Post mounting assembly and method for mounting a post to a ground surface using the same
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-25
Smart Images
Figure CA2024050656_21112024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
POST MOUNTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING A POST TO A GROUND SURFACE USING THE SAMERELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 502,512 filed May 16, 2023 entitled Post Mounting Assembly and Method for Mounting a Post to a Ground Surface Using the Same, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The technical field relates to post mounting assemblies and, more particularly, to assemblies to mount a post or another similar element to a ground surface in a possible inclined orientation and to methods for mounting a post to a ground surface.BACKGROUND
[0003] The installation of a post is typically achieved by casting it into a concrete foundation at a time of construction or, at a later date, by boring a hole in the concrete having a diameter capable of receiving the pole and to secure the post to the ground surface using masonry mortar or another binding material. However, such processes can be labour intensive, time consuming and / or may not be appropriate to allow a user to easily and precisely adjust an angle of the post relative to the surface of the ground.
[0004] Alternatively, post mounting assemblies are connectors designed to secure a structural post to an existing ground surface or foundation. In particular, post mounting assemblies for handrails are typically fastened to a ground surface using one or more ground anchors. For instance, post bases can be fastened using a plurality of smaller ground anchors. However, these post bases typically require a large planar flange portion configured to receive the ground anchors which can be visually displeasing.
[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a post mounting assembly which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.SUMMARY
[0006] According to one aspect, there is provided a post mounting assembly for mounting a post to a ground surface, the post mounting assembly comprising: an upper base member comprising a first connection interface and a post connector, the post connector being engageable with the post; and a lower base member being mountable to the ground surface, the lower base member comprising a second connection interface configured to at least partially superpose the first connection interface when the upper and lower base members are assembled, and a ground interface opposite the second connection interface; wherein the upper and lower base members are configured to be assembled in one of multiple angular positions relative to one another, at least one of the multiple angular positions being associated with a corresponding inclined configuration of the post in which a longitudinal axis of the post is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the ground interface when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post.
[0007] In some embodiments, a first angular position between the upper and lower base members is associated with a non-inclined configuration of the post in which the post is parallel with respect to the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the ground interface.
[0008] In some embodiments, a second angular position between the upper and lower base members is associated with a maximum-inclined configuration of the post in which the post is at a maximum inclination with respect to the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the ground interface.
[0009] In some embodiments, the first and second angular positions are offset by a 180-degree rotation between the upper and lower base members.
[0010] In some embodiments, a plane defined by the first connection interface of the upper base member is inclined relative to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post.
[0011] In some embodiments, a plane defined by the second connection interface is inclined relative to the plane defined by the ground interface of the lower base member.
[0012] In some embodiments, the plane defined by the second connection interface is inclined relative to the plane defined by the ground interface at an angle of less than 5 degrees.
[0013] In some embodiments, the plane defined by the second connection interface is inclined relative to the plane defined by the ground interface at an angle of 3.8 degrees.
[0014] In some embodiments, at least one of the plane defined by the second connection interface and the plane defined by the ground interface is inclined relative to the plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post.
[0015] In some embodiments, the lower base member comprises a tapered sidewall extending between the second connection interface and the ground interface.
[0016] In some embodiments, the upper and lower base members define first and second through-holes, respectively, the first and second through-holes being in register with each other when the upper and lower base members are assembled.
[0017] In some embodiments, the post mounting assembly further comprises a coupling fastener configured to be received in the first and second through-holes, and a securing member configured to cooperatively engage the coupling fastener to compress the upper and lower base members between said securing member and the ground surface when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0018] In some embodiments, the coupling fastener is a ground anchor.
[0019] In some embodiments, the second through-hole is sized and shaped to enable a tilting of the lower base member relative to the ground anchor when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0020] In some embodiments, the coupling fastener comprises a non-circular flanged portion, and wherein the ground interface of the lower base member defines a non-circular recess shaped and dimensioned to receive the non-circular flange portion when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0021] In some embodiments, the post connector of the upper base member is configured to be received within an inner cavity of the post.
[0022] In some embodiments, the post connector comprises a core portion and radial couplers projecting outwardly and radially from the core portion.
[0023] In some embodiments, the radial couplers extend from a lower end of the core portion to an upper end of the core portion along a longitudinal axis of the core portion.
[0024] In some embodiments, the post comprises internal ribs extending within the inner cavity of the post along the longitudinal axis of the post, and wherein adjacent ones of the radial couplers define radial recesses configured to receive the internal ribs of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0025] In some embodiments, the post mounting assembly further comprises a coupling extender configured to be mounted to the coupling fastener and the post connector of the upper base member.
[0026] In some embodiments, the coupling extender comprises an annular elongated body and radial lobes extending outwardly from the annular elongated body, adjacent ones of the radial lobes defining extender recesses configured to receive the internal ribs of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0027] In some embodiments, the post connector comprises an indexing pin extending upwardly from a top surface of the post connector, the indexing pin being configured to engage an indexing notch of the coupling extender to define an assembly orientation of the coupling extender.
[0028] In some embodiments, the indexing notch is a first indexing notch and the coupling extender comprises a second indexing notch, each of the first and second indexing notches defining a respective assembly orientation of the coupling extender.
[0029] In some embodiments, the upper base member is configured to at least partially superpose the bottom base member when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0030] In some embodiments, a post end portion of the post is configured to be secured to the post connector of the upper base member by interference fit.
[0031] In some embodiments, the upper base member defines a postreceiving recess on a post-engaging side of the upper base member, the postreceiving recess being configured to receive a lower end of the post.
[0032] In some embodiments, a diameter of the post-receiving recess is less than 5 mm greater than an outer diameter of a post end portion of the post.
[0033] In some embodiments, the post connector extends upwardly from the post-receiving recess.
[0034] In some embodiments, each of the first and second connection interfaces comprises complementary restricting members disposed annularly along at least a portion of a periphery of a corresponding one of the first and secondconnection interfaces, the restricting members of the upper and lower base members being configured to interlock to define possible ones of the multiple angular positions between the upper and lower base members.
