A Post

TECHNICAL FIELD A preferred form of the invention relates to a modular post for supporting one or more items above ground level.

BACKGROUND

It is known to use posts for many purposes, for example in fencing, signage, road markers and for supporting power or other lines. It is common to install a post by concreting it into in a hole in the ground or, alternatively, to hammer or otherwise dive the post directly into the ground. Problems with known posts include a vulnerability to damage during installation, an inability to reuse them and an inability to conveniently correct for undesired leaning due to ground substance, collisions or just errors in the installation process. Also, many known installation techniques are labour intensive or require the use of specialised tools.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of some embodiments of the invention to address at least one or more of the above problems. While this applies to certain embodiments it should be understood that the object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice. Therefore any objects, advantages or benefits of preferred embodiments should not be read in as limitations on any claims expressed more broadly. DEFINITIONS

The term“comprising” or derivatives thereof, eg“comprises”, if and when used in this document in relation to a combination of features or steps should not be taken to rule out the option of there being additional features or steps that have not been mentioned. The term is therefore inclusive, not exclusive. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a post comprising:

• a plurality of poles located in and extending from a ground surface adjacent to one another; and

• a sleeve arranged around the poles so that the sleeve and poles combine to provide a shaft.

Optionally the poles have‘bend-memory’ in that they will collectively flex in response to a lateral impact force on the post and automatically return to substantially their original disposition when the impact force has gone.

Optionally the poles are splayed within the ground, and/or between the ground and the sleeve.

Optionally the poles are angled with respect to one another.

Optionally the poles are curved with respect to one another. Optionally the sleeve is secured to the poles by way of fastening means.

Optionally the sleeve has compartments and at least one of the poles is engaged in a different one of the compartments to another of the poles. Optionally there are at least three of the compartments and each compartment engages with one or more of the poles.

Optionally the sleeve has one compartment that receives all the poles, and at least two said poles contact one another.

Optionally the compartment incorporates at least a pair of parallel longitudinal ridges, one ridge of the pair engaging one pole and the other ridge of the pair engaging the other of the poles, there being a third pole which presses again said other two poles under pressure from a screw fastener to wedge said other poles each into a respective interior corner of the sleeve. Optionally there are at least three of the poles arranged in tripod formation.

Optionally each pole has a tapered ground-engaging end.

Optionally the sleeve is non-metallic.

Optionally the poles are non-metallic.

Optionally the poles have been inserted into the ground using a hand held powered drill.

Optionally the poles are circular in transverse cross section and are 10-20 mm in diameter.

Optionally the poles are 12-16 mm in diameter.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a post, the post being according to any one of the preceding statements, comprising the steps of:

• inserting a plurality of the poles into the ground adjacent to one another so that they extend out of the ground; and

• arranging the sleeve around the poles so that they combine to provide a shaft of the post.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a post comprising the steps of:

• connecting a pole to a battery or electric powered hand drill;

• drilling the pole into the ground with the drill so that the pole extends out of the ground; and

• arranging a sleeve around the pole so that the combination of these provide at least part of a shaft for the post. * *The sleeve and the poles may be formed and arranged to provide a post according to any of the above statements.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a post comprising:

a) a pole;

b) a fastener; and

c) a sleeve comprising

i. a central cavity;

ii. a fixing opening for receiving the fastener; and

iii. locater means opposite the opening; the post being such that with the pole within the sleeve’s central cavity the fastener can be driven in the opening to impinge on the pole and press it against the locater means to prevent lateral and vertical movement of the pole with respect to the sleeve.

Optionally the locator means comprises at least a pair of ridges or at least a valley.

Optionally there is also at least one ridge at each side of the cavity between the first mentioned ridges and the fixing opening.

Optionally the sleeve’s central cavity has a pair of acute angled corners, one either side of and diagonally opposite the fixing opening.

DRAWINGS Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 A is a transverse cross sectional view of a sleeve forming part of a post;

Figure 1 B is an isometric view of part of the sleeve;

Figure 1 C is an isometric part view of the sleeve when fitted with a series of poles; Figure 2A is an isometric view showing the full extent of the sleeve, without the poles; Figure 2B is an opposite isometric view showing the full extent of the sleeve, without the poles;

Figures 3A-C are isometric views showing an end portion of the sleeve when fitted with one, two or three of the poles respectively;

Figures 3D-F are transverse cross-sectional views corresponding to figures 3A- Crespectively;

Figure 4 is an isometric illustration of steps in the installation of the post;

Figures 5A-I are isometric views of nine alternative sleeves;

Figures 6 A-l are isometric views of nine further alternative sleeves.

