CN113756637A

CN113756637A - Grounding mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: CN113756637A
Application number: CN202110925258.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斯蒂芬·凯莱赫
Original assignee: Si DifenKailaihe
Current assignee: Si DifenKailaihe
Priority date: 2017-11-21
Filing date: 2018-11-21
Publication date: 2021-12-07
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-21
Also published as: CN115370214B; CN110011599A; CN115370214A; CN110011599B; CN113756637B; CN116667750A

Abstract

The ground mounting assembly includes one or more struts, each strut attached to at least one stabilizer plate or scoop pyramid. The posts may be inserted into the ground and then lifted to deploy the panels into the locking mechanism, or driven into the ground by a pile driver, the panels held in place, released and further driven and deployed into the locking mechanism, or driven into the ground and a double pestle inside the post to drive the stiffening plate into the slotted winglet, or driven and rotated to extend the stiffening plate horizontally from the rod or pile. The support column can also be used as mooring equipment in ports, lakes or the sea. A system for driving a single rod based on a double pestle, which optionally may be extended in length, is also described.

Description

Grounding mounting assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No. 14/777,441 filed on 9/15/2015, U.S. application No. 14/777,441 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No. 13/839,842 filed on 3/15/2013 (now U.S. patent No. 9,611,609), U.S. application No. 13/839,842 is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application No. 13/676,990 filed on 11/14/2012 (now U.S. patent No. 9,574,795), and U.S. application No. 13/676,990 claims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 61/560,037 filed on 11/15/2011.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a ground mounting assembly, system and method for ground mounting of a structure. The invention has particular utility in the grounded mounting of photovoltaic solar panel assemblies and will be described with respect to that utility, although other utilities are contemplated, such as ports (docks), docks (whorfs), mooring, building structures, accents (acents), and buildings, tents, and landscaping enhancements.

Background

Many outdoor structures, such as solar panel assemblies, billboards, signs, ports, tents, docks, buildings, etc., are installed into the ground using posts or poles. Often, these assemblies are subjected to high winds, which can loosen the mounting posts, thereby destabilizing the assembly. For example, solar panel assemblies typically have a large surface area for capturing solar energy; however, such assemblies may also be subjected to wind forces, which may be translated into the mounting posts, thereby loosening the soil surrounding the mounting structure. This problem is particularly amplified when such assemblies are installed in loose or sandy soils. As are ports, docks and buildings.

In the case of solar panel assemblies, many such assemblies are fitted with struts that do not have sufficient underground surface area to provide sufficient resistance to the wind of the solar panel assembly acting on the ground. For example, a strut commonly used in such assemblies may be about 2.5 inches wide. To address the instability problem, one known technique involves pouring a cement cap over the entire surface of the mounting structure. However, this is a very expensive measure and further has the disadvantage that the mounting becomes permanent or semi-permanent. Thus, resetting, modifying or retrofitting the installation becomes a significant task because of the presence of the cement cap.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a ground mounting assembly for mounting structures, such as photovoltaic systems mounted to the ground mounting assembly, methods for stabilizing pre-mounted ground mounting assemblies, and for ground mounting structures, including ports, docks, mooring, antennas, and building reinforcement. Briefly described, the present invention may be seen as providing permanent, semi-permanent and temporary, removable ground-engaging mounting assemblies, systems and methods for ground-engaging mounting of structures using a stanchion having attached stabilizing plates for lateral and/or lifting and/or downward forces.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a ground mounting assembly for a mounting structure comprising one or more posts, each post being connected to at least one stabilizing element of any geometry, which may take the form of a plate that can be fixed or tie-down (toggle) mounted to the post, or a semi-pyramidal structure, for example, fixed to the post. A first portion of the one or more posts may define a front face of the mounting assembly and a second portion of the one or more posts may define a back face of the mounting assembly. In the case where there are a plurality of pillars, each front pillar may be connected to an adjacent one of the rear pillars by a cross member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a photovoltaic system that includes a ground mounting assembly having one or more posts, each post connecting at least one stabilizing element. Where there are a plurality of posts, at least two of the plurality of posts may be connected by a cross member, and the solar panel array may be mounted to the ground mounting assembly.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of stabilizing a pre-installed ground mounting assembly having one or more posts at least partially buried in the ground. The method comprises the following steps: excavating an area of ground surrounding each of the posts; connecting at least one stabilizing element to each of the posts in an area exposed by the excavation; and backfilling the excavated area. In the case where there are a plurality of pillars, the method may further include: excavating a portion of the ground between a post defining a front of the mounting assembly and a post defining a back of the mounting assembly; and connecting a cross member between each front pillar and an adjacent one of the rear pillars.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method of ground mounting of a structure, comprising the steps of: forming a mounting assembly by driving one or more posts into the ground, each post connecting at least one stabilising element; and connecting the structure to an above-ground portion of the mounting assembly. In the case where there are a plurality of struts, the method may further comprise the steps of: excavating an area of ground between a post defining a front of the mounting assembly and a post defining a back of the mounting assembly; connecting a cross member between each front pillar and an adjacent one of the rear pillars; and backfilling the excavated area.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a device flush with the ground or near flush with a grounded mounting assembly having a rotating cover attachment for a structural cable, rope or chain to tension or tie down permanent, semi-permanent or temporary structures such as fabric roof structures, tents, awnings and other building structures and elements that can rotate, bend or stretch in multiple directions. This may be due to the design of moving building elements or structural movement under different weather conditions, also due to time of year, season, temperature, wind direction, etc.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Drawings

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Fig. 1 is a side view of a Photovoltaic (PV) system above and below ground level according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan sectional view of a Sigma strut taken along line 14 of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the system shown in fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view above and below ground level of the system shown in fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of stabilizing a pre-installed ground mounting assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of structural ground mounting according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 7A-7C are rotated perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a strut according to the present invention.

