Abstract:
A driveable member and a locking member cooperate to form a post anchor which is utilized in earthen ground to support a post. The driveable member is capable of being driven into the earthen ground during an installation process wherein a post extends from the driveable member following the installation process. The locking member acts to secure the post and the driveable member together using a binding pressure between a post support sleeve of the driveable member and the outer surface of the post. Ideally the locking member is installed during the installation process utilizing an installation impact force which is delivered generally aligned with the length of the post to bind the locking member between the driveable member and the post. A method of coupling the locking member relative to the driveable member prevents any tendency of the locking member to become dislodged subsequent to the installation process.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U. S. application Ser. No. 09/304,811, now abandoned filed May 4, 1999, entitled “Post Anchor with Anchor Clip”, currently pending, which is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Pat. No. 5,899,030, application Ser. No. 08/916,068, filed Aug. 21, 1997, entitled “Sheet Material Post Anchor and Method of Installation”, which is a continuation-in-part of U. S. Pat. No. 5,661,932, application Ser. No. 08/631,971, filed Apr. 15, 1996, entitled “Post Anchor and Method of Installing a Post”. These applications are incorporated herein by this reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Generally, the invention relates to post anchors to secure a post in the earthen ground. More specifically, the invention relates to such post anchors which are driveable, adaptable for deployment without requiring the use of concrete and which utilize a locking member which contacts both the post anchor and the post following installation. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The anchoring of posts in the earthen ground satisfies various needs. The attachment of signs to the post, as exampled by signs posted in yard advertising the availability of the property for sale, is one common example. Similarly, the attachment of signs to posts along roads advise motorists of various conditions or that various provisions of laws are in effect for that specific stretch of road. Common examples of these type of signs include ‘stop’ signs and signs notifying motorists of the ‘posted’ speed limits in effect. 
     Turning now to posts which support structural entities rather than signs, the most common structure supporting use of posts is to support fencing. In this usage, a configuration of a plurality of posts cooperate to provide for an aligned arrangement, most often linear. A common usage involves various linear sections which cooperate to define a perimeter which surrounds and encloses an area. 
     In the agricultural area, posts enclose areas with barbed wire or a heavy gauge wire mesh fencing spanning and attached to each post in succession. This usage provides for the containment or exclusion of animals. 
     In the residential area, posts enclose areas with chain link, boarding or some other suitable material spanning and attached to each post in succession. This usage commonly defines a section of the boundaries of the subject property, as exampled by enclosing the backyard of a home. This usage is extremely common due to the desire of people to restrict ingress and egress from their property. 
     The most common method in current use of anchoring a post into the earthen ground comprises the following steps. Digging of a deep narrow hole into the ground occurs. Following forming of this hole, insertion of a lower extent of a post into the hole occurs. Then the placement of concrete to radially surround the lower extent of the post occurs to at least partially fill the hole. Following the setting of this concrete, generally the following day, installation of the fencing material occurs to span a plurality of such installed posts and define the fence. 
     Several disadvantages exist with this method which make the method less efficient than desired. Sandy soil conditions often tend to expand the upper extent of the hole beyond the desired size. There is a requirement of special motorized digging equipment which eliminates the requirement of manually scooping out the dirt with post hole diggers. The labor expense involved with the digging of the holes, using either method, is significant. The requirement of mixing concrete at the job site is time consuming, expensive and messy. There is a strong likelihood that even a simple job may span multiple days due to the strong desire that the concrete harden about the lower extent of the post prior to attachment of the fencing material to the post. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a structural device capable of placement into the earthen ground for attachment thereto of a post. These devices attempt to provide various large surface areas distributed in the ground to cooperate to act to resist motion of the device while in the earthen ground. 
     Generally, acceptance in the industry of these devices is lacking. They are difficult to install. They lack sufficient resistance properties once installed to acceptably resist motion of the post above the ground. They are prohibitively expensive when compared to the conventional dig and concrete method. These devices also lack the versatility to permit the elevation of the post to be easily adjusted relative to the fixed anchor device following installation. 
     When a driveable post anchor is employed it may lack sufficient surface areas thereon to provide a desired level of resistance to displacement of the attached post. 
     For these reasons there remains a need for a simple anchor device which is adaptable for installation into the earthen ground with minimal labor consumption, which provide for acceptable motion resistance within the earthen ground following installation and which also permit repositioning of the elevation of the post relative to the fixed anchor device without requiring repositioning of the anchor device within the ground. The present invention substantially fulfills these needs. 
     SUMMARY 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the conventional method of anchoring a post within the earthen ground, your applicant has devised a post anchor having a driveable member and a locking member. The driveable member has a post support sleeve and a plurality of ground engaging fins. The post support sleeve has an inner surface, an outer surface and an upper extent. The post support sleeve provides for reception of a post therein during an installation process. The plurality of ground engaging fins are radially disposed to extend from the outer surface of the post support sleeve. The locking member provides for securing of the post within the post support sleeve following the installation process. The locking member contacts the post support sleeve at the inner surface and contacts the post at an outer surface of the post following the installation process. 
