U.S. patent application number 14/420740 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-23 for post, fence, and method and apparatus for installing a post or fence.
The applicant listed for this patent is Justoy Pty Ltd. Invention is credited to Robert Ian Hedley.
Application Number | 20150204106 14/420740 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50067312 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150204106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hedley; Robert Ian |
July 23, 2015 |
POST, FENCE, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTALLING A POST OR
FENCE
Abstract
A post assembly includes a mount, which is adapted to be placed
in a substrate surface, and, a post, which is releasably attached
to the mount. The mount is firstly pushed into the substrate
surface, and then deformed by a tool which outwardly pushes a
deformable portion of the mount. The post is then inserted into the
mount and releasably secured by an engagement means. By
appropriately positioning a plurality of post assemblies in spaced
apart location, and then by extending fencing material
therebetween, a fence may be thereby constructed.
Inventors: |
Hedley; Robert Ian;
(Buttaba, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Justoy Pty Ltd |
Mount Thorley, NSW |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
50067312 |
Appl. No.: |
14/420740 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
August 9, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2013/000881 |
371 Date: |
February 10, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
256/32 ;
29/243.518; 52/745.17; 52/831; 52/843 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 17/26 20130101;
E04H 17/22 20130101; E04H 17/20 20130101; Y10T 29/53722 20150115;
E02D 27/42 20130101; E04H 12/22 20130101; E04H 12/2215
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 17/20 20060101
E04H017/20; E02D 27/42 20060101 E02D027/42; E04H 17/26 20060101
E04H017/26; E04H 12/22 20060101 E04H012/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 10, 2012 |
AU |
2012903464 |
Claims
1-25. (canceled)
26. A post assembly, including: a post mount, adapted to be
anchored in a substrate, including an elongate body having a
substantially hollow core and including a deformable portion
between first and second ends thereof; and, a post, adapted to be
attached to said post mount; wherein said post assembly is adapted
to be installed in said substrate by: driving said first end of
said post mount into said substrate such that said deformable
portion is below a surface of said substrate; inserting a tool
within said post mount; operating said tool to outwardly extend an
arm of said tool to thereby cause said deformable portion of said
post mount to expand outwardly in a bulbous manner such that said
post mount becomes anchored in said substrate; removing said tool
from said post mount; and, attaching said post to said post
mount.
27. A post assembly as claimed in claim 26, including: engagement
means, for releasable attachment of said post to said post
mount.
28. A post assembly as claimed in claim 27, wherein said engagement
means includes at least one biased pin adapted to normally extend
outwards of said post to engage an orifice in said mount.
29. A post assembly as claimed in claim 26, wherein said post mount
and said post are of similar square, round, rectangular or other
shape in cross-section, with one of said post or mount being of
slightly smaller dimension than the other, such that, said post is
adapted to snugly fit within said mount, or vice versa.
30. A post assembly as claimed in claim 26, wherein said tool
includes a elongate body adapted to be received within said mount,
a first end of said body having the said at least one movable arm
adapted to extend transversely outwards of said body, and, a second
end of said body having a handle to operate said arm(s).
31. A post, adapted to be anchored in a substrate, including an
elongate body with a substantially hollow core and including a
deformable portion between first and second ends thereof, said post
being adapted to be installed in said substrate by: driving said
first end of said post into said substrate such that said
deformable portion is positioned below a surface of said substrate;
inserting a tool in said post, operating said tool to outwardly
extend an arm of said tool to thereby cause said deformable portion
to be expanded outwardly in a bulbous manner such that said post
becomes anchored in said substrate; and removing said tool.
32. A post as claimed in claim 31, said post being formed of metal
or like deformable material, and including a substantially hollow
core.
33. A tool for installing a post or post mount, said tool
including: a substantially elongate body adapted to be inserted
within said post/post mount; at least one movable arm at a first
end of said elongate body, adapted to extend transversely outwards
of said body so as to deform at least a portion of said post/post
mount, and, a handle at a second end of said elongate body to
operate said arm(s); wherein said post or post mount is adapted to
be installed in a substrate surface by: driving said first end of
said post mount into said substrate such that said deformable
portion is below a surface of said substrate; causing said
deformable portion of said post mount to expand outwardly in a
bulbous manner such that said post mount becomes anchored in said
substrate; and, attaching said post to said post mount.
