WO2012139149A1

WO2012139149A1 - A post retainer, post retaining system and method for retaining a post at a variable depth

Info

Publication number: WO2012139149A1
Application number: PCT/AU2011/000414
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian KASTEN
Original assignee: SMART URBAN Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SMART URBAN Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-04-11
Filing date: 2011-04-11
Publication date: 2012-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2013-10-11

Abstract

A post retainer (10) comprising a sleeve (12) having a tapered internal profile; a top flange (18) extending from an end (14) of the sleeve (12); and a plurality of mid-section flanges (20) extending around the external profile of the sleeve (12) in the same direction as the top flange (18) and being spaced from one another. To meet the desired depth of a hole (46) into which the post retainer (10) is to be installed, one or more post retainers (10) are first connected together, where applicable, by sliding one post retainer (10) over the other such that the top flange (18) of one of the post retainers (10) abuts the lowest mid-section flange (20) of the other post retainer (10). The connected post retainers (10b) are then connected to a second post retainer (10a), the second post retainer (10a) being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges (20) such that the portion of the second post retainer (10a) remaining after truncation is the portion including the top flange (18). A reverse tapering configuration is also contemplated.

Description

"A POST RETAINER, POST RETAINING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETAINING

A POST AT A VARIABLE DEPTH"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a post retainer, post retaining system and method of retaining a post at a variable depth. The invention is particularly suited to a post retainer that can be used in multiples to allow for retention of a post to various depths.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

the following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

Manufacturers commonly set the depth at which a post should be installed. While this has benefits in that it provides installers with information that allows them to do the job, it does not take Into consideration the possibility of obstructions at the installation site. Thus, when obstructions are incurred, the installer typically shortens the post to be Installed.

This can have adverse consequences to the structural Integrity of the post, in addition to what can be a time intensive process (particularly so if the post can not be modified in the field).

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate in part, the aforementioned problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this document, unless otherwise Indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of, and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or In other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a post retainer comprising: a sleeve having a tapered internal profile; a top flange extending from an end of the sleeve; and

a plurality of mid-section flanges extending around the external profile of the sleeve in the same direction as the top flange and being spaced from one another.

where to meet the desired depth of a hole into which the post retainer is" to be installed, one or more post retainers are first connected together, where applicable, by sliding one poet retainer over the other such that the top flange of one of the post retainers abuts the lowest mid-section flange of the other post retainer and the connected post retainers are connected to a second post retainer, the second post retainer being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges such that the portion of the poat retainer remaining after truncation is the portion including the top flange.

At least one securing ring may be attached to the internal profile of the sleeve and where, when the second post retainer is received in the post retainer, the at least one securing ring creates an interference fit between the two post retainers.

In accordance with a variation of the first aspect of the invention there is a post retainer comprising:

a sleeve having a tapered internal profile;

a top flange extending from an end of the sleeve; and

where to meet the desired depth of a hole into which the post retainer is to be installed, one or more post retainers are first connected together, where applicable, by sliding one post retainer over the other such that the top flange of one of the post retainers is received within the tapered internal profile of the other post retainer and the connected post retainers are connected to a second post retainer, the second post retainer being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges such that the portion of the second post retainer remaining after truncation is the portion not including the top flange. In this variant, at least one securing ring may be attached to the external profile of the sleeve and where, when the second post retainer is received in the post retainer, the at least one securing ring creates an interference fit between the two post retainers

In respect. of both variants the following apply.

A cylindrical tube may extend from the base of the post retainer. Preferably, the cylindrical tube extends upwards from the base of the post retainer to a height equal to that of the position of the first of the at least one securing ring. Additionally, an indent may be provided in an opposite side to the base from which the cylindrical tube extends, the indent being of substantially the same size and shape as a cross-sectional profile of the cylindrical tube where the cross-sectional profile is a profile parallel to the base.

The post retainer may be made of polypropylene.

Severable ribs may be installed in the spaces between mid-section flanges. Ideally, the severable ribs are shaped and sized such that a substantially seamless linear outer edge is formed by the ribs, the top flange and the mid-section flanges.

