BREAK-AWAY POST

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No.

11/086,000 which was filed on March 22, 2005 and entitled "BREAK-AWAY POST."

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention generally relates to sign posts and delineators, and more particularly to break-away sign posts and delineators.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Sign posts and delineators typically include a base portion which is driven into the ground, and an upwardly extending post portion, which extends from the base portion above the ground. A sign or a reflector is often attached to the upper post to advise oncoming traffic of necessary information and/or to delineate the roadway from a median, gully, or other off road surface.

[0004] Sign posts and delineators which are currently available typically comprise an eight foot steel post which is driven into the ground to a final exposed height of approximately 48 inches, where colored reflectors and/or signage are installed thereon. However, current delineators are problematic because of the relatively high cost, both in materials and manpower, which is required to install and/or replace the delineator. For example, when such a delineator is first installed, a relatively expensive steel post must be driven approximately four feet into the ground and the reflectors or signage then assemble thereto. These operations are both time consuming and require relatively expensive materials. Further, when such a delineator is hit by a car, plow or other object, the delineator can become irreversibly bent requiring replacement of the entire post. Replacing the entire delineator is also time consuming and costly. Thus, a system solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a break-away post assembly comprising an elongate post portion including a post aperture, a base portion including a mounting head sized and configured to be disposed through the post aperture of the post portion, the mounting head including a head aperture therethrough, and a shear pin sized and configured to be inserted through the head aperture of the mounting head when the mounting head is disposed through the post aperture of the post portion.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a break-away post assembly

comprising a post and a base configured to be engaged with the post. A first one of the post or the base includes a first aperture, and a second one of the post or the base includes a mounting head adapted to mate with the first aperture. The mounting head includes a second aperture disposed therethrough and a shear pin that is adapted to be insertable through the second aperture to secure the post to the base.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a break-away post assembly comprising a post including a post aperture, a base including a mounting head, the mounting head including a base aperture disposed therethrough, and a shear pin including a compressible portion. The mounting head is sized and configured to be disposed through the post aperture and the shear pin is sized and configured to be disposed through the post aperture, thereby coupling the post to the base.

[0008] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION QF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a break-away post assembly embodying the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the break-away post assembly of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a post portion of the break-away post assembly of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a base portion of the break-away post assembly of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a shear pin of the break-away post assembly of

FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the break-away post assembly taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1, including a tether cord.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a second embodiment of the break-away post assembly of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the break-away post assembly of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a rear view of a top of the post portion of the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the break-away post

assembly of the present invention. [0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the break-away post assembly of the present invention. [0020] FIG. 12 is a side view of the fifth embodiment of the break-away post assembly of the present invention in a carrying position. [0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of a post portion of the break-away post assembly of the present invention illustrating an improvement to the post assembly. [0022] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the post portion of the break-away post assembly of the present invention illustrating the improvement to the post assembly. [0023] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of a base portion of the break-away post assembly of the present invention illustrating the improvement to the post assembly used with the improvement illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. [0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a break-away post assembly of the present invention used with a mailbox. [0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a plurality of break-away post assemblies of the present invention used to form an electric fence. [0026] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an installation assembly of the present invention used to install the break-away post assembly of the present invention. [0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a platform of the installation assembly of the present invention. [0028] FIG. 20 is a bottom view of a base portion receiving block of a drive head of a drive machine of the installation assembly of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 0029] The present invention may be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 0030] For the purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right,"

"left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the inventions as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related

to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0031] As best illustrated by FIG. 1, the reference numeral 2 generally designates a break-away post assembly embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the break-away post assembly 2 includes a post portion 10 which is releasably, frangibly or breakably connected to a base portion 40. The post portion 10 includes an elongate shaft 12 having a first shaft end 14 and a second shaft end 15. The post portion 10 also includes a mounting base 16 adjacent the first shaft end 14 of the shaft 12. The mounting base 16 has a centrally disposed aperture 20 disposed therethrough (FIG. 3). The aperture 20, however, may be disposed at any location within the mounting base 16 as the specific requirements may dictate. The mounting base 16 also includes a flange 18, which aids in supporting the elongate shaft 12.

