CN113756637B - Grounding installation assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Grounding installation assembly

Cross Reference to Related Applications

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

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to ground mount assemblies, systems, and methods for ground mounting of structures. The invention has particular utility in grounding photovoltaic solar panel assemblies and will be described, although other utilities are contemplated, such as ports (docks), wharfs (wharfs), moorings, building structures, accents (centers), and building, tent and landscape enhancements.

Background

Many outdoor structures, such as solar panel assemblies, billboards, signs, ports, tents, wharfs, buildings, etc., are installed into the ground using posts or poles. Often, these assemblies are subjected to strong 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, loosening the soil surrounding the mounting structure. This problem is particularly amplified when such assemblies are installed in loose or sandy soil. 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 subsurface surface area to provide sufficient resistance to wind forces acting on the above-ground solar panel assembly. For example, a typical post in such an assembly may be about 2.5 inches wide. To solve the problem of instability, one known technique involves casting a cement cover over the entire surface of the mounting structure. However, this is a very expensive measure and further has the disadvantage of making the installation permanent or semi-permanent. Thus, resetting, modifying or reforming the installation becomes a significant task because of the presence of the cement cover.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide ground mounting assemblies for mounting structures (such as photovoltaic systems mounted to ground mounting assemblies), ground mounting assemblies for stabilizing pre-installations, and methods for ground mounting structures (including ports, docks, moorings, antennas, and building reinforcements). Briefly described, the present invention may be seen as a ground mounting assembly, system and method for providing permanent, semi-permanent and temporary, removable ground mounting of a structure using a strut with a connecting stabilizing plate for lateral and/or upward and/or downward forces.

In one aspect, the invention provides a ground mounting assembly for a mounting structure comprising one or more struts, each strut being connected to at least one stabilising element of any geometry, which element may take the form of a flat plate securable or cinchable (toggle) mounted to the strut, or a semi-pyramid shaped structure secured to the strut, for example. A first portion of one or more struts may define a front face of the mounting assembly and a second portion of the one or more struts may define a rear face of the mounting assembly. Where there are a plurality of struts, each front strut may be connected to an adjacent one of the rear struts by a cross member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a photovoltaic system that includes a ground mount assembly having one or more struts, each strut connecting at least one stabilizing element. In the case where there are a plurality of struts, at least two of the plurality of struts may be connected by a cross member, and a 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 mount assembly having one or more posts at least partially buried under ground. The method comprises the following steps: excavating a ground area surrounding each of the pillars; connecting at least one stabilizing element to each of the struts in the area exposed by excavation; and backfilling the excavated area. In the case where there are a plurality of struts, the method may further comprise: excavating a portion of the ground between a post defining a front face of the mounting assembly and a post defining a rear face of the mounting assembly; and connecting a cross member between each front strut and an adjacent one of the rear struts.

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

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a device flush or near flush with a ground-mounted assembly having a swivel cover attachment for structural cables, ropes or chains to tighten or tie-down permanent, semi-permanent or temporary structures such as fabric roof structures, tents, canopies and other building structures and elements that can swivel, bend or stretch in multiple directions. This may be due to the design of moving building elements or to the movement of the structure under different weather conditions, as well as to the 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. Furthermore, in the drawings, 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 invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a west gamma (Sigma) prop taken along line 14 in fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of structural ground installation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7A-7C are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a post according to the present invention.

Fig. 8A-8B and 8C are side and perspective views, respectively, of yet another alternative embodiment of a post according to the present invention.

Fig. 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 support post according to fig. 9A-10D.

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

Fig. 12A and 12B are flowcharts illustrating a method of installing and stabilizing the struts 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 side view of a port or dock according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15A is a front view similar to fig. 1 of a mooring according to another embodiment of the invention, fig. 15B-15G showing an alternative configuration of the mooring according to the invention; and figures 15H and 15I show yet another alternative configuration of a mooring according to the invention.

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

Figures 17-24 illustrate yet other 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, illustrating the use of a rotary ram, a laterally deployed stabilizer plate and rod, a rotary hub mechanism, a deployed stabilizer and a locking mechanism.