The sleeve's tapered internal profile is preferably at an angle of three degrees off vertical.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is a post retaining system comprising:

a post retainer according to any configuration of the first aspect of the invention; at least one securing wedge,

where one or more post retainers are first connected together and the connected post retainers are connected to a second post retainer, the second post retainer being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges so as to remove that portion of the post retainer bounded by the top flange and the point of truncation, the connected post retainers so assembled then being installed in a hole at the desired location for the post and where the post is then installed in the. assembled connected post retainers and secured in place by way of the at least one securing wedge. The system may further include a separate base plate, the separate base plate having attachment means extending from a foundation to securely attach to a truncated end of a post retainer. The attachment means may take the form of a plurality of clips, where each clip is angled away from the centre of the separate base plate and able to rotate about its point of connection to the separate base plate. The clips may be each equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the separate base plate.

The separate base plate may include a cylindrical tube extending therefrom. Furthermore, an indent may be provided in the foundation at an opposite side to that from which the attachment means extend, the indent being of substantially the same size and shape as a cross-sectional profile of the cylindrical tube where the cross- sectional profile is a profile parallel to the foundation.

In this manner, the indent acts as a guide for an aperture to be created later through which conduit may be passed for connection to the post to be retained.

Each clip Is preferably of substantially the eame height as the height of the cylindrical tube.

The system may also include a cap, the cap being operable to protect the area bounded by the internal profile of the sleeve from contaminants when received therein. The cap may have a first and second side, the first side of which is rounded while protruding from the second side is a stem of size and shape so as to facilitate retention of the stem within the area bounded by the internal profile of the sleeve. Ideally, the cap Is oversized relative to the stem.

At least one of the securing wedges has a hole provided therein at an end thereof, the hole being dimensioned so as to allow attachment means to be received therethrough and such that, when the securing wedges are used to retain a post within the post retainer, the hole is external to the post retainer. Preferably, the attachment means is a self-drilling screw.

Each securing wedge preferably has an external surface a.nd an internal surface, the internal surface is of complimentary dimensions to at least a portion of a post to be retained and the external surface is of complimentary dimensions to at least a portion of the tapered internal profile. In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is a method of retaining a post at a variable depth comprising the steps of:

truncating a first post retainer at a position between mid-section flanges, connecting the truncated first post retainer to a second post retainer of identical construction to the first post retainer such that the top flange of the second post retainer abuts the mid section flange nearest the point of truncation

installing the post in the connected post retainers; and

securing the post in the connected post retainers by way of at least one securing wedge.

The step of truncating the first post retainer may include the sub-step of retaining as the truncated first post retainer the truncated portion including a top flange. Alternatively, the step of truncating the first post retainer may include the sub-step of retaining as the truncated first post retainer the truncated portion not including a top flange.

The step of connecting the truncated first post retainer to a second post retainer of identical construction includes the sub-step of creating an interference fit between the truncated first post retainer and at least one securing ring of the second post retainer.

The method may further including the steps of.

drilling a hole through a base end of the connected post retainers opposite the end to which the top flange is attached; and

threading conduit to be connected to the post through the resulting hole.

The step of drilling a hole through the base end may include the step of positioning the hole within the confines of an indent provided in the base end.

Alternatively, the method may further include the step of attaching a separate base plate to an open end of the connected post retainers opposite the end to which the top flange is attached. In this arrangement, the method may also include the further steps of:

drilling a hole through the separate base plate; and

threading conduit to be connected to the post through the resulting hole. The step of drilling a hole through the separate base plate may include the step of positioning the hole within the confines of an indent provided in the separate base plate.

The method may further include the step of securing at least one securing wedge to the post. Ideally, the step of securing at least one securing wedge to the post includes the sub-step of receiving an attachment means in a hole provided in an end of the at least one securing wedge external to the post retainer when a post is retained therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side plan view of a first embodiment of a post retainer according to the present Invention.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the post retainer as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a segment of two securing wedges for use with a post retainer as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 Is a top plan view of the two securing wedges shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side plan view of the post retainer as shown in Figure 1 as installed.

Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a base plate for use with a post retainer as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the base plate shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a side plan view of the post retainers as shown in Figure 1 as connected with a base plate as shown in Figure 6 ready for installation.

Figure 9 is a side plan view of a cap for use with the post retainer shown in Figure 1.

Figure 10 is a side plan view of a second embodiment of a post retainer according to the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION ln accordance with a first embodiment of the Invention there is a post retainer 10. The post retainer 10 has a height (H) and a width (W). The post retainer 10 takes the form of a tapered sleeve 12.

The tapered sleeve 12 has a first open end 14 and a second closed end 16. The first open end 14 and second closed end 16 are both circular in shape. The diameter of the first open end 14 is greater than the diameter of the second closed end 16. The first open end 14 and second closed end 16 are concentric.

