U.S. patent number RE36,550 [Application Number 08/837,010] was granted by the patent office on 2000-02-08 for adjustable mounting for a post system.
Invention is credited to Ronald R. West.
United States Patent |
RE36,550 |
West |
February 8, 2000 |
Adjustable mounting for a post system
Abstract
An adjustable mounting for a post system for use in aligning and
maintaining a post attached thereto to a desired vertical attitude
to a ground surface. The adjustable mounting includes, as
embodiments, a ball segment and seat combination that are movable
with respect to one another, and in another embodiment involves a
pair of interactive tapered washers, with the embodiments all
including arrangements for clamping together the components that is
a single bolt type fastener that is for maintaining the components
of the adjustable mounting between a ground stake top surface, or
ground surface, and a post bottom end or post insert base. The
relative positioning of the seat to the ball segment and the
tapered washers tapered surfaces to one another is to provide an
off-set from a straight line axially through which adjustable
mounting, that is transferred directly into a post, or a post
insert with a post telescoped thereon, as an angle of that post to
the vertical, which post can be used as a fences post, sign post,
or the like, and may include an arrangement for mounting a
container, such as a box or tube, cantilevered thereto that is
intended for receiving delivered items, such as mail and/or
newspapers.
Inventors: |
West; Ronald R. (Provo,
UT) |
Family
ID: |
25324140 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/837,010 |
Filed: |
April 11, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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856639 |
Mar 24, 1992 |
5307598 |
|
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Reissue of: |
190385 |
Feb 1, 1994 |
05404682 |
Apr 11, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/165;
248/183.1; 248/288.31; 248/398; 248/516; 52/114; 52/155 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G
29/1216 (20130101); E04C 3/30 (20130101); E04H
12/2284 (20130101); G09F 7/18 (20130101); E01F
9/642 (20160201); E01F 9/61 (20160201); E01F
9/685 (20160201); H02B 1/013 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47G
29/00 (20060101); A47G 29/12 (20060101); E01F
9/018 (20060101); E01F 9/011 (20060101); E04H
12/22 (20060101); E02D 005/54 (); F16M
013/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;52/165,298,114,155
;248/516,181.2,288.51,398 ;403/90,192,193,326,328,380,375 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Nikon Corp. of Japan, Part No. AX-1 and AX-1s..
|
Primary Examiner: Kent; Christopher
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Clayton, Howarth & Cannon,
P.C.
Parent Case Text
This is a division of application Ser. No. 7/856,639, filed Mar.
24, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,598.
Claims
I claim:
1. An adjustable mounting for a post system comprising, a ball
segment and seat therefore, where said ball segment includes a body
that is formed to have a hemispherical outer surface, has a center
hole formed therethrough, and includes a means for mounting a
bottom surface of said ball segment body onto a rigid surface; a
bolt, as said means for mounting, that has a threaded top end and a
means for mounting a lower end of said bolt to a rigid surface,
which said means for mounting said bolt lower end provides a loose
coupling to allow said bolt to pivot across said bolt lower end
mounting; said seat includes a body wherein is formed a concave
recess having a surface that is complementary to said ball segment
surface, and includes a center hole, which said ball segment body
and said seat center holes are counter sunk from a top surface of
said seat through said ball segment body forming an inverted cone
shaped opening with a flattened apex, to provide up to a twenty
degree (20.degree.) change in angle from a longitudinal center axis
of said inverted cone shaped opening to accommodate said bolt
threaded end fitted therethrough and through a washer means and is
to receive a nut means turned thereover for clamping said ball
segment and seat together; and means for mounting said seat body in
a straight post.
2. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
further including a means for increasing friction between the ball
segment hemispherical surface and the seat concave surface.
3. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 2,
wherein the means for increasing friction is a gasket formed of a
flexible slip resistant material.
4. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 2,
wherein the means for increasing friction is a scoring or grooving
of the ball segment hemispherical surface.
5. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
further including a straight post mount that is open longitudinally
to receive a lower end of the straight post that is fitted
thereover, and said straight post mount is arranged to receive the
seat body secured across a bottom end thereof.
6. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the means for coupling a post end is a post insert means
that is a base wherein is formed the seat body and is secured
across a bottom end of said post and means for securing said seat
body across said post bottom end.
7. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
wherein, as the means for mounting the bolt lower end to a rigid
surface, the bolt end that is opposite to the bolt threaded end is
flattened and includes a hole formed therethrough that is to
receive a pin means fitted therein after said bolt flattened end
has passed through a slot formed in a plate that is a top of a
rigid surface to allow said bolt to pivot across said pin means
mount.
8. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
wherein, as the means for mounting the bolt lower end to a rigid
surface, the bolt end that is opposite to the bolt threaded end is
formed into a circle as an eyelet end to receive a pin means fitted
therein after said eyelet end has passed through a plate that is a
top of a rigid surface.
9. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the straight post is hollow and the seat body for fitting
across a lower end of said straight post includes a ridge that
extends outwardly from around said seat body outer surface to fit
snugly into a groove that has been formed around the inside of said
post that is adjacent to said lower end of said post, as the means
for mounting said seat body to said post.
10. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the ball segment and seat are formed of a plastic
material.
11. An adjustable mounting for a post system as recited in claim 1,
wherein the side wall of the inverted cone shaped opening is at a
ten degree (10.degree.) angle from the longitudinal center axis of
said inverted cone shaped opening. .Iadd.
12. A support mounting system comprising:
a support member having a hollow lower end and an opening in said
lower end, wherein said lower end comprises end sidewalls
terminating in a perimeter end face surrounding the opening;
a mounting insert configured for attachment to the support member
within the lower end, said mounting insert including a concave side
which faces the opening in the lower end of the support member;
and
securing means for intercoupling the mounting insert to a rigid
support surface such that the perimeter end face of the support
member is held thereby against said rigid support surface.
.Iaddend..Iadd.13. The support mounting system as defined in claim
12, wherein the mounting insert comprises a concavo-convex member.
.Iaddend..Iadd.14. The support mounting system as defined in claim
12, wherein the support member comprises a hollow square tube.
