AU2018100163A4 - Reusable Below Ground Post Support - Google Patents

Abstract

A removable base installed below ground where top is flush with ground level. The cylindrical base consists of an outer casing (1) sealed at bottom with cap (2). The inner casing (4) sealed at bottom with cap (5), a top cap (6) with adaptable aperture (10) and the internal cavity (11) to receive post. Concrete (7) fills space between inner casing (4) and outer casing (1) for strength. The base has a small conduit (9) transversely spanning outer casing (1), concrete (7), inner casing (4) and internal cavity (11) to receive lifting tool (8) for base removal or installation. When not in use, base may be sealed at top with cap (3) for safety and protection from elements. Figure 1 Ground Level Ground Level Figure 2 Ground Level Ground Level

Description

REUSABLE BELOW GROUND POST SUPPORT TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The invention relates to a below ground support base for a post and subsequent fencing system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Currently the fencing options for post supports are limited to some permanent solutions and some temporary solutions.

[0003] Typically in rural fencing applications fences are permanently erected around paddocks. In the case of cattle, they may be grazing in one paddock and need to be moved to the next paddock. In this case fences may need to be moved or new fences may need to be constructed which may become costly. This process may also be quite labour intensive as typically, the post depth is relative to the support provided. In areas prone to flood and fire replacing fencing can be costly and considered just another loss.

[0004] In some circumstances fences may only be needed on a temporary basis. Most temporary fences consist of fence panels with posts supported by an above ground base or feet. These systems can be difficult to set up and move, and may be a safety hazard.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] Most permanent posts, partly below ground with a fencing system above ground, need to be driven or dug into the ground substantially for support. Once in place these post systems are permanent, costly, labour intensive, unable to be reused or moved easily and they have a limited lifespan.

[0006] Temporary fencing currently, can be costly, cumbersome and in certain cases a safety hazard. When a temporary fence is no longer needed, it is completely removed and if needed again incurs further costs and labour.

[0007] The invention is a below ground base and or support that can be adapted for use with any post. The size of the entire base can be increased or decreased, and the inner cap aperture can be adapted to suit the post required. The bases are constructed of PVC and concrete or alternatively concrete combined with recycled material such as rubber, incurring minimal costs while providing strength, durability, maximum support and an interminable lifespan, allowing for use and reuse or sold on if no longer required. Not only does the base have a long life span itself but with the simple application of sealant around the post aperture, the base protects the post from rusting or rotting that can come from being in the ground. Multiple bases and posts are used to further construct a fencing system. The base can be used for permanent or temporary fencing needs.

[0008] The base is lowered into a hole bored with a post hole digger to suit the diameter of the base which results in a snug fit into the ground and a flush finish with the ground surface. Removal of the base from below ground is simple and effective by accessing the lifting conduit at the top of the base, inserting the lifting tool, a small steel bar and lifting with machinery. Fences can be easily constructed and deconstructed as needed. When the fence and posts are removed but the base remains below ground a simple cap protects the interior of the base from the elements and provides a level and safe ground surface to walk and work over. When the bases are no longer needed and are withdrawn from the hole, the holes can be filled with dirt or any other suitable material i.e. gravel or sand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a front view of the complete unit including protective safety cap and inserted lifting tool, displayed relative to ground surface, in use.

Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged top section of Figure 1 indicating the ground surface demonstrating the top of the base flush with the ground surface.

Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the concrete inner support core, lifting tool conduit, lifting tool, inner cavity and inner cap with aperture to receive post.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the base with the inner cap removed also illustrating the lifting tool conduit transversely spanning the entire base.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a cross-section illustrating the outer casing, inner casing and cavity, concrete fill and lifting tool conduit.

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the top section of Figure 5.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The invention comprises of an elongated cylindrical PVC outer casing 1, with a permanently fixed retaining cap 2 at the bottom. The interior comprises of a smaller diameter and marginally shorter elongated cylindrical PVC casing 4, with a permanently fixed retaining cap 5 at the bottom and a concrete fill 7 between the outer casing 1 and the inner casing 4 providing strength and durability.

[0010] Figure 3 indicates the inner cap 6 at the top of the inner casing 4 (in this example) with a Y shaped aperture 10 to receive the corresponding post.

[0011 ] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a cross-section perspective revealing the internal cavity 11 inside the inner casing 4 to receive the post.

[0012] At a pre-determined distance from the top of the base there is a small conduit 9 transversely spanning the entire base, outer casing 1, inner casing 4, and concrete fill 7, to accommodate the lifting tool 8, a small steel bar, which is used and reused to attach the base to lifting machinery to be lowered into pre-dug holes for construction or lifted out for deconstruction of a fencing system or for individual base use.

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 indicate the base installed relative to ground level. The base can be simply surrounded by soil or more permanently concreted in place. When the base is embedded below ground but will not be in use, a protective cap 3 is temporarily fixed at the top to protect the interior from unwanted debris and should be installed as to create a flush finish with ground level thus providing a flat surface to work over safely.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0014] The base and subsequent fencing system can be applied to rural or domestic fencing needs. The base provides a simplistic and cost effective option with the benefits of strength, durability, reusability and an interminable life span which in turn extends the life of the post. With the bases installed, the fence alone can be deconstructed in moments in case of emergency i.e. flood or fire.

[0015] Another possible application may be as vineyard trellising providing the above mentioned benefits resulting in low maintenance and very little impact on the produce.

[0016] For a less permanent application the bases may be used to create fencing for a crowd control situation. The bases should be installed below ground as to provide a flush finish with the ground surface. The temporary fence may be constructed as needed, once the fence is no longer needed it may be deconstructed and stored for future use or sold on if no longer required. The bases remaining below ground are fitted with the protective cap to avoid unwanted debris and more importantly provide a flat surface, flush with ground level, to walk and work over safely, avoiding any hazard.

[0017] The base may also be used individually or in small numbers for a temporary or permanent bollard type post. Typically bollards are used to minimise access to certain paths or areas. This invention also provides the option of post removal while the base remains below ground for reoccurring or repeated use and or disuse. The base provides not only an economical solution but the base also gives provision to strength and durability through the simplistic use of PVC and concrete.

[0018] The illustrated example merely demonstrates the usage of one size and type of post. It must be understood that within the scope of the invention, the overall size and shape of the base may be easily adapted to accommodate any size or shape post whilst maintaining the benefits and advantages mentioned.

Claims (5)

1. A below ground post support comprising; an outer elongate cylindrical PVC casing sealed at the bottom with a cap an inner, smaller diameter elongate cylindrical PVC casing sealed at the bottom with a cap a concrete fill between the inner and outer casing a cavity inside the inner casing to receive post a conduit for a lifting tool transversely spanning the entire base at a predetermined distance from the top

2. The post support according to claim 1 further characterised by an inner cap over the inner casing and internal cavity with an aperture suitably shaped to receive the post and maintain stability.

3. The post support according to claim 1 further characterised by the lifting tool or small steel bar which is inserted into the lifting conduit and attached to lifting machinery to be lowered into a suitable hole or alternatively lifted out of the ground for removal.

4. The post support according to claims 1 and 2 further characterised by a retaining cap temporarily fixed at the top of the base to provide a flush finish with the ground surface for safety and to prevent the ingress of unwanted debris when below ground but not in use, or removed for use, to access the inner cap and internal cavity to receive post.

5. A post support base according to claims 1 through 4 used individually or in small numbers as a bollard type support or multiple bases used to complete a fencing system.