[0032] The base portion 40 includes an elongate stake 42 having a top portion 44 and a bottom portion 45 (FIG. 4). Disposed adjacent the top portion 44 is a mounting plate 46 including a centrally located mounting head 48 having apertures 50 and 50 ' disposed therethrough (FIG. 4), wherein the head 48 is located, sized, and configured to be insertable through the aperture 20 of the mounting base 16, thereby positioning the post portion 10 co-linearly with the base portion 40. In one embodiment, the mounting head 48 includes a spherical geometry. However, numerous other configurations may be utilized. The head 48 can be located anywhere on the plate 46 as long as it is co-linear with the aperture 20 of the base 16. The mounting plate 46 also includes a peripheral flange 52 and a top side 53 (FIG. 4).

[0033] The break-away post assembly 2 also includes a shear pin 70 having an elongate shaft 72, a compressible ring portion 78, and a head 76 (FIG. 6). The shear pin 70 is sized and configured to be inserted through aperture 50 or 50' of the mounting head 48. The compressible ring portion 78 of the shear pin 70 has an outer diameter D which is equal to or greater than a diameter D' of the apertures 50 and 50 ' .

[0034] With respect to FIG. 1, the post portion 10 also includes a mounting head 22 adjacent the second shaft end 15 of the shaft 12. However, this is merely exemplary and the mounting head 22 may be positioned anywhere along the shaft 12. The mounting head 22 includes a first side 23 which may include one or more recesses 24. The recesses 24 may be utilized, for example, to affix and retain therein one or more reflectors (not shown). Such reflectors may be positioned within the recesses 24,

thereby allowing the break-away post assembly 2 to be utilized as a delineator along roadsides. The mounting head 22 also may be configured to retain signage rather than or in addition to reflectors, allowing the break-away post assembly 2 to be utilized as a break-away sign post. Further, the mounting head 22 may be completely omitted from the post 10 as the specific requirements dictate.

[0035] One preferred embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2 is illustrated in

FIG. 1, wherein the shaft 12 has a front face 26 which is rounded. In this embodiment, when the break-away post assembly 2 is installed, the rounded front face 26 is positioned to face oncoming traffic. This positioning allows air flow and fluids and/or other materials (e.g. wind, water or snow) which are brought into contact with the front face 26 to be deflected therefrom. For example, in northern climates where snowplows are used, the rounded front face 26 can act to disburse the snow which is projected from the snowplow and thrown at the break-away post assembly 2. This configuration allows the break-away post assembly 2 to better resist forces or materials which may act to push on or push over the post 2.

[0036] As illustrated by FIGS. 2-3, in one preferred embodiment, the elongate shaft 12 is hollow and has a rear side 28 which includes cross members or bracing 30. The bracing 30 adds to the structural rigidity and overall strength of the shaft 12. The bracing 30 of the shaft 12 may take on various configurations or may be omitted as the particular requirements dictate.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the post portion 10 is fabricated from a thermoplastic, such as polypropylene. Other plastics which also may be utilized include, but are not limited to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PC (Polycarbonate) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), either alone or in combination with one another. Furthermore, the post 10 can be made of M. Holland CP400 Polypropylene Impact Copolymer as sold by M. Holland Company of Northbrook, Illinios with Exxon 5371 as sold by ExxonMobile Chemical Company, a division of Exxon Mobile Corporation of Houston, Texas as an additive to improve the impact capabilities of the post. Moreover, it is contemplated that the post portion 10 could include a UV stabilizer and a colorant. The UV stabilizer is used to protect the post portion 10 from weather damage. The UV stabilizer can be product number 32-125U as sold by Uniform Color Company of Holland, Michigan. Further, although the preferred post portion 10 is molded into a one piece configuration, the invention is not

meant to be so limited and other manufacturing techniques, such as machining, welding, and the like, may be utilized. Further yet, the post portion 10 need not be fabricated in a one-piece configuration and may be fabricated from numerous parts or from any material.

[0038] The bottom portion 45 of the stake 42 includes a plurality of fins 54 which aid in the insertion, retention, and stabilization of the base 40 into a ground surface (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, four orthogonally positioned fins 54 are utilized (FIG. 4).

