WO2018218276A1

WO2018218276A1 - Foundation apparatus, foundation assembly, kit and method of installing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2018218276A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/000085
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Christopher Stuart
Original assignee: Michael Christopher Stuart
Priority date: 2017-06-02
Filing date: 2018-05-31
Publication date: 2018-12-06

Abstract

A foundation apparatus (10) including: a body (20); a shaft (30) extending from the body (20); and a plurality of legs (40) pivotally connected to the body (20), wherein the plurality of legs (40) are movable from a stowed position to a deployed position in response to a driving force (200) being applied to the foundation apparatus (10) such that at least a portion of the shaft (30) is driven into a ground surface (100) whilst the plurality of legs (40) engage the ground surface (100) and splay outwardly relative to the shaft (30).

Description

FOUNDATION APPARATUS, FOUNDATION ASSEMBLY, KIT AND METHOD OF INSTALLING THE SAME

Cross Reference to Related Application

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017902110, filed 2 June 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a deployable foundation apparatus, foundation assembly, kit and method of installing the same.

Background

[0003] With the installation of a fence, it is common that a strip footing may need to be installed. A strip footing is a strip of concrete placed into a trench and reinforced with steel. The footing supports the load of the fence. Installing a strip footing can be a lengthy process.

[0004] Use of strip footings for fences can be common around pools. In some instances, pavers may have already been laid meaning that the pavers may need to be initially removed to allow for the strip footing to be installed but then relaying of the pavers is subsequently required.

[0005] Whilst some of the problems highlighted above relate to the installation of pool fences, it is desirable to avoid the installation of strip footings for fences in more general applications as well as other loading bearing structures where possible.

[0006] Furthermore, it is a common problem where a foundation for a load, such as a concrete slab or a fence, has begun to fail or the soil shifts and moves under the foundation causing stabilisation problems. This can result in the load sinking, such as a spigot supporting a fence sinking into the ground, cracking of the load, such is the case with a concrete slab, or similar structural failures. Whilst a technique to stabilize the load is known involving the driving of steel piers deep into the ground/bedrock which attach to the foundation via a bracket, this technique generally requires significant excavation of the foundation so that the bracket can be installed.

Summary

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more disadvantages of existing arrangements.

[0008] In a first aspect there is provided a foundation apparatus including:

a body;

a shaft extending from the body; and

a plurality of legs pivotally connected to the body, wherein the plurality of legs are movable from a stowed position to a deployed position in response to a driving force being applied to the foundation apparatus such that at least a portion of the shaft is driven into a ground surface whilst the plurality of legs engage the ground surface and splay outwardly relative to the shaft.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the body is a collar such that the shaft extends through a hole in the collar and is connected to the collar.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the shaft is welded to the collar or separable from the collar.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the shaft includes:

a force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force applied to the foundation apparatus; and

a ground penetrating portion which is configured to be driven into the ground surface.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the force receiving portion is configured to be received within a bit of an electrically powered hammer tool.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the ground penetrating portion of the shaft includes a pointed tip to protrude into the ground surface.

[0014] In certain embodiments, each leg includes a foot having planar surface to promote sliding of the foot through the ground whilst moving to the deployed position. [0015] In certain embodiments, each foot has a pointed tip which points in a splaying direction of the respective leg.

[0016] In certain embodiments, each leg is pivotally fastened to the body via a roll pin.

[0017] In certain embodiments, an end of each leg is pivotally fastened within a respective socket of the body.

[0018] In certain embodiments, each socket is defined by a pair of opposing plates which receive therebetween the end of the respective leg, wherein the respective roll pin extends between the respective opposing plates and through a hole in the end of the respective leg.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the foundation apparatus includes a deployment component that is threadably received over the shaft, wherein during movement of the foundation apparatus from the stowed position to the deployed position, the deployment component presses downwardly against the ground surface and exerts a force against a trailing edge of each leg to promote splaying of the legs.

[0020] In certain embodiments, in the stowed position a majority of the legs do not extend past a footprint of the body.

[0021] In certain embodiments, each leg includes a narrowed midportion.

