Post installation apparatus

Abstract

A post installation apparatus that is operable to facilitate the mounting of a post for an application such as but not limited to a street sign. The present invention includes an auger member wherein the auger member is cylindrical and hollow having a first end and a second end. The auger member has a blade member surroundably mounted thereto proximate the first end of the auger member. The second end of the auger member includes a receiving channel formed therein. The receiving channel is configured to connect with the mounting bolt of the coupling member. The coupling member is mateably shaped with a post that is configured to be inserted into the end thereof opposite the auger member. The coupling member further includes alignment members operable to provide vertical leveling of the post. The blade member includes teeth members formed on the leading edge thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object wherein the post installation apparatus comprises:
 an auger member, said auger member being elongated and cylindrical in shape having a wall member, said auger member having a first end and a second end, said auger member being hollow intermediate said first end and said second end, said auger member having an opening proximate said first end, said auger member having an opening proximate said second end;   a blade member, said blade member being secured to an outer surface of said auger member proximate said first end of said auger member, said blade member being helical in shape and surroundably mounted to said auger member;   a coupling member, said coupling member having a first end and a second end, said coupling member having integrally formed walls creating a hollow passage, said coupling member having an opening at said first end, said coupling member having an opening at said second end; and   a receiving channel, said receiving channel being formed in the wall member of said auger member proximate said second end of said wall member, said receiving channel configured to facilitate an operable connection between said auger member and said coupling member.   
     
     
         2 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 1 , and further including a mounting bolt, said mounting bolt secured to said coupling member proximate said second end, said mounting bolt extending across the hollow passage of said coupling member, said mounting bolt configured to operably engage said receiving channel. 
     
     
         3 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said blade member further includes a leading edge, said leading edge of said blade member having teeth members formed thereon. 
     
     
         4 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 3 , said coupling member further including a first alignment member, said first alignment member being journaled through a first wall of said coupling member, said first alignment member operable to engage a post disposed in said coupling member. 
     
     
         5 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said first end of said auger member is tapered in shape. 
     
     
         6 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 5 , said coupling member further including a second alignment member, said second alignment member being journaled through a second wall of said coupling member, said second alignment member operable to engage a post disposed in said coupling member, said second alignment member being oriented ninety degrees with respect to said first alignment member. 
     
     
         7 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 6 , and further including a securing member, said securing member being journaled through a wall of said coupling member, said securing member configured to penetrate into a post disposed in said coupling member. 
     
     
         8 . The post installation apparatus configured to facilitate mounting of a post or similar object as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said receiving channel includes a first section, a second section and a third section, said first section, second section and third section being contiguously formed, said first section and said third section being longitudinal in orientation on said auger member, said second section being intermediate said first section and said third section and contiguous therewith, said second section being lateral in orientation with respect to said auger member.