounding cap 42. The open lower end portion 34 of the installation post 30 facilitates the pounding of the installation post into the ground 22. The lower end portion 34 of the installation post 30 enters the ground 22. The installer stops pounding when the lower bracket 50a reaches the surface of the ground 22. At that point, preferably about one half the length of the installation post 30 protrudes from the ground 22. In the same manner, the other three mounting post assemblies 20 are placed securely in the ground 22, following a predetermined pattern of placement.

[0040] Thereafter, the arbor 12 is placed over the kit 10. Specifically, each one of the four support legs 16 of the arbor 12 is placed over and slid down on a respective one of the four mounting post assemblies 20. As each arbor support leg 16 is slid down over the mounting post assembly 20, the side wall of the support leg 16 engages the multiple locking tabs 60 of the upper bracket 50. The dimensions of the upper bracket 50 and of the support leg 16 are selected so that the side wall of the support leg presses all the locking tabs 60 inward, toward the installation post 30. This inward movement of the locking tabs 60 is resiliently resisted by the stiffness of the material of the upper bracket 50, and the locking tabs are biased outward against the support leg 16.

[0041 ] As the arbor support leg 16 is slid down further over the mounting post assembly 20, the side wall of the support leg engages the eight locking tabs 60a of the lower bracket 50a. The side wall of the support leg 16 presses ail the locking tabs 60a inward, toward the installation post 30. This inward movement of the locking tabs 60a is resiliently resisted by the stiffness of the material of the upper bracket 50a, and the locking tabs are biased outward against the support leg 16.

[0042] When the arbor support leg 16 reaches the surface of the ground 22, further downward movement of the arbor 12 relative to the mounting post assembly 20 is blocked. When the arbor support leg 16 is thus positioned on the mounting post assembly 20, the end edges 64a of the locking tabs 60a on the lower bracket 50a, as well as the end edges 64 of the locking tabs 60 on the upper bracket 50, dig into the side wall of the support leg 16 of the arbor 12. This engagement of the locking tabs 60 and 60a with the support leg 16 prevents the support leg from being pulled upward off the mounting post assembly 20. This blocking engagement is provided for all four support legs 16 of the arbor 12. The resilience of the tabs 60 and 60a makes up for any uneven wall thickness of the arbor support legs 16. As a result, the arbor 12 is secured in position on the ground 22.

[0043] The arbor mounting kit 10 is advantageous in that no concrete is needed to support the arbor 12. All that is needed is to pound in the four mounting post assemblies 20 and slip/press the arbor 12 down over them. This is substantially less work than is involved with setting something in concrete; and it can all be done in substantially less than one day. In addition, no extra materials, such as cement and water, or expertise for using them, are needed.

[0044] Figs. 5-12 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, which is a no-dig fence post installation kit 68. The kit 68 includes one mounting post assembly 70, and is used to support one fence post 72 on the ground. The mounting post assembly 70 includes one installation post 74.

[0045] The fence post 72 is part of a known fence 77 that also includes one or more fence sections and additional fence posts 72 as needed to support the fence sections. The fence posts 72 are installed first, at predetermined distances from each other, and then the fence sections are hung on the fence posts.

[0046] The fence post 72, like the arbor support leg, includes a square side wall 75 that has a central opening 79 with a square cross-sectional configuration. The opening 79 has a width (inside dimension), in the illustrated embodiment of about 3 and one-quarter inches, but can be sized anywhere from 1 inch to 12 inches depending on the application and intended use. As described below, the mounting post assembly 70 fits into the ground 73 and into the fence post 72, thereby to support the fence post on the ground 70. The dimensions of the mounting post assembly 70 can be different, to be used with fence posts 72 having different dimensions.

