Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the rapid and precise removable installation of a substrate-penetrating device that facilitates underground delivery of various utilities to and/or from devices mounted thereon.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of the priority of pending non-provisional application No. 13/651,767, filed Oct. 15, 2012, PCT application No. PCT/US2012/060238, filed Oct. 15, 2012, and provisional patent application No. 61/551,435, filed Oct. 26, 2011, and each of the applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety as if made a part of the present specification. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is directed toward the rapid and precise removable installation of a substrate-penetrating device that preferably facilitates the underground delivery of various utilities from devices mounted thereon. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Methods and apparatuses that facilitate the installation and removal of various utilities from devices mounted thereon would be very beneficial. Such utilities include, but are not limited to, electricity, water, oil, gases, sewage, other fluids, etc. Currently, in order to install something as simple as an electric lamp post, users must dig a hole, run the underground wire conduit through the hole, and pour concrete into the hole to make a permanent base for the lamp post. This process is tedious, time-consuming and costly in terms of both time and resources. In addition, in the event it is desired to move the utility fixture (e.g. lamp post, etc.) the concrete mooring, being permanent, is not easily removable from the site, and in any event is not reusable. If such mooring must be removed, such removal adds to the overall cost of utility fixture installation (and removal). There have been no useful and accepted advances in this field despite the fact that the presently accepted anchoring methods for utility fixtures are expensive, wasteful and not ecologically sound, as the concrete plug or mooring is most often left behind if a utility fixture is moved to another location, or otherwise no longer in use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present disclosure is directed to a substrate-penetrating device, such as a mountable earth-embedding anchor, with removable underground conduit panels and installation apparatus. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure save time, labor, materials, etc., and significantly reduce cost. According to the present disclosure, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein significantly facilitate changes in location for various fixtures and components that heretofore were deemed permanent. Variations of the present invention described herein allow for the simplified installation, removal and relocation of fixtures such as, for example, lamp posts, signage, and virtually any object that must be firmly implanted into the ground. As stated above, at the present time, according to accepted custom, such objects are placed substantially permanently into the ground, requiring materials, such as, for example concrete, to be used as the permanent mooring. Once implanted into such a mooring, such objects are not easily removed, for example, for reuse in a different location. Indeed, upon removal from their permanent mooring or anchoring such objects are necessarily damaged and cannot be reused. For the purpose of this specification, the terms “substrate-penetrating” and “earth-embedding” may be used interchangeably or in combination. 
         [0005]    According to one variation, devices mounted on the presently disclosed mountable earth-embedding anchor with removable underground conduit panels can be connected underground to each other, as well as to similar or different devices, etc. The base plate and removable underground conduit panels of the disclosed mountable earth-embedding anchor with removable underground conduit panels can also accommodate a greater diversity of devices and a larger number of devices substantially simultaneously. Furthermore, the devices presently disclosed require only one individual to operate the devices, and the installation apparatus can be reused for installation of other mountable earth-embedding anchors. 
         [0006]    According to one variation, the present invention is directed to a substrate-penetrating device preferably having at least a portion of the device submerged in a substrate comprising at least one removable underground conduit panel that allows passage of materials from underground conduits into the substrate-penetrating or earth-embedding device. 
         [0007]    According to a further variation, the present invention relates to a substrate-penetrating, or earth-embedding device comprising an anchor. The anchor preferably comprises a drilling component, and at least one chamber bounded by a housing, with the housing comprising at least one removable panel. According to a variation, the substrate-penetrating earth-embedding device is mountable and comprises an installation head. According to a further variation, the device further comprises an installation apparatus for engaging the installation head, or any part of the device, with the installation apparatus preferably comprising a means for translating and delivering a force, such as a rotational, liner manual or automated mechanical or other direct or indirect force, and combinations thereof, to the anchor. In one variation, the installation head preferably comprises a spirit level. Preferably, the rotational force supplied to the device is a manually-delivered force, and, most preferably, the anchor device is removable and preferably secures a utility fixture in a substrate without a supplemental stabilizer, such as, for example, cement, concrete, etc. The anchor device is manufactured as a single piece, or the anchor may comprise separate pieces that are assembled. 