[0035] In some embodiments, the restricting members comprise at least one of teeth, notches and pins.
[0036] In some embodiments, each of the upper and lower base members comprises an internal drainage channel, the internal drainage channels being configured to channel a fluid from an inner cavity of the post to an outer edge of the lower base member when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0037] In some embodiments, each of the upper and lower base members comprises an internal wiring channel, the internal wiring channels being configured to guide a wiring assembly from an inner cavity of the post to a bottom portion of the lower base member when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
[0038] In some embodiments, the post is a handrail post configured to secure a handrail assembly to the ground surface.
[0039] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of mounting a post to a ground surface, the method comprising: positioning a lower base member of a post mounting assembly at a post target site on the ground surface; mounting an upper base member of the post mounting assembly to the lower base member in one of multiple angular positions relative to the lower base member, at least one of the angular positions being associated with a corresponding inclined configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the post is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the ground surface when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post; securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface; and mounting the post to the upper base member.
[0040] In some embodiments, positioning the lower base member at the post target site comprises mounting the lower base member onto a ground anchor secured to the ground surface.
[0041] In some embodiments, securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface comprises threading a securing member to the ground anchor.
[0042] In some embodiments, the method further comprises mounting a coupling extender to the ground anchor between the upper base member and the securing member.
[0043] In some embodiments, the method further comprises aligning an indexing notch of the coupling extender with an indexing pin of the upper base member to position the coupling extender in a predetermined assembly orientation.
[0044] In some embodiments, securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface comprises compressing the upper and lower base members.
[0045] In some embodiments, mounting the post to the upper base member comprises mounting the post to a post connector.
[0046] In some embodiments, mounting the post to the post connector comprises sliding internal ribs of the post along radial recesses extending longitudinally within the post connector.
[0047] In some embodiments, mounting the post to the upper base member comprises radially distorting a cross-sectional shape of the post.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a post mounting assembly engaging a post and a ground anchor, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0049] FIG. 1A is a side elevation view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0050] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0051] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0052] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in a first configuration;
[0053] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 in a second configuration;
[0054] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0055] FIG. 7 is an enlarged portion of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 6, showing details of the engagement between the post mounting assembly, the post and the ground anchor;
[0056] FIG. 8 is a top perspective exploded view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0057] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an upper base member of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0058] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the upper base member illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0059] FIG. 11 is front elevation view of the upper base member illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0060] FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the upper base member illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0061] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the upper base member illustrated in FIG.9;
[0062] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the upper base member illustrated in FIG. 9;
[0063] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a lower base member of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
[0064] FIG. 16 is front elevation view of the lower base member illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0065] FIG. 17 is a rear elevation view of the lower base member illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0066] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the lower base member illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0067] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the lower base member illustrated in FIG. 15;
[0068] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of the post mounting assembly illustrated in FIG. 1 assembled with a coupling extender and a securing member;
[0069] FIG. 21 is a top elevation view of the post mounting assembly of FIG. 20;
[0070] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of the coupling extender of FIG. 20.
[0071] It will be noted that throughout the appended drawings, like features are identified by like reference numerals.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0072] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materialsmentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.
[0073] Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as “above”, “below”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures only and should not be considered limiting. Moreover, the figures are meant to be illustrative of certain characteristics of the post mounting assembly and components thereof and are not necessarily to scale.
[0074] To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the term "about". It is understood that whether the term "about" is used explicitly or not, every quantity given herein is meant to refer to an actual given value, and it is also meant to refer to the approximation to such given value that would reasonably be inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, including approximations due to the experimental and / or measurement conditions for such given value.
[0075] In the following description, an embodiment is an example or implementation. The various appearances of "one embodiment", "an embodiment" or "some embodiments" do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be implemented in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to "some embodiments", "an embodiment", "one embodiment" or "other embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments.
[0076] It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only. The principles and uses of the teachings of the present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples.It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the disclosure.
[0077] Furthermore, it is to be understood that the disclosure can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the disclosure can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above. It is to be understood that the terms "including", "comprising", and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional elements. It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to "a" or "an" element, such reference is not to be construed that there is only one of that element. It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.
[0078] The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only. Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined. It will be appreciated that the methods described herein may be performed in the described order, or in any suitable order.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, there is shown a post mounting assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment. Broadly, the post mounting assembly 100 is configured to mount a post 10 to a ground surface 5. The post 10 could be, for instance and without being limitative, a handrail post to secure a handrail assembly to the ground surface 5. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the post 10 could also be a traffic signpost, a fence post, a post for holding up a billboard or the like. The post 10 is substantially elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis X. The post mounting assembly 100 is configured to engage a post end portion 12 of the post 10 (best shown in FIG. 7) and can, in a configuration described ingreater detail below, maintain the post 10 in at least one angled or inclined position relative to a ground surface 5, i.e. , in a position wherein the post 10 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the ground surface 5, or in other words, in a position wherein the longitudinal axis X of the post 10 is not perpendicular to the ground surface 5. More specifically, the post mounting assembly 100 is configured to engage the post end portion 12 of the post 10 in an upright, vertical position even when mounted on an inclined surface, which can be for example an inclined ground surface 5 or the top surface of an access ramp, as shown in FIG. 1A. Alternatively, in other configurations, the post mounting assembly 100 can maintain the post 10 is a perpendicular position relative to the ground surface 5, i.e., in a position wherein the longitudinal axis X of the post 10 is perpendicular to the ground surface 5.
[0080] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, the post mounting assembly 100 comprises a lower base member 300 configured to abut the ground surface 5 and an upper base member 200 engageable with the lower base member 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper base member 200 is further engageable with the post end portion 12 of the post 10. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the upper base member 200 could instead be part of the post end portion 12 and integrally formed with the post 10.