Figure 7 illustrates optional orientations for the poles when used to form the post;

Figures 8A-C illustrate a sign that incorporates a post according to a preferred

embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9A is an isometric view of a post according to another preferred embodiment of the invention, fitted with brackets, but shown without its poles;

Figure 9B is an isometric view of a post according to a still further embodiment of the invention, again shown without its poles;

Figure 10A is an isometric view of a post according to yet another embodiment of the invention, shown with its poles;

Figure 10B is an isometric view showing detail of parts of the Figure 10A post;

Figure 11 A is an isometric view illustrating how a post according to one embodiment of the invention engages the ground;

Figure 11 B is an isometric view illustrating an alternative manner of installation of the

Figure 1 1 A post in the ground;

Figure 12A is an isometric view of a sleeve for forming a post according to another embodiment of the invention;

Figure 13 illustrates, in transverse cross-section, the Figure 12A-B sleeves in use with poles;

Figure 14 is an isometric corresponding to the figure 13 images; Figures 15A-B illustrate, in transverse cross section, the manner of engaging poles with the Figure 12A-B sleeve;

Figure 16 is a transverse cross sectional view of the Figure 12A-B sleeve in use with only two poles; Figures 17A-I are transverse cross sectional views of alternative posts comprising one or two poles.

Figures 18A-L are transverse cross sectional views of alternative posts comprising one, two or three poles;

Figures 19A-E are transverse cross sectional views of further alternative posts

comprising one, two or three poles;

Figures 20A-F are transverse cross sectional views of still further alternative posts

comprising one, two or three poles;

Figures 21A-D are transverse cross sectional views illustrating posts in combination with extrusions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 A-B illustrate a sleeve 1 that provides one component of a post. The sleeve has a large compartment 2 and small compartment 3, each extending the full length of the sleeve in the manner of a channel. As illustrated in Figure 1 B, each end of the sleeve has threaded holes 4 for receiving set screws (not shown). In Figure 1 C the sleeve 1 has been fitted with three pins, eg poles 5, two of which are in the large compartment 2 and one of which is in the small compartment 3. Each pole 5 has a pointed or otherwise tapered ground-engaging end 6 to help the poles bite into the turf when being installed. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the sleeve 1 is significantly elongate and has the threaded holes 4 are at both ends. The screws (not shown) can be used to lock the sleeve 1 with respect to the poles 5.

Referring to Figures 3A-F, the post may be formed such that one, two or three of the poles 5 engage the sleeve 1 , but the three pole option is preferred. When there are two or more of poles in the large compartment 2 the different poles do not contact one another within the length of the sleeve. While the large compartment 2 is able to take two of the poles 5, they are separated by a medial constriction 7.

Referring to Figure 4, to create the post the poles 5 are each drilled into the ground 8 by way of a standard hand-held power drill 9. To achieve this one end of a pole 5 is fitted into the drill’s chuck 10 in the same way that one would connect a drill bit, with or without an adapter between the chuck and the pole. The pole 5 is then held vertically with the tapered end 6 touching the ground, and the drill activated. This causes a large portion of the pole 5 to be driven into the ground, but leaving part of it extending vertically above the ground. This is repeated with two other of the poles 5 so that they extend more or less adjacent to one another. At this point the sleeves may or may not touch one another.

The sleeve 1 is then fitted over the poles 5 so that two of the poles are in the sleeve’s large compartment 2 and one is in the sleeve’s small compartment 3. Set screws (not shown) are tightened into the holes 4 to lock the sleeve 1 in the desired position along the poles 5. The poles 5 have a significant amount of resilient flex so that if subjected to a lateral force they can lean over collectively, and then automatically move back to their original position when the force is relaxed. Because the sleeve 1 is fixed to the poles 5 it moves with them, over and back. This makes the post particularly suitable for use in places where it is prone to collision with passing traffic, for example as with roadside markers or signs, etc.

In alternative embodiments of the invention the sleeve 1 may be substituted with an alternative sleeve having a shape as illustrated in any one of the options at Figures 5A-I. Not all options hold poles separately, for example the Figure 5 A, B and C sleeves may receive multiple poles (not shown) in contact with one another in the same compartment 1 1 , 12 and 13 respectively. The Figure 5 E F and G sleeve options have multiple compartments 14, 15 and 16 for receiving poles, each compartment spaced by one or more planar walls 14b, 15b and 16b that can be used as, or for receiving, sign boards or outdoor partition panels, etc. In the case of the Figure 5H sleeve option the three compartments 17 for the poles are spaced around the inside perimeter of a curved wall 17a.

