AU2016100557A4

AU2016100557A4 - A retaining wall apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU2016100557A4
Application number: AU2016100557A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Peter Weston-Webb
Original assignee: Weston Webb Peter
Current assignee: Weston Webb Peter
Priority date: 2015-06-03
Filing date: 2016-05-10
Publication date: 2016-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-05-10

Abstract

A retaining wall apparatus is provided along with a method of constructing a retaining wall. The apparatus has ground engaging post adapted to be secured to an elongated beam, an anchor and a cable connecting the post to the anchor and wherein a user is 5 able to adjust the tension of the cable. The user can readily remove the post and anchor for reuse in another position or area. Figure 1 25 22 23 24

Description

TITLE A retaining wall apparatus.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a retaining wall apparatus. More particularly but not exclusively the invention relates to a method of constructing a retaining wall and a retaining wall apparatus without traditional digging and concreting.

BACKGROUND

The construction or installation of a retaining wall can be a very labour intensive exercise. Reasonably deep holes generally have to be bored into the ground and a post is then set in the hole with concrete. Once the concrete has been set large wooden beams are then stacked on top of each other and secured to the posts. This process is not only labour intensive but is also time consuming. Another known problem with traditional retaining walls such as the one described above is that they are not adjustable once they have been installed.

It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing the above problems. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

The term “comprising” and derivatives thereof, eg “comprises”, if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement “comprises” certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a retaining wall apparatus having: • at least one ground engaging post; • at least one anchor; and • at least one cable; the apparatus formed such that when in use the ground engaging post has one end in the ground and has an upper part which is exposed having at least one elongated beam (e.g. a treated pine sleeper) secured to it, the apparatus also arranged so that in use the anchor is securely in the ground behind the post and the cable connects the anchor to the post or secured beam and wherein a user can adjust the tension of the cable.

Preferably the apparatus has a central link (e.g. an adjustable turnbuckle) between the cable and the post or beam which enables the tension of the cable to be adjusted.

Preferably the apparatus has a second cable (e.g. a safety cable) which is arranged such that it connects the post or beam to the first cable.

Preferably the post is made substantially from powder coated galvanised sheet metal.

Preferably the post only extends about 3 mm or less out from the secured beam when in use.

Preferably an upper part of the post has at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastening means such that an elongated beam can be secured to it.

Preferably the post has a pointed ground engaging tip.

Preferably there is at least one intermediate post and at least one end post when in use.

Preferably there are three elongated beams secured to the post when in use. Preferably the anchor is made substantially from zinc coated stainless steel.

Preferably the anchor has fins.

Preferably an upper part of the anchor has an aperture adapted to receive a cable. Preferably the anchor has a pointed ground engaging tip.

Preferably the central link is made substantially from stainless steel.

Preferably the central link is a turnbuckle which is fastened to the post.

Preferably the second cable is made substantially from stainless steel.

Preferably the second cable is gripped to the first cable.

Preferably the apparatus has an angle adjustable cable support between the post and the central link.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a retaining wall comprising the steps of: a) forcing at least one ground engaging post into the ground so that an upper part of the post is exposed; b) securing at least one elongated beam to the post; c) forcing at least one anchor into the ground behind the post so that an upper part of the anchor is exposed; d) connecting one end of cable to an upper part of the exposed anchor and the other end of the cable to a central link which is connected to either an upper part of the exposed post or to the secured elongated beam or to an angle adjustable cable support which connects to the post; e) adjusting the central link so that the cable is at a desired tension; and f) back filling the area behind the post (including the anchor) and beam with soil, clay, light gravel and/or rocks or the like.

According to further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for a retaining wall apparatus comprising: • at least one ground engaging post adapted to have an elongated beam secured to it; • at least one anchor; • at least one cable; and • instructions for use.

Preferably the kit has central link (e.g. a turnbuckle) which is adapted to connect the cable to the post or beam which enables the tension of the cable to be adjusted.

Preferably the kit has screws, bolts and at least two cable grippers.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing and photo, of which: FIG. 1 is a end view of a retaining wall apparatus according to one embodiment when in use; and FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating two posts which form part of the apparatus shown in figure 1 when in use; FIG. 3 is a reverse perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a retaining wall apparatus having a safety cable; and FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating two alternative embodiments of anchors which form part of a retaining wall apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a retaining wall apparatus and a method of constructing a retaining wall. Retaining walls are constructed for a wide variety of purposes which include stabilizing the soil, providing a decorative structure for use in landscaping work and controlling the erosion and other damaging effects caused by water.

