POST SUPPORT HAVING EXTENSIVE ANGULAR ADJUSTABILITY

Abstract

A adjustable post support includes a post receptacle with a first longitudinal axis; a mount with a second longitudinal axis; and upper and lower adjustment plates disposed therebetween. The upper adjustment plate resides closer to the receptacle, rotates about the first longitudinal axis, and has a first surface above an opposing second surface. The first surface remains normal to the first longitudinal axis when rotated. The second surface resides at an angle to the first surface. The lower adjustment plate rotates about the second longitudinal axis and has a third surface above an opposing fourth surface. The fourth surface remains normal to the second longitudinal axis when rotated. The third surface resides at an angle to the fourth surface. The second surface is disposed against the third surface.

Claims

1. An adjustable post support, comprising: a post receptacle, the post receptacle defining a longitudinal axis, the post receptacle configured for engagement with a fence post with the fence post residing at least partially along the longitudinal axis; upper and lower adjustment plates residing below the receptacle, the upper adjustment plate residing above the lower adjustment plate and closer to the receptacle; the upper adjustment plate being rotatable about the longitudinal axis; the upper adjustment plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface being above the second surface and disposed closer to the receptacle; the second surface being at least partially planar, the at least partial plane of the second surface residing at an acute angle to and not orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis; the lower adjustment plate defining a rotational axis and being rotatable about the rotational axis; the lower adjustment plate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, the third surface being above the fourth surface and disposed closer to the upper adjustment plate; the third surface being at least partially planar, the at least partial plane of the third surface residing at an acute angle to and not orthogonal to the rotational axis; the at least partial plane of the second surface abutting the at least partial plane of the third surface.

2. The adjustable post support of claim 1, further including a mount.

3. The adjustable post support of claim 1, further including a stake.

4. The adjustable post support of claim 1, wherein the post receptacle is male.

5. The adjustable post support of claim 1, wherein the post receptacle is female.

6. The adjustable post support of claim 1, wherein the upper adjustment plate further includes a tab residing outboard of the upper adjustment plate.

7. The adjustable post support of claim 1, wherein the upper adjustment plate and the lower adjustment plate are round.

8. A method of adjusting the angular orientation of a post relative to the horizon, comprising the steps of: providing the adjustable post support of claim 2; mounting the adjustable post support; rotating one or both of the upper adjustment plate and the lower adjustment plate until the desired angular orientation of the receptacle is achieved; and installing a post in the receptacle.

9. An adjustable post support, comprising; a post receptacle, the post receptacle defining a first longitudinal axis; a mount, the mount defining a second longitudinal axis; upper and lower adjustment plates disposed between the post receptacle and the mount, the upper adjustment plate residing above the lower adjustment plate and closer to the receptacle; the upper adjustment plate being rotatable about the first longitudinal axis; the upper adjustment plate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, the first surface being above the second surface and disposed closer to the receptacle; the first surface being at least partially planar and the at least partial plane of the first surface remaining perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis as the upper adjustment plate is rotated about the first longitudinal axis; the second surface being at least partially planar, the at least partial plane of the second surface residing at an angle to and not parallel with the at least partial plane of the first surface; the lower adjustment plate being rotatable about the second longitudinal axis; the lower adjustment plate having a third surface and an opposing fourth surface, the fourth surface being below the third surface and disposed closer to the mount; the fourth surface being least partially planar and the at least partial plane of the fourth surface remaining perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis as the lower adjustment plate is rotated about the second longitudinal axis; the third surface being at least partially planar, the at least partial plane of the third surface residing at an angle to and not parallel with the at least partial plane of the fourth surface; the second surface disposed against the third surface.

10. The adjustable post support of claim 9, wherein the post receptacle is male.

11. The adjustable post support of claim 9, wherein the post receptacle is female.

12. The adjustable post support of claim 9, wherein the upper adjustment plate further includes a tab residing outboard of the upper adjustment plate.

13. The adjustable post support of claim 9, wherein the upper adjustment plate and the lower adjustment plate are round.

14. A method of adjusting the angular orientation of a post relative to the horizon, comprising the steps of: providing the adjustable post support of claim 9; mounting the adjustable post support; rotating one or both of the upper adjustment plate and the lower adjustment plate until the desired angular orientation of the receptacle is achieved; and installing a post in the receptacle.

15. An adjustable post support, comprising: a post receptacle, the post receptacle defining a first longitudinal axis; a mount, the mount defining a second longitudinal axis; and means for adjusting the angular orientation of the first longitudinal axis relative to the second longitudinal axis.

