MOUNTING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A mounting arrangement (18) for mounting together components 1 (2, 14) of a gravestone (10), and for mounting the gravestone (10) to the ground. The arrangement (18) includes an elongate member (20) threaded on an upper part and mounting a nut (22). Beneath the nut (22) are engagement assemblies (32) for each component of the gravestone (10), separated by a spacer member (34). The assemblies (32) comprise a pair of engagement members (36) which together define a loose cylindrical sleeve around the elongate member (20). A diagonal cut (28) is provided between the two members (36) which causes the members (36) to move radially outwardly in opposite directions to engage opposite sides of a hole, when the assembly (36) is compressed by downward movement of the nut (22) along the elongate member (20).

Description

This arrangement concerns a mounting arrangement, and particularly but not exclusively a mounting arrangement usable with memorials such as gravestones.

Difficulties have been encountered previously in securely mounting gravestones and other memorials on the ground. Furthermore difficulties have been encountered in securing together different parts of gravestones and memorials. Such parts may be bonded together with cement or other materials, which materials can degrade and fail over time. This has resulted in gravestones or parts of gravestones on some occasions falling over which can be very dangerous in view of the weight of the items involved. Proposals have been made for securely mounting gravestones on the ground, but these proposals have not always been wholly satisfactory and have often been difficult to carry out.

According to the present invention there is provided a mounting arrangement, the arrangement being elongate and extendable through a hole, the mounting arrangement including an elongate member and an engagement assembly mounted on the elongate member, the engagement assembly being configured such that when compressed in an axial direction of the elongate member, parts of the engagement assembly move radially outwards in at least generally opposite directions, whereby to engage opposite sides of the hole and retain the mounting arrangement therein.

A fixed member may be provided on the elongate member against which one end of the engagement assembly is engageable. A movable member may also be provided on the elongate member and engageable against the other end of the engagement assembly to permit compression thereof. The movable member may be threadably mounted on the elongate member.

In use, the movable member may be provided above the engagement assembly. A formation may be provided on the movable member to permit rotation thereof by a tool, and the formation may be a security formation only rotatable by a corresponding tool of non conventional configuration.

The engagement assembly may include a pair of engagement members located axially adjacent each other on the elongate member, with the elongate member extending through openings in the engagement members, the diameter of the openings being such that the engagement members fit loosely on the elongate member, the engagement members each having inclined cooperable engagement faces such that as the engagement members are pushed together in an axial direction, the engagement faces urge the engagement members radially outwardly in opposite directions to each other.

A resilient member may extend around the engagement members to urge them radially together. A formation such as a groove may be provided on the outside of the engagement members to receive the resilient member.

Alternatively or in addition, a resilient member or members may extend around the elongate member within the engagement members' openings to retain the engagement members substantially in a coaxial alignment at rest.

A plurality of engagement assemblies may be provided on the elongate member.

One or more spacer members may be provided between the engagement assemblies. The spacer member or members is preferably a sliding fit on the elongate member.

The arrangement may include a ground anchor which extends below the elongate member. The ground anchor and elongate member may be integral. Alternatively the ground anchor and elongate member may be selectively mountable together, and the ground anchor and elongate member may include respective threaded engagement formations. A formation may be provided on an upper part in use of the elongate member to permit rotation thereof by a tool to permit mounting to the ground anchor.

The external surface of the or each engagement assembly may be formed so as to enhance grip with the walls of a hole.

The invention also provides a mounting arrangement for a memorial, the arrangement being according to any of the preceding nine paragraphs and configured such that the engagement assembly can engage against a part of the memorial.

The memorial may have a plurality of components, and the mounting arrangement may be configured to have a respective engagement assembly engageable with each of the components.

The invention further provides a method of mounting a memorial, the method including locating the memorial in situ, drilling an at least generally vertical hole into the memorial, locating a mounting arrangement according to either of the preceding two paragraphs into the hole, and compressing the engagement assembly or assemblies so as to engage with the memorial.

Where the memorial has a plurality of components, an engagement assembly may be provided for each of the components, and each engagement assembly may be compressed to engage with the respective component.

The hole may be drilled into the ground below the memorial. A ground anchor may be located in the hole, and the mounting arrangement connected thereto.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a first mounting arrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a similar view to FIG. 1 but also including a ground anchor;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a similar mounting arrangement to the first arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 3 in use;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic plan view of the arrangement of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a similar view to FIG. 1 but of a second mounting arrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a typical memorial with which a mounting arrangement according to the invention could be used;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of a third mounting arrangement according to the invention in use in mounting a memorial;

FIG. 9 is a similar view to FIG. 8 but of a fourth mounting arrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a similar view to FIG. 8 of a fifth mounting arrangement according to the invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic side view of part of a sixth mounting arrangement according to the invention; and

FIG. 12 is a similar view to FIG. 3 but of a modified arrangement

The drawings show mounting arrangements suitable for mounting together components of a memorial such as the gravestone 10 shown in FIG.