         [0008]    In a further variation, the present disclosure relates to a method for installing and securing a utility fixture that allows passage of materials between mounted devices and underground conduits comprising the steps of providing an anchor device having a first length, with the anchor device comprising a drilling component, at least one chamber with the chamber bounded by a housing and comprising at least one removable panel, and a installation head. The anchor device is oriented to an initial installation position on a substrate surface. Preferably, an installation apparatus is provided and engages the installation apparatus via an anchor device installation head. A force, such as, for example, a rotational force, is provided to the installation apparatus, delivering the anchor device from the initial installation position on a substrate surface to a final installation position whereby a substantial and desired and pre-determined length of the anchor device is directed beneath the substrate surface. A utility fixture to be secured is then provided and secured to the installation head. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Having thus described variations of the disclosure in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a detailed view of the installation apparatus for one variation of the present invention, along with a detailed perspective view of the spirit level; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view and detailed plan view of a variation of the mountable earth-embedding anchor with removable underground conduit panels; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a variation of the present invention shown in place in the ground substrate, and showing an underground conduit attached to each side; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a variation of the present invention showing the mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor with removable underground conduit panels with a fixture base mounted thereto; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5   a - c  show various attachments that can be mounted onto variations of the present invention to secure various devices; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  shows a variation where the mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor device can be assembled from multiple pieces into a single unit; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  shows the mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor device in position securing an attachment fixture in the ground without the use of separate fasteners. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, where preferred alternatives are shown. The disclosures may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples or illustrations set forth. Rather, these examples and illustrations are provided so that this disclosure conveys the scope of the inventions provided herein to those skilled in the field. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred, but not limiting, view of an installation apparatus  7  comprising an installation bar  18  with handles  12  at each end. Each handle  12  has a handle tip  10  that is preferably slightly wider at its base than the width of handles  12 . Installation bar  18  preferably has a region called the spirit level attachment platform  16  that acts as the attachment site of the spirit level  14 . Installation bar protrusions  20  project from installation bar  18  and are preferably dimensioned to engage installation apparatus  7  to mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9  (shown in  FIG. 2 ), by inserting installation bar protrusions  20  into the elongated insertion sites  28  located on the mountable head  26 . Fasteners  50  are preferably placed over a portion of the installation bar protrusions  20  that extend through and past the mountable head  26 , preventing dislodgement of installation apparatus  7  from anchor  9 . This preferred diagram of installation apparatus  7  shown in  FIG. 1  is shown for non-limiting, illustrative purposes only. For example, a simplified installation apparatus is contemplated, whereby such apparatus  7  is a substantially linear rod made from a suitably durable material (e.g. metal, wood, plastic, alloy, composite, etc. or combinations thereof), with the rod passing through openings made in the wall of the anchor  9  or otherwise attaching to anchor  9 . In such an example (not shown), rotational motion and torque would be applied to the device by pushing on one side of the rod, while pulling on the other side of the rod to drive the earth-embedding device clockwise or counterclockwise (depending on the desired orientation of the drill threads  42  (see  FIG. 2 ), and downward into and through a substrate surface. 
         [0019]      FIG. 2  shows a mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9  comprising a mountable head  26  with multiple elongated insertion sites  28 , a mountable head rim  24 , and a cavity opening  22  into the anchor body. According to one embodiment, the depth of the elongated insertion sites  28  is less than the height of the mountable head rim  24 . Mountable head rim  24  is preferably a rim extension of mountable head  26  that is integral with the manufacture of the head  26 , or that is otherwise attached to head  26 , such that the thickness or height of the mountable head rim  24  is greater than the thickness of mountable head  26  alone. One preferred form of mountable head  26  has mountable head rim  24  that is preferably dimensioned to be approximately at least about equal in height to installation bar protrusions  20  in  FIG. 1 , such that, with the insertion of installation bar protrusion  20  into elongated insertion site  28 , the installation bar protrusions  20  do not extend below mountable head rim  24  in a horizontally flat view plane. This orientation is desirable so that the protrusions to not come into contact with the substrate or otherwise impede the implantation of the mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9 . In addition, the dimension of the rim  24  can be selected for the purpose of keeping any bolting assemblies from view when the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  is in its final installed position. In other variations, where such decorative concerns are not present, the rim may be substantially equivalent to the thickness of the mounting head  26 , or any height (thickness) as desired. 
