Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilising element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of a tower foundation system for an above-ground tower. For example, according to one representative embodiment, a tower for supporting a structure above the ground includes a foundation and a second support column section. The foundation includes a first support column section and a plurality of arms that extend radially outward away from an outer surface of the first support column. Additionally, the foundation includes a plurality of elongate anchors coupled to the plurality of arms. The first and second support column sections include each include a plurality of engagement elements engageable with each other to splice the first and second support column sections together. More specifically, the second support column section is insertable into and rests upon the first support column section such that the plurality of engagement elements engage each other.

Abstract: An improved fence post mounting device is disclosed for supporting accessory articles upon a hollow fence post. The device comprises a cap member sized to fit over and upon the open top of the hollow fence post as a cover therefor, an elongated shaft member attached to the inside of the cap member and extending lengthwise therefrom to engage the chamber of the post, and support means coupled to the top of the cap member for holding or hanging the decorative accessories. In one preferred embodiment, the shaft member is fabricated having a pair of flanges formed on opposite sides of an intermediate web to provide a substantially “H” transverse cross section designed to fit closely within the chamber of a rectangular fence post while the full length of the shaft member is able to penetrate the post a sufficient length to allow a sealed fit of the cap member with the top of the post.

Abstract: A ground anchor and weight distribution plate assembly includes a ground anchor member and a weight distribution plate member. The weight distribution plate member includes an opening formed therein which is sized and shaped to allow for only partial passage of the ground anchor member there through. During installation, the ground anchor member is partially passed through the opening in the weight distribution plate member and then driven into the ground. Compressive forces are exerted by the weight distribution plate member to compact underlying soil and provide a foundation for construction structures such as decks.

Abstract: A turf anchor typically includes an upright and three or four spikes which are insertable into the ground to mount the upright above ground with substantial stability. The turf anchor may be pressed by foot or hammered to force the spikes into the ground and may be used for securing a mailbox or various other outdoor items.

Abstract: A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

Abstract: A structural column assembly of the type used for erecting building structures and the like is bedded in a concrete footing formed in situ in an earthen hole. The column assembly includes a post whose bottom end is suspended above a floor of the hole by a stilt. The stilt includes a plurality of legs which extend from the post's bottom end and grip the hole floor through a plurality of cleats. The cleats help stabilize the column assembly during the concrete pour operation so that it does not shift out of position. The stilt legs are provided with a base pad, which is set below the bottom end of the post at a predetermined distance so that the concrete footing can be poured in a single operation immediately after the hole is formed. The stilt can accommodate posts made from wood, pre-cast concrete or any other known construction material. The stilts can be manufactured from formed flat steel or commercially available angle iron and channel stock.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which includes a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground.

Abstract: A post hole shoring device is provided for receiving and securing a vertically extended 4×4 post. The post would be placed within a hole, secured with concrete, and the hole formed would be backfilled with the soil removed from the hole. By use of the shoring device around the post at the bottom of the hole, additional vertical support is provided to strengthen the vertical installation and prevent movement of the post. The shoring device can be back-filled over, or even filled with aggregate or concrete to provide additional support at very little cost and without modifying conventional materials or construction techniques.

Abstract: A centering ground spike for supporting a vertical pole having an integral body with a top member and downwardly extending hollow main section. The main section extends down to a hollow cone shaped section to form a point. An elongated cavity is enclosed between the top member, the main section and the cone shaped section. An opening through the top member permits the insertion of a support pole into the cavity of the ground spike. The end of the pole within the cavity rests on the interior surfaces of the cone shaped section. The pole itself is maintained in vertical position by a locking ring with adjustment screws which are tightened around the outer surface of the pole. The size of the opening through the top member and the cone shaped section permit the ground spike to accept and vertically support poles of various diameters. In alternate embodiments, the bottom end of the pole will rest on inverted cone shaped walls which extend into the first cavity.

Abstract: An ergonomic post with an integral anchor could include a housing having a top and a base. A screw could be rigidly coupled to and protrude from the base. The screw could have a shaft with helical grooves that terminates in a tip. A head could be rigidly coupled to and protrude from the top of the housing, for removably coupling the post to a rotational driving means.