Figure 1 shows a retaining wall apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 has at least one post 2 which has a pointed ground engaging tip at one end 3. The post 2 is preferably made from power coated galvanised sheet metal but can be made from any other type of suitable material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the posts 2 can come in different lengths and widths and that the apparatus 1 can contain a number of posts 2 like shown in figure 2 which shows an intermediate post 2 and an end post 2.

The posts 2 have apertures (not visible) in them so that they can receive fastening means 4 such as powder coated coach screws or bolts so that they can be secured to elongated beams 5. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the beams 5 are treated pine sleepers 5. As can be seen there are three beams 5 however the number can vary. The beams 5 are preferably about 1800mm or less in length, about 200mm in width and a minimum thickness of at least 50mm-75mm. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the beams 5 can be made from any suitable material e.g. wood, metal, hardened plastic etc.

The apparatus 1 also has a ground anchor 6 having an end 7 adapted to engage with the ground and at or near the other end has an aperture 8 adapted to receive a cable 9. The anchor 6 is preferably made of steel and is zinc coated and has wings (e.g. fins) or a part arranged to resist movement of the anchor out of the ground. However, it will be appreciated that the anchor 6 may be of any suitable type and in some embodiments in can be a duck bill or an auger type anchor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the apparatus 1 can have more than one anchor 6

As can be seen in figure 1 the cable 9 is connected to the shaft 6 via the aperture 8. The cable 9 which is preferably made from stainless steel is also connected to an adjustable turnbuckle 10 (also made preferably stainless steel) which has a bolt which fastens to an aperture 11 in the post 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments the cable 9 and/or turnbuckle 10 can be connected to the beam 5 instead of the post 2. Figure 1 also shows that the cable has two cable gripped loops 12 and a swaged loop 13.

Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 1. As can be seen connected to the post 2 is a cable support 14. The cable support 14 which is angle adjustable with respect to the post 2 has an aperture in it (not visible) so it can be fastened to the post 2 with a bolt 15. The cable support 14 also has another aperture in it (not visible) so that it can receive a D Shackle 16 or the like which is attached to one end of the turnbuckle 10. The apparatus 1 also has a safety cable (e.g. a relieving cable) 17 attached to the same end of the turnbuckle 10 as the D shackle 16. The cable 17 then passes by the rest of the turnbuckle 10 and is gripped to cable 9 at point 18. The reason for the safety cable 17 is take the pressure off the weakest points of the turnbuckle 10, being the turnbuckle 10 threaded parts at either end. If the pressure becomes too great for the threads on the turnbuckle 10 the cable 17 takes the strain instead of the turnbuckle 10.

Figure 4 shows two different embodiments of anchors 19 and 20 both of which are fabricated out of Galvanized sheet metal. Anchor 19 which is the most preferred anchor has more than 2.5 times the gripping area than the anchor 20. Anchor 19 comes in various sizes to suit the retaining wall post height and the type of terrain the anchor is being driven into. All coloured items are heavily powder coated and welded with a non rusting wire.

The apparatus 1 is preferably sold in a kit and contains at least one post 3, at least one anchoring shaft 7, at least one cable 9, at least one turnbuckle 10, cable grippers, bolts, screws and instructions for use.

In use after the ground which is to going to be retained has been prepared (e.g. by levelling etc) a user drives the post 2 and its ground engaging tip 3 into the ground 21 at a desired angle to a depth necessary for a good hold and this will depend on the type of the ground being worked on, leaving an upper part of the post exposed. The beams 5 are then secured to an upper part of the exposed post 2 via the fasteners 4.

The anchoring shaft 6 is then driven into the ground behind the posts 2 at a desired angle to a depth necessary for a good hold leaving an upper part of the post exposed. A cable 9 is then attached to the shaft 6 via the aperture 8 which is exposed and to the turnbuckle 10 which is in turn attached to the post 2. The tension (or length) of the cable 9 is then adjusted via the turnbuckle 10 to a desired tightness. The user then preferably applies a filter fabric 22 filled with drainage gravel 23 having a socked pipe 24 near the base of the post 2. The area 25 is then backfilled (e.g. with soil) by the user (covering the anchor 6) which results in a retaining wall.

