Device and Method for Installing Posts

Abstract

One aspect of the present invention is a device for protecting a post during installation in the ground using an impact instrument. The device comprises a strike surface for receiving the instrument impact. The strike surface is disposed on a first side of the device. The device also comprises a seat for mounting on an upper portion of the post. The device generally covers the upper portion of the post when positioned thereon. Also, the seat is formed by at least one depression disposed on a second side of the device. At least part of the depression is shaped to receive the upper portion of the post inserted therein.

1 . A device for protecting a post during installation in the ground using an impact instrument, the device comprising: 
 a strike surface for receiving the instrument impact, the strike surface disposed on a first side of the device; and    a seat for mounting on an upper portion of the post, wherein the device generally covers the upper portion of the post when positioned thereon, the seat formed by at least one depression disposed on a second side of the device, wherein at least part of the depression is shaped to receive the upper portion of the post inserted therein.    
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second sides are directly opposed from one another.  
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the depression is formed as a groove, such that the width of the groove is slightly larger than a wall thickness of the upper post portion.  
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat includes more than one depression, each depression having an overall shape corresponding to a post having a different geometry.  
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat engages at least one non-horizontal post surface.  
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the seat engages an inner surface of the post when mounted thereon.  
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the seat further engages an outer surface of the post opposed to the inner surface to securely hold the device on the upper portion of the post.  
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein he second site includes more than one generally planar surface immediately adjacent the depression, wherein one of the planar surfaces extends further away from the first side than the other planar surface.  
   
   
       9 . A device for protecting a post during installation in the ground using an impact instrument, the device comprising: 
 a strike surface for receiving the impact from the installation instrument; and    a stabilizing surface opposite to the strike surface portion for removeably maintaining the device seated on the post during installation, the stabilizing surface having a mounting portion which engage at least two opposed sides of the post to maintain the device on the post during installation.    
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein at least one of the opposed sides of the post is an inner surface of the post.  
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the mounting portion surrounds a perimeter of at least an upper portion of the post when mounted thereon.  
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the mounting portion extends inside at least an upper portion of a tubular post.  
   
   
       13 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the mounting portion is formed by a series of grooves which are configured to mate with posts having different geometries.  
   
   
       14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the post is hollow and has a geometry selected from the list of square, rectangular and circular.  
   
   
       15 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein the mounting portion is formed by a cavity which closely resembles the geometry of an ornamental post.  
   
   
       16 . A method for installing at least one post in the ground comprising the steps of: 
 aligning a first post in a desired installation orientation over the ground;    mounting a protective strike member on an upper portion of the first post, wherein the member includes a striking surface and a mounting surface, the mounting surface including a mounting means to maintain the member position on the upper portion of the first post; and    striking the striking surface protective member with an impact instrument to drive a bottom end of the first post into the ground.    
   
   
       17 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising the steps of: 
 aligning a second post in a desired installation orientation over the ground, the second post having a geometry different from the first post;    mounting the protective strike member on an upper portion of the second post; and    striking the striking surface of the protective member to drive a bottom end of the second post into the ground.    
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 16 , further comprising the step of: 
 removing the strikes member once the desired portion of the post is embedded into the ground and placing a decorative cap on the upper portion of the first post.    
   
   
       19 . The method according to  claim 16 , wherein the mounting means comprises a plurality of grooves which engage inner and outer surfaces of the first post.  
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 16 , where the mounting means includes a surface which engages at least one of an outer surface of the first post and an inner surface of the first post.