In this embodiment, the difference in diameters between the first open end 14 and the second open end 16 results in the tapered sleeve 12 being at an angle of 3° off vertical. Surrounding the circumference of the first open end 14 is top flange 18. The top flange 18 is arranged such that it extends away from the centre of the first open end 14.

A plurality of mid-section flanges 20 are spaced along the height (H) of the post retainer 10. The spacing of the flanges 20 is substantially equidistant from its adjacent flanges 20.

Both the mid-section flanges 20 and the top flange 18 have an outer circumferential edge 22. The plane (P) formed by joining the outer circumferential edge 22 of each of the top flange 18 and mid-section flanges 22 is an open-ended cylinder that is also concentric with the first open end 14 and second closed end 16.

Taking up the space defined between adjoining flanges 20 are ribs 24. The ribs 24 are shaped and sized such that a seamless linear outer edge is formed by the ribs 24, the top flange 18 and the mid-section flanges 20.- The thickness of the ribs 24 is also such as to maintain the integrity of the overall shape of the post retainer 10.

Positioned below the lowest mid-section flange 20 are securing rings 26. The role of the securing rings 26 will be described in more detail below.

Protruding from the second closed end 16 in a direction internal to the post retainer 10 is a cylindrical tube 28. The cylindrical tube 28 is of substantially the same height as the distance between the second closed end 16 and the lowest securing ring 26. An indent 30 of matching profile and position to the cylindrical tube 28 is formed on an exterior side of the second closed end 16. Again, the role of the cylindrical tube 28 and indent 30 will be described in more detail below. The post retainer 10 has been designed to be used with at least two securing wedges 32. Each securing wedge 32 has an interior 34 and an exterior surface 36. The exterior surface 36 of each securing wedge 32 tapers from a first end 38 to a second end 40. The angle of the taper of the securing wedge 32 is complimentary to the angle of the taper of the tapered sleeve 12.

The interior surface 32 of each securing wedge 32 is shaped and dimensioned to match the shape and dimensions of the post 42 which it is intended to secure.

In this manner, in the present embodiment to be described in which the post 42 to be retained and secured is cylindrical, the horizontal cross-sectional profile of the securing post 32 is similar to a "C" in shape.

An aperture 44 is formed in each securing wedge 32 at a position proximate the first end 38. The dimensions and shape of the aperture 44 are such so as to allow a self- drilling screw (not shown) to be received substantially flush therein.

The post retainer 10 will now be described in the context of its intended use.

A post installer (not shown) prepares the installation site by creating a concrete foundation as would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. As part of the formation of the concrete foundation, the post installer drills, or otherwise creates, a cylindrical hole 46 of Identical or slightly greater diameter to the post retainer.

In this embodiment, as the post 42 to be installed includes signage requiring access to electrical conduit 48, the site of the cylindrical hole 46 is at a position which allows access to such electrical conduit 48.

The cylindrical hole 46 Is drilled to the desired depth, in this embodiment being a depth equal to twice the height (H) of a post retainer 10.

Two post retainers 10a, 10b are then attained by the post installer. One post retainer 10b is manipulated such that the indent 30 is visible and accessible to the post installer. The post installer then drills an aperture 50 in the post retainer 10b within the boundary of the indent 30,

The other post retainer 10a is manipulated to a position that allows the post installer to cut the post retainer 10a. A cut is then made just below the lowest securing ring 26. In this manner the second closed end 16 is removed from this post retainer 10a. The post retainer 10b having the aperture 50 drilled therein (hereafter the "lower post retainer") is then inserted into the post retainer 10a with the second closed end 16 removed (hereafter the "upper post retainer")- The method of insertion sees the first open end 14 of the lower post retainer 10b abut the lowest mid-section flange 20 of the upper post retainer 10a.

To ensure constant connection between the lower post retainer 10b and the upper post retainer 10a, the securing rings 26 of the upper post retainer 10a create an interference fit with interior wall of the lower post retainer 10b.

The connected post retainers 10 are then installed into the cylindrical hole 46 and secured to the concrete foundation as would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. At the same time, the electrical conduit 48 is threaded through the aperture 50 and cylindrical tube 28 of the lower post retainer.

The electrical- conduit 48 is then attached to the post 42 to be installed. As this is not relevant to the present invention, the method of attachment of the electrical conduit 48 will not be discussed in more detail here. The post 42 is then instated into the connected post retainers 10.

Due to the tapering nature of the tapered sleeve 12, the post 42 is not impeded or otherwise restricted from passing through the opening formed between the two post retainers 10.

