U.S. patent application number 13/902582 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-28 for post hole support.
The applicant listed for this patent is William Cole Miller, William Todd Miller. Invention is credited to William Cole Miller, William Todd Miller.
Application Number | 20130312340 13/902582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49620478 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130312340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miller; William Cole ; et
al. |
November 28, 2013 |
POST HOLE SUPPORT
Abstract
Apparatus and method for supporting a post. In accordance with
some embodiments, a subterranean support structure has a tube
extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a
proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the
hole. The tube extension has opposing first and second ends, the
first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the
hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom
elevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends
from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of
the tube extension. The support flange supports a column of
anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension
and a sidewall of the hole.
Inventors: |
Miller; William Cole;
(Bethany, OK) ; Miller; William Todd; (Bethany,
OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miller; William Cole
Miller; William Todd |
Bethany
Bethany |
OK
OK |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49620478 |
Appl. No.: |
13/902582 |
Filed: |
May 24, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61652034 |
May 25, 2012 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.13 ;
52/169.1; 52/298; 52/741.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/22 20130101;
E04H 12/2269 20130101; E04H 12/22 20130101; E01F 9/685
20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/169.13 ;
52/169.1; 52/741.14; 52/298 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/22 20060101
E04H012/22 |
Claims
1. Apparatus comprising: a tube extension adapted for placement
within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically
extending post that extends above the hole, the tube extension
having opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for
placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end
adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and
a support flange which circumferentially extends from the tube
extension a selected distance from the second end thereof, the
support flange adapted to support a column of anchoring material
placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the
hole.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the anchoring material is a
column of concrete.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper flange
which circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected
distance from the first end, wherein the anchoring material is
filled in a volume space within the hole between the upper and
lower flanges.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one
stabilizing flange which extends along a length of the tube
extension to contactingly support at least a selected one of the
respective upper or lower flanges relative to the tube
extension.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which an opening is formed in the
second end of the tube extension, and a drainage zone is formed in
the hole below the lower flange to facilitate accumulation of
liquid passing down through the tube extension and through said
opening.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has a
rectilinear cross-sectional shape.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has a
circular cross-sectional shape.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has a
first cross-sectional shape, the post has a different, second
cross-sectional shape, and the apparatus further comprises an
insert adapted to contactingly fit in a gap between the tube
extension and the post responsive to insertion of the post into the
tube extension.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover member
adapted to engage the tube extension and substantially fill an
opening of the hole in an absence of the post, the cover member
having a top surface substantially even with a surrounding ground
surface.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a post having a
first end inserted into the tube extension and secured thereto
using at least one fastener, the post having an opposing second end
which extends in a substantially vertical direction above the first
end.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the post is a fence post and
a fence panel is attached to the fence post.
12. An apparatus comprising: a subterranean support structure
placed in a hole in the ground, the support structure comprising: a
tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal end of a
vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tube
extension having opposing first and second ends, the first end
adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the
second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of
the hole; and a support flange which circumferentially extends from
the tube extension a selected distance from the second end thereof;
and a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the
tube extension and a sidewall of the hole, the column of anchoring
material supported by the support flange.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the column of anchoring
material comprises a column of concrete, and wherein a drainage
zone is formed within the hole below the support flange to
accommodate a flow of water passing along the length of the the
tube extension.
14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a post inserted
into the tube extension, the post extending above the hole.
15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a cap member
inserted into the tube extension to substantially cover the hole,
the cap member substantially flush with the surrounding ground.
16. A method comprising: digging a hole; placing a subterranean
support structure within the hole, the support structure
comprising: a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal
end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the
tube extension having opposing first and second ends, the first end
adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the
second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of
the hole; and a support flange which circumferentially extends from
the tube extension a selected distance from the second end thereof;
inserting a column of anchoring material in the hole between the
tube extension and a sidewall of the hole, the column of anchoring
material supported on the support flange; and inserting a post into
the tube extension.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the support structure further
comprises an upper flange which circumferentially extends from the
tube extension a selected distance from the first end, wherein the
anchoring material is filled in a volume space within the hole
between the upper and lower flanges.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the support structure further
comprises at least one stabilizing flange which extends along a
length of the tube extension to contactingly support at least a
selected one of the respective upper or lower flanges relative to
the tube extension.
