Apparatus for enhanced signpost stabilization

Abstract

A new signpost soil plate is disclosed. The invention being comprised of two main parts that are symmetrical. The two parts being L-shaped plates configured to receive a plurality of signposts when coupled together and increasing the resistance and force required to alter or tamper with said signposts An object of the invention is to provide multi-directional support to a standard signpost assembly therein.

Claims

1. Signpost anchoring apparatus comprising: two L-shaped plates, each having an inner length and width joining at an inner right angle, an outer length and width forming an outer right angle, including two ends; and a mounting wing plate formed via a 90 degree bend orthogonally adjacent to only the inner width of each L-shaped plate; wherein with the mounting plates affixed to a vertical post, the L-shaped plates extend horizontally from the post and a length of the mounting plate is substantially equal to the inner width.

2. The signpost anchoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two L-shaped plates include a plurality of perpendicular wing plates formed on the outer length and width.

3. The signpost anchoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mounting plates include apertures to receive fasteners enabling mounting to the post.

4. A method of anchoring a vertical post in soil, the method comprised of the following steps: (a) positioning two L-shaped plates around the sign post each L-shaped plate having an inner length and width joining at an inner right angle, an outer length and width forming an outer right angle, including two ends; (b) securing the two L-shaped plates to the vertical post via a mounting wing plate formed on each L-shaped plate via a 90 degree bend orthogonally adjacent to the inner width of each L-shaped plate; and (c) preventing the post from being pulled from the ground via the two L-shaped plates extending horizontally from the post.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the securing is accomplished via fasteners connecting the L-shaped plates to the post.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the L-shaped plates each have an upper surface and an under surface, the upper surface pressing against the soil enabling the prevention of step (c).

7. The signpost anchoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein a length of the mounting plate is substantially equal to the inner width.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description refers to the annexed drawings wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a technical illustration of the present invention in plan and elevation views.

(3) FIG. 2 is an illustration of the present invention in an isometric drawing.

(4) FIG. 3 is a shaded illustration of the present invention in three dimensions.

(5) FIG. 4a is an illustration of the present invention designed for use with a square metal signpost detailing the soil plate assembly in an initial and final position.

(6) FIG. 4b is an illustration of the present invention designed for use with a square metal signpost detailing the soil plate assembly in its final position.

(7) FIG. 5 is an illustration of the installation of the present invention on a metal U channel signpost.

(8) FIG. 6 is an illustration of the installation of the present invention on a square signpost.

(9) FIG. 7 is an illustration of the installation of the present invention on a round signpost.

(10) FIG. 8 is an exploded illustration of the installation of the present invention on a square metal signpost.

(11) Other aspects of the present invention shall be more readily understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the following detailed description, neither of which should be considered limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(12) With reference now to the drawings FIGS. 1 through 8 thereof and in particular FIG. 8 which represents an exploded technical drawing of the new signpost soil plate, designated by the reference numeral 10, embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally will be described. The utilization of this inventive device includes a self-positioning signpost soil plate assembly 10 that is installed onto a standard signpost irrespective of the material, shape, configuration or post assembly (single or multiple pieces) 6. More specifically, as detailed in FIG. 8 it will be noted that the signpost soil plate comprised of: a pair of elongated asymmetrical L shaped wing members 10 extend horizontally outward from the signpost 6 to provide multi-directional stabilization of the signpost 6 and installed below the surface of the ground G. The pair of elongated asymmetrical L shaped wing members 10 includes a pair of aligned mounting holes 15 for securing the elongated asymmetrical L shaped wing members 10 to the signpost 6 with a standard fastener assembly such as a bolt 27, steel fender washer 35 and nylon washer 38 and a lock nut 40 or a or lag screw, and steel fender washer 35 and nylon washer 3 as necessitated by the specific signpost utilized.

(13) All fastener assembles shall be tightened as necessitated by field and signpost conditions. Each one of the pair of elongated asymmetrical L shaped wing members 10 extends horizontally outward from the signpost 6 at an angle of about 180 degrees to the other one. In addition, each one of the of elongated asymmetrical L shaped wing members 10 is bent at an angle along an imaginary vertical axis X so as to form adjacent multi-planar vertical walls. The wing angles are about 90 degrees so as to provide stabilization support in perpendicular/vertical planes. As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

(14) Due to the wide assortment of commercially available signposts that differ in materials and configurations. Accessories that quicken and enhance the utilization of this new invention may be utilized: The backer plate assembly for U channel posts. FIG. 5 An alignment sleeve 20 for round posts to increase the accuracy and speed in installing the alignment holes in round posts. FIG. 7 Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention

(15) It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.