[0047] The installation post 74 of the mounting post assembly 70 is similar to the installation post 30 of the arbor mounting kit 10, and may be made from the same material for manufacturing efficiencies. Specifically, the installation post 74 in the illustrated embodiment is a round tube about one and one half inches in diameter, but can be anywhere from % inch in diameter to 4 inches in diameter depending on the application and intended use. The installation post 30 is preferably made from galvanized steel. The installation post 74 has an upper end portion 76, a lower end portion 78, and an intermediate portion 80. The upper end portion 76 of the installation post 74 can be closed with a pounding cap 82. The lower end portion 78 of the installation post 74 is open to a central cavity 84 of the installation post.

[0048] The length of the installation post 74 is selected to work with a fence post 72 of a particular length. When a sufficient amount of the installation post 74 is in the ground to support the mounting post assembly 70 against movement relative to the ground 73, a sufficient amount of the installation post protrudes from the ground to support the fence post 72 itself. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation post is about 60 inches in length and can be up to 120 inches in length.

[0049] The brackets of the fence post mounting kit 70 are similar in construction and operation to the brackets of the arbor mounting kit 10. The brackets of the fence post mounting kit 70 may be identical, for manufacturing efficiencies, to the brackets of the arbor mounting kit 10.

[0050] The mounting post assembly 74 includes three brackets because the fence post 72 is longer and needs more support than the arbor support leg 16-an upper bracket 50, a middle bracket 50a, and a lower bracket 50b. However, depending on the application and intended use, there may be a minimum of one bracket up to six brackets. The three brackets 50-50b are identical to each other and in the illustrated embodiment are identical to the brackets 50 and 50a of the arbor mounting kit 10. Therefore, the brackets 50-50b and their parts have the same or similar reference numerals as those of the arbor mounting kit 10. For example, each one of the three brackets 50-50b has a plurality of locking tabs 60-60b that are engageable with the side wall 78 of the fence post 72.

[0051] The upper bracket 50 is attached by rivets, screws or welding to the upper end portion 76 of the installation post 74, near the pounding cap 82. The middle bracket 50a and the lower bracket 50b are attached by rivets, screws or welding at other locations along the intermediate portion 80 of the installation post 74. The placement of the brackets 50-50b on the installation post 74 is selected to support a particular fence post 72 in an optimum manner along the length of the fence post when the entire assembly is supported on the ground 73. In one embodiment, the upper bracket 50 is attached by rivets, screws or welding to the installation post 74 about four inches below the top of the post or pounding cap 82. The lower bracket 50b is attached by rivets, screws or welding to the installation post 74 about 24.5 inches from the bottom. The middle bracket 50a is attached by rivets, screws or welding to the installation post 74 at a central location between the other two brackets 50 and 50b.

[0052] The mounting post assembly 70 includes a ground stop 88 which may be deleted depending on the application and intended use. The ground stop 88 is a member that provides a positive stop when the installation post 74 is being pounded into the ground 73. The ground stop 88 has only one proper position on the installation post 74 when the mounting post assembly 70 is being installed, and that one proper position correctly sets the depth of the installation post in the ground. With the ground stop 88 present, the installer does not need to watch how far the installation post 74 has been driven into the ground 72 to know when to stop pounding; proper depth is automatically obtained.

[0053] The ground stop 88 in the illustrated embodiment is a heavy plastic piece having a stovepipe hat configuration including a cylindrical side wall 90 and an annular, radially extending end wall 92. The inside diameter of the side wall 90 is selected so that the ground stop 88 is a snug fit on the installation post 74. The ground stop 88 can, alternatively, be formed as one piece with the installation post 74 or with the lower bracket 50b. [0054] When the mounting post assembly 70 is manufactured and shipped to a retailer, the ground stop 88 is already in place on the installation post 74, adjacent to the lower bracket 50b. The end wall 92 of the ground stop 88 is outside of the lower bracket 50b. The side wall 90 extends into the lower bracket 50b and engages the end wall 54b of the lower bracket 50b. This engagement blocks movement of the ground stop 88 relative to the installation post 74, in a direction toward the upper bracket 50. The snug fit of the ground stop 88 on the installation post 74 resists movement of the ground stop on the installation post in the opposite direction, that is, toward the lower end portion 78 of the installation post. If the ground stop 88 is not positioned against the lower bracket 50b when the mounting post assembly 70 is installed, the ground stop will slide up along the installation post 74 until it engages the lower bracket and stops there, in its proper position.