         [0020]    The mountable head further comprises cavity opening  22  into the portion of anchor  9  that connects the first portion  30  of anchor  9  to the outside environment above mountable head  26 . Therefore, according to one variation shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , anchor  9  is substantially hollow at least from the area of the mounting head  26  and extending a predetermined distance into the body of anchor  9 . First body portion  30  of anchor  9  is connected to, or integral with, a second body portion  34  of anchor  9 , such that there is an open path to the outside environment above mountable head  26 . Second body portion  34  of anchor  9  preferably comprises a housing that comprises, or is bounded by, at least one perforated removable panel  36  along its walls. Preferably, above and between each of the removable panels  36  are perforated removable anchor sites  38  (all panels and anchor sites not shown). As partially shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in one variation of the present invention, anchor  9  comprises four removable panels  36  and twelve removable anchor sites  38 . A tail section  40  is connected to, or integral with, second body portion  34 . The tail section  40  has a first diameter near its point of attachment to second body portion  34  and a second diameter at its end distal from the second body portion  34 . This disparity in diameters preferably results in narrowing taper that ends at the tip of anchor  9 . Outwardly extending earth-plowing attachments  42 , or threads, are affixed to or manufactured integral with the outside of the tail  40  in a spiraling fashion from the portion of tail  40  closest to second body portion  34  of anchor  9 , and tapering to a point at the distal end of tail  40  to achieve and facilitate a screw-like or drill effect. This preferred diagram of mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  shown in  FIG. 2  is for non-limiting illustrative purposes only. 
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9  of the present disclosure in the ground  8  with an installation apparatus  7  attached to anchor  9  via mounting head  26 . An underground conduit  32  is shown attached to each side of anchor  9  at the previous locations of two of the removable panels  36 . (See  FIGS. 2-4 ).  FIG. 3  also shows a partial cut-away view inside anchor  9  and one underground conduit  32 .  FIG. 3  illustrates how materials from underground conduit  32  can enter and exit mountable earth-embedding anchor  9 .  FIG. 3 , in the cut-away section, shows cables  44 ,  46 , and  48  entering second body portion  34  of anchor  9  through a panel opening  60  effected by the removal of removable panel  36 . Cables  44 ,  46  and  48  extend from and through second body portion  34  and upwardly into first body portion  30  of anchor  9 . It is understood that multiple cables may extend from a single conduit  32  into the anchor  9  through a single panel opening, or from multiple conduits  32  into the anchor  9  through multiple panel openings  60 . This preferred drawing of one variation of the present invention is for illustrative and non-limiting purposes only. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 4 and 5   a - c  show a non-limiting and nonexclusive representation of different types of devices that can be mounted on mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9  by attaching the base of the devices to the mountable head  26  of anchor  9 . For example, decorative mounting base  52 , mounting brace  54 , round device mounting base  56 , and square device mounting base  58  are exemplary and non-exclusive illustrations of mounting bases used, for example, in installation of lamp posts, street lights, water fountains, photovoltaic ground mount systems, benches, mailboxes, etc. These bases can all attach to mountable head  26  by any secure attachment means, such as, for example, screws, bolts, etc. This preferred drawing of mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  with attached decorative mounting base  52 , and the other bases shown in  FIG. 4  and mounting braces shown in  FIGS. 5   a - c  are for non-limiting, illustrative purposes only. 
         [0023]    A further variation is shown in  FIG. 6  where the mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9  can comprise multiple pieces that can be assembled before or after installation. For example, tail section  40 , itself, can be attached to a manual or automated drive assembly (not shown) for the purpose of driving tail section  40  into a substrate such as, for example, the ground. Once the tail section is driven into place in a given substrate, the body portion  34  can attach to either first portion  30  and then tail section  40 , or to tail section  40 , and then first section  30 . It is understood that according to this variation, the multiple pieces can be joined by any permanent or removable means, such as for example, interlocking features, compression or frictional fit, use of fasteners, pins, bolts, screws and the like, etc., as would be readily understood by one skilled in the field. 
         [0024]      FIG. 7  shows the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  in use for the purpose of anchoring mounting brace  54  into the ground. In this variation, the downward anchoring force of the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9 , itself, provides adequate force to secure the mounting brace  54  without the use of additional fasteners, although such fasteners could optionally be used in addition. Though not shown, it is understood that mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  may be driven further into the ground such that the mountable head  26  is substantially in intimate contact with a surface of the mounting brace  54 . 