16. The adjustable post support of claim 15, wherein the post receptacle is male.

17. The adjustable post support of claim 15, wherein the post receptacle is female.

18. The adjustable post support of claim 15, wherein the means include outboard tabs.

19. The adjustable post support of claim 15, wherein the means are round.

20. A method of adjusting the angular orientation of a post relative to the horizon, comprising the steps of: providing the adjustable post support of claim 15; mounting the adjustable post support; rotating the means until the desired angular orientation is achieved; and installing a post in the receptacle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can be understood in reference to the detailed description below in combination with the drawings, in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are parallel;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are not parallel;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are parallel;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are not parallel;

[0030] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 6 is an exploded side elevation view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an adjustable post support in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are not parallel;

[0033] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an adjustment plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an adjustment plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of an adjustment plate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustment plate, taken at F:F in FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a receptacle and a spacer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 16 is a top view of a portion of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0042] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portion of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] It should be noted that the drawings discussed above and below are not to scale in all instances, but may have exaggerated dimensions in some respects to illustrate one or more of the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and is not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with a second embodiment to yield a third embodiment. It is intended that the present application include such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the invention. Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

[0045] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of formatives of the words “include,” “comprise,” and “have” is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the term “connected” is used broadly and encompasses direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, or couplings. Further, such phraseology is not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0046] As used herein, the words “above,” “upper,” “top,” and like gravitational orientations denote positions and/or orientations relatively toward the adjustable post mount receptacle and distal from the mount. Similarly, the words “below,” “lower,” and “bottom” denote positions and/or orientations relatively distal from the adjustable post mount receptacle and relatively toward the mount.

[0047] An adjustable post support, generally 20, is provided. Adjustable post support 20 may include a mount, a receptacle, and upper and lower adjustment plates disposed between the receptacle and the mount.

[0048] Any and all of the mount, receptacle, and upper and lower adjustment plates may be fabricated, in whole or in part, of metal, of plastic, of resin, of carbon fiber, or of other material, alone or in combination.

[0049] An example receptacle 30 is illustrated in the appended figures. Generally, receptacle 30 may be configured to engage with a post. Example receptacle 30 is illustrated in the appended drawings to be of a female configuration, to receive therein a post. Alternatively, however, receptacle 30 may be of a male configuration, so as to be received within an aperture defined within a post, such as for example a post with a hollow that has been configured to receive therein a male receptacle 30, and still be within the scope of the invention herein.

[0050] Receptacle 30 in the illustrated embodiment is configured to receive therein a post of rectangular cross-section. However, other female-configured receptacles 30 may be configured to receive posts of round cross-sections or of other advantageous cross-sections as particular circumstances may find beneficial.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of receptacle 30, a first side 301 is joined with a second side 302. Second side 302 is joined with third side 303, which in turn is joined with fourth side 304. In some embodiments, fourth side 304 may joined with first side 301 but, in the illustrated embodiment, fourth side 304 and first side 301 are not joined. Instead, in the illustrated embodiment, first side 301 includes a first tab 31 projecting therefrom. First tab 31 includes a tab aperture 39a. Similarly, fourth side 304 includes a third tab 33 aligned with first tab 31, third tab 33 including a tab aperture 39c. A tightener, such as first bolt 351 with a first nut 352, may be disposed through apertures 39a, 39c to draw first tab 31 and third tab 33 toward one another and thereby more tightly grip a post disposed within receptacle 30. In other optional embodiments, first side 301 may include a second tab 32 projecting therefrom. Second tab 32 may include a tab aperture 39b. Similarly, fourth side 304 optionally may include a fourth tab 34 aligned with second tab 32, fourth tab 34 optionally including a tab aperture 39d. A tightener, such as a second bolt 361 with a second nut 362, may be disposed through apertures 39b, 39d to draw second tab 32 and fourth tab 34 toward one another and thereby more tightly grip a post disposed within receptacle 30.

[0052] Receptacle 30 may also include a receptacle plate 91 disposed proximate the bottom of receptacle 30. Receptacle plate 91 may include a receptacle plate aperture 94 therethrough, with a tightening bolt 381 and tightening nut 382 residing in receptacle plate aperture 94. Tightening bolt 381 and tightening nut 382 may be used to tighten receptacle 30 to a mount, such as a stake 50, once a desired angular orientation between the mount, such as a stake 50, and receptacle 30 is achieved.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, receptacle 30 is depicted to include one or more apertures 37. Aperture 37 may allow a user the place a screw or bolt through a side 301, 302, 303, and/or 304 once a post has been received in receptacle 30, to further secure the post to receptacle 30.

[0054] Receptacle 30 may be understood to have a receptacle axis B. Receptacle axis B is a longitudinal axis of receptacle 30. Receptacle axis B may also be understood and defined to include a longitudinal axis of a post mounted in receptacle 30. In certain embodiments, including the embodiment illustrated in the appended drawings, receptacle axis B is parallel to the planes in which first side 301, second side 302, third side 303, and fourth side 304 reside.