Abstract: The ground anchor includes a shaft having a pointed lower end, an embossed section extending between lower and upper portions of the shaft to retain the threaded upper portion above ground, at least one helical blade attached to the lower portion, a stabilizer cap mounted concentric on the upper portion, the cap having an outer diameter greater than the helical blades and having a plurality of spikes, a first and second securing member threaded onto the upper portion for holding the stabilizer cap against the embossed section and rotating the shaft into and from the ground, the second securing member having an outer diameter less than the first securing member and an interchangeable mount threaded to the upper portion. The interchangeable mount having a housing for covering the securing members and the upper portion and optionally having an attachment(s) extending therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are a metal fin pipe foundation apparatus and method for airport approach lighting and method of making, using, and installing a metal fin pipe foundation for airport approach lighting. The metal fin pipe foundation (MFPF) of the present invention requires a small 16 inch diameter hole to be drilled approximately 8 feet deep. The MFPF, in one aspect, consists of 16 inch diameter schedule 30 pipe 6 feet long with two (2) ? inch thick flat plate fins which are 6 feet, in length, and which are welded to the 16 inch schedule 30 pipe. A top plate 5 feet in length, 1 foot 6 inches in width, and ¾ inch thick is attached by welding the top plate to the top of the 16 inch pipe and the top of the ? inch fins. After the MFPF of the present invention is completely fabricated, it is dipped in hot galvanizing to protect the raw steel. This coating of galvanizing protects the MFPF for 75 years. The MFPF of the present invention can be fabricated off site and shipped to the airport ready for installation.

Abstract: A device for anchoring one or more guy wires used to support a transmission tower is provided. The device includes an equalizer plate having a front surface and a back surface, and an anchor rod affixed proximal to a first end thereof such that a flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod is completely exposed. The equalizer plate of the anchoring device includes a recess for receiving the first end of the anchor rod. The recess comprises a first elongated region having a width approximately equal to the diameter of the anchor rod, and an opening formed at an end of the elongated region. The flat end surface of the first end of the anchor rod preferably extends into the opening beyond the point where the opening meets the elongated region.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a lateral support device for an anchor embedded in the ground includes a central body defining an interior channel sized to receive the embedded anchor. The lateral support device also includes a plurality of fins coupled to and extending outwardly away from the central body. The central body and plurality of fins are embeddable within the ground to position the embedded anchor within the interior channel.

Abstract: A post anchor/anchor adapter system is unitary cast or machined steel or the like. An anchor/adaptor alone is driven alone into a hole cut in in-place concrete. The system includes an anchor extension tube for driving into soft soil. The inventive anchor/adaptor has a body in the form of an elongate square tube having radius-curved corners vertically driven into a round receiving hole, forming creases and a secure anchor. The tube has an upper female portion for a post and a lower female portion for an extender and is divided by a horizontal plug wall integral with the tube structure. The lower female portion of the anchor/adapter tapers outward towards its lower open end allowing for an interference fit with the driven tube acting as an anchor. The female portion upper end has crescent-shaped tabs defining a disk sized to plug the drilled hole.

Abstract: A turf anchor typically includes an upright and three or four spikes which are insertable into the ground to mount the upright above ground with substantial stability. The turf anchor may be pressed by foot or hammered to force the spikes into the ground and may be used for securing a mailbox or various other outdoor items.

Abstract: A device for marking a location. The device coming in two separate pieces, namely a ground stake and a marking post. The ground stake configured for insertion into a ground surface. The marking post configured for attachment to the ground stake. The post is preferably removable from the stake so that when livestock are present, if they uproot or displace the marking post portion of the device, the ground stake remains in the ground still marking the location. If a survey crew or other individual is at the marking location after the post has been removed, they can replace the post (or insert a replacement post) to return the device to its full functionality.

