Post setting insert

• US 7,325,790 B2
• Filed: 01/25/2006
• Issued: 02/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 01/25/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gary Lee
• Original Assignee: Gary Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Gary
• Primary Examiner(s): Hewitt; James M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kennedy; Joshua T
• Application Number:
  US11/338,794
• Publication Number:
  US 20070170412A1
• Time in Patent Office: 741 Days
• Field of Search: 256/1, 256/65.14, 256/DIG.5, 403/311, 403/344, 248/511, 248/519, 248/530, 52/40, 521/261, 521/65, 521/691.3, 521/70
• US Class Current: 256/65.14
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 27/42 Foundations for poles, masts or chimneys sockets or holders for poles or masts per se E04H12/22
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 12/2269 in a socket

Abstract

An insert for assisting and easing the task of setting fence posts or the like into a concrete or aggregate footing. The invention comprises: two identical half-forms, which when faced 180 degrees to each other, interlock together to form a full form, a snap-on level, and locking rim. Installing a post into concrete becomes a much-simplified task by means of the present invention whereby, after boring a posthole into the ground, the installer simply snaps together the identical half-forms, snaps on the snap-on level, then casts the now full form into the concrete; adjusting for levelness while placing the concrete into the posthole. No bracing is required since the only force exerted onto the insert. The post can be slid downwardly into the insert once the concrete has set, then slides the locking rim onto the upper edge perimeter of the full form thus creating a quasi-seal surrounding a perfectly level post.

Claims

1. A post-setting insert comprising:

i. a ground-inserting portion having;

(a) two half-form, each comprising two planar side members jointly molded at one vertical edge so as to form an L shape when viewed from above,

(b) a female joiner inwardly and diagonally disposed at one extremity of the planar side member, and a male joiner outwardly and diagonally disposed at the opposing extremity of said L-shaped side members,

(c) a closure latch integral to one edge of the planar side member,

(d) a closure catch integrally molded into one edge of the planar side member distal to the closure latch, and

(e) a rim latch at the upper outer periphery of each half-form member,

ii. a locking rim having;

(f) a rim portion having inner dimensions conforming to those of two half-forms'"'"' upper edges'"'"' outer dimensions when joined,

(g) a gripping portion extending outwardly and slightly downwardly from the rim portion,

(h) a snap rib integral with the inner portion of the rim portion and geometrically similar to the geometry of the rim latch at the upper outer periphery of each half-form member,

(i) an upwardly and inwardly extending cap portion also integrally attached with the rim portion and having inner dimensions generally conforming to those of the outer dimensions of a post for which the post-setting insert of the present invention was adapted,

iii. a snap-on level having;

(a) a round level wherein the upper center is the level position indicator,

(b) a snap frame having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section wherein, the inner surface of the U-shaped section has a width equal or slightly greater than the thickness of the planar side members of the half-forms so as to frictionally engage atop the upper portion of the planar side members,

(c) two or more snap nipples integral with the outer most inner surface of the U-shaped section are positioned so as to temporarily snap into the rim latch at the upper outer portion of each half-form.

2. The post-setting insert of claim 1 wherein, the contacting surfaces of the two half forms are disposed in such a manner that each opposing edge conforms fittingly with its opposing half by means of male and female joinery so as to allow two identical half forms to fittingly mate together.

3. The post-setting insert of claims 1 or 2 wherein, the opposing half forms are securedly attached together by means of a catch and latch integral with its respective edge.

4. The post-setting insert of claim 1 wherein, the bottom portion of the full form assembly is pointed downwardly.

5. The post-setting insert of claim 4 wherein, the downwardly pointed bottom portion of each post setting insert half-form has vertically oriented triangular webs integrally molded with the pointed bottom wherein the upper ends of each web is horizontally even with each other web so as to form an intermittent floor on which a post'"'"'s butt end can rest upon thus evenly distributing the post'"'"'s load to the intermittent floor.

6. The post-setting insert of claim 5 wherein, any moisture or water, which enters the post-receiving cavity, would find its way down between the webs thus aiding the post to remain dry.

7. The post-setting insert of claim 1 wherein, the upper outer edge of each half form is adapted with a rim latch comprising a continuous V-groove along the outer portion of each half form.

8. The post-setting insert of claim 1 wherein, the locking rim, when frictionally and pressuredly inserted over the full form assembly, creates a periphery ring therearound.