Apparatus for Supporting a Posted Structure Which Is Fixable to a Planked Structure

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/637,908, filed Apr. 17, 2024, now allowed, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The subject invention relates to apparatuses for fixing a posted structure to a planked structure.

Supports configured to receive a posted structure and for mounting to a planked structure are known in the prior art. This allows each support to hold a posted structure relative to the planked structure. For example, the following patents each disclose a support, configured to receive a posted structure, and which includes one rotatable locking member which is passable between planks of a planked structure and, once passed through the planks, is rotatable to a locked position which resists movement of the support from the planked structure: German Utility Model No. DE 20 2009 014 777 U1 to Kotter-Rolf; U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,163 to Dysarz; U.S. Pat. No. 6,955,330 to Weiser et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,575,215 to Clark et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 8,327,575 to Zalewski; U.S. Pat. No. 10,323,788 to Budleski; and, U.S. Pat. No. 11,339,920 to Budleski. The single point of fixation of these designs is limited against wind, particularly, when in use on waterside planked structures.

The prior art also includes supports for posted structures, which are fixable to planked structures, and, which have two rotatable locking members, e.g., as shown in German Utility Model No. DE 20 2008 017 649 U1 to Giggenbach, U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,517 to Salibra, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,091 to Petryna et al. These designs provide the two locking members along a single axis which intersects the central support. As such, there is limited resistance to forces applied transversely to the single axis, such as crosswinds.

An apparatus for supporting a posted structure is provided herein, the apparatus being fixable to a planked structure having planks separated by spacings, the apparatus including a rectangular base plate having: a top face; a bottom face opposite to the top face; a perimeter extending about the base plate between the top and bottom faces, the perimeter including: spaced-apart first and second ends; and, spaced-apart first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; a first axis, lying along the top face, and generally perpendicular to the first end; a second axis, lying along the top face, and generally perpendicular to the first side, wherein the second axis intersects the first axis to separate the top face of the base plate into first, second, third, and fourth quadrants; a first aperture being formed in the first quadrant, spaced from both the first and second axes, to extend through the top and bottom faces; a second aperture being formed in the second quadrant, spaced from both the first and second axes, to extend through the top and bottom faces; a third aperture being formed in the third quadrant, spaced from both the first and second axes, to extend through the top and bottom faces; and, a fourth aperture being formed in the fourth quadrant, spaced from both the first and second axes, to extend through the top and bottom faces. The apparatus further includes an upstanding, hollow cylinder extending from, and rigidly affixed to, the top face of the base plate at the intersection of the first and second axes; and, first, second, third, and fourth locking bolts each having: an elongated shank which extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second shank ends, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth apertures are each formed to allow the elongated shank to pass therethrough; and, an elongated locking member fixed to the first shank end to be transverse to the longitudinal axis of, and extend from, the shank, the locking member being sized to pass through the spacing between a pair of adjacent planks of the planked structure, wherein, the shank is threaded between the first shank end and the second shank end. First, second, third, and fourth locking nuts are provided for threadedly mounting to the shank of the first, second, third, and fourth locking bolts, respectively.

Advantageously, the subject invention provides a support for a posted structure, which is fixable to a planked structure at multiple, spaced-apart points to provide multiaxial resistance to transverse forces such as winds in multiple cardinal directions.

As used herein, a “planked structure” refers to a horizontal structure having spaced-apart planks, such as the horizontal platform of a pier, wharf, quay, boardwalk, and the like, which is for supporting people and objects. The planked structure may be raised and supported by pilings and/or land. The planks may be wooden, plastic (e.g., recycled plastic), or combinations thereof. In addition, as used herein, a “posted structure” is a structure which includes a weight-bearing post, such as an umbrella, flagpole, chair, table, plant stand, light fixture, sign, billboard, advertising board, announcement board, and so forth. A “posted structure” may be also an ornamental element, such as a cut tree or bush (e.g., a Christmas tree, Hannukah bush), with a trunk of the cut tree or bush acting as the weight-bearing post.

