AU2004202761B2 - A Ground Anchor - Google Patents

Description

A GROUND ANCHOR Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a ground anchor and is particularly directed to a CIA ground anchor that can be used in farming and particularly in respect of the trellis farming industry. The invention will be described with reference to a ground anchor for this use but no particular limitation is meant thereby and the ground anchor may also be used in any other application for which the ground anchor as described below will be suitable.

Background Art 0 Trellis farming refers to farm produce that is grown on trellises. An ot 10 example of this is tomato farming. However, no limitation is to be placed on the invention C just by this particular example. Figure 1 illustrates an example of trellis farming. In this example, tomato plants are supported by horizontal parallel wires 10 that extend between vertical posts 11. At the end of the crop, the parallel wires are wound about angled end posts 12. The end posts 12 are driven into the ground at an angle to provide a ground anchor for the trellis wires 13. The end posts also prevent the vertical posts 11 from being pulled to one side by the weight of the plants on the wire, the tension on the wire, etc.

As illustrated in figure 1, conventional end posts 12 are made of logs that are pounded into the ground at the desired angle. Typically, a farmer will use a tractor to reverse up to where the timber posts are to be placed, will then drill a pilot hole with a 100 2 0 millimetre augur, and will then rain the timber post down the hole with a hydraulically operated post thumper. With this arrangement, two people are usually required, one to operate the hydraulics and one to guide the timber at the inclined angle. Typically, the procedure takes approximately five minutes per post.

Apart from the long time required for each post, and the need to provide two people, another disadvantage is that timber is becoming quite scarce. Also, even treated timber will eventually rot or become otherwise damaged and it is found that for every 1000 angled timber posts installed per farm, about 250 will need to be replaced each season.

To provide an idea of the number of timber posts that are used, it is found that in one relatively small district in Australia, tomato farmers use approximately 95,000 3 0 timber posts.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a ground anchor that can replace the end posts in the trellis farming industry and which does not require the use of wooden posts, and which can be installed more quickly than wooden

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o posts.

There would also be an advantage if it were possible to provide a ground anchor that can be inserted into the ground and which has a particular configuration to make it more difficult for the ground anchor to be inadvertently pulled out of the ground.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a ground anchor that may vl o 10 overcome at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer

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with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form the invention comprises A ground anchor comprising an elongate main body in the form of a star picket comprising three flanges e.g.18] being a first, second and third flange each having longitudinal side edges, a fourth longitudinal flange 19] that extends outwardly from a side edge of one of the star picket flanges 18], a fifth longitudinal flange 20] that extends outwardly from the side edge of another of the star picket flanges, the fourth longitudinal flange and the fifth longitudinal flange defining an angle of between 1100-1800 relative to each other.

In a broader form, the invention resides in a ground anchor which comprises an elongate body and at least one extending flange which extends outwardly, the construction and arrangement being to improve the ground anchoring ability of the ground anchor.

Suitably, the ground anchor includes a ground spike that can facilitate insertion of the ground anchor into the ground.

Suitably, the ground anchor includes a head portion which does not contain the fourth longitudinal flange or the fifth longitudinal flange.

Suitably, the head portion contains an aperture to facilitate removal of the ground anchor from the ground.

The ground anchor may be associated with a cap member. The cap member may be adapted to be at least partially placed over the head portion of the ground anchor.

The cap member may comprise a tube that can be slid over the head portion of the ground anchor. The tube may have one open end and one closed end.

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O Means may be provided to prevent the cap member from rotating relative to the ground anchor when the cap member is attached to the ground anchor. In one form, this can be provided by providing the ground anchor with a projection that engages with a recess on the cap member to prevent the cap member from rotating relative to the ground 5 anchor. Alternatively, the recess may be provided on the ground anchor and the projection may be provided on the cap member. Suitably, the projection is on the ground anchor and 4 comprises a longitudinal flange or rib. Suitably, the recess is on the cap member and ,1 comprises a cutout in the open end of the tube. Suitably, more than one projection is

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provided and more than one recess or cutout is provided to prevent rotation of the cap O 10 member relative to the ground anchor.

0 Suitably, means may be provided to prevent inadvertent removal of the cap member. This means may comprise an internal lip to wedge against an internal lug.

The ground anchor may be hammered or otherwise inserted into the ground by any suitable means. An efficient means may comprise a pneumatic picket driver which is known. The pneumatic picket driver requires an air compressor that can be carried by a farm tractor. IIowever, no limitation should be placed on the invention by the means by which the ground anchor is inserted into the ground.

If the ground anchor is used as an end post in the trellis farming industry, it is typical for the ground anchor to be inserted into the ground at an angle of between 250 700.