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the base portion 40 is fabricated from a thermoplastic, such as Xenoy which is available from GE Plastics of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Other plastics which also may be utilized include, but are not limited to polypropylene, ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PC (Polycarbonate) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), either alone or in combination with one another. Further, although the preferred base portion 40 is molded into a one piece configuration, the invention is not meant to be so limited and other manufacturing techniques such as machining, welding and the like may be utilized. Further yet, the base portion 40 may be fabricated from numerous parts or any material as the specific requirements dictate.

[0040] The elongate shaft 72 of the shear pin 70 has a first end 74 and a second end 75.

The head 76 is located adjacent the first end 74. The compressible ring portion 78 is displaced on the shaft 72 and is utilized to aid in the retention of the shear pin 70 within the apertures 50 and 50' of the mounting head 48. When the head 48 of the mounting plate 46 of base portion 40 is disposed through the aperture 20 of the mounting base 16 of the post 10, and when the shear pin 70 is inserted through the apertures 50 and/or 50 ' , the shear pin 70 acts to secure the post portion 10 to the base portion 40. This configuration allows the post portion 10 to be released from the base portion 40 when the post portion 10 encounters a specified force. For example, if a vehicle makes contact with the post portion 10 and the impact force upon the post portion 10 is great enough to shear or break the shear pin 70, the post portion 10 will be released from the base portion 40, with the base portion 40 remaining affixed within the ground surface. This allows the post portion 10 to be re-affixed or reused by re-mounting the post portion 10 to the base portion 40 through the use of a new shear pin 70. The pin 70 can be made of Fina #830 Impact Polystyrene as made by ATOFINA Petrochemicals, Inc. of Carville, Louisiana.

[0041] The shear pin 70 may be fabricated from material having known characteristics and properties and/or a varied geometry, thereby allowing the post portion 10 to be forcefully removed from the base portion 40 under a known and/or specified force. For example, the shear pin 70 can be fabricated to break only after the post portion 10 is subjected to a certain, specified amount of force. The amount of force required to break the shear pin 70 can be predetermined and varied by choosing to fabricate the pin 70 from differing materials and/or with different geometries. In one preferred embodiment, the shear pin 70 is cylindrical in geometry (FIG. 5).

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the shear pin 70 is fabricated from a thermoplastic, such as Xenoy which is available from GE Plastics, polypropylene or ABS. Other plastics which may also include, but are not limited to PC (Polycarbonate) and PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate), either alone or in combination with one another. Further, although the illustrated shear pin 70 is molded, the invention is not meant to be so limited and other manufacturing techniques such as machining, welding and the like may be utilized. Further yet, although the preferred embodiment utilizes a one-piece configuration, wherein a single compressible ring portion 78 is molded into the shear pin 70, the invention may utilize one or more non-molded or separate compressible portions. Moreover, the shear pin 70 may be made from any material that allows the shear pin 70 to shear or break as described above.

[0043] In use, the base portion 40 is affixed to the post portion 10 by locating the flange

18 of the post portion 10 adjacent to and above the top side 53 of the flange 52 of the base portion 40 and passing the mounting head 48 of the base portion 40 through the aperture 20 of the post 10 (FIG. 6). The apertures 50 and 50' of the mounting head 48 are positioned such that when the head 48 is inserted through the aperture 20 of the post portion 10, the apertures 50 and 50' are above an inside surface 19 of the mounting base 16 of the post portion 10. Once the mounting head 48 is disposed through the aperture 20 of the mounting base 16, the second end 75 of the shear pin 70 is inserted into the aperture 50 or 50' and through the apertures 50 and 50' . Specifically, the shear pin 70 is inserted into one of the apertures 50 or 50' and then through the corresponding opposite aperture 50' or 50, respectively. During such insertion, when the compressible ring portion 78 of the shear pin 70 passes through the apertures 50 and 50' , the compressible ring portion 78 compresses. When the compressible ring portion 78 exits the apertures 50 or 50', the compressible ring portion 78 re-expands (FIG. 6).

