POST HOLE SUPPORT

Abstract

Apparatus and method for supporting a post. In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support structure has a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support flange supports a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application makes a claim of domestic priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/652,034 filed May 25, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

It is common to anchor vertically extending support structures, such as fence posts, sign posts, mailbox pedestals, lamp posts, etc., into the ground. A wooden stockade fence may be constructed, for example, by installing a series of spaced apart wooden or metal fence posts into holes dug along the intended fence line. The posts may be secured in the holes using a suitable anchoring material, such as concrete, gravel, dirt and/or sand. A fence panel can thereafter be attached between each adjacent pair of the posts to complete the fence.

While operable, existing securement techniques often make it difficult to remove and replace an existing post using the same hole, particularly when concrete is used to secure the existing post.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to an apparatus and method for supporting a post.

In accordance with some embodiments, a subterranean support structure comprises a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole. The tube extension has opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole. A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support flange supports a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric depiction of a support structure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an elevational representation of the support structure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom end view of the support structure.

FIG. 4 illustrates the support structure in an installed configuration to support a vertically extending post.

FIG. 5 shows the use of a rectilinear support structure supporting a circular post in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows the use of a rectilinear support structure to support a circular post with the aid of one or more inserts in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an isometric depiction of another support structure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an elevational representation of the support structure of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom end view of another support structure in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cap cover that can be used with the various support structures disclosed herein.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to an apparatus and method for removably anchoring a vertically extending post, such as but not limited to a fence post, to the ground.

As explained in greater detail below, a subterranean support structure comprises a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal end of a post. The tube extension is adapted for placement into a hole, so that a distal end of the post vertically extends above the hole.

The tube extension has opposing first and second ends. The first end is adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole, and the second end is adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole.

A support flange circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end of the tube extension. The support flange is adapted to support a column of anchoring material that is placed into the hole. This forms a drainage zone under the flange at the bottom of the hole.

In some embodiments, a fastening mechanism may be used to secure the post within the tube extension, such as one or more laterally extending threaded fasteners that pass through a sidewall of the tube extension and into/adjacent the post. In this way, an existing post can be removed from the tube extension by releasing the fastening mechanism, and a new replacement post can be installed.

In further embodiments, the post can be removed from the subterranean support structure and a cap cover can be placed onto the exposed end of the subterranean support structure to substantially fill the hole opening occupied by the support structure.

FIGS. 1-2 show a support structure 100 in accordance with some embodiments. Other configurations can readily be used, so the various features in FIGS. 1-2 are merely exemplary and not limiting. The support structure 100 comprises an elongated tube extension 102, a disc-shaped upper flange 104, a disc-shaped lower flange 106, and a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped support flanges 108. The structure 100 is formed of a suitable rigid material, such as metal, plastic, etc. In some embodiments, the various elements are formed of sheet metal which is subjected to suitable processing, such as cutting, bending, folding, welding, etc. to form the finished product. The structure may be formed in several pieces which are then brought together to provide the final structure.

The tube extension is shown to have a rectilinear (square) cross-sectional shape, and is sized to receive a standard (nominally 4 inches×4 inches) wooden fence post. Other cross-sectional sizes and shapes can be used. For example, the tube can have a circular cross-sectional shape to accommodate a cylindrically shaped metal fence post (or other post member). As discussed below, an insert can be used to enable a tube extension with a first cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectilinear) to accommodate a post with a different, second cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular).

It is contemplated, albeit not necessarily required, that the respective sizes of the post and the tube extension will be selected such that the post will fit within the tube extension with a relatively small gap therebetween. Apertures 110 can be provided in the tube extension 102 to facilitate the insertion of fasteners (not separately shown) to secure the post within the tube extension.

The upper and lower flanges 104, 106 are shown to respectively extend from the tube extension 102 adjacent respective first and second ends 112, 114 of the tube extension. The upper flange 104 is a first distance D1 from the first end 112, and the lower flange 106 is a second distance D2 from the second end 114.

The respective sizes, shapes and circumferential extension distances of the flanges 104, 106 can vary. In an alternative embodiment to that shown in FIGS. 1-2, the upper flange 104 can be made to be the same size as the lower flange 106. In another embodiment, the upper flange is larger than the lower flange; in still another embodiment, the upper flange is omitted entirely; in yet another embodiment, the upper and/or lower flange has one or more openings, gaps, channels or other discontinuities so that the associated flange circumferentially extends about the outermost perimeter of the tube extension less than a full 360 degrees thereabout.

