POST INSTALLATION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Systems and methods relating to post or pole installation wherein a post-attachable member with outward projections is fastened to a post or pole prior to installation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/839,294 filed Jun. 25, 2013, the content of which is incorporated herein by this reference and is not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

Treated lumber, also referred to as pressure-treated wood, is lumber treated with a preservative to prevent the lumber from rotting and from consumption by insects. Treated lumber is used in many construction projects including fence posts and deck posts, mailbox posts, light posts, arbors, residential building foundations, and many others. Treated lumber is known to shrink over time. After installation, a fence post of treated lumber that has shrunk can make the resulting fence unstable as the shrunken fence post may loosen and wobble in its installation location. For example, a pressure-treated wood post set into a concrete foundation may eventually shrink to such a degree that the post can be lifted away from the concrete with relatively little effort. A system that solves the above-noted problems associated with treated lumber would be highly beneficial. Additionally, when installing posts or poles, a system that assists in balancing and stabilizing the post or pole during installation would be highly beneficial.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problems.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide embodiments of such a system that increase the positional stability of concrete-embedded posts and poles.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide post-attachable embodiments of such a system that can be fastened to a wood post prior to installation in a concrete foundation.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide pole-attachable embodiments of such a system that can be fastened to a pole prior to installation in a concrete foundation.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a method of installing a post utilizing an embodiment of such a system.

It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide a method of installing a pole utilizing an embodiment of such a system.

A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and useful. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides an apparatus comprising a post-attachable member; the post-attachable member comprising one or more projections extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the post-attachable member and one or more apertures that permit passage of a fastener through an exterior surface of the post-attachable member and into a post placed adjacent an interior surface of the post-attachable member to secure the post-attachable member to a post for below-ground installation of the post-attachable member secured with the post. Further, this invention provides such an apparatus according wherein the post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a square-shaped post. Still further, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein the post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a rectangular-shaped post. Even further, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein the post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a circular-shaped post. Moreover, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein the post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a circular-shaped pole. Additionally, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein the post-attachable member is a plate. Also, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein the post-attachable member comprises an L-shaped bracket. In addition, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein the post-attachable member comprises a U-shaped bracket. And, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein each of the one or more projections is about two inches to about four inches in length. Further, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein each of the one or more projections has an outer diameter between about one quarter inch to about three eighths inch. Even further, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising a post. Still further, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising a pole. Moreover, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising an installation detection member to detect below ground installation of the post-attachable member.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides an apparatus comprising a post-attachable member; the post-attachable member comprising a four-walled sleeve member having an open top, the open top and the four-walled sleeve member defining a central passage, the central passage sized to fit a post or pole; one or more projections extending outwardly from each wall of the four-walled sleeve member; and one or more apertures on each wall of the four-walled sleeve member wherein each of the one or more apertures permit passage of a fastener to secure the four-walled sleeve member to a post or pole positioned within the central passage for below-ground installation of the post-attachable member secured with the post or pole. Additionally, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein each of the one or more projections is about two inches to about four inches in length. Also, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein each of the one or more projections has an outer diameter between about one quarter inch to about three eighth inch. Moreover, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising a post. Still further, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising a pole. In addition, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising an installation detection member to detect below ground installation of the post-attachable member.

In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a method of installing a post or pole, the method comprising the steps of preparing a hole for installation of a post or pole; connecting to a post or pole a post-attachable member, the post-attachable member comprising one or more projections extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the post-attachable member and one or more apertures that permit passage of a fastener through an exterior surface of the post-attachable member and into a post or pole placed against an interior surface of the post-attachable member to secure the post-attachable member to a post for below-ground installation of the post-attachable member secured with the post; securing the post-attachable member to the post; inserting the post or pole into the hole wherein the post-attachable member secured to the post or pole is below ground level; and pouring concrete into the hole.

