Apparatus and Method for Supporting and Anchoring a Post Cross Reference to Related Applications:

This application claims priority from a provisional US patent application number 62/142,331 filed on April 2, 2015.

Field of the Invention:

[01] Embodiments of the invention generally relate to post installation and repair. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method to support or anchor a post.

Background of the Invention:

[02] A post refers to a vertical structure similar to a column or pillar. It can exist by itself (a sign post) or be part of a larger arrangement or structure (fence or barn) . Posts are generally made out of some form of timber (wood) , but may be made out of metal or stone. Posts can have edges and be rectangular, or they can be round, often referred to as poles.

[03] Posts may be installed using the post-in-ground, earthfast construction technique. This involves the placement of the post into an excavated post hole. Some benefits include less required parts and ease of installation; one only needs to dig a hole and insert the post. Such posts lack the stability of other post installations and may need additional support. [04] Posts may be installed using a post anchor. The post can remain entirely above ground, while the anchor is inserted into the ground. The post is secured to the anchor. It may be preferable to expose the post to as little soil as possible. Additionally, certain soil conditions may make excavation of an entire hole for the post more difficult.

Summary :

[05] Posts are a commonly installed structure used individually or as part of a larger arrangement or structure. Over time, posts can becomes worn and unstable requiring additional support. The present invention provides for an apparatus that can support or anchor a post.

[06] In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an apparatus for a post support and anchor and method for supporting a post and anchoring a post are provided. The invention provides for a rectangular plate with one vertical inward fold down the middle of the plate to form a "V" and two equal angle vertical outward folds on each side of and equidistant from the inward fold to create outer wing sections, such that the outer wing sections of the plate are on the same plane and such plane is perpendicular to the vertex of inward "V" fold. Additionally, the bottom edge of the plate can be sharpened to facilitate installation. There can be one or more holes on each of the outer wing sections for the purpose of securing fasteners. There can be one or more holes on the vertex of the inward "V" fold for the purpose of securing fasteners . [07] Supporting a post with the provided support apparatus can be done by positioning the support apparatus so that the lower edge engages the ground and the "V" section of the apparatus surrounds the post and driving the support apparatus into the ground by impacting the upper edge of the support apparatus with a driving tool. When the support apparatus further has one or more holes on each of the outer wing sections the post can be secured to the support apparatus with one or more U-shaped fasteners or flexible fasteners enclosing the post and attached to the support apparatus via the holes. When the support apparatus further has one or more holes on the vertex of the inward "V" fold, the post can be secured to the support apparatus directly with one or more fasteners via the holes.

[08] Anchoring a post with the provided anchoring apparatus can be done by positioning the anchoring apparatus so that the lower edge engages the ground, driving the anchoring apparatus into the ground by impacting the upper edge of the anchoring apparatus with a driving tool, and positioning a post lower-end first so that lower end of the post engages the ground and the "V" section of the apparatus surrounds the post. When the anchoring apparatus further has one or more holes on each of the outer wing sections the post can be secured to the anchoring apparatus with one or more U-shaped fasteners or flexible fasteners enclosing the post and attached to the anchoring apparatus via the holes. When the anchoring apparatus further has one or more holes on the vertex of the inward "V" fold, the post can be secured to the anchoring apparatus directly with one or more fasteners via the holes.

Brief Description of the Drawings: [09] The accompanying drawings taken in conjunction with the detailed description will assist in making the advantages and aspects of the disclosure more apparent.

[10] Figure la is a front perspective view of the post support and anchor .

[11] Figure lb is a top view of the post support and anchor.

[12] Figure 2a is a front view of a post and post support installation .

[13] Figure 2b is a top view of a post and post support installation .

[14] Figure 3 is a top view of a falling post and subsequent post support installation.

[15] Figure 4a is a front view of a post and post anchor installation .

[16] Figure 4b is a top view of a post and post anchor installation .

[17] Figures 5a is a top view of a square/rectangular post and post anchor/support installation.