[0022] In a second aspect there is provided a foundation assembly including:

a foundation apparatus configured according to the first aspect; and

a mesh sleeve that is coupled to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

[0023] In another aspect there is provided a method of installing a foundation apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the method includes:

locating the shaft of the foundation apparatus to contact the ground surface whilst the foundation apparatus is in the stowed position; and

applying the driving force to the foundation apparatus causing at least a portion of the shaft to be driven into the ground surface whilst the legs engage the ground engaging surface and splay out relative to the shaft. [0024] In certain embodiments, the method further includes creating a hole in the ground surface, wherein the step of locating the shaft of the foundation apparatus includes locating the foundation apparatus within the hole.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the method further includes securing a structure to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the method includes pouring a connecting material into the hole in order to connect the structure to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the method includes locating a mesh sleeve over a portion of the foundation apparatus after deployment in the hole and prior to pouring a connecting material into the hole.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the method includes coupling the mesh sleeve to the foundation apparatus.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the shaft of the foundation apparatus includes a force receiving portion configure to be received within a bit of an electrically powered hammer tool, wherein the method includes applying the driving force to the force receiving portion using the electrically powered hammer tool.

[0030] In another aspect there is provided a kit for assembling a foundation assembly, including:

a foundation apparatus configured according to the first aspect; and

a mesh sleeve that is adapted to be coupled to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

Brief Description Of Figures

[0031] The example embodiment of the present invention should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures.

[0032] Figure 1 is an elevated side view of a first example of a foundation apparatus in a stowed position; [0033] Figure 2 is a underneath view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 1 in the stowed position;

[0034] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 1 starting in a stowed position and the position of the legs over time whilst the foundation apparatus is moving toward the deployed position;

[0035] Figure 4 is an elevated side view of a second example of a foundation apparatus;

[0036] Figure 5 is an elevated side view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 4 is an intermediate position between the stowed and deployed position;

[0037] Figure 6 is an underneath view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 4;

[0038] Figure 7 is an elevated side view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 4 in the deployed position;

[0039] Figured 8A, 8B and 8C are side, elevated, and rear view of a leg of the foundation apparatus of Figure 4; and

[0040] Figure 9 is a flowchart representing a method for installing the foundation apparatus of either Figure 1 or Figure 4; and

[0041] Figure 10 is an elevated side view of another example of the foundation apparatus;

[0042] Figure 11 is an underneath side view of another example of the foundation apparatus in the stowed position;

[0043] Figure 12 is an elevated side view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 1 1 in the deployed position;

[0044] Figure 13 is an underneath side view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 11 in the deployed position; [0045] Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of an example of a foundation apparatus assembly prior to the pouring of connecting material into the hole;

[0046] Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of another example of a foundation apparatus assembly prior to the pouring of connecting material into the hole;

[0047] Figure 15 is an elevated view of a further example of a foundation apparatus in the stowed position;

[0048] Figure 16 is an elevated view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 15 in an intermediate position;

[0049] Figure 17 is an elevated view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 15in a further intermediate position;

[0050] Figure 18 is an elevated view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 15in a further intermediate position;

[0051] Figure 19 is an elevated view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 15in a deployed position;

[0052] Figure 20 is an underside view of the foundation apparatus of Figure 15in the deployed position; and

[0053] Figure 21 is a front view of an alternate leg for the foundation apparatus of Figure 15. Modes for Carrying Out The Invention

[0054] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0055] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures. [0056] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first example of a foundation apparatus 10. The foundation apparatus 10 includes a body 20, a shaft 30 extending from the body 10, and a plurality of legs 40 pivotally connected to the body. The foundation apparatus 10 is movable between a stowed position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, to a deployed position as shown in Figure 3. In particular, in response to a driving force 200 (see Figure 4) being applied to the foundation apparatus 10 such that at least a portion of the shaft 30 is driven into a ground surface 100, the plurality of legs 40 engage the ground surface 100 and splay outwardly relative to the shaft as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0057] The splaying of the legs 40 expand the horizontal footprint of the foundation apparatus 10 within the ground. For the installation of particular loads such as fences, the installation of strip footings may not be required as the ground surface has been stabilized by the deployment of the foundation apparatus.

[0058] The body 20 can be provided in the form of a collar 22. The shaft 30 can extend through a hole in the collar 22 wherein the collar 22 is subsequently connected about the shaft 30. In one form, the shaft 30 is welded to the collar 22. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, it may be possible for the shaft 30 and body 20 to be a single cast unit rather than two separate pieces that are subsequently welded together.

