GB2352256A

GB2352256A - Anchorage device for a post

Info

Publication number: GB2352256A
Application number: GB0011748A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Porter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-18
Filing date: 2000-05-17
Publication date: 2001-01-24
Also published as: GB0011748D0

Abstract

Disclosed is an anchorage device 14 (faces of body) for anchoring a post 10 to a base. The post securing means allow adjustment of the post alignment with respect to the anchorage device in use. The device is preferably cut from sheet metal it is bent in three areas across it's centre and welded at the free edges forming a substantially rectangular hollow shape. The post securing device preferably consists of tongues 12 between which the post 10 is secured. The post may be secured at an alternative angle to that which the anchoring device is fastened (fig 6). The base fastening means may be a plurality of anchor legs which are split at the bottom in to slit legs, these can be cemented into the ground. An alternative embodiment shows a variant that can be bolted down.

Description

1 2352256 ANCHORAGE DEVICE FOR A POST This invention relates to an

anchorage device for a post, which allows one or more posts to be securely fixed into or onto a base such as the ground or other suitable surface. The invention has application in the commercial and DIY spheres for hoardings and other barriers, fencing, mounting of flag posts, support of pillars for temporary or permanent buildings and the like applications where it is necessary to anchor a post. In particular, the invention has applications for use with timber posts in fencing.

Metal post anchors such as the one shown in GB 2283 994 are a well-known means of providing a base fixing for the bottom of timber posts. They may consist of a clamping shoe arrangement which keeps the timber held firm above ground level. Anchorage is provided either by a steel spike manually driven into the ground, or a steel add-on set into a below ground concrete footing, or via anchor bolts or screws fixed into a solid sub-structure.

Whilst these anchorage arrangements can hold the base of the posts reasonably secure, and in some cases can be adjusted to suit varying post sizes, once the anchor has been fixed or secured to the ground, or positioned at ground level, they offer little or no means of adjusting the post in the vertical axis. Similarly, they offer no means of fixing adjacent posts at pre-set distances.

2 In such devices, each timber post is attached vertically to a metal ground anchor without provision for true vertical alignment with the anchor at ground level. Thus if the spike is driven into the ground at an angle from the vertical, the post will also be at this angle.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anchorage device that io allows for adjustment of the posts within the anchorage device to align them vertically.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that holds the posts a predetermined distance off the base to which they are mounted.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device that provides for predetermined spacing between the posts.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for simple, cost- effective DIY mounting of posts to a base.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an anchorage device for anchoring a post to a base, comprising base attachment means and post 3 securing means, wherein the post securing means are adapted to allow adjustment of the post alignment with respect to the anchorage device in use.

Thus the present invention allows alignment of the post separately from alignment of the base or base attachment means. The post may, for example, be aligned by pivoting it within the anchorage device. This has particular advantages where the base is uneven or it is difficult to attach the anchorage device to it at an exact preferred angle.

Reference herein to a post is to a preferably elongate member of any suitable cross-section and material to which further parts may be mounted for display or to form a barrier or building or other construction. Preferably, the post is of rectangular or other regular cross section having a number of regular faces and comers or having a circular or oval cross section.

The post may be fabricated in synthetic material, such as plastic, wood, wood composite or other composite, metal any mixture thereof Preferably the post is wooden.

Reference herein to a base is to any surface or mass of material to which a post may be mounted and includes the ground, concrete, and surfaces or masses of any other material such as wood, metal or plastic.

4 Any suitable direction of alignment may be selected. Preferably, however, in use the alignment of the post is substantially vertical.

The post securing means may be any that allow adjustment with respect to the 5 base attachment means. Preferably it extends from the base attachment means. More preferably, it extends only partially around the circumference of the post such that it does not clamp the post around its circumference when in use.

The post securing means is preferably flexible to allow adjustment and to this io end may be constructed of flexible material or comprise at least one integrally formed or separate hinge. Preferably, the security means is constructed of flexible material such as metal sheet, preferably thin metal sheet.

In one preferred embodiment the post securing means comprises at least one elongate securing member, hereinafter referred to as a tongue. Preferably the longitudinal axis of the tongue is approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of the post.

Where there are a number of faces of the post, the tongue may extend on one or more thereof, and around any comers. Preferably the at least one tongue extends on one face only of the post. This enhances adjustability.

More preferably, a plurality of tongues is provided. Any suitable plurality of tongues may be envisaged. For example, one or more tongues may be provided on each face or one or more faces may have no tongue, or a tongue may be provided on each comer. Preferably, the tongues extend on the faces of the post only and do not cover the comers.