The compressible portion 78 is positioned along the shaft 72 such that both the head 16 and the compressible ring portion 78 of the shear pin 70 reside adjacent to and outside of the apertures 50 and 50' , respectively (FIG. 6). This combination of elements ensures that the shear pin 70 is securely retained and not readily removed from the apertures 50 and 50 ^' , and the post portion 10 is thereby secured and not readily removed from the base portion 40. Alternatively, the compressible ring portion 78 may reside within a tether aperture 51 of the mounting head 48 of the mounting plate 46 of the base portion 40. Once the shear pin 70 is positioned through the apertures 50 and 50' , the break-away post assembly 2 can be inserted into the ground surface such that the stake portion 42, and in the preferred design, the fins 54 are inserted into the ground surface until the mounting base 46 is adjacent to and abuts the ground surface.

[0044] As discussed above, if the post portion 10 encounters a force high enough to break the shear pin 70, the shear pin 70 will shear or break, thereby allowing the post portion 10 to be released from the base portion 40 while the base portion 40 remains securely affixed or retained within the ground surface. Therefore, rather than requiring replacement of an entire new post 2, the base portion 40 remains in the ground and the break-away post assembly 2 can be reassembled by simply reinserting the post portion 10 onto the base portion 40 and inserting a new shear pin 70 as described above, thereby saving the time, money and effort required to replace the typical, current delineator or sign post.

[0045] As referred to above, the mounting head 48 of the mounting plate 46 of the base portion 40 also may include the tether aperture 51 (FIGS. 1, 4, 6). Further, the breakaway post assembly 2 also may include a tether cord 90 having a first end 91 which is disposed through, affixed or otherwise attached through the tether aperture 51 of the mounting head 48 of the base portion 40, and a second end 92 affixed or otherwise attached to the post portion 10. The tether cord 90 can be otherwise attached by each of its ends 91 and 92 to the base portion 40 and the post portion 10. With the post portion 10 tethered to the base portion 40, when the post portion 10 is forcefully removed from the base portion 40, as for example when the post 2 is hit by oncoming traffic, the post portion 10 does not become airborne and/or thrown. Further, the tether cord 90 prevents the post portion 10 from being lost and/or far-removed from the base portion 40.

[0046] Although the preferred embodiment utilizes a semi-spherical mounting head 48

which may be inserted through the aperture 20 in any orientation, an alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein a head 48a of a base portion 40a and an aperture 20a of a post portion 10a are configured so as to allow insertion therethrough in a single, specified orientation. This prevents the post portion 10a from being mounted to the base portion 40a in an orientation other than that allowed by the mating of the head 48a and the aperture 20a. For example, the head 48a may be designed to allow orientation with the aperture 20a in a single direction such that the post portion 10a has a specified front and rear side as oriented with respect to the base portion 40a. In one preferred embodiment, a flat portion 21 and a flat portion 49 are used on the aperture 20a and the mounting head 48a, respectively, to achieve this specific orientation.

[0047] The reference numeral 2a (FIGS. 8-9) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a third embodiment for the break-away post assembly. Since the break-away post assembly 2a is similar to the previously described break-away post assembly 2, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-6 and FIGS. 8-9, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "a" in the numerals of the latter. The third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2a includes a post portion 10a which is releasably, frangibly or breakably connected to a base portion 40a as in the first embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 40a of the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2a is similar to the base portion 40 of the first embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2, except that the base portion 40a does not include the peripheral flange 52 or the fins 54. However, the stake 42a includes triangular top supports 100 extending between tops of the stake 42a and a bottom of a mounting plate 46a. However, it is contemplated that the base portion 40a could have the peripheral flange 52 and/or the fins 54.

[0049] The illustrated post portion 10a of the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 10a is removably connected to the base portion 40a using a shear pin 70a as described in the first embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2. The post portion 10a of the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 10a is substantially trapezoidal shaped and includes a rectangular mounting base 16a, a first side wall 102 and a second side wall 104. The first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104 extend upwardly from the mounting base 16a and taper towards each other. The first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104 meet at a top horizontal plate 106 which extends

between the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104. The post portion 10a includes a strengthening panel 108 extending between the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104, with the panel 108 being perpendicular to the mounting base 16a, the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104. The panel 108 includes a plurality of openings 110 therethrough. The post portion 10a also includes a plurality of X- shaped supports 112 extending between the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104, with the X-shaped supports 112 also being connected to and on each side of the panel 108. The post portion 10a includes reflectors 120 at the mounting head 22a.