[18] Figures 5b is a top view of a square/rectangular post and post anchor/support installation. [19] Figure 6 is a top view of a square/rectangular post and alternative post anchor/support installation.

[20] Figure 7 is a top view of a square/rectangular post and alternative post anchor/support installation.

Detailed Description:

[21] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments discussed herein, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are described below to explain the disclosed apparatus and method by referring to the Figures using like numerals. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate.

[22] An apparatus for a post support and anchor and method for supporting a post and anchoring a post are provided. The invention can be installed as a post support to a post that has become worn or corroded and as result become less stable. It can also be installed with new posts in anticipation of future wear or corrosion. The invention can be installed as an anchor to set up an above ground post. The invention allows for easy installation with few additional required materials. The post support can also be easily removed allowing for minimal disturbance to the original post and property. [23] As illustrated in Figs, la and lb, diagrams of the post support and anchor 100 from the front and above respectively are provided .

[24] In the depicted embodiment, a rectangular shaped metal plate is folded into four sections. The plate is folded inward in the middle to create a "V" 105 and then outward to create "wings" 110. The wing sections 110 extend from the ends of the "V" 105 such that the wings 110 exist on the same plane as each other and are perpendicular to the point of the "V" 105. The two outward folds are the same angle and equidistant from the inward fold. This results in a symmetrical structure along the point of the "V" 105. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the "V" is 45 degrees, resulting in two 112.5 degree "wing" angles. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, the four sections of the folded plate are the same length.

[25] Other embodiments may vary in the material used for the plate. The environment that the post support and anchor will be used in may determine the material used. For example, certain wet environments may require a rust resistant material.

[26] In other embodiments, the inward fold angles of the V and outward fold angles of the wings may vary, as visible from the above perspective. Additionally, the size/length of the V section compared to the size of the wings may vary, as visible from the above perspective. Such alternative embodiments may result in different amounts of support in the vertical/front direction and the horizontal/side direction. The size/height of the plate may vary, resulting in varying depths of installation into the ground and height above ground. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize which variation would best address the support needs of the project.

[27] The post support and anchor can be installed into the ground with the "V" surrounding the post. This installation provides sufficient support and anchoring capabilities. In other embodiments, there can be one or more holes on each wing 115 on the upper portion of the post support and anchor. Because the post support and anchor is installed into the ground, these holes are generally placed on the upper/above ground portion of the post support and anchor for improved accessibility. These holes 115 can be used to secure the post support to the post using U-shaped screws/bolts (two threaded arms protruding from a curved base) . A flexible fastener that envelopes the post can also be used, such as a cord, rope or chain. Alternatively, fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws, can be used to attach the post support and anchor directly to the post using the holes on each wing 115. One or more holes on the "V" edge 120 can also allow for direct attachment to the post using fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws. The bottom edge 125 of the post support can be sharpened to facilitate penetration into the ground during insertion.

[28] It should be appreciated that the post support and anchor can be configured by one skilled in the art to support a post of any size or shape.

[29] As illustrated in Figs. 2a and 2b, diagrams of a post and post support installation 200 from the front and above respectively are provided. [30] The post support is placed adjacent to an existing post 205, a round pole, which has been installed in the earthfast construction technique. In the preferred embodiment, the "V" 210 is large enough to surround the pole 205. The post support is inserted into the ground, which can be done by hammering the top edge of the post support, often on the "V" 210, with a driving tool, such as a hammer or similar. The depth at which the post support is installed can vary based on the size of the post, depth of the post, and the amount of reinforcement desired .

[31] In other embodiments, the post can additionally be secured to the post support using two U-shaped fasteners including screws, bolts or the like 220 attached to the two wings 215 of the post support, as depicted. The U-shaped fasteners envelope the post and are threaded through the holes on the wings and secured with nuts or similar on the other side. A flexible fastener that envelopes the post can also be used, such as a cord, rope or chain. The portion of the post support that is exposed above the ground level 225 as well as the portion of the post support submerged below the ground level 225 can vary in size. However, in order to attach the U-shaped screws or bolts 220, the holes on each wing should be accessible above the ground level. In alternative embodiments, fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws, may be used to secure the post support directly to the post .