[0081] The upper and lower base members 200, 300 are selectively configurable together in at least one inclined configuration (in a plurality thereof, in the embodiment shown) in which, as specified above, the longitudinal axis X of the post 10 is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the ground surface 5 (as illustrated in FIG. 1A). In the illustrated embodiment, the upper base member 200 includes a first connection interface 210, and the lower base member 300 includes a second connection interface 310 configured to at least partially superpose the first connection interface 210 when the upper and lower base members 200, 300 are coupled, i.e., when the post mounting assembly 100 is assembled.
[0082] In certain embodiments, when the lower base member 300 is mounted to the ground surface 5, the second connection interface 310 provides an inclined surface being angled relative to the ground surface 5 to define a tapered shape ofthe lower base member 300. In other words, considered in a plane perpendicular to the second connection interface, the lower base member 300 has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section.
[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 14, an embodiment of the upper base member 200 is illustrated. The upper base member 200 includes a post-engaging side 202 defining an upper surface 204, and a ground-facing side 206 opposite to the post-engaging side 202 and defining the first connection interface 210. The upper base member 200 further includes a peripheral wall 207 extending between the upper surface 204 and the first connection interface 210 and defining an upper edge 207A which borders the upper surface 204.
[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 204 and the first connection interface 210 are circular with respect to their transverse cross-section, although, in other embodiments, the upper surface 204 and the first connection interface 210 can have, for example, an elliptic shape, an elongated shape, a rectangular shape, an octagonal shape, or any other polygonal shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper surface 204 is frustoconical with a diameter of the upper surface 204 reducing as the upper surface 204 extends away from the upper edge 207A of the peripheral wall 207. It is to be understood that the upper surface 204 can comprise any other suitable shape.
[0085] The upper base member 200 further includes a post connector 240 extending substantially upwardly from the post-engaging side 202 of the upper base member 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the post connector 240 extends substantially upwardly from a post-receiving recess 230 of the upper base member 200 described in greater detail below. In another embodiment, the post connector 240 may extend from the upper surface 204 or any other surface of the upper base member 200. The post connector 240 can be substantially elongated and can comprise a core portion 245 extending from a lower end 240A to an upper end 240B of the post connector 240 along a longitudinal axis A, which can also be referred to as the post connector central axis A. The post connector 240 can be sized and dimensioned to be insertable within an inner cavity 14 of the post end portion 12 of the post 10 (shown in FIG. 7) and engageable with the post 10 in amounted configuration wherein the longitudinal axis A of the post connector 240 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the post 10.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 12, in certain embodiments, the upper edge 207A of the peripheral wall 207 extends substantially normal to the post connector central axis A while the first connection interface 210 provides an inclined surface being angled relative to the post connector central axis A so as to define a substantially tapered shape of the upper base member 200. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the substantially tapered shape of the upper base member 200 can enable a coupling thereof with the lower base member 300 to configure the post mounting assembly 100 in the inclined configuration to maintain the longitudinal axis X of the post 10 at a certain angle relative to an inclined ground surface 5, such that the post can have a vertical, upright orientation relative the ground. In other words, the lower and upper base members 200, 300 of the post mounting assembly 100 can be configured or positioned one relative to the other so as to compensate for or cancel an inclination of the ground surface 5 on which the post 10 is to be secured.
[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the post connector 240 is substantially circular to be insertable within the substantially cylindrical inner cavity 14 of the post end portion 12. Alternatively, the post connector 240 can be substantially rectangular to be insertable within a substantially rectangular inner cavity 14 of the post end portion 12 or have any other shape which conforms to a shape of the inner cavity 14 of the post end portion 12. In another embodiment, the post connector 240 can be sufficiently large to engage the post end portion 12 but may not conform to the shape of the inner cavity 14 of the post end portion 12.
[0088] In certain embodiments, the post 10 can comprise internal ribs 16 extending longitudinally within the inner cavity 14 of the post 10. Referring to FIGS. 9 to 13, the post connector 240 can comprise the above-mentioned core portion 245 and one or more radial couplers 246 projecting outwardly from the core portion 245 in a radial direction. In certain embodiments, the radial couplers 246 can extend from the lower end 240A to the upper end 240B of the post connector 240. It is to be understood that, in other embodiments, the radial couplers 246 can extend along any other segment of a height of the core portion 245. As illustrated, thespaces between adjacent ones of the radial couplers 246 define radial recesses 249. In certain embodiments, the radial recesses 249 can be sized and dimensioned to receive the internal ribs 16 of the post 10 so as to prevent a rotation of the post 10 when the post mounting assembly 100 is engaging the post 10.
[0089] In certain embodiments, the radial couplers 246 can be sized and dimensioned to engage the post 10. More specifically, the radial couplers 246 can extend outwardly radially from the core portion 245 to engage an inner surface 13 of the inner cavity 14 of the post 10 (shown in FIG. 7) through an interference fit. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the post connector 240 comprises six radial couplers 246 (shown in FIG. 9) extending radially around a circumference of the post connector 240 to define a post interface 248 having an effective diameter substantially corresponding to a cross-sectional shape and inner diameter of the inner cavity 14 of the post 10 and configured to contact the inner surface 13 of the post 10. In other implementations, the post interface 248 can be defined by the post core 245 and one or more radial couplers 246. It is to be understood that the post connector 240 can comprise any other suitable number of radial couplers 246.
[0090] In further embodiments, one or more of the radial couplers 246 can comprise radial projections 247. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 13, three of the six radial couplers 246 include a radial projection 247 in an alternating configuration, / .e., with only one of two adjacent ones of the radial couplers 246 including a radial projection 247. The radial projections 247 can extend radially from an outer surface of the radial couplers 246 to project beyond the post interface 248 and to interfere with the post 10 during installation thereof onto the post connector 240. In some embodiments, the radial projections 247 can radially distort a cross-sectional shape of the post 10 as said post 10 is forced onto the post connector 240. It is to be understood that an outward radial distortion of a first portion of the cross-sectional shape of the post 10 to accommodate the radial projections 247 can cause an inward radial distortion of a second portion of the cross-sectional shape of the post 10 to further provide an interference fit between the post 10 and the post connector 240.
