Ground engaging apparatus for light duty applications

Abstract

A ground engaging apparatus having a main portion for bearing a load applied by an article, and one or more pile engaging portions associated with the main portion. The main portion is capable of resisting deformation caused by the force in the absence of any strengthening structure extending across the main portion, or along or proximal to an edge of the main portion, or through a central region of the main portion. Deformation is resisted by a strengthening structure in a central region of the main portion.

Description

GROUND ENGAGING APPARATUS FOR LIGHT DUTY APPLICATIONSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] , The present invention relates generally to ground engaging apparatuses. Such apparatuses include footings, are used to support an article over the ground. Also included are anchors, which prevent an article form being lifted away from the ground due to wind forces, for example. More particularly, the present ground engaging apparatuses are used to support or anchor light weight articles such as solar panels, signs, antennas and the like.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] , Micropile-based footing apparatuses are known in the art. Typically, such apparatuses include a plate portion configured to receive an article to be supported (such as a post or a stump). A series of tubes may be connected to the plate portion. To engage the footing with the ground, a corrosion-resistant metal pile is driven into the ground through each tube using a pneumatic hand tool. The piles extend at an angle into the ground, and outwardly away from the plate portion. Such footings negate the need to excavate, and furthermore do not require concrete in order to engage with the ground.

[0003] , While micropile-based footings have been proven to be very useful in building construction and other applications, problems nevertheless present.

[0004] , One problem is that prior art footings are expensive to produce. While the expense may be an insignificant contributor in the overall cost of building construction, for light duty applications the cost may be prohibitive.

[0005] , Even if cost considerations are ignored, prior art footings require the use of relatively large amounts of steel or other materials, and also energy in production methods. Such excesses have negative consequences on the environment for each footing produced.

[0006] , It is an aspect of the present invention to provide an improvement to prior art ground engaging apparatuses. An improvement may be in the cost of manufacture, simplicity of manufacture, or energy consumption in manufacture. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a useful alternative to prior art ground engaging apparatuses.

[0007] , The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] , In a first aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention provides a substrate engaging apparatus comprising: a main portion configured to receive a force applied by an article, and one or more pile engaging portions associated with the main portion.

[0009] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the main portion is configured so as to be capable of resisting deformation caused by the force in the absence of any strengthening structure extending: across the main portion, or along or proximal to an edge of the main portion, or through a central region of the main portion.

[0010] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus is devoid of, or does not require, any strengthening structure extending: across the main portion, along or proximal to an edge of the main portion, or through a central region of the main portion[Oi l], In one embodiment of the first aspect, the strengthening structure forms part of, or is connected to, the main portion.

[0012] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the strengthening structure is selected from a rib, a thickened region, a bend, a flange, a frame member, an aperture, a cut-out, a seam, a groove, a brace, a hem, a dimple, a plate, a wire, a patch, a mesh, a plurality of matted fibres, a resin, a weld, or a functional equivalent of any of the aforementioned.

[0013] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus comprises a central region strengthening structure configured to resist deformation of the main portion caused by the force.

[0014] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the central region strengthening structure forms part of, or is connected to, the main portion.

[0015] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the central region strengthening structure is selected from a rib, a thickened region, a bend, a flange, a frame member, an aperture, a cut-out, a seam, a groove, a brace, a hem, a dimple, a plate, a wire, a patch, a mesh, a plurality of matted fibres, a resin, a weld, or a functional equivalent of any of the aforementioned.

[0016] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the central region strengthening structure has the geometry of a substantially closed circle, a substantially closed oval, or a substantially closed polygon.

[0017] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the central region strengthening structure is, or comprises, an aperture.

[0018] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the central region strengthening structure is, or comprises a tube or a tube-like structure extending substantially orthogonally through or from the main portion.

[0019] , In one embodiment ofthe first aspect, the tube or the tube-like structure has a cross- sectional geometry of a substantially closed circle, a substantially closed oval, or a substantially closed polygon.

[0020] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the tube or tube-like structure forms or contacts an edge of an aperture of the main portion.

[0021] . In one embodiment of the first aspect, the central region strengthening structure is, or comprises a ring or a ring-like structure extending substantially orthogonally through or from the main portion.

[0022] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the ring or the ring-like structure has a cross- sectional geometry of a substantially closed circle, a substantially closed oval, or a substantially closed polygon.