.Iaddend..Iadd.15. The support mounting system as defined in claim
12, wherein the support member and the mounting insert are made
from a durable plastic material. .Iaddend..Iadd.16. The support
mounting system as defined in claim 12, wherein the mounting insert
includes a center hole formed therein and a second side opposite
the concave side, the system further comprising a washer plate
having a center hole, said washer plate being configured for
placement upon the second side of the mounting insert such that the
center hole of said plate is disposed in alignment with the center
hole of the mounting insert, wherein the securing means extends
through the holes and against the plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.17. The
support mounting system as defined in claim 16, wherein the
securing means comprises a bolt for securing to the support surface
and extending through the center holes of the mounting insert and
washer plate, and a nut member engaged with the bolt so as to
reside against the washer plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.18. The support
mounting system as defined in claim 12, wherein the mounting insert
comprises a hemispherical concavo-concave member.
.Iaddend..Iadd.19. The support mounting system as defined in claim
12, wherein the support member is hollow and includes main
sidewalls having a port formed therein to permit access to the
securing means, the system further comprising a plate removably
secured to the support member so as to cover the port.
.Iaddend..Iadd.20. The support mounting system as defined in claim
12, wherein the end sidewalls include an interior surface having at
least one interior slot formed therein, and wherein the mounting
insert includes at least one ridge configured for snap-in lockable
engagement within said at
least one slot. .Iaddend..Iadd.21. The support mounting system as
defined in claim 12, wherein the mounting insert includes a
plurality of radially-extending spaced apart ribs.
.Iaddend..Iadd.22. A support mounting system comprising:
a hollow tubular support member having a hollow lower end and an
opening in said lower end, wherein said lower end comprises end
sidewalls terminating in a perimeter end face surrounding the
opening, wherein the support member is made from a durable plastic
material;
a mounting insert comprising a concavo-convex member configured for
attachment to the support member within the lower end, said
mounting insert including a concave side facing the opening in the
lower end of the support member, wherein the mounting insert is
made from a durable plastic material and includes a center hole;
and
a bolt configured for immovable attachment to a rigid support
surface such that said bolt extends outwardly from said support
surface, into the open end of the support member and through the
center hole of the mounting insert; and
a nut member engageable with the bolt for securing the mounting
insert with respect to the rigid support surface such that the
perimeter end face of the support member is held thereby against
said rigid support surface.
.Iaddend..Iadd.23. The support mounting system as defined in claim
22, wherein the support member comprises main sidewalls having a
port formed therein to permit access to the nut member, the system
further comprising a plate removably secured to the support member
so as to cover the port. .Iaddend..Iadd.24. The support mounting
system as defined in claim 22, wherein the end sidewalls include an
interior surface having at least one interior slot formed therein,
and wherein the mounting insert includes at least one ridge
configured for lockable engagement within said at least one slot.
.Iaddend..Iadd.25. The support mounting system as defined in claim
22, wherein the mounting insert includes a plurality of
radially-extending spaced apart ribs. .Iaddend..Iadd.26. A support
mounting system comprising:
a support member having a hollow lower end and an opening in said
lower end, wherein said lower end comprises end sidewalls
terminating in a perimeter end face surrounding the opening;
a mounting insert configured for attachment to the support member
within the lower end; and
securing means for intercoupling the mounting insert to a rigid
support surface such that the perimeter end face of the support
member is held
thereby against said rigid support surface. .Iaddend..Iadd.27. The
support mounting system as defined in claim 26, wherein the support
member comprises an interior surface defining an interior width and
having at least one inner slot formed therein, and wherein the
mounting insert is wider than said interior width and includes at
least one edge configured for snap-in lockable engagement into said
at least one slot. .Iaddend..Iadd.28. The support mounting system
as defined in claim 27:
wherein the mounting insert includes a concave side which faces the
opening in the lower end of the support member;
wherein the support member comprises a substantially square cross
section; and
wherein the support member comprises a flexible, resilient plastic
material adapted to flex radially outwardly responsive to insertion
of the wider mounting insert thereinto. .Iaddend..Iadd.29. The
support mounting system as defined in claim 27, wherein the
interior surface of the support member comprises an interior
circumference, and wherein the inner slot comprises a slot formed
along the interior circumference of the support member.
.Iaddend..Iadd.30. The support mounting system as defined in claim
27, wherein the support member comprises a flexible, resilient
plastic material adapted to flex radially outwardly responsive to
insertion of the
wider mounting insert thereinto. .Iaddend..Iadd.31. The support
mounting system as defined in claim 26, wherein the support member
comprises a substantially rectangular cross section.
.Iaddend..Iadd.32. The support mounting system as defined in claim
31, wherein the support member comprises a substantially square
cross section. .Iaddend..Iadd.33. The support mounting system as
defined in claim 26, wherein the mounting insert comprises at least
one ridge that defines a perimeter of said
mounting insert. .Iaddend..Iadd.34. The support mounting system as
defined in claim 12, wherein the support member comprises an
outdoor-mountable post configured and adapted for supporting
outdoor lateral loads imposed when a structural member becomes
fixedly attached to said post and extends outward and sideways from
said post. .Iaddend..Iadd.35. The support mounting system as
defined in claim 22, wherein the support member comprises an
outdoor-mountable post configured and adapted for supporting
outdoor lateral loads imposed when a structural member becomes
fixedly attached to said post and extends outward and sideways from
said post. .Iaddend..Iadd.36. The support mounting system as
defined in claim 26, wherein the support member comprises an
outdoor-mountable post configured and adapted for supporting
outdoor lateral loads imposed when a structural member becomes
fixedly attached to said post and extends outward and sideways from
said post. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention related to adjustable post mountings and in
particular to a post ground anchor that is capable of being tilted
to bring the post to a desired vertical attitude.
2. Prior Art
Posts and even ground mounting arrangements therefor for adjusting
or tilting the post to a vertical attitude are not new. A recent
patent to Deike, U.S. Pat. No. 4,603,520, shows an example of a
mounting base for a sign post that will accommodate rotational,
tilting and height adjustment. Where, like one embodiment the
present invention, the Deike patent shows a ball and seat
arrangement for providing tilting capability to a sign post, Deike
utilizes four corner bolts to maintain that post tilted attitude
rather than a ball and seat with a single bolt mounting like that
of the present invention. Further, there is no teaching of a mail
or newspaper box mounting to the mounting post in the Deike
patent.