[0050] In the illustrated example, the mounting head 22a extends upwardly from the top horizontal plate 106 of the post portion 10a. The mounting head 22a includes a panel 122 extending upwardly from the top horizontal plate 106 and a peripheral flange 124 extending rearward from the panel 122. The panel 122 includes a plurality of holes 126 therethrough for accepting pins 128 extending from a rear of the reflectors 120. Accordingly, the reflectors 120 are connected to the panel 122 of the mounting head 22a. The reflectors 120 are illustrated as being two in number and circular. However, it is contemplated that any number or shape of the reflector 120 could be used.

[0051] The reference numeral 2b (FIG. 10) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fourth embodiment for the break-away post assembly. Since the break-away post assembly 2b is similar to the previously described break-away post assembly 2a, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 8-9 and FIG. 10, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "b" in the numerals of the latter. The fourth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2b includes a post portion 10b which is releasably, frangibly or breakably connected to a base portion 40b as in the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2a.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 40b of the fourth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2b is similar to the base portion 40b of the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2a. The base portion 40b includes a top rectangular mounting plate 46b having the head 48b extending upwardly therefrom. Furthermore, the stakes 42b include top supports 100b extending between tops of the stakes 42b and a bottom of a mounting plate 46a. Two opposite stakes 42b includes fins 54b at a bottom thereof. The stakes 42b have an X-shaped horizontal cross section. Furthermore, two opposite stakes 42b also include a hole 200 therethrough for receiving a tether cord 90b for connecting the post portion 10b to the base portion 40b as

discussed in more detail below.

[0053] The illustrated post portion 10a of the fourth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2b is removably connected to the base portion 40b using a shear pin 70b as described in the third embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2b. The post portion 10b of the fourth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2b is substantially trapezoidal shaped and includes a rectangular mounting base 16b, a first side wall 102b and a second side wall 104b. The first side wall 102b and the second side wall 104b extend upwardly from the mounting base 16a and taper towards each other. The first side wall 102b and the second side wall 104b meet at a top 204 of the post portion 10b. The post portion 10b includes a strengthening panel 108b extending between the first side wall 102b and the second side wall 104b, with the panel 108b being perpendicular to the mounting base 16b, the first side wall 102b and the second side wall 104b. The panel 108 includes a plurality of flanges 210 connected thereto and connected to the first side wall 102b and the second side wall 104b. The post portion 10b also includes a plurality of X-shaped supports 112b extending between the first side wall 102b and the second side wall 104b, with the X-shaped supports 112b also being connected to and on each side of the panel 108b. The post portion 10a includes a mounting head 22b.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the mounting head 22b is rectangular and is located above the first side wall 102b. The mounting head 22a includes reflective material connected thereto. Preferably, the reflective material is a reflective tape. Furthermore, a plurality of support flanges 208 extend between the second side wall 104b and the mounting head 22b.

[0055] The illustrated post portion 10b includes a retainer housing 218 connected to the second side wall 104b and the mounting base 16b. The retainer housing 218 includes an opening 212 for accepting the tether cord 90b therethrough. The tether 90b extends through the retainer housing 218 and the holes 200 in the base portion 40b and ends of the tether cord 90b are connected. Therefore, the post portion 10b and the base portion 40b can remain connected together when the pin 70b is broken such that the post portion 10b will not move far when detached from the base portion 40b.

[0056] The reference numeral 2c (FIGS. 11-12) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention, having a fifth embodiment for the break-away post assembly. Since the break-away post assembly 2c is similar to the previously described

break-away post assembly 2b, similar parts appearing in FIG. 10 and FIGS. 11-12, respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "c" in the numerals of the latter. The fifth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2c includes a post portion 10c which is releasably, frangibly or breakably connected to a base portion 40c as in the fourth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2b. The post portion 10c of the fifth embodiment of the post assembly 2c is identical to the post portion 10b of the fourth embodiment of the post assembly 2b, except that the second side wall 104c includes an annular groove 300 in a central portion thereof. Furthermore, the strengthening panel 108c includes an opening 302 adjacent the annular groove 300.