[0023] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the ring or ring-like aperture forms or contacts an edge of an aperture of the main portion.

[0024] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the main portion is a mainly or completely substantially planar.

[0025] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the main portion has a regular geometry and / or has an axis of symmetry.

[0026] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the main portion has a circular, oval or polygonal geometry.

[0027] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the main portion is fabricated from steel or another metal, or fibreglass or another reinforced resin.

[0028] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the main portion has a thickness across its majority portion of less than about 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm.

[0029] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the pile engaging portions is configured to as to allow a pile to pass therethrough, the pile travelling axially.

[0030] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, each of the pile engaging portions is configured to guide the pile downwardly into the substrate.

[0031] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the pile is guided downwardly so as to enter the substrate at an angle to the substrate surface or at an angle to the vertical.

[0032] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions is / are a sleeve or a tube, or a tube-like structure.

[0033] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the sleeve or the tube, or the tube-like structure has a cross sectional geometry selected from a circle, an oval or a polygon.

[0034] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions are on, or interior to, a peripheral edge of the main portion.

[0035] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions are exterior to a peripheral edge of the main portion.

[0036] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions are attached to the main portion by a connecting portion.

[0037] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus comprises means for engaging with an article to be supported or anchored.

[0038] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the article is an elongate member.

[0039] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the article is a post, a pole, a column, a stump, a framework member, or a beam.

[0040] , In one embodiment of the first aspect, the means for engaging with an article is a bracket, a socket, a male member, a female member, a recess, an aperture, a screw hole, a bolt hole, a thread, or a slot.

[0041] . In one embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus is configured so as be incapable of supporting or anchoring a mass of greater than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 50 kg.

[0042] , In a second aspect, the present invention provides an installation comprising the apparatus of any embodiment of the first aspect, the apparatus being engaged with a substrate by a pile engaged with each of the one or more pile engaging portions, and an article supported or anchored by the apparatus so as to be maintained in position.

[0043] . In one embodiment of the second aspect, the apparatus is responsible for supporting or anchoring a mass of less than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 50 kg.

[0044] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the substrate is a natural substrate.

[0045] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the natural substrate is soil, sand or clay.

[0046] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the installation comprises a plurality of footings of any embodiment of the first aspect.

[0047] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the article presents a surface area capable of being caught by the wind when the installation is performed outdoors.

[0048] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the surface area is at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 m2.

[0049] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the article is selected from: a solar panel, an array or solar panels, a solar heat energy absorber, an array of solar heat energy absorbers, a solar radiation reflecting mirror, and array of solar radiation reflecting mirrors, a sign, a shade cloth, a wind turbine, an antenna, a net, a shelter, an item of equipment, an air conditioner compressor, a light, and a flag pole..

[0050] , In one embodiment of the second aspect, the article is not a building or a part of a building.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0051] , FIG. 1A illustrates in plan view a preferred apparatus of the invention, useful as both a footing and an anchor. The dashed lines extending through each of the tubes indicates the axes along which piles are inserted through the tubes in the course of installation.

[0052] , FIG. IB illustrates in lateral view a section of the apparatus of FIG. 1A showing the angle of a peripheral tube to the plate.

[0053] , FIG. 1 C illustrates in lateral view of a section of the apparatus of FIG. 1 A showing the central tube extending downwardly from the plate.

[0054] , FIG. ID illustrates in plan view of a section of the apparatus of FIG. 1 A showing a first weld connecting a peripheral tube to the plate.

[0055] , FIG. IE illustrates the underside of the section shown in FIG. ID a second weld connecting a peripheral tube to the plate.

[0056] , FIG. IF illustrates in plan view the apparatus of FIG. 1A, annotated to show exemplary lengths and angles.

[0057] , FIG. 2 illustrates in plan view an alternative preferred apparatus, having the same general features as the embodiment of FIG. 1 A, although with an octagonal configuration, a greater number of peripheral tubes, and a greater number of slot-type apertures.

[0058] , FIG. 3 illustrates a solar farm installation having solar panels supported and anchored by a plurality of apparatuses of the present invention.

[0059] , Unless otherwise indicated herein, features of the drawings labelled with the same numeral are taken to be the same features, or at least functionally similar features, when used across different drawings.