With reference to, an apparatusis provided for supporting a posted structure P and which is fixable to a planked structure S. The planked structure S includes planks PK which are separated by spacings SP. Advantageously, the apparatusprovides a rigid support for the posted structure P relative to the planked structure S so as to fix the posted structure P relative to the planked structure S. The apparatusgenerally includes a base plate, an upstanding, hollow cylinder, a plurality of locking bolts, and a plurality of locking nuts.

As shown in, the base plateis plate-shaped with opposing top and bottom faces,. A perimeterextends about the base platebetween the top and bottom faces,. The base platemay be rectangular with the perimeterincluding spaced-apart first and second ends,and spaced-apart first and second sides,, which extend between the first and second ends,. With the base platebeing rectangular, the first and second ends,may be parallel, and, the first and second sides,may be parallel. Furthermore, the first sidemay be arranged perpendicularly to the first endand/or the second end, with the second sidealso possibly being arranged perpendicularly to the first endand/or the second end. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the base platemay be of other shapes, such as being circular, elliptical, or irregular, with the first and second ends,being spaced apart, the first and second sides,being spaced apart, and the first and second sides,being located between the first and second ends,.

As shown in, a first axismay be virtually superimposed on the base platewhich lies along the top faceand is generally perpendicular to the first end. In addition, a second axismay be virtually superimposed on the base platewhich lies along the top faceand is generally perpendicular to the first side. The first and second axes,intersect at intersectionto separate the top faceof the base plateinto virtual quadrants, namely, first, second, third, and fourth quadrants Q, Q, Q, Q.

The base plateincludes a plurality of aperturesuseable to fix the base plate, and, thus, fix the apparatus, to the planked structure S. Preferably, the aperturesare spaced about multiple sides of the intersection. By way of non-limiting example, the aperturesmay be arranged such that: a first apertureA is formed in the first quadrant Q, spaced from both the first and second axes,, to extend through the top and bottom faces,; a second apertureB is formed in the second quadrant Q, spaced from both the first and second axes,, to extend through the top and bottom faces,; a third apertureC is formed in the third quadrant Q, spaced from both the first and second axes,, to extend through the top and bottom faces,; and, a fourth apertureD is formed in the fourth quadrant Q, spaced from both the first and second axes,, to extend through the top and bottom faces,. By being spaced from both the first and second axes,, each of the first, second, third, and fourth aperturesA,B,C,D defines moment arms along two coordinate directions (the moment arms being perpendicular to the first and second axes,, respectively). This arrangement provides for multiaxial resistance to transverse forces applied to the apparatus, particularly force applied transversely to the cylinderand/or a posted structure P supported by the cylinder. Preferably, the intersectionis equidistant from the apertures, e.g., being equidistant from each of the first, second, third, and fourth aperturesA,B,C,D.

In a possible arrangement, the aperturesare located in proximity to corners of the base plate. For example, the first apertureA may be located in proximity to a first corneralong the perimeterof the base platedefined by the intersection of the first endand the first side; the second apertureB may be located in proximity to a second corneralong the perimeterof the base platedefined by the intersection of the first endand the second side; the third apertureC may be located in proximity to a third corneralong the perimeterof the base platedefined by the intersection of the second endand the first side; and, the fourth apertureD may be located in proximity to a fourth corneralong the perimeterof the base platedefined by the intersection of the second endand the second side.

The base platemay be of various dimensions with a length L between the first and second ends,and a width W between the first and second sides,. The length L must be sufficient to span at least one plank PK to allow the apparatusto be fixed to the planked structure S. By way of non-limiting example, the length L and the width W may be both 24.5 inches.

