GROUND FOUNDATION ELEMENT

Abstract

A ground foundation element (2) comprising an elongated anchor portion (10) which is arranged to be placed into the ground during installation and which is arranged to establish a firm connection between the elongated anchor portion and the ground. The ground foundation element further comprises: a first elongated track (20, 22) fixed to the elongated anchor portion on one side of a plane comprising the longitudinal centre axis of the elongated anchor portion and a second elongated track fixed to the elongated anchor portion on the other side of said plane. The first and second elongated tracks are arranged essentially parallel to each other and offset from each other in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second elongated tracks and which is perpendicular to said plane. In this way, a ground foundation element is provided which can be used in a ground foundation assembly which provides an adjustable, strong and simple arrangement.

Description

The current invention relates to a ground foundation element comprising an elongated anchor portion which is arranged to be placed into the ground during installation and which is arranged to establish a firm connection between the elongated anchor portion and the ground.

The current invention also relates to a ground foundation assembly suitable for supporting a supported object, for example a vertically aligned post or a pole, said ground foundation assembly comprising: a ground foundation element and a displaceable sled which can be used to adjust the position of the supported object with respect to the ground foundation element.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Ground foundations of this kind are well known in the art. These are sometimes called ground anchors. They are often used for supporting poles for signs or lights. In recent years, ground foundations of this kind have also often been used for supporting noise absorbing fences, for example along motor ways. Other applications of ground foundations are also known in the art.

A good example of one such prior art ground foundation is the one disclosed in EP 1613821. In this document a ground anchor is disclosed which is first driven into the ground, then the position of the supported element is adjusted by loosening the bolt in the middle of the assembly, positioning the supporting plate and then tightening the screw. The prior art solution however has a number of drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore a first object of the invention to provide a ground foundation element which is better than the prior art.

A second object of the invention is to provide a ground foundation assembly which is better than the prior art.

This is provided via the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1. Additional beneficial features are provided in the dependent claims.

It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising/comprised of” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. For example in the claims it is stated that the ground foundation comprises a first track and a second track, however, this should also include ground foundations with more than two tracks. For example, three tracks or four tracks would also be included as would more than four. Another example is that in the claims it is stated that the fastening elements have two positions, a locked position and an unlocked position, however, fastening elements having more than two positions should also be included. For example a fastening element comprising a nut and a bolt would comprise a large number of positions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective top side view of a first embodiment of a ground foundation assembly according to the invention with a supported object mounted on the foundation.

FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the area marked with II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the area marked with II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective top side view of a ground foundation assembly according to the invention without any supported object.

FIG. 5 shows a close-up view of the area marked with V in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective top side view of the embodiment of the ground foundation assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the ground foundation element of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the ground foundation element of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 show respectively front, side and top views of the sled of the ground foundation assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment of a ground foundation assembly according to the current invention.

FIG. 13 shows a third embodiment of a ground foundation assembly according to the current invention.

FIG. 14 shows a fourth embodiment of a ground foundation assembly according to the current invention.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 14.

In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to embodiments shown by the enclosed figures. It should be emphasized that the embodiments shown are used for example purposes only and should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-11 all show one particular embodiment 1 of a ground foundation assembly according to the invention. It should however be clear to the person skilled in the art, that the ground foundation assembly can be arranged and designed in many different ways while still following the general inventive teaching provided in this specification. Two examples of alternative embodiments are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 and will be described later on in this specification.

In the figures the ground foundation assembly 1 comprises a ground foundation element 2 and a displaceable sled 3. An object 4, in this specification called the “supported object” is fastened to the ground foundation assembly via the sled 3. In this embodiment the supported object is an H beam 5 used for supporting, for example, a sign (not shown). A plate 6 is welded to the bottom of the H-beam. The plate 6 is used to connect the H-beam to the ground foundation assembly. In the current embodiment, the plate 6 is connected to the displaceable sled 3.

The ground foundation 2 of the ground foundation assembly comprises an elongated anchor portion 10. The elongated anchor portion 10 comprises, in the current embodiment, an H-beam 11. The H-beam has two “end” flanges 12, 13 and a centre flange 14 connecting the two end flanges. “Wings” 15 are in the current embodiment welded to the H-Beam in order to provide more contact area between the ground and the elongated anchor portion once the elongated anchor portion is inserted into the ground. This provides more support for the ground foundation. The use of wings is well known in the art and will not be described in more detail here.

