Supporting Separate Axially Aligned Shaft Patents (Class 52/165)
  • Patent number: 5752349
    Abstract: A support structure or ground sleeve for supporting a pole including a cap threadably engageable with an open end of a sleeve body. The ground sleeve includes a sleeve body adapted to be positioned in a ground surface for receiving and supporting a pole and includes at least one flange extending outwardly from the sleeve body for preventing the sleeve from rotating in the ground, a collet for engaging the pole, and an inwardly tapered closed end of the sleeve body for centering an end of the pole. An inwardly tapered race surface of the cap and a plurality of cirumferentially-spaced tabs of the sleeve body cooperate to define the collet. In addition, the ground sleeve is formed of a weather resistant non-corrosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: James N. Fitzsimmons, Randy R. Schickert
  • Patent number: 5749180
    Abstract: A ground anchor for securing posts in the ground is provided. The ground anchor comprises a leg having a lower portion that is connected to a barb and an upper portion that is connected to a fin structure. The leg further comprises two sidewalls that meet at a corner and terminate at two diverging ends. The lower barb extends upward from the lower portion of the leg at a non-vertical angle. The barb provides additional resistance to any uplifting forces imposed upon the post or the anchor and further displaces or clears out soil from beneath the fin structure to facilitate the insertion of the post therethrough. The fin structure comprises a central crease portion disposed between two diverging fins. The fin structure is attached to the leg so that the central crease is disposed opposite to the corner of the leg. Each of the diverging fins are connected to one of the diverging ends of the sidewalls of the upper portion of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Asset Purchase Co. LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Jewett, Thomas B. Bird
  • Patent number: 5737883
    Abstract: An anchor (20) which is attachable to the leg (500) of a canopy (502) framework includes a bar (22) having a foot (30), a weight (32), and at least one attaching means for attaching the anchor (20) to the leg (500). The anchor (20) is useful in circumstances where the wind could lift, displace, or overturn the canopy (502) and associated framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Barbara Rose
  • Patent number: 5722205
    Abstract: A post assembly for supporting a fence, a sign or receptacle such as a mailbox. The post assembly comprises a ground penetrating rod having an enlarged head, a square, hollow, decorative body placed over the rod after the rod is forced into the ground, and a footplate. The enlarged head of the rod cooperates in close fit within the hollow body. A pin frictionally fits into openings formed in the body, interfering with the rod as the body is lowered over the rod. The body is then employed as a driver to force the rod into the ground. When the rod is driven down to the point that the body contacts the footplate, the pin is removed from the body. The body then is lowered into abutment with the footplate. The openings of the body which receive the pin then align with a passage formed in the enlarged head of the rod. The pin is reinserted into the body, this time passing through the passage of the enlarged head of the rod. The rod and body are thus interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Richard M. Gannaway
  • Patent number: 5720134
    Abstract: A long-lasting base for supporting a structural post for a shelter-type structure for use principally on a farm. The base is made of an impervious material to avoid any rotting or deterioration which might result from moisture in the ground, and is formed to receive laminated posts as part of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: William Kurtz
  • Patent number: 5709366
    Abstract: A fence post support for securing a synthetic resin fence post in the ground in a vertical position. The fence post support comprises a ground engaging spike whose upper portion receives the end of the fence post thereover and which can be expanded wedgeably securing the post on the support. A pounding plate is provided for driving the post support into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Steel City Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Speece
  • Patent number: 5697190
    Abstract: A pole and pole support for anchoring the pole to the earth is provided having an earth anchor having an earth attaching portion on one end and an attaching head on the other end thereof. The pole has a pole attaching member attached to one end and a pole to earth anchor attaching mechanism rotatably attaches the pole to the earth anchor by connecting the earth anchor attaching head to the pole attaching member such that the pole can rotate relative to the earth anchor. A support base has a flange plate having an upright support sleeve attached thereto which can be positioned over or around one end of the pole and over the earth anchor attaching mechanism and attaching head to hold the pole in an upright position while allowing the rotation of the pole. The support base can be attached to the pole for rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventor: Marshall N. Scribner
  • Patent number: 5662304