Figures 8A-8B and 8C are side and perspective views, respectively, of yet another alternative embodiment of a stanchion in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 9A-9D and 9E are side and enlarged perspective views, respectively, showing yet another alternative embodiment of the post of the present invention using a locking mechanism.

Fig. 10A-10B, 10C and 10D are side, perspective and top views, respectively, of yet another embodiment of a strut of the present invention.

Fig. 10E is a flow chart illustrating a process of installing and stabilizing the mast according to fig. 9A-10D.

Fig. 11A-11N are side and top views of other alternative embodiments of the strut of the present invention.

Fig. 12A and 12B are flow diagrams illustrating a method of installing and stabilizing the mast of fig. 11A-11N.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a pier or pier (pier) according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a view similar to fig. 1 of a port or quay according to yet another embodiment of the invention. Fig. 15A is a front view similar to fig. 1 of a mooring according to another embodiment of the invention, and fig. 15B-15G show alternative configurations of the mooring according to the invention; and fig. 15H and 15I show yet another alternative configuration of a mooring according to the invention.

Fig. 16 is a perspective detail of a stake having a pier, or building according to another embodiment of the present invention, and fig. 16A to 16C are plan views thereof.

Fig. 17-24 illustrate further embodiments of the plate locking mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 25, 25A, 25B, 26A and 27 illustrate other alternative embodiments of the strut of the present invention, showing the use of a rotating ram, laterally deployed stabilizer plates and rods, a rotating hub mechanism, deployed stabilizers and a locking mechanism.

Fig. 28, 28A, 28B, 28C and 29 are further depictions of the described inventive concept for use as ground anchors (ground anchors) that can be manually installed with a hammer and nested together for storage and transport when not in use.

Figure 30 illustrates the use of a ground anchor according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a front view of a Photovoltaic (PV) system 10 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes a solar panel assembly 10 and a mounting assembly 20. The solar panel assembly 10 may include an array of solar panels 12 that may be physically and electrically connected to each other.

The mounting assembly 20 includes a plurality of posts 22. In one embodiment, the support post 22 may be any pile, pole, grid, or any similar structure that may be at least partially underground and securely fixed in an upright position. In one embodiment, the posts 22 may be sigma (Σ) posts (as shown in the plan view of fig. 2).

One or more stabilization elements 24 are attached to each strut 22. The stabilization element 24 may take the form of a flat plate and may be made of, for example, galvanized steel. The elements or plates 24 may be of any size depending on the desired stability and/or type of structure to be mounted on the mounting assembly 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the plate 24 may be approximately 12"x24" x3/16 ". Preferably, the stabilizer plate 24 includes an inclined lower corner (lower corner)25, which may have an angle of about 45 ° to 75 °, preferably about 75 °, with the horizontal plane, as shown in fig. 1. The angled corners 25 allow the plate 24 to be more easily inserted into the ground, for example, when connected to the post 22. The plate 24 is attached to the post 22 by any known attachment technique, including welding, epoxy or other adhesives, rivets, screws, nuts and bolts or any other structural fastener, and the like. As shown in the sectional plan view taken along line 14 of fig. 2, plate 24 may be attached to post 22 with bolts 26. In addition, if desired, one or more semi-pyramidal stabilizing elements or pyramidal scoops 102, as shown in greater detail in fig. 8A-8C, may be attached to the support post 22.

Depending on the nature of the structure to be installed, the connection location of the stabilising plate 24 and pyramid scoop 102 to the post 22 and the underground depth of the plate 24 and pyramid scoop 102 may vary. As shown in fig. 1, the structure to be installed may be a solar panel assembly 10. For such a solar panel assembly 10, the stabilizing plate 24 may preferably be connected to the post 22 and the plate 24 is buried to a depth of about 2' from ground level to the top of the plate 24, with the pyramid-shaped scoop 102 below the stabilizing plate 24 as shown in fig. 1. For example, the pillars 22 may be about 10' high, with a depth of embedment of about 8'4", and a height above ground of about 1' 8". The stabilizing plate 24 may be located underground such that the flat surface of the plate 24 is oriented in the same direction as the vertical component of the solar panel 12 of the assembly 10, as indicated by the arrows in fig. 4. That is, the buried flat surface of the panels 24 may face in the same direction as the wind-bearing vertical component of the above-ground photovoltaic surface, thereby providing subsurface resistance, preventing or minimizing horizontal or vertical uplift (uplift) movement of the column due to the solar panels 12 being subjected to wind or hurricane or seismic events. (see FIGS. 3 and 4)

As shown in the plan view of fig. 3, the

struts

22a and 22b of the mounting assembly 20 may be arranged in a rectangular formation, with a first set of struts 22a defining the front of the assembly 20 and a second set of struts 22b defining the back of the assembly 20. The length (L) of the assembly 20 may be defined by the total distance between the front posts 22a or the back posts 22b, while the width (W) of the assembly 20 may be defined by the distance between adjacent front and

back posts

22a, 22 b. The positioning of the posts may create other geometric patterns depending on the shape and mounting location of the structure to be mounted, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

The

struts

22a and 22b may be connected to one another using cross members 28 to provide further structural strength and stability to the mounting assembly 20 and system 10. The cross member 28 may also be connected side-to-side to provide additional stability (see fig. 3). The cross member 28 may be any type of connector for providing stability and/or structural strength when connecting between two or

more struts

22a and 22 b. For example, the cross member 28 may be a rigid structure, such as a rod or an angle. The cross member 28 may be 2"x2" x3/16 "galvanized tubular steel.

