Abstract:
A core assembly and method of installation for anchoring and supporting a post like structure to a substratum where the post base and substratum abut in parallel planes. A core having longitudinal grooves about its perimeter is located between a load distribution plate and the substratum. Anchoring devices appropriate to the substratum material are inserted in a plurality of locations about the perimeter of the abutment and within the confines of the longitudinal grooves or holes within the core which are coupled to load transferring members which travel through the grooves within the core and holes disposed within the load distribution plate and are secured on the distal side of the plate by hardware. The assembly is designed for building applications that are not conducive to cutting holes in the substratum for securement and support. The invention is particularly intended for use in newel posts, yet capable of integration into similar elements where primary securement of the element is achieved in a singular plane of minor dimension.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates generally to anchoring and supporting structural elements to a substratum where primary securement of the element occurs in a single plane of minor area and the structural element is subject to lateral forces being applied being particularly useful for newel posts and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Posts are used in a variety of building applications and are most typically intended to provide a structural support for a barrier or railing that is intended to prevent fall from heights. Since these installations are subject to repeated lateral loads, typical substratum securement systems can become loose over time and diminish the safety characteristics of the installation. Even with proper installation, the forces being exerted on the structure can overcome the initial securement and cause the installation to loose resiliency. It is of belief that this failure occurs due to bending of the securement hardware and loss of engagement between screw threads and material of engagement. The most resilient method of installation thus far has been to extend the post or post core below the abutment plane and secure inside of the substratum. Since the majority of applications either do not allow the post or post core to be extended into the substratum or the act of doing so would be prohibitively time consuming or expensive or cause unwanted side effects, the need has arisen to provide a new and improved system for surface application of newel posts and the like that magnifies the strength of the installation. Several prior systems have been developed for the surface application of posts to a substratum. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,864 to Eldeen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,668 to O&#39;Brien and Oland, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,794,395 and 5,143,472 to Reed, U.S. Pat. No. 5,419,538 to Nicholas, U.S. Pat. No. 6,015,138 to Kohlberger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,788 to Bielicki, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,212 B1 and 6,568,145 B2 to Bartel represent prior art in this field. These devices offer various means of substratum securement for posts, but still lack the desired strength, resiliency, adaptability and ease of installation. 
         [0003]    The present invention represents an improvement over the above mentioned and other type devices in that it translates distal lateral loads into tension stresses more effectively which can be transferred and dissipated into the given substratum. The invention also provides adaptability for securement into multiple substrata types while still offering increased strength and resilience. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention pertains to the installation of a newel post or structure having similar arrangement to be located at any desired position or orientation relative to the substratum in a secure and strong manner. 
         [0005]    It is the objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring assembly and method of installation that effectively absorbs and transfers external forces into the substratum. 
         [0006]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring assembly and method of installation that can be adapted to various substrata. 
         [0007]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring assembly and method of installation that is resilient to external forces. 
         [0008]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring assembly and method of installation that provides an improved resistance to the five fundamental loads of compression, tension, shear, bending, and torsion. Bending being the weakest strength characteristic of typical securement hardware and the most important to be minimized. 
         [0009]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that can be easily adapted to provide secure support, regardless of the angle of the abutment plane to the structural element. 
         [0010]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that can be field modified to provide a parallel abutment plane. 
         [0011]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that confines the securement means within the cross section of the core. 
         [0012]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that can be scaled and profiled to fit a variety of applications. 
         [0013]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that can be installed without significant modification to the substratum. 
         [0014]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that is applicable to both interior and exterior application through choice of component materials. 
         [0015]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that can accept a plurality of outer members. 
         [0016]    It is another objective of the present invention to provide a novel and improved anchoring system and method of installation that can be installed with basic tools and without special training. 
         [0017]    In accordance with the present invention, a core assembly and method of installation has been developed for securement and support of a post type structure to a substratum where the post base and substratum abut in parallel planes. A core of appropriate strength material and having longitudinal grooves is positioned between a load distribution plate and the substratum that the post or similar structure is to be secured to and supported by. Anchoring devices appropriate to the substratum material are inserted in a plurality of locations about the perimeter of the abutment and within the confines of the longitudinal grooves or holes within the core which are coupled to load transferring members which travel through the grooves within the core and holes disposed within the load distribution plate and are secured on the distal side of the plate by hardware. 