[0060] , The drawings are not prepared to any particular scale or dimension and are not presented as being a completely accurate presentation of the various embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS THEREOF

[0061] , After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments, or indeed any embodiment covered by the claims.

[0062] , Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

[0063] , 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, appearances 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, but may.

[0064] , As used herein, positional terms such as “lateral”, “across”, “above”, “below”, “higher”, “lower”, “upward”, “downward”, “plan view” and the like are to be considered with reference to an apparatus disposed substantially horizontally on the ground as used to support or anchor an article above the ground. It will be understood that the present apparatus may engage with other substrates or be used in alternative orientations.

[0065] , The present invention is predicated at least in part on the inventors’ discovery that prior art micropile-based footings are generally over-engineered for light duty applications. Strengthening features such as ribs, flanges, the use of thick steel plate and the like are unnecessary for such applications and only add to cost and complexity in manufacture. At the same time, the inventors have found that a minimum level of resistance to deformation is nevertheless required. The light-duty nature of the present apparatus saves in material costs, such as steel for fabricating the main portion, the strengthening structure, and the pile engaging portions. Savings may also be made in anti-corrosion coatings (such as applied in galvanization) given the limited strengthening structures provided.

[0066] , Cost-effective constructions using relatively small amounts of material which provide a minimum level of deformation resistance (but not excessive amounts) are detailed herein.

[0067] , The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the following non-limiting examples and drawings.

[0068] , Reference is made to FIG. 1 A, illustrating an exemplary apparatus (10) that may be used as a footing to support an article, or as an anchor to secure an article to the ground or other substrate. The apparatus comprises a main portion in the form of a plate (15) fabricated from 6 mm steel. Disposed about the periphery of the plate (15) is a series of pile engaging portions, in this embodiment each being a peripheral tube (20). Each peripheral tube (20) is angled relative to the plate, and in this embodiment the angle is 25°.

[0069] , As shown in FIG. IB and 1C, the peripheral tube (20) is secured to the plate (15) by a weld (25). In this embodiment, a first continuous fillet weld (25a) is applied to one of the plate (15) and a second continuous fillet weld (25b) applied to the opposing side. The welds (25) extend about 50% the circumference of the tube (20).

[0070] , A central tube (30) extends downwardly from the plate (15), the lumen (35) of the central tube (30) being left open.

[0071] , Elongate apertures (40, 45) straddle the central tube (30). The apertures (40, 45) are the result of removal of material from the plate (15) by way of cutting, drilling, grinding or some other method. The apertures (40, 45) may be used as bolt holes to secure a socket, a bracket, or directly to an article to be supported or anchored.

[0072] , The embodiment just described, and other embodiments having functionally similar features may have one or more of the following functions and / or advantages.

[0073] , The central tube (30) functions to strengthen the plate (15) against bending, buckling, twisting, flexing, deflecting or other type of deformation. In some embodiments, the plate (15) is stiffened by the central tube. The central location of the tube (30) may provide for a lower level of deformation resistance than would be provided by, say ribs running across the plate. However, the present apparatus is intended for light duty application. The central location of the central tube leaves more peripheral areas of the plate to remain free of strengthening structures, an accordingly both the lower and upper faces of the plate (15) remain planar. The large planar areas of the lower face are able tomake sound contact with the ground beneath the apparatus (10), and in effect the ground (generally being compacted naturally or artificially) functions to support the plate (15) thereby providing some resistance to deformation.

[0074] , The central tube (30) may be easily urged into the underlying ground during installation thereby allowing the lower surface of the plate (15) to make sound contact with the underlying ground. The central nature of the tube requires the installer to simply stand on the centre of the apparatus (15) to push tube (30) into the ground. The tube (30) is hollow, and provides little resistance to the pushing force.

[0075] , The planar upper surface of the plate (15) is left free to contact any hardware to be placed on or engaged with the apparatus (10). For example, a socket (not drawn) may be bolted to the apparatus (10) by way of the apertures (40, 45), and a post (not drawn) received in the socket. The post may be used to support or anchor an article connected to the post, such as a solar panel.

[0076] , Many prior art footings have significant portions of their upper and lower faces dedicated to strengthening structures such as ribs, flanges and the like. Such footings are therefore less able to make sound contact with the underlying ground, or provide ample surface to support or engage with an article.