[0091] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 13, the frustum of the upper surface 204 can define a post-receiving recess 230 extending into the upper base member 200 and configured to receive the post end portion 12 of the post 10 when the post mounting assembly 100 is engaged with the post 10. Referring now to FIG. 7, a cross- sectional view of the post mounting assembly 100 is illustrated with the post 10 engaged with the post connector 240. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the post connector 240 extends substantially upwardly from the post-receiving recess 230 of the upper base member 200 and the post 10 can extend downwardly within the post-receiving recess 230 to prevent undesirable access to or tampering with the post end portion 12 of the post 10 when the post 10 and the post mounting assembly 100 are mounted together. In certain embodiments, the post-receiving recess 230 can be sized and dimensioned to narrowly accommodate an outer diameter of the post 10 thus further limiting access to the post end portion 12 of the post 10. For instance, an inner diameter of the post-receiving recess 230 may be slightly larger, such as 1 mm larger or 5 mm larger than the outer diameter of the post 10. In certain embodiments, the post-receiving recess 230 can be substantially conical with a transverse cross-sectional diameter decreasing in a direction extending away from the upper surface 204. It will be appreciated that the conical post-receiving recess 230 can ensure an engagement with the post 10 as it is received in the post-receiving recess 230.
[0092] As stated above, in certain embodiments, the first connection interface 210 defines a first plane 212 being inclined such that the first plane 212 is tilted at a first angle a from a plane normal to the longitudinal axis A of the post connector 240. The first plane 212 can also be referred to as the first connection interface plane. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, the first angle a is defined between the first plane 212 and a plane defined by the upper edge 207A of the peripheral wall 207 being normal to the longitudinal axis A of the post connector 240. It is to be understood that the first angle a can be defined at the intersection of the first plane 212 and any other plane normal to the longitudinal axis A of the post connector 240. Accordingly, the longitudinal axis A can be angled (i.e. not perpendicular) to the first plane 212 defined by the first connection interface 210. Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, the peripheral wall 207 tapers as the peripheralwalls extends laterally from a first end 208 of the upper base member 200 towards a second end 209 of the upper base member 200.
[0093] In certain embodiments, the first plane 212 can be tilted at a first angle a of about 0 to about 5 degrees from a plane normal longitudinal axis A of the of the post connector 240. Alternatively, the first plane 212 can be tilted at a first angle a of about 3.8 degrees from a plane normal longitudinal axis A of the of the post connector 240. In other embodiments, the first plane 212 can be tilted at any other suitable first angle a.
[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 15 to 19, an embodiment of the lower base member 300 is illustrated. The lower base member 300 includes a post-facing side 302 defining the second connection interface 310, and a ground-engaging side 306 opposite to the post-facing side 302 and defining a lower surface 304, the second connection interface 310 of the lower base member 300 being configured to at least partially superpose the first connection interface 210 of the upper base portion 200 when the post mounting assembly 100 is assembled. In other words, the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310 both define surfaces configured to engage or mate with one another. The lower base member 300 further includes a peripheral wall 307 extending between the second connection interface 310 and the lower surface 304.
[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower surface 304 and the second connection interface 310 are circular with respect to their transverse cross-section, although the lower surface 304 and the second connection interface 310 can have, for example, an elliptic shape, an elongated shape, a rectangular shape, an octagonal shape, or any other polygonal shape.
[0096] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, the second connection interface 310 defines a second plane 312 being inclined at a second angle p from a third plane 305 defined by the lower surface 304 and being coplanar with the ground surface when the lower base member 300 is mounted to the ground surface 5. The second plane 312 can also referred to as the second connection interface plane. Specifically, the second plane 312 can be angled ( / .e., not parallel) to the third plane 305, which corresponds to the plane extending along the lower surface 304of the lower base member 300, which, when mounted on the ground, is configured to be coplanar with the ground surface plane. Accordingly, the peripheral wall 307 substantially tapers as the peripheral walls extends laterally from a first end 308 of the lower base member 300 towards a second end 309 of the lower base member 300. As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the second plane 312 is inclined relative to the third plane 305 such that the second plane 312 at the first end 308 is located at a greater distance from the third plane 305 than the second plane 312 at the second end 309. In certain embodiments, the second plane 312 can be tilted at a second angle p of about 0 to about 5 degrees from the third plane 305. In particular, the second plane 312 can be tilted at a second angle p of about 3.8 degrees from the third plane 305. In other embodiments, the second plane 312 can be tilted at any other suitable first angle p.
[0097] The upper and lower base portions 200, 300 can be made of a plastic or hard rubber material, metal, or any other suitable material or combination of materials suitable for providing a base to the post 10. Such components can be formed by any suitable methods such as casting, any molding process such an injection molding, forging, sintering, machining, or any other suitable process.
[0098] When installing the post assembly 100 on the ground surface, one of the upper and lower base members 200, 300 can be rotated relative to the other, so as to adjust or vary the angle formed between a post connector axis and the ground surface on which the post 10 is mounted, typically until the post connector 240 is in an upright, vertical orientation.
[0099] In certain embodiments and as shown in FIG. 1A, the upper and lower base portions 200, 300 are configured to be coupled with each other in one of a plurality of angular positions to allow the configuration of the post connector 240 in a corresponding one of a plurality of inclined configurations ( / .e., to allow the configuration of the post 10 in a plurality of inclined configurations with respect to the direction perpendicular to the ground surface). More specifically, the upper and lower base portions 200, 300 are configured to couple the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310 in a plurality of coplanar configurations to define a tilt angle y defined between a plane normal the longitudinal axis A of the postconnector 240 and the third plane 305 being coplanar with the ground surface 5. Accordingly, a post angle 5 (shown in FIG. 6) being equivalent to the tilt angle y is defined as the inclination of the post 10 with respect to the direction perpendicular to the ground surface 5.