         [0018]    The specific details, features, and advantages of the present invention will be portrayed in more detail and be more clearly understood in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when referenced to the included drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the invention may better be understood by referencing the Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a view of the assembly of the post core system of this invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a view of the core of the assembly; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a view of the load distribution plate of the assembly; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a view of the substratum securement devices, coupling devices, load transferring members and the securement hardware in assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a view of the load distribution plate being used as a template to insert pilot holes for the substratum securement devices, in this embodiment, the load distribution plate is placed with the upside down which allow the pilot guide holes to align to the position of the substratum securement devices to be added later, the plate is secured with temporary fasteners and pilot holes are drilled into the substratum; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a view of the substratum securement devices inserted into the substratum; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a view of coupling devices applied to the distal ends of the substratum securement devices; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a view of the load transferring members applied to the distal ends of the coupling devices that have been applied to distal ends of the substratum securement devices; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a close view of the core having been inserted within the assembled load transferring members; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a close view of the load distribution plate having been applied to the core and load transferring members; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a close view of the hardware having been applied to the load transferring members and putting compressive force upon the core through the load distribution plate; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a close view of the outer member having been applied over the core assembly and being shown without a cap in place; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a close view of the completed core assembly with the outer member applied and cap in place; 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a view of the core having been inserted within the assembled load transferring members; 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a view of the load distribution plate having been applied to the core and load transferring members; 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a view of the hardware having been applied to the load transferring members and putting compressive force upon the core through the load distribution plate; 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a view of the outer member having been applied over the core assembly and being shown without a cap in place; 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a view of the completed core assembly with the outer member applied and cap in place; 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a close view of the proximal end of the core assembly showing the separator, core, substratum securement devices, coupling devices, and load transferring members in assembly; 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a close view of the proximal end of the core assembly showing the separator, core, substratum securement devices, coupling devices, and load transferring members in assembly as viewed from below; 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a view of close view of the proximal end of the core assembly showing the core, substratum securement devices, coupling devices, and load transferring members in assembly; 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a close view of the connection between the substratum securement devices, coupling devices, and load transferring members being embedded in the longitudinal grooves of the core; 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a view of a complete core assembly of this invention when the core has been field cut to abut against a surface that is not perpendicular to the post; 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is a cut away view of the completed assembly on an angled substratum with the outer member and cap installed without the substratum in view; 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a cut away view of the completed assembly on an angled substratum with the outer member and cap installed and showing the substratum; 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is a close view of the core, spacer, second load distribution plate, hardware, and load transferring members as they would look when the load transferring members are allowed to extend through to the opposing side of the substratum for securement and having added a second load distribution plate on the opposing side of the substratum, the substratum has been removed for clarity; 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is a close view of the core, hardware, second load distribution plate and load transferring members as they would look when the load transferring members are allowed to extend through to the opposing side of an angled substratum for securement and having added a second load distribution plate on the opposing side of the substratum; 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is a view from below of the substratum, core, hardware, load distribution plate, second load distribution plate and load transferring members as they would look when the load transferring members are allowed to extend through to the opposing side of an substratum for securement and having added a second load distribution plate on the opposing side of the substratum; 
           [0048]    and 
           [0049]      FIG. 29  is a close view of load distribution plate showing the holes disposed for temporary securement, pilot hole drilling, and for the load transferring members to be inserted. 