Fig. 28, 28A, 28B, 28C and 29 are further descriptions of what is described as a ground anchor that can be manually installed with a hammer and nested together for storage and transport when not in use.

Fig. 30 illustrates the use of an earth 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 are 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 invention. The system 10 includes a solar panel assembly 10 and a mounting assembly 20. The solar panel assembly 10 may include a row 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 post 22 may be any pile, rod, grid, or any similar structure, may be at least partially underground, and is securely fixed in an upright position. In one embodiment, the struts 22 may be sigma (Σ) struts (as shown in the plan view of fig. 2).

One or more stabilizing elements 24 are attached to each strut 22. The stabilizing 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 stability and/or type of structure desired for mounting on the mounting assembly 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the plate 24 may be approximately 12"x24" x3/16". Preferably, the stabilizing plate 24 includes a lower corner 25 that is inclined, and may have an angle of about 45 ° to 75 °, preferably about 75 °, with respect to 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 attached to the post 22. The plate 24 is attached to the post 22 by any known attachment technique including welding, epoxy or other adhesive, rivets, screws, nuts and bolts or any other structural fastener, and the like. As shown in the plan view taken along line 14 of fig. 2, the plate 24 may be attached to the post 22 with bolts 26. Furthermore, if desired, one or more hemi-pyramidal stabilizing elements or pyramid-shaped scoops 102, as shown in more detail in fig. 8A-8C, may be attached to the post 22.

Depending on the nature of the structure to be installed, the location of the connection of the stabilizing plate 24 and pyramid-shaped scoop 102 to the post 22 and the subsurface depth of the plate 24 and pyramid-shaped scoop 102 may vary. As shown in fig. 1, the structure to be mounted may be a solar panel assembly 10. For such solar panel assemblies 10, the stabilizing plate 24 may preferably be connected to the support posts 22 and the plate 24 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 post 22 may be about 10' high, with a buried depth of about 8'4", and a height above ground of about 1'8". The stabilizing plate 24 may be positioned underground such that the planar surface of the plate 24 faces in the same direction as the vertical component of the solar panel 12 of the assembly 10, as indicated by the arrow in fig. 4. That is, the buried planar surface of the plate 24 may face in the same direction as the vertical component of the wind bearing of the above-ground photovoltaic surface, thereby providing subsurface resistance, preventing or minimizing horizontal or vertical lifting (lifting) movement of the support posts due to the solar panel 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 posts 22a and 22b of the mounting assembly 20 may be arranged in a rectangular fashion, with the first set of posts 22a defining the front of the assembly 20 and the second set of posts 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 posts 22a and back posts 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 appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art.

The struts 22a and 22b may be connected to one another with 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 connected 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 angle. The cross member 28 may be 2"x3/16" galvanized tube steel.

As shown in the side view of fig. 4, cross members 28 may be connected with struts 22a and 22b underground (e.g., by bolts 26 at a location above, below, or near the location of plate 24) and/or above ground. The cross members 28 may be attached to the posts 22a and 22b before or after the posts 22a and 22b are mounted on the ground. In addition, other stabilizing components similar to items (items) 102 may be attached to the post 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 dug in the ground in which the cross members 28 and struts 22a and 22b may be positioned and then backfilled. Cross member 28 may be attached to struts 22a and 22b by any known attachment technique, including welding, rivets, epoxy or other adhesives, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other structural fastener. For example, cross member 28 may be attached to struts 22a and 22b using two self-drilling large round head screws.

The cross members 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 post 22a to the rear post 22b along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the plate 24). By attaching cross members 28 to the posts 22a and 22b perpendicular to the plane of the surface of the panel 24, stability of the mounting assembly 20 is provided to the system 100 against wind blowing against the surface of the solar panel assembly 10. The structure to be mounted, such as solar panel assembly 10, may be sized such that a mounting assembly 20 that forms 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) may be desirable. However, the mounting assembly 20 may include any number of posts 22a and 22b, and may include a cross member 28 that may connect the posts 22a and 22b in any direction, such as connecting the front post 22a to an adjacent back post 22b, connecting the front post 22a to the front post 22a, connecting the back post 22b to the back post 22b, and connecting the front post 22a to a non-adjacent back post 22b.

