Patent Application
20250109605
The present invention relates generally to construction equipment, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a post mounting apparatus that is configured to provide mounting of posts into the ground wherein the present invention includes an auger having an end configured to have secured thereto a coupling member operable to secure a post.
There are a plurality of applications wherein securing a post into the ground is required. Applications such as but not limited to fencing and signage most often require that posts have the lower end thereof buried into the ground to provide secure placement of the post. Conventional techniques most often employ steps that include digging a hole, placing and end of the post into the hole and backfilling the void with concrete. While the aforementioned technique is effective, there are inefficiencies and drawbacks to the existing technology.
It is common to utilize the aforementioned technique to secure traffic signs such as but not limited to stop signs in the desired location. These conventional mounting techniques not only require additional materials and time but do not provide a technique to replace the street sign in the event the street sign has been broken either at the ground level or other location. Furthermore, the conventional methods employed often require at least two people and are not cost effective. Lastly, once mounted utilizing the conventional techniques, the poles are not adjustable and further must be completely replaced in the event of breakage.
Accordingly, there is a need for a post installation apparatus that is configured to provide an improved mounting technique operable to accommodate different post sizes and further eliminate the requirement for installation materials such as but not limited to concrete.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a post installation apparatus that is operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the present invention includes an auger member.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a post mounting device operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the auger member includes a hollow cylindrical body having a first end and a second end wherein the first end includes an auger bit formed thereon.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a post installation apparatus that is operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the auger member has a mounting channel formed in the second end thereof.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a post mounting device operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the present invention includes a coupling member configured to be secured to the second end of the auger member.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a post installation apparatus that is operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the coupling member is square in shape and includes a mounting bolt extending across the hollow interior thereof.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a post mounting device operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the coupling member further includes a first and a second alignment member configured to provide vertical level orientation of a post secured into the coupling member.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide post installation apparatus that is operable to facilitate mounting of a post into the ground wherein the coupling member includes a first end and a second end with openings at each end and further has hollow passage extending therethrough.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:
Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a post installation apparatus 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.
Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the post installation apparatus 100 includes an auger member 10. The auger member 10 is manufactured from a suitable material such as but not limited to metal tubing. The auger member 10 includes a first end 11 and a second end 12 having openings 13,14 at each end respectively. The auger member 10 includes a hollow passage 15 intermediate the first end 11 and second end 12. The first end 11 is tapered in shape wherein the tapered shape provides the desired penetration of the ground in which the auger member 10 is drilled thereinto. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the auger member 10 could be provided in alternate diameters and lengths.
Surroundably mounted to the auger member 10 is the blade member 20. The blade member 20 is secured to the exterior surface of the auger member 10 utilizing suitable durable techniques. The blade member 20 is helical in form having a leading edge 22. The leading edge 22 includes teeth members 24 that are jagged in formation wherein the teeth members 24 facilitate improved penetration into the ground during installation of the auger member 10. The auger member 10 is rotatably moved utilizing suitable techniques wherein the helical formation of the blade member 20 provides downward insertion of the auger member 10 into the ground. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the blade member 20 could be provided in alternate diameters and furthermore include alternate arrangements of the teeth members 24.
The second end 12 of the auger member 10 includes receiving channel 30. The receiving channel 30 is equally formed on opposing sides of the auger member 10 and is configured to be operably coupled with the mounting bolt 40 of the coupling member 50. The receiving channel 30 includes a first section 31 that is parallel to the auger member 10. A second section 32 is contiguously present with the first section 31 being perpendicular thereto. A third section 33 is contiguous with the second section 32 and is parallel with the first section 31. The receiving channel 30 is configured to have the mounting bolt 40 operably coupled therewith facilitating the operable connection of the auger member 10 and the coupling member 50. The arrangement of the receiving channel 30 inhibits upward movement of the mounting bolt 40 ensuing engagement therewith so as to secure the mounting bolt 40 and as such the coupling member 50 to the second end 12 of the auger member 10.
The coupling member 50 includes four walls 52 that are integrally formed to create the shape of the coupling member 50. The coupling member 50 is hollow and configured to have a post such as but not limited to a four by four post inserted thereinto opposite the auger member 10. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the coupling member 50 could be manufactured in alternate sizes so as to have inserted thereinto various sizes of posts. Furthermore, while the coupling member 50 is illustrated herein as being square in shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the coupling member 50 could be provided in alternate shapes in order to have a mateably shaped post inserted thereinto. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the coupling member 50 could be manufactured in alternate lengths and from various suitable materials.
The coupling member 50 includes a first alignment member 60 and a second alignment member 65. The first alignment member 60 and second alignment member 65 are operable to provide a vertical leveling of the exemplary post 99 ensuing being inserted into the coupling member 50. The first alignment member 60 and second alignment member 65 are movably secured to the walls 52 that are ninety degrees in orientation with respect to each other. The first alignment member 60 and second alignment member 65 are moved either inwards or outwards as needed to vertically level the post 99. While two alignment members have been illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the coupling member 50 could employ more than or less than two alignment members.
The coupling member 50 further includes securing member 70. Securing member 70 is configured to maintain engagement and position of the post 99 ensuing being operably connected with the coupling member 50. The securing member 70 is journaled through a hole in the coupling member 50 and into the post 99 to provide securing of the position of the post 99. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the coupling member 50 could have more than one securing member 70 positioned in alternate walls 52. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the securing member 70 could be manufactured from various suitable fasteners.
Referring in particular to
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