           [0050]      FIG. 30  is a close view of the outer member having been applied over the core assembly and being shown without a cap in place and having laterally secured members such as hand rails attached; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0051]    When referring to the drawings, like reference numerals designate like elements or areas throughout the views. It is also important to note that references to the substratum may be of varied materials that a post is to be applied to and may include an interior wood subfloor, concrete, exterior deck, or other existing structure. Referring to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 29 , there is shown a post anchoring system of this invention. The parts of this invention include a core made of a ridged material ( 1 ) with a plurality of longitudinal grooves ( 2 ) or holes to accept a plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) about its perimeter. The proximal end of the core ( 1 ) may be isolated from the substratum ( 4 ) by a separator ( 5 ) of decay resistant material in applications where decay of the core material could be of concern. A load distribution plate ( 6 ) containing holes ( 13 ) disposed within the plate to accept the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) is positioned at the distal end of the core ( 1 ) from the substratum ( 4 ) to be secured. A plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) are extended through the load distribution plate ( 6 ) for receiving a plurality of fastening hardware ( 7 ) on the distal end of the load distribution plate ( 6 ). The proximal end of the load transferring members ( 3 ) engage within a coupling device ( 8 ) for attachment to a plurality of proximally attached substratum securement devices ( 9 ). The substratum securement devices ( 9 ) may include a plurality of double-ended bolts, the proximal end of which may include coarse lag threads by which to secure into a wood or wood like substratum ( 4 ). The proximal end of the substratum securement devices ( 9 ) may alternately include a plurality of wedge type or sleeve type anchors for securing into a substratum consisting of concrete or concrete like substratum ( 4 ). The distal end of the substratum securement devices ( 9 ) are such that they will engage with the coupling device ( 8 ) attached to the proximal end of the load transferring members ( 3 ). Alternately the load transferring members ( 3 ) may continue through the substratum ( 4 ) in a situation where the underside of the substratum ( 4 ) may be accessed to add an opposing plurality of fastening hardware ( 10 ). In this application, the substratum securement devices ( 9 ) and coupling devices ( 8 ) may be deleted from the assembly and the addition of a second load distribution plate ( 11 ) to be placed on the opposing side of the substratum ( 4 ) may occur. When the distal fastening hardware ( 7 ) (or proximal fastening hardware ( 10 ) in alternate applications) are tightened, the abutted surfaces ( 12 ) are drawn tightly together exerting a compressive force upon the entirety of the core ( 1 ) with the tensional load being bared through the load distribution plate ( 6 ), along the load transferring members ( 3 ), through the coupling devices ( 8 ) and ultimately being dispersed into the substratum ( 4 ) by the substratum securement devices ( 9 ) or on the opposing side of the substratum ( 4 ) in the alternate application. In applications where the core and substratum do not abut perpendicularly, the proximal end of the core may be field cut to present the abutment plane at the desired parallelism ( 14 ). The invention is particularly intended for use in newel posts, yet capable of integration into similar structural elements where primary securement of the element is achieved in a singular plane such as posts, post cores, half walls, and the like. Although the post is illustrated as being of generally square in the cross section of abutment, it is intended that the present invention may translate to any embodiment of cross section and the core ( 1 ) and load distribution plate ( 6 ) may be configured to match the desired cross section. Likewise, the core ( 1 ) and load transferring members ( 3 ) may also be length modified to match any desired height of application. 
         [0052]    In assembly, the load distribution plate ( 6 ) is positioned and temporarily secured to the substratum ( 4 ) at the desired installation location by means of fasteners appropriate to the substratum ( 4 ) through the plurality of temporary securement holes ( 15 ) disposed within the load distribution plate ( 6 ). The plurality of pilot drilling holes ( 18 ) disposed within the load distribution plate ( 6 ) are used for alignment of installing a plurality of pilot holes for the plurality of substratum securement devices ( 9 ). After the plurality of pilot holes are installed, the load distribution plate ( 6 ) is then detached from the substratum ( 4 ) by removal of the temporary fasteners. In applications where the abutment plane ( 12 ) between the post core ( 1 ) and the substratum ( 4 ) is not perpendicular, the field cut post core ( 14 ) may be used to mark the alignment of the required plurality of pilot holes once the angle of abutment is cut into the post core ( 1 ) whereas that the abutment surfaces ( 16 ) meet in parallel planes. The plurality of substratum securement devices ( 9 ) are installed within the substratum ( 4 ) in the previously disposed plurality of pilot holes. After the plurality of substratum securement devices ( 9 ) are installed, the distal ends of which are engaged within the plurality of coupling devices ( 8 ). The plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) are then engaged with the distal end of the coupling devices ( 8 ). Once the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) have been assembled, the core ( 1 ) is placed within the previous assembly whereas the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) extend past the distal plane of the core ( 1 ) and rest within the plurality of longitudinal grooves or holes ( 2 ) disposed within the core ( 1 ). In application where a core spacer ( 5 ) is required to be placed between the core and the substratum, the core spacer ( 5 ) would be added prior to installing the core ( 1 ). The load distribution plate ( 6 ) is then placed about the distal end of the core ( 1 ) with the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) disposed through the plurality of load transferring member holes ( 13 ) disposed within the load distribution plate ( 6 ) and aligned with the perimeter of the core ( 1 ). After the load distribution plate ( 6 ) has been installed, the assembly is completed by adding the plurality of washers, lock washers, and nuts ( 7 ) or washers and locknuts ( 7 ) to the distal end of the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) and torqued to an appropriate force to draw the core ( 1 ) tightly against the substratum ( 4 ). 