The solar panel assembly 10 may be mounted to the mounting assemblies 20-20a, for example, by connecting the mounting posts 16 of the solar panel assembly 10 to the aerial 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.

The existing mounting structure may be trimmed for the stability utilization principle provided by the present invention. For example, existing mounting structures for photovoltaic systems may include posts 22a and 22b that have been previously driven into the ground to which the solar panel assembly 10 has been attached. To provide enhanced stability, particularly in loose or sandy soil, the plate 24 may be attached to the struts 22a and 22 b. For the connection plate 24, the ground area surrounding the struts 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 support post, for example with stainless steel or corrosion resistant bolts 26. For further stability, the cross member 28 may be connected between adjacent front and rear posts 22a and 22b, for example, by digging a trench between the posts 22a and 22b, connecting the cross member 28, and backfilling the trench.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart 500 illustrating a method of stabilizing a pre-installed ground mount assembly having a plurality of posts 22a and 22b at least partially buried under ground in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The ground area surrounding each of the struts 22a and 22b is excavated as indicated by block 502. In block 504, the stabilizer plate 24 is attached to each of the struts 22a and 22b in the area exposed by the excavation. In block 506, the mined 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 into the ground.

The method may further include digging a portion of the ground between the posts 22a defining the front of the mounting assembly and the posts 22b defining the rear of the mounting assembly, and connecting a cross member 28 between each front post 22a and an adjacent one of the rear posts 22 b.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart 600 illustrating a method of structural ground installation. As shown 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 being connected to the stabilizing plate 24 and optionally to the spoon-shaped pyramid-102. In block 604, the structure is connected to an aerial portion of the mounting assembly 20. Each of the posts 22a and 22b is inserted into the ground at a location such that the stabilizer plate 24 is buried to a depth of about 2 feet below the ground. The structure may be a solar panel array 10.

The method may further include excavating a ground area between the posts 22a defining the front of the mounting assembly 20 and the posts 22b defining the rear of the mounting assembly 20, and connecting a cross member 28 between each front post 22a and an adjacent one of the rear posts 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 posts or struts 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 fig. 8A-8C, one or more additional stabilization members 102a in the form of a semi-pyramid-shaped structure may be used, for example, with mounting plates 104 fixedly mounted to the struts 22a or 22b for stabilizing the structure against heave, twist, vertical load and tensile strength. In such embodiments, the semi-pyramid shaped stabilizing element or pyramid shaped scoop is preferably secured to the lower half of the post 22a or 22b, but may be placed anywhere on the post to maximize its lifting twist and vertical load as well as tensile strength. In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, the stabilizing 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. In the case of a pivotally mounted stabilizing element or plate 106, the post will typically be driven below the target location on the ground, as shown, for example, in fig. 9A and 9B. The post will then be pulled vertically into the final position causing the cinch-mounted plate 106 to spread out against the stop plate 110, which stop plate 110 comprises, in the preferred embodiment, a half-pyramid shaped element. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9E, the toggle mounting plate 106 may be sufficiently strong such that when the plate is slid into the slot 107 in the bracket or channel stop and flexible locking mechanism 109, the tail end of the plate flexes back against itself and conforms 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 reduced resistance bend points 114 secured to the post 22 adjacent its lower end by fasteners 116. By lifting the stake upwardly, the upper free end 118 of the panel 112 is preferably bent outwardly. 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 post 22 in fig. 10C shows the plate 112 deployed within the slot 113, while the left hand side of the post 22 shows the plate 112 undeployed, the plate 112 being in upright abutment with the post 22. Preferably, the slot 113 is slightly curved to hold the 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 when an upward force is applied it may be biased outwardly by the plate 112 and will spring back to the 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, wharfs, buildings and moorings.