In one preferred embodiment, one tongue is provided on each face of the post to give stability to the post whilst still allowing adjustment.

io Where the post has a circular or oval section, and more than one tongue is provided, the tongues are preferably regularly spaced around the circumference of the post.

Any suitable attachment means may be provided to attach the anchorage device to the post. Preferably, each tongue is provided with attachment means for adjustable attachment between the device and the post.

The attachment means may be any in conventional use and may comprise at least one aperture, weakened section or notch for attachment using accessories such as nails or screws of any type. Preferably the attachment means comprises a plurality of apertures.

6 The relative position of the apertures may be any which provides for strong attachment to the post. Thus the apertures in each tongue may be longitudinally and/or laterally aligned or offset along the tongue. Preferably, the apertures are provided in one or more laterally spaced longitudinal lines. Where more than one line is provided, apertures in adjacent lines are longitudinally offset. Preferably, two lines of apertures are provided.

The anchorage device may further comprise vertical positioning means for the anchorage device with respect to the base. Such vertical positioning means may io be used in conjunction with accessories. In one preferred embodiment the vertical positioning means comprises through holes in the anchorage device corresponding to at least two sides and preferably to each side of the post. The user can then insert any pole through at least two of the apertures and rest it on the base to position the anchorage device vertically. The same apertures, since they are at ground level, may also function as a ventilation/weep hole.

The anchorage device may further provide a longitudinal positioning means for the post within the device. This preferably takes the form of one or more post support projections, preferably one corresponding to each side of the post. These are preferably integrally formed with the anchorage device.

The anchorage device may further provide spacing means to allow the user to distance the anchorage devices evenly. This is particularly appropriate for use of 7 the device in construction of fences. The spacing means preferably consists of at least one male or female engaging part such as a spacing notch or surface over which a correspondingly shaped female or male part such as a notch or surface in a rod may be engaged. The rod preferably comprises at least two such shaped 5 notches or surfaces to space at least two anchorage devices.

In one preferred embodiment, the at least one spacing means is a surface joining two tongues.

io The anchorage device may further comprise any linking means between the base attachment means and post securing means. The cross section of the linking means preferably corresponds to the cross section of the post and is preferably a closed cross section for additional strength.

The anchorage device may comprise any base attachment means suitable for the base provided. For example flanges which may be bolted to the base, anchor legs to set within concrete, spikes for driving into earth or any other conventional base attachment means may be envisaged.

In one preferred embodiment one or more anchor legs are provided. Preferably these comprise projections, preferably integrally formed with the material of the anchorlegs.

8 Preferably, the anchor legs are split into at least two sections at their distal end. The split is preferably longitudinal and allows leg splaying for improved anchorage. More preferably the split further includes a pre-formed hole at its IA proximal end. This allows the insertion of a small bar or screw driver to splay the 5 legs.

In a second preferred embodiment the base attachment means comprises flanges which extend approximately at right angles to the longitudinal extent of the anchorage device. Any suitable number of flanges may be provided. Preferably, io apertures for the insertion of base mounting means such as bolts are provided in at least two of the flanges. This embodiment has the advantage that re-use of the device is possible.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of fabricating an anchorage device as hereinbefore defined. The anchorage device may be fabricated by any conventional method, such as metal pressing and stamping or moulding, such as injection moulding and is preferably pressed from metal sheet. Preferably, the anchorage device is formed in one piece.

Preferably, the method includes the steps of pressing metal sheet to form the features of the device or a plurality of devices as hereinbefore defined, to stamp the shape of the base attachment means and post securing means and optionally, the tongue apertures, linking means, vertical and longitudinal positioning means, 9 spacing means and any other part and further steps to bend the anchorage device and its component parts into the required positions and an optional further step to weld sections of the anchorage device together to form the linking means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of mounting an anchorage device as hereinbefore defined to a base and a post. Preferably, the method includes the steps of providing a base where necessary, positioning the device on the base and attaching it using the base attachment means, inserting the post into the device, adjusting the alignment of the post by io pivoting the post within the anchorage device where necessary and securing the post to the device using the post securing means.

The positioning steps preferably comprise use of the vertical and longitudinal positioning means.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method as hereinbefore defined of mounting a plurality of anchorage devices as hereiribefore defined to bases and posts, further including the step of using spacing means to position the anchorage devices.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a use of an anchorage device as hereinbefore defined in the construction of fences, hoardings, flag poles or temporary or permanent buildings.

Therefore it can be seen that the present invention provides a means of accurately adjusting and securing timber posts in the vertical plane on all four faces. Further advantages of the invention will be apparent from the foregoing.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with references to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure I shows the layout of a plurality of devices on a metal sheet preio fabrication.