Additionally, a number of ground anchor arrangements for mounting
posts, such as road side type sign posts, have been developed.
Examples of such are shown in a U.S. Patents to Galloway, et al,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,011,597, that involves an auger type post mount;
Smith, U.S. Pat. No. 3,152,668, that teaches an anchor with a guy
wire; Brisse, U.S. Pat. No. 3,186,523, that shows a wire anchoring
system; Deike, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,676,965 and 4,320,608, for sign
post support sockets; and Klenk, et al U.S. Pat. No., 4,339,899,
that sets out a system for coupling a power transmission tower to a
support base. None of which above cited patents involve a post and
ground mount for a mail box system, like that of the present
invention, whereby the post can be quickly and easily aligned to
the vertical and provide for securely mounting a mail box, or the
like, onto which post.
Additional to the above cited U.S. patents, a ball and socket mount
utilizing a single bolt and nut combination for positioning and
securing a transit to a horizontal attitude is provided in a
transit system identified as an automatic level, manufactured by
Nikon Corp. of Japan, Manufacturers Part No. AX-1 and AX-1S. Which
Nikon system is, of course, for a different use and application
than the arrangement of the system of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal object of the present invention in an adjustable
post mounting system to provide a system for mounting a straight
post to a ground anchor that includes a capability for adjusting
and maintaining the post to a desired vertical attitude relative to
the ground surface.
Another object of the present invention is to provide, an
adjustable mount for use with a ground anchor whereby the post can
be set to a desired vertical attitude with respect to the ground
surface and secured thereat by a single nut and bolt type
coupling.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable
mounting that includes at least a pair of members whose positioning
relative to one another allows for providing a tilting of the post
to correct for ground conditions, which relative positioning is
maintained by a single bolt and nut coupling.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an
arrangement of a ground mount for coupling to a post, the
combination to provide a tight and secure coupling.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a
simple adjustable mounting for a post system where the individual
components can be produced from an inexpensive and durable
material, such as plastic, which system provides for ease of
installation by a person with only simple tools and requires little
or no mechanical skills.
The present invention is in an inexpensive, simple to install and
yet durable post system. The post system includes a ball section or
portion of an adjustable mount that can be fitted onto a ground
stake that is to be driven into the earth, can be mounted to
cement, or the like. The ball portion of the adjustable mount is
for positioning in a seat that is for coupling to a post insert or
into a post end. Both the post and post insert attitude to the
vertical is adjustable and is maintained by a mounting that
utilizes single nut and bolt fastener.
In one embodiment of the invention, the adjustable mount is a ball
section and seat combination, where the ball section is maintained
onto the top of a ground stake or anchor. The ball section is to
fit into a seat that has a hemispherical inner surface with the
components positioned and held together by a single bolt coupling.
The bolt is fitted through a hole formed through the seat and ball
section, which ball section hole is tapered from a bottom end
outwardly to a top end to allow for the bolt to tilt across the top
end of the hole. So arranged, the seat is positionable across the
ball section surface and a nut is provided for turning, within the
post insert, over a threaded end of the bolt passed through the
seat and ball section clamping the surfaces together.
Alternatively, a friction gasket can be included therebetween, or
the ball section surface can be grooved or scored for providing
non-slip coupling surfaces.
A second embodiment of which adjustable mounting involves a pair of
sloping or tapered washers that are center holed to fit together as
a stack and receive a bolt therethrough. Which bolt is also fitted
through holes formed in opposing plates that are secured
respectively, across the post insert bottom and the ground stake or
anchor top surface. The washers fitted over one another have their
tapered surface arranged juxtaposition to one another. The rotation
of one of which washers over the other therefore increases or
decreases, respectively, the thickness of the opposite washer stack
edge. The washer stack top surface can therefore be angled to the
vertical relative to its lower surface. Which angle translates to a
tilt of the post, and is maintained by turning a nut over which
bolt threaded end.
The post insert is for receiving an end of a post, such as a post
for mounting a mail box, fitted thereover. For which coupling,
screw holes are formed through both the post and post insert that,
with the post telescoped thereon, align to receive screws turned
therethrough, securing the components together. Resilient spacers
are preferably arranged between the opposing surfaces of which post
and post insert to provide a tight coupling. Alternatively, the
ball seat can be imbedded directly into the bottom of the post to
eliminate the post insert.
Another embodiment of an adjustable mounting, like that of the
first embodiment, involves a ball and seat combination. Like the
adjustable mounting of the first embodiment, a ball section that is
for mounting through a plate to a ground stake is arranged to pass
a mounting bolt through a center hole thereof to through a seat to
provide a tilt from the vertical of that mounting bolt. That, with
the mounting bolt to fitted through a seat, is translated to a
displacement of the seat across the ball section seated therein.
The bolt, after passage through the seat, is to receive a nut
turned thereover, for clamping the ball section in the seat as the
adjustable mounting. A ridge is preferably formed around body that
contains the seat that is for snap fitting and locking into a slot
that has been formed around the inside surface of the post,
proximate to a lower end thereof. Which post further includes a
window or port formed therein, for providing access into the tube
for fitting and turning a nut onto the bolt threaded end that has
passed through a center hole in the seat for clamping the ball
section in the seat. In this embodiment, like the first embodiment,
the opposing ball section and seat surfaces can be scored, or the
like, to discourage movement of the one surface over the other, and
a washer with a rough surface can be sandwiched between the
surfaces also for discouraging relative movement after the ball
section and seat surfaces are clamped together.
The post can receive a mail box, or the like, secured across a top
end thereof, may mount an open newspaper tube cantilevered thereto,
may be arranged as a fence post, or may be utilized for any
function involving or requiring an upright, ground mounted post
within the scope of this disclosure. A preferred cantilevered
mounting is provided by horizontally slotting the mail box post
with a pair of parallel slots that are each to receive one of a
pair of tabs formed as extensions of the tube end. Which tabs are
holed, each hole to receive a sloping peg that is fitted
therethrough. The pegs are arranged for binding across the tab
holes to inhibit withdrawal.