Fig. 10E is a flow chart illustrating a process of installing and stabilizing the support post according to fig. 9A-10D. Step 1 is used to assemble and attach the ground stabilizing plates 24 or other plates 24 to the piles or poles. Next, the stake or rod is inserted to the desired depth in step 2. In step 3, the stake or rod is driven upwardly to deploy the stabilizing plate shown at 106 in fig. 9A-9E and 112 in fig. 10A-10D. This movement locks the stabilizer plate in the deployed position at the desired depth. Then, in step 4, the stake or rod is ready for use.

Referring now to fig. 11A-11N, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, the rod comprises a double post driven 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 ram driven single bar 150 includes a driven guide 158 mounted to a top plate 160 forming pyramid-shaped points 154 via steel tube spacers 162, the length of the steel tube spacers 162 being variable (see fig. 11G). The double pestles may be equipped with a plate 150B to resist lateral loading (see fig. 11E and 11G). Also, as shown in fig. 11G, the double pestles may be positioned anywhere along the stake. The soil is stratified. It is therefore desirable to have the plate come out at the soil depth, with the stabilizer creating the strongest resistance to moving stresses and loads. The double pestle design allows the versatility required to achieve maximum holding surface. The double pestles also allow the length and size of the panel to be varied depending on soil and structural needs. It can be placed anywhere in the pile. As shown in fig. 11H, as slotted winglets (wings) 170A expand and hollow box column 156 expands, the number of spaced semi-circular sleeve guides 156a increases, the number of rollers or ball bearings increases 156b, and the length of steel plate 170 increases. Also, most particularly shown in fig. 11C, stabilizing plates 164 may be required for initial installation of the pile during double impact of the pile, but they need not be held in a final position, and they may be removed. They need only be in this position so that the piles are not inserted to a greater depth than the engineering requirements required. Moreover, it should be noted that the plate 150B may be placed anywhere on the double pestle to obtain maximum stability. Also, as shown in fig. 11G, when a barge (base) or piling rig provides the stabilizing elements, ground level (grade) stabilizing plates may be omitted.

The double pestles may also take another form as shown in fig. 11I through 11N. Such a double pestle is known as a porcupine (porcupine) double pestle, and requires multiple struts and plates to stabilize the single pole 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 stake, the multiple posts and plates are deployed by double clicking on the connecting wedges within the stake and knocking out the multiple porcupine plates. These multiple plates can be deployed in two opposite directions, driven by pile driver 1006 along with plunger or ram (ram) 1002 having one or more wedge faces 1004, as shown in fig. 11J-11N, or in 180 ° different positions, to create multiple porcupine piles that can integrate not only downward forces in a downward manner, but also upward mounting with pyramids to create one pile that is maximized in all directions. For better penetration into the soil, the porcupine stackable double pestle may be arranged with a single side inclined planar pushing or wedge surface as shown in fig. 11M with a central reinforcing guide 169X, a slotted winglet and a J-shaped slide 169 without just lubrication of the rollers as shown in fig. 11M and further shown in fig. 11N.

Fig. 12A and 12B are flowcharts of the mounting steps required for a double pestle. In use, a conventional rod or pile driver is used to drive a single rod into the ground to a desired depth in step 1. Then, in step 2, the pile is stabilized with the ground stabilization plate 164. Next, in step 3 or 3A, a plunger (plunger) 150A or ram is driven downwardly inside the rod 150 to drive the steel plate 170 outwardly over a plate roller 166 guided by a retaining groove 170B in the plate 170A, if desired, with an environmentally safe lubricant, such as vegetable oil, wax, etc., lubricating the roller 166 through a slot 168 formed near the distal end of the rod 150 and guided through a slotted winglet 169 (fig. 11J) in the plate 170A to provide an upwardly and downwardly restrained baffle or flap. Then, as shown in step 4, the ground stabilising plate is removed and the pile is ready for use (step 5).

The double ram driven single bar may then be used in combination with other similar or different bars as previously described, or may be used alone to install a PV system as shown in fig. 13. The resulting single pole with the solar panel array attached thereto is capable of counteracting a large number of loads and has significant advantages over conventional concrete spreading foundations that require reinforced concrete and anchor bolts, particularly in remote areas such as deserts or power line sub-buildings (see fig. 13). Referring now to fig. 14, in yet another embodiment of the invention, a port or dock may be mounted to a plurality of ground-mounted poles as described above, wherein the distal end of the pole is driven into a lake, river or sea bed and the proximal end extends over the water and the port or dock is mounted thereon.

