MODULAR POST ANCHOR DEVICE

Abstract

A modular post anchor device is placed in the ground to hold and support a post as part of a fence. The device is held in the ground by a horizontal anchor. The device attaches to the post via a vertical support. The post is secured by fasteners or the like.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fencing systems, and more specifically, to a modular post anchor device for holding in place poll or fence support beam.

2. Description of Related Art

Fencing systems are well known in the art and are effective means to demark one area from another by partitions or walls held and supported by posts. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a conventional panel fence system 101 having posts 103 anchored to the ground 105 by a concrete footing 107. Pickets 109 are attached to cross-beams 111. The cross-beams attached to the posts 103.

One of the problems commonly associated with system 101 is its limited efficiency. For example, posts 103 are susceptible to decay and damage necessitating replacement. To replace a post 103 the concrete footing 107 must be removed along with the post 103.

Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of panel fence systems, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a common panel fence system;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a modular post anchor device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the device of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the anchor of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the preferred method of use of the device of FIG. 2.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional panel fence systems. Specifically, the invention of the present application enables the rapid removal and replacement of a post. These and other unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIG. 2 depicts a top view of a modular post anchor device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with conventional panel fence systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes a horizontal anchor member 203 rigidly attached to a vertical support member 205 attached to its top surface 207.

The vertical support member 205 having a body 209 with a cavity 211 penetrating a top surface 213. The cavity 211 configured to accept and hold a fence post 103.

In use, the device 201 is buried in the ground so that the horizontal anchor member 203 is generally parallel to the ground and a majority of the vertical support member 205 is below the ground. A fence post 103 is placed in the cavity 211 and used to secure cross beams 111. When replacement of the post 103 is necessary it is removed from the support member 205 and a new post 103 is placed in the cavity 211.

It should be appreciated that one of the unique features believed characteristic of the present application is that vertical support member 205 and horizontal anchor member 203 enable the rapid replacement of a fence post 103.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of the device is depicted. The vertical support member 205 having holes 301, 303 that penetrate the side of the body 209 and are configured to allow fasteners to removably attach fence post 103 to the support member 207. It will be understood that while fasteners are depicted as securing the post 103 to the vertical support member 205, any method of securing the post is contemplated.

An alternative embodiment of the horizontal anchor member 203 is depicted in FIG. 4. Embodiment 401 including a body 403 with arms 405, 407, 409 that extend away from the center 411 of the body 403. It will be appreciated that various configurations of the horizontal anchor are anticipated and that the arms 405, 407, 409 in this embodiment increase the stability of the device 201 in soils with high clay concentrations.

Referring now to FIG. 5 the preferred method of use of the device 201 is depicted. Method 501 including preparing a hole in the ground where a fence post is to be installed 503, placing the modular post anchor device in the ground so that the anchor is generally parallel with the top of the ground 505, filling the hole with the removed soil 507, placing a post in the cavity of the support member 509, securing the post to the support member 511, using the post to hold a fence 513, removing the post to replace it with a new post 515 and installing a new post to hold the same fence 517.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. a modular post anchor device comprising:

a horizontal anchor member attached to a vertical support member; the vertical support member including a body with a cavity accessible through the top surface;

wherein the cavity is configured to hold and secure a post as part of a fence; and

wherein the horizontal anchor secures the device with respect to the surrounding soil.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the vertical support member has at least one hole passing through the side to accept fasters to secure the post to the support member.

3. The method of anchoring a post as part of fence given the device of claim 1, comprising:

preparing a hole in the ground where a fence post is to be installed;

placing the modular post anchor device in the ground so that the horizontal anchor member is generally parallel with the top of the ground;

filling the hole with the removed soil;

placing a post in the cavity of the vertical support member;

securing the post to the vertical support member;

using the post to hold a fence;

removing the post to replace it with a new post; and

installing a new post to hold the same fence.