U.S. patent application number 14/092742 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for structural post.
The applicant listed for this patent is George M. Schaeffer. Invention is credited to George M. Schaeffer.
Application Number | 20140145134 14/092742 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50772438 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140145134 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schaeffer; George M. |
May 29, 2014 |
STRUCTURAL POST
Abstract
A support system includes a structural post, the structural post
comprising an open, approximately quadrilateral-shaped cross
section comprising four sides and three vertexes. The structural
post includes a number of returns formed on ends of a first side
and a fourth side of the structural post, the first side and the
fourth side defining an open portion of the open,
quadrilateral-shaped cross section, and a number of coinings formed
on a second side and a third side of the structural post, the
second side and the third side sharing a vertex opposite the open
portion.
Inventors: |
Schaeffer; George M.;
(Henderson, NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schaeffer; George M. |
Henderson |
NV |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50772438 |
Appl. No.: |
14/092742 |
Filed: |
November 27, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61730264 |
Nov 27, 2012 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
256/35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/12 20130101; E04H
17/12 20130101; A01G 17/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
256/35 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/06 20060101
E04H017/06 |
Claims
1. A support system comprising: a structural post, the structural
post comprising an open, approximately quadrilateral-shaped cross
section comprising four sides and three vertexes, the structural
post comprising: a number of returns formed on ends of a first side
and a fourth side of the structural post, the first side and the
fourth side defining an open portion of the open,
quadrilateral-shaped cross section; and a number of coinings formed
on a second side and a third side of the structural post, the
second side and the third side sharing a vertex opposite the open
portion.
2. The trellis system of claim 1, further comprising a number of
wire slots defined along the length of the structural post to
accommodate trellis wires.
3. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots are
formed on a first vertex of the open quadrilateral-shaped cross
section of the structural post.
4. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots are
formed on a third vertex of the open quadrilateral-shaped cross
section of the structural post.
5. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots comprises
an upper carrying portion to prevent the trellis wires from sliding
out of an opening that creates an aperture for insertion of the
trellis wire into the wire slots.
6. The trellis system of claim 2, in which the wire slots comprises
a lower carrying portion to prevent the trellis wires from sliding
out of an opening that creates an aperture for insertion of the
trellis wire into the wire slots.
7. The trellis system of claim 1, in which the comings comprises a
center and an extended radius in either direction of the center of
the coining, in which the comings are located closer to the vertex
opposite the open portion relative to vertexes adjacent to the open
portion.
8. The trellis system of claim 1, in which the number of returns
formed on the ends of the first side and the fourth side of the
structural post do not extend into a number of wire slots defined
along the length of the structural post to accommodate trellis
wires.
9. A structural post comprising: an open, approximately
quadrilateral-shaped cross section comprising four sides and three
vertexes, the structural post comprising; a first length; a second
length; a third length; a fourth length; an overall length; a
number of returns formed on ends of a first side and a fourth side
of the structural post, the first side and the fourth side defining
the open portion of the quadrilateral-shaped cross section; a
number of comings formed on a second side and a third side of the
structural post, the second side and the third side sharing a
second vertex; and a number of wire slots defined along the length
of the structural post to accommodate trellis wires; in which the
first length is a distance between a location of a first wire slot
and a terminal of a first end of the structural post; in which the
second length is a distance between a number of wire slots; in
which the third length is a distance between a second wire slot
from the terminal of the first of the structural post end and a
last wire slot closest to the terminal of the second end of the
structural post; in which the fourth length is a distance between
the last wire slot and the terminal of the second end of the
structural post; in which the overall length is a distance between
the terminal of the first end of the structural post and the
terminal of the second end of the structural post.
10. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the first length is
between 0.5 inches (in) and 12 in.
11. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the second length is
between 0.5 in and 24 in.
12. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the fourth length is
between 6 in. and 60 in.
13. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the overall length of the
structural post is between 24 in. and 120 in.
14. The trellis post of claim 9, in which the second end comprises
a spaded edge to assist in the insertion of the second end of the
structural post into the ground.
15. The trellis post of claim 11, in which the second length is
irregular or non-uniform along the length of the structural
post.
16. The trellis post of claim 11, in which the second length is
spaced at regular intervals along the length of the structural
post.