Fig. 15 shows another embodiment of the invention for ports and quays. Alternatively, as shown in fig. 15A, the ground-mounted pole as previously described may be driven into a lake, river or seabed, the pile pulled to a final position, and the pile driver disconnected, for example by unscrewing, and a mooring device connected to the proximal end of the pole. In practice, however, the mooring arrangement shown in fig. 15A requires periodic inspections of the mooring and chain, typically every one to three years in certain waters. Once the toggle links are deployed, removal of the device from the bottom of the port can cause circumferential damage to the bottom and thus damage to the ecosystem surrounding the pile.

Figures 15B-15G show an alternative mobile mooring pile wherein the mooring pile is driven into position and the stabilising plate is deployed and locked, and then the stabilising plate may be unlocked, once unlocked the mooring pile may be pulled upwards and removed. Due to the upward pulling motion and soil resistance, the deployed but unlocked stabilizing plates will fold against the mooring piles 200, allowing retrieval of the piles with minimal surrounding soil damage. The mooring stake 200 is first knocked down 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 is folded back to the side of the stake and can be retrieved in a more environmentally friendly manner. 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 removable in the pile system and it will be removed while driving the pile. Removal of the pile requires installation of a release drive pin, and once installed, the release drive pin is used to push down on the release plate and release the movable locking mechanism for removal in the retrieval position.

The pile uses retaining wires 208 to hold the toggle plane against the pile mooring during initial drive. Once the pile is driven to a depth of about 2 'from the depth at which the pile should be, the wire will be released and then the pile driver will continue to drive the mooring device further 2' deep to release the flap 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 a sounder 210 in the pile cap itself and the pile driver. This will allow the barge operator or vessel operator to determine the position of the mooring in dark water. This is particularly important in waters where the bottom is muddy, in order to lock onto the pile mooring. The pin release actuator then drives the centre pin and plate down into the mooring and releases the lower retainer to an outward position, allowing one to lift the mooring out without any significant damage to the seabed floor. The mooring chain 212 may be inspected, the capped pile mooring removed, all institutions inspected, for example, for standard maintenance at desired time intervals as determined by the port authorities or government authorities, and lubrication and maintenance required for the wearing parts, and reinstalled inside and outside the pile mooring, which will be reinstalled in the same location as it was removed.

Fig. 15F to 15I are based on the operation and description of fig. 15A. However, unlike fig. 15A, the devices in these figures have release and retrieval features similar to fig. 15A, but use circular, hollow, galvanized (or other corrosion resistant treatment) piles that can be extended in the field. The extendable hollow pile has a middle portion in which additional length or extension of the hollow pile can be added using threaded, cannulated, 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 the new mooring pile in the area has different bottom soil conditions than the previous or adjacent mooring piles, 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, a geometric scoop 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), possibly 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 stake using steel (in most cases standard steel will work because there is no oxygen in the sand, mud or clay under the ocean and thus all types are used), to provide upward twist and downward resistance to the stake from tidal, wave or ice conditions. Fig. 16B shows the side panels 24 bolted through the stakes 22A using steel, fiberglass, composite, stainless steel or other corrosion resistant bolts 104 to resist side loads to the structure. FIG. 16C shows a bucket post with winglet 102C to resist upward side loads and downward forces due to its outwardly protruding form.

Referring to fig. 17-24, another embodiment of the present invention is shown in which the toggle plate may be locked in place with a locking mechanism so that the stake or plurality of posts are able to resist not only vertical bulging, but also downward pressure. The locking toggle, which will be described in more detail below, may be used alone or in combination with the double pestle or spoon pyramid-shaped stake elements discussed previously. In such embodiments, the porcupine boards of the double pestles should be placed near the bottom or distal end of the post or pole, while the locking toggle is located at the very distal end of the post or pole and the proximal or distal end of the post or pole.