[32] As illustrated in Fig. 3, a diagram of a post and post support installation use case 300 is provided. [33] Three installed posts 305, 310, 315 are connected by fencing 320. A force 325, such as wind, has caused the middle post 315 to lean, pulling on the fencing and putting pressure on the other posts. After repositioning the leaning post 315 to its original position, a post support 330 is placed adjacent to the leaning post. The post support is placed perpendicular to the direction of the force with the point of the "V" pointing away from the force 325. The post can additionally be secured to the post support using two U-shaped fasteners including screws, bolts or the like attached to the two wings of the post support. The leaning post is returned to its original position, relieving pressure on the rest of the fence.

[34] As illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b, diagrams of a post and post anchor installation 400 from the front and above respectively are provided.

[35] The post anchor is inserted into the ground at the desired location, which can be done by hammering the top edge of the post anchor, often on the "V" 410, with a driving tool, such as a hammer or similar. The above ground post 405, a round pole, can be placed adjacent to and in the "V" 410 section of the post anchor. In the preferred embodiment, the "V" 410 is large enough to surround the pole 405. The depth at which the post anchor is installed can vary based on the size of the post and the amount of reinforcement desired.

[36] The post 405 can additionally be secured to the post anchor using two U-shaped fasteners including screws, bolts or the like 420 attached to the two wings 415 of the post anchor, as depicted. The U-shaped fasteners 420 envelope the post and are threaded through the holes on the wings and secured with nuts or similar on the other side. A flexible fastener that envelopes the post can also be used, such as a cord, rope or chain. The portion of the post anchor that is exposed above the ground level 425 as well as the portion of the post anchor submerged below the ground level 425 can vary in size. However, in order to attach the U-shaped screws or bolts 420, the holes on each wing should be accessible above the ground level. In alternative embodiments, fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws, may be used to secure the post anchor directly to the post.

[37] As illustrated in Figs. 5a and 5b, a diagram of a rectangular post and post support /anchor installation 500 is provided .

[38] Unlike a pole, a rectangular post has edges which can vary depending on where, around the post, the post support /anchor is the installed. Regardless, installation of the post support /anchor on a rectangular/square post 505 can be performed similarly. The post support /anchor is installed adjacent to the rectangular/square post 505. In the preferred embodiment, the "V" 510 is large enough to surround the post 505. The post can additionally be secured to the post support /anchor using two U- shaped fasteners including screws, bolts or the like 520 attached to the two wings 515 of the post support /anchor , as depicted. A flexible fastener that envelopes the post can also be used, such as a cord, rope or chain. In alternative embodiments, fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws, may be used to secure the post support /anchor directly to the post. [39] As illustrated in Fig. 6, a diagram of a rectangular post and post support /anchor installation 600 is provided.

[40] An alternative installation of the post support /anchor on a rectangular post is performed. The post support /anchor is installed adjacent to the rectangular/square post 605. In such an installation, the "V" 610 is not large enough to surround the post 605. Instead, the wings are flush against the post. Additionally, fasteners 620, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws, may be used to secure the two wings 615 of the post support /anchor directly to the post, as depicted.

[41] As illustrated in Fig. 7, a diagram of a rectangular post and post support /anchor installation 700 is provided.

[42] An alternative installation of the post support /anchor on a rectangular post is performed. The post support /anchor is installed adjacent to the rectangular/square post 705. In such an installation, the angle of the "V" 710 is 90 degrees. The "V" fits snugly against the edge of the rectangular post 705. Additionally, fasteners 720, including but not limited to bolts, dowels, nails, nuts, pins, rivets, and screws, may be used to secure the "V" 710 directly to the post, as depicted.

[43] The preceding description contains embodiments of the invention and no limitation of the scope is thereby intended. It will be further apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the device of the present invention without departing f om the spirit or scope of the invention.