         [0025]    By way of example, operation of preferred variations of the present invention will be presented in accordance with the representative installation of an outdoor electrical lamp post at a residence. As shown in  FIG. 4 , a lamp post has a decorative mounting base  52  with screws, washers, bolts, nuts, etc. (not shown) for anchoring the base  52  to a mountable earth-embedding anchor  9 . For this particular task, the user desirably makes an 18 inch trench using a shovel or trencher, etc. Proper wiring is done at the power supply side and placed inside an underground conduit  32  that runs in the trench and stops at the lamp post installation site. The user then places a mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  in the appropriate upright position. For this application, the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus is preferably made of hot-dipped galvanized steel, but is understood to be made from any suitably durable material such as, for example, steel, iron, aluminum, other metals, alloys, solid wood or laminate wood, plastics, composite materials, etc., and combinations thereof. Installation apparatus  7  is then placed into position on the anchor  9  with the installation bar protrusions  20  positioned into opposing elongated insertion sites  28  on the mountable head  26 . Fasteners  50  are optionally then placed over the portion of the installation bar protrusions  20  that extend outwardly from the other side of mountable head  26  to secure the installation apparatus  7  to mountable earth-embedding anchor  9 . For this application, the fasteners  50  are preferably durable rubber bands that fit tightly around installation bar protrusions  20 , although any removable securing means may be used as would readily be understood by one skilled in the field. 
         [0026]    The mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  complex is then positioned at the desired location of the lamp post installation. The end of the tail  40  is firmly impaled into the substrate surface manually, such as, for example “by hand”. The location of each removable panel  36  relative to the spirit level  14  or handles  12  is noted. Holding each of the two installation apparatus handles  12  with one hand, the user uses the spirit level  14  to insure that the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  is substantially perpendicular to the ground. The user then rotates the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  in a clockwise direction while applying a downward force sufficient to drive the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  into the ground. 
         [0027]    While the preceding protocol illustrates the manual installation of the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9 , it is understood that automated augers, drilling devices, and various other machineries and automations with appropriate attachments may be used to drive the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  into a final desired position in a substrate. 
         [0028]    For one exemplary, non-exclusive, lamp post installation, the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  has a first body portion  30  that is selectively dimensioned and therefore long enough, such that the removable panels  36  have their lowest portion slightly below 18 inches when the lowest edge of the mountable head rim  24  touches the ground. Some dirt may be removed from the trench until the outside of the second portion of body is visualized. When the mountable head rim  24  is substantially flush with the ground, the user rotates the installation apparatus  7  until one of the removable panels is centered at the opening of the 18 inch deep trench. The user looks at the spirit level  14  to make sure the mountable head  26  is substantially horizontal and then applies upward force on the handles  12  to make certain that the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  is securely anchored in the substrate. According to one variation, in order to disengage the installation apparatus  7  from the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9 , the user plants one or both feet on the edge of mountable head  26  and applies upward force on the handles  12  adequate to disengage the apparatus  7  from the fasteners  50 . The handle tips  10  will help prevent a user&#39;s hands from slipping off, as the handle tips  10  are preferably slightly wider at their base than the width of handles  12 . If the user is still having a difficulty disconnecting installation apparatus  7  from anchor  9 , the user can forcibly remove the fasteners from installation bar protrusions  20  prior to exerting the force to remove the installation apparatus from the anchor  9 . 
         [0029]    The installation apparatus or other device then may be used to disengage the removable panels  36  from the second body portion  34  by extending the apparatus  7  into the cavity opening  22  in anchor  9  and forcibly disengaging the removable panel  36  from the second body portion  34  of anchor  9 . After disengaging the perforated removable panel  36  into the inside of second body portion  34 , the user passes, for example, cable  44  from the conduit  32  in the trench through the panel opening  60  made by removal of the removable panel  36 . The cable  44  is passed from the panel opening  60  through to the cavity  22  opening into first body portion  30  of anchor  9 . See  FIG. 3 . The decorative mounting base  52  is placed over the mountable head  26  and the black cable  44  is pulled therethrough and wired appropriately to the lamp light fixture. The user then secures the decorative mounting base  52  to the mountable head  26  using the already in place hardware (screws, bolts, nuts, etc.). The rest of the lamp post assembly is completed and the user fixes the underground conduit  32  to the panel opening  60 . The user fills the trench with dirt and finishes with some minor landscaping. 