[0055] The fence post mounting kit 68 is first secured in the ground 73, and then the fence post 72 is attached to the kit using the following steps. The mounting post assembly 70 can be pounded into the ground 73 by pounding on the pounding cap 82. The open lower end portion 78 of the installation post 74 facilitates the pounding of the installation post into the ground 73. The lower end portion 78 of the installation post 74 enters the ground 73. When the installation post 74 is far enough into the ground 73, the end wall 92 of the ground stop 88 engages the ground. That engagement provides substantial resistance, which can be felt by the installer, and the installer stops pounding. At that point, the proper length of the mounting post assembly 70 protrudes from the ground, for the particular fence post 72 being installed. The installer need not watch but can instead focus on pounding in the installation post level. A level, such as a torpedo level, can be used to ensure that the installation post 74 is plumb during installation.

[0056] Thereafter, the fence post 72 is placed over the mounting post assembly 70. As the fence post 72 is slid down over the mounting post assembly 70, the side wall 75 of the fence post engages the eight locking tabs 60 of the upper bracket 50. The dimensions of the upper bracket 50 and of the fence post 72 are selected so that the side wall 75 of the fence post presses all the locking tabs 60 inward, toward the installation post 74. This inward movement of the locking tabs 60 is resiliently resisted by the stiffness of the material of the upper bracket 50, and the locking tabs are biased outward against the fence post 72.

[0057] As the fence post 72 is slid down further over the mounting post assembly 70, the side wall 75 of the fence post engages the eight locking tabs 60a of the middle bracket 50a, and thereafter the eight locking tabs 60b of the lower bracket 50b. The side wall 75 of the fence post 72 presses all the locking tabs inward 60a and 60b, toward the installation post. This inward movement of the locking tabs 60a and 60b is resiliently resisted by the stiffness of the material of the brackets 50a and 50b, and the locking tabs are biased outward against the fence post 72.

[0058] When the fence post 72 reaches the surface of the ground 73, further downward movement of the fence post relative to the mounting post assembly 70 is blocked.

[0059] When the fence post 72 is thus positioned on the mounting post assembly 70, the end edges 64-64b of the locking tabs 60-60b on the brackets 50-50b dig into the side wall 75 of the fence post. This engagement of the locking tabs with the side wall 75 prevents the fence post 72 from being pulled upward off the mounting post assembly 74. As a result, the fence post 72 is secured in position on the ground 73. After the fence post 72 is installed, the fencing section can be attached to it, in a known manner.

[0060] The fence post mounting kit 70 is advantageous in that no concrete is needed to support the fence post 72. All that is needed is to pound in the mounting post assembly 74 and slip/press the fence post 72 down over it. This is substantially less work than is involved with setting something in concrete; and it can all be done in one day. In addition, no extra materials, such as cement and water, or expertise for using them, are needed. Further, the resilience of the tabs 60-60b makes up for any uneven wall thickness of the fence posts 72.

[0061] The mounting post assembly 70 provides a solid form of attachment for the entire length of the mounting post assembly-two to eight feet above the ground 73~in contrast with a typical cement mounting in which the entire portion of the fence post 72 that is above ground level is unsupported by anything other than itself.

[0062] A different number of brackets 50 could be used-for example, two rather than three, to reduce material usage and cost-if appropriate. Thus, it may be determined for a particular fence post 72 that the middle bracket 50a is not needed, in which case it could be eliminated from the mounting post assembly 70.