[0100] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the upper and lower base portions 200, 300 are illustrated coupled to each other in two distinct inclined configurations. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates the upper base portion 200 coupled to the lower base portion 300 in a first angular position relative to the lower base portion 300 wherein the first angle a complements the second angle p to define a tilt angle y being the sum of the first and second angles a, p (referred to as a maximum inclined configuration). In contrast and referring now to FIG. 5, the upper base portion 200 is illustrated coupled to the lower base portion 300 in a second angular position relative to the lower base portion 300 wherein the first angle a attenuates the second angle p to define a tilt angle y being the difference between the first and second angles a, p (referred to as a non-inclined configuration). It is to be understood that, when the first and second angles a, p are congruent and the upper and lower base portions 200, 300 are coupled in the second angular position (as shown in FIG. 5), the first angle a entirely attenuates the second angle p to define a tilt angle y and post angle 5 being 0 degree ( / .e., to allow the configuration of the post 10 in a perpendicular configuration with respect to the ground surface). In some embodiments, the maximum inclined configuration and the non-inclined configuration can be offset by a 180 degree rotation between the upper and lower base members 200, 300.
[0101] In certain embodiments, the upper base portion 200 can be coupled to the lower base portion 300 in one of a plurality of intermediate angular positions relative to the lower base portion 300 to an inclined configuration wherein the first angle a complements or attenuates the second angle p to define a tilt angle y being the sum of or the difference between at least a portion of the first angle a and the second angle p.
[0102] In certain embodiments, each of the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310 includes complementary first and second restricting members214, 314 disposed annularly along at least a portion of a periphery of the corresponding first and second connection interfaces 210, 310, respectively. The first and second restricting members 214, 314 can be configured to interlock when the upper and lower base members 200, 300 are coupled to align the upper and lower base members 200, 300 in one of the predetermined inclined configurations. For instance and referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 15, each of the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310 includes a plurality of first and second restricting members 214, 314, respectively, with at least one of the first restricting members 214 being configured to interlock with one or more of the second restricting members 314 to define a predetermined angular position between the upper and lower base members 200, 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second restricting members 214, 314 are interlocking teeth. As illustrated, the interlocking teeth may be arranged in a substantially ring pattern on the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310. In certain embodiments, the number of first and second restricting members 214, 314 disposed upon each of the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310, respectively, can differ. The first and second restricting members 214, 314 can ensure that the selected angular position between the upper and lower members 200, 300 is maintained and does not slide or accidentally shift during installation of the post base assembly 100. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the first and second restricting members 214, 314 can include notches, ribs, pins or any other interlocking structure. In other embodiments, each of the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310 can comprise substantially flat surfaces configured to retain a relative angular position therebetween through resistive friction forces.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 19, the upper base member 200 includes a first through-hole 260 extending between a top surface 242 of the post connector 240 and the first connection interface 210. The lower base member 300 similarly includes a second through-hole 360 extending between the second connection interface 310 and the lower surface 304, and configured to be in register with the first through-hole 260 when the post base assembly 100 is assembled. In other embodiments, the first through-hole 260 may extend between any other suitable surface of the upper base member 200. For instance, the first through-hole 260 canextend between the upper surface 204 and the first connection interface 210 of the upper base member 200.
[0104] In some embodiments, the first and second through-holes 260, 360 can be shaped and dimensioned to receive or accommodate a fastener, as will be discussed in greater detail below. In certain embodiments, the first and second through-holes 260, 360 can have a shape suitable to receive the fastener and may include, for instance, an elliptic shape, a circular shape, an elongated shape, a rectangular shape, an octagonal shape, or any other polygonal shape in terms of its cross-section. The first and second through-holes 260, 360 can further include rounded corners or angled corners. Moreover, the first and second through-holes 260, 360 can have an aspect ratio of about 1 :1 (e.g., in the case of a circular crosssection) or an aspect ratio of about 1 :2 to 1 :40, about 1 :3 to 1 :20, about 1 :4 to 1 :15, for example, or another aspect ratio. In the embodiments illustrated in Figs 9 to 19, each of the first and second through-holes 260, 360 has a circular cross-section. Accordingly, the first and second through-holes 260, 360 of the upper and lower base members 200, 300 define an annular shape of the first and second connection interfaces 210, 310, respectively.
[0105] In certain embodiments, the upper and lower base members 200, 300 are configured to be coupled with the first through-hole 260 of the upper base member 200 being in register with the second through-hole 360 of the lower base member 300. As used herein, the expression “in register” refers to an alignment or positioning of the first through-hole 260 of the upper base member 200 and the second through-hole 360 of the lower base member 300 suitable for the passage of a fastener.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 7, an assembled embodiment of the post mounting assembly 100 is illustrated including first and second through-holes 260, 360 shaped and dimensioned to receive a coupling fastener 20 configured to securely couple the upper base member 200 to the lower base member 300. In certain embodiments, the coupling fastener 20 can be a ground anchor or the like to further secure the post mounting assembly 100 to the ground surface. For instance, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the coupling fastener 20 is a ground anchorsecurable to a ground surface. The post mounting assembly 100 can further include a securing member 22 configured to cooperatively engage the coupling fastener 20 to securely join the upper and lower base members 200, 300. The securing member 22 can engage the coupling fastener 20 to compress the upper and lower base members 200, 300 and to further anchor the post mounting assembly 100 to the ground surface 5. The securing member 22, which can also be referred to as a compression securing member, can include a screw, a coupling nut, a flange nut, or any other suitable fastener. In an application where the coupling fastener 20 is configured to secure the post mounting assembly 100 to the ground, the compression securing member 22 can allow to solidarize or unify the post mounting assembly 100 with the ground, and to maintain a compression force between the post mounting assembly 100 and the ground surface on which it is installed. It is to be understood that the compression force between the post mounting assembly 100 and the ground surface can provide an increased stability of the post mounting assembly 100 beyond that provided by the coupling fastener 20 ( / .e., an increased resistance to a side load applied to the post mount assembly 100). It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the securing member 22 can be disposed beneath the ground surface 5 and the coupling fastener 20 can include a fastener head disposed at an upper end thereof.