    Abstract: A hollow, molded, cylindrical screw-threaded device for removably anchoring objects such as beach umbrellas, ropes, pet leashes, and the like into sand comprises a hollow cylinder with two fixed molded perpendicular winglike projections for its insertion. A thumbscrew in the side of the cylinder allows for grasping and release of objects inserted into the anchoring device. Screw threads which taper in diameter and depth successively as the tip is approached allow for easier insertion into compact deeper sand and also for firmer anchoring in looser surface sand. Beveled lower thread surfaces allow for easier insertion of the device and flat upper thread surfaces afford greater resistance against forcible removal of the device from the sand. Moveable loops of two alternate designs allow for pivoting attachment points for ropes, pet leashes, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: William R. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5653069
    Abstract: A socket drive adapter for retrofitting to a solid hub earth anchor to convert the solid hub earth anchor into a socket drive earth anchor. The socket drive adapter is formed from a trapezoidally shaped steel plate by a series of 90.degree. bends. The bends create square, bore-defining adapter that can be welded to the top surface of the helical blade around the solid hub. A drive wrench fits in the socket drive adapter and engages both the socket drive adapter and the solid hub to enhance the torque strength of the anchor while retaining the better ground penetrating aspects of the solid hub design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Dixie Electrical Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Edward Dziedzic
  • Patent number: 5636482
    Abstract: The invention constitutes an apparatus and method for inexpensively, repairing wooden fences which fence posts have rotted or failed. The apparatus comprises segment of 90 degree angle iron or angle aluminum or similarly tough angle hardware, which is generally comprised of two flanges joined along a common edge. The flanges have a plurality of holes drilled or punched in the flanges for bolting the flange to a wooden fence post. The lower end of the angle hardware is pointed or sharpened or both pointed and sharpened to facilitate the angle hardware being driven into the ground or partially cleaned out fence post cavity in a concrete fence post base. The hardware may be used to support a new fence post by either setting the hardware piece in the ground by driving or hammering it in to the ground or it may be set in cement and then have a fence post attached to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Inventor: James E. Klager
  • Patent number: 5634733
    Abstract: The coupler has, in several embodiments, a compliant-link having flexible or pivoted fingers that engage a groove in the inside of a lower link in at least three places. The groove appears much like a bearing race. The compliant-link is retained inside of an upper sleeve that is attached to an upward-extending post. The lower (engaging) link is attached to a downward-extending post. The fingers are able to disengage from the groove under spring action and thus a sufficient applied moment will cause disengagement. Disengagement does not cause anything to break. Assembly, or reassembly, of the coupler may be performed without extra parts or tools. In several of the embodiments, the decoupling moment may be manually adjusted using less moment than the resultant decoupling moment. The decoupling moment is essentially independent of azimuth. The coupler is particularly suited to being used with rural type mailboxes, and warehouse buffers and supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Mark Sperduti
  • Patent number: 5622015
    Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating earth and anchor setting device. The apparatus includes a vertical support, a plurality of spaced media consolidation plates swingably mounted to the vertical support, a rib disposed along a lower edge of respective ones of the consolidation plates and a bearing plate secured to the vertical support. The apparatus can be used to install a bearing and moment foundation having an upper surface, a lower surface and a converging side surface. The upper surface is adapted to receive a pushing force for pushing the foundation into the soil and the side surface adapted to contact the soil when a pushing force is applied to the upper surface. The anchoring device can also be used to install a pier foundation having a plug, an installation load bearing member, an installed load bearing member and a cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: James S. Collins
  • Patent number: 5613329
    Abstract: A ground anchor is shown for use in anchoring and supporting posts or other structures in the ground. The ground anchor includes a tubular socket and a twisted flat bar. The socket is provided with a structure to prevent rotation and has a diametral slot provided in a bottom closure of the socket. The socket is inserted into the ground by driving the bar into the ground, via the slot, so that it rotates and follows a helical path as dictated by the twist of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Terra-Lock Systems Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Land, Michael E. Smith
  • Patent number: 5586742
    Abstract: Light standard apparatus includes a post made of nonconductive (plastic) material topped or closed at the top by a plastic cap. A light fixture or other electrical element is secured to the cap either directly or through a bushing. A noncorrosive ground element is secured to the cap on the bushing for grounding the fixture or element to a ground conductor which extends into the post along with current conductors. The post is secured to a base, and the base is appropriately secured to a pad or to the earth. Appropriate fasteners are used to secure the base and the post in place. Earth anchors may be used, as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventor: E. Ray Carter