[0077] . The central tube (30) may be welded to the plate, or engaged in some other manner. In addition to functioning as a means for conferring deformation resistance to the plate (15), the central tube (30) be used in some embodiments to receive a pile (to better secure the apparatus (10) to the ground, or to engage with a bracket, or to even receive a pole for supporting an article. The central tube (30) may further function as a viewing port allowing the apparatus (10) to be visually centred on a surveyor pin or other location marker on the ground allowing for very precise installation. Alternatively the central tube (30) may receive a surveyor pin or other location marker so as to precisely locate the apparatus (10) on the ground.

[0078] , As for a prior art footing, each of the peripheral tubes (20) receives a pile during installation. The pile is typically similar to a metal pipe or similar. The piles are driven into the ground, being guided at the angle dictated by the tubes (20). The piles may be of a length such as 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more meters.

[0079] , FIG. ID shows exemplary lengths and angles for the various elements of the apparatus (10). The lengths and angles are non-limiting on the scope of the invention.

[0080] , As described above, the central tube functions to strengthen the plate so as to resist deformation caused by forces occasioned on the apparatus. For example, a downward force due to the mass of any supported article may act to deform an unstrengthened plate. A lifting force caused by a wind gust impacting on an anchored article may provide an upward force that could deform an unstrengthened plate.

[0081] . As will be appreciated, the central tube shown in the drawn embodiments may be modified in terms of shape, diameter, length and the like while still performing the same strengthening function. For example, the tube may have a cross-section that is square, triangular, ovoid or octagonal.

[0082] , The central tube may be completely absent (leaving an aperture, in which case the apertures is considered a strengthening structure) or may be replaced by a thickened annular region around an aperture to form a ring of sorts.

[0083] , In some embodiments, there is no aperture associated with the strengthening structure. For example, centrally located ribs, thickenings, flanges and the like may be used to strengthen the central region of the main region of the apparatus.

[0084] , In some embodiments the strengthening structure is connected to the main portion by an intermediate structure, then end result nevertheless being a resistance to deformation.

[0085] , It will be appreciated that multiple and different strengthening structures may be disposed in the central region.

[0086] , The strengthening structure is disposed in a central region of the main portion of the apparatus. The central region may be considered to be any region making up about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70% of the area of the main portion. Alternatively, the central region may be considered to be any region not abutting or overlapping with a peripheral region of the main portion, the peripheral region being that extending inwardly from the border or edge of the main portion for a distance of greater than about 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 39 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm, or less than about 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm,20 mm, 25 mm, 39 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 65 mm, 70 mm,75 mm, 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm or 100 mm.

[0087] , The present apparatus is designed to support or anchor an article for which a prior art apparatus is over-engineered. One such application is for a solar farm (also known as a solar field) whereby an apparatus of the present invention may be used (alone, or together with other same or similar apparatuses) to support and / or anchor a photovoltaic solar panel. Many solar panels may be supported and / or anchored with savings in costs and materials given the relatively light duty nature of the present apparatus. Reference is made to FIG. 3, showing a plurality of solar panels (one marked 100), mounted on a support frame (several components marked 105), the support frame (105) in turn mounted on stumps (one marked 110). The stumps (110) are secured to the ground (200) by a plurality of footing / anchor apparatuses (one marked 10).

[0088] , It will be understood that the present apparatus may be installed onto any suitable substrate. Natural ground (including soil, sand, clay and the like) will be a typical substrate, however other substrates are not precluded. For example, the apparatus may engage with compact snow, ice, fine gravels (which may be compacted), bituminous materials, and the like.