As shown in the side view of fig. 4, the cross member 28 may be connected with the

posts

22a and 22b underground (e.g., at a location above, below, or near the location of the plate 24, connected by bolts 26) and/or above ground. The cross member 28 may be connected to the

struts

22a and 22b before or after the

struts

22a and 22b are installed on the ground. In addition, other stabilizing components similar to the item (items)102 may be attached to the stanchion prior to installation in order to increase resistance to pulling forces, such as an inverted pyramid-shaped scoop shown as 102 to resist upward pulling forces. For installation, slots may be cut into the ground, and the cross members 28 and struts 22a and 22b may be placed therein and then backfilled. The cross member 28 may be attached to the

posts

22a and 22b by any known attachment technique, including welding, rivets, epoxy or other adhesives, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other structural fastener, etc. For example, the cross member 28 may be attached to the

struts

22a and 22b using two self drilling bull-nose screws.

The cross member 28 may connect the

struts

22a and 22b in pairs, as shown in FIG. 3. The cross member 28 may connect the

posts

22a and 22b along an axis perpendicular to the planar surface of the plate 24 (e.g., as shown in fig. 3, the cross member 28 connects the front posts 22a to the back posts 22b along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the plate 24). By connecting the cross members 28 to the

posts

22a and 22b perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the panel 24, the system 100 is provided with stability for mounting the assembly 20 against wind directed at the surface of the solar panel assembly 10. The structure to be mounted, such as the solar panel assembly 10, may be sized such that it may be desirable to form a mounting assembly 20 of two or more pairs of

posts

22a and 22b (e.g., two pairs of posts 22a and two pairs of posts 22b, as shown in fig. 3). However, the mounting assembly 20 may include any number of

struts

22a and 22b, and may include a cross member 28 that may connect the

struts

22a and 22b in any orientation, for example, connecting the front strut 22a to an adjacent back strut 22b, connecting the front strut 22a to the front strut 22a, connecting the back strut 22b to the back strut 22b, and connecting the front strut 22a to a non-adjacent back strut 22 b.

The solar panel assembly 10 may be mounted to the mounting assemblies 20-20a, such as by connecting the mounting posts 16 of the solar panel assembly 10 to the above-ground portions of the

posts

22a and 22b of the mounting assembly 20. Although the mounting assemblies 20-20a have been described primarily with respect to mounting the solar panel assembly 10, any other assembly may be mounted to the mounting assembly 20 of the present invention. For example, the mounting assembly 20 may be used to mount other types of photovoltaic systems, including photovoltaic concentrator and mirror assemblies, as well as billboards, signs, buildings, or any other structure that may be subject to seismic action, wind, and related expected structural loads.

Existing mounting structures may be retrofitted for the stability utilization principles provided by the present invention. For example, an existing mounting structure for a photovoltaic system may include

posts

22a and 22b that have previously been driven into the ground to which the solar panel assembly 10 has been attached. To provide enhanced stability, particularly in loose or sandy soils, the panels 24 may be connected to the

posts

22a and 22 b. To connect the panels 24, the ground area surrounding the

columns

22a and 22b may be dug out, for example, to a depth of about 3 feet. The plate 24 may then be attached to the post, for example with stainless steel or corrosion resistant bolts 26. For further stability, the cross-members 28 may be connected between adjacent front and

rear struts

22a and 22b, for example, by digging a trench between the

struts

22a and 22b, connecting the cross-members 28, and backfilling the trench.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart 500 illustrating a method of stabilizing a pre-installed ground mounting assembly having a plurality of

posts

22a and 22b at least partially buried underground in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ground area around each of the

columns

22a and 22b is excavated, as indicated by block 502. In block 504, a stabilization plate 24 is connected to each of the

struts

22a and 22b in the area exposed by the excavation. In block 506, the excavated area is backfilled. The stabilizer plate 24 is connected to the

posts

22a and 22b at a location such that the upper edge of the stabilizer plate 24 is buried to a depth of about 1 foot or more underground.

The method may further include excavating a portion of the ground between the pillars 22a defining the front of the mounting assembly and the pillars 22b defining the back of the mounting assembly, and connecting a cross member 28 between each front pillar 22a and an adjacent one of the back pillars 22 b.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart 600 illustrating a method of ground mounting of a structure. As indicated by block 602, the mounting assembly 20 is formed by inserting a plurality of

posts

22a and 22b into the ground, each

post

22a and 22b connecting a stabilizing plate 24 and optionally a scoop-shaped pyramid-102. In block 604, the structure is attached to the above-ground portion of the mounting assembly 20. Each of the

columns

22a and 22b is inserted into the ground at a position such that the stabilizer plate 24 is buried to a depth of about 2 feet below ground. The structure may be a solar panel array 10.