Abstract: Overall, this particular invention is a universal pole and post anchoring system used to support and stabilize various types of poles and well as posts while buried in the ground. What makes this particular invention very unique is that this anchoring system is simply molded as one piece device. The pole or post would simply slip through this anchoring system with ease then secured with appropriate minimum of hand tools. This invention is made of a one piece Strong and Light Polymer Plastic with various thicknesses or a one piece Metal Alloy material with various thicknesses. This anchoring system, helps prevent any pole or post that is buried in the ground from leaning side to side as well as helping to prevent from accidentally being pulled off the ground or sink into the ground. Depending on the size of the Poles and Posts being used, these anchoring systems do not require any special skills by consumers and require only minimum of hand tools for assembly such as a screw driver, or hammer and nails.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: An automatic, universal, multi-purpose ground stand to securely affix an umbrella, or any like device, into any malleable surface such as sand, grass, gravel or dirt. The device is intended to accommodate any size or shape of commercially available beach or sun umbrellas. This device also contemplates the securement of other devices such as fishing poles. The device is comprised, primarily, of a main tube with a helical auger screw bit and a DC electric motor to turn the screw. A user of said device would extend the helical auger screw bit, engage the DC electric motor, and allow the action of the DC electric motor to secure the helical auger screw into a malleable surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a metal fin pipe foundation apparatus and method for airport approach lighting and method of making, using, and installing a metal fin pipe foundation for airport approach lighting. The metal fin pipe foundation (MFPF) of the present invention requires a small 16 inch diameter hole to be drilled approximately 8 feet deep. The MFPF, in one aspect, consists of 16 inch diameter schedule 30 pipe 6 feet long with two (2) ? inch thick flat plate fins which are 6 feet, in length, and which are welded to the 16 inch schedule 30 pipe. A top plate 5 feet in length, 1 foot 6 inches in width, and ¾ inch thick is attached by welding the top plate to the top of the 16 inch pipe and the top of the ? inch fins. After the MFPF of the present invention is completely fabricated, it is dipped in hot galvanizing to protect the raw steel. This coating of galvanizing protects the MFPF for 75 years. The MFPF of the present invention can be fabricated off site and shipped to the airport ready for installation.

Abstract: A ground anchor and weight distribution plate assembly includes a ground anchor member and a weight distribution plate member. The weight distribution plate member includes an opening formed therein which is sized and shaped to allow for only partial passage of the ground anchor member there through. During installation, the ground anchor member is partially passed through the opening in the weight distribution plate member and then driven into the ground. Compressive forces are exerted by the weight distribution plate member to compact underlying soil and provide a foundation for construction structures such as decks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a post anchor (1) comprising two final sections (11, 12), one (11) of which can be introduced into a post (10) while the other one (12) is used for fixing the anchor (1) to or in another element. The section (11) that can be introduced into the post represents a drill bit section (11) which is used for introducing a bore (20) into the post (10) in a substantially stress-free manner. The drill bit section (11) in the bore (20) is provided with essentially no axial clearance and is preferably embodied as a screw bit. The drill bit section (11) has a first smaller drill core diameter (31) in a first zone (31) bordering the tip thereof while having a larger drill core diameter (32) in a second zone (32) located closer to the other section (12) in the longitudinal direction thereof (13).

Abstract: An improved anchor for degradation-resistant treated posts or posts protected with a conforming, protective cover that resists uplift or pull-out forces of a predetermined value without compromising the integrity of the treatment or protective cover. At least one indentation is applied to a portion of the post embedded in the ground prior to applying a conforming, protective cover or the other material degradation-resistant treatment. The indentation is configured such that the protective cover will conform to the contour of the indentation when the protective cover is applied to the post. In posts relying on degradation-resistant treatments, the indentation is applied prior to treatment so that the integrity of the treatment is not compromised by the indentation.

Abstract: A stabilizer (10) for an in-ground member (12) includes: a mounting collar (16) having a channel (18) extending therethrough; a plurality of arms (20a-20d) having respective collar ends (30a-30d), the collar ends being adapted to extend through the channel and engage with the mounting collar; and a resilient member (40) being sized (a) to be disposed within the channel between the collar ends and (b) to be engaged by the in-ground member so as to urge the resilient member against the collar ends to force the collar ends against the mounting collar, whereby to rigidify the stabilizer. A method is disclosed for installing the above-described in-ground member into the ground to dispose a portion of it beneath the surface of the ground and to leave a portion of it extending above the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A post anchor includes a ground engaging portion in the form of fins and a post receiving portion in the form of a tubular member. A side wall of the post receiving portion has a bottom portion that is inwardly tapered and fastened between and to adjacent ones of the fins at an angle to form a ground displacement wedge that also structurally reinforces the fins. A drive pin is attached to at least one of the fins in a position where a top of the drive pin is generally flush with a top edge of the fin to which the drive pin is attached.