         [0030]    Different materials, sizes, shapes, and interconnections can be used for all components of mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7 . For example, the length, width, depth, height, and thickness of any component of mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  can vary as desired. Furthermore, different number of components, such as for insertion sites  28  or for removable panels  36 , can be used in the manufacture of mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7 , as desired. 
         [0031]    In addition, the tail portion  40  of the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  may incorporate earth-plowing features, or screw-like threads  42  oriented to allow for counter-clockwise rotational installation into a substrate (as opposed to the orientation of the threads  42  shown in the FIGs. that allow for clockwise rotational installation). Further, variations of the tail section  40  of the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  may not incorporate the earth-plowing feature, or screw-like threads  42 . For example, the present invention contemplates variations where the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  may be driven manually or mechanically directly into a substrate to a final installation position with no rotational force applied. In this variation, the tail section  40  may be substantially smooth (without thread-like features), and may incorporate different features and dimension to assist in installation, etc. Therefore it will be understood that the tail section, while shown in the FIGs. as possessing a tapered orientation, may instead be substantially linear throughout its length, with its outer diameter being substantially constant throughout its length. Still further, variations are contemplated where the tail section may or may not be tapered, relative to its width, along its length, but may or may not have its diameter vary along its length along one or mare axes, to achieve, for example, a chisel-like cutting edge to assist in its installation, for example, while being forcibly driven into a substrate. 
         [0032]    Still further, the present disclosure contemplates a variation where the earth-embedding anchor  9  does not comprise an installation head. In this variation, it is understood that the anchor  9  is driven manually or mechanically into the ground with or without rotation force, such as, for example, via a manual or automated jackhammer, sledgehammer or similar type of device, etc. 
         [0033]    It is further understood that, in further variations, different component parts of the earth-embedding anchor  9  may be made from the same or different materials. In other words, depending on the desired use, the earth-embedding anchor  9  may be one integral piece, or may be assembled from multiple piece, and the pieces may be made from the same or different materials, such as, for example, hot-dipped galvanized steel, steel, iron, aluminum, other metals, alloys, solid or laminate wood, plastics, composite materials, etc., and combinations thereof Still further, if the earth-embedding anchor  9  is being used to secure a fixture that does not require the internal passage of, for example, utility cables, wires, etc., or allow for a fluid flow therethrough, the components may be substantially hollow or substantially solid as desired. 
         [0034]    Both the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  can be manufactured in any manner, by hand or machine, as one integral piece or in separate components that can be assembled together. For example, the mountable head  26 , first body portion  30 , second body portion  34 , tail  40 , and earth-plowing attachments  42  can be manufactured from one piece of metal integrally, and may be machined or molded, etc., or may be assembled as separate pieces of metal that are assembled by any method, such as, for example, welding etc., as would be readily understood by one skilled in the field. In terms of usage, the mountable earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  are not limited by the examples illustrated in this application. The mountable substrate-penetrating earth-embedding anchor  9  and installation apparatus  7  can be used for mounting devices in earthen surfaces, sandy surfaces, rocky surfaces, wooden surfaces, concrete, plastic, underwater, etc. The mountable earth-embedding anchor can be coated with various materials alone or in combination, such as, for example, silicone, Teflon®, etc., for better handling, performance and ease of installation, etc. Furthermore, two or more bases can be mounted onto mountable head  26 , substantially simultaneously. For example, decorative mounting base  52  can be mounted over a previously installed device mounting base  56 . This is possible because the elongated insertion sites  28  can be made to accommodate the insertion of two or more screws. Alternatively, the decorative mounting base  52  can be rotated and attached to mountable head  26  using different elongated insertion sites  28 . It is understood that this invention is not limited to the variations described above. 
         [0035]    It is further understood that, while embodiments of the present invention have been described as employing manual installation, various automated means may be employed for installation. Any high torque motorized or hydraulic means for effecting and transferring rotational force to the present invention to effect the desired installation is contemplated as would be readily understood by one skilled in the field. 
         [0036]    While the preferred variations and alternatives of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes and substitutions can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should only be limited by the accompanying claims and equivalents thereof.