[0063] Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate an alternative mounting post assembly 100. The mounting post assembly 100 is adapted for use in supporting a fence or other structure on a hard surface, such as a patio or deck, rather than on a soft surface such as the ground. On a hard surface, the installation post can not be pounded into the ground.

[0064] The mounting post assembly 100 includes an installation post 102 and a mounting plate 104. The mounting plate 104 is welded to the lower end portion of the installation post 102. The mounting plate 104 has a square or rectangular configuration. Four fastener openings 106 are formed in the mounting plate 104, near the four corners. The fastener openings 106 are adapted to receive fasteners (not shown), such as lag screws, for securing the mounting plate 104 (and thus the installation post 102) to the underlying surface (patio or deck, for example). When the mounting plate 104 is thus secured, the fence post or other type of post can be slid downward over the installation post 102 to mount the fence post to the underlying surface. Because no portion of the installation post 102 extends below the surface, the installation post may be shorter.

[0065] Fig. 15 illustrates retail packaging for the fence post mounting kit 68. The packaging includes a sleeve 110 that is preferably made from a single piece of cardboard. The sleeve 110 is formed into a square tube that fits closely but removably around the three brackets of the kit 68. Three tabs 112, 114 and 116 are die cut in the material of the sleeve 110 on one side 118 of the sleeve. When the sleeve 110 is in position on the fence post mounting kit 68, the tabs 112-116 are bent inward into the space between the brackets, to hold the sleeve in place. Specifically, the upper tab 112 is bent inward to a position just below the upper bracket. The middle tab 114 is bent inward into a position just above the middle bracket. The lower tab 116 is bent inward into a position just below the lower bracket. As a result, the tabs 112-116 block movement of the sleeve 110 along the length of the fence post mounting kit 68. Because the tabs 112-116 are formed on only one side 118 of the sleeve 110, the other three sides of the sleeve are available for printing.

[0066] Fig. 16 illustrates an alternative bracket design embodied in a bracket 120. The bracket 120 is similar in configuration to the bracket. The bracket 120 includes, on each side wall 122, four locking tabs rather than two locking tabs. Of the four locking tabs, two tabs 124 are longer, and two tabs 126 are shorter.

[0067] The bracket 120 is adapted to be used with fence posts (or other types of square posts) of differing sizes. If the bracket 120 is to be used with a relatively small post, then only the small tabs 126 on each side wall 122 are bent out into a locking position as described above. The two longer tabs 124 can be bent flush with the side wall 122 and need not engage the post when installed. If, on the other hand, the bracket 120 is to be used with a relatively large post, then the two longer tabs 124 on each side wall 122 are left in their original manufactured locking position as described above. The two longer tabs 124 extend out farther from the plane of the side wall 122 so as to engage the side wall of a fence post having a larger inside opening. Thus, the bracket 120 is universal.

[0068] Fig. 17 illustrates another alternative bracket design embodied in a bracket 130. The bracket 130 includes, on each side wall 132, four locking tabs 134 rather than two locking tabs. The four locking tabs 134 are all the same length. This type of bracket, having more than two locking tabs on each side, can be used with a larger post, as it provides additional locking and additional support.

[0069] Figs. 18-22 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, which can serve as a mailbox mounting kit 140. The kit 140 includes is used to support one top mount mailbox 142 on the ground. The kit 140 includes a pedestal post base 144, a mounting platform 146, and an installation post 148. [0070] The mailbox 142 has a container portion 150 with a rectangular base plate 152. Two mounting flanges 154 extend downward from the long sides of the container portion 150. Several fastener openings 156 are formed in each one of the mounting flanges 154.

[0071] The pedestal post base 144 has a square cross-sectional configuration similar to that of the fence post described above. At the upper end portion 158 of the pedestal post base, two fastener openings 160 are formed in each one of the four sides of the pedestal post base.

[0072] The installation post 148 may be similar or identical to the installation posts shown and described above. Thus, the installation post 148 is adapted to support securely the pedestal post base 144 on the ground.