     The invention resides not in any one of these features per se, but rather in the particular combinations of them herein disclosed and it is distinguished from the prior art in these particular combinations of these structures for the functions specified. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The primary object of the present invention is to provide for a post anchor having a locking member and a driveable member where the post anchor will anchor a post in the earthen ground with at least a portion of the locking member positioned between the driveable member and the post. 
     Other objects include; 
     a) to provide for installation of a post anchor and a post with a minimal amount of effort. 
     b) to provide for immediate usage of the post secured to the post anchor following installation without requiring passage of a setting time interval. 
     c) to provide for impact force generated installation of the locking member relative to and between the driveable member and the post. 
     d) to provide for the reuse of the driveable member of the post anchor following removal of the locking member and removal of the post. 
     e) to provide for a locking member which provides for a prolonged application of a binding pressure between a post support sleeve of the driveable member and the post positioned within the post support sleeve of the driveable member following an installation process. 
     f) to provide for a locking member having an impact portion and a penetration portion where the impact portion provides for reception of an installation impact force and where the penetration portion provides for insertion in response to the installation impact force between an inner surface of the post support sleeve of the driveable member and an outer surface of the post during the installation process. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated the preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein; 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a locking member. 
     FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the locking member shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view as taken from the section line ‘ 3 ’ shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view as taken from the section lines ‘ 4 ’ shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view as taken from the section line ‘ 5 ’ shown in FIG.  6 . 
     FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a post anchor having a driveable member and a locking member with a post positioned in the driveable member. 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the assembly shown in FIG. 6 during an installation process utilizing a locking member seating tool. 
     FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the post anchor shown in FIG.  6  and FIG. 7 in an install condition on the post. 
     FIG. 9 is a sectional view as taken from the section line ‘ 9 ’ shown in FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first portion of a locking member. 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second portion of a locking member. 
     FIG. 12 is an elevational sectional view of the first portion of the locking member shown in FIG.  10  and the second portion of the locking member shown in FIG. 11 positioned relative to a post support sleeve and a post. 
     FIG. 13 is an elevational sectional view of the components shown in FIG. 12 following an installation process. 
     FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a driveable member. 
     FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the driveable member shown in FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 16 is an elevational sectional view of a portion of a post support sleeve of the driveable member shown in FIG.  14  and FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is an elevational sectional view of the post support sleeve shown in FIG. 16 with a first portion and a second portion of a locking member positioned thereabout. 
     FIG. 18 is an elevational sectional view of the components shown in FIG. 17 following an installation process. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made to the drawings where like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views. Post anchors having features of the present invention will have a driveable member and a locking member. 
     Driveable Member 
     The driveable member will have a post support sleeve and a plurality of ground engaging fins extending from the post support sleeve. The post anchor may be formed utilizing a molding process as exampled as by from a plastic. Alternatively, the post anchor may be formed from a sheet material following a bending or stamping process. The post anchor may employ a sub-grade surface to, in part, provide for additional resistance to movement in the earthen ground following installation. 
     FIG.  1  through FIG. 9 depict a post anchor  20 , or portions thereof, having a driveable member  22  and a locking member  24 , see FIG.  1  through FIG.  3  and FIG.  6  through FIG.  9 . Driveable member  22  has a post support sleeve  26  having an inner surface  28  and an outer surface  30 , see FIG. 4. A plurality of ground engaging fins  32  extend outward from outer surface  30  of post support sleeve  26 . Ground engaging fins  32  each have an upper extent  34 . Preferably post support sleeve  26  extends significantly above upper extent  34  of ground engaging fins  32 . 
     FIG.  14  through FIG. 18 depict a driveable member  36 , or portions thereof, having a post support sleeve  38 , a plurality of ground engaging fins  40  and a sub-grade surface  42  positioned above, and anchored to, ground engaging fins  40 . Post support sleeve  38  penetrates sub-grade surface  42 . In this embodiment post support sleeve  38  has opposing compression slots  44  extending downward from a terminal end  46 . Radially positioned about terminal end  46  is a coupling member  48  being a ridge  50 . 
     FIG.  12  and FIG. 13 depict a post support sleeve  52  of a driveable member  54 , not shown in its entirety. In this embodiment post support sleeve  52  has a coupling member  56  radially disposed about a terminal end  58 . In this embodiment post support sleeve  52  does not have a compression slot. 
     Locking Member 
     A locking member provides for a prolonged binding pressure between the driveable member and a post positioned therethrough following the installation procedure. The locking member will engage the driveable member at least at the upper extent of the post support sleeve and at the outer surface of the post following the installation procedure. This arrangement will provide for the desired binding pressure. Ideally, a portion of the locking member will engage the driveable member along a small portion of an inner surface of the post support sleeve in close proximity to the upper extent while an opposing portion of the locking member engages an outer surface of the post. 