19. The method of claim 16, in which an opening is formed in the
second end of the tube extension, and a drainage zone is formed in
the hole below the lower flange to facilitate accumulation of
liquid passing down through the tube extension and through said
opening.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing the post
and installing a cover member which engages the tube extension and
substantially fills an opening of the hole in an absence of the
post, the cover member having a top surface substantially even with
a surrounding ground surface.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application makes a claim of domestic priority
to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/652,034 filed May 25,
2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] It is common to anchor vertically extending support
structures, such as fence posts, sign posts, mailbox pedestals,
lamp posts, etc., into the ground. A wooden stockade fence may be
constructed, for example, by installing a series of spaced apart
wooden or metal fence posts into holes dug along the intended fence
line. The posts may be secured in the holes using a suitable
anchoring material, such as concrete, gravel, dirt and/or sand. A
fence panel can thereafter be attached between each adjacent pair
of the posts to complete the fence.
[0003] While operable, existing securement techniques often make it
difficult to remove and replace an existing post using the same
hole, particularly when concrete is used to secure the existing
post.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally
directed to an apparatus and method for supporting a post.
[0005] In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support
structure comprises a tube extension adapted for placement within a
hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending
post that extends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing
first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement
proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted
for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole. A support
flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected
distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support
flange supports a column of anchoring material placed in the hole
between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric depiction of a support structure in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 2 is an elevational representation of the support
structure.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a bottom end view of the support structure.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates the support structure in an installed
configuration to support a vertically extending post.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows the use of a rectilinear support structure
supporting a circular post in accordance with some embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows the use of a rectilinear support structure to
support a circular post with the aid of one or more inserts in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 7 is an isometric depiction of another support
structure in accordance with some embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an elevational representation of the support
structure of FIG. 7.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a bottom end view of another support structure in
accordance with some embodiments.
[0015] FIG. 10 illustrates a cap cover that can be used with the
various support structures disclosed herein.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
[0016] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally
directed to an apparatus and method for removably anchoring a
vertically extending post, such as but not limited to a fence post,
to the ground.
[0017] As explained in greater detail below, a subterranean support
structure comprises a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a
proximal end of a post. The tube extension is adapted for placement
into a hole, so that a distal end of the post vertically extends
above the hole.
[0018] The tube extension has opposing first and second ends. The
first end is adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the
hole, and the second end is adapted for placement proximate a
bottom elevation of the hole.
[0019] A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube
extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube
extension. The support flange is adapted to support a column of
anchoring material that is placed into the hole. This forms a
drainage zone under the flange at the bottom of the hole.
[0020] In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism may be used to
secure the post within the tube extension, such as one or more
laterally extending threaded fasteners that pass through a sidewall
of the tube extension and into/adjacent the post. In this way, an
existing post can be removed from the tube extension by releasing
the fastening mechanism, and a new replacement post can be
installed.
[0021] In further embodiments, the post can be removed from the
subterranean support structure and a cap cover can be placed onto
the exposed end of the subterranean support structure to
substantially fill the hole opening occupied by the support
structure.
[0022] FIGS. 1-2 show a support structure 100 in accordance with
some embodiments. Other configurations can readily be used, so the
various features in FIGS. 1-2 are merely exemplary and not
limiting. The support structure 100 comprises an elongated tube
extension 102, a disc-shaped upper flange 104, a disc-shaped lower
flange 106, and a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped support flanges
108. The structure 100 is formed of a suitable rigid material, such
as metal, plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the various elements
are formed of sheet metal which is subjected to suitable
processing, such as cutting, bending, folding, welding, etc. to
form the finished product. The structure may be formed in several
pieces which are then brought together to provide the final
structure.
