Helical ground anchor and method of its use

Abstract

A ground anchor system for anchoring a post comprises a base plate, a housing extending above the base plate, an anchor extending below the base plate, the anchor comprising a tapered helix having a thread encircling a tube which tapers inwardly towards the lower end of the anchor, and a boring tip at the lower end of the anchor. The tapered helical thread of the anchor firmly engages with the ground into which it is threaded to provide a solid support to a post inserted in the housing. Helix taper and length, and thread taper and pitch may be selected to optimize retention and lateral support of a post in a particular ground type.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to ground anchors. In particular, the invention relates to a ground anchor for securing and installing posts for use in fencing or other construction. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Several problems arise when securing posts for construction, such as are used for fences, greenhouses, sheds, etc. in loose, wet, inaccessible or otherwise difficult ground. Firstly, the retention of a post in the ground is lessened by variable soil conditions such as soil compactness, water saturation, and variable water levels which may reduce the amount of force required to dislodge a post. Secondly, traditional wooden posts remaining in wet soils have a limited life span, usually no more than ten years, as they are susceptible to rot and decay when immersed in a moist soil environment. Thirdly, installed posts, whether pounded or reinforced by a concrete pour, are difficult to maintain, extract or adapt, and are gener...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] The housing may comprise solid walls or non-solid walls. At least one interior wall of the housing may comprise friction enhancing means. The friction enhancing means may be at least one vertical ridge or a plurality of fins. The housing may further comprise post attachment means. The post attachment means may be one or more bolts, one or more screws, or a threaded adaptor lining the housing for receiving a threaded post. The housing further may comprise one or more insertable elements to reduce the horizontal cross-sectional area of the housing.

Problems solved by technology

Several problems arise when securing posts for construction, such as are used for fences, greenhouses, sheds, etc. in loose, wet, inaccessible or otherwise difficult ground.

Secondly, traditional wooden posts remaining in wet soils have a limited life span, usually no more than ten years, as they are susceptible to rot and decay when immersed in a moist soil environment.

Thirdly, installed posts, whether pounded or reinforced by a concrete pour, are difficult to maintain, extract or adapt, and are generally non-reusable.

Such a helix is sufficient for temporary installations designed for easy removal, but would be insufficient for long term post installations.

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