A POST HOLE COVER

Abstract

The present invention relates to a post hole cover comprising a cover portion adapted to substantially overlie a post hole and one or more ground-engaging members extending from the cover portion, wherein the cover portion includes one or more installation portions adapted to facilitate installation of the post hole cover over the post hole.

Claims

1. A post hole cover comprising a substantially dome-shaped cover portion adapted to substantially overlie a post hole and one or more ground-engaging members extending from the cover portion, wherein the cover portion includes one or more substantially planar installation portions adapted to facilitate installation of the post hole cover over the post hole, wherein the installation portions comprise lands, shoulders or recesses in an upper surface of the cover portion.

2. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein an upper surface of the cover portion is provided with one or more grip portions.

3. The post hole cover according to claim 2 wherein the one or more grip portions comprise a plurality of annular ribs extending at least partway about the cover portion.

4. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the post hole cover is provided with one or more handle portions.

5. The post hole cover according to claim 4 wherein the one or more handle portions comprise at least a pair of recesses, slots or channels extending into an upper surface of the cover portion.

6. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the post hole cover is provided with one or more reinforcing members adapted to increase one or more of the strength, rigidity, load-bearing capability and durability of the post hole cover.

7. The post hole cover according to claim 6 wherein the one or more reinforcing members are provided on a lower surface of the cover portion.

8. The post hole cover according to claim 6 wherein the one or more reinforcing members comprise ribs.

9. The post hole cover according to claim 8 wherein the ribs are in contact with the lower surface of the cover portion along their entire length.

10. The post hole cover according to claim 8 wherein the post hole cover comprises a first plurality of ribs extending in a first direction and a second plurality of ribs extending in a second direction.

11. The post hole cover according to claim 10 wherein the first direction and the second direction are oriented at an angle of about 90° to one another.

12. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the one or more ground-engaging members extend from a lower surface of the cover portion.

13. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the ground-engaging members extend at an angle of between about 85° and about 95° to the periphery of the cover portion.

14. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the ground-engaging members are shaped so as to form one or more points adapted to penetrate a ground surface adjacent the post hole.

15. The post hole cover according to claim 14 wherein the ground-engaging members are substantially triangular in shape, with a point or apex of the triangle adapted to penetrate the ground surface.

16. The post hole cover according to claim 14 wherein the ground-engaging members are adapted to penetrate the ground surface to such a depth that at least a portion of the cover portion is located in abutment with the ground surface.

17. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the installation portions are adapted to provide one or more regions of the post hole cover to which pressure is applied to facilitate penetration of the ground surface by the ground-engaging members.

18. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein each of the one or more installation portions at least partially overlies, or is positioned adjacent, a ground-engaging member.

19. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the post hole cover is stackable post hole cover.

20. The post hole cover according to claim 1 wherein the post hole cover is fabricated from a polycarbonate, or combination of polycarbonbates.

21-23. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0062] FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a post hole cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a post hole cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a post hole cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a pair of post hole covers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of a post hole cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a post hole cover when in use according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a post hole cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a pair of post hole covers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates a top isometric view of a post hole cover 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post hole cover 10 includes a cover portion 11, a plurality of ground-engaging members 12 depending from the cover portion 11 and a plurality of installation portions 13.

[0071] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the cover portion is generally circular. However, the radius of the cover portion 11 varies about the circumference. Specifically, in the regions of the cover portion 11 in which the ground-engaging members 12 are located, the radius of the cover portion 11 is greater than the regions 14 between adjacent ground-engaging members 12. In this way, a number of post hole covers 10 may be stacked on top of each other (best seen in FIG. 4). This improves the ease with which the post hole covers 10 can be stored and transported.

[0072] The cover portion 11 is generally convex in shape, with a central region 15 of the cover portion 11 located at a height above the periphery 16 of the cover portion 11. In this way, the cover portion 11 is generally in the shape of a dome.

[0073] A plurality of annular (or semi-annular) ribs 17 is located on the upper surface of the cover portion 11. The ribs 17 are spaced apart from one another between the central region 15 and the periphery 16 of the cover portion 11. The ribs 17 provide additional grip for a user that steps or stands on the upper surface of the cover portion 11. This is particularly of assistance in wet conditions so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury to workers.

[0074] The central region 15 of the cover portion 11 includes a pair of channels 18 extending into the upper surface of the cover portion 11. The pair of channels 18 are positioned substantially parallel to one another. The pair of channels 18 act as handles and allow a user to partially insert their hand into the channels 18 to grip the post hole cover 10.