17-24, a toggle lock mechanism is bolted or fastened to the stake with hinged plates attached thereto. The toggle plate is connected to the post by stainless steel wires (or it may be held in place by a metal rod locking shaft as shown in fig. 17A and 18A, or fig. 17B, 17C, 18B and 18C), with the toggle in the actuated position, with 2 or 4 toggles (or more) per stake. The pile will be driven to a recommended depth of about one or two feet less than the final completion 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 downwardly (figures 20 and 21) rather than lifting as described above to provide a toggle. 17B-17D and 18B-18C, wire holding systems are viable solutions for stakes (6-12 inch diameter or square) and wires for mooring equipment; it is generally unsuitable for use with 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. Rather than the wires shown in fig. 17A and 18A.

Figures 17B-17D and 18B-18C illustrate a rod lock release mechanism that would be located or disposed (routed) within a metal stake. The mechanism locks the metal so that the bottom metal retaining pin or latch will connect to the continuous rod to lie above ground level and can simply be twisted and staked in the open position so that the flaps (flaps) will be released into the toggle locking mechanism. This will provide increased strength of the pile both downward and upward. Also included in fig. 17D and 18B is a rock deflector (shown in phantom) as needed depending on soil conditions.

Figures 21-24 show how the toggle is locked in the toggle lock mechanism to withstand upward and downward loads. This occurs when the angular toggle pushes out 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 larger upper, stronger structure resists breakage of the pile hammer. The latter feature is preferred because it will be driven and locked in both the vertical and downward directions and indeed make the pile a stronger structural element. Moreover, the toggle or flap may be mounted anywhere along the length of the stake, similar to the double pestle shown in fig. 11G.

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

In fig. 25, 25A and 25B, another preferred embodiment is shown in which the pile or rod stabilizing element may be deployed and then retracted at a desired depth in the soil to facilitate removal of the pile retrieval pin 2506. Hollow pile 2501 is shown with retracted stabilizing plate 2502A (shown in phantom in fig. 25) held within the cavity of the pile or rod by spring-loaded hinge or pivot point 2504 in fig. 25. The hinge point or pivot point is held in place by a pivot plate attached to the wall of the hollow pile or rod. The pivot plate is attached in place by welding or bolting prior to driving the pile or rod into the soil. The stabilizer bars or plates extend laterally outwardly through slots machined or sawed through the stake or bar wall. The stake is reinforced by a machined slot having stake reinforcing wings 5202B. When wedge drive 2503A is tamped and rotated to the position shown in fig. 25B, the laterally extending stabilizing plates, shown as 2502A, lock into place. Once in place, the wedge drives hold the stabilizing plates in place. In a further embodiment, the stabilizers made of flat metal are arranged in a sequential stack, with the cone drivers rotating with rotation pins 2505 as they bend down pushing out each stabilizer (shown in solid lines in fig. 25) and beginning to deploy the next sequential stabilizer in the stabilizer stack (see fig. 25A and 25B).

Fig. 26 shows a side plate or bar 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 stake 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 requiring further depth adjustment of the pile or rod in order to deploy the stabilizer. An inner rotating hub with keyways 2607 is held in place by one or more retaining rings 2604. By using corrosion resistant screws, bolts or even weld attached retaining rings on the inner cavity wall of the hollow pile or shaft, the rotating hub is held in place when the tube or pile is driven into place, not allowing the rotating hub to move vertically.

The outer end of the stabilizer is shaped so that when the hub is turned, the stabilizer digs into the soil in an outwardly protruding manner shown in 2602A-2602D and locks into place using a spring 2609 tensioning pin 2608 with a cable 2610 connected to one end. Pulling the cable connected to one end of the spring tensioning pin unlocks the stabilizer and rotates the inner hub in the opposite direction, retracting the stabilizer, allowing removal of the rod or pile.