A mail box can be secured across the post top end utilizing a mount
that includes a recess formed in the mount undersurface for
receiving the post end, with screws turned through the contacting
surfaces. Or, a frame for mount the mail box to the post end can be
employed that is secured across the post end.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and features of the invention will become
more apparent from the following description in which the invention
is described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an exploded side elevation perspective view of one
embodiment of an adjustable mounting for a post system of the
present invention shown as a ball segment and seat maintained to a
ground stake and a tube cantilever mounted to an upper end
thereof;
FIG. 1A is an exploded side elevation perspective view like that of
FIG. 1, showing another embodiment of an adjustable mounting for a
post system of the present invention as including a ball segment
and seat maintained to a ground stake and supporting a post
thereto, which post is shown with a mid-section removed
therefrom;
FIG. 1B shows an assembled view of the adjustable mounting, ground
stake, and post of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1C shows an assembled view of the adjustable mounting of FIGS.
1A and 1B, and showing the seat mounted directly onto a flat
concrete surface;
FIG. 2 shows a side elevation sectional view of an upper post
portion and tube of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A shows a side elevational sectional view taken within the
line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3B shows an enlarged side elevation view of a peg of FIGS. 2
and 3A taken within the line 3B--3B of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C shows a view like that of FIG. 3B only showing another peg
embodiment;
FIG. 4 shows a side elevation sectional view of another ground
stake, post insert with post segment showing another embodiment of
an adjustable post to ground stake mounting of the present
invention shown as a pair of tapered washers that are positionable
relative to one another into a stack, the washer relative
positioning to one another providing a tilt to the vertical of the
post insert;
FIG. 4A shows a top plan sectional view of the top of the pair of
tapered washers of FIG. 4 with tabs of which washers, that extend
from a narrowest portion of each washer edge, extending
oppositely;
FIG. 5 shows a side elevation sectional view like that of FIG. 4
except that the ground anchor is shown tilted from the vertical,
which tilt is shown corrected by the alignment of the tapered
washers tabs, that provides a tilt to the washer stack, whereby the
connected post is aligned to the vertical;
FIG. 5A shows a top plan sectional view that is like that of FIG.
4A except that the tapered washer tabs are shown aligned over one
another;
FIG. 6 shows a view like that of FIG. 4 except that a ball segment
and seat mount like that of FIG. 1 is shown arranged between the
ground anchor top and post insert bottom surfaces;
FIG. 7 shows an enlarged profile sectional view taken along the
line 7--7 of FIG. 6 of the ball and seat segment mounting;
FIG. 7A shows a view like that of FIG. 7 except the seat is show
moved out of center with the ball segment for aligning a connected
post to the vertical;
FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of a friction gasket for arrangement
between the surfaces of the ball and seat segment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a washer for fitting between the
top of the seat segment and the bottom surface of which post insert
seat of the adjustable mounting;
FIG. 10 shows a profile perspective view of an upper section of the
post of FIG. 1, the top end thereof shown aligned for receiving a
first embodiment of a mail box mount thereon;
FIG. 11 shows a side elevation sectional view of the assembled post
top end and mail box mount of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 shows a top plan sectional view taken along the line 12--12
of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 shows a side elevation view of another embodiment of a
ground anchor and a side elevation sectional view of a post insert
and post section secured thereto by another variation of a ball
segment and seat adjustable mounting of the present invention;
FIG. 14 shows a side elevation perspective view of the tubular
ground anchor of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of a ball segment and seat
adjustable mounting that is like that of FIG. 14 except that it is
shown for use with a concrete mounted base plate;
FIG. 16 shows an exploded view of the ball segment and seat
adjustable mounting of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 shows an exploded side elevation perspective view of a mail
box, a frame mount and cantilevered tube of the present
invention;
FIG. 18 shows an end view of the mail box, frame mount and
cantilevered tube of FIG. 17 in their connected attitude mounted to
a post;
FIG. 19 shows a top plan view of a frame mount like that of FIGS.
17 and 18, except the frame of this embodiment is adjustable and is
arranged for mounting a mail box onto a top end of a wood post by
screws turned through mount bars and directly into top of a wood
post;
FIG. 20 shows a profile perspective view of an adjustable mail box
mount of the present invention;
FIG. 21 shows an enlarged end sectional view of the mail box
pivoting cross bar taken within the line 21--21 of FIG. 20;
FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of the adjustable mail box mount
of FIG. 20 utilized for mounting a mail box onto a wood beam;
FIG. 23 shows an end elevation view of the adjustable mail box
mount of FIG. 20 mounting a mail box onto a wood post end, the
pivoting cross bar shown pivoted to the vertical, with screws
turned therethrough and into the post sides; and
FIG. 24 shows a top plan view of the adjustable mail box mount of
FIG. 20, with the pivoting cross bars shown pivoted to the
horizontal and with screws turned therethrough and into the end of
a wood post.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is in a post system that includes a number of
novel and unique elements. FIG. 1 shows an exploded profile
perspective view of one arrangement of post system 20, hereinafter
referred to as system. In FIGS. 1 and 2, the system 20 is shown
used for mounting a mail or newspaper tube 21, hereinafter referred
to as tube, cantilevered out from the side of a post 22. Which post
22, its ground mounting arrangements and fastener components, as
set out hereinbelow, are also useful for mounting a mail box as
shown in FIGS. 10 through 12, and 17 through 19. Though, of course,
the system 20 and the other embodiments therein could be utilized
as a post alone, for example a fence post, or could be used for
mounting any item, within the scope of this disclosure.
As thus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and as indicated by the descriptions
herein, the post 22 is an outdoor-mountable post configured and
adapted for supporting outdoor lateral loads such as loads imposed
when the newspaper tube 21, or a section of fencing, or any other
structural member, becomes fixedly attached to the post 22 and
extends laterally outward and sideways from the post 22.