[0107] In certain embodiments, for instance when a fastener receiving bore drilled into the ground surface 5 is not perfectly normal to the ground surface 5, it may be desirable to provide a slight angle between the lower base member 300 and the coupling fastener 20. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the second through-hole 360 can have an effective diameter being greater than a diameter of the fastener 20 to accommodate a desirable tilting of the lower base member 300 relative to a plane normal to the longitudinal axis X of the post 10. In such embodiments, the second through-hole 360 can similarly have an effective diameter being greater than an effective diameter of the first through-hole 260.
[0108] In certain embodiments, at least one of the upper and lower base members 200, 300 can include a fastener recess configured to receive a noncircular flanged portion (not shown) of the coupling fastener 20. Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, the lower base member 300 comprises a non-circular recess 365 configured to receive the non-circular flanged portion of the coupling fastener 20 and to prevent an axial rotation of the coupling fastener 20 relative to the lower base member 300. Alternatively, the fastener recess 365 can be configured to receive an elongated fastener (not shown) such as, for example, a T-nut, configured to engage the coupling fastener 20 and to cooperatively compress the post base assembly 100 with the securing member 20.
[0109] In certain embodiments, the lower base member 300 comprises one or more fastener-receiving openings 340 extending between the second connection interface 310 and the lower surface 304. Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 19, the lower base member 300 includes four fastenerreceiving openings 340 sized and shaped to receive securing fasteners such as additional anchor bolts (not shown) and the like to secure the lower base member 300 to the ground surface. In other embodiments, the one or more fastenerreceiving openings 340 may not be defined between the second connection interface 310 and the lower surface 304 and may be defined between any other surfaces of the lower base member 300. In yet another embodiment, the lower base member 300 may not include fastener-receiving openings and may be securable to the ground surface using another suitable securing technique such as, for example, the coupling fastener 20 or an adhesive.
[0110] In some embodiments, the upper and lower base members 200, 300 further include first and second internal channels 270, 370, respectively. The first and second internal channels 270, 370 can be fluidly connected to channel a fluid from the inner cavity 14 of the pipe 10 to an exterior side of the post mounting assembly 100. The first and second internal channels 270, 370 are drainage channels to allow water contained within the inner cavity 14 of the post 10 to flow from the inner cavity 14 of the post 10 through the drainage channels to avoid water from accumulating in the post 10. For instance, in the illustrated embodiments, the first internal channel 270 of the upper base member 200 extends from a first end disposed within the post-receiving recess 230 to a second end disposed on the first connection interface 210. Similarly, the second internal channel 370 of the lower base member 300 extends from a first end disposed within the post-receiving recess 230 to a second end disposed on the peripheral wall 307 to channel the fluidfrom the post 10 to an outer edge of the lower base member 300 when the post mounting assembly 100 is assembled.
[0111] In some embodiments, the upper member 200 can include an internal wiring channel 280 configured to guide a wiring assembly from the inner cavity 14 of the post 10 to a bottom portion of the lower base member 300 when the post mounting assembly 100 is assembled. In particular, the wiring channel 280 can be in register with a cavity (not shown) defined within the lower base member 300 to enable the passage of wiring towards the inner cavity 14 of the post 10. In certain embodiments, the cavity defined within the lower base member 300 can be a bore formed during the installation of the post mount assembly 100 which extends through the lower base member 300 and the ground surface 5 providing a suitable passage for the wiring assembly. It will be understood that the bore can be formed using any known tools including, for instance, a drill. In certain embodiments, the wiring assembly may enable the electrical wiring of a lighting assembly within a handrail mounted to the post 10.
[0112] Referring now to FIGS. 20 to 22, the post mounting assembly 100 can include a coupling extender 500 configured to improve a lateral load resistance of the post 10. In certain embodiments, the coupling extender 500 can be mounted onto the coupling fastener 20 and secured to the upper and lower base members 200, 300 when compressed by the securing member 22. The coupling extender 500 can define an elongated body 501 extending from a lower end 502 to an upper end 504 defining a transverse cross-sectional shape similar to that of the post connector 240 of the upper base member 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular elongated body 501 of the coupling extender 500 defines an extender through-hole 506 shaped and dimensioned to receive the coupling fastener 20. In certain embodiments, the coupling extender 500 can be made of aluminum, zinc, steel, or any other suitable material, and can be manufactured by milling, extrusion, casting, forging, or any other suitable process.
[0113] In certain embodiments, the coupling extender 500 can further include radial lobes 510 extending from the annular elongated body 501. The radial lobes 510 can have a shape being substantially similar to that of the radial couplers 246of the post connector 240. In the illustrated embodiment, adjacent ones of the radial lobes 510 define extender recesses 512 configured to receive the internal ribs 16 of the post 10 when the post mounting assembly 100 is assembled. More specifically, the extender recesses 512 are positioned to be in register with the radial recesses 249 of the post connector 240 to enable a mounting of the post 10 onto the post connector 240.
[0114] In this configuration, the coupling extender 500 can therefore be engageable with the post 10 in a mounted configuration. It is to be understood that an engagement provided by the post connector 240 and the coupling extender 500 with the post 10 can provide an engagement along a greater longitudinal length of the post 10 thereby increasing a lateral load resistance of the post 10 when mounted to the post mounting assembly 100. For instance, the coupling extender 500 may enable a lateral load resistance of approximately 1 ,000 N on a post 10 having a longitudinal length of approximately 100 cm.