  • Patent number: 5575308
    Abstract: An anchor body defines an open-end receptacle suitable for receiving the valve body of a quick coupling irrigation valve. The anchor body defines an end portion having a threaded aperture therein which receives a threaded bolt. The threaded bolt is adjusted to provide a captivating force upon the valve body and secure it within the open end receptacle. The anchor body further defines a pair of oppositely extending vertical vanes on each side of the open end receptacle together with a pair of horizontal vanes. The vertical vanes cooperate with the surrounding soil pack when the anchor is installed to resist torsional forces applied to the valve while the horizontal vanes cooperate with the surrounding soil to resist vertical forces upon the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Inventor: Ali Marandi
  • Patent number: 5571229
    Abstract: A support structure or ground sleeve for supporting a pole including a cap threadably engageable with an open end of a sleeve body. The ground sleeve includes a sleeve body adapted to be positioned in a ground surface for receiving and supporting a pole and includes at least one flange extending outwardly from the sleeve body for preventing the sleeve from rotating in the ground, a collet for engaging the pole, and an inwardly tapered closed end of the sleeve body for centering an end of the pole. An inwardly tapered race surface of the cap and a plurality of cirumferentially-spaced tabs of the sleeve body cooperate to define the collet. In addition, the ground sleeve is formed of a weather resistant non-corrosive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Huffy Corporation
    Inventors: James N. Fitzsimmons, Randy R. Schickert
  • Patent number: 5492429
    Abstract: A device for use in erecting a post. The device comprises a tubular body intended for installation in the ground, e.g. in concrete within a hole, and a deformable collar for tightly retaining a post adapted to interengage with the tubular body in tight engagement. The collar is slightly deformed so as to receive the post and retain it in place. However, with appropriate equipment the post can be readily removed and replaced, for example, if accidentally damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Poletech Systems Limited
    Inventor: David R. M. Hodges
  • Patent number: 5457918
    Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a post into a ground surface made of granular material. The anchoring device is particularly well adapted to anchor a beach umbrella into the sand. The anchoring device has a sleeve section and an integrally extending insertion section. The sleeve section defines a post receiving channel adapted to receive the post. The insertion section has a conically tapering configuration. A pair of parallel insertion threads extends integrally from the outer surface of the insertion section and a portion of the sleeve section. The parallel threads facilitate the insertion into the sand and further stabilize the device. A locking sleeve extends integrally from the sleeve section adjacent its top end. The locking sleeve defines a threaded locking channel that emerges into the post receiving channel. A handle sleeve also extends integrally from the sleeve section. The handle sleeve is diametrically opposed to the locking sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Bernard Plourde
  • Patent number: 5404682
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting for a post system for use in aligning and maintaining a post attached thereto to a desired vertical attitude to a ground surface. The adjustable mounting includes, as embodiments, a ball segment and seat combination that are movable with respect to one another, and in another embodiment involves a pair of interactive tapered washers, with the embodiments all including arrangements for clamping together the components that is a single bolt type fastener that is for maintaining the components of the adjustable mounting between a ground stake top surface, or ground surface, and a post bottom end or post insert base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald R. West
  • Patent number: 5396743
    Abstract: An anchorage device for use in sand or sandy soils. The device comprises a shank portion (2) and a spike portion (4) at a lower end of the shank portion. The spike portion (4) comprises a first and second pair of downwardly convergent plates (6,18), the second pair of plates (18) extending from a position above the upper ends of the first plates (6) to a position beneath the upper ends of the first plates to funnel sand into the zone between the interior surfaces of the first plates (6). The sand thereby trapped between the plates anchors the spike portion (4) within the ground. The device may be used for example for anchoring beach umbrellas, tents and fences in sand or sandy soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney W. Bellette
  • Patent number: 5392573