The system 20 of FIG. 1 includes a ground stake 23, shown as a
section of angle iron 24 that is pointed at a lower end 25. The
upper or top end of which angle iron section includes a cap 26
fixed thereover that is formed as a square tube with walls 27 with
a flat plate 28 arranged thereover. The angle iron section 24 top
end is telescoped into which square tube, one of which tube walls
includes a bar 27a secured thereacross to present an anchor that
binds into the ground wherein the ground stake is driven,
inhibiting ground stake movement and withdrawal, as set out below.
The flat plate 28 that is arranged across the square tube top end
is shown as including a keyhole 28a, that allows an eye bolt 29
head end 30 to be fitted therethrough. Which head end 30 is holed
at 30a to receive a bolt 31 fitted through a hole 31a formed in
tube wall 27 and secured in the opposite tube wall. The eye bolt 29
is thereby secured to the square tube 26, a threaded end extending
at a right angle upwardly from the flat plate 28. Shown in FIG. 1,
the eye bolt 29 threaded end 29a is fitted through an open center
portion or hole 33 of a ball segment 32. Which opening or hole 33
is tapered outwardly from a lesser diameter bottom end to a greater
diameter top end, the bolt threaded end 29a thereby being free to
swing across which hole 33 top end. The eye bolt 29 threaded end
29a is fitted thorough a gasket 34 that preferable has a like
surface area to the ball segment 32 surface, as shown also in the
top plan view of FIG. 8.
Shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 7A the eye bolt 29 threaded end 29a is for
fitting through an adjustable mount that consists of ball segment
32 with tapered hole 33 and gasket 34 and a square post mount 35
containing a seat. The square post mount includes a center hole 36
that eye bolt 29 threaded end 29a is fitted through with a washered
nut 37 turned thereover. The washered nut 37 turned on the eye bolt
29 couples the ball section 32 and seat together with gasket 34
therebetween providing a capability for adjusting the attitude to
the vertical of a post 40 secured onto which square post mount 35,
as set out hereinbelow. In another mounting embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as the ball segment and seat mounting
embodiment of FIG. 6, a post insert 39 is utilized for receiving
post 39 telescoped thereover.
Shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 7A, 13 and 16, the post 22 is for telescoping
over the square post mount 35, resting on a lip 38 formed around a
lower edge of which mount, the post preferably secured thereon as
by gluing, with a snap-in arrangement, or the like, in a
manufacturing setting. For attaching the square post mount 35 onto
the ball segment 32, the eye bolt threaded end 29a is fitted
through the center hole 36, extending into the post 22. So
arranged, an operator, not shown, positions the post 22 to a
desired attitude to the vertical and fits the washer nut 37 through
a portal 40 formed through the post side and onto the eye bolt
threaded end 29a. He then turns and tightens that washer nut 37
onto the eye bolt threaded end 29a, compressing a seat 51 formed in
the undersurface of which square post mount 35 tightly against the
ball segment 32 surface, sandwiching gasket 34 therebetween, and
locking the post 22 square post mount end in place with the ball
segment 32. Which gasket 34 is formed of a course material to
provide a non-slip surface between which ball segment surface and
seat coupling. Thereafter, a window 41 having shoulders 41a is
snapped into to cover over portal 40, completing mounting.
FIG. 1A shows an exploded view of another embodiment of an
adjustable mounting 150 that, like the embodiment of FIG. 1,
includes a ball section 151 that may have a smooth or grooved outer
surface 152. The ball section is for fitting into a seat 153 that
has a hemispherical surface 154 to accommodate the ball section
fitting snugly thereagainst and, like the ball section, may be
smooth or scored, for promoting a binding between the engaged
surfaces when they are clamped together. To further promote which
binding, a washer 155, can be positioned between the ball section
and seat surfaces. Such washer 155 is preferably formed of an
abrasive material. It may be formed as a complete circle or may be
a circle that has had sections removed therefrom, as shown. Like
the ball section and seat combination of FIG. 1, the seat 153 is
positionable to ball section 151 to provide for movement
therebetween for adjusting the vertical positioning of a post 156,
shown as a hollow square tube, that the seat is mounted to in a
lower end thereof.
Shown best in FIG. 1A, the ball section 151 is preferably a
hemisphere whose outer surface 152 is score thereover and includes
a center hole 157 that is to receive a threaded end 158a of a bolt
158 fitted therethrough. The ball section 151, as shown, is
preferably formed of plastic and includes a number of equal spaced
curved ribs 159, that connect to an apex ring 160 that hole 157 is
formed through the center of. The underside of the ribs 159 are for
positioning on a top surface of a top plate 162 shown mounted
across a top end of a ground stake 161. The ground stake has a
blade 163 as a lower end thereof that, like the angle iron 24 of
FIG. 1, is for driving into the ground, an angle plate 163a thereof
slicing into the ground, securing the ground stake in the
ground.
For positioning the ball section 151 onto the top plate 162 a slot
164 is formed on the bias across and through the top surface that
is to receive a flattened end 158b of bolt 158 that has a hole 158c
formed therethrough. With the bolt flattened end 158b fitted
through slot 164, a pin 165 can be fitted through the bolt hole
158c, prohibiting bolt withdrawal with the bolt threaded end 158a
extending out from the top of ball section 151.
To mount the ball section 151 and seat 153 together the bolt
threaded end 158a is arranged to fit through a center hole 166 of
seat 153 and through a center hole 168 of a washer plate 167 and to
receive a nut 169 turned thereover. Like the ball section 151, the
seat body, as shown, is preferably formed of plastic and includes a
number of spaced apart ribs 170 extending radially from a ring 171
wherethrough the hole 166 is formed. The ribs include curved
surfaces 170a for supporting the seat 154 that, like ball section
surface 152, may also be scored, or the like, to increase surface
friction. Side walls 172 are provided across the rib 170 ends, and
an outstanding ridge 173 is formed around the seat body 153, below
the lower edges of side walls 172. To couple the seat 153 into the
post 156 end, the seat body, with the seat surface 154 facing out
of the post end, is urged into the open post end until the seat
body ridge 173 slides into a slot 174 that has been formed around
the post interior, adjacent to the post end. Shown in FIGS. 1A-1C,
for convenience, both post ends are shown as including inner slot
174 formed therein. The seat ridge 173 when urged into the post end
tends to flex inwardly, contracting upon itself, and upon entering
the post slot 174, will immediately expand into that slot, locking
the seat 174 in and across the post end. Access to the post
interior is provided through a port 175 formed in the post side,
above slot 174 to allow nut 169 to be turned onto the bolt threaded
end 158a, clamping the ball section 151 and seat 153 together, as
shown in FIG. 1B. Whereafter a cover, like the window 41 of FIG. 1,
can be installed over the port 175.
