Apparatus, Systems and Methods for Anchoring a Structure

Abstract

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to an improved support post.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/347,400, filed Jun. 8, 2016 and entitled “Apparatus, Systems And Methods For Anchoring A Structure,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various embodiments herein relate to an improved anchoring post for use with a temporary structure.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to apparatus, systems and methods for anchoring a support structure, such as a ground blind. Ground blinds are designed to be easy to move and place, but are typically light and provide insufficient anchoring in strong winds and extreme weather. The improved post 10 addresses this shortcoming in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Discussed herein are various implementations of an improved post for anchoring a temporary structure, such as a hunting blind, pergola or other structure.

One Example includes a support post, including a hollow, elongate shaft including a lumen and a base plate including a mating opening, where the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to allow support rod passage into the mating opening and lumen. Implementations of this Example may include one or more of the following features. The post further including a mating opening flange. The post where the elongate shaft has first and second ends, and the mating opening flange is constructed and arranged to couple to the shaft at the first or second end. The post further including a support rod. The post where the support rod is a T-post. The post further including a structure. The system further including a base plate configured to be attached to the elongate shaft.

Another Example includes a support system for a structure, including at least one support post, each support post including an elongate shaft including a lumen, and an elongate support rod configured to be anchored in ground, where the support post is configured to be attached to the structure, and where the support post is mounted on the support rod via the lumen. Implementations of this Example may include one or more of the following features. The system further including a base plate configured to be attached to the elongate shaft. The system where the base plate includes a mating opening. The system further including a mating opening flange. The system where the elongate shaft has first and second ends, and the mating opening flange is constructed and arranged to couple to the shaft at the first or second end. The system where the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to allow support rod passage into the mating opening and lumen. The system further including a base plate configured to be attached to the elongate shaft. The system where the base plate includes a mating opening and flange constructed and arranged to couple to the elongate shaft. The system where the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to accommodate the advancement of the support rod into the mating opening and lumen. The system where structure is a hunting blind. The system where structure is a pergola. The system where the support rod is a T-post. The system where the base plate includes at least one hole.

Another Example includes a support system, including at least one support post, each support post including an elongate shaft including a lumen; an elongate support rod configured to be anchored in ground; and a structure, where the at least one support post is configured to be attached to the structure, and where the support rod is configured to prevent movement of the structure via the at least one elongate shaft. Implementations according to this Example may include one or more of the following features. The system further including a base plate configured to be attached to the elongate shaft. The system where the base plate includes a mating opening and flange constructed and arranged to couple to the elongate shaft. The system where the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to accommodate the advancement of the support rod into the mating opening and lumen. The system where structure is a hunting blind. The system where structure is a pergola. The system where the support rod is a T-post. The system where the base plate includes at least one hole.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods. As will be realized, the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the improved post, according to one implementation.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a known temporary structure having improved posts installed, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of an alternate known temporary structure having improved posts installed, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a perspective bottom view of the elongate shaft separated from the base plate, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a support rod, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the placement of the elongate shaft over the rod, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the elongate shaft being mounted to the base plate, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective bottom view of the base plate, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the base plate being positioned over the support rod, according to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments disclosed and contemplated herein relate to methods and devices for anchoring a temporary structure, such as a hunting blind. In various implementations, the devices and methods relate to an improved post 10 and securing a temporary structure 1 such as the ground blind shown in the implementation of FIGS. 1A-1C. It is understood that while many of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein discuss temporary structures such as hunting blinds, the various device implementations disclosed or contemplated herein can be used with any kind of structure or other device requiring anchoring. It is further understood that while the implementations of FIGS. 1B and 1C depict 4-cornered, or posted, structures, in alternate implementations and n-cornered structure can be accommodated.

In various implementations, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the post 10 has a central lumen 18 defined therethrough that is configured to allow for passage of a support rod 20 therethrough as shown below. In these implementations, the support rod 20 is embedded in or otherwise fixedly attached to the ground to provide structural anchoring of the structure 1, as is described further herein. In implementations like that shown in FIG. 1B, which shows a structure 1 that is a hunting blind 1 and 1C, which shows the post 10 installed in a structure 1 that is a pergola 1. In these and other implementations, the improved post 10 can be disposed at several corners 2, 4, 6 of the structure 1. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the post 10 of various implementations can be used with any number of temporary, semi-temporary and permanent structures, some non-limiting examples including hunting blinds, pergolas, tents, tee-pees, and other pop-up or other installed structures known in the art.

As shown in the implementation of FIG. 2A, the elongate post 10 has a hollow, generally elongate support shaft 12 having first 12A and second 12B ends. It is understood that while this implementation is an elongate rectangular shaft 12, other cross-sectional shapes are possible, such as round, oval, square, or other known extruded or otherwise formed shapes capable of forming or otherwise defining a lumen 18 therethrough. It is understood that in alternate implementations, the lumen 18 can be an opening which is “open,” that is, not entirely encircling an object such as a rod passed therethrough.

As is shown in FIG. 2A, in various implementations the post 10 has a base plate 14 having a flange 15 and mating lumen or opening 16 disposed therethrough. In various implementations, the base plate 14 and mating opening 16 are constructed and arranged or otherwise configured to couple with the shaft 12 such that the opening 16 is aligned with the shaft lumen 18 via friction or other known forces for coupling a lumen or lumen-like structure in the manner as a male/female coupling. It is understood that these various implementations align the mating opening 16 of the base 14 with the lumen 18 so as to allow passage of a support rod 20, such as a T-post, as shown in FIG. 2B. It is further understood that alternate implementations can be configured so as to allow the base 14 and shaft 12 to be urged into fixed and co-lumenal communication with one another to allow said passage of the support rod, as is described herein.