In accordance with still another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides an apparatus comprising a pole-attachable member; the pole-attachable member comprising a circular-shaped continuous sidewall having an open top, the open top and the continuous sidewall defining a passage, the passage sized to fit a pole; one or more projections extending outwardly from the continuous sidewall; and one or more apertures on the continuous sidewall wherein each of the one or more apertures permit passage of a fastener to secure the pole-attachable member to a pole positioned within the central passage for below-ground installation of the pole-attachable member secured with the pole. Additionally, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein each of the one or more projections is about two inches to about four inches in length. Also, this invention provides such an apparatus wherein each of the one or more projections has an outer diameter between about one quarter inch to about three eighth inch. Still further, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising a pole. Moreover, this invention provides such an apparatus further comprising an installation detection member to detect below ground installation of the post-attachable member.

This invention also provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step, and/or method disclosed or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a wood post modified to comprise a post-attachable member of a post installation system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the post-attachable member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a preferred arrangement for fastening the post-attachable member to a wood post according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the post-attachable member of the post installation system installed in the ground according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an alternate post-attachable member of the post installation system having an installation presence feature according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate post-attachable member of the post installation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate post-attachable member of the post installation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is another side view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is top view of the post-attachable member of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating a multi-part post-attachable member of the post installation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate multi-part post-attachable member of the post installation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate multi-part post-attachable member of the post installation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate post-attachable member of the post installation system according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of installing a post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of installing a pole according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, illustrating a wood post 121 engaged within post-attachable member 104 of post installation system 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing post-attachable member 104 of FIG. 1 prior to attachment to wood post 121. FIG. 3 is a top view of post-attachable member 104 of FIG. 2 with FIG. 4 showing one of the four substantially identical sides forming post-attachable member 104.

Preferred embodiments of the present system, including the depicted post-attachable member 104, are designed to improve the long-term stability of wood posts or poles (or posts of poles made of other materials, such as, for example, metal) placed within concrete foundations. FIG. 1 illustrates wood post 121 modified to comprise a post-attachable member 104 of post installation system 100. More particularly, FIG. 1 shows preferred physical arrangements of a square post sleeve 105 of post installation system 100.

Square post sleeve 105 is preferably designed to engage a post having a square cross sectional base 123. Posts of this type are widely used in the construction of fences, decks, and the support of signs. It is noted that, within the present disclosure, the terms “post” and “pole” are used interchangeably to refer to elongated pieces of, for example, timber or other material, such as, for example, metal, that can be set upright in the ground for the support of secondary elements or as a marker.

Square post sleeve 105 is preferably made up of four substantially planar side walls 120 joined together to form a sleeve-like member having open upper and lower ends and a central passage 122 arranged to accommodate the passage of a post or pole, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each planar side wall 120 is rigidly joined with two adjacent side walls 120 that are oriented at about 90 degrees, as shown.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, each side wall 120 of square post sleeve 105 has preferably four projections 110 extending outwardly from the external face of the side wall. Under appropriate circumstances, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that other numbers of projections may suffice. The projections of square post sleeve are preferably arranged as shown in FIG. 2, namely, each side wall 120 preferably has two sets of “stacked” projections. However, it should be understood that under appropriate circumstances the arrangement of projections may be modified. For example, projections arranged in a diamond pattern, an “X” pattern, a circular pattern, a column pattern, a row pattern, etc., may suffice,

Each projection 110 is preferably about two to about four inches in length. Under appropriate circumstances, other lengths of such projections may suffice. In preferred embodiments of the present system, projections 110 comprise sets of rigid metallic bars, each one having a preferred outer diameter of between about ¼ inch and about ⅜ inch. Depending on the intended use, other outer diameters of projections may suffice. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, projections 110 comprise segments of steel reinforcing bar having deformed or roughened outer finishes. The terminating end 108 of each projection 110 is preferably blunt to simplify transport logistics and reduce the potential for injury to installer during use.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, illustrating a preferred arrangement for fastening square post sleeve 105 to wood post, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Each side wall 120 of square sleeve post 105 includes a set of apertures 115 for passage of nails 117 or similar fasteners. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, each side wall 120 of square sleeve post 105 has four apertures 115 for passage of nails 117, as shown. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, other numbers of nail apertures may suffice. When installing a wood post or pole, it is important that nails 117 enter and impale the post or pole being installed. If the post or pole is treated lumber, the treated lumber may shrink as noted above. However, nails 117 will hold the pole or post in position preventing wobbling if the treated lumber shrinks