To provide for adjusting the position of the seat 153 on the ball
section surface 152, the bolt 158 coupling of pin 165 is
intentionally loose to allow for movement of the bolt threaded end
158a across that coupling, which movement is provided for by the
formation of the ball section hole 157 to allow a loose fit of the
bolt 158 fitted therethrough. Accordingly, the bolt 158 can be
tilted from the vertical, and that tilt will be reflected in the
positioning of the seat 155 fitted thereto that is, in turn,
translated to post 156. So arranged, the post can be positioned to
the ground stake so as to compensate for an angle that the stake
161 is driven into the ground and for ground conditions, to mount
the post 156 at a desired attitude. In practice, the adjustable
mount of the invention allows for up to twenty (20) degrees of
change in vertical attitude of post 156 to the ground surface
whereto the ball section 151 is maintained.
FIG. 1B shows the assembled adjustable mount 150, and FIG. 1C shows
the seat 153 directly secured and rigidly mounted by bolt 158 to a
top surface of a concrete slab, supporting post 156 mounted
thereto. Which arrangement does not allow for adjustment of the
angle of the post that is seated on and at approximately a right
angle to the concrete surface. In this arrangement the bolt 158
lower end 158d is anchored in the slab of concrete 180, the bolt
threaded end 158a extending outwardly therefrom to fit through the
center hole 166. The seat 153, in turn, is mounted in the open end
of post 156, and passes through hole 168 in washer plate 167, to
receive the nut 169 turned thereover, rigidly mounting the post 156
onto the top surface of cement slab 180.
The seat 153, as referenced in FIG. 1A and shown also in FIGS.
1B-1C, is thus an insertable member that is "concavo-convex" in
shape as shown in those drawings, in accordance with the usual
meaning of the term "concavo-convex" which generally refers to an
item that is concave on one side and convex on the other.
FIGS. 4 and 5, show another post 22 mounting embodiment that
includes a post insert 39 that is a square open tube that utilizes
a tapered washer stack, shown also in FIGS. 4A and 5A, as the post
22 mount rather than the ball segment and seat embodiment, as
discussed above. The post insert 39, like the post mount 35, is to
receive the post 22 telescoped thereover, as set out and discussed
hereinbelow. Further, it should be understood, other post mounts
and tubes and tube configurations, such as round, could be so used
within the scope of this disclosure.
Shown best in FIGS. 7 and 7A, the ball segment seat 51 formed
across the undersurface of the square post mount 35 of FIG. 1 is
hemispherical in shape to conform to the surface of the ball
segment 32. This seat 51 is also shown with the square post mount
35 of FIG. 6 and in the bottom plan view of FIG. 9. Further, it
should be understood, where the ball segment seat 51 is set out
above as formed in the square post mount 35 or across a lower end
of the post insert 39, that seat can also be formed across a lower
end of the post 22 itself, within the scope of this disclosure.
Which post mounts of FIGS. 6, 7, 7A and 16, do not include the
gasket 34, but instead employ a roughening at 32a of the ball
segment surface to provide a friction surface therebetween, that is
shown best in FIG. 16. A ball segment and seat coupling is thereby
provided that allows the post 22 to be tilted across the ball
segment 32 surface, as illustrated best in FIGS. 7 and 7A, for
adjusting the post attitude relative to the top surface 28 of the
ground stake 23.
FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, as set out above, utilize a post insert 39 that
is adjusted to the vertical for receiving the post 22 end
telescoped thereover. To maintain a secure coupling of which post
insert 39 and post 40 end, spacers 43 are arranged between opposing
surfaces of which post insert and post. Which spacers 43 are
preferably each a saddle having a center slot with parallel legs
thereacross and are formed from a resilient material. The spacers
43 are fitted, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, across the post insert
top edge 39a and across a top edge of a slot 45, or slots 45, that
are formed in the side of which post insert. Two points of spacers
43 contact with the post 22 interior walls are thereby provided for
preventing movement of the post 22 relative to the post insert
39.
As set out above, the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS.
1, 6, 7 and 7A, as do the adjustable mountings shown in FIGS. 13,
15, and 16, all employ variations of ball segment and seat
mountings between the ground stake and post mount or post insert.
The ball and seat arrangement of FIG. 1, and as shown in FIGS. 7
and 7A, is a ball segment 32 for fitting it in a hemispherical seat
51 of the square post insert 35. A gasket 34 is shown sandwiched
between which ball segment and seat in FIG. 1 and the ball segment
surface is shown roughened at 32a in FIGS. 7 and 7A, for
prohibiting relative movement or slippage of the mount components
when they are clamped together.
Functionally, the ball segment and seat arrangements of FIGS. 1, 6,
7 and 7A, are alike, as are the ball and seat arrangements of FIGS.
13, 15 and 16. Except that the mountings of FIGS. 1, 6, 13 and 15
include gasket 34, while the mountings of FIGS. 7, 7A, and 16, show
as a roughened surface 32a included on the ball segment 32
surface.
FIGS. 13 and 16, involve a tubular or cylindrical ground stake 52,
shown best in FIG. 13 as a cylinder 53, that includes a pointed
lower end 54. The upper or top end of which cylinder includes a cap
55 that is formed as a square tube with walls 56 and with a flat
plate 57 arranged thereover. The cylinder 53 top end is telescoped
into and secured in which square tube 55, the flat plate 57 closing
off the tube end. Which flat plate 57 has a hole 58 formed
therethrough that is counter sunk on the flat plate undersurface to
receive a tapered undersurface of a the head 61 of a flat head bolt
60 that is fitted therethrough. Which bolt 60 functions like the
described eye bolt 29 except, of course, it relies on a frictional
engagement between the countersunk portion of hole 58 and head 61
undersurface to allow a washer nut 37 to be tightened thereover.