Abstract: A post anchor includes a ground engaging portion in the form of fins and a post receiving portion that has an oversized top and angled, linear segment or circular impressions below. The impressions form a clamp when downward force is applied to seat the post that is inserted into the post receiving portion. Adjustment in plumb can be made by moving the top of the post to the desired location and inserting hardware at the top edge of the receiving portion. A damaged post can be replaced by removing the hardware, replacing the post and reinserting the connection hardware.

Abstract: A fence post anchor comprising a lower portion, first and second supporting arms, and first and second main arms, made out of a single piece of material. The supporting arms wrap around the front face of a metal fence post and ensure that the anchor will bend above the supporting arms rather than at the base. The supporting arms can lie side by side in the same vertical plane or overlap and lock together with tabs and cut-outs or form a notch. The main arms can be flat or rounded at their top edge and can include folded flanges that tuck behind the front face of the fence post. The first and second main arms spread outward and provide resistance if the fence post is subject to upward pressure. A fence post anchor comprising first and second front arms and first and second rear supporting members with outwardly extending flanges.

Abstract: An insert for assisting and easing the task of setting fence posts or the like into a concrete or aggregate footing. The invention comprises: two identical half-forms, which when faced 180 degrees to each other, interlock together to form a full form, a snap-on level, and locking rim. Installing a post into concrete becomes a much-simplified task by means of the present invention whereby, after boring a posthole into the ground, the installer simply snaps together the identical half-forms, snaps on the snap-on level, then casts the now full form into the concrete; adjusting for levelness while placing the concrete into the posthole. No bracing is required since the only force exerted onto the insert. The post can be slid downwardly into the insert once the concrete has set, then slides the locking rim onto the upper edge perimeter of the full form thus creating a quasi-seal surrounding a perfectly level post.

Abstract: A post mounting system and method that includes individually adjustable angled gripping elements which contact the interior of a hollow post so as to hold the post firmly against a retaining wall of a base member surrounding the lower end of the post. One or more shim components having a surface area substantially the same as at least the surface area of the bottom of the base member is used to adjust the vertical angularity of a post secured to the base member. The shims may be circularly shaped with a slot extending to the center thereof for shim placement about a rod upon which the base member is mounted. There is a thicker portion of such a shim opposite the slot. Alternative embodiments include additional post reinforcing structures insertable into the interior of the hollow post to provide additional support for complying with building code requirements, such as second story dwelling uses, etc.

Abstract: A framing assembly system for steel building that substantially reduces assembly time while maintaining excellent strength and mechanical integrity and has vastly improved resistance to uplift forces. Foundation assemblies or anchor structures are first precisely located before concrete is poured to form the foundation, encasing the anchor structures within the foundation. Columns may then be attached to the anchor structures without the need for readjusting the location of the columns. The rest of the building framework is subsequently attached to the columns. The resulting structure is highly resistant to uplift forces and seismic effects while being much faster and simpler to assemble than previous structures. Cracking of the concrete foundation prior to the complete curing of the concrete is also reduced.

Abstract: A structural reinforcing layer made from wire, a structural reinforcing composite layer made from wire, and the resulting load bearing structures made from or retrofitted with wire reinforced plastics and cements. Said layers and structures made from monofilament metallic or pre-cured composite materials twisted into multi-strand wire geometry optimized to mechanically shear load into rigid thermoplastic, thermoset, metallic or cementious resin systems. Wire geometry, count, size and strength/stiffness can be varied in combination with resin type, sheet structure, permeability and orientation to create layers intended for use in composite and cement based structures as originally molded reinforcement or retrofitted structural upgrades.