[0115] In certain embodiments, the coupling extender 500 may be configured to be mounted onto the post connector 240 in a predetermined assembly orientation. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the post connector 240 can include a post indexing pin 243 extending upwardly from the top surface 242 of the post connector 240. The indexing pin 243 can be configured to engage an indexing notch 520 of the coupling extender 500 to limit the mounting of the coupling extender 500 into the predetermined assembly orientation. It may be appreciated that the predetermined assembly orientation of the coupling extender 500 can provide an alignment of the extender recesses 512 with the radial recesses 249 of the post connector when the coupling extender 500 is mounted to the upper base member 200. In certain embodiments, the coupling extender 500 can define multiple indexing notches 520, each of the indexing notches 520 defining a respective assembly orientation of the coupling extender 500.
[0116] In certain embodiments, one or both of the securing member 22 and the coupling extender 500 can be shaped and dimensioned to be insertable into or engageable with a reinforcing bar 30. Referring again to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the securing member 22 is shaped and dimensioned to be insertable intothe reinforcing bar 30. In this configuration, the reinforcing bar 30 is configured to longitudinally extend within the post 10 coaxially therewith to provide an increased lateral load resistance of the post 10.
[0117] In certain embodiments and referring now to FIGS. 3, 10, 14 and 19, the post mounting assembly 100 can comprise an inclination guide 400 including one or more inclination markers 410 disposed on one of the upper and lower base members 200, 300, and a guide aperture 420 disposed on the other of the upper and lower base members 200, 300 and positioned to provide visibility of one of the one or more inclination markers 410. During an installation of the post mounting assembly 100, the upper and lower base members 200, 300 can be coupled in an angular position to define the tilt angle y, and the guide aperture 420 can be aligned with one of the one or more inclination markers 410 to indicate said tilt angle y.
[0118] It will be understood that the above post mounting assembly can be part of a broader support assembly which could be used for supporting any structure, such as a handrail, a sign or the like, above a ground surface. The support assembly could include a post and a post mounting assembly in accordance with any one of the embodiments described above. In another embodiment, the support assembly could include a plurality of posts and a plurality of post mounting assemblies in accordance with any one of the embodiments described above.
[0119] It will further be understood that, in some embodiments, the post mounting assembly 100 can be unitary and therefore not include distinct upper and lower base members 200, 300. The post mounting assembly 100 can comprise a single through-hole extending across a body of the post mounting assembly 100 configured to receive the coupling fastener 20. In such embodiments, the compression securing member 22 can similarly allow to solidarize or unify the post mounting assembly 100 with the ground, and to maintain a compression force between the post mounting assembly 100 and the ground surface on which it is installed.
[0120] It will further be understood that, as specified above, the post mounting assembly 100 can be positioned at an installation target site of the post 10 so as tocompensate for or cancel an inclination of the ground surface on which the post 10 is to be secured so as to maintain the post 10 in an upright, vertical position even when mounted on the inclined surface. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the post mounting assembly 100 can provide a mounting of a post using a single and concealed coupling fastener 20 disposed at the center of the post mounting assembly thereby bypassing the need for a decorative cover or housing.
[0121] According to another aspect, there is disclosed a method of mounting a post 10 to a ground surface 5. The method according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be carried out with a post mounting assembly 100 as those described above.
[0122] For instance, the method comprises positioning a lower base member 200 of a post mounting assembly 100 at a post target site on the ground surface 5; mounting an upper base member 300 of the post mounting assembly 100 to the lower base member 300 in one of multiple angular positions relative to the lower base member 200, at least one of the angular positions being associated with a corresponding inclined configuration in which a longitudinal axis A of the post 10 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the ground surface 5 when the post mounting assembly 100 is assembled and the upper base member 200 is engaged with the post 100; securing the upper and lower base members 200, 300 to the ground surface 5; and mounting the post 10 to the upper base member 200.
[0123] For instance, positioning the lower base member 300 at the post target site comprises mounting the lower base member 300 onto a ground anchor 20 secured to the ground surface 5. In some embodiments, securing the upper and lower base members 200, 300 to the ground surface 5 comprises threading a securing member 22 to the ground anchor 20. In some embodiments, the method further comprises mounting a coupling extender 500 to the ground anchor 20 between the upper base member 200 and the securing member 22. In some embodiments, the method further comprises aligning an indexing notch 520 of the coupling extender 500 with an indexing pin 243 of the upper base member 200 to position the coupling extender 500 in a predetermined assembly orientation. Insome embodiments, securing the upper and lower base members 200, 300 to the ground surface 5 comprises compressing the upper and lower base members 200, 300. In some embodiments, mounting the post 10 to the upper base member 200 comprises mounting the post 10 to a post connector 240. In some embodiments, mounting the post 10 to the post connector 240 comprises sliding internal ribs 16 of the post 10 along radial recesses 249 extending longitudinally within the post connector 240. In some embodiments, mounting the post 10 to the upper base member 200 comprises radially distorting a cross-sectional shape of the post 10.
[0124] While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
Claims
CLAIMS:
1. A post mounting assembly for mounting a post to a ground surface, the post mounting assembly comprising: an upper base member comprising a first connection interface and a post connector, the post connector being engageable with the post; and a lower base member being mountable to the ground surface, the lower base member comprising a second connection interface configured to at least partially superpose the first connection interface when the upper and lower base members are assembled, and a ground interface opposite the second connection interface; wherein the upper and lower base members are configured to be assembled in one of multiple angular positions relative to one another, at least one of the multiple angular positions being associated with a corresponding inclined configuration of the post in which a longitudinal axis of the post is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the ground interface when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post.
2. The post mounting assembly of claim 1 , wherein a first angular position between the upper and lower base members is associated with a noninclined configuration of the post in which the post is parallel with respect to the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the ground interface.
3. The post mounting assembly of claim 2, wherein a second angular position between the upper and lower base members is associated with a maximum-inclined configuration of the post in which the post is at amaximum inclination with respect to the direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the ground interface.
4. The post mounting assembly of claim 3, wherein the first and second angular positions are offset by a 180-degree rotation between the upper and lower base members.
5. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a plane defined by the first connection interface of the upper base member is inclined relative to a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post.