Otherwise the functioning of which eye bolt 29 and bolt 60 should
be taken as being the same.
As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the cylinder 53 is to be driven into
the ground, pointed end first, as a ground anchor. For further
anchoring which cylinder 53, each square tube wall 56 includes a
tab 59 cut therein, that cut section then bent outwardly to present
an edge to engage and bind into the ground wherein the ground stake
is driven, inhibiting its withdrawal.
FIG. 15, shows another post 22 mounting that includes the ball
segment 32 secured onto a top surface of a bracket 63 that has a
raised center portion and planar sides that are holed for receiving
cement fasteners 64 fitted therethrough and driven into a cement,
concrete, or like surface, securing the bracket thereto. Which
bracket 63 raised center portion is center holed to receive the
bolt 60 fitted therethrough prior to mounting. While the bolt head
61 is shown for receiving a screw driver blade, it should be
understood that a hex shaped head could be so used as head 61 that
would accommodate a wrench head fitted under the bracket 63, to
hold that head while the washer nut 37 is turned onto the bolt 60
threaded end.
As set out above the open center portion or hole 33 through the
ball segment 32 is tapered from a lesser diameter at its base to a
greater diameter at its top, to allow for tilting of bolt 31. Which
angle of taper, as shown as angle A in FIGS. 7, 7A and 13; as set
out hereinabove, allows for a change in angle of the angle of post
22 of up to twenty (20) degrees from a right angle to the ground.
Preferably; the hole tapers to provide up to a twenty degrees
(20.degree.) change of the post longitudinal axis so as to provide
an angle of tilt to the attached post of up to ten degrees
(10.degree.) either side of a right angle to the plane of the
ground or top surface of a ground stake. This tilting capability
allows for positioning the post 22 or post insert 39 back to the
vertical so as to compensate for the ground stake the top surface
not being horizontal.
FIGS. 4 through 6, show another embodiment of a ground stake 65
that includes a platform 66 and pointed stake 67, which stake is
shown as having been pounded into the ground. FIG. 5 shows the
stake 67 as having displaced from the vertical in that driving,
necessitating a tipping of the post insert 39 to compensate to
position the post 22 telescoped thereon to the vertical.
Hereinabove have been set out a number of ball segment and seat
configurations for attaching a post insert 39 onto the top of a
ground stake to allow for a tilt of that post insert to where it is
in a vertical attitude. FIGS. 4, 4A, 5 and 5A, show another post
insert mounting arrangement that also allows for tilting of the
post insert 39. As shown, this tilting arrangement consists of a
pair of tapered washers 70 and 72, that overlay one another forming
a stack. In FIG. 4 the washers 70 and 72 tapered surfaces are shown
to slope oppositely, with the top and bottom surfaces of which
stack thereby being essentially parallel. To provide for washer
positioning each washer includes a tab 71 and 73, respectively,
that extends outwardly from the thinnest washer side. Shown in FIG.
4A the tab 71 of the washer 70 extends from one side of the stack,
with the tab 73 of the washer 72 shown extending outwardly from the
other stack side, indicating that the washer tapered surfaces slope
oppositely. So arranged, the washer stack would have essentially
parallel top and bottom surfaces. FIG. 5A shows the tapered washers
70 and 72 as having been turned to where the tabs 71 and 73 align,
the tapers overlay one another, providing a tilt to the stack top
surface relative to the bottom, as shown in FIG. 5. This tilt, as
shown, is to compensate for the positioning of the ground stake
pointed stake 67 being at other than the vertical. Functionally,
with the tapered washers 70 and 72 positioned to provide a desired
angle to the post insert 39, the washer nut 37 is turned onto the
bolt, whereafter the post 22 is installed onto the post insert 39,
as described above.
The post 22 mounted to the post mount 35 or is telescoped over the
post insert 39 is then useful for: mounting a newspaper tube 21
cantilevered outwardly from the post top end, as shown in FIGS. 1
and 2; mounting a mail box mount 75 across a top post end, as shown
in FIGS. 10 through 12, to receive a mail box thereon; mounting
mail box across the post 22 top end by a frame mount, as shown in
FIGS. 19, 20, 23 and 24; mounting a newspaper tube 21 cantilevered
from the post 22 top end that, in turn, mounts a mail box as shown
in FIGS. 17 and 18, or mounting a mail box onto a horizontal wood
beam, as shown in FIG. 20.
The newspaper tube 21, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is preferably an
open tube or hollow, the top and bottom sides of which tube at one
end, are formed into outwardly extending top and bottom end tabs 80
and 81, respectively. The end tabs 80 and 81 are each for fitting
in one of parallel lateral slots 82 formed across a post 22 side,
and each end tab 80 and 81 has at least one, and preferably two
holes 83 formed therethrough. To install the newspaper tube 21
cantilevered from the post 22 pegs 85 are passed through the post
22 top end and are individually fitted through the end tabs 80 and
81 holes 83. This operation is preferably performed manually and
accordingly the pegs 85 are preferably formed from a molded
material, such as a plastic, and are configured for ease of
installation. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3C show a first peg 85 embodiment that
includes a broad head 86 and tapered body 87. A locking ridge 88 is
shown extending outwardly from the peg body 87, opposite to broad
head 86. Which locking ridge 88, with peg insertion into an end tab
hole 83, as shown best in FIG. 3C, extends into the post lateral
slot 82, for preventing peg withdrawal.
A second peg 90 embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The peg 90,
like the described peg 85, has a broad head 91 and includes a
tapered body 92. Rather than a locking ridge, however, the peg 90
includes spaced teeth, serrations, barbs, or threads 93 that are
formed along and to extend outwardly from the tapered body 92,
below the broad head 90. Shown best in FIG. 3B, with the peg 90
installed in hole 83, a side of one or more of the teeth,
serrations, barbs, or threads 93 will engage the tab hole 83 edge,
prohibiting peg withdrawal.