[0057] In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion 40c of the fifth embodiment of the break-away post assembly 2c comprises a movable rectangular platform 304 having the head 48c extending upwardly therefrom. The rectangular platform 304 is preferably made of a material comprising rubber, except for the mounting plate 46c, which is connected or fastened to the rectangular platform 304. While the platform 304 is illustrated as being rectangular, it is contemplated that the platform 304 could have any shape.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the post portion 10c is placed onto the base portion 40c and the shear pin 70c is inserted into the head 48c as described above. However, the shear pin 70c preferably includes a T-shaped head 306 extending from the head 76c to allow the shear pin 70c to be grasped and pulled out of the head 48c. Therefore, the post portion 10c can be connected to the base portion 40c as illustrated in FIG. 12 for easy transportation of the post assembly 2c. For transporting the post assembly 2c, the second side wall 104c is placed on a top surface 308 of the rectangular platform 304 with the head 48c inserted into the annular groove 300 of the second side wall 104c. The shear pin 70c is then inserted into the opening 302 of the panel 108c of the post portion 10c and into the aperture 50c in the head 48c. Alternatively, the shear pin 70c can be first inserted into the head 48c and then into the opening 302. The rectangular platform 304 can then be lifted by placing a users hand through an opening 310 in the rectangular platform 304 and grasping the rectangular platform 304, thereby allowing the post portion 10c and the base portion 40c to be easily transported.

[0059] FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an improvement to the base portion 40 and the post portion 10 of the post assembly 2 that can be used with any of the post assemblies

described above. In the improvement, the base portion 40 includes a ramp 400 extending between the mounting plate 46 and the head 48 on one side of the head 48 and a projection 402 extending between the mounting plate 46 and the head 48 on an opposite side of the head 48. Preferably, the projection 402 is located on the side of the head 48 with the flat portion 49. The post portion 10 includes a corresponding ramp 404 adjacent the aperture 20 that is configured to rest on the ramp 400 of the base portion 40. Furthermore, the post portion 10 includes a notch 406 adjacent the aperture configured to rest on the projection 402 of the base portion 40. The ramp 400 and the ramp 404 are preferably located on the same side as the reflective material on the mounting head 22 of the post portion 10. Therefore, as a force is applied to a front of the post portion 10 (i.e., the portion with the reflective material) (as the reflective material will be facing traffic and therefore the force will typically be applied to the front of the post portion), the post portion 10 will ride up the ramp 400 to force the shear pin 70 to shear easier, thereby minimizing deformation of the post portion 10. The post assembly 2 of the present invention (using any of the post assemblies described above) can be used for any application wherein a post is desired. For example, the post assembly 2 can include a mailbox 500 on a top thereof instead of a reflector as illustrated in FIG. 16 or a plurality of post assemblies 2 could be used to support electric wiring 600 for an electric fence as illustrated in FIG. 17 or any other fence. FIGS. 18-20 illustrate an installation assembly 601 for assisting in inserting any of the post assemblies 2 described above into the ground. The installation assembly 601 is preferably connected to a pick-up truck. The installation assembly 601 includes a platform 602, a first drive support 604, a second drive support 606 and a drive machine 608. The platform 602 is configured to be connected to a vehicle and the first drive support 604 and the second drive support 606 connect the drive machine 608 to the platform 602. The drive machine 608 is configured to place a hole in the ground and then to drive the base member 40 into the ground. FIG. 19 illustrates the platform 602 of the installation assembly 601 without the first drive support 604, the second drive support 606 and the drive machine 608. The platform 602 includes a horizontal portion 610 and a vertical portion 612. The horizontal portion 610 is preferably rectangular and is configured to rest in the bed of a pick-up truck. The horizontal portion 610 preferably includes a hydraulic or pneumatic

pump 614 at a rear end thereof. The vertical portion 612 is also preferably rectangular and extends downwardly from a front of the horizontal portion 610. The vertical portion 612 includes a lower bar 616 having a centrally located rearwardly extending member 618 configured to be inserted into a typical receiver of a vehicle to connect the platform 602 to the vehicle. The rearwardly extending member 618 includes a hole 620 for accepting a pin therethrough to connect the member 618 to the receiver. The lower bar 616 can also include a pair of additional rearwardly extending members 622 also having holes 624 for accepting pins therethrough. The vertical portion 612 can also include manually, hydraulically or pneumatically driven leveling legs 611 configured to be lowered to the ground for supporting a rear of a vehicle during use of the installation assembly 601. The vehicle configured to have the platform 602 connected thereto can include additional receivers for accepting the additional rearwardly extending members 622.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the first drive support 604, the second drive support

