The invention has particular but not exclusive application to forming foundations for posts of the type used with wire cable traffic barriers.

BACKGROUND ART It is well known to provide barriers adjacent the edge of a motorway for the purpose of arresting a vehicle which has left the motorway out of control.

Traditionally, these barriers have been solid fence- like constructions.

More recently, wire cable barriers have come into use. These barriers are similar to a wire fence in that cables are strung along a line of posts.

One of the major jobs associated with erecting a wire cable barrier is the forming of foundations for the posts. Presently, this involves digging a hole with an auger or the like (and disposing of the soil), pouring concrete into the hole, placing a male former into the concrete, and later removing the former to leave a female socket adapted to receive the post. The post can then be located in the socket.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION In one aspect the invention resides in a method of forming a foundation for a post, the method including:- driving a sleeve into the ground, the sleeve being adapted to receive the post.

In another aspect the invention resides in apparatus for use with the above method, the apparatus including a sleeve member adapted to be driven into the ground, and

floor means within the sleeve or means for forming a floor within the sleeve, the floor being at a predetermined depth.

The sleeve may be provided with protective means, for example in the form of flange means, preferably located at its upper end.

In another aspect the invention resides in a method of forming a foundation for a post, the method including:- driving a sleeve into the ground, the sleeve being adapted to receive the post, the sleeve receiving ram means during said driving, the ram means extending downwardly at least partially within the sleeve and including seating means such that the ram means seats on the sleeve and is struck by the driver.

The seating means may be in the form of flange means provided on the ram means, preferably at the upper end thereof.

The sleeve and the ram means may initially be driven independently. For example, the sleeve may be driven partially into the ground, then the ram means positioned and driven, then the driving of the sleeve completed.

In another aspect the invention resides in apparatus for use in the above method including:- sleeve means, and ram means adapted to extend within the sleeve, said ram means being provided with seating means whereby, in use of the method, the ram means is struck by the driver.

Locking or security means may be provided to avoid withdrawal of the post from the sleeve. The locking means may be in the form of detent means positioned between the sleeve and the post. In one arrangement the locking means is in the form of resilient detent means adapted, in use, to engage with a recess or notch in the post. The locking means may be disengaged by suitable

tool means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In order that this invention may be more easily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:- FIGS 1 to 3 are a sequential series of sectioned elevations of a first device for use in accordance with the present invention; FIG 4 is a sectioned elevation of a second device for use in accordance with the present invention; FIG 5 is a detailed view of a sectioned elevation of a post located in the sleeve.

BEST MODE With reference to FIGS 1 to 3, there is illustrated sleeve 2 which is adapted to be driven into the ground by known driving means such as, for example, may be mounted on a tractor. Received within sleeve 2 is ram means 4 in the form of a"dolly"as shown in FIG 1. Ram means 4 includes seating means in the form of an upper flange 6 which protects the upper rim of sleeve 2 from the direct impact of the driving means. Thus, in this embodiment, it is the ram means 4 which is struck rather than the sleeve 2.

The assembly of the sleeve and ram means is driven to the position shown in FIG 2. It will be noted that the sleeve is left slightly proud relative to the ground level to prevent ingress of surface water.

The ram means 4 is removed leaving the sleeve remaining as shown in FIG 3. The earth within the sleeve has been driven down to a predetermined depth which is dictated by the length of the ram means 4.

The sleeve 2 is now ready to receive a post to the predetermined depth. A skirt or the like may be provided

around the post to prevent ingress of water or debris into any space between the post and sleeve.

In another embodiment the sleeve and ram means may be driven independently. In such an embodiment the sleeve may be driven partially into the ground, then the ram means driven, then the driving of the sleeve completed. It has been found that if the sleeve is driven completely at first instance, the subsequent driving of the ram means can upset the location of the sleeve.

Referring now to FIG 4, there is illustrated a further embodiment in which the ram means has been replaced by floor means 8 formed within the sleeve 2 and the protective flange 6 is integral with the sleeve. In this embodiment the sleeve is driven into the ground and the earth beneath the floor means 8 is simultaneously driven.

Referring now to FIG 5, there is illustrated a locking or security device to prevent unauthorised withdrawal of the post from the sleeve. As can be seen, a detent 10 can be provided between the post and sleeve.

In the illustrated example, the detent 10 is resiliently biased into engagement with a notch 12 in the post 14.

Thus, withdrawal of the post from the sleeve is prevented except when the detent is manually released/urged out of engagement with the post with a specially adapted tool.

The invention provides an alternative method of forming foundations for posts in which there is no need to dig holes, pour concrete and form sockets within the concrete.

It will of course be realised that whilst the above has been given by way of an illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations hereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.