Once installed, the post 10 is secured In position using the securing wedges 32. This method of securing sees the securing wedges 32 installed such that they completely surround the post 42 and occupies a large portion of the space between the post 42 and the first open end 14 of the upper post retainer 10a.

When so installed, part of each securing wedge 32 incorporating the aperture 44 protrudes out from the post retainers 10. A self-drilling screw (not shown) is then inserted into each of the respective apertures 44. The screw is then drilled into the post 42 until such time as the head of the screw is substantially flush with the securing wedge 32.

In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention there Is a post retaining system 100 comprising a post retainer 10 as described in the first embodiment and a base plate 102. In this embodiment, like numerals reference like parts. The base plate 102 comprises a base 104 having an interior side 106 and an external side 108. The base plate 102 is of similar size and shape to second closed end 16.

Like second closed end 16, protruding from the interior side of the base 104 is a cylindrical tube 110. Similarly, an indent 112 of matching profile and position to the cylindrical tube 110 is formed on the external side 108 of the base 104.

In addition to the cylindrical tube 110, extending around the circumference of the interior side 106 of the base 104 are a plurality of clips 114. Each clip 114 is equidistantly spaced from its adjacent clips 114.

The base 116 of each clip 114 is narrower than the remainder of the clip 114 to allow for rotational movement of the clip 114 about the base 116. However, its standard position sees the clip 116 angled away from the cylindrical tube 110.

The height (H1) of each clip 114 is substantially identical to the height of the cylindrical tube 110.

This embodiment will now be described in the context of its intended use!

A post installer (not shown) prepares the Installation site by creating a concrete foundation as would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. As part of the formation of the concrete foundation, the post installer drills, or otherwise creates, a cylindrical hole 46 of identical or slightly greater width (W) to the post retainer 10.

In this embodiment, due to an obstruction at the geographic site of the concrete foundation, the post installer is not able to drill to a depth of twice the height (H) of a post retainer 10 as required for the first embodiment. Accordingly, drilling stops at the point of obstruction and the depth of the cylindrical hole 46 is measured.

Two post retainers 10a, 10b are then attained by the post installer. One post retainer 10a is manipulated to a position that allows the post installer to cut the post retainer 10a. A cut is then made just below the lowest securing ring 26. In this manner the second closed end 16 is removed from this post retainer 10a.

The post installer then calculates at what mid section flange 20 the other post retainer 10b must be truncated at in order to fit the depth of the cylindrical hole 46. This post retainer 10b is then truncated below this determined mid-section flange 20. Hereafter the truncated post retainer 10b will be referred to as the "lower post retainer", while the cut post retainer 10a will be referred to as the "upper post retainer")

The lower post retainer 10b is then inserted into the upper post retainer 10a. The method of insertion sees the first open end 14 of the lower post retainer 10b abut the lowest mid-section flange 20 of the upper post retainer 10a.

The post installer then obtains a base plate 102. The base plate 102 is then inserted over the truncated end of the lower post retainer 10b. This insertion sees each clip 114 rotate about its base 116, away from the centre thereof, until it securely accommodates the diameter of the truncated end of the tower post retainer 10b. In this manner, the base plate 102 operates to secure the lower post retainer 10b as if it had never been truncated.

The connected post retainers 10, with base plate 102 attached thereto, are then installed into the cylindrical hole 46 and secured to the concrete foundation as would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art.

Once installed, the post 42 is secured in position using the securing wedges 32. This method of securing sees the securing wedges 32 installed such that they completely surround the post 42 and occupies a large portion of the space between the post 42 and the first open end 14 of the upper post retainer 10a.

When so installed, part of each securing wedge 32 incorporating the aperture 44 protrudes out from the post retainer 10a. A self-drilling screw (not shown) is then inserted into each of the respective apertures 44. The screw Is then drilled into the post until such time as the head of the screw is substantially flush with the securing wedge 32. To prevent the post retainer 10 of either the first or second embodiment from being a tripping hazard - and as a way to prevent contaminants from entering the post retainer when not in use - the post retainer may be sealed with a cap 118.

In this example, the cap 118 has a cylindrical base 120 and an over-sized head 122. The cylindrical base 120 extends away from one side of the over-sized head 122. The cylindrical base 120 tapers inwards as it extends away from the over-sized head 122. Like the securing wedges 26, the angle of the taper of the cylindrical base 120 is complimentary to the angle of the taper of the tapered sleeve 12.