In addition, the aperturesmust be located to align with spacings SP between the planks PK. For example, as shown in, the first and second aperturesA,B may be collinearly aligned with a first of the spacings SP, at a distance of Lfrom the third and fourth aperturesC,D which are collinearly aligned with a second of the spacings SP. The distance Lmay be based on typical widths of the planks PK (e.g., nominally″-″ (actual width being: 3.5″-11.25″)) and spacings SP (e.g., 0.125″-1.0″) of a planked structure S. For example, with the width of the planks PK being each 5.5″ and the spacing SP being 0.5″, and three planks PK being spanned, the distance Lmay be set to: [3×5.5″]+[2×0.5″]+[2×0.25″]=18.0″. This calculated Laccounts for spanning three of the planks PK, two of the spacings SP (fully spanned), and twice half of the spacings SP to align the aperturesA,B,C,D with the spacings SP, SPfor mounting.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the apparatusmay be provided in different sizes to accommodate different size planks PK (e.g., the length Lis varied in the different offerings). In addition, or alternatively, the base platemay be provided with multiple aperturesin each of the quadrants Q, Q, Q, Q, spaced apart to allow for different mounting locations. The aperturesmay be formed with partially stamped knockouts which are removable for mounting. In addition, the base platemay be drilled on-site to form the aperturesbased on dimensions of the planked structure S for installation.

The base platemay be of metallic (e.g., steel) or polymeric construction, particularly being sufficiently robust to resist bending.

The cylinderis rigidly affixed to the top faceof the base plateso as to be upstanding in extending away from the top face. Preferably, the cylinderis affixed to the top faceat the intersectionof the first and second axes,. This allows the cylinderto be equidistant from each of the apertures. In addition, preferably, the cylinderis perpendicular to the top face. The cylindermay be attached to the base plate, e.g., by welding, adherence, or mechanical connection, or formed unitarily therewith (e.g., by molding or machining). The cylindermay be of metallic or polymeric construction.

With reference to, the cylinderhas an open free endlocated away from the top face, with open lumenextending from the free endto the top face. The lumendefines a passageway for receiving the posted structure P. The diameter D of the lumenis preferably in the range of 4.0-6.0 inches (e.g., 4.25 inches) to allow for a range of different-diameter posted structures P. In addition, it is preferred that the cylinderhave a minimum length (as measured between the top faceand the free end) to accept a sufficient length of the posted structure P to provide rigid support therethrough. The minimum length may be 10 inches, more preferably, 20 inches. By way of non-limiting example, the cylindermay have a length of 30 inches as measured between the top faceand the free end. The cylinderwill extend about the received length of the posted structure P in providing upright support thereto. One or more drain holesmay be formed through the plate, in alignment with the lumen, to allow drainage of water captured in the lumen.

It is noted that if the diameter of the posted structure P closely matches the diameter D of the lumen, an interference fit may be formed between the posted structure P and the cylinderwhich may sufficiently maintain the posted structure P within the cylinder. It has been found by the inventor herein that the trunk of a Christmas tree may be trimmed to match the diameter D of the lumenwith the cylinderholding the Christmas tree without further restraints. If the diameter of the posted structure P is less than the diameter D of the lumen, one or more wedges or spacers may be utilized to hold the posted structure P within the cylinder. In addition, or alternatively, one or more openings may be formed in the cylinderfor receiving threaded or insertable locking screw(s) and/or rod(s) that may press against the posted structure P in applying a holding force thereto. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, other means for holding the posted structure P relative to the cylindermay be utilized.

With reference to, to reinforce the cylinder, one or more strutsmay be provided to extend between the exterior surface, spaced from the top face, and the top face. The one or more strutsprovide lateral support to the cylinder. A plurality of the strutsmay be provided, evenly spaced about the circumference of the cylinder. In addition, one or more handlesmay be provided on the exterior surfaceof the cylinderand/or the top faceto facilitate handling of the apparatus. If a plurality of the handlesis provided, it is preferred the handlesbe evenly spaced about the circumference of the cylinder.