         [0053]    In applications where the opposing side of the substratum is accessible, the substratum securement devices ( 9 ) and couplers ( 8 ) may be deleted from the application in favor of extending the load transferring members ( 3 ) through the substratum ( 4 ) for securement on the opposing side. In this application the pilot holes in the substratum are replaced with through holes. In assembly, the load distribution plate ( 6 ) is positioned and temporarily secured to the substratum ( 4 ) at the desired installation location by means of temporary fasteners appropriate to the substratum ( 4 ) through the plurality of temporary securement holes ( 15 ) disposed within the load distribution plate ( 6 ). The plurality of load transferring member holes ( 13 ) disposed within the load distribution plate ( 6 ) are used for aligning and installing a plurality of through holes within the substratum ( 4 ). After the plurality of through holes are installed, the load distribution plate ( 6 ) is then detached from the substratum ( 4 ) by removal of the temporary fasteners. In applications where the abutment plane ( 12 ) between the post core ( 1 ) and the substratum ( 4 ) is not perpendicular to the post core ( 1 ), the field cut post core ( 14 ) may be used to mark the alignment of the required plurality of through holes once the angle of abutment is cut into the post core ( 1 ) whereas that the abutment surfaces ( 16 ) meet in parallel planes. The plurality of distal core fasteners ( 7 ) are installed on the distal end of the load transferring members ( 3 ) which are then placed through the load distribution member holes ( 13 ) disposed within the load distribution plate ( 6 ). The core ( 1 ) is then positioned about the previously disposed through holes and the assembly of the load distribution plate ( 6 ) and load transferring members ( 3 ) is placed about the core ( 1 ) with the load transferring members ( 3 ) resting within the plurality of longitudinal grooves or holes ( 2 ) disposed within the core ( 1 ) and extending through the substratum ( 4 ) in the previously disposed through holes. In application where a core spacer ( 5 ) is required to be placed between the core ( 1 ) and the substratum ( 4 ), the core spacer ( 5 ) would be added prior to installing the core ( 1 ). A second load distribution plate ( 11 ) may then be placed on the opposing side of the substratum ( 4 ) whereas the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) are disposed through the plurality of load transferring member holes ( 13 ) within the load distribution plate ( 11 ). After the second load distribution plate ( 11 ) has been installed on the opposing side of the substratum ( 4 ), the assembly is completed by adding the plurality of washers, lock washers, and nuts ( 10 ) or washers and locknuts ( 10 ) to the distal end of the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) that extend distal of the opposing side of the substratum ( 4 ) and the completed assembly is torqued to an appropriate force to draw the core ( 1 ) tightly against the substratum ( 4 ). 
         [0054]    Once the assembly is torqued properly, the extending portion of the plurality of load transferring members ( 3 ) distal to the nut or locknut ( 7 ) may need to be removed by mechanical means to prevent interference with the outer member ( 17 ). It is of note that any of the above mentioned engagements may be further improved by the use of liquid adhesives or thread lockers. Once the ( FIG. 1 ) assembly has been completed, the system is ready to receive an outer member ( 17 ) having a cavity disposed to receive the core. Once the outer member is installed, the system is ready to support laterally secured members ( 19 ) such as handrails if desired. A cap ( 20 ) is installed to complete the installation. 
         [0055]    From the prior described detailed description, it will be apparent that the present invention represents a novel and improved anchoring system over prior art for attachment and support of posts and the like. The post anchoring system of the invention can be easily installed in a variety of substrata without specialty tools, training, or skills with less time and effort than is required to extend the post or post core into the substratum. 
         [0056]    Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated for example in the drawings and described herein, it should be understood by persons skilled in the arts that various modifications and adaptation of the post anchoring system described above are possible without departure from the scope of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.