When placing the elongated anchor portion of the current embodiment in the ground, the tip 16 of the H-beam is first positioned above the ground surface and then the elongated anchor portion is pressed into the ground along a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated anchor portion. Depending on the ground in which the anchor portion is to be inserted, the anchor portion could either be pressed into the ground, or pounded into the ground.

It should be obvious to the person skilled in the art that the elongated anchor portion could be formed in many different ways. In one example, it could be formed as a helix which is “screwed” into the ground. In another example, it could be formed as a hollow cylindrical tube. In another example, it could be formed as a square channel. In all embodiments, wings could be used or not. Many other possibilities exist.

In the claims it is currently specified that the elongated anchor portion is arranged to be “placed” into the ground. The term “placed” should be understood quite broadly and should cover anchors which are placed in a hole in the ground and then covered and it should also cover anchors which are “driven” into the ground. The term “driven” should be understood quite broadly. The term driven should cover the actions of for example pressing, pounding and screwing.

At the top of the ground foundation element 2, a displaceable sled 3 is provided. The function of the sled is to allow adjustment of the position of the supported element with respect to the elongated anchor portion. In a perfect world, it would be possible to place the foundation exactly at the correct position and correct angular orientation. In this perfect world, no adjustment would typically be needed. However in the real world, it is difficult to place the foundation at the exact right location and/or angular orientation. For example, if there is a large rock underground in the path of the anchor portion, then the entire foundation will be shifted in position and orientation from the desired one.

In order to provide the possibility of adjustment, in this embodiment two elongated flanges or blocks 20, 21 with through-going slots 22, 23 are welded to either end flange 12, 13 of H-beam. These two blocks with slots form “elongated tracks”. In the current embodiment, one could imagine a plane which went down the plane of symmetry of the H-beam and was perpendicular to the centre flange 14 of the H beam. In the current embodiment this plane is also parallel to the longitudinal centre axis of the elongated anchor portion. A first elongated block 20 is then arranged on a first side of this plane and a second elongated block 21 is arranged on a second side of this plane. In each block a through-going slot 22, 23 is machined. This can be seen best in FIG. 6. The two slots 22, 23 are arranged parallel with respect to each other and are offset from each other. In the current embodiment, the two slots are offset from each other along a vector which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the slots, and perpendicular to the described plane. Furthermore, in the current embodiment, it can be seen that the offset distance from the described plane to the slots is essentially the same for both slots. It could also be said that in the current embodiment the centre plane of the slots is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated anchor portion.

The “sled” 3 of the current embodiment comprises two slots 25,26. In the current embodiment the two slots 25,26 are arranged collinear. The two slots of the sled are arranged such that they can be aligned with the two slots 22, 23 in the elongated blocks 20, 21 fastened to the H beam of the elongated anchor portion. A first bolt 27 can then be placed through the first slot 22 in the anchor portion and the first slot 25 in the sled and a second bolt 28 can be placed through the second slot 23 in the anchor portion and the second slot 26 in the sled. Due to the slots, the sled can be displaced both in a direction parallel to the axis of the slots in the anchor portion and parallel to the direction of the slots in the sled. Furthermore, the sled can be angled with respect to the anchor portion. When nuts are placed on the bolts and the nuts are tightened, the sled becomes locked in position with respect to the anchor portion. It can therefore be considered that the bolts and nuts are fastening elements having two modes, a first unlocked mode where the sled can displace and a second locked mode where the sled cannot displace.

In order to ensure a tight connection between the sled and the ground foundation portion, a “washer” plate 30 is provided. The washer plate in the current embodiment is provided with two holes 31, 32 which are large enough for the bolts 27, 28 to pass through, but smaller than the head of the bolts and the nuts used with the bolts. In this way, the “washer” plate has the same function as a typical washer, but is stronger than a typical washer since the washer plate supports both bolts instead of just one bolt. The use of a washer plate also permits the openings in the sled 3 to be significantly oversized with respect to the diameter of the bolts used to fasten the sled to the ground foundation element. In the current embodiment slots are used which have an inner width which is essentially identical to the outer diameter of the bolts used. However, with the use of a washer plate as shown in the figures, instead of slots, one could also use holes which are much larger than the diameter of the bolts. In this way, adjustment would also be possible in multiple directions. It should be noted that depending on the geometry of the slots or openings in the sled, traditional washers could be used instead of a washer plate.