Square post sleeve 105 is preferably made of a substantially rigid material, preferably a metallic material, most preferably steel. To reduce corrosion, the steel forming square post sleeve 105 preferably receives a protective coating, most preferably a zinc coating applied using a hot-dip galvanization process. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, other anti-corrosive metals or materials or coating methods may be used as well.

Side walls 120 of square sleeve post 105 are preferably formed from sections of sheet steel or steel plate. Preferred steel-plate materials are of a sufficient thickness to permit the permanent attachment of projections 110 to side walls 120 using a thermal welding process. Thus, a minimum preferred thickness of the steel-plate material forming side walls 120 is about 16 gauge (about 0.06 inch). This preferred minimum thickness allows the projections 110 to be coupled to side walls 120 using a continuous circumferential fillet weld 112.

In a preferred method of construction, rectangular steel plates are bent on a metal brake to form a pair of L-shaped members. Each L-shaped member comprises two side walls 120 integrally joined at a 90-degree bend. Square post sleeve 105 is preferably formed by joining the two L-shaped members along their lateral edges using a thermal welding process. Alternately, the four side walls 120 may be formed by cutting segments from pre-formed tubular-steel structural members of an appropriate size. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other construction arrangements such as, for example, forming a sleeve using an extrusion process, molding portions of the apparatus, etc., may suffice.

Square post sleeve 105 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5 is preferably sized to receive a 4×4 post of the kind that is widely used for fences, decks, and signs. It is noted that a standard mill-supplied 4×4 post in the United States has an outer dimension that is about 3 and ½ inches×3 and ½ inches (or about 89×89 mm). Central passage 122 of square post sleeve 105 preferably comprises two equal internal cross widths A of about 3 and 9/16 inches. Thus, when a 4×4 post is positioned within central passage 122 of square post sleeve 105 (as shown in FIG. 1), it is supported snugly on four sides by side walls 120, as shown.

According to one preferred embodiment of square post sleeve 105, each side wall of side wall 120 has a preferred length of about six inches and a preferred width of about 3 and ¾ inches with projections of length about three inches and an outer diameter of projections of about ¼ inch. The center of apertures 115 are preferably positioned about 1 and ¼ inch from the top (or bottom) of side wall 120 and about one inch from the side of side wall 120. Projections 110 are positioned about 2 and ¼ inches from the top (or bottom) of side wall 120 and about 1 and ¼ inches from the side of side wall 120. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such dimensions may be modified depending on the size of the post or pole to which the post-attachable member will be fastened.