[0059] The shaft 30 can include a ground penetrating portion 36 which promotes the foundation apparatus 10 being driven into the ground surface 100. Generally the ground penetrating portion 36 of the shaft 30 is provided in the form of a spike including a pointed tip 38 to aid the shaft 30 protruding into the ground surface 100. The ground penetrating portion 36 of the shaft 30 extends downwardly from the body 10 which can be the collar 22. In particular, the ground penetrating portion 36 is axially aligned with the centre of the collar 12 and extends

orthogonally from the collar 22.

[0060] In one form, the foundation apparatus 10 receives the driving force 200 via a force receiving portion 32. In one form, the shaft 30 can include the force receiving portion 32. The force receiving portion 32 is configured to receive the driving force 200 applied to the foundation apparatus 10 such that the foundation apparatus 10 is driven into the ground causing the legs 40 to splay. The force receiving portion 32 can be axially aligned with the ground penetrating portion 36. In one form, the force receiving portion 32 extends upwardly from the body 10. In one form, the force receiving portion 32 and the ground penetrating portion 36 are part of the shaft 30 that extends through a hole in the collar 12 and welded together.

[00611 ^{in one} form, the force receiving portion 32 is configured to be receivable within a bit of an electrically powered hammer tool, such as a rotary hammer, jack hammer or hammer drill. However, it is possible for the driving force 200 to be applied to the force receiving portion 32 with manual means such as a sledge hammer, a hammer or the like.

[00621 Referring to Figures 5 to 7 and 8 A to 8C, each leg 40 of the foundation apparatus 10 can include a foot 42 having planar surface 44 to promote sliding of the respective foot 42 and leg 40 through the ground whilst moving to the deployed position. Each foot 42 has a pointed tip 46 in the form of a toe provided on the planar surface 44 which points in a splaying direction (i.e. radially away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft of the respective leg). As shown in Figure 6 and 8B, each leg 40 can include a leading cutting edge 48. The leading cutting edge 48 extends a length of the respective leg 44. The leading cutting edge 48 has a tapered, sharp profile to promote the leg pivoting in the ground in response to the driving force 200 applied to the foundation apparatus 10.

[00631 As shown in Figure 5, each leg 40 is pivotally fastened to the body 20 via a mechanical fastener such as a roll pin 50. An end 49 of each leg 40 is pivotally fastened within a respective socket 26 defined underneath the body 20. Each socket 26 is defined by a pair of opposing plates 28 which receive therebetween the end 49 of the respective leg 40. The end 49 of each leg is provided in the form of a knuckle having a hole passing therethrough for receiving the roll pin 50. The respective roll pin 50 extends between the respective opposing plates 28 and through the hole 47 in the end 49 of the respective leg 40.

[0064J As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the foundation apparatus 10 has a substantially column profile in the deployed position which aids in the installation of the foundation apparatus 10 in a core drilled hole in the ground. In particular forms, a majority of the legs 40 do not extend past a horizontal footprint of the body 20, and in preferable forms as shown in Figures 1 and 2 the legs 40 in the stowed position do not substantially extend past a horizontal footprint of the body 20. In Figure 5, the legs 40 are freely hanging from the collar 22 and due to the shift in the centre of gravity of each leg compared to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, each leg slightly extends past the footprint of the collar 22. However, the legs 40 can be pulled toward the central shaft during installation such that the legs do not extend past the horizontal footprint of the collar 22. This enables the foundation apparatus to be located within a hole in the ground which closely matches the horizontal footprint of the collar if required.

[0065] Referring to Figure 9 there is shown a flowchart representing a method 900 for installing the foundation apparatus 10 according to the examples shown in Figures 1 and 5 as well as later examples discussed below.

[0066] In particular, at step 910 the method 900 includes locating the shaft 30 of the foundation apparatus 10 to contact the ground surface 100 whilst the foundation apparatus 10 is in the stowed position. At step 920, the method 900 includes applying the driving force 200 to the foundation apparatus 10 causing at least a portion of the shaft to be driven into the ground surface 100 whilst the legs 40 engage the ground surface 100 and splay out relative to the shaft 30. Whilst the shaft 30 is shown to be longer than the legs 40 in Figures 1 and 2 and thus the shaft 30 penetrates the ground 100 prior to the legs 40 engaging the ground surface 100, it is possible that the shaft 30 and legs 40 can have substantially the same length such that the shaft 30 and legs 40 substantially simultaneously engage and penetrate the ground surface 100 during installation.