    Abstract: A concrete anchoring bolt apparatus for anchoring a plate member or the like to a concrete surface includes a stake member having a nut-supporting open end having a nut secured therein. A threaded bolt member is threadedly attached to the nut secured in the stake member and has a concrete and bedding sleeve over the threaded bolt member. Washers are placed on both sides of the embedded sleeve and an anchoring nut is attached to the threaded bolt member over the embedding sleeve. The stake member has a pointed end so that positioning the stake member in the soil before a concrete pour and pouring the concrete thereover anchors the stake and sleeve in the concrete so that the threaded bolt member can be adjusted through the embedding sleeve into the stake member and an anchoring nut and washer can attach a plate member or the like to the surface of the concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: William W. Gould
  • Patent number: 5337989
    Abstract: A two-piece self-locking pole stand assembly includes a sleeve base that is secured into the ground and a tubular insert that fits snugly into the base, housing two pivot arms that engage the base and automatically lock the insert to it upon insertion of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Phillip C. Apple
  • Patent number: 5317844
    Abstract: A universal pole anchoring device for supporting utility poles vertically over a hard surface such as rock, concrete or the like is disclosed. The device comprises a harness assembly connected about a base section of a pole to be supported on the hard surface. The harness is secured by bolts all about the base section. The harness assembly is comprised of harness members each defined by an anchor bolt attachment pipe having a pair of pole engaging clamps connected thereto in spaced alignment. The clamps support the attachment pipe spaced from and at an outwardly depending angle when the harness is secured to a pole. The harness assembly also has a predetermined number of harness numbers interconnected by the connecting bolts about the base section and dependent on the diameter of the pole. An anchor bolt assembly is connectible to each of the attachment pipes of the harness members to anchor the harness assembly in the hard surface to support the pole vertically thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Tri-Steel Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Legler
  • Patent number: 5311710
    Abstract: A portable curing cell assembly is provided for storing tobacco for curing, the curing cell assembly may comprise a kit of component parts capable of being easily assembled and disassembled in the field. The curing cell assembly includes a frame structure which defines at least one storage bay through which an elevating trailer can be transported. Tobacco rod holding members are provided disposed longitudinally along the side of the storage bay so that tobacco laden tobacco rods can be suspended from the holding members across the storage bay. A roof is disposed across and above the storage bay, the roof being supported generally by the frame structure as a predetermined height above the tobacco rod holding members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Jay S. Eaton
  • Patent number: 5301481
    Abstract: An inexpensive garden stake to provide physical and structural support to growing plant life is disclosed. The invention provides an improved device for providing an anchoring base to the supporting stake which increases the useful life of a garden stake. The anchor has legs which expand upon implantation. The increased support provided by the anchor reduces the need for replanting or disturbing the plant in a significant manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Inventor: Sergei Novak
  • Patent number: 5271196
    Abstract: A stabilizer-retention device for beach umbrellas which will substantially increase the total static retention forces and lateral stability of beach umbrellas thereby alleviating or preventing lifting forces caused by steady winds and/or gusts causing a beach umbrella to become dislodged from the sand in which it is supported or becoming tilted or upset thereby greatly facilitating use of beach umbrellas in a more stable, secure and safe manner. The device involves an attachment or modification of the supporting rod or standard that is normally inserted into the sand to increase the lateral stability and static retention of the umbrella. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed including a plate attached to the lower end of the supporting rod which may be circular, square or polygonal with various methods of attachment or an open-topped container embedded in the sand for receiving the beach umbrella rod or standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Roy Fanti
  • Patent number: 5261760
    Abstract: An improved curb section of precast concrete subdivided into modules by transverse grooves which give the appearance of shorter blocks and provide for fracturing the curb section at those locations. Each module of the curb section has a rearward T-shaped projection. L-shaped projection is formed at each end module of the curb section in proximity to the end face so that L-shaped projections of adjacent curb section form a projection equivalent to a T-shaped projection. T-shaped projections and an adjacent pair of L-shaped projections are anchored by sliding a channel-shaped anchor element which engages the projections and has a V-shaped lower end to penetrate the pavement or ground. The modules of the curb section can be of rectangular shape or tapered thereby defining rectilinear elongated curb sections or curved elongated curb sections which can be fastened adjacent to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Groupe Permacon Inc.