[0089] , Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to further variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention comprises all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0090] , Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A substrate engaging apparatus comprising: a main portion configured to receive a force applied by an article, and one or more pile engaging portions associated with the main portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the main portion is configured so as to be capable of resisting deformation caused by the force in the absence of any strengthening structure extending: across the main portion, or along or proximal to an edge of the main portion, or through a central region of the main portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2 that is devoid of, or does not require, any strengthening structure extending: across the main portion, along or proximal to an edge of the main portion, or through a central region of the main portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the strengthening structure forms part of, or is connected to, the main portion.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the strengthening structure is selected from a rib, a thickened region, a bend, a flange, a frame member, an aperture, a cut-out, a seam, a groove, a brace, a hem, a dimple, a plate, a wire, a patch, a mesh, a plurality of matted fibres, a resin, a weld, or a functional equivalent of any of the aforementioned.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a central region strengthening structure configured to resist deformation of the main portion caused by the force.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the central region strengthening structure forms part of, or is connected to, the main portion.8 The apparatus of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the central region strengthening structure is selected from a rib, a thickened region, a bend, a flange, a frame member, an aperture, a cut-out, a seam, a groove, a brace, a hem, a dimple, a plate, a wire, a patch, a mesh, a plurality of matted fibres, a resin, a weld, or a functional equivalent of any of the aforementioned.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the central region strengthening structure has the geometry of a substantially closed circle, a substantially closed oval, or a substantially closed polygon.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the central region strengthening structure is, or comprises, an aperture.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the central region strengthening structure is, or comprises a tube or a tube-like structure extending substantially orthogonally through or from the main portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the tube or the tube-like structure has a cross- sectional geometry of a substantially closed circle, a substantially closed oval, or a substantially closed polygon.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the tube or tube-like structure forms or contacts an edge of an aperture of the main portion.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the central region strengthening structure is, or comprises a ring or a ring-like structure extending substantially orthogonally through or from the main portion.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the ring or the ring-like structure has a cross-sectional geometry of a substantially closed circle, a substantially closed oval, or a substantially closed polygon.

16. The apparatus of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the ring or ring-like aperture forms or contacts an edge of an aperture of the main portion.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the main portion is a mainly or completely substantially planar.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the main portion has a regular geometry and / or has an axis of symmetry.

19. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the main portion has a circular, oval or polygonal geometry.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the main portion is fabricated from steel or another metal, or fibreglass or another reinforced resin.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the main portion has a thickness across its majority portion of less than about 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm, or 1 mm.

22. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein each of the pile engaging portions is configured to as to allow a pile to pass therethrough, the pile travelling axially.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein each of the pile engaging portions is configured to guide the pile downwardly into the substrate.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the pile is guided downwardly so as to enter the substrate at an angle to the substrate surface or at an angle to the vertical.

25. The footing of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions is / are a sleeve or a tube, or a tube-like structure.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the sleeve or the tube, or the tube-like structure has a cross sectional geometry selected from a circle, an oval or a polygon.

27. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions are on, or interior to, a peripheral edge of the main portion.

28. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions are exterior to a peripheral edge of the main portion.

29. The apparatus of any one of claim 28, wherein the at least one or all of the pile engaging portions are attached to the main portion by a connecting portion.

30. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 29 comprising means for engaging with an article to be supported or anchored.

31. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the article is an elongate member.

32. The apparatus of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the article is a post, a pole, a column, a stump, a framework member, or a beam.

33. The apparatus of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the means for engaging with an article is a bracket, a socket, a male member, a female member, a recess, an aperture, a screw hole, a bolt hole, a thread, or a slot.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 33 configured so as be incapable of supporting or anchoring a mass of greater than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 50 kg.

35. An installation comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 34, the apparatus being engaged with a substrate by a pile engaged with each of the one or more pile engaging portions, and an article supported or anchored by the apparatus so as to be maintained in position.

36. The installation of claim 35, wherein the apparatus is responsible for supporting or anchoring a mass of less than about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 50 kg.

37. The installation of claim 35 or claim 36, wherein the substrate is a natural substrate.

38. The installation of claim 37, wherein the natural substrate is soil, sand or clay.

39. The installation of any one of claims 36 to 38 comprising a plurality of footings of any one of claims 1 to 34.

40. The installation of any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein the article presents a surface area capable of being caught by the wind when the installation is performed outdoors.

41. The installation of claim 40, wherein the surface area is at least about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100 m2.

42. The installation of any one of claims 35 to 41 , wherein the article is selected from: a solar panel, an array or solar panels, a solar heat energy absorber, an array of solar heat energy absorbers, a solar radiation reflecting mirror, and array of solar radiation reflecting mirrors, a sign, a shade cloth, a wind turbine, an antenna, a net, a shelter, an item of equipment, an air conditioner compressor, a light, and a flag pole..

43. The installation of any one of claims 35 to 42, wherein the article is not a building or a part of a building

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