[0067] In step 910, the method 900 further includes creating a hole in the ground surface 100, wherein the step of locating the shaft 30 of the foundation apparatus 10 includes locating the foundation apparatus 10 within the hole. The hole could be made using a core drilling machine. In some instance, if pavers, tiles or the like have been laid over the top of the ground surface 100, the core drilling machine may be able to be used to cut through this layer and then create a hole in the ground 100. Similarly, if a structure, such as a concrete slab has begun to sink, one or more holes could be cut into the structure using the core drilling machine to expose the underneath ground surface 100 supporting the structure. The foundation apparatus 10 can then be located within the hole in the structure and resting on the ground surface 100 supporting the structure awaiting to be driven into the ground 100. Alternatively, the hole can be made deeper to extend further within the ground surface 100 supporting the structure. In this situation, the foundation apparatus 10 can be located at least partially within the hole in the ground and partially within the hole in the slab or wholly within the hole in the ground. [0068] In step 920, the method 900 can include locating the force receiving portion 32 within a bit of an electrically powered hammer tool, and operating the electrically powered hammer tool to applying the driving force 200 to the force receiving portion 32 of the foundation apparatus 10, thereby driving the ground penetrating portion 32 of the shaft 30 into the ground 100 whilst the legs 40 splay in the ground 100.

[0069J After the driving force 200 has been applied to the foundation apparatus 10 such that the legs 40 have splayed within the ground and the foundation apparatus has been deployed, the method 900 further includes pouring a connecting material such as concrete, non-shrink grout or the like into the hole. If a further structure is to be supported within the hole, such as a spigot for support a glass panel of a fence, the method includes locating a portion of the structure that is to be supported within the hole in a suspended manner prior to then backfilling the hole with concrete or non-shrink grout. For example, in the case of installing a glass panel fence, the glass panels with attached spigots are supported on timber or jacks at the appropriate height whilst the attached spigots are suspended within the holes with the deployed foundation apparatuses. Concrete or non-shrink grout can then be poured into the holes to connect each spigot to the respective deployed foundation apparatus in the respective hole.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10, in one variation the foundation apparatus 10 can include a deployment component 60 provided in the form of a ring component 60 which is threadably received over the shaft 30 and the external perimeter contacts a trailing edge 45 of each leg 40. The deployment component 60 includes a central hole for receiving the shaft 30 and includes a substantially planar profile. During movement of the foundation apparatus 10 from the stowed position to the deployed position, the trailing edge 45 of each leg 40 presses against an upper planar surface of the deployment component 60, wherein a bottom planar surface of the deployment component 60 presses against the ground surface 100. An opposite force is applied by the deployment component 60 against the trailing edge of each leg 40 thereby promoting the splaying of the legs 40 in the ground 100.

[0071] In another variation, the force receiving portion 32 may alternatively be an upper surface of the collar 22. In this arrangement, a portion of the shaft 30 does not protrude upwardly through the centre of the collar 30. Thus, a force can be applied to the force receiving portion of the upper surface of the collar 22, thereby causing the ground penetrating portion of the shaft 36 and the feet 42 of the legs 40 to protrude into the ground surface 100 such that the legs 40 begin to pivot outwardly in a radial manner and splay relative to the shaft 30 as the foundation apparatus 10 is driven into the ground.

[00721 In ^a further variation as shown in Figure 1 and Figures 11 to 13, each leg 40 can include one or more serrated trailing edges to promote anchoring of the foundation device in the ground 100 to thereby restrict withdrawal of the legs 40 from the ground 100 in the deployed position. However, in alternate arrangements as shown in Figure 5 and later embodiments, the legs 40 can include a smooth edge to promote sliding within the ground 100.

[0073] In another optional form, the body 20 and shaft 30 may not be secured together, but rather could be separable. In particular, as shown in Figure 1, the shaft 30 can be located in a central hole in the collar 22 and threaded therethrough. The force receiving portion 32 of the shaft 30 which extends upwardly from the collar 22 can include a stop portion which acts against the upper surface of the collar 22 to prevent the shaft passing all the way through the collar 22. As the force 200 is applied to the force receiving portion 32 of the shaft 30, the stop of the shaft 30 transfers this force downwardly upon the upper surface of the collar 22, resulting in the legs 40 splaying. In some instances, the ground penetrating portion 36 of the shaft 30 may hit a rock or hard object which may prevent the foundation apparatus 10 progressing further into the ground 100. In this situation, the shaft 30 can be separated or withdrawn from the collar 22, and the force 200 can be applied to the top surface of the collar 22 thereby allowing the legs to fully splay. In other instances, the installer may not want a portion of the shaft 30 to be protruding upwards from the collar 22 once installed. In this instance, after the legs 40 have fully splayed, the shaft 30 can be pulled out of the ground 100 leaving the body 20 coupled to the legs 40 in the ground 100 in the deployed position.

