A Post

Abstract

In a preferred embodiment of the invention there is a post comprising a plurality of poles 5 located in and extending from a ground surface adjacent to one another. A sleeve 1 is arranged around the poles 5 so that the sleeve and poles combine to provide a shaft. In this embodiment each pole has a tapered ground-engaging end 6 and the sleeve has a large compartment 2 for two of the poles 5 and a small compartment 3 for one of the poles.

1 . A post comprising:
 a plurality of poles located in and extending from a ground surface adjacent to one another; and   an elongate rigid sleeve arranged around the poles so that the sleeve and poles combine to provide a shaft that extends above the ground surface.   
     
     
         2 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the poles have ‘bend-memory’ in that they will collectively flex in response to a lateral impact force on the post and automatically return to substantially their original disposition when the impact force has gone. 
     
     
         3 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the poles are splayed within the ground, and/or between the ground and the sleeve. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . A post according to  claim 2 , wherein a significant portion of the poles extend from above the ground surface. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is secured to the poles by way of fastening means. 
     
     
         9 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve has compartments and at least one of the poles is engaged in a different one of the compartments to another of the poles. 
     
     
         10 . A post according to  claim 9 , wherein there are at least three of the compartments and each compartment engages with one or more of the poles. 
     
     
         11 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve has one compartment that receives all the poles, and at least two said poles contact one another. 
     
     
         12 . A post according  claim 11 , wherein the compartment incorporates at least a pair of parallel longitudinal ridges, one ridge of the pair engaging one pole and the other ridge of the pair engaging the other of the poles, there being a third pole which presses again said other two poles under pressure from a screw fastener so as to wedge said other poles each into a respective interior corner of the sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein there are at least three of the poles arranged in tripod formation. 
     
     
         14 . A post according to  claim 13 , wherein each pole has a tapered ground-engaging end. 
     
     
         15 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve is non-metallic. 
     
     
         16 . A post according to  claim 15 , wherein the poles are non-metallic. 
     
     
         17 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the poles have been inserted into the ground using a hand held powered drill. 
     
     
         18 . A post according to  claim 1 , wherein the poles are circular in transverse cross section and are 10-20 mm in diameter. 
     
     
         19 . A post according to  claim 18 , wherein the poles are 12-16 mm in diameter. 
     
     
         20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A post comprising:
 a) a pole;   b) a fastener; and   c) a sleeve comprising
 i. a central cavity; 
 ii. a fixing opening for receiving the fastener; and 
 iii. locater means opposite the opening wherein a portion of the locator is opposite and at the same level as the opening; 
   the post being such that with the pole within the sleeve's central cavity the fastener can be driven in the opening to impinge on the pole and press it against the locater means to prevent lateral and vertical movement of the pole with respect to the sleeve; and wherein the sleeve's central cavity has a pair of acute corners, one either side of and diagonally opposite the fixing opening.   
     
     
         25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A post according to  claim 24 , wherein the locator means comprises a pair of ridges, and there is also at least one ridge at each side of the cavity between the first mentioned ridges and the fixing opening. 
     
     
         27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . (canceled)