[0023] The tube extension is shown to have a rectilinear (square)
cross-sectional shape, and is sized to receive a standard
(nominally 4 inches.times.4 inches) wooden fence post. Other
cross-sectional sizes and shapes can be used. For example, the tube
can have a circular cross-sectional shape to accommodate a
cylindrically shaped metal fence post (or other post member). As
discussed below, an insert can be used to enable a tube extension
with a first cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectilinear) to
accommodate a post with a different, second cross-sectional shape
(e.g., circular).
[0024] It is contemplated, albeit not necessarily required, that
the respective sizes of the post and the tube extension will be
selected such that the post will fit within the tube extension with
a relatively small gap therebetween. Apertures 110 can be provided
in the tube extension 102 to facilitate the insertion of fasteners
(not separately shown) to secure the post within the tube
extension.
[0025] The upper and lower flanges 104, 106 are shown to
respectively extend from the tube extension 102 adjacent respective
first and second ends 112, 114 of the tube extension. The upper
flange 104 is a first distance D1 from the first end 112, and the
lower flange 106 is a second distance D2 from the second end
114.
[0026] The respective sizes, shapes and circumferential extension
distances of the flanges 104, 106 can vary. In an alternative
embodiment to that shown in FIGS. 1-2, the upper flange 104 can be
made to be the same size as the lower flange 106. In another
embodiment, the upper flange is larger than the lower flange; in
still another embodiment, the upper flange is omitted entirely; in
yet another embodiment, the upper and/or lower flange has one or
more openings, gaps, channels or other discontinuities so that the
associated flange circumferentially extends about the outermost
perimeter of the tube extension less than a full 360 degrees
thereabout.
[0027] The vertical flanges 108 serve to stabilize the upper and
lower flanges 104, 106. Other configurations are envisioned,
including separate stabilization flanges for the upper and lower
flanges 104, 106, as well as configurations that do not provide
stabilization flanges therefor.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, folded over flaps 116 can be provided in
the second end 114 of the tube extension 102 to form a drainage gap
118 therebetween to facilitate drainage of water or other liquids
that pass down through the tube extension. Other configurations can
be used, however, including a fully closed or fully open lower
second end 114.
[0029] FIG. 4 generally illustrates the support structure 100 in an
installed configuration. A post 120, characterized as a
4''.times.4'' wooden fence post, is supported by the structure 100.
The fence post 120 supports a number of stockade fence panels, one
shown in broken line fashion at 121.
[0030] To install the subterranean support structure 100, a
suitable hole 122 is dug into the earth having depth and width
dimensions sufficient to enable the structure 100 to fit within the
hole. As desired, a lower filler material 124, such as gravel or
other aggregate, can be deposited in a lowest portion of the
hole.
[0031] The structure 100 is centered in the hole 122, and a column
of anchoring material 126, such as concrete, is introduced into the
hole so as to fill the space between the side of the hole and the
tube extension 102. The material 126 is supported on the lower
flange 106, forming a drainage gap or zone 128 below the lower
flange. While it is contemplated that the anchoring material will
substantially fill the entire volume within the hole between the
upper and lower flanges 104, 106, other amounts of anchoring
material can be used, including an amount that only partially fills
this available volume. It is contemplated that the anchor material
will fully contact the lower flange 106 and the outer surface of
the tube extension 102, and will be substantially impeded from
flowing below the lower flange 106.
[0032] Once the concrete is cured, the post 120 may be slidingly
placed into the tube extension 102 and one or more fasteners 130
can be used to secure the post to the tube extension. It will be
appreciated that, as desired, the post can be placed into the tube
extension prior to the addition of the anchoring material 126,
although such is not required. An advantage of the removeable
aspects of the exemplary support structure 100 is that the post
need not necessarily be installed while the concrete is being
cured, eliminating the need to support the post and ensure it stays
"straight" until the concrete is hardened.