Figure 2 shows the face elevation and sectional plan of an anchorage device in the form of a timber post anchor before any leg bends or split splayed ends.

Figure 3 shows in isometric projection the anchorage device in the form of a ground anchor in relation to a timber post.

Figure 3a shows in isometric projection the anchorage device in the form of a ground anchor in use with splayed anchor legs Figure 4 shows in two anchorage devices and accessories in isometric projection.

Figure 5 shows in isometric projection how a timber post is adjusted for vertical alignment (plumb) on two adjacent faces.

Figure 6 shows an adjusted post in end view.

Figure 7 shows a timber post and ground anchor set vertically into a concrete filled hole.

Figure 8 shows a timber post and ground anchor set vertically into a concrete io slab.

Figure 9 shows (as Fig. 1.) the economy of multi-pressing/cutting components for a post anchor with flanges, from sheet steel, and its fabrication - using three folds and one welded seam, Figure 10 shows in isometric projection how provision is made for securing the anchor to the face of a solid sub-structure.

Figure 11 shows in isometric projection a partial view of an alternative 2o anchorage device comprising hinges.

12 Figure I illustrates the economy of multi -pressing/cutting from sheet steel and the method of fabrication - using three folds and one welded seam for a below ground anchorage.

Referring to the drawings, the arrangement as shown in Fig. 1. comprises a metal tube fabricated from sheet steel with three folds and one welded seam. The internal cross sectional size of the tube shall be such to accommodate standard square sawn timber posts. Each tube face being identical (with exception of the post support lugs 11) is pressed in multi groups of four. As shown in Fig. 2. the lo tongues 12 being pierced to receive a series of M4 x 40mm. improved rust proof 'Ring' nails 13. The faces of body (14) or linking means are indented with a mark to indicate ground level - central to this line a hole 15 is pierced to provide through ventilation, weep hole, and to receive an above ground anchor support for vertical positioning and levelling peg 19. Anchor legs 16 are of a length relevant to their end use.

As shown in Figures 3 and 3a the end of each leg is split 17 to enable them to be splayed to assist anchorage into the concrete substructure. The amount of splay (depending on end use) is achieved by inserting a small steel lever bar through the small pre-formed hole 18 provided for this purpose.

It is important that the surfaces of the anchor metalwork are treated in such a way to prevent their deterioration by corrosion over its serviceable life - special 13 attention must be paid to all surfaces which lie above and just below ground level.

As shown in Fig. 4, the insertion of horizontal pegs at ground level provides temporary support to the anchorage device over the ground hole, and how distance gauges and levelling laths slot onto the body via the surface joining two post tongues. When the anchor is to be set into a pre-formed hole in the ground, provision has been made in the design of the anchor to insert a temporary bar/rod/lath 19 through the ventilation/weep hole to keep it in line with the ground.

Provision has also been made in the design of the anchors to allow them to be fixed at pre determined distances apart. As shown in Fig 4 a timber distance gauge (levelling lath 20) can be slotted either side of the anchor's body, via two saw cuts 21 (or notched over the body) made in the lath at each end - the tongues hold the lath vertically. Subsequent laths are slotted onto alternate sides of the anchor body.

Figure 5 shows that once the anchor legs are set firm (composition and concrete mix will determine time factor) the timber post 10 is inserted between the tongues 12, and onto the post support lugs 11. Then, after checking for plumb on two adjacent faces, it is held in place by nailing though each pre-formed hole in the tongues 12 with M4 x 40mm improved rust proof 'Ring' nails 13. If as is 14 often the case as shown in Fig. 6. the timber post 10 is slightly out of vertical alignment with the tongues 12 provision has been made for any non-alignment to be countered by nailing the straps offset at an angle and/or cranking until vertical through 360' (assuming adjacent post faces are parallel).

Figure 6 demonstrates that even though the anchor legs were fixed and set out of plumb, the timber post can still be fixed plumb by nailing two of the tongues offset at an angle to the post, then cranking and fixing the remaining straps by nailing.

Figure 7 shows details of how an anchorage within a hole can be ground filled with concrete 23. Also how air is allowed to circulate within the anchor body 14 and around the bottom of the timber post 22 and trapped moisture can escape from the weep hole 15, A similar arrangement is shown in Fig. 8 except in this case the anchor legs are shorter and bent to accommodate the thickness of the concrete slab 24.