The vertical flanges 108 serve to stabilize the upper and lower flanges 104, 106. Other configurations are envisioned, including separate stabilization flanges for the upper and lower flanges 104, 106, as well as configurations that do not provide stabilization flanges therefor.

As shown in FIG. 3, folded over flaps 116 can be provided in the second end 114 of the tube extension 102 to form a drainage gap 118 therebetween to facilitate drainage of water or other liquids that pass down through the tube extension. Other configurations can be used, however, including a fully closed or fully open lower second end 114.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates the support structure 100 in an installed configuration. A post 120, characterized as a 4″×4″ wooden fence post, is supported by the structure 100. The fence post 120 supports a number of stockade fence panels, one shown in broken line fashion at 121.

To install the subterranean support structure 100, a suitable hole 122 is dug into the earth having depth and width dimensions sufficient to enable the structure 100 to fit within the hole. As desired, a lower filler material 124, such as gravel or other aggregate, can be deposited in a lowest portion of the hole.

The structure 100 is centered in the hole 122, and a column of anchoring material 126, such as concrete, is introduced into the hole so as to fill the space between the side of the hole and the tube extension 102. The material 126 is supported on the lower flange 106, forming a drainage gap or zone 128 below the lower flange. While it is contemplated that the anchoring material will substantially fill the entire volume within the hole between the upper and lower flanges 104, 106, other amounts of anchoring material can be used, including an amount that only partially fills this available volume. It is contemplated that the anchor material will fully contact the lower flange 106 and the outer surface of the tube extension 102, and will be substantially impeded from flowing below the lower flange 106.

Once the concrete is cured, the post 120 may be slidingly placed into the tube extension 102 and one or more fasteners 130 can be used to secure the post to the tube extension. It will be appreciated that, as desired, the post can be placed into the tube extension prior to the addition of the anchoring material 126, although such is not required. An advantage of the removeable aspects of the exemplary support structure 100 is that the post need not necessarily be installed while the concrete is being cured, eliminating the need to support the post and ensure it stays “straight” until the concrete is hardened.

Replacement of the post 120 can be easily performed by removing the fasteners 130, pulling the post out of the tube extension 102, inserting a new replacement post, and reinstalling the fasteners. In this way, a worn, rotted and/or broken fence post can be easily and quickly replaced, and the replacement post will be in the same location and orientation as the previously installed post. This can be beneficial, for example, in reattaching an existing fence panel to the new replacement post, etc.

Installation of a new post with a different size or shape, such as posts for a taller fence or replacement of wooden posts with metal posts, can also be quickly and easily performed. FIG. 5 generally illustrates insertion of a circular post 132 into the tube extension 102 of FIG. 4. It will be noted that the circular post 132 has a diameter that nominally matches the inner length/width dimensions of the tube extension, so that even though the shapes are different, the post remains snugly supported therein.

FIG. 6 shows another circular post 134 inserted into the tube extension 102 of FIG. 4. The circular post 134 has a smaller diameter than the length/width dimensions of the tube extension. However, the fastening mechanisms (e.g., fasteners 130 in FIG. 4) can be used to secure the post in a centered relation within the tube extension 102. Moreover, in some embodiments one or more suitably shaped inserts 136 can be placed between the post 136 and the inner sidewalls of the tube extension 102 to further secure and maintain the post 136 in a centered relation.

FIG. 7 is another embodiment for the subterranean support structure, denoted as 100A. The structure 100A is similar to the structure 100 and like reference numerals are used for similar components. It can be seen that the structure 100A does not use the upper flange 104, and short fin-type flanges 108A are provided to attach the lower flange 106 to the tube extension 102. In other embodiments, no flanges 108, 108A are provided. FIG. 8 provides an elevational view of the support structure 100A. FIG. 9 is an end view of another support structure 100B having a cylindrical tube extension 102A.

FIG. 10 illustrates the subterranean support structure 100 of FIGS. 1-4 with a cover member 140 that engages the upper end of the tube extension 102 after removal of the post 120. The cover member 140 substantially fills the opening of the hole 122 and provides a substantially flush support surface to eliminate the hole as a potential trip hazard. The cover can be colored green to match and blend in with a bed of grass 142 on a surrounding ground surface 144.