As the treated lumber forming wood post 121 shrinks, the nails 117 installed through apertures 115 hold the post in place preventing wobbling of the wood post 121 within the assembly. If shrinkage of the treated lumber occurs, square post sleeve 105 secures wood post 121 in position. The cross-pattern of nails 117 driven into wood post 121 secures wood post 121 to square post sleeve 105. The arrangement of projections 110 contacting the surrounding concrete ensures that wood post 121 will remain in place. Without square post sleeve 105, wood post 121 would shrink and loosen away from the surrounding concrete, thus allowing the wood post to shift within the foundation material. As noted above, the securing of the square post sleeve 105 to post 121 with nails 117 through apertures 115 and securing projections 110 in concrete prevents issues with shrinkage of the treated lumber along with providing much stabilization to post 121.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of square post sleeve 105 of post installation system 100 installed in the ground according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. To install a post or pole, initially, an appropriately-sized hole is dug within the earth 411 or similar sub-grade material. Next, for example, square post sleeve 105 (one preferred variation of post-attachable member 104) is slid onto the base of wood post 121 and fastened to the post by driving nails 117 through apertures 115. For metal pole or post installations, a self-tapping screw is preferably used as a fastener. It is preferred that the fastener used have anti-corrosive properties. Wood post 121 with the fastened post-attachable member is then inserted into the hole with the post-attachable member positioned below ground level, as shown. Next, concrete 410 is poured into the hole and around the post-attachable member 104. The concrete is allowed to dry. Once concrete 410 hardens, the projections 110 assist to stabilize the modified wood post 121 within the concrete foundation material. In addition, the projections 110 function to reinforce concrete 410. An additional advantage of post-attachable member is the stabilization feature provided by projections in “wet” concrete. The projections provide necessary stabilization while the concrete hardens so that above-ground bracing of the post or pole may not be necessary.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, showing an in-ground installation of square post sleeve 105 of the post installation system 100 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In some cases, it is useful to have the ability to confirm if a specific wood post, metal pole, etc., has been fitted with a post-attachable member of the present system. Once the post sleeve is embedded in concrete, it would be essentially impossible to detect whether a post-attachable member is installed onto the post or pole. To overcome this issue, post sleeve may be preferably modified to comprise detection member 505. Detection member 505 is preferably configured to extend upwardly to a point above the surface of the supporting foundation, thus providing a visual indication of the presence of an installed post-attachable member. In a preferred arrangement, a post-attachable member (for example, square post sleeve 105) is furnished with a single detection member 505, which is preferably connected to the upper peripheral edge of one sidewall 120, as shown.

Detection member 505 preferably consists of a frangible strip of metal having an arrangement of spaced-apart grooves or perforations 510 to assist a user in manually “snapping off” or cutting away unneeded portions of detection member 505. During installation, appropriate portions of detection member 505 are removed leaving a small visible portion to assist detection after installation. The detection member 505 is preferably snapped or cut so that it slightly projects above ground level.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate post-attachable member 104 of post installation system 100 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 8 shows preferred physical arrangements of rectangular post sleeve 200 of post installation system 100. FIG. 9 is a top view showing rectangular post sleeve 200 of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a side view of rectangular post sleeve 200.

In view of the similarity between rectangular post sleeve 200 of FIG. 8 and square post sleeve 105 of FIG. 1, the descriptions of the parts of the present embodiment that are the same as the first embodiment will be omitted for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the parts of rectangular post sleeve 200 that are common with the first embodiment are identified in the accompanying illustrations with the same reference numeral. Thus, only the differences between the two embodiments will be elaborated upon. In this regard, rectangular post sleeve 200 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that central passage 202 of rectangular post sleeve 200 is preferably sized to receive a post having a rectangular cross section. In one preferred arrangement of present alternate embodiment, central passage 202 of rectangular post sleeve 200 is sized to receive a 4×6 post. It is noted that a standard mill-supplied 4×6 post in the United States has an outer dimension that is about 3 and ½ inches×5 and ½ inches (or about 89×140 mm). To accommodate such a rectangular post, central passage 202 of rectangular post sleeve 200 preferably comprises a first internal width B of about 3 and 9/16 inches and a second internal transverse width C of about 5 and 9/16 inches. Thus, when a 4×6 post is positioned within central passage 202, the post is held firmly by rectangular post sleeve 200.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, illustrating an alternate post-attachable member 104 of post installation system 100, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 11 shows preferred physical arrangements of circular post sleeve 250 of post installation system 100. Circular post sleeve 250 is preferably designed to engage a wood post or pole (of metal or other material) having a circular cross section. Circular post sleeve 250 preferably comprises a single continuous side wall 254 that is arranged to form a central passage 252, as shown. The round side wall 254 of circular post sleeve 250 preferably comprises open upper and lower ends adjoining central passage 252 and are arranged to accommodate the passage of a round post or pole. FIG. 14 is a top view showing the preferred circular geometry of central passage 252 adapted to sleeve a circular-shaped pole or post.