7, and where required mounting such a memorial to the ground. The gravestone 10 has a foundation 12 on which is mounted a base 14, from which vertically extends a headstone 16.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first mounting arrangement 18. Whilst the mounting arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is slightly different, similar reference numerals and description will be used in view of. the only minor differences. The mounting arrangement 18 has an elongate member 20 which is threaded at least on an upper part.

A nut 22 is mounted on the threaded part of the member 20 with a washer 24 therebelow. As can be seen in FIG. 5 the nut 22 has an unusual profile with five equispaced rounded indents 26 to receive a correspondingly shaped tool (not shown) to permit rotation thereof. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 a fixed lower nut 28 may be provided on the lower end of the member 20, again with a washer 30 immediately thereabove.

Between the movable nut 22 and fixed nut 28 are located two engagement assemblies 32 with a spacer member 34 therebetween. Each engagement assembly 32 includes two engagement members 36 which together define a cylindrical sleeve around the elongate member 20 with a diagonal cut 38 between the two members 36. The cut 38 defines two inclined engagement faces 40. This means that when the two engagement members 36 are urged together in an axial direction they tend to slide radially outwardly in opposite directions along the engagement faces 40 to a position shown in FIG. 4.

A central groove 42 is provided around the engagement members 36 such that part of the groove 42 is on one engagement member 36 and part on the other. A rubber band, O-ring or other resilient member (not shown) may be located in the groove 42 to retain the engagement member in a coaxial alignment at rest.

The spacer member 34 is a cylindrical member which is a sliding fit around the elongate member 20. FIG. 4 shows the mounting arrangement 18 in use holding together a foundation 12 and base 14 which have a hole 44 extending therethrough. The movable nut 22 has been screwed onto the elongate member 20 to urge the engagement assemblies 32 against each other, against the spacer member 34 and the fixed nut 28.

This has caused the engagement members 36 to move radially outwardly away from the elongate member 20 to grip against the walls of the hole 44. One of the engagement assemblies 32 engages with the foundation 12, whilst the other engages with the base 14. As can be seen from FIG. 1 the outside of the engagement members 36 has formations on its surface to provide a high friction surface, in contrast to the smooth exterior of the spacer member 34.

FIG. 2 shows the mounting arrangement 18 with a ground anchor 46 extending therebelow. The ground anchor 46 may be mounted to the arrangement 18 for instance by the lower part of the elongate member 20 being threaded and engaging in a corresponding female formation on the ground anchor. Alternatively, a female formation could be provided at the lower end of the mounting arrangement with a corresponding male formation provided on the ground anchor. A hexagonal recess 45 and cross slot 47 are provided in the upper end of the elongate member 20 to permit turning thereof, to enable engagement with the ground anchor 46. The ground anchor may be solid or hollow as required, and any required type of surface may be provided on the exterior thereof.

FIG. 6 shows a second mounting arrangement 48 which is similar to the first mounting arrangement 18, except that three engagement assemblies 32 are provided inter spaced by two spacer members 34.

FIG. 8 shows a gravestone 10 mounted together and to the ground by a third mounting arrangement 50 fully locating in a hole 44 passing through the base 14 and foundation 12. The arrangement 50 includes two engagement assemblies 32 engageable respectively with the foundation 12 and base 14, and spaced apart by a spacer member 34. A ground anchor 46 extends below the arrangement 50.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth mounting arrangement 52, which is similar to the third arrangement 50 except that here the gravestone 10 also includes an upper cover member 54. Consequently the fourth mounting arrangement 52 includes three engagement assemblies engageable respectively with the foundation 12, base 14 and upper cover 54. The engagement assemblies are interspaced by two spacer members 34. Again a ground anchor 46 is provided.

FIG. 10 shows a fifth mounting arrangement 56 usable with a gravestone 10 which is mounted on a concrete base 58. Here the fifth mounting arrangement 56 includes upper and lower engagement assemblies 32 with a spacer member 34 inbetween, with the fifth mounting arrangement wholly located in a hole 44 passing through the foundation 12 and base 14. No ground anchor is provided as the foundation 12 is mounted on the concrete base 58.

FIG. 11 shows part of a sixth mounting arrangement 60 where the ground anchor 46 is integral with the elongate member 20. The lowermost engagement assembly 32 (not shown) will be engageable against the top of the ground anchor 46, and again an upper threaded part 62 is provided which can mount a nut 22 to engage with the top most engagement assembly 32.

In use to mount a gravestone 10 for instance of the type illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the gravestone 10 is located in situ. A hole 44 is then drilled through the foundation 12 and base 14 and into the ground. The hole in the ground may be drilled to a required depth or may be formed with a special tool, such that the ground anchor 46 can be located therein with the top thereof just extending into the hole 44 through the foundation 12.

The fourth mounting arrangement 52 as shown in FIG. 8 is then mounted to the ground anchor 46 by an appropriate threaded configuration. The movable nut 22 is then screwed downwardly causing the engagement members 36 to move outwardly to engage with the sides of the hole 44 respectively in the foundation 12 and base 14. This therefore retains the base 12 and 14 together, and also mounts these components to the ground anchor 46. Once the nut 22 has been tightened downwardly to a maximum extent, the top of the hole 44 can be closed by a plastic cap or otherwise.