6. The post mounting assembly of claim 5, wherein a plane defined by the second connection interface is inclined relative to the plane defined by the ground interface of the lower base member.
7. The post mounting assembly of claim 6, wherein the plane defined by the second connection interface is inclined relative to the plane defined by the ground interface at an angle of less than 5 degrees.
8. The post mounting assembly of claim 6, wherein the plane defined by the second connection interface is inclined relative to the plane defined by the ground interface at an angle of 3.8 degrees.
9. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of the plane defined by the second connection interface and the plane defined by the ground interface is inclined relative to the plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post.
10. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the lower base member comprises a tapered sidewall extending between the second connection interface and the ground interface.
11. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the upper and lower base members define first and second through-holes, respectively, the first and second through-holes being in register with each other when the upper and lower base members are assembled.
12. The post mounting assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a coupling fastener configured to be received in the first and second through-holes, and a securing member configured to cooperatively engage the coupling fastener to compress the upper and lower base members between said securing member and the ground surface when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
13. The post mounting assembly of claim 12, wherein the coupling fastener is a ground anchor.
14. The post mounting assembly of claim 13, wherein the second through- hole is sized and shaped to enable a tilting of the lower base member relative to the ground anchor when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
15. The post mounting assembly of claim 14, wherein the coupling fastener comprises a non-circular flanged portion, and wherein the ground interface of the lower base member defines a non-circular recess shaped and dimensioned to receive the non-circular flange portion when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
16. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the post connector of the upper base member is configured to be received within an inner cavity of the post.
17. The post mounting assembly of claim 16, wherein the post connector comprises a core portion and radial couplers projecting outwardly and radially from the core portion.
18. The post mounting assembly of claim 17, wherein the radial couplers extend from a lower end of the core portion to an upper end of the core portion along a longitudinal axis of the core portion.
19. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the post comprises internal ribs extending within the inner cavity of the post along the longitudinal axis of the post, and wherein adjacent ones of the radial couplers define radial recesses configured to receive the internal ribs of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
20. The post mounting assembly of claim 19, further comprising a coupling extender configured to be mounted to the coupling fastener and the post connector of the upper base member.
21. The post mounting assembly of claim 20, wherein the coupling extender comprises an annular elongated body and radial lobes extending outwardly from the annular elongated body, adjacent ones of the radial lobes defining extender recesses configured to receive the internal ribs of the post when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
22. The post mounting assembly of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the post connector comprises an indexing pin extending upwardly from a top surface of the post connector, the indexing pin being configured to engage an indexing notch of the coupling extender to define an assembly orientation of the coupling extender.
23. The post mounting assembly of claim 22, wherein the indexing notch is a first indexing notch and the coupling extender comprises a second indexing notch, each of the first and second indexing notches defining a respective assembly orientation of the coupling extender.
24. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the upper base member is configured to at least partially superpose the bottom base member when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
25. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein a post end portion of the post is configured to be secured to the post connector of the upper base member by interference fit.
26. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the upper base member defines a post-receiving recess on a post-engaging side of the upper base member, the post-receiving recess being configured to receive a lower end of the post.
27. The post mounting assembly of claim 26, wherein a diameter of the postreceiving recess is less than 5 mm greater than an outer diameter of a post end portion of the post.
28. The post mounting assembly of claim 26 or 27, wherein the post connector extends upwardly from the post-receiving recess.
29. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein each of the first and second connection interfaces comprises complementary restricting members disposed annularly along at least a portion of a periphery of a corresponding one of the first and second connection interfaces, the restricting members of the upper and lower base members being configured to interlock to define possible ones of the multiple angular positions between the upper and lower base members.
30. The post mounting assembly of claim 29, wherein the restricting members comprise at least one of teeth, notches and pins.
31. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the upper and lower base members comprises an internal drainage channel, the internal drainage channels being configured to channel afluid from an inner cavity of the post to an outer edge of the lower base member when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
32. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the upper and lower base members comprises an internal wiring channel, the internal wiring channels being configured to guide a wiring assembly from an inner cavity of the post to a bottom portion of the lower base member when the post mounting assembly is assembled.
33. The post mounting assembly of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the post is a handrail post configured to secure a handrail assembly to the ground surface.
34. A method of mounting a post to a ground surface, the method comprising: positioning a lower base member of a post mounting assembly at a post target site on the ground surface; mounting an upper base member of the post mounting assembly to the lower base member in one of multiple angular positions relative to the lower base member, at least one of the angular positions being associated with a corresponding inclined configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the post is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the ground surface when the post mounting assembly is assembled and the upper base member is engaged with the post; securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface; and mounting the post to the upper base member.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein positioning the lower base member at the post target site comprises mounting the lower base member onto a coupling fastener secured to the ground surface.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface comprises threading a securing member to the coupling fastener.
37. The method of claim 36, further comprising mounting a coupling extender to the coupling fastener between the upper base member and the securing member.
38. The method of claim 37, further comprising aligning an indexing notch of the coupling extender with an indexing pin of the upper base member to position the coupling extender in a predetermined assembly orientation.
39. The method of any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface comprises compressing the upper and lower base members.
40. The method of claim 34, wherein securing the upper and lower base members to the ground surface comprises providing a coupling fastener through first and second through-holes defined in the upper and lower base members, respectively, and fastening the upper and lower base members to the ground surface.
41. The method of claim 40, further comprising mounting a coupling extender to the upper base member, and wherein fastening the upper and lower base members to the ground surface comprises compressing the upper base member, the lower base member and the coupling extender between the ground surface and a fastener head of the coupling fastener.
42. The method of any one of claims 34 to 40, wherein mounting the post to the upper base member comprises mounting the post to a post connector.
43. The method of claim 41 , wherein mounting the post to the post connector comprises sliding internal ribs of the post along radial recesses extending longitudinally within the post connector.
44. The method of any one of claims 34 to 43, wherein mounting the post to the upper base member comprises radially distorting a cross-sectional shape of the post.