[0055] Various mounts may be used with adjustable post support 20. For example, a surface mount may be used for mounting a post to a deck or other nominally horizontal surface. Such a surface mount may include a generally planar lower surface, to abut against the surface upon which the adjustable post support is to be affixed, for example a deck. If a surface mount is used, it may be understood to define a axis A perpendicular to its generally planar lower surface.

[0056] Only for illustrative purposes herein, a stake 50 exemplifies a type of mount for adjustable post support 20. Other mounts, including surface mounts as described in the preceding paragraph, are included in the scope of the within invention.

[0057] Stake 50 may be understood to have an upper end 501 proximate receptacle 30 and a lower end 502 distal from receptacle 30. Various embodiments of stake 50 may be used with the within adjustable post support 20 and fall within the scope of the within invention; for illustrative purposes only, a stake 50 with first fin 51, second fin 52, third fin 53, and fourth fin 54 is depicted. First fin 51 and third fin 53 may reside in the same plane or in parallel planes. Similarly, second fin 52 and fourth fin 54 may reside in the same plane or in parallel planes. First fin 51 and second fin 52 may reside in perpendicular planes. In such embodiments, an axis A may be understood to be co-linear with the intersections of fins 51, 52, 53, and 54. In other embodiments, axis A may be understood to be co-linear with the longest length of the particular stake configuration being used. In the illustrated embodiment, stake 50 tapers from its upper end 501 to its lower end 502 so as to provide for easier effort in driving stake 50 into the earth.

[0058] In some embodiments, first fin 51 may include a first cutout 55, second fin 52 may include a second cutout 56, third fin 53 may include a third cutout 57, and fourth fin 54 may include a fourth cutout 58, to accommodate placement of tightening nut 382, as aforedescribed.

[0059] A stake plate 90 may be disposed proximate to upper end 501 of the mount, for example stake 50.

[0060] So configured, once the desired alignment of receptacle 30 to the mount, for example stake 50, is achieved as described in more detail hereinbelow, tightening bolt 381 may be tightened against tightening nut 382 to pull receptacle 30 toward stake 50 thereby to lock the adjustable post support into that desired alignment.

[0061] The structure providing means for adjusting the angular orientation of the longitudinal axis of a post receptacle relative to the longitudinal axis of a mount are an upper adjustment plate 70 and lower adjustment plate 80 disposed between receptacle 30 and the mount, for example stake 50.

[0062] Upper adjustment plate 70 may be rotated about an axis, for example the longitudinal axis B of receptacle 30. Upper adjustment plate 70 has a first surface 701 and a second surface 702, the first surface 701 being above second surface 702 and closer to receptacle 30. First surface 701 may be at least partially planar and the at least partial plane of first surface 701 may remain normal to the longitudinal axis B of receptacle 30 as upper adjustment plate 70 is rotated about longitudinal axis B of receptacle 30. Second surface 702 may be at least partially planar, the at least partial plane of second surface 702 may reside at an angle to and not parallel with the at least partial plane of first surface 701.

[0063] Lower adjustment plate 80 may be rotated about an axis, for example the longitudinal axis A of the mount such as stake 50. Lower adjustment plate 80 has what may be denominated to be a third surface 803 and a fourth surface 804, the fourth surface 804 being below the third surface 803 and closer to the mount. The fourth surface may be at least partially planar and the at least partial plane of the fourth surface may remain normal to the longitudinal axis A of the mount as the fourth adjustment plate is rotated about the longitudinal axis A of the mount. The third surface 803 may be at least partially planar, the at least partial plane of the third surface 803 may reside at an angle to and not parallel with the at least partial plane of the fourth surface 804.

[0064] The second surface 702 of the upper adjustment plate 70 may abut against the third surface 803 of the lower adjustment plate 80.

[0065] Thus, the upper and lower adjustment plates, 70 and 80 respectively, may be rotated relative to one another, and/or the upper adjustment plate 70 may be rotated relative to receptacle 30, and/or the lower adjustment plate 80 may be rotated relative to stake 50, such that the longitudinal axis B of receptacle 30 and the longitudinal axis A of the mount, such as stake 50, are parallel. Additionally, however, the upper and lower adjustment plates, 70 and 80 respectively, may be rotated relative to one another, and/or the upper adjustment plate 70 may be rotated relative to receptacle 30, and/or the lower adjustment plate 80 may be rotated relative to stake 50, such that the longitudinal axis B of receptacle 30 is caused to reside at an adjusted angle, for example C that is not 180 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis A of the mount, for example stake 50. Considering that upper adjustment plate 70 may be rotated at any of three hundred sixty different degrees of orientation relative to the lower adjustment plate 80, and that lower plate 80 may be rotated at any of three hundred sixty different degrees of orientation relative to stake 50, adjusted angle C might be any of thousands of different orientations. It will be observed that rotating the upper adjustment plate 70 relative to the lower adjustment plate 80 will swing the longitudinal axis B of the receptacle in an arc. It will be further observed that rotating the lower adjustment plate 80 relative to the mount 50 may rotate such arc a full 360 degrees. Thus, by rotating both the lower adjustment plate 70 relative to the mount 50 and by rotating the upper adjustment plate 70 relative to the lower adjustment plate 80, the longitudinal axis of the receptacle B may be adjusted to an infinite number of angles relative to the longitudinal axis A of the mount.