The method may further include excavating an area of ground between the pillars 22a defining the front of the mounting assembly 20 and the pillars 22b defining the back of the mounting assembly 20, and connecting cross members 28 between each front pillar 22a and an adjacent one of the back pillars 22b, and backfilling the excavated area.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any "preferred" embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. For example, as shown in fig. 7A-7C, the stakes or

posts

100A, 100B, 100C may have different cross-sections and may have a plurality of plates 102 and semi-pyramid shaped scoops 102a mounted thereon. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, one or more additional stabilizing elements 102a in the form of a half-pyramid structure may be used, for example, with mounting plate 104 fixedly mounted to a

post

22a or 22b for stabilizing the structure against tenting, twisting, vertical loading and tensile strength. In such an embodiment, a semi-pyramid shaped stabilizing element or pyramid shaped scoop is preferably secured to the lower half of the

strut

22a or 22b, but may be placed at any location on the strut to maximize its lifting twist and vertical load as well as tensile strength. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the stabilization element may take the form of a tie-down mounted anchor plate 106, the anchor plate 106 being pivotally mounted to the

post

22a or 22b about a pivot 108. With the pivotally mounted stabilizing element or plate 106, the post is typically driven below a target location on the ground, as shown, for example, in fig. 9A and 9B. The stanchion will then be pulled vertically into a final position, causing the tie-down mounted plate 106 to unfold against stop plate 110, which in the preferred embodiment, comprises a semi-pyramid shaped element. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 9E, the toggle mounting plate 106 may be strong enough so that when the plate is slid into the bracket or channel stop and slot 107 in the flexible locking mechanism 109, the trailing end of the plate flexes back against itself, conforming to the slot 107, locking the plate 106 against the up and down pressure and the force of the tab 109A. Once locked in place, the plate 106 has the ability to resist upward and downward movement on the pile.

In another alternative, as shown in fig. 10A and 10B, the stabilizing element may take the form of a curved plate 112 having a reduced resistance bend point 114 secured to the strut 22 adjacent its lower end by a fastener 116. The upper free end 118 of the plate 112 is preferably bent outwards by lifting the pile upwards. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 10C and 10D, the plate 112 may be pivoted and locked in place in a slot 113 in the bracket plate 111. The right hand side of the strut 22 in figure 10C shows the panel 112 deployed within the slot 113, while the left hand side of the strut 22 shows the panel 112 undeployed, the panel 112 being in an upright abutting position with the strut 22. Preferably, slot 113 is slightly curved to retain plate 112 by frictional engagement. In addition, the locking portion of the bracket plate 111, i.e., the portion of the bracket plate 111 having the slot 113, may be flexible and spring-like such that it may be biased outwardly by the plate 112 when an upward force is applied and will spring back to an unbiased position to lock the plate 112 within the slot 113, as shown in fig. 10D. The invention can also be advantageously used with solar thermal energy systems, ports, docks, buildings and moorings.

Fig. 10E is a flow chart illustrating a process of installing and stabilizing the mast according to fig. 9A-10D. Step 1 is for assembling and attaching a ground stabilising plate 24 or other plate 24 to a pile or pole. Next, the pile or rod is inserted to the desired depth in step 2. In step 3, the pile or rod is driven upward to deploy a stabilizing plate shown as 106 in FIGS. 9A-9E and 112 in FIGS. 10A-10D. This movement locks the stabilizing plate in the deployed position at the desired depth. Then, in step 4, the pile or rod is ready for use.

Referring now to fig. 11A-11N, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the rod comprises a double pestle (double round under) pile driving single rod comprising an elongated hollow rod 150, preferably having a square cross-section, capped at its distal end 152 by a pyramid-shaped point 154. The double-pestle driving single bar 150 includes a follower guide 158, the follower guide 158 being mounted to a top plate 160, the pyramid-shaped points 154 being formed via steel tube spacers 162, the length of the steel tube spacers 162 being variable (see fig. 11G). The double pestle may be equipped with a plate 150B to resist lateral loads (see fig. 11E and 11G). Also, as shown in fig. 11G, the dual pestle may be positioned anywhere along the pile. The soil is stratified. It is therefore desirable to have the plates come out at the soil depth, with the stabiliser creating the strongest resistance to the stresses and loads of movement. The dual pestle design allows for the versatility required to achieve the maximum holding surface. The double pestle also allows the length and size of the slab to be varied according to soil and structural needs. It can be placed anywhere on the pile. As shown in fig. 11H, as slotted winglets (wings) 170A expand and the hollow box column 156 expands, the spaced semicircular sleeve guides 156a increase, the number of rollers or ball bearings increase 156b, and the steel plate 170 increases in length. Also, most particularly shown in fig. 11C, stabilising plates 164 may be required for initial installation of the pile during double impact of the pile, but they need not remain in final position and they may be removed. They need only be in this position so that the pile is not inserted to a depth deeper than the required engineering requirements. Also, it should be noted that the plate 150B may be placed anywhere on the dual pestle for maximum stability. Also, as shown in fig. 11G, ground level (grade) stabilising plates may be omitted when a barge (cage) or pile driving arrangement provides a stabilising element.