606 and the drive machine 608 are connected to the platform 602. The first drive support 604 comprises a frame 626 connected to the vertical portion 612 of the platform. The frame 626 includes a front housing 628. The second drive support 606 includes a rod 630 extending vertically through the front housing 628 of the frame 626 of the first drive support 604. The rod 630 is configured to slide vertically within the front housing 628 of the first drive support 604. Preferably, the pump 614 is connected to the front housing 628 through at least one tube 632 to assist in moving the rod 630 through the front housing 628. The second drive support 606 also includes an inverted L-shaped support 634 connected to the rod 630 by a pair of arms 636. The drive machine 608 is connected to the inverted L-shaped support 634. Therefore, the drive machine 608 can be raised and lowered by raising and lowering the rod 630 through the front housing 628. It is contemplated that the first drive support 604, and therefore the second drive support 606 and the drive machine 608, can move horizontally along the vertical portion 612 of the platform 602 along line 633 in FIG. 18 and/or can rotate along an axis parallel to the horizontal portion 610 of the platform 602 as shown by the line 635 in FIG. 18.

[0064] The illustrated drive machine 608 is configured to form a hole in the ground and then to drive the base portion 40 of the post assembly 2 into the hole in the ground. The drive machine 608 includes a drive head 650 having a base portion receiving block 652

and a stake member 654 pivotally connected to the base portion receiving block 652 at pivot point 653. The drive machine 608 is configured to drive the drive head 650 downward. Preferably, the drive machine 608 is connected to the pump 614 to power the drive head 650. As illustrated in FIG. 20, a bottom face 656 of the base portion receiving block 652 includes an opening 658 similar to the bottom of the post portion 10 as illustrated in FIG. 15 for accepting the base portion 40 of the post assembly 2 therein. The opening 658 includes a central annular aperture 660 with a flat side 662 for accepting the head 48 of the base portion 40 therein. The opening 658 also includes a ramp 664 for abutting the ramp 400 adjacent the head 48 of the base portion 40 and a notch 666 for accepting the projection 402 adjacent the head 48 of the base portion 40. The stake member 654 has a configuration similar to the stake 42 of the base portion 40 of the post assembly. The stake member 654 includes a plate 668 and a plurality of fins 670 extending from the plate 668. The stake member 654 preferably includes an X- shaped cross section.

[0065] To use the installation assembly 601, the drive head 650 of the drive machine

608 is positioned over the area where the post assembly 2 is to be placed. The stake member 654 of the drive head 650 is rotated relative to the base portion receiving block 652 such that the plate 668 abuts against the bottom face 656 of the base portion receiving block 652. The rod 630 is then lowered and the drive machine 608 is activated to drive the drive head 650 downward towards the ground and to drive the stake member 654 into the ground. The drive machine 608 is then activated to lift the drive head 650 to remove the stake member 654 from the ground. Once the stake member is removed from the ground, a pilot hole having an X-shaped cross section will be in the ground and the pilot hole in the ground will be ready for accepting the base portion 40 of the post assembly 2 therein. The stake member 654 is then rotated away from the base portion receiving block 652 as illustrated hi FIG. 18 and the base portion 40 of the post assembly 2 is abutted against the base portion receiving block 652, with the head 48 extending into the opening, the ramp 400 abutting the ramp 664 and the projection extending into the notch 666 as discussed above. The drive machine 608 is then activated again to drive the base portion 40 into the pilot hole. Therefore, the base portion 40 of the post assembly 2 is in the ground and the post portion 10 can be connected to the base portion 40 as described above to form the post assembly 2.

[0066] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the

art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.