[0066] Once upper adjustment plate 70 and lower adjustment plate 80 have been rotated relative to stake 50, receptacle 30, and/or to each other to a provide a desired adjusted angle C and axis B is perpendicular to the horizon (or resides at some other desired angle relative to the horizon), such desired adjusted angle C may then be locked by tightening bolt 381, which resides within receptacle plate aperture 94, tightener aperture 81, and stake plate aperture 95, with tightening nut 382.

[0067] Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 illustrate an embodiment of adjustable post support 20, including relative exemplary locations of the following components:

TABLE-US-00001 stake axis A fourth side 304 receptacle axis B first tab 31 adjusted angle C second tab 32 lower plate angle D third tab 33 fold line G fourth tab 34 post support 20 tightener apertures 39a, b, c, d receptacle 30 first bolt 351 first side 301 first nut 352 second side 302 second bolt 361 third side 303 second nut 362 aperture 37 first surface 701 tightening bolt 381 second surface 702 tightening nut 382 first tab 72 stake 50 lower adjustment plate 80 upper end 501 third surface 803 lower end 502 fourth surface 804 first fin 51 tightener aperture 81 second fin 52 second tab 82 third fin 53 stake plate 90 fourth fin 54 stake plate aperture 95 first cutout 55 receptacle plate 91 second cutout 56 receptacle plate aperture 94 third cutout 57 spacer 92 fourth cutout 58 spacer drains 93a, b upper adjustment plate 70

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are parallel. The relative positions of first tab 72 and second tab 82 will be observed. By comparison, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are not parallel—the relative positions of first tab 72 and second tab 82 has been changed from that of FIG. 1, in that upper adjustment plate 70 and lower adjustment plate 80 have been rotated to achieve adjusted angle C.

[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are parallel. The relative positions of first tab 72 and second tab 82 will be observed. By comparison, FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are not parallel—the relative positions of first tab 72 and second tab 82 has been changed from that of FIG. 3, in that upper adjustment plate 70 and lower adjustment plate 80 have been rotated to achieve adjusted angle C.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are parallel. The relative positions of first tab 72 and second tab 82 will be observed. By comparison, FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded side elevation view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis of the receptacle and the longitudinal axis of the mount are not parallel—the relative positions of first tab 72 and second tab 82 has been changed from that of FIG. 5, in that upper adjustment plate 70 and lower adjustment plate 80 have been rotated to achieve adjusted angle C.

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates a top plan view of an adjustable post support 20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the longitudinal axis B of the receptacle, which extends normal to the illustration of FIG. 7, and the longitudinal axis A of the mount are not parallel, thus exposing to this view the lower end 501 of stake 50.

[0072] FIGS. 8, 9, 10, and 11 illustrate views of an example embodiment of lower adjustment plate 80, which includes tightener aperture 81 and tab 82. Upper adjustment plate 70 may be similarly, or exactly, configured, but is not depicted in the drawings. As illustrated in FIG. 10, lower adjustment plate 80 may have a third surface 803 and a fourth surface 804 that reside in different, nonparallel planes. Tightener aperture 81 is also illustrated. In some embodiments, lower plate angle D may be three degrees; in other embodiments, to achieve greater or lesser adjustability for adjustable post support 20, other lower plate angles D may be selected, along with different angles between first surface 701 and second surface 702 of upper adjustment plate 70.

[0073] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate examples of how receptacle 30 may be configured. As illustrated in both, a spacer 92 may be included that will provide space between a bottom of a post held by receptacle 30 and the bottom of receptacle 30, spacer 92 may to provide for drainage of rainwater and for aeration beneficial for wooden posts that may be received in receptacle 30.

[0074] FIGS. 14, 15, 16, and 17 illustrate possible configurations of a stake 50 serving as a mount for adjustable post support 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, a stake 50 may be fabricated by bending or forming a single sheet of material at a ninety degree angle, creating fold lines G, then joining one such member with an identically-formed member at the fold lines G, so as to result in the configuration shown in FIG. 14. In such a configuration, fold line G would form stake axis A.

[0075] It should be appreciated that, in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Moreover, any components, features, or steps illustrated and/or described in a particular embodiment herein, can be applied to or used with any other embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that may issue from the benefit of the within disclosure.

[0076] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the various patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.