The double pestle may also take another form as shown in fig. 11I to 11N. Such double pestles are known as porcupine (porcupine) double pestles and require multiple struts and plates to stabilize a single or multi-stake structure. The same procedure as mentioned is followed in fig. 11A to 11I. However, instead of releasing 1 or 4 plates along the pile, multiple struts and plates are deployed by double-clicking on the connecting wedge within the pile and knocking out multiple porcupine plates. These multiple plates can be spread out in two opposite directions, driven by a pile driver 1006 with a plunger or ram (ram)1002 having one or more wedge faces 1004, as shown in fig. 11J-11N, or at 180 ° different positions, to create multiple porcupine piles that can not only integrate downward forces in a downward fashion, but also can be combined with pyramid-up mounting to create a pile that is maximized in all directions. For better penetration into the soil, the porcupine stackable double pestle may be arranged with a single sided inclined planar push or wedge face as shown in fig. 11M with a central reinforcing guide 169X, slotted winglets and a J-shaped skid 169 without just lubricated rollers as shown in fig. 11M and further developed in fig. 11N.

Fig. 12A and 12B are flow charts of the installation steps required for a dual pestle. In use, a conventional rod or pile driver is used to drive a single rod of a double pestle pile into the ground to a desired depth in step 1. Then, in step 2, the pile is stabilized with a ground stabilizing plate 164. Next, in step 3 or 3A, a plunger (plunger)150A or ram is driven down inside the rod 150 to drive the steel plate 170 outwardly on plate rollers 166 guided by retaining grooves 170B in the plate 170A, if desired with an environmentally safe lubricant such as vegetable oil, wax, etc., the rollers 166 are lubricated through slots 168 formed near the distal end of the rod 150 and guided through slotted winglets 169 in the plate 170A (fig. 11J) to provide upwardly and downwardly constraining baffles or fins. The ground stabilising plate is then removed and the pile is ready for use (step 5), as shown in step 4.

The dual staked driving single rod may then be used in combination with other similar or different rods as previously described, or may be used alone to install the PV system, as shown in fig. 13. The resulting single bar with the solar panel array attached thereto is able to offset the large loads and has significant advantages over conventional concrete spreader foundations which require reinforced concrete and anchor bolts, particularly in remote areas such as deserts or power line attachment buildings (easements) (see fig. 13). Referring now to fig. 14, in yet another embodiment of the invention, a port or pier may be mounted on a plurality of ground mounted poles as described above, wherein the distal ends of the poles are driven into a lake, river or seabed, while the proximal ends extend above the water and a port or pier is mounted thereon.

Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of the invention for use in ports and docks. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 15A, a ground mounting bar as previously described may be driven into a lake, river or seabed, the pile pulled to final position, and the pile driver disconnected, for example by unscrewing, and a mooring connected to the proximal end of the bar. However, in practice, the mooring shown in fig. 15A requires periodic inspection of the mooring and chain, typically every one to three years in some waters. Once the toggle is deployed, moving the device out of the port bottom causes circumferential damage to the bottom, and thus damage to the ecosystem around the pile.

Fig. 15B-15G show an alternative displaceable mooring pile, where the mooring pile is driven into position and the stabilising plates are deployed and locked, and then the stabilising plates can be unlocked, and once unlocked the mooring pile can be pulled upwards and removed. Due to the upward pulling movement and soil resistance, the unfolded but unlocked stabilising plate will fold against the mooring pile 200, allowing the pile to be retrieved with minimal damage to the surrounding soil. The mooring pile 200 is first knocked to the bottom of the port but then the release mechanism shown in figures 15C, 15D and 15E is used so that the toggle 202 folds back to the side of the pile and can be retrieved in a more environmentally friendly manner (retrieved). The pile mooring is fitted with a pile driving mechanism with a spring 204, the spring 204 being locked to the cover of the mooring. The release drive pin 206 is detachable in this pile system and it will be removed while driving the pile. Removal of the peg requires installation of a release drive pin, and once installed, the release drive pin is used to push the release plate downward and release the movable locking mechanism for removal at the retrieval location.

The pile uses a retaining wire 208 to hold the wrist plane against the pile mooring during initial drive. Once the pile is driven to a depth of about 2 'from where the pile should be, the wire will be released and then the pile driver will continue to drive the mooring an additional 2' depth to release the flaps locked into position. When inspection is required, the same piling service used will have a pin in the middle of the pile for releasing the toggle lock mechanism, and there will be a transmitter and sounder 210 in the pile cap itself and the piling machine. This will allow the barge operator or ship operator to determine the location of the mooring in dark water. This is particularly important in waters with muddy conditions at the bottom in order to lock onto the pile mooring. The pin release drive then drives the center pin and plate down into the mooring and releases the lower retainer to the outward position, allowing one to lift the mooring out without any significant damage to the seabed bottom. The mooring chain 212 can be inspected, the cap pile mooring removed, all entities inspected, for example, for standard maintenance at required intervals as determined by the port authority or government authorities, and the lubrication and maintenance required for the wear parts, and will be reinstalled both inside and outside the pile mooring, which will be reinstalled in the same location as where it was removed.

Fig. 15F to 15I are based on the operation and description of fig. 15A. Unlike fig. 15A, however, the devices in these figures have release and retrieval features similar to fig. 15A, but use round, hollow, galvanized (or other corrosion resistant treated) stakes that may be extended in the field. The extendable hollow pile has an intermediate section where additional length or extension of the hollow pile may be added using threaded, sleeved or other types of couplings as shown in fig. 15H and 15I to achieve the desired holding capacity in different soils. This is particularly advantageous if a new mooring pile in the area has a different bottom soil condition than the previous or adjacent mooring pile, the pile length being adjustable in length until it provides the correct pull-out resistance.

