This invention relates generally to tools and relates, more particularly, to means for use when pounding, or driving, a post into the ground.
In my earlier U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,261, I described an apparatus for supporting a post, such as a metal t-post, which is to be driven into the ground by an individual. Briefly, that apparatus includes a platen base upon which an individual can stand while the post is being driven into the ground, and the base defines a through-opening which is disposed between the feet of the individual when the individual stands upon the base. A cavity-providing guide is mounted upon the base for slidably receiving a post inserted endwise therein and so that the cavity of the guide means is positioned in registry with the through-opening of the base. When an individual stands upon the base with his feet disposed on opposite sides of the through-opening and a post is positioned within the guide means, the post is supported by the guide means in a steady condition for being driven into the ground.
A limitation associated with the apparatus of my earlier patent relates to the fact that once the platen base of the apparatus is positioned upon the ground, the orientation of the post which is desired to be driven into the ground relative to the surface of the ground cannot be appreciably altered. In other words, in order to make a significant adjustment in the orientation of a post desired to be driven into the ground once the platen base of my patented apparatus is placed upon the ground, the position of the base will have to be re-adjusted.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved post support apparatus which is capable of supporting a post while it is being driven into the ground and which accommodates a substantial adjustment in the orientation of a post desired to be driven into the ground without requiring that the base of the apparatus be moved.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus which is uncomplicated in structure, yet effective in operation.