[0074J The foundation apparatus 10 can be used in other applications. For example, as discussed above, in instances where a concrete slab has begun to sink into the ground 100, one or more foundation apparatuses 10 can be installed to reinforce (i.e. "sure up") the concrete slab to slow, reduce, or prevent the sinking of the concrete slab into the ground. In particular, the installer can core drill one or more holes through the concrete slab and into the ground surface 100. Generally, a plurality of holes may need to be drilled for large structures such as concrete slabs. The holes can be spaced substantially equally in a matrix format. However, in some situations only a portion of the slab may have begun to sink and thus only holes may be drilled into the appropriate sunken portion of the concrete slab. Foundation apparatuses 10 are located into each hole and a driving force 200 is applied downwardly to the foundation apparatus 10 such that it protrudes into the ground. The legs deploy outwardly substantially in a plane located proximate and under the bottom of the concrete slab, thereby attempting to reinforce a portion of the concrete slab from sinking further into the ground. Once the plurality of foundation apparatuses 10 have been deployed, the holes can be refilled with concrete. This process is considered more preferable in a number of circumstances compared to demolishing the concrete slab and relaying a new concrete slab.

[0075] Whilst the above example has been described in relation to a concrete slab, it is possible that the above technique could be used for other structures which are installed upon a ground surface which requires reinforcement. For example, leaning fences may be as a result of the ground requiring reinforcement and stabilization. Holes can be created in the ground 100 adjacent the leaning fence and a foundation apparatus 10 can be deployed in each hole. The splaying of the legs 40 of each foundation apparatus 10 can act to stabilize the ground 100 and reinforce the fence. The holes 10 can then be refilled, such as with earth, concrete, other composite materials or the like.

[00761 Iⁿ another optional embodiment, the legs 40 can be pivotally coupled to the body via a mechanical fastening arrangement such as bolt and nut fastening arrangement which can be unfastened if required. In one form, the one or more of the legs 40 can be removed from the body prior to installation. In particular, as shown in the examples, the foundation apparatus 10 includes four equally spaced legs arranged in a cross-like profile in the deployed position. In certain instances, the foundation apparatus 10 may be used in a position where it is undesirable to have one of the legs 40 splay in a particular direction. For example, a wobbly or leaning post may require the nearby ground to be reinforced with a foundation apparatus 10, however one of the legs 40 may hit the post during deployment which may cause the remaining legs 40 to not fully deploy. Therefore, a pivotal fastener (e.g. roll pin, or nut and bolt fastener) can be unfastened such that one of the legs 40 can be uncoupled from the body 20 of the foundation apparatus 10. Therefore, in this example, the foundation apparatus 10 can be orientated such that the remaining three legs 40 splay in appropriate directions without hitting the nearby post such that the ground 100 and the post are stabilized and reinforced by the foundation apparatus 10.

[0077] In a further embodiment, as shown in various figures but most clearly in Figure 12 , the outer surface of the force receiving portion 32 of the shaft 30 includes a series of longitudinal grooves 1 10 which align with registration portions 23 of the collar 22. In particular, the collar 22 includes registration portions 23 provided in the form of a plurality of upright fins that encircle the hole of the collar 22 which the shaft 30 protrudes therethrough. When the shaft 30 is being threadably received through the collar 22, the shaft 22 is orientated such that the grooves of the shaft 30 align with the edges of the fins 23 of the collar 22 such that they align thereby allowing the shaft 30 to be engaged in registration with the collar 22. As mentioned above, the shaft 30 can then be welded to the collar 22. Alternatively, the shaft 30 may be separable from the collar 22 such as after deployment if required and thus is not welded. The fins 23 provide further structural strength to the foundation apparatus 10 due to the force that impacts the force receiving portion of the of the shaft during deployment. Furthermore, in the event that a connecting material such as concrete is used to fill a hole which the foundation apparatus 10 has been deployed therein, the fins 23 provide additional surface area for the concrete to engage the foundation apparatus 10 within the hole.