[0075] As previously stated, the post hole cover 10 includes a plurality of ground-engaging members 12. The ground-engaging members 12 extend substantially downwardly from at or adjacent the periphery 16 of the cover portion 11. It is envisaged that, in use, the cover portion 11 will be positioned so as to overlie a post hole (not shown) and the ground-engaging members 12 will engage the ground surface near the rim of the post hole.

[0076] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the ground-engaging members 12 are spaced equidistantly from one another about the periphery 16 of the cover portion 11. The ground-engaging members 12 are substantially triangular in shape and are oriented such that an apex or point 19 of each ground-engaging member 12 is adapted to penetrate the ground surface, thereby securing or anchoring the post hole cover 10 to the ground.

[0077] The post hole cover 10 of FIG. 1 has the same number of ground-engaging members 12 as installation portions 13, and each installation portion 13 is associated with a ground-engaging member 12. Specifically, each installation portion 13 is located on the cover portion 11 so as to overlie, or be positioned adjacent, a ground-engaging member 12.

[0078] In use, it is envisaged that a user will position the post hole cover 10 over a post hole (not shown). Once in position, the user will apply a downward force to the post hole cover 10 such that the ground-engaging members 12 penetrate the ground surface to secure the post hole cover 10 in place over the post hole. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, a user may impact a hammer or mallet (not shown) on the installation portions 13 in order to secure the post hole cover 10 to the ground.

[0079] The installation portions 13 are formed as recesses in the cover portion 11, and are provided with a substantially planar surface 20 on which the user impacts a hammer or mallet (not shown). The planar surface 20 in the installation portions 13 assists in ensuring that the force of the impact is directed downwardly into the ground-engaging members 12 (particularly when, as in FIG. 1, the installation portions 13 overlie, or be positioned adjacent, the ground-engaging members 12). However, by providing the installation portions 13 as recesses in the cover portion 11, damage to the cover portion 11 by impacting a hammer or mallet thereon may be reduced or eliminated.

[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a post hole cover 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post hole cover 10 of FIG. 2 is identical to that shown in FIG. 1.

[0081] In FIG. 2, the lower surface 21 of the cover portion 11 may be seen. The lower surface 21 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing members in the form of a first set of ribs 22a extending in a first direction and a second set of ribs 22b extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set of ribs 22a. The first set of ribs 22a and the second set of ribs 22b intersect one another so as to provide additional strength to the cover portion 11. The ribs 22a, 22b extend from the central region 15 of the cover portion 11 towards the periphery 16 thereof.

[0082] The walls of the handle portions 18 that extend into the upper surface of the cover portion 11 also form reinforcing members in the lower surface 21 of the cover portion 11.

[0083] In FIG. 2, the recesses formed by the installation portions 13 may be seen. It may also be seen that the installation portions 13 overlie, or are positioned adjacent, a central portion of each ground-engaging member 12.

[0084] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a post hole cover 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure, the convex shape of the cover portion 11 may be seen. By providing the cover portion 11 with a convex shape, the cover portion 11 effectively forms a dome with the highest point located in the central region 15 of the cover portion 11 sloping down to the periphery 16.

[0085] It is envisaged that, when the post hole cover 10 is in use, the ground-engaging members 12 will penetrate the ground surface to substantially their full height. In this way, the periphery 16 of the cover portion 11 will be located in abutment with, or close proximity to, the ground surface.

[0086] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a pair of post hole covers 10a, 10b according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post hole covers 10a, 10b are shown stacked on top of one another, for example for storage or transportation.

[0087] In order to stack the covers, the upper cover 10a is positioned so that the ground-engaging members 12a are positioned in the regions 14b between adjacent ground-engaging members 12b of the lower cover 10b. As the radius of the cover 10b is greater where ground-engaging members 12b are located than in the regions 14b between adjacent ground-engaging members 12b, the ground-engaging members 12a are able to be located in the regions 14b, thereby allowing the covers 10a, 10b to be stacked on top of each other.

[0088] FIG. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of a post hole cover 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The post hole cover 100 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in that is includes a cover portion 101, a plurality of ground-engaging members 102 and a plurality of installation portions 103. However, some differences exist.