In a preferred embodiment like that shown in figure 2 the posts only protrude past the beams 5 by approximately 3mm. This is more desirable than retaining walls which have posts which can protrude up to 100mm or greater as it is more aesthetically pleasing and it possible for a person to mow right up against the retaining wall or edge with ease and does not have items such as children’s toys get stuck against the post 2. It is also easier to place concrete and/or expansion jointing against the wall and less ground area is taken up as opposed to known retaining walls where the posts used add to the thickness of the wall.

The apparatus 1 has a number of other benefits/advantages over traditional retaining walls. Usually when installing a retaining wall a user has to dig/bore/auger a hole for the post and then concrete around it. This is time consuming (e.g. waiting for the concrete to set) and labour intensive and can be costly if the user has to hire an auger drill to make the digging of holes more efficient. Additionally when a retaining wall is erected on a property boundary and concrete is used often the concrete will encroach into the neighbouring property. The apparatus 1 avoids these problems and makes the process of constructing a retaining wall much faster and easier as no holes are required to be dug and no concrete needs to be used.

Another major advantage of the apparatus 1 is that the wall is adjustable unlike most retaining walls. In traditional retaining walls the ground above creates a lot of pressure on the buried concrete encased part of the post. Over time the pressure can cause the retaining wall to bend and move. When this occurs it is very difficult and usually very expensive to try and restore the wall. The apparatus 1 allows the upright post 2 to be secured from at or near the top which results in an excessive ground pressure being transferred to the anchor 6 secured behind it. As the cable 9 tension is adjustable via the turnbuckle 10 the tension between the post 2 and anchor 6 can adjusted without having to remove the posts 2 and attached beams 5.

The apparatus 1 can come in a number of different colours but the posts 2 are preferably coloured to match the colour of the beams (e.g. treated pine sleepers) 5 which are used to give an ascetically blended appearance. The apparatus 1 can be used in all types of penetrable ground such as soil, clay, light gravel and various types of soft rocks. The apparatus 1 can be used to build retaining walls (or garden edges) of varying heights and is also adjustable, removable and reusable.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example the particular elements of the post, cable, elongated beam, anchor and central link may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to an animal feeding apparatus, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A retaining wall apparatus having: • at least one ground engaging post; • at least one anchor; and • at least one cable; the apparatus formed such that when in use the ground engaging post has one end in the ground and has an upper part which is exposed having at least one elongated beam secured to it, the apparatus also arranged so that in use the anchor is securely in the ground behind the post and the cable connects the anchor to the post or secured beam and wherein a user can adjust the tension of the cable.
2. A retaining wall apparatus according to claim 1, having a central link between the cable and the post or beam which enables the tension of the cable to be adjusted.
3. A retaining wall apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, having a second cable which is arranged such that it connects the post or beam to the first cable.
4. A retaining wall apparatus according to claim 1,2 or 3 wherein: • the post is made substantially from powder coated galvanised sheet metal; and/or • the post only extends about 3 mm or less out from the secured beam when in use; and/or • an upper part of the post has at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastening means so that an elongated beam can be secured to it; and/or • the post has a pointed ground engaging tip; and/or • there is at least one intermediate post and at least one end post when in use; and/or • there are three elongated beams secured to the post when in use; and/or • the anchor is made substantially from zinc coated stainless steel; and/or • the anchor has fins; and/or • an upper part of the anchor has an aperture adapted to receive a cable; and/or • the anchor has a pointed ground engaging tip; and/or • the central link is made substantially from stainless steel; and/or • the central link is a turnbuckle which is fastened to the post; and/or • the second cable is made substantially from stainless steel; and/or • the second cable is gripped to the first cable and/or • there is an angle adjustable cable support between the post and the central link.
5. A method of constructing a retaining wall comprising the steps of: a) forcing at least one ground engaging post into the ground so that an upper part of the post is exposed; b) securing at least one elongated beam to the post; c) forcing at least one anchor into the ground behind the post so that an upper part of the anchor is exposed; d) connecting one end of cable to an upper part of the exposed anchor and the other end of the cable to a central link which is connected to either an upper part of the exposed post or to the secured elongated beam or to an angle adjustable cable support which connects to the post; e) adjusting the central link so that the cable is at a desired tension; and f) back filling the area behind the post and beam with soil, clay, light gravel and/or rocks or the like.