In this way, rows of spaced apart support structures 100 can be installed to allow the erection of temporary fences and other structures. For example, a baseball park may have different locations for the outfield fence depending on different ages of players, etc. A particular outfield fence can be installed using different sets of the structures 100 as required, and the covers 140 can be installed on the non-utilized structures 100 to allow use of the playing surface in the area adjacent the non-utilized structures.

While various embodiments discussed above have been directed to a support structure for a fence post, such is merely illustrative and not limiting. Other uses are contemplated including traffic signs (e.g., stop signs, street signs, etc.), advertising signs, barriers, mailbox pedestals, lampposts, etc. Moreover, while concrete has been identified as a particularly suitable anchoring material, other materials can be used including but not limited to aggregate (e.g., gravel), sand or dirt.

The subterranean support structures can be formed of any suitable length, including several feet in northern climates where the freeze line can be several feet deep. The surfaces of the support structures can be treated with powder coating, paint or other anti-corrosion materials. While some embodiments contemplate the use of a support structure for every fence post in a fence, such is not necessarily required; in other embodiments, every Xth fence post (e.g., 3^rd, 4^th, etc.) is provided with a support structure and conventional anchoring mechanisms are used for the remaining fence posts. This can provide superior wind resistance, strength and other benefits. Also, special locations such as gates, corners, etc. can be reinforced using the subterranean support structures disclosed herein.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of various embodiments of the present disclosure have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of various embodiments, this detailed description is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

a tube extension adapted for placement within a hole to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tube extension having opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and

a support flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end thereof, the support flange adapted to support a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the anchoring material is a column of concrete.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the first end, wherein the anchoring material is filled in a volume space within the hole between the upper and lower flanges.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one stabilizing flange which extends along a length of the tube extension to contactingly support at least a selected one of the respective upper or lower flanges relative to the tube extension.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which an opening is formed in the second end of the tube extension, and a drainage zone is formed in the hole below the lower flange to facilitate accumulation of liquid passing down through the tube extension and through said opening.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has a rectilinear cross-sectional shape.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has a circular cross-sectional shape.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, in which the tube extension has a first cross-sectional shape, the post has a different, second cross-sectional shape, and the apparatus further comprises an insert adapted to contactingly fit in a gap between the tube extension and the post responsive to insertion of the post into the tube extension.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cover member adapted to engage the tube extension and substantially fill an opening of the hole in an absence of the post, the cover member having a top surface substantially even with a surrounding ground surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a post having a first end inserted into the tube extension and secured thereto using at least one fastener, the post having an opposing second end which extends in a substantially vertical direction above the first end.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the post is a fence post and a fence panel is attached to the fence post.

12. An apparatus comprising:

a subterranean support structure placed in a hole in the ground, the support structure comprising: a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tube extension having opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and a support flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end thereof; and

a column of anchoring material placed in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole, the column of anchoring material supported by the support flange.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the column of anchoring material comprises a column of concrete, and wherein a drainage zone is formed within the hole below the support flange to accommodate a flow of water passing along the length of the the tube extension.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a post inserted into the tube extension, the post extending above the hole.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a cap member inserted into the tube extension to substantially cover the hole, the cap member substantially flush with the surrounding ground.

16. A method comprising:

digging a hole;

placing a subterranean support structure within the hole, the support structure comprising: a tube extension adapted to receivingly nest a proximal end of a vertically extending post that extends above the hole, the tube extension having opposing first and second ends, the first end adapted for placement proximate a top elevation of the hole and the second end adapted for placement proximate a bottom elevation of the hole; and a support flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the second end thereof;

inserting a column of anchoring material in the hole between the tube extension and a sidewall of the hole, the column of anchoring material supported on the support flange; and

inserting a post into the tube extension.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the support structure further comprises an upper flange which circumferentially extends from the tube extension a selected distance from the first end, wherein the anchoring material is filled in a volume space within the hole between the upper and lower flanges.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the support structure further comprises at least one stabilizing flange which extends along a length of the tube extension to contactingly support at least a selected one of the respective upper or lower flanges relative to the tube extension.

19. The method of claim 16, in which an opening is formed in the second end of the tube extension, and a drainage zone is formed in the hole below the lower flange to facilitate accumulation of liquid passing down through the tube extension and through said opening.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing the post and installing a cover member which engages the tube extension and substantially fills an opening of the hole in an absence of the post, the cover member having a top surface substantially even with a surrounding ground surface.