Abstract: A post footing for holding a post segment above a ground surface comprises an outer sleeve adapted to be forcibly driven into the ground. A socket member is pressure fitted within the outer sleeve with the leading end of the sleeve extending beyond the socket member to prevent the latter from being damaged in the event that an obstacle be encountered while the footing is being driven into the ground. The socket member defines a socket adapted to receive and hold an above-ground post segment once the footing has been installed in the ground.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for securing a building foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method includes the steps of positioning one end of a concrete form stake in a mating structure of a plug, penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with a tip end the plug, and forming a seal between a flange extending around a periphery of the plug and the moisture barrier membrane.

Abstract: A protective cover for a column base connector having a lower portion set in a body of concrete and an upper portion in the form of spaced-apart, upstanding, first and second flanges extending upwardly from an upper surface of the body of concrete, each one of the first and second flanges defining a respective one of first and second flange bolt holes for use in bolting a column to the column base connector. The protective cover takes the form of an inverted pot having a lower edge and a size such that the inverted pot fits over the upper portion of the column base connector with the lower edge atop an upper surface of the body of concrete. The inverted pot includes a first side that defines a first cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the first flange bolt hole, and a second side of the inverted pot opposite the first side that defines a second cover bolt hole disposed in a position to align with the second flange bolt hole.

Abstract: A building foundation anchoring and interface system for receiving supporting the base of an upright structural column. This system and interface includes an open-topped bucket-well structure which is embedded in a foundation, and which is sized so as to permit the received base of an inserted column to be adjusted laterally, in a multidirectional sense, vertically angularly, and axially rotationally, and with substantial clearance, so as to enable easy correct positioning of a column. Poured into the bucket-well structure after the same has received the base of a column is an appropriate fluid-flowable, hardenable, bulk anchoring material, such as conventional building grout material. An opening may be provided in the wall of the base of a column so that such flowable material flows into the interior of a column, as well as into the space between the outside of the column's base and the inside of the receiving bucket-well.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a device for fastening poles, posts, masts or the like in the ground and a fastening device with a basic body are described, it being possible, but not essential, for at least one part portion of the basic body to be provided with a screw-like or spiral-like thread, and the basic body essentially having a cone-shaped basic shape with at least one conical part portion. According to the method of the present invention, the basic body is hammered into the basic shape from an essentially cylindrical tube. The fastening device has a holding portion, and an anchoring portion designed in one piece which, if provided with a thread, has at least two part portions of different conicity. The holding portion and essentially the anchoring portion are hollow throughout.

Abstract: A mounting plate and bolt assembly adapted for attachment to a top portion of a helice pier shaft. The helice pier shaft threaded into the top of a ground surface. The assembly is used for supporting various types of building, highway and other types of structures. The mounting plate and bolt assembly includes small circular upper and lower pierhead plates spaced apart and welded to the top portion of the helice pier shaft. Also, large circular upper and lower mounting plates with bolt holes are disposed next to the upper and lower small pierhead plates and held thereon using a plurality of threaded bolts received through the bolt holes. The bolt holes are disposed around an outer circumference of the large mounting plates. The top of the threaded bolts may be used for securing a base plate of a post. The post is used for supporting various types of structures thereon. The large mounting plates may be welded directly to the pier shaft if the movement of the post is not large.

Abstract: A new vegetation support for supporting the growth of vegetation such as vegetable plants and vines. The inventive device includes an elongate pole with alternating first and second sets of bores through it. The bores of the first set of bores are extended in a first direction while the bores of the second set of bores are extended in a second direction. Inserted through each of the bores is an elongate dowel. An auger member with a top turning portion and a bottom corkscrew portion is inserted into an opening in the bottom of the pole.

Abstract: A grounding electrode suited for installation in very hard or rocky soil is a long conductive metal rod having a drilling bit at one end and a head adapted to mate with a drilling tool, preferably a hammer drill. The grounding electrode, together with a suitable connecting wire and a clamping device clamping the wire to the grounding electrode form an electrical grounding system for a home or commercial structure.