34. A tool for installing a post or post mount as claimed in claim
33, further including: locating means, to identify the location for
installation of said post/post mount in a substrate surface using
GPS or like navigational means.
35. A method for installing a post or post mount, including the
steps of: identifying a location for installation of said post/post
mount; driving said post/post mount downwards into a substrate;
inserting a tool into said post/post mount; operating said tool to
outwardly extend an arm of said tool to thereby outwardly deform a
deformable portion of said post/post mount in a bulbous manner such
that said post/post mount becomes anchored in said substrate; and
removing said tool from said post/post mount.
36. A method for installing a post mount as claimed in claim 35,
further including the step of: inserting a post within said post
mount.
37. A method for installing a post mount as claimed in claim 36,
wherein said post is attached to said post mount by releasable
engagement means.
38. A fence including: a plurality of post assemblies as
hereinbefore claimed in claim 26, and, wire, mesh, or other like
material extending between said posts for post assemblies.
39. A method of installing a fence, including the steps of:
identifying the location for installation of each of a plurality of
posts, as hereinbefore claimed in claim 26; driving said posts into
a substrate surface; and, outwardly deforming a deformable portion
of each of said posts.
40. A post mount, adapted to be anchored in a substrate and adapted
to receive a post therein, said post mount including an elongate
body with a substantially hollow core, including a deformable
portion between first and second ends thereof, said post mount
adapted to be installed in a substrate by: driving said first end
of said post mount into said substrate such that said deformable
portion is positioned below a surface of said substrate; inserting
a tool within said post mount; operating said tool to outwardly
extend an arm of said tool to thereby cause said deformable portion
of said post mount to outwardly expand in a substantially bulbous
manner such that said post mount becomes anchored in said
substrate; and removing said tool from said post mount.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a post, such as a fence
post, and to a fence formed by a plurality of posts. The present
invention also relates to a method of installing a fence or post,
and, to various tools for use in the installation of a post or
fence. In particular, the present invention provides a post, which
has a deformable portion, which may be splayed outwards for
securement of the post to a substrate surface, and to tools for
installing such a post in the substrate surface.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] 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 acknowledgement or admission
or any form of suggestion 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.
[0003] The installation of fences has not altered for decades. When
installing a fence, of the type having a plurality of posts with
wire or mesh spanned therebetween, each fence post is typically
driven into the ground using a hammer, mallet or the like, such
that a substantial length of the post is below the substrate
surface, so that sideways movement of the post is therefore
substantially prevented. Once a plurality of such posts are
installed, the wire, mesh or the like is typically spanned
therebetween.
[0004] It will be appreciated that considerable physical effort is
typically required to drive the fence post into the ground, and,
that the length of the post below the ground surface level is
necessarily considerable to avoid transverse movement of the post.
The need to drive posts to a significant depth is wasteful, and is
also prone to problems such as hitting rock or service lines (e.g.
electricity, gas, etc) buried below the ground.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention seeks to provide a post, post mount or
post assembly, and/or a fence formed of a plurality of such posts,
post mounts or post assemblies, which overcome the disadvantages of
the prior art.
[0006] The present invention also seeks to provide a tool for
installation of a post, post mount or post assembly.
[0007] The present invention also seeks to provide a method of
installing a post, post mount or post assembly and/or a fence.
[0008] In one broad form, the present invention provides a post
assembly, including: a mount, adapted to be installed in a
substrate surface; and, a post, adapted to be releasably attached
to the mount.
[0009] Preferably, the post assembly includes engagement means, for
releasable attachment of said post to said mount.
[0010] Also preferably, the engagement means includes at least one
biased pin adapted to normally extend outwards of said post to
engage an orifice in said mount.
[0011] Preferably, said mount includes a longitudinal member with a
deformable portion which is adapted to be deformed after insertion
of said mount in said substrate surface.
[0012] Also preferably, said deformable portion is adapted to
extend transverse to a longitudinal direction of said mount.
[0013] Preferably, said deformable portion is deformed by inserting
a tool within said post, said tool being adapted to push said
deformable section outwards of the remainder of said mount.
[0014] Preferably, said mount and said post are of similar square,
round, rectangular or other shape in cross-section, with one of
said post or mount being of slightly smaller dimension than the
other, such that, said post is adapted to snugly fit within said
mount, or vice versa.
