Heavy duty surface mount post system

Abstract

A heavy-duty surface mount post system includes a post base with a mounting member and a post designed to slide over the tube. Shims are mounted between the mounting member and the post to create a tighter fit and to resist galvanic corrosion when the base and post are made of different materials, such as steel and aluminum. Optional decorative skirts provide additional stability and aesthetic appeal. The system is ideal for fencing installations on concrete or other solid surfaces, accommodating a range of tolerances while simplifying assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A heavy-duty surface mount post system comprising:
 a steel post base having a base plate and a vertically extending mounting member secured to the base plate,   an aluminum post for mounting to the post base,   at least one shim configured to fit between the mounting member and said post,   whereby said aluminum post is separated from said steel post base to inhibit galvanic corrosion and to provide a tight fit between said steel post base and said aluminum post, restricting movement between said steel post base and said aluminum post.   
     
     
         2 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein said shim includes an elongated body and an inwardly angled finger for engaging the top of the mounting member. 
     
     
         3 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein said aluminum post is a hollow aluminum tube configured to mount over said mounting member. 
     
     
         4 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein said shim includes a body portion attached to said mounting member. 
     
     
         5 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the post base is powder-coated. 
     
     
         6 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 3 , wherein said powder-coated post base includes a textured finish. 
     
     
         7 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein said shim is made from a pliable material and is self-forming when compressed between said post and the mounting member. 
     
     
         8 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the shim is made of aluminum. 
     
     
         9 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the shim is made of aluminum, plastic, stainless steel or steel. 
     
     
         10 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the shim includes surface ridges for increased friction and spacing between the post and the mounting member. 
     
     
         11 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , further comprising a decorative skirt configured to conceal the base plate. 
     
     
         12 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the post has an inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the mounting member whereby the post can be slid over the mounting member. 
     
     
         13 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the base plate includes a U-shaped bracket adapted to fit the top surface of a concrete barrier. 
     
     
         14 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein said base plate is generally u-shaped. 
     
     
         15 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , further including a barrier base with a top, and said base plate is generally u-shaped to staddle said top. 
     
     
         16 . A shim for a heavy-duty surface mount post system the heavy duty mounting surface mount post system having a mounting member configured for mounting to a foundation and a post tube made of a different material than the mounting member configured to said mounting member, said shim comprising:
 a body configured to be mounted between said mounting member and said post tube,   said shim is pliable and self-forming when compressed between said post and the mounting member.   
     
     
         17 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein said shim includes an elongated body and an inwardly angled finger for engaging the top of the mounting member. 
     
     
         18 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 15 , wherein said shim includes a body attached to said mounting member. 
     
     
         19 . The heavy-duty surface mount post system of  claim 1 , wherein the shim is made of aluminum, plastic, stainless steel or steel.