FIG. 12 is a side view of circular post sleeve 250 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is an additional side view of circular post sleeve 250 showing the sleeve rotated about 45 degrees about longitudinal axis 256 relative to the view of FIG. 12. FIG. 11 through FIG. 14 illustrate that the preferred physical features and arrangements of circular post sleeve 250 are such that the apparatus is generally symmetrical about longitudinal axis 256.

Referring to both the top view of FIG. 12 and side view of FIG. 13, circular post sleeve 250 contains a pair of projections 110 preferably stacked vertically and a pair preferably located at the four quadrants of sidewall 254. As noted above, under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements of projections may suffice. Each projection 110 extends outwardly from the external face of sidewall 254, as shown. Thus, circular post sleeve 250 preferably comprises eight projections 110, in total. As in the prior embodiments, each projection 110 is preferably about two to four inches in length and preferably comprises a rigid metallic bar having an outer diameter of between about ¼ inch and about ⅜ inch. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, projections 110 comprise segments of steel reinforcing bar having a deformed or roughened outer finish.

Side wall 254 of circular post sleeve 250 preferably includes a set of apertures 115 for passage of a fastener, preferably a self-tapping metal screw, used to secure circular post sleeve 250 to a circular post or pole in a manner similar to the installation depicted in FIG. 6. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, side wall 254 contains a total of eight apertures 115 symmetrically-arranged about longitudinal axis 256, as shown. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, other numbers and arrangements of nail apertures may suffice.

Circular post sleeve 250 is preferably made of a substantially rigid material, preferably a metallic material, most preferably steel. To reduce corrosion, the steel forming circular post sleeve 250 preferably receives a protective coating, most preferably a zinc coating applied using a hot-dip galvanization process. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, other anti-corrosive metals or materials may be used as well.

The material forming side wall 254 is of a sufficient thickness to permit a welded attachment of projections 110 to side wall 254, preferably about a 16 gauge minimum thickness. This preferred minimum thickness allows the projections 110 to be joined to side wall 254 using a continuous circumferential fillet weld 112. It should be noted that preferred circular embodiments of the present system may be modified to comprise the detection member 505 illustrated and described in FIG. 7.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view, illustrating a multi-part post-attachable member 104 of post installation system 100, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 15 shows preferred physical arrangements of a split square post sleeve 300 of post installation system 100. In view of the similarity between split square post sleeve 300 of FIG. 15 and square post sleeve 105 of FIG. 1, the descriptions of the parts of the present embodiment that are the same as the first embodiment will be omitted for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the parts of split square post sleeve 300 that are common with the first embodiment are identified in the accompanying illustrations with the same reference numeral. Thus, only the differences between the two embodiments will be described. Referring to again to FIG. 1 with continued reference to FIG. 15, the preferred structures and physical arrangements of split square post sleeve 300 are substantially similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 except that the two L-shaped members 302 of the split square post sleeve 300 are not welded or otherwise joined together. This alternate arrangement is useful in that split square post sleeve 300 can to be applied to either square or rectangular posts. In addition, the split square post sleeve 300 can be attached to square or rectangular posts having non-standard sizing. Furthermore, one or both portions of split square post sleeve 300 can be attached to a diverse number of concrete-embedded wood members, or other structures, having at least one ninety-degree corner. Further, the split square post sleeve 300 may be attached at different levels of a post to accommodate particular sites that may require such attachment.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating another multi-part post-attachable member 106 of post installation system 100 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 16 shows preferred physical arrangements of an alternate split square post sleeve 350 of post installation system 100. The preferred structures and physical arrangements of split square post sleeve 350 are substantially similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 with the exception that the sleeve is constructed in two separate parts, as shown. In this regard, split square post sleeve 350 preferably comprises a pair of U-shaped brackets 352, as shown. Each U-shaped bracket 352 comprises one full side wall 354 and two partial side walls 356 that are integrally joined with the full side wall 354 at 90-degree bends 358, as shown. When the two U-shaped brackets 352 are brought together, a central post-engaging passage 360 is formed, as shown. This alternate two-part arrangement is useful in that split square post sleeve 350 can to be applied to either square or rectangular posts.