The sled 3 furthermore is provided with four nuts 35 which are welded onto the sled. A bolt 36 can then be placed in this nut and through the plate 6 of the supported element 4. Via the use of double nuts 37 on the bolt 36, the vertical position of the plate 6 with respect to the sled can be adjusted. In the current embodiment, there are four bolts which support the plate 6, and by adjusting the vertical offset between the plate and the sled at these four locations, the vertical alignment of the supported object can be adjusted. This form of adjustment of the alignment of the supported object is known from the prior art and won't be described in more detail here.

In the above description, it has been assumed that the sled is provided with openings when delivered from the factory. However, it could also be imagined that the sled is provided from the factory without any openings. During assembly, the ground foundation element is first placed in the ground, then the sled is placed on the ground foundation element and the desired location of the sled is determined. Markings are then made on the sled which identify the locations of the openings necessary to align with the slots of the ground foundation element. The openings are then machined into the sled. In this way, the openings are provided at the correct location. Depending on the location where the ground foundation assemblies are to be installed, it might be advantageous to mark the desired locations of the openings on the sled and then move the sled to a separate location where machinery is provided to machine the openings. The machined sled can then be returned to the location of the installed ground foundation element and mounted thereon. This might be relevant in situations where the ground foundations are to be installed in an environment where machining of the sled is difficult, for example in environments of cold temperatures or poor weather. When using a washer plate as described above, the openings could be machined slightly larger than necessary to absorb any tolerances in the precision of the location markings.

It can also be mentioned, that in one embodiment (not shown), the slots 22,23 made in the blocks could be dimensioned such that one of the flat sides of the head of the bolt which is placed through the slot comes to rest against the side of the end flange 12,13 of the H-Beam 11. In this way, the head of the bolt is prevented from turning and a wrench or other form of holding tool is not necessary for holding the bolt from turning during tightening of the nut on the bolt. This effect could also be provided in other ways, for example by machining a groove (not shown) in the bottom of the block comprising the slot which is just wide enough to accept the head of the bolt.

FIG. 12 shows a second embodiment 200 of a ground foundation assembly. Most of the details of the second embodiment 200 are the same as the first embodiment 1. The main difference is that instead of a U shaped sled 3 with nuts welded into the flanges of the sled as was the case with the first embodiment, in the second embodiment 200, a sled is provided which is the form of a flat plate 201. Bolts 202 are bolted into threaded openings in the plate 201 or are welded into the plate 201. Or nuts 203 are welded onto the plate 201. As can be seen from the figures, in this embodiment instead of a washer plate, traditional washers 204 are used, however a washer plate could also be used.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment 300 of a ground foundation assembly. In this embodiment, the main difference is that the elongated tracks of the ground foundation element are C-channels 301, 302 instead of flanges with through-going slots.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show a fourth embodiment 400 of a ground foundation assembly. The fourth embodiment is very similar to the second embodiment which is shown in FIG. 12. As with the embodiment of FIG. 12, the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 is also very similar to the first embodiment described above, and as such the fourth embodiment will not be described in great detail here.

One feature to note in the drawings is the block 401 shown with dotted lines. This block is optional and not necessary, but can be useful in certain cases. The block is in one embodiment made from an elastic material which can absorb any motion between the foundation and the element 402 mounted on the foundation. This can be useful in cases where the bolts in the foundation are not very precise to allow the structure to absorb any tolerances in geometry, or in cases where there element mounted on the foundation is exposed to frequent shock loading. It also allows the bolts to be prestressed and tightened against the elastic block.

Further details of the fourth embodiment will not be provided here since it is assumed that the person skilled in the art will be able to identify the different elements shown in the figures and understand their function. It should however be stated that the element 402 mounted on the foundation has been shortened to fit onto the page. In real life, the element would most likely be longer. Furthermore, the bottom of the ground foundation element 403 has been cut off to allow the figures to fit on the page. The bottom of the ground foundation element can assume many different shapes and sizes as will be known to the person skilled in the art. One example of a suitable bottom portion is shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 where a similar ground foundation element is shown.