[0015] Also preferably, said tool includes an elongate body adapted
to be received with said mount, a first end of said body having at
least one movable arm adapted to extend transversely outwards of
said body, and, a second end of said body having a handle to
operate said arm(s).
[0016] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a
post adapted to be installed in a substrate surface, including a
deformable portion adapted to be outwardly deformed.
[0017] Preferably, said post being formed of metal or like
deformable material, and including a substantially hollow core.
[0018] Also preferably, said deformable portion is deformed by
inserting a tool within said post, said tool being adapted to push
the deformable portion outwards of the remainder of said mount.
[0019] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a
post mount installation tool adapted to install a post mount into a
substrate surface, said tool including:
[0020] a drill bit;
[0021] an engagement surface, adapted to engage a first end of said
post mount;
[0022] such that, upon operation of said tool, said drill bit is
adapted to drill into said substrate surface and said engagement
surface simultaneously drives said post mount through said
substrate surface.
[0023] Preferably, after said post mount is driven into said
substrate surface, said drill bit is withdrawn, leaving said post
mount in said substrate surface.
[0024] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides
a tool for installing a post or post mount, said tool including: a
substantially elongate body adapted to be inserted within said
post/post mount; at least one movable arm at a first end of said
elongate body, adapted to extend transversely outwards of said body
so as to deform at least a portion of said post/post mount.
[0025] Preferably, the tool further includes a handle at a second
end of said elongate body to operate said arm(s).
[0026] Preferably, the tool further includes drive means, to drive
said post/post mount downwards into a substrate surface.
[0027] Preferably, the tool further includes locating means, to
identify the location for installation of said post/post mount in a
substrate surface using GPS or like navigational means.
[0028] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides
a method for installing a post or post mount, including the steps
of: identifying the location for installation of said post/post
mount; driving said post/post mount downwards into a substrate
surface; and, outwardly deforming a deformable portion of said
post/post mount.
[0029] Preferably, said outwardly deforming step is formed by
inserting a tool inside said post and pushing said deformable
portion outwards.
[0030] Also preferably, the method includes inserting a post within
said post mount.
[0031] Preferably, said post is attached to said post mount by
releasable engagement means.
[0032] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides
a fence including a plurality of post assemblies or posts, and,
wire, mesh or other like material extending between said posts or
post assemblies.
[0033] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides
a method of installing a fence, including the steps of: identifying
the location for installation of each of a plurality of post or
post assemblies; driving said posts/post assemblies into a
substrate surface; and, outwardly deforming a deformable portion of
each of said posts/post assemblies.
[0034] In a further broad form, the present invention provides a
post mount, adapted to be installed in a substrate surface, the
mount further including engagement means for releasable attachment
of a post thereto, to thereby form a post assembly.
[0035] In yet a further broad form, the present invention provides
a post, adapted to be releasably attached to a post mount, after
installation of said post mount in a substrate surface, to thereby
form a post assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the following detailed description of preferred but non-limiting
embodiments thereof, described in connection with the accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
post assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section through a longitudinal
direction of the post assembly of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 3 shows an elevational view of the post assembly of
FIG. 1;
[0040] FIG. 4 shows another elevational view of the post assembly
of FIG. 1, orthogonal to the view shown in FIG. 3;
[0041] FIG. 5 details a cross-sectional view of the assembly of
FIG. 4;
[0042] FIG. 6 details a cross-sectional view through lines D-D of
the assembly shown in FIG. 4;
[0043] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of portion E shown in
FIG. 6, showing the details of the engagement means for engaging
the post to the mount;
[0044] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of
the post assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section through a longitudinal
direction of the post assembly of FIG. 8;
[0046] FIG. 10 shows an elevational view of the post assembly of
FIG. 8;
[0047] FIG. 11 shows another elevational view of the post assembly
of FIG. 8, orthogonal to the view shown in FIG. 10;
[0048] FIG. 12 details a cross-sectional view through lines F-F of
the assembly of FIG. 10;
[0049] FIG. 13 details a cross-sectional view through the lines D-D
of the assembly of FIG. 11;
[0050] FIG. 14 illustrates an enlarged view of portion E shown in
FIG. 13, showing details of the engagement means for engaging the
post of FIG. 8 to the mount;
[0051] FIG. 15 shows, in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b) respectively,
components of the drilling system which may be used to install the
mount of the post assembly in accordance with the present
invention;
[0052] FIG. 16 illustrates in FIGS. 16(a) and 16 (b) respectively,
an assembled and an exploded view of the drill, within the mount of
the post assembly of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a further tool which may
be used to install the post/post mount, having its arms in the
insertion position;
[0054] FIG. 18 shows another perspective view of the tool shown in
FIG. 17, but with the arms in the outwards position;
[0055] FIG. 19 illustrates an elevational view of the tool with the
arms in the insertion position;
[0056] FIG. 20 illustrates an elevational view of the tool with the
arms in the outwards position; and,
[0057] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the tool shown
in FIG. 17; and,
[0058] FIG. 22 illustrates in FIGS. 22(a) and 22 (b) respectively,
perspective and cross-sectional views showing certain steps in the
method of installation of the post assembly in accordance with the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0059] Throughout the drawings, like numerals will be used to
identify similar features, except where expressly otherwise
indicated.