17. A trellis system comprising; a structural post, the structural
post comprising an open quadrilateral-shaped cross section, the
structural post comprising; a number of coinings formed on a second
side and a third side of the structural post, the second side and
the third side sharing a vertex opposite an opening defined in the
structural post by a missing vertex between a first side and a
fourth side of the structural post; and a number of wire slots
defined along the length of the structural post to accommodate
trellis wires; in which the opening runs along at least a port of
the length of the structural post.
18. The trellis system of claim 17, further comprising a number of
returns formed on ends of the first side and the fourth side of the
structural post.
19. The trellis system of claim 18, in which the number of returns
do not extend into the number of wire slots.
20. The trellis system of claim 17, in which the coining comprises
a center and an extended radius in either direction of the center
of the coining.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application, Ser. No. 61/730,264, filed Nov. 27, 2012, the entirety
of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Posts may be used in any setting in which a load is to be
borne. In vineyards or related agricultural settings, for example,
a plant-supporting system, sometimes referred to as a trellis, are
provided. A trellis may comprise rows of vertical posts for
supporting wires in a horizontal fashion upon which the
agricultural products are trained and grown. The vertical posts may
support heavy loads such as, for example, large grape vines. The
vertical posts may then be subject to stresses or loads that may
cause the vertical posts to bend, break, or otherwise fail.
Further, in other settings in which structural posts are used, the
structural posts may be subjected to other forms of stresses
including weather, wind, and weight stresses. These other settings
may include, for example, use of posts in signage or as elements in
overall systems in which the structural posts are used to carry
loads.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the
principles described herein and are a part of the specification.
The illustrated examples are given merely for illustration, and do
not limit the scope of the claims.
[0004] FIG. 1 is a side view of a structural post o for bearing a
load, according to one example of the principles described
herein.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the structural post of
FIG. 1 along line A of FIG. 1, according to one example of the
principles described herein.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a cut away isometric view of the structural post
within box B of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles
described herein.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a side view of the structural post within box C of
FIG. 1 according to one example of the principles described
herein.
[0008] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] As described above, some structural posts may be constructed
poorly such that they are unable to withstand stresses or loads
placed on them. For example, signage such as large street signs or
business signs may be attached to the structural post. In another
example, some trellis systems used in agriculture described above
may also be used to carry large loads. Therefore, the present
disclosure provides for a structural post comprising a that is
capable of withstanding relatively higher stresses and heavier
loads than previous structural posts. The present disclosure will
describe the structural post herein in connection with a trellis
system as described above. However, the present structural post has
application, and may be used in any setting in which a post is
utilized for carrying loads of any kind.
[0010] Generally, the present system overcomes the above drawbacks
by providing a strong structured post. In one example, the
structural post may be used to secure a number of wires supporting
the weight of, for example, vegetation along a distance and
provides a trellis system without the need for separate fastening
devices, hardware, or tools. In this setting of a trellis system,
not only does the present system provide a method of constructing a
trellis system faster and more efficiently than other systems, but
also it provides an added benefit of reducing the chance of lost
nuts, bolts, washers, or other small hardware being ingested into
expensive harvesting and processing equipment during harvesting
and/or in down-stream processes.
[0011] Further, the profile of the structural post adds significant
strength to the structural post while using lighter gauge steel
without compromising strength or performance. The added strength is
achieved by returning the two open edges and moving the coined
stiffening beads further up on the part towards the crown. In one
example, this avoids a number of wire slots used to secure wires to
support the weight of, for example, vegetation. Thus, the system
allows wire slots to be fabricated into the structural posts
without compromising the coined stiffening beads. Additionally, the
returns eliminate all sharp areas on the structural post which
prolongs the life of the mechanical harvester's beater bars in the
setting of a trellis system, and reduces damage to other items in
the environment in other settings.
[0012] As used in the present specification and in the appended
claims, the term "a number of" or similar language is meant to be
understood broadly as any positive number comprising 1 to infinity;
zero not being a number, but the absence of a number.
[0013] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will
be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
apparatus, systems, and methods may be practiced without these
specific details. Reference in the specification to "an example" or
similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with that example is
included as described, but may not be included in other
examples.