Fig. 16 shows another preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of a pier, pier or building. As shown in fig. 16, the geometric spoon or solid pyramid is attached by bolts or external clamps and works on standard wooden piles, metal piles or piles made of other materials (e.g. fiberglass or concrete), perhaps 20 to 60 feet in length. In fig. 16A and 16C, steel, fiberglass, composite, galvanized steel or stainless steel spoons or solid pyramids are bolted to the timber pile using steel (in most cases, standard steel will work because there is no oxygen in the sand, mud or clay under the ocean), stainless steel or other corrosion resistant bolts 104 to provide upward twist and downward resistance applied to the pile from tidal, wave or ice conditions. Fig. 16B shows the side plates 24 bolted together with steel, fiberglass, composite, stainless steel or other corrosion resistant bolts 104 through the stake numbers 22A to resist side loading to the structure. Fig. 16C shows a bucket stake with a winglet 102C to resist upward side loads and downward forces due to its outwardly projecting form.

Referring to fig. 17-24, there is shown another embodiment of the invention in which the toggle plate may be locked in place with a locking mechanism so that the pile or struts are able to resist not only vertical uplift, but also downward pressure. The locking toggle, described in more detail below, may be used alone or in combination with the double pestle or scoop pyramid shaped pile elements discussed above. In such embodiments, the double pestle porcupine plate should be placed near the bottom or distal end of the pile or post, while the locking toggle is located at the very distal end of the pile or rod and the proximal or top end of the pile or post.

Referring to fig. 17-24, the toggle lock mechanism is bolted or fastened to the pile with a hinged plate attached. The toggle plate is connected to the post by stainless steel wires (fig. 17A and 18A, or it may be held in place by a metal lever locking shaft as shown in fig. 17B, 17C, 18B and 18C) with the toggles in the actuated position, there being 2 or 4 toggles (or more) per post. The pile will be driven to the recommended depth of about one or two feet less than the final finished depth. The retaining wire will be removed or the metal rod released, or the metal rod at the top of the locking mechanism combined with the wire (as shown in fig. 19 and 18B and 18C). The pile is then driven into the locking mechanism by driving the pile downwards (fig. 20 and 21) rather than lifting to set the toggle as described previously. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 17B-17D and 18B-18C, the wire (wire) retention system is a viable solution for small piles (6 to 12 inch diameter or square) and wires for mooring equipment; it is generally not suitable for larger piles, such as 18 "round or 24" square piles. There may be 40 'long or even larger piles which may be 20 or 24 "square and 80' long. This would require a different mechanism. Instead of the wires shown in fig. 17A and 18A.

Fig. 17B-17D and 18B-18C illustrate the rod lock release mechanism to be located or disposed (routed) within a metal pile. The mechanism locks the metal so that the metal retaining pin or latch of the base will be connected to the continuous rod to be above ground level and can simply be twisted and staked in the open position so that the flaps will be released into the toggle lock mechanism. This will provide increased strength both downwards and upwards of the pile. Also included in fig. 17D and 18B are rock deflectors (shown in phantom) as needed depending on soil conditions.

Figures 21-24 illustrate how the toggle is locked in the toggle lock mechanism to withstand upward and downward loads. This occurs when the angle toggle pushes out of the lower, smaller steel locking mechanism and forces the toggle into the slot and against the larger upper locking mechanism post, clicking and locking. This stronger structure with a larger upper portion resists breakage of the pile driving hammer. The latter feature is preferred as it will be driven and locked in both vertical and downward directions and indeed make the pile a stronger structural element. Also, the toggle or flap may be mounted anywhere along the length of the pile, similar to the double pestle shown in FIG. 11G.

Figure 24 shows the toggle just before it engages the slot, at which point the toggle just bends the steel lower locking mechanism before it snaps into the locking slot.

In fig. 25, 25A and 25B, another preferred embodiment is shown in which the pile or rod stabilizing element may be deployed at a desired depth in the soil and then retracted to facilitate removal of pile retrieving pin 2506. Hollow pile 2501 is shown with a retracted stabilizing plate 2502A (shown in phantom in fig. 25) retained within the cavity of the pile or rod by a spring-loaded hinge point or pivot point 2504 in fig. 25. The hinge or pivot point is held in place by a pivot plate attached to the wall of the hollow peg or rod. The pivot plates are welded or bolted in place prior to driving the pile or rod into the soil. The stabilization rods or plates extend laterally outward through slots machined or sawed through the pile or rod wall. The pile is reinforced by machined grooves with pile reinforcing wings 5202B. When wedge driver 2503A is tamped and rotated to the position shown in fig. 25B, the laterally extending stabilizing plate shown as 2502A locks into place. Once in place, the wedge drive holds the stabilizing plate in place. In a further embodiment, stabilizers made of flat metal are arranged in a sequential stack, which rotates with rotation pin 2505 as the tapered drivers bend downward, pushing each stabilizer out (shown in solid lines in fig. 25) and beginning the deployment of the next sequential stabilizer in the stabilizer stack (see fig. 25A and 25B).

Fig. 26 shows a side plate or rod 2602 mounted to an inner rotating hub 2603 by a hinge point 2605 and retracted into a recess (recess)2606, the recess 2606 extending laterally around a hollow tube or post 2601. An advantage of this type of design is that once the pile or rod is driven to the desired depth, the stabilizer can be deployed without the need for further depth adjustment of the pile or rod to deploy the stabilizer. The inner rotating hub with splines 2607 is held in place by one or more retaining rings 2604. Retaining rings attached by the use of corrosion resistant screws, bolts or even welding are located on the inner cavity wall of the hollow pile or rod, holding the rotating hub in place when the pipe or pile is driven into place, not allowing the rotating hub to move vertically.