Fig. 26A shows an internal rotary drive 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 the hollow pile 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 rod 2612, the round rod 2612 being connected to the inner wall of the hollow pile or rod. The driver is additionally tapered, allowing the driver to be used with the stabilizer shown in fig. 26A. When 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 the groove and hinged at a single point 2605. In fig. 27, another preferred embodiment is a swivel ground mounting bar or cap 2701 attached to the proximal end of a mounting and stabilizing ground mounting bar assembly 2708. Near the ground or outer surface 2709, wherein the cap has an outer diameter and an inner diameter, and a top surface, wherein the top surface contains a removable rotating hub 2702. In a preferred embodiment, the rotating hub is sealed to the element with a sealed bearing 2704, which is part of the assembly and can be disassembled for repair and replacement if desired, and a cap is connected to the rod mounting assembly at one or more holes 2707, wherein the cap can be attached, bolted, welded, etc. to the ground mounting assembly.

In another preferred embodiment, the rotating hub assembly uses ball bearings and O-rings or washers to assist in sealing the elements and allow rotational movement. The assembly can be disassembled and assembled as needed during the life of the ground mounting tube. The rotating hub can rotate 360 degrees in the plane of the top surface without limitation and additionally includes hardware attachment surfaces 2703 to facilitate mounting or connection of the type of hardware required to properly attach the ground mounting tube 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 face. The hinged connection allows the inverted U-shape to pivot through an arc of at least 180 degrees, allowing unrestricted rotation and arcuate movement of anything attached to the mounting and stabilizing ground mounting bar. A swivel ground mounting bar or tube assembly cap is connected to the ground portion of the building assembly to be secured or the 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, closed at one end to a cone or square, and forming a spoon-like pyramid shape or cone 2802. The geometric cross-section of the middle portion 2802 is shaped as an "L" or cross-section of a partially circular or other geometric opening shape, having a stabilizing winglet 2804 and an enlarged (cross-sectional) stiffening end 2808 intended to strike the ground mount assembly with a hammer. Cleats 2810 are provided to prevent wires or ropes connecting the ground mount assembly to an object being held in place or stable from sliding off the ground mount assembly when in use, for example for lowering camping equipment such as a tent or canopy. In addition, it can be used as a landscape plant anchor for trees or other plants that need to be stabilized using wires or ropes until they can take root and stabilize themselves. Fig. 28B depicts a downward truncated nested pyramid scoop having a sharper tip and the same scoop as fig. 28 for a harder ground, but still nesting one in the other for reuse by campers, troops, and gardening operators as shown at 28A for storage and reuse. Fig. 28B depicts a truncated nested pyramid-shaped scoop mounting assembly with cinching straps. Fig. 28C depicts a more powerful, longer form of nested cone-shaped tip-spoon mounting assembly that can be used, for example, in highway barrier devices or retaining walls, etc., and designed for pile driver installation.

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

Fig. 30 depicts the mounting assembly of the present invention for stabilizing trees. Once driven into the soil, as shown in fig. 3004, the ground mount assembly 3002 anchors the tree by using a guide wire, cable or rope to connect the tree to the ground mount assembly by resisting the force pulling the mount assembly with the excellent holding pull provided by the scoop engaged with the soil, as shown at 3006, and the wedge 3008 preventing the guide wire 3010 or rope from sliding off the ground mount.

In another embodiment, not shown, the 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 bar may also be used to stabilize antennas, flagpoles, lamp poles, signs, and the like.

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

Claims (4)

1. A ground mounting assembly comprising a hollow rod having an inner wall and an outer wall, the hollow rod having a tip cap at a distal end thereof, wherein the hollow rod has one or more transverse slots extending from the inner wall to the outer wall of the hollow rod;

wherein the hollow rod is contained within its hollow and is configured to deploy at least one stabilizing plate or stabilizing rod from the hollow; and

wherein the stabilizer plate and stabilizer bar are connected to the rotation mechanism by at least one pivot point located within the rotation mechanism and the stabilizer plate or stabilizer bar is reversibly unfolded by rotation of the rotation 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 pitch and counted longitudinally around the side surfaces, one or more angled wedge surfaces, and a key extension, wherein the wide portion of the wedge is closest to the side surface, the key extension extending from the narrow portion of the wedge.

3. The ground mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a rotation cap having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a top portion comprising a rotatable 360 degrees of rotation hub, and wherein the rotation 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 bumped or knocked and the key extension passes through the central keyway of the ground mounting assembly.

Images