In a preferred method of construction, U-shaped bracket 352 is formed from a rectangular steel plate or sheet that is bent on a metal brake. Each full side wall 354 comprises four symmetrically-spaced projections 110, as shown. Each partial side wall 356 comprises two vertically-stacked projections 110, as shown. Each full side wall 354 comprises four symmetrically-spaced nail-receiving apertures 115 with each partial side wall 356 comprising two nail-receiving apertures 115, as shown. In view of the similarity between split rectangular post sleeve 350 of FIG. 16 and the embodiment of FIG. 1, the descriptions of the parts of the present embodiment that are the same as the prior embodiment have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view, illustrating another alternate multi-part post-attachable member of post installation system 100, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 17 shows preferred physical arrangements of a split circular post sleeve 400 of post installation system 100. The preferred structures and physical arrangements of the split circular post sleeve 400 are substantially similar to those of the embodiment of FIG. 11 except that split circular post sleeve 400 is divided longitudinally into two symmetrical halves 402, as shown. In view of the similarity between the split circular post sleeve 400 of FIG. 17 and circular post sleeve 250 of FIG. 11, the descriptions of the parts of the present embodiment that are the same as the prior embodiment have been omitted for the sake of brevity. Moreover, the parts of the split circular post sleeve 400 that are common with the prior embodiment are identified with the same reference numeral.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating an alternate post-attachable member 104 of post installation system 100 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 18 shows preferred physical arrangements of post-attachable plate member 500 of post installation system 100. According to this preferred embodiment, a rectangular plate 502 having an arrangement of projections 110 and nail-receiving apertures 115 is configured to be attachable to an outer face of a square or rectangular post. If required, one or more separate post-attachable plate members 500 may be connected to adjacent sides of a four-sided post. It should be noted that this arrangement is less preferable than the post-attachable member shown, for example, in FIG. 1, as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 provides a more balanced unit and a unit that is easier and less time consuming to install than an embodiment in which multiple pieces require attachment to a post or pole. That being stated, post-attachable plate member 500 has the advantage of being attachable to posts of diverse sizes and shapes.

As shown in FIG. 18, rectangular plate 502 of post-attachable plate members 500 has four outwardly extending projections 110 of a type and construction similar to the prior-described embodiments of post installation system 100. Rectangular plate 502 also includes a set of apertures 115 for passage of nails 117 or similar fasteners. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, rectangular plate 502 has four apertures 115, as shown, for passage of nails 117 or similar fasteners. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, other numbers and arrangements of nail apertures, as well as other numbers ad arrangements of projections, may suffice.

Post-attachable plate members 500 are preferably made of a substantially rigid material, preferably a metallic material, most preferably steel. To reduce corrosion, the steel forming post-attachable plate members 500 preferably receives a protective coating, most preferably a zinc coating applied using a hot-dip galvanization process. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, other anti-corrosive metals or materials may be used as well.

Rectangular plate 502 of post-attachable plate member 500 is preferably formed from sections of sheet steel or steel plate. Preferred steel-plate materials are of a sufficient thickness to permit the permanent attachment of projections 110 using a thermal welding process.

The embodiments illustrated herein may be used in several application including fence post installation, deck post installation, mailbox post installation, pole installation, telephone pole installation, utility pole installation, pillar installation, column installation, or any installation having a direct ground burial, etc. The dimensions and shapes of the post sleeves and the numbers and arrangements of projections and apertures may be scaled accordingly for the desired application.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating method 600 of installing a post according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In reference to the diagram of FIG. 19 and the above teachings, method 600 comprises the following preferred steps. In initial preferred step 602, a hole for installation of a post is prepared. In subsequent preferred step 604, a post-attachable member of the type described above is connected to the post. As previously described, post-attachable member comprises one or more projections 110 extending outwardly from the post-attachable member and one or more apertures 115 sized to permit passage of a fastener to secure the post-attachable member to the post. In subsequent preferred step 606, post-attachable member is fastened to the post. In preferred step 608, the post fastened to post-attachable member is inserted into the hole, wherein the post-attachable member is located below ground level. In final step 610, concrete is poured into the hole. The concrete is allowed to dry and set. Once the concrete has hardened, further project installation may proceed accordingly.

