WO1991005930A1

WO1991005930A1 - Improvements relating to ground sockets

Info

Publication number: WO1991005930A1
Application number: PCT/GB1990/001463
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ewen Macrae Sutherland
Original assignee: Ewen Macrae Sutherland
Priority date: 1989-10-21
Filing date: 1990-09-21
Publication date: 1991-05-02

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing a ground or structural cavity. The apparatus for use in conjunction with the method comprises a first (1) and second member (2), the first member (1) being a shouldered driving tool and the second member (2) being a hollow socket adapted to fit onto the penetrating end of the driving tool such that a first end (14) of the socket lies flush with the shoulder (13) of the driving tool (1). The assembled structure is used to create a ground cavity by means of driving the structure into the ground. Once the structure is within the ground the first member (1) may then be removed from within the socket (2) which is retained within the ground.

Description

Improvements Relating to Ground Sockets

This invention relates to a means of securing sockets in the ground or other structures which may then be used particularly, but not exclusively, for securing a detachable device such as a post or structure.

A number of means have hitherto been used to secure posts, fences, flagpoles, barriers and the like in the ground and where the structure to be secured is permanently located few problems are associated with the attachment means. However, where the structure to be secured is to be releasably located within the ground more difficulties are encountered and so a number of methods have been developed in order to efficiently and economically produce the desired result.

Structures which are typically releasably secured include the following: demountable posts, structures for fencing, screens, shelters, barriers, temporary signs, sun shades, clothes driers, plant supports, lighting, animal plant machinery and hazardous enclosures, flag poles, masts, ladders, scaffolding, platforms and light buildings. It is known that any of the above devices may be secured by any of the following means: the use of a bracket or multi-leg base sometimes weighted with sand bags or other convenient weights; this method is cumbersome and subject to difficulties as it is possible for unauthorised individuals to re-locate the device and moreover it has been found that the device may be unstable. A further method includes the use of a hollow driving tool or auger which is driven or screwed into the ground in order to provide a port into which a device may be secured. This is a relatively expensive method and it has been shown that the tip and/or top of the device is often damaged during insertion into the ground. A further method involves the use of a post or stake being driven into the ground and this involves the irreversible positioning of the device. Finally, a further method involves the mounting on a solid foundation, such as concrete, of a bracket or similar device and a post or other similar structure is attached to this by mechanical means. However it has been found that when the post or similar structure is located only temporarily within the securing means this particular method is both costly and time consuming.

It can therefore be seen that there is a need to develop a means of quickly and efficiently locating a structure within the ground, the structure serving as a support means for releasably attaching a variety of structures.

It will be understood however, that the invention is not restricted to a means of supporting a device but also encompasses a means of penetrating the ground such that a fluid such as water may be injected into or extracted from the cavity formed by the penetrating structure and thus used, in one instance, to irrigate the soil root layer. It is also envisaged that the invention may be used in order to provide a means for reinforcing the substratum in that it may also provide a method whereby resins or the like may be injected into the lower ground levels in order to reinforce a foundation.

It can therefore be seen that the invention is concerned with the provision of a means for precisely defining a cavity in the ground or other structure.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for locating a socket means in a ground or structural cavity, the apparatus comprising a first member and a second member, the first member being a shouldered driving tool having a penetrating end, and the second member being a hollow socket, the socket being adapted to fit onto a penetrating end of the driving tool such that a first end of the socket is flush with the shoulder of the driving tool whereby the assembled apparatus can be hammered upon at the non-penetrating end of the driving tool to drive the socket into the ground, or other substrate, to a required degree and the driving tool can be withdrawn leaving a socket in the ground.

Preferably the penetrating end of the driving tool is chamfered or pointed.

Preferably the socket is provided with at least one hole near its said first end.

Preferably further still the socket is provided with at least one hole near its said second end. This hole, or holes, are then used in conjunction with an anchoring means as will hereinafter be described.

Preferably the first and second members are of round section.

Preferably the socket is provided with external vanes.