[0089] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5, ground-engaging members 102 are provided around substantially the entire periphery 104 of the cover portion 101. The ground-engaging members 102 located adjacent the installation portions 103 are larger than the ground-engaging members 102a located between adjacent installation portions 103. In addition, the central region 105 of the cover portion 101 is substantially planar.

[0090] The central region 105 is provided with a handle member 106 that extends substantially upwardly therefrom. The handle portion 106 includes an opening 107 therein, via which a user may grip the handle portion 106 to carry or move the post hole cover 100.

[0091] The installation portions 103 of the post hole cover 100 illustrated in FIG. 5 extend upwardly from the cover portion adjacent the periphery 104 thereof. Each of the installation portions 103 is positioned to overlie, or at least be located adjacent to, a ground-engaging member 102.

[0092] The installation portions 103 all include a planar surface 108 on which a user may impact a hammer or mallet (not shown) in order to provide the downward force required for the ground engaging members 102 (and also 102a) to penetrate the ground surface. In this way, the post hole cover 100 may be secured or anchored to the ground over a post hole (not shown).

[0093] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic view of a post hole cover 110 when in use according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post hole cover 110 is of slightly different construction to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5. However, the principle of use is the same for all of the post hole covers illustrated in the Figures.

[0094] In FIG. 6, a post hole 111 has been dug into the ground from a surface 112 thereof. In order to minimise or eliminate injury to workers (through accidentally stepping into the post hole 111), the cover 110 is placed over the post hole 111 so that the cover portion 113 entirely overlies the post hole 111.

[0095] Initially, the ground-engaging members 114 are located so as to abut the ground surface 112. A user will them impact a tool such as a hammer or mallet (not shown) in the installation portions 115 in order to force the ground-engaging members 114 to penetrate the ground surface 112. The ground-engaging members 114 penetrate the ground to their full height so that the periphery of the cover portion 113 is located in abutment with, or close proximity to, the ground surface 112. This not only ensures that the cover 110 is securely retained in place (therefore reducing the likelihood of the accidental or unwanted removal or movement of the cover 110) but also reduced or eliminates a trip hazard that could occur if a relatively large gap was present between the ground surface 112 and the periphery of the cover portion 113.

[0096] It is envisaged that, in order to remove the cover 110 when the post hole 111 is to be filled, a user may pull the cover 110 out of the ground. This may be possible in particular when the ground is wet or the soil is particularly loose. However, in other situations (such as when the ground if dry or the soil is compacted) a user may be required to lever the cover 110 out of the ground. This may be achieved using any suitable technique, although it is envisaged that a tool such as a shovel or crowbar (not shown) may be used. The tool may be positioned under the periphery of the cover portion 113 and then the tool used as a lever to extract the cover 110 from the ground.

[0097] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a post hole cover 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post hole cover 10 of FIG. 7 is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2, in that the lower surface 21 of the cover portion 11 may be seen. The lower surface 21 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing members in the form of a first set of ribs 22a extending in a first direction and a second set of ribs 22b extending substantially perpendicularly to the first set of ribs 22a. The first set of ribs 22a and the second set of ribs 22b intersect one another so as to provide additional strength to the cover portion 11. The ribs 22a, 22b extend from the central region 15 of the cover portion 11 towards the periphery 16 thereof.

[0098] However, the cover 10 shown in FIG. 7 differs from that of FIG. 2 in that the cover 10 of FIG. 7 includes a third set of ribs 22c extending in a third direction and a fourth set of ribs 22d extending in a fourth direction. The third set of ribs 22c and the fourth set of ribs 22d are positioned at an angle of approximately 90° to one another, and at an angle of approximately 45° to each of the first set of ribs 22a and the second set of ribs 22b.

[0099] In FIG. 7, it may be seen that each of the third set of ribs 22c and the fourth set of ribs 22d abuts or intersects at least one of the first set of ribs 22a and/or the second set of ribs 22b at a first end thereof. Each of the third set of ribs 22c and the fourth set of ribs 22d extends outwardly from the central region 15 of the cover 10 to a point at or adjacent the periphery 16 thereof.

[0100] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom isometric view of a pair of post hole covers 10a, 10b according to an embodiment of the present invention. The post hole covers 10a, 10b are shown stacked on top of one another, for example for storage or transportation.

[0101] The manner in which the post hole covers 10a, 10b of FIG. 8 are stacked is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 4. However, the post hole covers 10a, 10b of FIG. 8 are identical to the post hole cover of FIG. 7.

[0102] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0103] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0104] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.