The side of the over-steed head 122 not having the cylindrical base 120 protruding therefrom is rounded.

in this configuration, the cap 118 acts to prevent contaminants from entering into the post retainers 10 when a post 42 is not inserted therein. When the cap 118 is in place, the over-sized head 122 operates to maintain the cap 118 in its desired position (and not fall through into the post retainers 10). At the same time, the curved surface of the over-sized head 122 does not act as an external hazard to people or vehicles that may pass over the post retainers 10.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described, in particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

The size and shape of the post 42 to be installed may vary from country to country depending on local laws and requirements. Accordingly, the size and shape of the post retainer 10 and securing wedges 32 may be different from that disclosed above to allow for such posts 42 to be retained.

While the embodiment has been described with reference to two securing wedges 32, there is no reason why more securing wedges 32 may not be used. However, it is to be appreciated that the securing wedges 32, in their totality, preferably surround the post 42 and occupy a large portion of the space between the post 42 and the first open end 16 of the Upper post retainer 10a.

The indents 30, 112 may be omitted in favour of an aperture roughly equal in size to the cylindrical tube 28, 110 created at the time of manufacture. Caps 118 of other forms may be used to seal the post retainer 10 when not in use.

While the internal profile of the sleeve 12 ideally tapers away from the top flange 18, alternative configurations where the internal profile tapers towards the top flange 18 could equally be introduced. An example of such a reverse configuration is shown in Figure 10 (where like numerals reference like parts). While the majority of modifications needed to allow such a configuration to be used would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art, it should be noted that in such an arrangement, when calculations are made as to at what mid section flange 20 the lower post retainer 10b must be truncated at in order to fit the intended depth of the cylindrical hole 46, such calculations are made with the idea that the lower post retainer 10b will be cut above this determined midsection flange 20.

The post retainer 10 may be made of polypropylene. Polypropylene is a preferred material for construction due to the fact that in the presence of vibrations as would be readily apparent when the post retainer is used to retain a roadside sign, the material creates a tighter connection between components rather than the loosening effect present in most other materials.

The exterior surface 36 of the securing wedges 32 may have teeth projecting therefrom. In use, the teeth engage the tapered sleeve to provide a further resistance force preventing a properly installed securing wedge 32 from being removed without authority.

DATED 8 APRIL 2011

SMART URBAN PTY LTD

Claims

We Claim:

1. A post retainer comprising:

a sleeve having a tapered internal profile;

a top flange extending from an end of the sleeve; and

where to meet the desired depth of a hole into which the post retainer is to be installed, one or more post retainers are first connected together, where applicable, by sliding one post retainer over the other such that the top flange of one of the post retainers abuts the lowest mid-section flange of the other post retainer and the connected post retainers are connected to a second post retainer, the second post retainer being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges such that the portion of the post retainer remaining after truncation is the portion including the top flange.

2. A post retailer according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one securing ring attached to the internal profile of the sleeve and where, when the second post retainer is received in the post retainer, the at least one securing ring creates an interference fit between the two post retainers.

3. A post retainer comprising;

a sleeve having a tapered internal profile;

a top flange extending from an end of the sleeve; and

where to meet the desired depth of a hole into which the post retainer is to be installed, one or more post retainers are first connected together, where applicable, by sliding one post retainer over the other such that the top flange of one of the post retainers is received within the tapered internal profile of the other post retainer and the connected post retainers are connected to a second post retainer the second post retainer being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges such that the portion of the second post retainer remaining after truncation is the portion not including the top flange.

4. A post retainer according to claim 3, further comprising at least one securing ring attached to the external profile of the eleeve and where,, when the second post retainer is received in the post retainer, the at least one securing ring creates an interference fit between the two post retainers.

5. A post retainer according to any preceding claim, further comprising a cylindrical tube extending from the base of the post retainer.

6. A post retainer according to claim 5, where the cylindrical tube extends upwards from the base of the post retainer to a height equal to that of the position of the first of the at least one securing ring.

7. A post retainer according to claim 5 or claim 6, further comprising an indent, the indent being provided in an opposite side to the base from which the cylindrical tube extends, the indent being of substantially the same size and shape as a cross- sectional profile of the cylindrical tube where the cross-sectional profile is a profile parallel to the base.

8. A post retainer according to any preceding claim, where the post retainer is made of polypropylene.

9: A post retainer according to any preceding claim, where severable ribs are installed in the spaces between mid-section flanges.