[0073] The mounting platform 146 is adapted to secure the mailbox 142 to the pedestal post base 144. The mounting platform 146, in the illustrated embodiment, is made from two separate pieces 162 and 164, rather than one piece. Therefore, the two pieces 162 and 164 are smaller and can fit into a smaller package, specifically, one that is just large enough to contain the pedestal post base 144 and the installation post 148. Alternatively, the mounting platform 146 can be made from one piece. The mounting platform 146 can be made from molded plastic or from stamped sheet steel or from another material.

[0074] The two pieces 162 and 164 of the mounting platform 146 are mirror images of each other. Each piece has a rectangular, planar main body portion 166 with a rectangular cutout 168 on one long side. The cutout 168 is half the size of the pedestal post base 144. Three inner flanges 170 extend from the main body portion 166 on the three sides of the cutout 168. Each one of the three inner flanges 170 has one or more fastener openings 172. In addition, one long outer flange 174 extends from the main body portion 166 on the opposite long side of the piece 162 or 164. The outer flange 174 has one or more fastener openings 176, to match the fastener openings 156 in the mounting flanges 154 of the mailbox 142. [0075] The process of supporting the mailbox 142 on the ground is as follows. The installation post 148 is first pounded into the ground in a manner as described above. Then, the pedestal post base 144 is slipped down over the installation post 148 and thereby secured in position relative to the ground, in a manner as described above.

[0076] Then, the mounting platform 146 is secured to the pedestal post base 144. (Alternatively, the mounting platform 146 can be secured to the pedestal post base 144 before the pedestal post base is mounted to the installation post 148.) Each one of the two pieces 162 and 164 of the mounting platform 146 is secured to the pedestal post base 144 with fasteners 178 extending through the fastener openings 172 in the inner flanges 170 and through the fastener openings 160 in the pedestal post base 144.

[0077] When the two pieces 162 and 164 of the mounting platform 146 are thus secured to the pedestal post base 144, the mailbox 142 is secured to the mounting platform with fasteners 180 extending through the fastener openings 156 in the mailbox mounting flanges 154 and through the fastener openings 176 in the mounting platform outer flanges 174. The mailbox 142 is thus secured to the mounting platform 146, which is secured to the pedestal post base 144, which is secured to the installation post 148, which is secured in the ground. Therefore, the mailbox 142 is securely mounted on the ground.

[0078] Figs. 23 and 24 illustrate an alternative bracket 180 for connection with the installation post 182 and for supporting the hollow structure (fence post, arbor, etc.), via the installation post, on the ground. The bracket 180 is similar in construction to the bracket shown in Fig. 16 and in that regard has two different length sets of locking tabs 184 and 186. The bracket 180 also has one or more center tabs 188 (in the illustrated embodiment, two tabs) on the edge of the center opening 190. The center tabs 188 are adapted to receive screws or rivets or other fasteners for fastening the brackets 180 to the installation post 182, as an alternative to welding. Fig. 24 shows two of the brackets 180 secured to an installation post 182 by rivets.

[0079] Fig. 25 shows an alternative pounding cap construction in which the pounding cap 192 is stamped or drawn. The pounding cap 192 has one or more openings 194 in its side wall 196 for receiving one or more screws or rivets or other fasteners for fastening the pounding cap to an installation post, as an alternative to welding. Fig. 25 shows a pounding cap 192 secured to a installation post 182 by one or more screws 198.

[0080] Figs. 26 and 27 illustrate an alternative mounting post assembly 200 with a leveling base 202 for use in supporting a fence or other structure on a hard surface, such as a patio or deck, rather than on a soft surface such as the ground. In this regard, the mounting post assembly 200 can be substituted for the mounting post assembly 100 that is shown in Fig. 13 and 14. The mounting post assembly 200 includes an installation post 204 and a mounting plate 206 welded to the lower end portion of the installation post 102. The mounting plate 206 has a square or rectangular configuration. Four fastener openings 208 are formed in the mounting plate 206, near the four corners. In addition, the mounting plate 206 has four threaded openings 210 that receive leveling screws 212. The tips of the leveling screws 212 engage a base plate 214 that is fixed to the hard surface. Adjustment of the mounting screws 212 can serve to tip the installation post 204 relative to the base plate 214 in order to ensure that the installation post is plumb. The parts of the leveling base 202 have openings to permit threading of electrical wiring up into the post.