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a structural post (100) for bearing
a load, according to one example of the principles described
herein. Within, for example, a trellis system, a second end (104)
of a number of structural posts (100) opposite a first end (102)
may be driven into the ground along, for example, a row of
vegetation such as, for example, a row of grape vines within a
vineyard. In one example, the second end (104) of the structural
posts (100) may comprise a spaded edge or other element formed to
assist in the insertion of the second end (104) into the
ground.
[0015] The structural post (100) may comprise an overall length
(106). The overall length (106) may vary depending on the
application of the structural post (100) as a load bearing device.
For example, in an agricultural setting described above, the
overall length (106) may vary depending on what type of vegetation
the structural posts (100) of the trellis system are used. In one
example, the structural posts (100) may have an overall length of
between 24 inches (in) and 120 in. In another example, the
structural posts (100) may have an overall length of approximately
96 in. However, the overall length (106) of the structural post may
be any length to best fit a particular type of vegetation. In this
example, the overall length (106) of the structural post (100) may
be longer or shorter than approximately 96 in. dependant on what
vegetation the trellis system is being constructed for.
[0016] The structural post (100) may further comprise a number of
wire slots (120) for carrying trellis wires generally designated
with 120. In one example, a single wire slot (120) is formed along
the length of the structural post (100). In another example, a
plurality of wire slots (120) are formed along the length of the
structural post (100). The wire slots (120) may be located on any
portion of the structural post (100). In one example, the wire
slots (120) are located along a spine or vertex of the structural
post (100) and will be described in more detail below and in
connection with FIG. 4.
[0017] A first wire slot (120-1) may be located a first length
(108) from the terminal of the first end (102) of the structural
post (100). In one example, the first length (108) may be between
0.5 in. and 12 in. with respect to the terminal of the first end
(102) and the location of the first wire slot (120-1). In another
example, the first length (108) may be between 0.5 in. and the
remainder of the length of the structural post (100) with respect
to the terminal of the first end (102) and the location of the
first wire slot (120-1). In still another example, the first length
(108) may be approximately 2 in. with respect to the terminal of
the first end (102) and the location of the first wire slot
(120-1).
[0018] A second length (110) may define the distance between a
number of the wire slots (120). In one example, the second length
(110) may be between 0.5 in. and 24 in. In another example, the
second length (110) may be approximately 6 in. However, the second
length (110) may be any distance as best fits the vegetation for
which the trellis system is being employed.
[0019] Further, in another example, the spacing between the number
of wire slots (120) may be irregular or non-uniform along the
length of the structural post. This may assist a cultivator with
providing a best fit trellis system for a particular type of
vegetation where that particular vegetation does not require a
trellis wire at heights at regular intervals. Further, the
irregular or non-uniform placement of wire slots (120) along the
length of the structural post (100) may be based on the harvesting
elements such as beater bars of the cultivator where the slots are
positioned along the length of the structural post (100) to
accommodate the harvesting elements of the cultivator.
[0020] A third length (112) may define the distance between a
second wire slot (120-2) from the terminal of the first end (102)
and a last wire slot (120-3) closest to the terminal of the second
end (104) of the structural post (100). Thus, the addition of the
first (108), second (110), and third (112) lengths define the
distance from the terminal of the first end (102) and the last wire
slot (120-3) closest to the terminal of the second end (104).
Further, addition of the second (110) and third (112) lengths
define the distance between the first wire slot (120-1) closest to
the terminal of the first end (102) and the last wire slot (120-3)
closest to the terminal of the second end (104) that are formed
along the length of the structural post (100).
[0021] A fourth length (114) defines the distance between the last
wire slot (120-3) and the terminal of the second end (104) of the
structural post. In one example, the fourth length (114) may be
between 6 in. and 60 in. In another example, the fourth length
(114) may be approximately 40 in. In still another example, the
fourth length (114) may be a length that best fits the environment
in which the trellis system is employed. In this example, the
length of the fourth length (114) may depend on the type of soil
into which the structural post (100) is being driven. Soils with
more clay may more securely retain the structural post (100) in the
ground so as to require a relatively shorter fourth length (114)
relative to, for example, a soil with relatively less clay content.
Thus, the fourth length (114) may be defined to be as long as
needed to secure the structural post in the ground and provide a
distance from the ground to the last wire slot (120-3) that may be
utilized in the growing of the vegetation to which the trellis
system is being applied.