According to the invention there is also provided a method whereby a socket means may be located in a ground or structural cavity comprising: -

(a) placing a hollow socket on a penetrating end of a shouldered driving tool such that a first end of the socket is flush with the collar of the driving tool; (b) positioning the assembled driving tool and socket above the site where the cavity is to be located;

(c) using a driving means to drive the driving tool into the ground up to the level of the shoulder; (d) removing the driving tool from the socket;

(e) leaving the hollow socket in the ground until it is required to be removed.

Preferably the socket is provided with at least one hole near its first end such that a retrieval means may be attached to the hole or holes from the inside of the socket and then the retrieval means may be used to forcibly remove the socket from the ground.

Preferably the socket is provided with at least one hole near a second end such that an anchoring means may be used in conjunction with same to anchor the socket in the ground.

It will be understood that once the socket has been positioned it may be used to secure a number of devices such as posts, flag poles and the like and/or it may also be used as a means of providing a cavity into which fluid may be poured or injected or extracted such that the fluid penetrates the lower level of the ground.

It will be understood that when a socket has been removed from the ground or other structure the remaining cavity can be filled with sand or the like to restore the integrity of the ground or structural surface.

It will also be understood that the driving tool may be either solid or hollow according to the users requirements.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:-

Fig. 1 represents a side view of a first and second member in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 represents a side view of an assembled first and second member when in use;

Fig. 3 represents a side view of a second member when used to secure an upright such as a post; and

Fig. 4 represents a side elevation view of the located sockets and a anchoring means being inserted into same.

Referring now to the drawings and firstly to Fig. 1, the invention comprises a first member 1 and a second member 2. The first member 1 is a driving tool having a pointed end 11 and a blunt end 12. Member 1 also comprises a collar 13 or in other embodiments the driving tool 1 may be provided with a shoulder which will fill the same function.

It will be understood that member 1 may be of any desired cross sectional shape but preferably will be of round section. Member 2 comprises a hollow socket and may also be of any desired cross sectional shape but will always be of the same cross sectional shape as member 1 and therefore is preferably of round structure. Members 1 and 2 are adapted for telescopic engagement such that member 2 slides over end 11 of member 1. Member 2 may also be provided with external vanes (not shown) to add to stability, as will hereinafter become clear.

Member 2 is further provided with holes 4 located near or adjacent to a first end 14.

It can be seen by reference to Fig. 2 that when assembled socket 2 fits over the pointed end 11 of member 1 such that first end 14 is flush with collar 13. Moreover, tip 11 of member 1 protrudes beyond a second end 15 of member 2. With this arrangement it can be seen that the tip 11 is exposed. However, it will be understood that this is not a limiting feature of the invention, which also provides an apparatus where tip 11 does not protrude beyond end 15 of member 2.

In use, the assembled structure is held upright against the ground and a driving means (not shown) is used to drive the socket into the ground. Preferably the driving means may comprise a hammer or a pneumatic or hydraulic device which is used to strike blunt end 12 of member 1 and so drive tip 11 of the penetrating end into the ground. The structure is driven into the ground until the collar 13 lies flat on the surface of the ground. At this stage driving ceases and member 1 is removed from inside member 2 by simply pulling member 1 upwardly. After this operation is complete hollow socket member 2 is securably located within the ground. Member 2 may then be used in order to provide a cavity for supporting releasably secured structures such as posts, fencing and the like. Alternatively, member 2 may be used as a means for providing a passage through which fluids may flow in order, for example, to irrigate the lower levels of soil or to provide a means for injecting or extracting fluids, resins and the like into the ground.

It will be understood that structures located within member 2 may be easily removed from same or latched or locked in place in holes 4 and so the invention provides a quick and efficient means of temporarily, or permanently, locating structures. It is thought that the invention may be particularly suitable for use in gardens, parks and grass lands where structures located by means of the invention may be removed such that other activities, for example mowing a lawn, playing a game etc., may take place the invention is also suitable for use on roadsides and construction sites for locating signs and the like, allowing when the socket is finally removed that the ground may be reinstated by filling the cavity with sand or a similar medium. It will be understood this list is not exhaustive.