[0033] Replacement of the post 120 can be easily performed by
removing the fasteners 130, pulling the post out of the tube
extension 102, inserting a new replacement post, and reinstalling
the fasteners. In this way, a worn, rotted and/or broken fence post
can be easily and quickly replaced, and the replacement post will
be in the same location and orientation as the previously installed
post. This can be beneficial, for example, in reattaching an
existing fence panel to the new replacement post, etc.
[0034] Installation of a new post with a different size or shape,
such as posts for a taller fence or replacement of wooden posts
with metal posts, can also be quickly and easily performed. FIG. 5
generally illustrates insertion of a circular post 132 into the
tube extension 102 of FIG. 4. It will be noted that the circular
post 132 has a diameter that nominally matches the inner
length/width dimensions of the tube extension, so that even though
the shapes are different, the post remains snugly supported
therein.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows another circular post 134 inserted into the
tube extension 102 of FIG. 4. The circular post 134 has a smaller
diameter than the length/width dimensions of the tube extension.
However, the fastening mechanisms (e.g., fasteners 130 in FIG. 4)
can be used to secure the post in a centered relation within the
tube extension 102. Moreover, in some embodiments one or more
suitably shaped inserts 136 can be placed between the post 136 and
the inner sidewalls of the tube extension 102 to further secure and
maintain the post 136 in a centered relation.
[0036] FIG. 7 is another embodiment for the subterranean support
structure, denoted as 100A. The structure 100A is similar to the
structure 100 and like reference numerals are used for similar
components. It can be seen that the structure 100A does not use the
upper flange 104, and short fin-type flanges 108A are provided to
attach the lower flange 106 to the tube extension 102. In other
embodiments, no flanges 108, 108A are provided. FIG. 8 provides an
elevational view of the support structure 100A. FIG. 9 is an end
view of another support structure 100B having a cylindrical tube
extension 102A.
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates the subterranean support structure 100
of FIGS. 1-4 with a cover member 140 that engages the upper end of
the tube extension 102 after removal of the post 120. The cover
member 140 substantially fills the opening of the hole 122 and
provides a substantially flush support surface to eliminate the
hole as a potential trip hazard. The cover can be colored green to
match and blend in with a bed of grass 142 on a surrounding ground
surface 144.
[0038] In this way, rows of spaced apart support structures 100 can
be installed to allow the erection of temporary fences and other
structures. For example, a baseball park may have different
locations for the outfield fence depending on different ages of
players, etc. A particular outfield fence can be installed using
different sets of the structures 100 as required, and the covers
140 can be installed on the non-utilized structures 100 to allow
use of the playing surface in the area adjacent the non-utilized
structures.
[0039] While various embodiments discussed above have been directed
to a support structure for a fence post, such is merely
illustrative and not limiting. Other uses are contemplated
including traffic signs (e.g., stop signs, street signs, etc.),
advertising signs, barriers, mailbox pedestals, lampposts, etc.
Moreover, while concrete has been identified as a particularly
suitable anchoring material, other materials can be used including
but not limited to aggregate (e.g., gravel), sand or dirt.
[0040] The subterranean support structures can be formed of any
suitable length, including several feet in northern climates where
the freeze line can be several feet deep. The surfaces of the
support structures can be treated with powder coating, paint or
other anti-corrosion materials. While some embodiments contemplate
the use of a support structure for every fence post in a fence,
such is not necessarily required; in other embodiments, every Xth
fence post (e.g., 3.sup.rd, 4.sup.th, etc.) is provided with a
support structure and conventional anchoring mechanisms are used
for the remaining fence posts. This can provide superior wind
resistance, strength and other benefits. Also, special locations
such as gates, corners, etc. can be reinforced using the
subterranean support structures disclosed herein.
[0041] It is to be understood that even though numerous
characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the
present disclosure have been set forth in the foregoing
description, together with details of the structure and function of
various embodiments, this detailed description is illustrative
only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of
structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the
present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad
general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are
expressed.
* * * * *