10. A post retainer according to claim 9, where the severable ribs are shaped and sized such that a substantially seamless linear outer edge is formed by the ribs, the top flange and the mid-section flanges.

11. A post retainer according to any preceding claim, where the sleeve's tapered internal profile is at an angle of three degrees off vertical.

12. A post retaining system comprising:

a post retainer according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ; at least one securing wedge,

where one or more post retainers are first connected together and the connected post retainers are connected to a second post retainer, the second post retainer being truncated at a space between mid-section flanges so as to remove that portion of the post retainer bounded by the top flange and the point of truncation, the connected post retainers so assembled then being installed in a hole at the desired location for the post

. and where the post is then installed in the assembled connected post retainers and secured in place by way of the at least one securing wedge.

13. A post retaining system according to claim 12, further comprising a separate base plate, the separate base plate having attachment means extending from a foundation to securely attach to a truncated end of a post retainer.

14. A post retaining system according to claim 13 where the attachment means are a plurality of clips and where each clip is angled away from the centre of the separate base plate and able to rotate about its point of connection to the separate base plate.

15. A post retaining system according to claim 14, where the clips are each equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the separate base plate.

16. A post retaining system according to any one of claims 10 to 15, where the separate base plate further comprises a cylindrical tube extending therefrom.

17. A post retaining system according to claim 16, where the separate base plate has an indent provided in the foundation at an opposite side to that from which the attachment means extend, the indent being of substantially the same size and shape as a cross-sectional profile of the cylindrical tube where the cross-sectional profile is a profile parallel to the foundation.

18. A post retaining system according to claim 16 or claim 17, as dependent on claim 14 or claim 15, where each clip Is of substantially the same height as the height of the cylindrical tube.

19. A post retaining system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, further comprising a cap, the cap being operable to protect the area bounded by the internal profile of the sleeve from contaminants when received therein.

20. A post retaining system according to claim 19 where the cap has a first and second side, the first side of which is rounded while protruding from the second side is a stem of size and shape so as to facilitate retention of the stem within the area bounded by the Internal profile of the sleeve.

21. A post retaining system according to claim 19 or claim 20, where the cap is oversized relative to the stem.

22. A post retaining system according to any one of claims 12 to 21 , where at least one of the securing wedges has a hole provided therein at an end thereof, the hole being dimensioned so as to allow attachment means to be received therethrough and such that, when the securing wedges are used to retain a post within the post retainer, the hole is external to the post retainer.

23. A post retaining system according to claim 22, where the attachment means Is a self-drilling screw. .

24. A post reteining system according to any one of claims 12 to 23, where each securing wedge has an external surface and an internal surface, the internal surface is of complimentary dimensions to at least a portion of a post to be retained and the external surface is of complimentary dimensions to at least a portion of the tapered , internal profile.

25. A post retaining system according to claim 24, where the external surface has at least one tooth projecting therefrom.

26. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth comprising the steps of:

installing the post in the connected post retainers; and securing the post in the connected post retainers by way of at least one securing wedge.

27. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to claim 26, where the step of truncating the first post retainer includes the sub-step of retaining as the truncated first post retainer the truncated portion including a top flange.

28. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to claim 26, where the step of truncating the first post retainer includes the sub-step of retaining as the truncated first post retainer the truncated portion not including a top flange.

29. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to any one of claims 26 to 28, where the step of connecting the truncated first post retainer to a second post retainer of identical construction includes the sub-step of creating an interference fit between the truncated first post retainer and at least one securing ring of the second post retainer.

30. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to any one of claims 26 to 29, further including the steps of:

threading conduit to be connected to the post through the resulting hole.

31. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to claim 30, where the step of drilling a hole through the base end includes the step of positioning the hole within the confines of an indent provided in the base end.

32. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to any one of claims 26 to 29, further including the step of attaching a separate base plate to an open end of the connected post retainers opposite the end to which the top flange is attached.

33. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to claim 32, further including the steps of:

drilling a hole through the separate base plate; and

threading conduit to be connected to the post through the resulting hole.

34. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to claim 33, where the step of drilling a hole through the separate base plate includes the step of positioning the hole within the confines of an indent provided in the separate base plate.

35. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to any one of claims 26 to 34, further including the step of securing at least one securing wedge to the post.

36. A method of retaining a post at a variable depth according to claim 35, where the step of securing at least one securing wedge to the post includes the sub-step of receiving an attachment means in a hole provided in an end of the at least one securing wedge external to the post retainer when a post is retained therein.