The locking boltsare provided in correspondence to the quantity of the apertures. Thus, with four of the apertures, four of the locking bolts(A,B,C,D) are provided. As shown in, each of the locking boltsincludes an elongated shankwhich extends along a longitudinal axis LA between first and second shank ends,. The aperturesare each formed to allow the shankto pass therethrough. In use, the shanksof the locking boltsextend through the apertures.

For each of the locking bolts, an elongated locking memberis fixed to the first shank endto be transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of, and extend from, the shank. The locking membermay extend from one side of the shankto define an L-shape with the shank(). Alternatively, the locking membermay extend from both sides of the shankin defining a T-shape with the shank(). In either variation, the locking membermust have a sufficient length so that during use the locking memberextends from the shank, which is received in one of the spacings SP, to a location below adjacent plank(s) PK.

The locking membermust be sized (i.e., be sufficiently narrow) to pass through the spacing SP between a pair of adjacent planks PK for installation. Likewise, the shankmust be sized (i.e., be sufficiently narrow) to pass through the spacing SP.

In use, as shown in, the shankextends through the spacing SP and through the base platewith the locking memberbeing below the planks PK and the second shank endprotruding from the top face. Thus, the shankmust have sufficient length to extend from below the planks PK to a location above the top face. In addition, the shankis threaded between the first shank endand the second shank end. Threads T must be provided on the shankwhich are accessible above the top faceof the base plateduring use. The shankmust have sufficient length to extend above the top facewith the threads T being accessible. Preferably, the threads T extend from the second shank endwith sufficient length to draw the locking membersinto pressing engagement with adjacent planks PK, as described below.

The locking nutsare provided in correspondence to the quantity of the locking bolts. Thus, with four of the locking bolts, four of the locking nuts(A,B,C,D) are provided. The locking nutsare formed to threadedly mount to the shanks, particularly to the threads T thereof, of the locking boltswhen installed. It is preferred that the locking nutseach be formed to not be passable through any of the apertures(e.g., be each dimensioned to overlap portions of the top facewhen threadedly secured to the respective shank).

One or more washersmay be provided between each of the locking nutsand the top faceof the base plate. The washersmay be sized to overlap portions of the top faceoutside the respective aperture. The washersmay be flat and/or split. The split washer may be configured as a lock washer formed to resist loosening of an associated locking nut. With reference to, in a preferred arrangement, a split washerA and a flat washerB are provided for each of the locking boltswith the split washerA adjacent to the corresponding locking nutand the flat washerB between the split washerA and the top faceof the base plate.

For installation, the locking boltsare inserted through the apertures, with the second shank endsof the locking boltsprotruding from the top faceand the first shank endsof the locking boltsprotruding from the bottom face. Any washersbeing used are slipped over the second shank endsof the locking bolts, with the locking nutsbeing threadedly mounted to the shanksof each of the locking bolts. As shown in, the locking nutsmay be sufficiently tightened to support in hanging arrangement the locking boltswith the base platebeing held horizontally above the ground. The base plateis then located above the installation site so that the locking boltsalign with the spacings SP, SP. Once aligned, the base platemay be lowered to a resting position on the planked structure S with the locking boltsextending through the spacings SP, SP. In sequence, as shown in, each of the locking boltsis rotated to locate the locking membersbelow adjacent planks PK and, while maintaining this position, the locking nutsare tightened till the locking memberscome into pressing engagement with the adjacent planks PK. Preferably, the locking membersare positioned to be generally perpendicular to the spacings SP, SP. With all the locking nutstightened, and the locking membersin pressing engagement with the adjacent planks PK, holding force is generated for maintaining the apparatusfixed to the planked structure S. A posted structure P may be placed into the cylinderto be supported thereby. The apparatusmay be removed by loosening the locking nuts, rotating the locking membersinto alignment with the spacings SP, SP, and lifting the base plate.

The apparatusshould have a robust construction to resist forces applied thereto, particularly under harsh conditions. The apparatusmay be formed of corrosion-resistant materials, or be coated or treated with corrosion-resistant paint or the like, to extend product life, particularly if intended for use in marine environment.