[0022] Moving to the next figure, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view
of the structural post (100) of FIG. 1 along line A of FIG. 1,
according to one example of the principles described herein. The
structural post (100) comprises an open, approximately
quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200). The open
quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) comprises an approximately
square or diamond shape with one vertex missing, defining an
opening (202) that runs along at least a portion of the length of
the structural post (100). In one example, the opening (202) may
close between the last wire slot (120-3) and the terminal of the
second end (104) of the structural post (100) to provide stability
to the structural post (100).
[0023] The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the
structural post (100) may have a height (204) and a width (206). In
one example, the height (204) of the cross section (200) of the
structural post may be between 0.5 in. and 2 in. In another
example, the height (204) of the cross section (200) may be
approximately 1.52 in. The width (206) of the cross section (200)
of the structural post may be between 0.5 in. and 2.5 in. In
another example, width (206) of the cross section (200) may be
approximately 2 in. However, the height (204) and width (206) of
the cross section (200) of the structural post (100) may be any
number of lengths.
[0024] The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the
structural post (100) comprises a first vertex (208), a second
vertex (210), and a third vertex (212). The open
quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the structural post
(100) further comprises first (213), second (215), third (217), and
fourth sides (219). Due to the opening (202) in the structural post
(100), the first (213) and fourth (219) sides are relatively
shorter than the second (215) and third (217) sides.
[0025] In one example, the ends of the first (213) and fourth (219)
sides closest to the opening (202) each terminate with an
overturned curved flange portion referred to as a return (222). The
returns (222) strengthen the structural post (100). Further, in the
context of a trellis system, the returns (222) prevent premature
wear of harvesting equipment as described above. In harvesting the
fruit of some types of vegetation, harvesters use beater bars that
beat the vegetation in order to remove the fruit. During
harvesting, the beater bars come in contact with the structural
posts (100), and may be damaged by the structural posts (100) if
the structural posts (100) did not comprise the returns (222), or
otherwise comprise sharp edges.
[0026] The open quadrilateral-shaped cross section (200) of the
structural post (100) further comprises a number of wire slots
(220-1, 220-2, 220-1, 220-2) for carrying trellis wires. In one
example, a series of wires are incorporated into the system by
inserting each wire into a corresponding wire slot (220) on the
structural post (100). A wire is inserted through a first wire slot
(204-1) located on the first side (213) of the structural post
(100) and exits the structural post (100) through a second wire
slot (220-2) on the second side (215) of the structural post (100).
Further, each of the wire slots (220) includes upper and lower
carrying portions for maintaining the wire in place as described in
more detail in connection with FIG. 4.
[0027] After the series of trellis wires are incorporated into the
system, the wires are anchored to the ground. The wires are
anchored to the ground at the ends of rows of crops either directly
or to an intermediary endpost. In this manner, the wires positioned
as above described support grapes or other crops for proper growth,
ripening, and ease of harvesting.
[0028] Additionally, another trellis wire may be inserted on the
opposite side of the structural post (100) through a fourth wire
slot (204-4) located on the fourth side (219) of the structural
post (100) and exits the structural post (100) through a third wire
slot (220-3) on the third side (217) of the structural post (100)
wherein each of the wire slots (220) includes upper and lower
carrying portions for maintaining the wire in place. As mentioned
above, after the series of wires are incorporated into the system,
the wires are anchored to the ground. The wires are anchored to the
ground at the ends of rows of crops either directly or to an
intermediary endpost. In this manner, the wires positioned as above
described support grapes or other crops for proper growth,
ripening, and ease of harvesting.
[0029] In one example, the structural post (100) includes coining
(235-1, 235-2) portions along its length to add significant
strength to the profile for the structural post (100) while using
lighter gauge steel without compromising strength or performance.
As mentioned above, the added strength is achieved by returning the
two open edges (222) and moving the coined (235-1, 235-2)
stiffening beads further towards the second vertex (210). Thus, the
system allows wire slots (220) to be fabricated into structural
post without compromising the coined (235-1, 235-2) stiffening
beads.
[0030] In one example, the coining portions (235-1, 235-2) include
a first side coining (235-1) located on the second side (215) of
the structural post (100) and a second side coining (235-2) located
on the third side (217) of the structural post (100). The coinings
(235-1, 235-2) add to the strength of the structural posts (100).