FIG. 20 is a flow diagram illustrating method 700 of installing a pole according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In reference to the diagram of FIG. 20 and the above teachings, method 700 comprises the following preferred steps. In initial preferred step 702, a hole for installation of a pole is prepared. In subsequent preferred step 704, a pole-attachable member of the type described above is connected to the pole, the pole-attachable member comprising one or more projections 110 extending outwardly from the pole-attachable member and one or more apertures 115 sized to permit passage of a fastener to secure the pole-attachable member to the pole.

In subsequent preferred step 706, pole-attachable member is fastened to the pole. In preferred step 708, the pole fastened to pole-attachable member is inserted into the hole, wherein the pole-attachable member is located below ground level. In final step 710, concrete is poured into the hole. As above, the concrete is allowed to dry and set. Once the concrete has hardened, further project installation may proceed accordingly.

According to a preferred embodiment hereof, the post-attachable members of the present invention may be sold to consumers with the pole or post already attached to the post-attachable member (see FIG. 1).

Different preferred embodiments, methods, applications, advantages, and features of the invention have been described above; however, these particular embodiments, methods, applications, advantages, and features should not be construed as being the only ones that constitute the practice of the invention. Indeed, it is understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes many uses and design variations. Further, other embodiments of present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a post-attachable member; said post-attachable member comprising one or more projections extending outwardly from an exterior surface of said post-attachable member and one or more apertures that permit passage of a fastener through an exterior surface of said post-attachable member and into a post placed adjacent an interior surface of said post-attachable member to secure said post-attachable member to a post for below-ground installation of said post-attachable member secured with the post.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a square-shaped post.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a rectangular-shaped post.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a circular-shaped post.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member is dimensioned to fit onto a circular-shaped pole.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member is a plate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member comprises an L-shaped bracket.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said post-attachable member comprises a U-shaped bracket.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of said one or more projections is about two inches to about four inches in length.

10. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein each of said one or more projections has an outer diameter between about one quarter inch to about three eighths inch.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a post.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a pole.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising an installation detection member to detect below ground installation of said post-attachable member.

14. An apparatus comprising: a post-attachable member; said post-attachable member comprising a four-walled sleeve member having an open top, said open top and said four-walled sleeve member defining a central passage, said central passage sized to fit a post or pole; one or more projections extending outwardly from each wall of said four-walled sleeve member; and one or more apertures on each wall of said four-walled sleeve member wherein each of said one or more apertures permit passage of a fastener to secure said four-walled sleeve member to a post or pole positioned within said central passage for below-ground installation of said post-attachable member secured with the post or pole.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of said one or more projections is about two inches to about four inches in length.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15 wherein each of said one or more projections has an outer diameter between about one quarter inch to about three eighth inch.

17. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a post.

18. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising a pole.

19. The apparatus according to claim 14 further comprising an installation detection member to detect below ground installation of said post-attachable member.

20. A method of installing a post or pole, said method comprising the steps of:

a) preparing a hole for installation of a post or pole;

b) connecting to a post or pole a post-attachable member, the post-attachable member comprising one or more projections extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the post-attachable member and one or more apertures that permit passage of a fastener through an exterior surface of the post-attachable member and into a post or pole placed against an interior surface of the post-attachable member to secure the post-attachable member to a post for below-ground installation of the post-attachable member secured with the post;

c) securing the post-attachable member to the post;

d) inserting the post or pole into the hole wherein the post-attachable member secured to the post or pole is below ground level; and

e) pouring concrete into the hole.