Whilst still using the same principles as previous described for post to anchor fixing and alignment, an alternative to below ground anchorage, is surface fixing by using proprietary anchor bolts 26 or screws via slotted holes 25 in the bracketed 29 body flanges 27. Fig. 9 shows how this type of anchor is fabricated. Fig. 10 shows its placement - for the sake of clarity only one of the four required anchor bolts is shown.

Figure I I illustrates an alternative embodiment suitable for more heavy duty uses such as mounting flag poles. The metal sheet used in the device is too thick for flexibility and therefore adjustment is achieved by hinges at the connection 5 between the tongue 12 and anchor body 14.

16 IDENTIFICATION OF FIGURED NUMBERED ITEMS TIMBERPOST 11 INTERNAL POST SUPPORT LUG 12 TONGUE 13 IMPROVED (RING) NAIL 14 ANCHORBODY GROUND VENT AND WEEP HOLE 16 ANCHORLEG 17 SLIT LEG 18 HOLE FOR SPLAYING SPLIT LEG 19 TEMPORARY GROUND BAR/ROD/PEG DISTANCE GAUGE AND LEVELLING LATH 21 NOTCHES - SAW CUTS (SAW KERF) 22 PROVISION FOR BOTTOM OF POST END VENTILATION 23 CONCRETE IN-FILL 24 CONCRETE SLAB SLOTTED BOLT HOLE 26 ANCHOR 13OLT OR SCREW 27 ANCHORFLANGE 28 BODYFLANGE 29 PRESSED BRACKET 17

Claims

1. An anchorage device for anchoring a post to a base, comprising base attachment means and post securing means, wherein the post securing means are adapted to allow adjustment of the post alignment with respect to the anchorage device in use.

2. A device as claimed in Claim I wherein the post securing means are adapted to enable the post to be aligned by pivoting it within the anchorage device.

3. A device as claimed in Claim I or 2 wherein the post is of rectangular or other regular cross section having a number of regular faces and comers or having a circular or oval cross section.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post securing means are adapted such that the desired alignment of the post is substantially vertical.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post securing means extends from the base attachment means.

6. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post securing means extends only partially around the circumference of the post such that it does not clamp the post around its circumference when in use.

7. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post securing means is flexible to allow adjustment and to this end is constructed of flexible material or comprises at least one integrally formed or separate hinge.

18

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the securing means is constructed of flexible metal or plastics sheet.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the post securing means comprises at least one elongate securing tongue, the longitudinal axis of which is approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of the post.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 9 adapted for use with posts having a number of faces wherein the at least one tongue extends on one face only of the post.

11. A device as claimed in Claim 10 wherein a plurality of tongues is provided and the tongues extend on the faces of the post only and do not cover comers.

12. A device as claimed in Claim I I wherein one tongue is provided for each face of the post to give stability to the post whilst still allowing adjustment.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 9 adapted for use with posts having circular or oval section, wherein a plurality of tongues are provided, and the tongues are regularly spaced around the circumference of the post.

14. A device as claimed in any of Claims 9-13 wherein the or each tongue is provided with attachment means for adjustable attachment between the device and the post.

15. A device as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of apertures provided in one or more laterally spaced longitudinal lines.

19

16. A device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising vertical positioning means to position the anchorage device vertically with respect to the base.

17. A device as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the vertical positioning means comprises through holes in the anchorage device corresponding to at least two sides and preferably to each side of the post.

18. A device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a longitudinal positioning means for positioning the post within the device.

19. A device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising spacing means configured to allow the user to space the device apart from one or more adjacent devices in an array of devices.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the spacing means comprises a spacing rod and means for receiving the spacing rod in engagement with the body of the anchorage device.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the post securing means comprises a plurality of elongate securing tongues, and the means for receiving the spacing rod comprises a surface formed by and joining two tongues.

22. A method of fabricating an anchorage device as claimed in any preceding claim.

23. A method of mounting an anchorage device between a base and a post comprising the steps of providing a base, positioning the device on the base and attaching it using base attachment means, inserting the post into the device, adjusting the alignment of the post by pivoting the post within the anchorage device and securing the post to the device using post securing means.

24. A method of mounting a plurality of anchorage devices to bases and posts, comprising the method of Claim 23 and further including the step of engaging spacing rods in position on receiving means in the body of the anchorage devices to position the anchorage devices.

lo

25. The method of Claim 24 wherein the post securing means comprises a plurality of elongate securing tongues, and the spacing rods are engaged in position on receiving means comprised by a surface joining to such tongues.

26. The use of an anchorage device as claimed in any of Claims 1-21 in the construction of fences, hoardings, flag poles or temporary or permanent buildings.

27. An anchorage device for anchoring a post to a base substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.