[0060] FIGS. 1 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment of the post
assembly formed in accordance with the present invention, whilst
FIGS. 8 to 14 illustrate a second embodiment of the post assembly
of the present invention.
[0061] The post assembly, generally designated by the numeral 1,
includes a mount 2 which is adapted to be installed in a substrate
surface, and a post 3, which is adapted to be releasably attached
to the mount 2. An engagement means 4 may be used to releasably
attach the post 3 to the mount 1. The engagement means may be
embodied in a variety of ways; but in one version, the engagement
means 4 may include a biased pin 5 (see FIGS. 7 and 14) which
normally extends outwards of the post 3 to engage an orifice 6 in
the mount 2.
[0062] As depicted in the drawings, the mount 2 is formed as a
substantially longitudinally extending member, which has a
deformable portion 7 intermediate its ends. The deformable portion
is adapted to be deformed once the post mount is situated in a
substrate surface, such that it provides stability for later
insertion of the post 3 therein. It will be appreciated that by
utilising such a deformable portion 7, the length of post mount 2
installed in a substrate surface will be somewhat shortened
(compared with a traditionally installed post), as extra anchoring
and stability of the post mount is provided by having such a
splayed or bulbous portion along the length of the post. The means
for deforming the deformable portion 7 will be described
hereinafter in conjunction with the description of the tool
described in FIGS. 17 to 21.
[0063] It will be appreciated at the post mount 2 and the post 3
are preferably of complementary shape such that one component can
be slidably inserted within the other to provide a snug fit. Any
desired shape may be utilised including the square shape depicted
in FIGS. 1 to 7, a round shape, rectangular shape or any other
desired shape. Likewise, it will be appreciated that other means
for engaging the post 3 to the post mount 2 may become obvious to
persons skilled in the art, and these modifications should be
considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.
[0064] Whilst the post assembly shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, being a
first embodiment of the present invention show a mount which has
cut or splayed portions, the second preferred embodiment of the
present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14 show an alternative
form of the invention wherein when the post mount 2 is exploded or
expanded or deformed, the mount itself is not torn or cut apart but
rather just expanded in a bulbous manner such that it anchors to
the surrounding substrate surface. The embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 14
may be particularly usefully used if, for example, the post mount 2
may be formed of metal material, but it is preferable that the
metal is not cut, which may be prone to rust, as shown in the first
embodiment.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, there is provided a drilling
system/tool, generally designated by the numeral 20 used for
drilling a hole in the substrate surface, for installation of the
mount 2. The drill tool may be attached to any known drilling
apparatus to rotate the drill head 20 as required into the
substrate surface. The drill typically includes a drill bit 21, a
drill head 22, and a shaft 23, which is attachable by known means
to an apparatus such that the drill 20 is rotated as required. The
mount 2 is forced into the substrate surface by an attachment 24
which is releasably secured to the shaft 23, and which incorporates
an abutment end 24 which is adapted to engage the top end of the
mount 2 to force the mount into the substrate surface as the drill
20 is rotated.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 17 to 21, there is provided another tool,
generally designated by the numeral 10 which is formed as a
substantially elongate body portion 11 which is adapted to be
received within the post mount 2. The first end of the body has at
least one movable arm 12 thereon and a second end of the body 11
has a handle 13.