     Typically, pressure binding is all that is required to retain the locking member relative to the driveable member following placement during the installation process. If desired, a method may be provided to couple, or secure, the locking member to the driveable member. When coupling means are provided it may be desired to provide for structures on the driveable member which cooperate with structures on the locking member to provide the desired coupling or securing of the locking member relative to the driveable member. 
     The locking member may be a single piece or may be formed from a cooperation between multiple pieces. When multiple pieces are utilized they may be unique or they may be identical or they may have two or more identical pieces and at least one additional unique piece. 
     FIG.  1  through FIG.  3  and FIG.  6  through FIG. 9 depict locking member  24  which is of a single piece. Locking member  24  has a penetration portion  60  and an impact portion  62  with a passage  64  extending therethrough The interior of passage  64  forms a post contacting surface. Penetration portion  60  tapers down to a very narrow terminal edge  66 . During an installation process locking member  24  is slipped over a post  68 , see FIG.  6  and FIG. 7, with terminal edge  66  facing driveable member  22 . Once so positioned terminal edge  66  is positioned into a spacing  70  between post support sleeve  26  and post  68 , see FIG. 4, with the outer surface contacting post support sleeve  26 . This outer surface form a sleeve contacting surface. As shown in FIG. 3 penetration portion  60  tapers outward while extending inward from terminal edge  66 . Following initial insertion of terminal edge  66  into spacing  70  an installation impact force is applied to a striking surface  72  of impact portion  62 . This installation impact force may be applied by numerous methods such as by an installation tool  74  shown in FIG.  7  and FIG.  9 . Following delivery of such impact force penetration portion  60  of locking member  24  is radially forced between post support sleeve  26  and post  68  positioned therein. 
     FIG.  14  through FIG. 18 depict a post anchor  76 , see FIG. 18, having driveable member  36  and a locking member  78 , see FIG.  18 . Driveable member  36  has coupling member  48  while locking member  78  has a coupling member  80 . Coupling member  48  and coupling member  80  cooperate to retain locking member  78  relative to driveable member  36  following an installation process. Locking member  78  has a first portion  82  and a second portion  84 . First portion  82  slides over the post, not shown in these views, during the installation process and is positioned within post support sleeve  38  to flair post support sleeve  38  outward slightly at compression slot  44 , see FIG.  17 . Second portion  84  then is installed utilizing an impact force to deform post support sleeve  38  back inward above first portion  82  to firmly engage the post positioned within post support sleeve  38 . Coupling member  48  then engages coupling member  80  to securely retain locking member  78  relative to driveable member  36 . 
     FIG.  10  through FIG. 13 depict a post anchor  85  having driveable member  54 , only the upper most portion of post support sleeve  52  shown, and a locking member  86 , see FIG. 13, having a first portion  88  and a second portion  90 . During installation first portion  88  is positioned over post  68  and partially positioned into a spacing  92  between post  68  and post support sleeve  52 , see FIG.  12 . Second portion  90  is positioned over post  68  and forced downward to engage first portion  88 . During exertion of further downward pressure first portion  88  is forced into a binding pressure position between post  68  and post support sleeve  52 , see FIG. 13, in spacing  92 . Coupling member  56  positioned on post support sleeve  52  then engages a coupling member  94  positioned on second portion  90  of locking member  86 . This engagement provides for secure retention of locking member  86  relative to driveable member  54 . 
     Installation Procedure 
     Various procedures, and associated sequences of actions, may be employed to install each combination of a post anchor and a post in the earthen ground. The examples which follow detail several of the many sequences of actions. If it is desired to install the post anchor beneath the surface of the earthen ground a shallow hole is dug. At this point either the post or the driveable member is driven into the earthen ground. If the post has been driven first then it is used as a guide for installation of the driveable member. If the driveable member has been driven first then it is used as a guide for installation of the post. When the driveable member and the post are positioned at the desired depth then the locking member is installed relative to the driveable member. 
     Various installation tools may be utilized during the installation procedure for post anchors having a driveable member and a locking member. Several of these installation tools may be employed specifically for manipulation of locking members having features of the present invention. Several of these installation tools may be employed for installation of associated driveable members without regard for the type of locking member employed. 
     One example of an installation tool applicable to driveable members having a post support sleeve extending therethrough for reception of the post involves a pneumatic drive assembly. The pneumatic drive assembly has a shaft suitable for snug insertion into the post support sleeve from the upper extent and of a sufficient length to extend through and beyond the post support sleeve. Utilization of such a pneumatic drive assembly provides for easy installation of the driveable member including a hole beneath the driveable member for subsequent installation of the post. The pneumatic drive assembly ideally would have means to temporarily retain the driveable member on the shaft during alignment and initial penetration of the earthen ground. 
     Various installation situations may benefit from installation enhancement features. One of these situations involve installation in locales where the ground may freeze. In these locales there may exist a tendency for the post anchor and post to be forced upward depending upon the severity of the environmental extremes. One enhancement involves installation of retention spikes through a portion of the post anchor angularly offset to both horizontal and vertical. This also provides for additional resistance to general movement of the post anchor, and therefore the post, in any environmental situations. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, material, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.