The ground anchor may be made of any suitable material. It is considered that metal such as steel is a suitable material as this will provide a strong robust ground anchor. However, the ground anchor may be formed from metals other than steel such as aluminium, alloys, or may be formed from composite materials, strong plastics and the like. It is considered that the invention should not be limited to the particular material from which the ground anchor is made.

The ground anchor may comprise any suitable length which will depend upon the use of the ground anchor and possibly the soil structure, etc. For most uses, it is considered that the ground anchor will have a length of between 0.5-3 metres and will typically have a length of between 0.8-1.5 metres.

The ground anchor may be treated to provide resistance against corrosion.

For instance, the ground anchor may be galvanised, painted and the like.

The main body portion of the ground anchor may comprise an angle cross-

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O section profile. Typically, the main body portion will have a triangular cross-section which is known as a "star picket" at least in Australia. The triangular cross-section typically comprises a central body and three equally spaced apart radial flanges or ribs as is known.

However, the main body portion may also be tubular, cylindrical, have a rectangular cross- C, 5 section, a triangular cross-section, an oval cross-section and the like.

The fourth longitudinal flange and the fifth longitudinal flange may extend 4 outwardly from the main body portion. Typically, each flange has a width which is at least ,1 the width of the main body portion and which may be between 2-5 times the width of the

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0, main body portion. Thus, each longitudinal flange may have a width of between 2-20 O 10 centimetres. This will of course depend on the size of the ground anchor. Each flange may 0 extend from adjacent a forward portion of the ground anchor to a rear portion of the ground anchor. Suitably however each flange terminates short of the forward portion to provide a ground engaging spike, and each flange terminates short of the rear portion of the ground anchor to provide a head portion.

The ground engaging spike may have a length of between 50-300 millimetres and will typically have a length of between 90-200 millimetres.

The head portion may have a length of between 100-400 millimetres and will typically have a length of between 200-300 millimetres.

The length of the ground engaging spike and the head portion can of course vary depending upon the size of the ground anchor.

The fourth longitudinal portion and the fifth longitudinal portion can be seen as laterally extending "wings" to offer greater resistance in the soil. These wings can define an angle of between 90'-180' between them, and will typically define an angle of between 120'-180.

It is preferred that the ground anchor is formed integrally.

The cap member may comprise a metal tube that can be fitted over the head portion. The metal tube will typically comprise a cylindrical tube although the metal tube may have other cross-sections such as rectangular, oval and the like. The length of the cap member will vary depending upon the size of the ground anchor but it is envisaged that the cap member will have a length of between 100-500 millimetres and typically between 200- 300 millimetres.

Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the

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o following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a conventional trellis system using wooden end posts.

Figure 2 illustrates an end view of a ground anchor according to an embodiment of the invention.

5 Figure 3 illustrates a view of the ground anchor and a view of the cap member.

Figure 4 illustrates a view of the ground anchor containing the attached cap member.

Figure 5 illustrates a close-up view of the forward ground spike on the ground anchor.

Figure 6 illustrates the ground anchor inserted into the ground.

Figure 7 illustrates the ground anchor of Figure 6 with the cap member about to be o 10 inserted.

C Figure 8 illustrates the ground anchor containing the attached cap member.

Best Mode Referring to the illustrations, and initially to figure 1, there is illustrated a conventional trellis arrangement for growing tomatoes. The trellis arrangement contains a number of vertical posts 11 which support horizontal trellis wires 10 which extend into the crop. The trellis wires 10 are tied off against angled end posts 12.

In an embodiment of the invention (but not limiting to the invention), is described a ground anchor that can replace the angled end posts 12.

The ground anchor is best illustrated in figures 2-4. The ground anchor comprises an elongate main body portion 16 which is best illustrated in figure 2. The main body portion in the particular embodiment has a length of about 1-1.5 metres.

A lower end of the main body portion contains a ground spike 17 which is best illustrated in figure 4 and figure 5 and which is sharpened to facilitate insertion of the ground anchor into the ground.

In this particular embodiment, the main body portion 16 has a "star picket" cross-section which comprises three radially extending flanges 18 (see figure This type of cross-section is known at least in Australia.

These flanges 18 can be conveniently be named the first flange, the second flange and the third flange.

Extending from the main body portion 16 and therefore extending from two of the flanges 18 is a fourth longitudinal flange 19 and a fifth longitudinal flange 20 which are possibly best illustrated in figure 2. These flanges 19, 20 can be seen as forming 0 o "extensions" of flanges 18. Each longitudinal flange 19, 20 extends from adjacent the ground spike portion 17 (see figure 3 and figure 5) and along the main body portion 16 to a position spaced from the other (upper) end of the main body portion. Typically, each longitudinal flange will extend along between 50%-80% of the main body portion 16.

By having each longitudinal flange 19, 20 spaced away from the other end of the main body portion, there is defined a head portion 21 which is best illustrated in figure 3.