It should also be noted that FIGS. 14 and 15 do not show the ground foundation assembly from all angles. However, the person skilled in the art should be able to understand the rest of the shape of the elements from his or her technical knowledge. For example, the ground foundation element 403 is comprised of a H-beam (or I-beam) 404 which is symmetric. The side of the H-beam which is not seen in the figures is the same as the side which is seen in the figures. Furthermore, the H-beam has an extra flange 405 attached to it to extend the flange of the H-beam. A similar extra flange is also attached on the other side of the H-beam but cannot be seen due to the angle of the figures. In general, the ground foundation element 403 is similar to the ground foundation element 2 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The main difference being the shape of the top part of the ground foundation element. In this fourth embodiment, the top portion 406 is arranged as a flat plate 407 with two slots 408,408. The flat plate is welded onto the end of the H-beam.

It is to be noted that the figures and the above description have shown the example embodiments in a simple and schematic manner. Many of the specific mechanical details have not been shown since the person skilled in the art should be familiar with these details and they would just unnecessarily complicate this description. For example, the details of the welding processes used and the forming operations used have not been described in detail. However it is maintained that the person skilled in the art would be able to provide these details.

Claims

1. A ground foundation element (2) comprising:

a. an elongated anchor portion (10) which is arranged to be placed into the ground during installation and which is arranged to establish a firm connection between the elongated anchor portion and the ground,

characterized in that said ground foundation element further comprises:

b. a first elongated track (20,22) fixed to the elongated anchor portion on one side of a plane comprising the longitudinal centre axis of the elongated anchor portion,

c. a second elongated track (21,23) fixed to the elongated anchor portion on the other side of said plane, and wherein

d. said first and second elongated tracks are arranged essentially parallel to each other and offset from each other in a direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the first and second elongated tracks and which is perpendicular to said plane.

2. A ground foundation element (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and second elongated tracks are slots (22,23) passing through a first and a second flange element (20,21), said first and second flange elements being fixed to the elongated anchor portion (10).

3. A ground foundation assembly (1) suitable for supporting a supported object (4), for example a vertically aligned post (5) or a pole, said ground foundation assembly comprising:

a. a ground foundation element (2) according to claim 1,

b. a sled (3) comprising a first and a second opening (25,26),

c. a first fastening element (27) which passes through the first opening (25) in the sled and which is engaged with the first elongate track (20,22),

d. a second fastening element (28) which passes through the second opening (26) in the sled and which is engaged with the second elongate track (21,23), and wherein

e. said first and second fastening elements (27,28) are arranged to have two modes, an unlocked mode where the fastening elements are slideably engaged with their respective tracks and a locked mode where the fastening elements are fixedly engaged with their respective tracks such in the unlocked mode the sled is able to displace with respect to the elongated anchoring portion and in the locked mode the sled is fixed in position with respect to the elongated anchoring portion.

4. A ground foundation assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the assembly further comprises a washer plate (30) with a first opening (31) and a second opening (32), said washer plate being arranged above the sled (3) and the first fastening element (27) passing through the first opening (31) of the washer plate and the second fastening element (28) passing through the second opening (32) of the washer plate.

5. A ground foundation assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said first and second openings (25,26) in the sled (3) are elongated slots.

6. A ground foundation assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and second openings in the sled are at least twice as large as the diameter of the portion of the respective fastening element passing through the first and second openings.

7. A ground foundation assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that each of said first and second fastening elements (27,28) comprise a bolt and a nut.

8. A ground foundation assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the sled (3) comprises a mounting element (35,36) via which the supported element (4) can be mounted on the sled.

9. A ground foundation assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting element (35,36) is arranged to allow the distance between the sled (3) and the supported object (4) to be adjusted.

10. A ground foundation assembly (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the sled (3) comprises at least two mounting elements (35,36) which can be adjusted independently of each other, thereby allowing the alignment of the supported object (4) to be adjusted with respect to the sled (3).