In another example, the first side coining (235-1) may have a
center (230-2) located less than 1/2in. from the second vertex
(210) and extend a radius (230-1) of 1/8in. in either direction
from the center (230-2) of the first side coining (235-1). In still
another example, the first side coining (235-1) may have a center
(230-2) closer or further from the second vertex (210) and have a
radius (230-1) larger or smaller than the example given above as
long as the wire slot (220-2) does not extend into the first side
coining (235-1) portion. Thus, the first side coining (235-1) may
extend the entire length of the structural post (100) providing the
added advantage of increased strength of the structural post (100)
while using a lighter gauge of steel.
[0031] The given example above may be mirrored to a second side
coining (235-2) located on the third side (217) of the structural
post (100), wherein the second side coining (235-2) is centered at
(230-4) and has a radius (230-3). Additionally, the various
coinings (235-1, 235-2) of the structural posts (100) may be formed
by roll-forming, punching, stamping, cutting, or other forms of
metal working.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a cut away isometric view of the structural post
within box B of FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles
described herein. The various components of the above described
system such as, for example, the structural post (300) may be
constructed using any suitable material comprising sufficient
strength to maintain the integrity of the connection between a
number of structural posts (300) to support the crops during growth
and harvesting. In one example, the components are constructed
using high strength steel, which affords sufficient strength to
accomplish the cited requirements of the structural post (300).
While high strength steel may be the material for fabrication,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may
be used such as, for example, other metals and metal alloys,
plastics, polymers, fiberglass, carbon fiber reinforced plastics,
resins, or combinations thereof. In one example, the structural
posts (300) are made of 11 to 14 gauge (310), roll-formed steel. In
another example, the structural posts (300) are made of 12 or 13
gauge (310), roll-formed steel. Further, in another example, the
structural posts (300) are made of coated (340) steel or uncoated
steel. Further, the various components of the structural post
(100), such as the coining (335) and the returns (322), among other
components may be formed by roll-forming, punching, stamping,
cutting, or other forms of metal working.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a side view of the structural post within box C of
FIG. 1, according to one example of the principles described
herein. In an example, the wire slots (420) may be formed at
various points on the structural post (100) as described in
connection with FIG. 1. Each of the wire slots (420) comprises
upper (407) and lower (406) carrying portions for maintaining the
wire in place. An opening (409) creates an aperture for insertion
of a trellis wire into the wire slot (420) on the structural post
(100), after which the wire occupies the upper (407) or lower (406)
carrying portions. Further, the various wire slots (420) may be
formed by punching, stamping, cutting, or other forms of metal
working.
[0034] In one example, the size of the wire slot (420), including
the upper (407) and lower (406) carrying portions as well as the
opening (409) for insertion of the wire into the wire slot (420)
may be manufactured to accommodate a number of wire sizes as best
fits the vegetation for which the trellis system is being employed.
In one example the wire slot (420) may be manufactured to
accommodate a 13 gauge wire, such that a 13 gauge wire may be
inserted into the opening (409) of the wire slot (420) and inserted
into the upper (407) or lower (406) carrying portions of the wire
slot (420). In another example, the wire slot may be manufactured
to accommodate a 6 gauge wire, such that the 6 gauge wire may be
inserted into the opening (409) of the wire slot (420) and inserted
into the upper (407) or lower (406) carrying portions of the wire
slot (420). Alternatively, the wire slot (420) may be manufactured
to accommodate a number of wire gauges in which a number of wire
gauges may be inserted into the opening (409) and upper (407) or
lower (406) carrying portions of the wire slot (420). The upper
(407) and lower (406) carrying portions as well as the opening
(409) for insertion of the wire into the wire slot (420) also
prevent the wire from sliding out of the opening (409) if pushed
upward or downward by some disturbance to the wire such as may
occur during the harvesting of the plants or crops.
[0035] Although the present structural post has been described in
connection with its utility in agricultural settings as a component
of a trellis system, the structural post may be used in any setting
in which a load may be borne by the structural post. For example,
the structural post may be used in connection with signage.
[0036] The foregoing description of various examples of the present
system has been presented for purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
present system to the precise form disclosed, and many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching without deviating from the spirit and the scope of the
present system. The examples described are selected to best explain
the principles of the present system and its practical application
to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
present system in various examples and with various modifications
as suited to the particular purpose contemplated. It is intended
that the scope of the present system be defined by the claims
appended hereto.
* * * * *