Figures 6 A-l show a number of alternative sleeve embodiments having both pole receiving compartments 18 and wall-like extensions 19 for creating stability to the ground or for attaching a sign. Figures 6 B C F and I illustrate thickened‘boss areas’ 20 of the sleeves for receiving a thread for attaching items. The sleeve option of Figure 6 B has a large central large aperture 21 for receiving and connecting to a standard post, for example of a large sign, an umbrella or a flagpole. The pole receiving compartments in Figures 6 G and H have an internal aperture for receiving either one or three poles 5.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the poles 5 are drilled into the ground 22 in a configuration that suits the sleeve being used. For example the poles can be arranged to extend from the ground close to one another, spread a little, vertical, angled outwards or angled inwards. Three poles may be set into the ground so that each pole forms the edge of a notional triangle and angles or curves upwards to the centre of the triangle and the sleeve. This pyramidal, tripod or dovetail configuration enhances the stability and rigidity of the finished post. In essence the triangular configuration produces an arcuate tension when the sleeve is pushed down onto the poles as far as it can go. A similar effect can be achieved with the poles laid out in other shapes, for example a square, pentagon or hexagon, with the poles angling up to a medial position. In essence, installing the post is somewhat of a ‘forgiving’ process in that when poles are on a slight lean, not exactly vertical, they tend hold the ground better.

In Figures 8 A-C, a post 23 is formed similarly, with a sleeve 24 having four poles 5. The pole in the middle position has a larger diameter than the three outer poles. As shown, a signboard 24 is attached to the post by way of collar-like brackets 25.

Figure 9A shows a sleeve 26 for a post as per figure 4, but with two bracket-collars 27 for fastening to a signboard, prior to engagement with poles 5. Figure 9B illustrates an alternative sleeve 28 for a similarly formed post, but having integral wing-like brackets 29 for receiving a signboard or the like.

Figures 10A and B illustrate a post formed in the same manner as above, incorporating a pair of wing-like brackets 30 and with one of the three poles 5a having an extended length to receive a flag, or for any other suitable purpose.

Figures 11A and 11 B show two different posts 31 and 32, each having a sleeve and three poles. In the first of these posts 31 the poles angle inwardly from the ground‘G’ to the sleeve in a tripod arrangement. Therefore, the sleeve can only be fitted so far down the poles, before being locked there by set screws (not shown). In the second of the posts 32 the poles are quite close together so that the sleeve is able to embrace and obscure them for good aesthetics all the way to ground level.

Figures 12A and 12B illustrate a particularly preferred form of a sleeve 32 for use in the same way as the sleeves mentioned above for other embodiments. The sleeve 32 has a single compartment 33, preferably for receiving one or three of the flexible poles 5 as per in Figures 13 A-D, after the poles have been hand-drilled into the ground. The poles are preferably, although not necessarily,‘splayed’ between the ground and the sleeve as described previously. The sleeve 32 has a series of interior ridges 34 running along its full length. These help to maintain the poles 5 in position as per Figures 13 A-D.

In the Figure 13A arrangement the each pole 5 has a diameter of 12 mm and these assume a triangular configuration within the sleeve 32. In practice the poles will preferably extend upright More specifically a threaded grub screw 35 presses against the pole in the middle, which in turn presses against the poles either side of it to wedge them into opposite corners of the compartment 33. There are several of the grub screws along the length of the sleeve 32, each working in the same way to securely lock the three poles 5 into place. The Figure 13B arrangement is the same except in that case the poles each have a diameter of 13 mm.

In the Figure 13C arrangement the sleeve 32 only engages with one pole 5 having a diameter of 20 mm. It is forced by the grub screw to engage with the pair of ridges 34 opposite the grub screw 35. The grub screw is tightened sufficiently to lock the pole 5 in place. The ridges 34 opposite the grub screw, and those either side of it, collectively help give the pole lateral stability. The Figure 13D arrangement is similar, except that in that case the pole 5 only has a diameter of 16 mm. Given this smaller diameter the pole does not engage the ridges either side, but does engage the ridges opposite the pole to provide lateral stability when under pressure from the grub screw 35.