Abstract: A wooden post protective sleeve including a collar having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving the lower end of the wooden post therein. The surrounding side wall has a plurality of apertures therethrough downwardly of the open upper end. The apertures are dimensioned for receiving wood screws therethrough for engaging the lower end of the wooden post. The closed lower end has a plurality of drainage apertures therethrough. The drainage apertures include a central aperture and four peripheral apertures. The collar is fabricated of plastic.

Abstract: A reinforced ground anchor including a spike, a pressure cap having a planar surface, a rod having a drive section at one end, and a swivel connection connecting said pressure cap with the rod. An opening is formed in the pressure cap. A guide is located adjacent the opening. The pressure cap engages flush with the surface of the ground, due to the action of the swivel connection, when the rod is positioned in the ground soil and the spike passes through the opening to engage in the ground soil at an acute angle. The spike and the cap in combination with the rod provide the anchor with additional resistance against horizontal and vertical pressure.

Abstract: A breakaway post base includes a pair of adjacent slip plates to allow separation of the upper portion of a traffic sign or the like from its permanently mounted base. The two plates are triangular with notches at their apices, with the plates and related structure secured together by bolts through the apex notches. An impact on the upper post dislodges the bolts, allowing the upper post to move freely and preventing significant damage to the sign structure. At least one of the slip base plates includes a sleeve extending therefrom, into which one end of the post is installed. The post is prevented from rotating relative to the slip base by a series of set screws installed through the slip base sleeve and locking the post immovably therein. Thus, a sign supported by the present assembly cannot rotate relative to the slip base plate.

Abstract: An expansion wedge anchor (80) for insertion in a hole (H) delimited by a wall comprises an expander member (32) and an expansion number (34), the expander member being provided at a leading end of the expander member, the expander member comprising a flaring end (40), the expansion member being expandable at a trailing end (48) thereof and being adapted to engage the wall of the hole when the expander member is positioned in the hole, wherein upon longitudinal withdrawal of the expander member from the hole, the expander member displaces longitudinally relative to the expansion member with the flaring end thereof gradually causing the trailing end of the expansion member to expand, whereby a trailing edge of the expansion member engages the wall of the hole. The trailing end is adapted, when expanded by the flaring member, to extend at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said expander member.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a pole firmly in the ground, the structure having an anchor section and a pole section, wherein the anchor section is an auger, wherein the sections are hinged together with the pole section lying on the ground after the auger is screwed into the ground, and wherein the pole section can then be hoisted or lifted around hinge to an upright position, and wherein cooperating elements of connector structure are provided on the sections for firmly affixing the sections together with the anchor section remaining in the ground and with the pole in a desired upright position.

Abstract: A garden stake support including a first lowermost portion including a hammer portion and a second uppermost portion axially offset from said uppermost portion, said lowermost portion being adapted to form a stake. The garden stake includes the hammer portion to assist in easy insertion and has a removal wedge that allows the stake to be levered out of the ground when no longer required.

Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.

Abstract: A post mounting system and method that includes individually adjustable angled gripping elements which contact the interior of a hollow post so as to hold the post firmly against a retaining wall of a base member surrounding the lower end of the post. One or more shim components having a surface area substantially the same as at least the surface area of the bottom of the base member is used to adjust the vertical angularity of a post secured to the base member. The shims may be circularly shaped with a slot extending to the center thereof for shim placement about a rod upon which the base member is mounted. There is a thicker portion of such a shim opposite the slot. Alternative embodiments include additional post reinforcing structures insertable into the interior of the hollow post to provide additional support for complying with building code requirements, such as second story dwelling uses, etc.

Abstract: A support post for use in the construction of a retaining wall comprises a single, rigid plate member, the bottom portion of which is pointed so that the plate member can be readily driven into the ground a distance sufficient to ensure minimal movement of the plate member. The upper portion of the plate member has at least one aperture (and preferably several pairs of apertures) in it, through which a bolt, screw or nail may be passed to hold a wall member (for example, a plank) firmly against the plate member. If the plate member is roll formed from steel sheet, it will normally have ridges or folds to improve its stiffness. A spike may extend below the plate member, and a rod may extend upwardly from the top of the plate member and be fitted with a support for a wire, cable, hose or a fence post. A support post for use at corners of a retaining wall has two half-plate members welded to a steel rod with an included angle of up to 90°.