[0067] Each arm 12 is adapted to extend transversely outwards of
the body 11, operable by the handle 13. It will be seen in FIG. 17
that the arms 12 are in their folded position, wherein they extend
in the longitudinal direction of the body 11, whilst in FIG. 18,
the arms 12 extend outwards in a direction which is transverse to
the longitudinal direction of the body 11. In use, the tool 10 is
inserted within the post mount 2, the arms 12 are then operated to
deform the deformable section 7 of the post mount 2 to the position
of the deformable section such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 or FIGS. 8
to 14. The tool 10 may be operated in a variety of manners,
including using hydraulics, electric motors, or the like. Such
embodiments will become apparent to persons skilled in the art. The
tool 10 is also adapted to insert the post mount 2 into the
substrate surface.
[0068] In use therefore it will be appreciated that the post mount
which is initially of substantially uniform square or other shape,
is pushed into the substrate surface in that shape, and then the
arms 12 are operated to outwardly extend and deform the deformable
section 7 such that instead of the uniform shape being maintained,
an expanded or exploded bulbous or splayed appearance is
created.
[0069] Some of the steps performed in the method of installing the
fence assembly in accordance with the present invention are shown
in FIG. 22.
[0070] FIG. 22(a) illustrates various perspective views of the
tools used to insert certain components of the post assembly into a
substrate surface, whilst FIG. 22(b) illustrates for further
clarity, some cross-sectional views corresponding to the
perspective views of FIG. 22(a).
[0071] In particular, it will be seen in steps (i) and (ii) of FIG.
22 the use of the drill tool for installation of the post mount 2
into the substrate surface. In particular, step (i) of FIG. 22
shows the drill having been inserted in the substrate surface
before it is withdrawn, whilst step (ii) of FIG. 22 shows the same
tool withdrawn from the substrate surface, but leaving the mount 2
in the substrate surface.
[0072] Steps (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) of FIG. 22 then show various
steps in using the tool shown in FIG. 17 to then splay apart the
deformable portion of mount 2. In particular, in step (iii) of FIG.
22, the tool 10 is shown ready to be inserted into the mount 2,
step (iv) of FIG. 22 shows the tool 10 inserted into the mount 2,
step (v) of FIG. 22 shows the movement of the arms 12 of tool 10
being forced against the interior walls of the mount 2 to splay the
walls of the mount 2 apart, whilst step (vi) of FIG. 22 shows the
mount remaining in the substrate surface the deformable portion 7
having been formed and the tool 10 withdrawn from the mount 2.
[0073] The present invention also seeks to provide a method of
installing posts to form a fence by providing a plurality of such
posts into a substrate surface, and thereafter extending wire mesh
or other like material between the post assemblies. For instance,
an orifice 8 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and in FIGS. 8 to 14 may be
provided for the provision of fence wire. Other orifices or other
suitable engagement means may alternatively be provided to provide
other fencing material therebetween.
[0074] The present invention also provides a means of automating
the installation of such post assemblies by utilising an
appropriately driven vehicle or the like which may utilise GPS or
other navigation equipments to identify its location and, as it
drives, it automatically installs the post mounts in the substrate
surface, and then supplies the posts into the post mounts to form
the post assembly. Numerous variations and modifications to such a
vehicle or the like will become apparent to persons skilled in the
art.
[0075] Whilst an embodiment of the invention utilising separate
post mounts and posts has been hereinbefore described, it will be
appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that instead of using
two releasable components, a single fence post may be formed which
has a deformable portion thereon at a lower end of the post. Such a
variation should be considered to fall within the scope of the
present invention.
[0076] It will be therefore appreciated that the present invention
provides a post, a post mount, a post assembly, a fence formed from
a plurality of post assemblies, tools for installation of the
posts, post mounts or post assemblies, and, a method of automating
the installation of a plurality of post assemblies utilising GPS or
other navigational equipment on a suitably driven vehicle for
installation of such posts.
[0077] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides a
number of distinct advantages over prior art fence posts in both
the stability of the fence posts provided, their ease and time
savings in installation, etc.
[0078] It will also be appreciated that whilst the present
invention has been specifically described in relation to fence
posts, that posts for any desired use may be provided, for
instance, other sign posts. Such variations should also be
considered to be within the scope of this invention.
[0079] All such variations and modifications should be considered
to fall within the scope of this invention.
* * * * *