[0081] Also shown in Figs. 26 and 27 is a deck plate 216 that can be installed on the underside of a wood deck or other surface for use in conjunction with the mounting plate 206. In this case, the mounting plate 206 is secured to the wood deck with through bolts (not shown) that extend through the corner openings 208 in the mounting plate 206 and through the openings in the base plate 214 and through openings in the wood deck and through corner openings 218 in the deck plate 216. The bolts cooperate with nuts that are located below the deck plate 216, which itself serves as a washer.

[0082] From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes, and modifications in the invention. For example, brackets or other structure on the installation posts can be designed to fit into and support round structures, also, and can be designed to work with either PVC, vinyl or aluminum posts. Such improvements, changes, and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Having described the invention, I claim:

1. A mounting post assembly for use with an elongate hollow structure such as a fence post or an arbor leg having an inner side surface defining a central cavity, said mounting post assembly for supporting the structure on the ground, said mounting post assembly comprising: a mounting post and a plurality of brackets on the mounting post; said mounting post able to be secured in the ground by a pounding force, the mounting post fitting within the hollow structure and being spaced inward from the inner side surface of the hollow structure, said brackets engaging the inner side surface of the hollow structure and having locking portions that resists movement of the hollow structure vertically off the mounting post assembly.

2. A mounting post assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking portions comprise tabs on said brackets.

3. A mounting post assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said tabs extend outward from a main body portion of said brackets and have lower edges or ends that dig into the inner side surface of the hollow structure to resist movement of the hollow structure vertically off the mounting post assembly.

4. A mounting post assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said tabs are resiliently deflectable relative to said main body portion of said brackets.

5. A mounting post assembly according to claim 1 wherein said mounting post has a circular cross-sectional configuration and said brackets have a square cross- sectional configuration.

6. A mounting post assembly according to claim 5 wherein said brackets have side walls with resilient tabs that extend downward and outward from said side walls.

7. A mounting post assembly according to claim 1 wherein said tabs has lower edges that dig into the inner side surfaces of the hollow structure to resists upward vertical movement of the structure off the mounting post assembly.

8. A mounting post assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a pounding cap affixed to an upper end of the mounting post to resist deformation of the mounting post when it is being pounded into the ground.

9. A mounting post assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a ground stop.

10. A mounting post assembly according to claim 10 wherein said ground stop comprises a member that has a first portion slidable along said mounting post, a second portion engageable with one of said brackets and a third portion engageable with the ground when said one of said brackets is in a desired vertical position relative to the ground.

11. A mounting post assembly according to claim 10 wherein said ground stop has a stovepipe hat configuration.

12. A mounting post assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a mounting plate on a lower end portion of said mounting post for attaching said mounting post assembly to a hard surface without pounding said mounting post into the ground.

13. A method of mounting on the ground an elongate hollow structure such as a fence post or an arbor leg having an inner side surface defining a central cavity, said method comprising the steps of: providing a mounting post assembly including a mounting post and a plurality of brackets on the mounting post; pounding the mounting post into the ground; and placing the hollow structure vertically downward over the mounting post assembly with the mounting post assembly being disposed in the central cavity of the hollow structure.

14. A method as set forth in claim 13 wherein said placing step includes engaging the inner side surfaces of the structure with the brackets of the mounting post assembly to resist movement of the structure relative to the mounting post assembly.

15. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein said engaging step comprises engaging the inner side surface of the structure with lower end or lower edge portions of resilient tabs of said brackets.