If desired, member 2 may be removed from the ground by means of holes 4 provided in the first end 14. A removal means (not shown) such as a hook is inserted within member 2 and attached to holes 4. By applying an upwardly directed force, member 2 may then be removed from within the ground and the cavity may be concealed by filling with sand or the like. Holes 4 may also be used to latch or lock a post or structure.

As can be seen in Fig. 4 member 2 may also be provided with holes 20 located near second end 15. Holes 20 can then be used to anchor member 2 in the ground by their use in conjunction with a suitable anchoring means. One such anchoring means is shown in figure 4 and comprises a looped tension rod 22 having limbs 24 and 26 which, under tension, is adapted to be inserted into end 14 of socket 2. Rod 22 is then forced further into member 2 by means of a plunger, or other effective means such as the provision of a suitable explosive force.

As rod 22 emerges from end 15 of member 2 limbs 24 and 26 part outwardly and thus provide an anchoring means. At this point it is possible to fix the composite structure by pouring a cementous slurry 30 into member 2. Slurry 30 escapes from member 2 by means of end 15 and holes 20 thus, upon hydration securing the structure in its desired location. Slurry 30 may be used without rod 22. Thus it is possible to anchor member 2 by simply pouring slurry 30 into member 2 and allowing it to escape from end 15 and holes 20.

It will be understood that the invention may be used in combination with a drilling or boring meeuis such that the driving tool in accordance with the invention may be driven into a defined cavity.

Thus it can be seen that the invention provides for an efficient and cost effective means of locating a hollow structure within the ground for subsequent use as a securing means or a passageway.

Claims

1. An apparatus for locating a socket means in a ground or structural cavity, comprising a first and second member, the first member being a shouldered driving tool having a penetrating end and the second member being a hollow socket, the socket being adapted to fit onto the penetrating end of the driving tool such that a first end of the socket is flush with the shoulder of the driving tool whereby the assembled apparatus can be hammered upon at the non-penetrating end of the driving tool to drive the socket into the ground, or other substrate, to a required degree and the driving tool can be withdrawn leaving a socket in the ground.

2. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the penentrating end of the driving tool is chamfered.

3. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the penetrating end is pointed.

4. An apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the socket is provided with at least one hole near its said first end.

5. An apparatus according to any preceding Claim wherein the first and second members are of round section.

6. An apparatus according to any preceeding claim wherein the socket is provided with external vanes.

7. An apparatus according to any preceeding claim wherein the socket is provided with at least one hole near a second end such that an anchoring means may be used in conjunction with same to anchor the socket in the ground.

8. A method whereby a socket means may be located in a ground or structural cavity comprising:-

(a) placing a hollow socket on a penetrating end of a shouldered driving tool such that one end of the socket is flush with the shoulder of the driving tool;

(b) positioning the assembled driving tool and socket above the site where the cavity is to be located;

(c) using a driving means to drive the driving tool into the ground up to the level of the socket;

(d) removing the driving tool from the socket;

(e) leaving the hollow socket in the ground until it is required to be removed.

9. A method according to Claim 5 wherein the socket is provided with holes near its first end such that a retrieval means may be attached to the holes and then the retrieval means may be used to forcibly remove the socket from the ground.

10. A method according to Claim 8 wherein the socket is provided with at least one hole near a second end such that an anchoring means may be

a) inserted into the socket b) moved to the lowermost end of the socket c) secured in postion by means of the said hole near the second end

11. A method according to claim 8 wherein the anchoring means comprises at least one looped tensile rod whereby the ends of the said rod are adapted to splay outwards and so anchor the socket in position.

12. A method according to Claim 10 or 11 wherein the anchoring means is further secured by pouring a slurry of a cementous mixture into the socket.

13. A method according to claim 8 wherein the socket is provided with at least one hole near a second end such that when a cementous slurry is poured into the socket it can escape from the said hole.

14. A method according to claim 8 wherein the anchoring means is moved to the lowermost end of the socket using a plunger.

15. A method according to claim 8 wherein the anchoring means is moved to the lowermost end of the socket using an explosive device.