The outer ends of the stabilizers are shaped so that when the hub is turned, the stabilizers dig into the soil in an outwardly protruding manner as shown in 2602A-2602D and use a spring 2609 to tension the pin 2608 into position with a cable 2610 attached to one end. Pulling on a cable connected to one end of the spring-tensioned pin unlocks the stabilizer and turns the internal hub in the opposite direction, retracting the stabilizer, allowing the rod or pile to be removed.

Fig. 26A shows an internal rotary driver mechanism that deploys a horizontal stabilizer without the need to adjust the pipe or pile depth in order to deploy the stabilizer. The disclosed driver mechanism 2610 is held inside a hollow peg or tube 2601 and is guided by threads or grooves 2614 in the driver side at a pitch and count that allows the driver to rotate upon downward impact. The driver is guided by a round bar 2612, the round bar 2612 being attached to the inner wall of the hollow pile or bar. The driver is additionally tapered, allowing the driver to be used with the stabilizer shown in fig. 26A. As the driver drives down through the central key slot hole, the key struts 2608 rotate, which in turn rotates the rotating hub and deploys the stabilizer laterally outward from the slots 2606 in the wall of the hollow tube or pile. The stabilizer is held in a groove and hinged at a single point 2605. In fig. 27, another preferred embodiment is a rotary ground engaging mounting bar or helmet 2701 attached to the proximal end of the mounting and stabilizing ground engaging mounting bar assembly 2708. Near the ground or outer surface 2709, where the cap has an outer and inner diameter and a top surface, where the top surface contains a removable rotating hub 2702. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating hub is sealed to the element with a sealing bearing 2704, the bearing being part of the assembly and being detachable for repair and replacement if required, and a cap connected to the rod mounting assembly at one or more holes 2707, wherein the cap can be attached, bolted, welded, etc. to the earth mounting assembly.

In another preferred embodiment, the rotating hub assembly uses ball bearings and O-rings or washers to help seal the elements and allow rotational movement. The assembly can be disassembled and assembled as needed during the service life of the grounded mounting tube. The rotating hub can rotate an unlimited 360 degrees in the plane of the top surface and additionally includes a hardware attachment face 2703 to facilitate installation or connection of the type of hardware needed to properly attach the grounded installation pipe assembly to a structure, truss, cable, or component of a building element for the intended purpose.

In yet another embodiment, an inverted U-shaped mounting bar 2705 with a hinged connection 2706 on each end of the U-shape is attached to the hardware attachment surface. The hinge connection allows the inverted U-shape to pivot through an arc of at least 180 degrees, allowing unrestricted rotational and arc-shaped movement of anything attached to the mounting and stabilizing ground engaging mounting bar. A rotating ground-engaging mounting rod or tube assembly cap is attached to the above-ground portion of the building assembly to secure or structure to be built.

Fig. 28 depicts a smaller version of the disclosed invention, wherein a ground mounting assembly 2802 is shown having a tip cap 2806 with a closed geometric cross section that is tapered or square closed at one end and formed into a spoon-like pyramid or cone 2802. The geometric cross-section of the middle portion 2802 is shaped as an "L" or partially circular or other geometric opening shaped cross-section with a stabilizing winglet 2804 and an enlarged (cross-section) stiffening end 2808 intended to strike the ground engaging mounting assembly with a hammer. Cleats 2810 are provided to prevent wires or cords connecting the ground mounting assembly to an object held in place or stabilized from sliding off the ground mounting assembly during use, for example, for setting down camping equipment such as a tent or canopy. Furthermore, it can be used as an ornamental plant anchor for trees or other plants that need to be stabilized using wires or ropes until they can root and stabilize themselves. Fig. 28B depicts a downward truncated nested pyramid scoop with a sharper tip and the same scoop as fig. 28 for a harder ground surface, but still nested one within the other for reuse by campers, military forces, and horticulturists as shown at 28A for storage and reuse. Fig. 28B depicts a truncated nested pyramid-shaped scoop mounting assembly with a tie-down strap. Fig. 28C depicts a more powerful, longer form of nested pyramidal tip scoop mounting assembly that can be used, for example, in a road barrier installation or retaining wall, etc., and is designed for pile driver installation.

FIG. 29 depicts another geometric variation in which the cross-section or mounting assembly is circular or tubular. As with the embodiment of fig. 28, the mounting assembly may be manually driven with a hammer. The tip end cap 2906 forms an open scoop 2902 that resists upward pulling of the ground mounting assembly 2908 once installed. The ground mounting assembly is hammered into the ground at the reinforced open end 2912 (see figure) and includes stabilizing winglets 2904 and notches or wedges 2910 (see figure) to hold in place wires or ropes connected to the item being held or stabilized.

Fig. 30 depicts a mounting assembly of the present invention for stabilizing a tree. Once the ground engaging mounting assembly 3002 is driven into the soil, as shown in fig. 3004, the force pulling the mounting assembly is resisted by the superior holding tension provided by the scoop engaged with the soil, as shown at 3006, and the wedge 3008 prevents the guide wire 3010 or cable from sliding off the ground engaging mounting, which anchors the tree by connecting the tree to the ground engaging mounting assembly using a guide wire, cable or cable.