Head portion 21 is provided with an opening 22 to facilitate removal of the 0 ground anchor from the ground by allowing a hook or chain to pass through the opening 22 vl o 10 and attach to a lifting device (typically on the tractor) to enable the ground anchor to be 0 removed from the ground.

C'l In the particular embodiment, a cap member 23 (see figure 3) is attached over head portion 21. Cap member 23 comprises a cylindrical steel tube having a lower open end and an upper closed end. The lower open end contains a number of recesses or notches 24 which are best illustrated in figure 3 and figure 4. These recesses fit over the edges of the flanges 19, 20 and function to prevent the cap member 23 from rotating relative to the ground anchor.

In use, the ground anchor can be hammered into the ground (typically using a pneumatic picket driver) and at a desired angle such that the ground anchor is as illustrated in figure 6. The ground anchor is hammered into the ground in such a manner that any load on the ground anchor is in the direction of arrow 25 and this will be resisted by the large longitudinal flanges or wings 19, 20. Once the ground anchor has been hammered into the ground, the cap member 23 can be placed over head portion 21 such that the arrangement is as illustrated in figure 8.

The particular design of the ground anchor (which can be seen as a "Y" shape), allows easy driving into the ground yet the two wings offer greater stability under the weight of the crops and greater resistance in the soil than a round peg. The cap member allows the trellis wire to be more easily tied onto and removed from the ground anchor.

The recesses in the cap member ensure correct positioning of the cap member over the ground anchor and prevent the cap member from twisting around.

In a modification, should the ground anchor stay in place permanently, a different cap member can be provided that allows for back anchor wiring. This cap member may be provided with openings extending therethrough to accommodate the

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o wiring. For safety purposes, an internal lip can be provided to wedge against an external C"l lug to ensure that the cap member cannot move in the upwards direction until all the wires are completely detached. To explain, the wires can be under considerable tension and it may be possible for the tension of the wire to pull the cap member entirely off the ground anchor. This may cause injury to a person.

To remove the ground anchor, the end cap can be initially removed, and the opening or hole in the ground anchor can be used to lift the ground anchor out of the ground.

0It is found that a ground anchor can be placed in position within one minute o 10 as opposed to about five minutes for a wooden post. There is no need to drill a pilot hole with an augur. Therefore, this additional drilling equipment is not required. A single person can insert the ground anchor at the required angle within one minute using an airoperated picket driver. The ground anchor is extremely strong and robust, does not split, is not subject to damage by ants, etc. Therefore, there is no need to frequently replace the ground anchor which is something that is required with a timber end post.

There is an option to provide a weed mat, as it is usually required that the trellis wire is kept free from weeds. With the present invention, the weed mat may comprise a heavy duty plastic weed mat that is placed on the ground and the ground anchor can pierce through the weed mat to hold the mat in place. If desired, the weed mat can be provided with a small split to assist in the piercing action.

The ground anchor is approximately 1/6 the weight of a timber post, is much smaller, and will last much longer.

Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (4)

1. A ground anchor comprising an elongate main body in the form of a star picket having only three flanges being a first, second and third flange each having longitudinal side edges, a fourth longitudinal flange that extends outwardly from a side edge of one of the star picket flanges a fifth longitudinal flange that extends outwardly from the side edge of another of the star picket flanges, the fourth longitudinal flange and the fifth longitudinal flange defining an angle of between

1100-1800 relative to each other, the remaining star picket flange not containing any additional flange extending from a side edge. O 0

2. The ground anchor as claimed in claim 1, which includes a ground spike to facilitate insertion of the ground anchor into the ground.

3. The ground anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a head portion which does not contain the fourth longitudinal flange or the fifth longitudinal flange.

4. The ground anchor as claimed in claim 3, wherein the head portion contains an aperture to facilitate removal of the ground anchor from the ground. The ground anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a cap member. 6. The ground anchor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the cap member comprises a tube that can be slid over the head portion of the ground anchor. 7. The ground anchor as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, comprising means to prevent the cap member from rotating relative to the ground anchor when the cap member is attached to the ground anchor. 8. The ground anchor as claimed in claim 7, wherein the ground anchor comprises a projection that engages with a recess on the cap member to prevent the cap member from rotating relative to the ground anchor. 9. The ground anchor as claimed in any one of claims 5-8, containing means to prevent inadvertent removal of the cap member. O O 10. The ground anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein (N the fourth and fifth flanges are substantially coplanar with each of the star picket flanges to which the fourth and fifth flanges are attached. Cl 5 11 The ground anchor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate main body has a lower end and an upper end, the fourth and fifth flanges being spaced from the lower end by a distance illustrated in figures 3 or 4 or 5 and being spaced from the upper end by a distance illustrated in figures 2 or 3 or 4 or 6. 0 12. A ground anchor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to O O the accompanying illustrations. Cl DATED: 12 April 2007