[0078J In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, a mesh sleeve 300 may be placed over the collar 22 or connected to the force receiving portion 32 of the foundation apparatus 10 after deployment. The mesh sleeve 300 may be substantially cylindrical in nature. In particular, the mesh sleeve 300 may be located in the hole 200 in the ground 100 such that the force receiving portion 32 of the foundation apparatus 10 protrudes upwards from the base of the hole 200 and is located approximately at a centre of the mesh sleeve 300. Connecting material such as concrete or non-shrink grout can then be poured into the hole 200. The mesh sleeve 300 promotes the reinforcement of the connection of the connecting material with the deployed foundation apparatus 10. In one form, the mesh sleeve 300 could be made from wire. In one form, the mesh sleeve 300 could couple to the foundation apparatus 10 such as via the collar or shaft 30. For example, the mesh sleeve 300 could include one or more arms 310, as shown in Figure 14B, that protrude radially inward from the mesh, wherein each arm 310 includes or is connected to a coupling element such as a loop to be received over the force receiving portion 32 of the shaft 30, thus enabling the position of the mesh sleeve to be substantially fixed relative to the force receiving portion 32 of the shaft 30 despite any forces experienced during the pouring of the connecting material into the hole 200. A fastener, such as a nut, clamp or the like may be used to secure the coupling between the mesh sleeve 300 and the foundation apparatus 10. In an alternate form, the mesh sleeve 300 may include a threaded rim which threadably cooperates with a threaded portion of the collar 22, thereby releasably coupling the mesh sleeve 300 to the foundation apparatus 10 to form an integrated assembly. The mesh sleeve 300 together with the foundation apparatus form a foundation assembly 400. In one form, the foundation assembly 400 may be provided in the form of a kit which includes the foundation apparatus 10 and the mesh sleeve 300.

[0079] Referring to Figures 15 to 19 there is shown a further example of the foundation apparatus 10 in the stowed position (Figure 15), the deployed position (Figure 19) and various intermediate positions between the stowed and deployed positions (Figures 16, 17 and 18). For the sake of clarity, common features between the example shown in Figures 15 to 19 and prior examples will not be redescribed although it will be appreciated that like reference numerals have been used to identify like parts between the examples and thus function in the same manner as previously described.

[0080] As shown most clearly in Figure 15 and 19, each leg 40 includes a flared portion. In particular, the upper leg portion 170A of each leg 40 is substantially straight and the lower leg portion 170B of each leg 40 flares outwardly relative to the upper leg portion 170A which is most apparent in the stowed position shown in Figure 15. In one form, the upper leg portion 170A is the upper half portion of the respective leg 40 and the lower leg portion 170B is the lower half portion of the respective leg 40. Each leg 40 has a curved cross-sectional profile which is substantially constant for a majority of the length of the respective leg 40. The outer surface of each leg 40 has a substantially concave surface relative to the shaft 30 to promote deployment within the ground 100. The outer surface has a smooth surface to promote deployment within the ground 100.

[0081] Each foot 42 has an outer toe portion 46 having a sharp pointed profile to promote deployment of the foundation apparatus 10 in the ground 100. Each foot 42 can also include a heal portion 41 that extends rearwardly from the leg 40. Each rearwardly extending heal 41 and respective concave profile of a proximate connecting portion of the respective leg 40 together define a hook arrangement having a cavity to collect and gather a portion of the ground (i.e. earther, soil, connecting material, etc.) to thereby promote anchoring of the foundation apparatus 10 within the ground 100. In particular, if a force is applied to withdraw the foundation apparatus 10 from the ground, the rearwardly extending heal 41 bites into the ground surface 100 thereby restricting the withdrawal of the foundation apparatus 10. The rear edge 43 of the heal 41 includes a curved profile accommodating a portion of the cylindrical shaft 30 in the stowed position so as to minimise the horizontal footprint of the foundation apparatus 10 to enable tight fitting installation in a core drilled hole. As shown in Figure 15, the toe portion 46 of each foot 42 in the stowed position is angled downwardly to promote penetrating the ground upon force being driven into the ground. As shown in Figure 15 and 17, at least a portion of the foot 42 extends outwardly beyond an end edge of a leg member 160 that extends between the knuckle 49 and the toot 42. As shown in Figure 19, the toe 46 of each foot 42 points substantially outward relative to the shaft 30 and substantially upward relative to the ground penetrating portion 32 (i.e. the point tip) of the shaft 30. In a preferable form, the planar face 44 of the foot 42 that extends between the toe 46 and the heal 41 is angled at approximately 45 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 30.