FIG. 12 shows a modified mounting arrangement 70 which is as illustrated in FIG. 3 except that in the lower part of the arrangement two “O” rings 72 are provided around the elongate member 20 each within a respective engagement member 36. The “O” rings 72 retain the engagement members 36 in a substantially coaxial alignment on the elongate member 20 at rest, but can be compressed as the engagement members 36 move relative to each other as the nut 22 is screwed downwardly. Other resilient members such as rubber tubes could be used rather than the “O” rings.

There are thus described mounting arrangements for gravestones and other memorials which provide a number of advantages. Such arrangements can readily be fitted and provide for a positive connection between the various components of the memorial and also connection to a ground anchor where appropriate. The arrangements are unlikely to fail over time and can readily be inspected and tightened. The system can be configured for use with different sizes and thicknesses of memorials, and with differing numbers of components. The arrangements can readily be installed without the requirement for particular skills, and can be retrofitted in existing installations if required.

As indicated a required number and size of engagement assemblies and spacer members can be provided for particular locations. Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, engagement assemblies which operate in a different manner could be used. A different system could be used for causing the engagement assemblies to engage with the sides of the hole. Many different ways can be used to provide connection between the mounting arrangements and the ground anchors.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A mounting arrangement, the arrangement being elongate and extendable through a hole, the mounting arrangement including an elongate member and an engagement assembly mounted on the elongate member, the engagement assembly being configured such that when compressed in an axial direction of the elongate member, parts of the engagement assembly move radially outwards in at least generally opposite directions, whereby to engage opposite sides of the hole and retain the mounting arrangement therein.

2. A mounting arrangement according to claim 1, in which a fixed member is provided on the elongate member against which one end of the engagement assembly is engageable.

3. A mounting arrangement according to claim 2, in which a movable member is provided on the elongate member and engageable against the other end of the engagement assembly to permit compression thereof.

4. A mounting arrangement according to claim 3, in which the movable member is threadably mounted on the elongate member.

5. A mounting arrangement according to claim 3, in which in use, the movable member is provided above the engagement assembly.

6. A mounting arrangement according to claim 3, in which a formation is provided on the movable member to permit rotation thereof by a tool.

7. A mounting arrangement according to claim 6, in which the formation is a security formation only rotatable by a corresponding tool of non conventional configuration.

8. A mounting arrangement according to claim 1, in which the engagement assembly includes a pair of engagement members located axially adjacent each other on the elongate member, with the elongate member extending through openings in the engagement members, the diameter of the openings being such that the engagement members fit loosely on the elongate member, the engagement members each having inclined cooperable engagement faces such that as the engagement members are pushed together in an axial direction, the engagement faces urge the engagement members radially outwardly in opposite directions to each other.

9. A mounting arrangement according to claim 8, in which a resilient member extends around the engagement members to urge them radially together.

10. A mounting arrangement according to claim 9, in which a formation such as a groove is provided on the outside of the engagement members to receive the resilient member.

11. A mounting arrangement according to claim 8, in which a resilient member or members extend around the elongate member within the engagement members' openings to retain the engagement members substantially in a coaxial alignment at rest.

12. A mounting arrangement according to claim 1, in which a plurality of engagement assemblies are provided on the elongate member.

13. A mounting arrangement according to claim 12, in which one or more spacer members are provided between the engagement assemblies.

14. A mounting arrangement according to claim 13, in which the spacer member or members is a sliding fit on the elongate member.

15. A mounting arrangement according to claim 1, in which the arrangement includes a ground anchor which extends below the elongate member.

16. A mounting arrangement according to claim 15, in which the ground anchor and elongate member are integral.

17. A mounting arrangement according to claim 15, in which the ground anchor and elongate member are selectively mountable together.

18. A mounting arrangement according to claim 17, in which the ground anchor and elongate member include respective threaded engagement formations.

19. A mounting arrangement according to claim 1, in which a formation is provided on an upper part in use of the elongate member to permit rotation thereof by a tool to permit mounting to the ground anchor.

20. A mounting arrangement according to claim 1, in which the external surface of the or each engagement assembly is formed so as to enhance grip with the walls of a hole.

21. A mounting arrangement for a memorial, the arrangement being according to claim 1 and configured such that the engagement assembly can engage against a part of the memorial.

22. A mounting arrangement according to claim 21, in which the memorial has a plurality of components, and the mounting arrangement is configured to have a respective engagement assembly engageable with each of the components.

23. A method of mounting a memorial, the method including locating the memorial in situ, drilling an at least generally vertical hole into the memorial, locating a mounting arrangement according to either of the preceding two paragraphs into the hole, and compressing the engagement assembly or assemblies so as to engage with the memorial.

24. A method of mounting a memorial according to claim 23, in which where the memorial has a plurality of components, an engagement assembly is provided for each of the components, and each engagement assembly is compressed to engage with the respective component.

25. A method of mounting a memorial according to claim 23, in which the hole is drilled into the ground below the memorial.

26. A method of mounting a memorial according to claim 23, in which a ground anchor is located in the hole, and the mounting arrangement connected thereto.

27-30. (canceled)