In another embodiment, not shown, a ground engaging mounting bar as previously described may be driven into the ground adjacent a building or other structure for reinforcing or stabilizing the building or other structure. The ground mounting post may also be used to stabilize antennas, flagpoles, lamp poles, signs, etc.

All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A ground mounting assembly comprising a hollow stem having a pointed cap at a distal end of the stem, wherein the hollow stem has one or more transverse slots through the stem wall from the stem lumen to the stem outer surface, and the stem protrudes into the hollow stem lumen;

wherein the rod comprises a rotation mechanism and a central keyway for deploying at least one stabilizer plate or rod; and

wherein the stabilizing plate and rod are connected to the rotating mechanism by at least one pivot point located within the rotating mechanism and the stabilizing plate or rod is reversibly deployed by rotation of the rotating mechanism.

2. The ground mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a rotating wedge, wherein the wedge has a top surface, one or more side surfaces having grooves or channels oriented at a desired spacing and counted longitudinally around the side surface, one or more angled wedge surfaces with a wide portion of the wedge closest to the side surface, and a key extension extending from a narrow portion of the wedge.

3. The ground mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein said rotation mechanism comprises a rotating cap having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a top portion comprising a rotating hub rotatable 360 degrees, and wherein said rotating hub has a mounting bracket.

4. The ground mounting assembly of claim 2 wherein rotation of the rotation mechanism occurs when the rotating wedge is struck or knocked and the key extension passes through the central keyway of the ground mounting assembly.

5. A ground engaging mounting assembly having a distal end and a proximal end, comprising a shaped shape having a geometric transverse profile, wherein the profile is a partial geometry having at least one open side, and wherein the distal end is formed as a pointed tip forming a semi-pyramidal scoop with the geometric transverse profile.

6. The ground mounting assembly of claim 5 wherein the shaped proximal end has a wedge, notch or other such protrusion extending therefrom.

7. The ground engaging mounting assembly of claim 5 wherein the shaped shape has one or more stabilizing winglets extending therefrom.

8. The ground mounting assembly of claim 5 wherein said assembly is made of metal, plastic or any combination of metal or plastic.

9. The ground mounting assembly of claim 5 wherein two or more of said ground mounting assemblies are adapted to be nested or stacked together.

10. The ground mounting assembly of claim 5 formed of injection molded plastic.

11. The ground mounting assembly of claim 5 made of one or more metals by stamping, forging, welding or casting.

12. A ground mounting structure comprising:

a ground mounting stem having a proximal end adapted to extend from the ground and a distal end adapted to be driven into the ground, wherein the ground mounting stem comprises an elongated hollow stem that is open at its proximal end and is sized and shaped to receive a piling plunger or ram having one or more wedge faces, the hollow stem having a pointed cap at its distal end, the hollow stem further having at least two stabilizing elements slidably carried inside the hollow stem adjacent its distal end, wherein each of the at least two stabilizing elements adjacent its distal end comprises at least one flat plate having a distal end positioned adjacent a groove in the wall of the hollow stem and adjacent its distal end, the hollow stem further comprising a winglet configured to extend from an outer wall of the hollow stem, and at least one plate roller adjacent each slot for supporting and guiding the at least one plate laterally from the hollow rod through the winglets on opposite sides of the at least one plate;

wherein the rod drive structure comprises a roller-less arrow-shaped structure.

13. A ground mounting structure comprising:

a solar panel or solar panel array, a vertical dock, a lower anchor, an antenna, or a building structure secured to the ground mounting bar.

14. The ground mounting structure of claim 13, wherein said solar panel comprises a solar collector panel or a photovoltaic collector plate.

15. The ground mounting structure of claim 13, wherein the solar panel array comprises a fixed solar panel or a tracking solar panel.

16. A ground-engaging mounting structure comprising a ground-engaging mounting bar having a proximal end adapted to extend from the ground and a distal end adapted to extend into the ground, the bar having at least one additional pivotal mounting plate attached thereto and adapted to be locked in position to resist upward and/or downward thrust, wherein the ground-engaging mounting bar comprises a locking/unlocking mechanism actuator accessible from the ground, wherein the locking mechanism actuator comprises a wire, rod or chain.

17. The ground engaging mounting structure of claim 16, wherein the ground engaging mounting bar includes a pivotable stabilizing element, the ground engaging mounting bar further comprising a rock deflector at least partially shielding the pivotable stabilizing element.

18. The ground mounting structure of claim 16, wherein the locking/unlocking mechanism comprises a retaining pin or latch adjacent a distal end of the ground mounting bar and is connected to an above ground accessible location by a wire, rod or chain.

19. The ground mounting structure of claim 18, wherein the locking/unlocking mechanism comprises a trigger locking/unlocking mechanism.

20. A ground-engaging mounting structure comprising an elongated ground-engaging mounting bar open at one side thereof, the bar having a tip cap at a distal end and an elongated geometric opening shape terminating in a reinforced strike plate at a proximal end, wherein the distal end forms a sharp scoop, the bar further having one or more reinforced winglets between the distal and proximal ends.

21. The ground mounting structure of claim 20, wherein said structure is nestable within a second structure and has a similar shape and size.

22. The ground mounting structure of claim 20, wherein the ground mounting bar has an "L" -shaped, "part-circular" or other geometric cross-sectional opening shape.

23. The ground mounting structure of claim 20, wherein the reinforced end is enlarged in cross-section and optionally includes a wedge.