[0082J As shown in Figures 15 and 19, the outer surface of each leg 40 includes one or more stop members 150 located proximate to the knuckle 49 which are adapted to contact an underside surface of the collar 22 which is a top wall of the respective receiving socket 26 to prevent the respective leg extending past 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 30. In one form, the one or more stop members 150 are provided in the form of one or more ribs that extend between an outer surface of the respective leg and the respective knuckle 49 of each leg. As shown in Figures 15 and 19, three stop members 150 extend between the outer surface of each leg 40 and the respective knuckle 49. The stop members 150 also provide additional structural support for the respective leg under load once deployed.

[0083] Referring to Figure 20, a plurality of ribs 210, 220 extend longitudinally along each leg. The ribs 210, 220 are integral with the knuckle 49. The ribs 210, 220 provide additional structural strength.

[0084] Referring to Figure 21 there is shown an alternate example of a leg 40 for use with example foundation apparatuses 40 previously described, although the leg 40 as exemplified is based on the foundation apparatus 10 depicted in Figure 15. In particular, unlike each leg 40 in Figures 15 to 19 which have substantially parallel longitudinal edges, each longitudinal edge of the leg 40 shown in Figure 20 includes a curved edge portion defining a narrowed portion 210, such as a narrowed midportion of the leg 40 relative to the knuckle 49 and an end adjacent the foot 42 of the respective leg 40. The narrowed portion 210 helps promote the movement of the legs 40 to the deployed position. More specifically, the narrowed portion 210 of the leg member 40 reduces resistance experienced by the respective leg 40 whilst moving toward the deployed position. Whilst Figure 20 shows a narrowed midportion 210, it will be appreciated that a narrowed portion 210 near the end connecting to the knuckle 49 or the foot 42 could alternatively be used.

[00851 Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0086] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A foundation apparatus including:

a body;

a shaft extending from the body; and

2. The foundation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the body is a collar such that the shaft extends through a hole in the collar and is connected to the collar.

3. The foundation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the shaft is welded to the collar or separable from the collar.

4. The foundation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft includes: a force receiving portion configured to receive the driving force applied to the foundation apparatus; and

5. The foundation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the force receiving portion is configured to be received within a bit of an electrically powered hammer tool.

6. The foundation apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the ground penetrating portion of the shaft includes a pointed tip to protrude into the ground surface.

7. The foundation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each leg includes a foot having planar surface to promote sliding of the foot through the ground whilst moving to the deployed position.

8. The foundation apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each foot has a pointed tip which points in a splaying direction of the respective leg.

9. The foundation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein each leg is pivotally fastened to the body via a roll pin.

10. The foundation apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an end of each leg is pivotally fastened within a respective socket of the body.

11. The foundation apparatus according to claim 10, wherein each socket is defined by a pair of opposing plates which receive therebetween the end of the respective leg, wherein the respective roll pin extends between the respective opposing plates and through a hole in the end of the respective leg.

12. The foundation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including a deployment component that is threadably received over the shaft, wherein during movement of the foundation apparatus from the stowed position to the deployed position, the deployment component presses downwardly against the ground surface and exerts a force against a trailing edge of each leg to promote splaying of the legs.

13. The foundation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in the stowed position a majority of the legs do not extend past a footprint of the body.

14. The foundation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each leg includes a narrowed midportion.

15. A foundation assembly including:

a foundation apparatus configured according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and a mesh sleeve that is coupled to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

16. A method of installing a foundation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the method includes:

applying the driving force to the foundation apparatus causing at least a portion of the shaft to be driven into the ground surface whilst the legs engage the ground engaging surface and splay out relative to the shaft.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the method further includes creating a hole in the ground surface, wherein the step of locating the shaft of the foundation apparatus includes locating the foundation apparatus within the hole.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method further includes securing a structure to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the method includes pouring a connecting material into the hole in order to connect the structure to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the method includes locating a mesh sleeve over a portion of the foundation apparatus after deployment in the hole and prior to pouring a connecting material into the hole.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the method includes coupling the mesh sleeve to the foundation apparatus.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the shaft of the foundation apparatus includes a force receiving portion configure to be received within a bit of an electrically powered hammer tool, wherein the method includes applying the driving force to the force receiving portion using the electrically powered hammer tool.

23. A kit for assembling a foundation assembly, including:

a foundation apparatus configured according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and a mesh sleeve that is adapted to be coupled to at least a portion of the foundation apparatus.