Accordingly, as would be understood by a skilled artisan, in exemplary embodiments the flange 15 and opening 16 are sized to be snugly fitted within the lumen 18 on the inner lumen surface 18A, and in alternate embodiments the flange 15 and opening 16 are sized to be snugly fitted outside the lumen 18 by the inner mating surface 17. While the implementations of FIGS. 1-2A depict the lumen 18 and mating opening 16 formed by the flange 15 as substantially square, it would be apparent to one of skill in the art that further implementations are of course possible.

Turning to the implementation of FIG. 3, in use of the post according to certain implementations, it possible to drive a support rod 20 into the ground 22, and fit the improved post 10 over the rod 20 through the opening 16 and lumen 18 to anchor the post 10. Accordingly, in use, it is possible under these implementations to secure each of the “corners” or other support pieces, sides or ends of a structure by driving the support rods into the ground—either individually or in sequence—and then fitting each of the shafts 12 over the rods to erect or otherwise tether the structure (best shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C) into place. It is further understood that in certain of these implementations, the structure (again, shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C comprises flexible sections or portions that allow it to be fitted over or otherwise to the posts 20. In alternate implementations, the structure is modular and configured to be assembled in conjunction with the fitting of the shafts 12.

Other implementations of known construction techniques are possible, and it is understood that in each of these implementations, the rods 20 can be placed or otherwise settled into the ground prior to, or during, erection of the structure so as to secure the structure to the anchoring support rods 20. It is further understood that the rod 20 is advanced into the mating opening 16 and lumen 18 during insertion according to certain implementations. It will be appreciated that once the support rod 20 is advanced into position inside the lumen 18, the support rod 20 will prevent lateral movement of the structure 1.

In various of these implementations, the outer rod surface 20A is able to prevent significant post 10 movement by abutting against the inner shaft surface 18A and/or inner mating opening surface 16A, as would be understood by one of skill in the art. In various implementations, the cross-sectional size of the inner shaft surface 18A and/or inner mating opening surface 16A can be set so as to accommodate a variety of rods 20, such as T-posts, rebar, and the like, and to permit some degree of sway and ease of assembly, as described above.

As best shown in the implementation of FIG. 4, the shaft 12 and mating opening 16/flange 15 can have paired mounting points 24, 26 configured to allow the insertion of fasteners (not shown) to fixedly attach the shaft and base plate 14. In further implementations, the base plate 14 can have plate holes 28 configured to allow the passage of fasteners (not shown) into the ground or other surface, such as tent posts.

As shown in FIG. 5, in certain implementations, the mating opening 16 mounting points 26 can have optional mounting posts 30 configured to accommodate and couple to a fastener passed through the shaft hole (shown in FIG. 4 at 24), so as to provide additional mounting support. It would be apparent to one of skill in the art that these mounting posts 30 can extend into the of the mating opening lumen defined by the inner opening surface 16A without preventing the support rod 20 from advancing into the mating opening 16 and lumen 18 during insertion. In alternate implementations, the mounting posts 30 are not required.

According to any embodiment disclosed or contemplated herein, FIG. 6 depicts the passage of such a rod 20 through the mating opening 16 and lumen 18 so as to be in physical communication with the inner opening surface 16A. It is understood that in various implementations, the support rod 20 has a smaller diameter or exterior circumference than the diameter or circumference of the opening 16 and lumen 18, though the ratio of these diameters and/or circumferences or perimeters may vary between implementations. In various implementations, direct contact between the support rod 20 and the inner surfaces of the opening 16A and/or lumen 18A need not be continuous, nor constant. Rather, it is understood that in these implementations, the elongate shaft 12 is understood to be constrained in its movement by the presence of the support rod 20 within. In alternate implementations, the support post 20 is snug fitting within the lumen 18.

Although the disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed apparatus, systems and methods.

Claims

1. A support post, comprising:

a. a hollow, elongate shaft comprising a lumen; and

b. a base plate comprising a mating opening,

wherein the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to allow support rod passage into the mating opening and lumen.

2. The post of claim 1, further comprising a mating opening flange.

3. The post of claim 2, wherein the elongate shaft has first and second ends, and the mating opening flange is constructed and arranged to couple to the shaft at the first or second end.

4. The post of claim 3, further comprising a support rod.

5. The post of claim 4, wherein the support rod is a T-post.

6. The post of claim 5, further comprising a structure.

7. A support system for a structure, comprising:

a. at least one support post, each support post comprising an elongate shaft comprising a lumen; and

b. an elongate support rod configured to be anchored in ground,

wherein the support post is configured to be attached to the structure, and

wherein the support post is mounted on the support rod via the lumen.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a base plate configured to be attached to the elongate shaft.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the base plate comprises a mating opening.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a mating opening flange.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the elongate shaft has first and second ends, and the mating opening flange is constructed and arranged to couple to the shaft at the first or second end.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to allow support rod passage into the mating opening and lumen.

13. A support system, comprising:

a. at least one support post, each support post comprising an elongate shaft comprising a lumen;

b. an elongate support rod configured to be anchored in ground; and

c. a structure,

wherein the at least one support post is configured to be attached to the structure, and

wherein the support rod is configured to prevent movement of the structure via the at least one elongate shaft.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a base plate configured to be attached to the elongate shaft.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the base plate comprises a mating opening and flange constructed and arranged to couple to the elongate shaft.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the elongate shaft and base plate are configured to accommodate the advancement of the support rod into the mating opening and lumen.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein structure is a hunting blind.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein structure is a pergola.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the support rod is a T-post.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the base plate comprises at least one hole.