Referring to all of the figure 12 and 13 images, the sleeve 32 incorporates a main extended planar surface 35a for attaching signboards or other items. The opposite side of the sleeve has smaller extensions 36, one either side of the grub screw positions, also for fastening a signboard or other item. As shown, when the screw 35 is inserted into the sleeve it is recessed inwardly with respect to the smaller extensions 36. This keeps the screw 35 clear of interference with, for example, a signboard when attached to the smaller extensions 36. Also, when so attached the signboard obscures the screw 35 for good aesthetics and so that it is not evident to passers-by how to dismantle the post/sign. Figure 14 illustrates the figure 13A-D options in isometric view. In practice at least most of the part of each pole that is outside the sleeve will be below ground level.

Figure 15A illustrates, in overhead plan view, the manner in which a post according to the Figure 13A&B‘three pole’ arrangements may be formed. The poles are initially drilled into the ground side by side as at 37. At this point they are not arranged in a perfect triangle, but they are pulled together by hand at their upper end so they are closely bunched as at 38. At that point the sleeve 32 is placed over them and this causes them to pack into the configuration shown at 39 (they naturally‘find’ the correct position, particularly when the screw puts pressure on the middle pole). Figure 15B shows the same sequence of steps, except from a starting point where the poles are more widely spread, indeed wider than the perimeter of the sleeve.

Referring to Figure 16, the sleeve 32 may be used in the same manner described above, except with only two of the poles 5. In this arrangement the grub screw 35 extend further into the sleeve to press against and‘wedge’ the poles 5 into the‘acute angled’ corners 40 of the sleeve. The ridges 34 also help to provide laterally stability.

Figures 17 A-l illustrate sleeve 1 and pole 5 combinations for forming alternative posts.

In each case the sleeves are generally rectangular in transverse cross-section, and the poles are circular in transverse cross-section. Some of the sleeves (embodiments A-C, F, H and I) incorporate ridges 34 running completely along their internal cavity similar to those described above; in each arranged to encourage or help retain the poles 5 in the desired position within the sleeve 1 . The sleeves of embodiments D-E have no ridges, but the opportunity for the poles to move is curtailed by the snug fit between the poles and sleeve. The sleeve of embodiment G also has no ridges, but the upper wall (in the drawing) is curved to help provide a snug fit with the pole against it. This is also the case with the Figure H embodiment, although it also has ridges, located where the curvature starts at each side. In all the Figure 17 embodiments one or more grub screws or the like (not shown) are driven through the lower wall of each sleeve to impinge on the pole or poles directly or indirectly to produce a tight fit with the sleeve.

Figures 18 A-L illustrate posts in transverse cross section, similar to those above except that the sleeves have a different shape. The sleeves in these examples are designed to facilitate a snug fit with the poles, particularly when a grub screw or the like is driven through the lower wall of each sleeve to contact and press on the closest pole. Pressing on the pole closest the screw can serve to put fixing pressure on the other poles. Figure 19A-E illustrate further posts in transverse cross section having a sleeve 1 , one, two or three poles 5, ridges 34 and grub screws (not shown) similar to those described above. The geometry of the sleeves 1 and poles 5 is such that there may be two positions that can be taken up by narrower poles. For example, referring to embodiment A, there is one pole in the lower zone 41 of the sleeve. It can be driven upwards by a grub screw (not shown) in the same manner described above. That pole is unable to move completely into the upper zone 42 because it is too wide to get past ridges 34 running either side of it. Only the top curved portion of the pole is able to protrude into the upper zone of the sleeve. That curved portion impinges on two further poles in the upper zone, and therefore presses them against the top wall of the sleeve. The result is that all three poles are held securely in the sleeve and the sleeve is unable to slide along the poles until the grub screw is loosened. Again, while terms referring to orientation have been used here, for example‘upper’ and‘lower’, this is just for ease of reference when pointing to the drawings. As will be appreciated, when the sleeves and poles are in use they are all generally upright; the drawings illustrate the post looking from above.

Figures 20A-F show still further posts in transverse cross section having one, two or three poles and ridges, suited to receive grub screws (not shown) similar to previous embodiments. Figures 21 A-D illustrate, in transverse cross section, the manner in which the figure 20- A-F sleeves can be combined with sheet-like or beam-like extrusions 43. As per embodiment B, the extrusions 43 may nest snugly in side recesses 44 of the sleeves.

The poles are not shown in figures 21 A-D but in practice they are arranged within the sleeves in the same or similar manner described for the embodiments discussed above. It has been found that posts formed according to the preferred embodiments of the invention can function effectively in soils when-

• there are three of the poles, each formed from fibreglass 800-1 ,000 mm long and each with a shaft diameter of 10 - 13 mm (excluding the tapered end portion);

• each pole is drilled into the ground to a depth of 300 - 500 mm; and

• the poles angle upwards towards one another in the manner of a tripod.