A cap 95, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is preferably installed onto, to
cover, the post 22 open top end. Prior to which cap 95 installation
the pegs, as described, are fitted through that post open end and
into the tab holes 83. Which cap 95, shown in FIGS. 10 through 12,
is replaced by mail box mount 75, or a mail box mounted thereon.
Which mail box mount 75 consists of a flat top plate 76 that has
downwardly extending right angle flanges 77 that project from along
opposite edges. Equidistantly spaced plates 78 are secured across
which downturned flanges 77, the flanges and plates thereby forming
a square center recess that is for receiving a square post 22 end
fitted therein. For providing overlying coupling surfaces where the
flanges intersect the post surfaces, opposite side end sections of
which post 22 may be removed leaving tabs 79. Shown best in FIGS.
11 and 12, the tabs 79 and plates 78 are to be fitted together in
juxtaposition arrangement with holes 79a through each aligned to
receive pins 79b fitted therein securing the mail box mount 75 onto
the post 22 end. So arranged, the flat top plate 76 is for
receiving a mail box secured thereon.
FIGS. 17 and 18 show another mounting 100 for a mail box 110. The
mounting 100 includes a pair of brackets 101 that are each
connected to the ends of a pair of parallel bars 102. The bars 102
space the brackets 101 apart in parallel relationship forming a
rectangular frame. To construct this frame, each bracket 101
includes as a pair of flanges 104 that extend outwardly and
parallel from along the top and bottom edges, respectively, of a
bracket web. The bar 102 ends are for fitting between which flanges
104, each receiving a coupling device, that is preferably a pivot,
and is fitted through the bracket flanges and a bar end. The bars
102 have holes 105 formed through the mid-portions thereof for
receiving fasteners 106, as set out below. Which mounting 100 is
either for mounting onto the top surface of the newspaper tube 21
that is cantilevered from a top end portion of post 22, as shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18 or onto a post 22 end, as shown in FIG. 19.
To provide for mounting mail box 110, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18,
the bracket 101 webs, proximate to their ends, include longitudinal
slots 103 that receive fasteners, shown as bolts 107, fitted
therethrough and through corner holes formed in a cover 111 of mail
box 110. Prior to which mail box 110 mounting fasteners 106, shown
as bolts, are fitted through center openings 105 formed through the
bars that are, in turn, fitted through holes formed through the
newspaper tube 21 top, with nuts 106a, shown in FIG. 18, turned
over the bolt ends. Wood screws can be used in place of bolts 106
and nuts 106a, within the scope of this disclosure. With the frame
mounted to the newspaper tube 21, the mail box 110 is seated, as
set out above, and the bolts 107 are fitted through the mail box
cover corner holes and through the bracket web slots 103 to receive
washers 109 and nuts 108 turned onto which bolt 107 ends, as shown
best in FIG. 18.
FIG. 19 shows another framed arrangement for mounting a mail box
onto a post 22 end, which post 22 is shown as formed of wood,
through it could be formed of solid plastic, or could be tubular
with a top end insert, or a like arrangement, within the scope of
this disclosure. The frame arrangement of FIG. 19, like that of
FIG. 17, includes a pair of brackets 101, each with parallel
flanges 104 extending from the edges thereof, and with a pair of
bars 102 for positioning between which brackets. One of which bars
102, like the arrangement of FIG. 17, is connected at its ends
between the flanges 104 by fasteners 104a, with the other bar 102
ends mounted to slide freely in longitudinal slots 104b formed in
the flanges 104. With the mounting 100 fitted onto a post top end,
shown in FIG. 19 as a wood post, and the bar 102 whose ends are
mounted in longitudinal slots 104b moved to where the bar holes
102a in both bars 102 aligned with the wood post top surface,
screws 113, or the like, are turned through holes 102a and into the
post top, securing the mounting 100 thereto. Thereafter the mail
box 110 is installed to the mounting as described hereinabove with
respect to FIGS. 17 and 18.
FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a mounting 120 for mail box
110. The mounting 120, like the mounting 100, includes a pair of
brackets 121 with bars 122 arranged therebetween. The brackets 121
each include parallel flanges 123 extending from opposite edges of
a mid-section of a web 124, and include cross braces 125 secured
therebetween, providing a rigid bracket structure. Shown best in
FIGS. 20 and 21, the bar 122 ends are each necked down into sleeve
126 that is drilled longitudinally and threaded to receive a bolt
127 turned therein. Each bolt 127, as shown best in FIGS. 21 and
23, is fitted though a hole 128 formed through the bracket 121 and
turned into the bar sleeve 126 end, forming a pivot coupling of
which bar to the bracket. The bar 122 pivot coupling allows end bar
to be pivoted to the attitudes shown, respectively: in FIGS. 20 and
22, where wide mid-portions 129 of each bar 122 extend oppositely;
in FIGS. 21 and 23 where the mid-portions 129 are parallel and
point downwardly; and FIG. 24, where in mid-portions 129 point
towards one another. Which bar 122 positioning is maintained by
turning the bolt 127 fitted through flange hole 128 tightly into
the bar sleeve 126. With the bar 122 appropriately positioned
fasteners, such as screws 130 can be turned through holes 131
formed in the bar mid-portions and into a wood beam, like that
shown in FIG. 22, or into a top end of a wood post, like that shown
in FIGS. 23 and 24, securing the mounting 120 onto which beam or
post end. Thereafter, a mail box 110 can be mounted onto which
mounting 120 utilizing the bolts, nuts, and washers 107, 108, and
109, respectively, shown in FIG. 17, secured through elongate slots
132, formed in the bracket 121 ends, as shown in FIG. 22. Where the
mounting 120 is shown utilized for attaching a mail box 110 onto a
wood beam or wood post, it should be understood that, like mounting
100 it can be used also for mounting a mail box onto a cantilevered
plastic tube or post end, or like beam or post arrangement, within
the scope of this disclosure.
Herein have been shown and described preferred arrangements of a
post system and component elements and mountings thereof of the
present invention. It should, however, be understood that the
present disclosure is made by way of example only and that changes
can be made thereto without departing from the subject matter
coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable
equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.
* * * * *