Patent ID: 7980533
Filing Date: 2011-07-19
Classification: E01F,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A breakaway coupling for securing a sign post with a tubular bottom to a ground stake with a tubular top, the coupling comprising: a) a generally planar center section, b) an upper section extending upwardly from the center section, c) a lower section extending downwardly from the center section, d) a breakaway score established at and extending inwardly into the transition between the center section and one of the upper and lower sections, said one section having a generally X-shaped cross-section; and e) means for securing the upper and lower sections into telescoping position inside the bottom of the sign post and the top of the ground stake, respectively, wherein the center section extends outwardly in relation to the upper and lower sections to establish a shoulder capable of resting against the top of the ground post when the lower section is secured thereto and capable of engaging the bottom of the sign post when the upper section is secured thereto; and wherein the upper and lower sections are formed with outer profiles each having four equally spaced corners and side portions extending at right angles therefrom to establish overall approximately square cross-sections for telescoping into an approximately square tubular sign post bottom and an approximately square tubular ground stake top, respectively, in which said X-shaped cross-section of said one section is established with first and second legs extending between corresponding opposite corners and merging in the middle, and in which said score is established in the transition between the center section and said one section at all four of said corners and the side portions extending therefrom but not in said legs.