It has also been found that the posts formed according to the invention can be well secured into a sandy beach when the poles are approximately 10 mm in diameter, drilled 900 mm into the sand and angled upwards towards one another at about 10° in tripod fashion.

Optionally for each embodiment of the invention the ground-engaging portion of each pole is in the form of a regular smooth shaft, ie it does not have texture, thread or blades, etc.

The only feature to assist the pole to bite into the ground is the tapered end, and in some embodiments that can also be omitted, for example in the case of particularly thin poles and/or soft ground. This helps to minimise ground disturbance around the poles when they are drilled in. The use of multiple poles assists in maximising the surface area of the post in contact with the ground. This helps to resist forces that may act on the post to push it over (eg from the wind or human causes bumps) or pull it out of the ground.

For each preferred embodiment of the invention the poles are circular in transverse cross section and are, except for the tapered ground engaging portions, approximately:

• 5-30 mm in diameter;

• 5-25 mm in diameter;

• 5-20 mm in diameter;

• 5-15 mm in diameter; or

• 10-15 mm in diameter.

Most preferably each pole is, except for the tapered portion if present, up to 16 mm in diameter. The rigidity of the post depends on the number of poles it has; generally speaking the more poles the greater the rigidity. The embodiments described above incorporate screws to secure each pole to the shaft. However any other suitable fixing means may be employed, for example collets, crimps or glue, etc. At least the preferred embodiments of the invention provide a modular post, for example one that can be assembled in situ and readily disassembled when not needed.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the sleeve is in each case rigid and its pole receiving compartments are arranged to engage the poles in a reasonably snug yet‘slide- along’ manner. The sleeve may be formed by extrusion, pultrusion or roll-forming, etc. Further, the sleeve is preferably non-metallic and non-conducting, but in some cases it may be one or both of these.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the poles may also be formed by extrusion, pultrusion or roll-forming, etc. Further, each pole is preferably non-metallic and nonconducting (eg fibreglass), but in some cases it may be one or both of these. Examples of conducting materials for the poles comprise alloys or carbon fibre. However nonconducting materials provide more safety against situations where the pole contacts underground electrical cables.

Advantages of preferred embodiments of the post according to the invention comprise-

• using a number of smaller poles, as opposed to one larger shaft, makes it easy to insert the poles into the ground, and subsequently remove them, eg by reverse drilling (unwinding them);

• smaller diameter poles are able to fit directly into the chuck of readily available standard battery drills;

• a number of thinner poles can be arranged in ways that better resist sideways forces, for example due to wind;

• winding each pole into the ground, as opposed to hammering it, means that the ground around the pole is less prone to disturbance or loosening which may otherwise prevent a good tight fit in the ground, and with drill installation the top of the pole is less prone to damage. A further advantage of preferred embodiments is that the post may be adjusted easily to make it vertical, which can be done after the insertion of the poles into the ground, eg by having some of the poles further into the sleeve than others. In some cases, if the post becomes‘off-vertical’, or just misaligned generally, then the sleeve can unlocked (eg unscrewed) from the poles and gripped by hand. The sleeve, with the poles still within it, is maneuvered into the correct orientation and this has the effect of automatically adjusting the poles within the sleeve with respect to one another. For example the amount of each pole between the ground and the sleeve may alter by a different amount for at least some of the poles. When the correct orientation is reached the sleeve is again locked (eg with screw fasteners) to the poles.

In the case of hard ground surfaces, for example concrete or tight packed gravel or dirt, the poles may be formed from hardened steel. Prior to drilling them in, pilot holes may be drilled in the ground using a tungsten-tipped masonry bit, optionally with a hammer action drill.

In some embodiments of the invention the poles may have a square or barbed ground- engaging end. The upper end of each pole may have a recess shaped to receive a screwdriver head, eg a slit, star, hexagonal or square recess. In some embodiments each pole may have a constricted or otherwise reduced upper end to enable it to be fitted in a drill chuck without having to compromise on the thickness of the main elongate portion of the pole.

The invention is not limited to posts having only the number of poles specifically indicated in this document. Any suitable number of poles may be used, and any sleeve shape or configuration sufficient to receive them.

In further embodiments, posts according to the invention may be used for larger structures such as pylons, towers, radio or cell masts, antennae, upwardly extending structural support beams in buildings, bridges and building foundation pillars.

While some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example it should be understood that modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the following claims.