    Inventors: Bertin Castonguay, Rejean Castonguay, Waguih Chikani, Jean Boucher, Pierre Michaud, Gilles Desharnais, Jacques Marc-Aurele, Elie Chiniara
  • Patent number: 5224310
    Abstract: A manually installed landscape foundation (20, 56) adapted for supporting a yard light (22) or similar device requiring connection to a utility line (47) such as an electrical cable or gas line is provided having a lowermost anchor shaft (24, 64) equipped with a load-bearing helix (28, 68) and a slotted, centrally apertured (34, 62) uppermost base plate (30, 58). The anchor shaft (24, 64) is coupled with the base plate (30, 58) so as to define an open clearance area (44, 70) beneath the base plate (30, 58) and aperture (34, 62). A manual driving implement (46, 72) is used for installation purposes, and includes a T-handle (48, 74) having an engagement plate (50, 76) equipped with depending driving lugs (52, 54, 80, 82). In one foundation (20), a bail (36) defining a central clearance area (44) is used to interconnect the anchor shaft (24) and base plate (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: A. B. Chance Company
    Inventors: William G. Edwards, Maynard L. Holdeman
  • Patent number: 5165663
    Abstract: A ground anchor for a post includes an elongate, vertically extending cylindrical PVC tube and includes at the lower end of the tube an end member having a cylindrical portion snugly frictionally fit within the tube and a conical portion projecting downwardly from the tube to a point, the end member having thereon within the tube an upwardly facing drive surface. An elongate driving member is removably insertable into the tube and has at one end a driving surface which is engageable with the drive surface on the end member. In a variation, the tube has at the upper end thereof a collar which includes an axially extending annular flange snugly fit within the upper end of the tube and a further annular flange projecting radially outwardly from the upper end of the axial flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Rolfe L. Wells
  • Patent number: 5157882
    Abstract: A pole support system for a carport and the like includes an anchor member for the carport having an earth piercing bottom end for being pounded into the ground with a base ring positioned on the surface of the hard top and a spacer ring interposed between the base disc and stop collar at the top end of the anchor. A pole support has the second stop collar above its first lower end which telescopically engages the open top end of the anchor member. The upper end of the pole support has two spaced parallel flanges which are secured to a saddle member that is affixed to a beam at a variety of adjusted pivoted positions. Alternatively the top of the pole support can be mounted to two support plates which are horizontally disposed and can be adjusted along two horizontal axes and secured to each other at the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Bernard D. Soble
  • Patent number: 5148641
    Abstract: A sleeve is provided for a driven-type survey monument having a penetrating point and cylindrical rod sections to stabilize the monument in the ground. The sleeve has an elongated body having a hollow bore, which receives a first portion of the survey monument, and a plurality of fins formed integrally with and extending outwardly from the elongated body of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Berntsen International, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Rushing, John D. Hohol
  • Patent number: 5133164
    Abstract: A pole anchoring device for supporting large diameter poles vertically over a hard surface such as rock, concrete or the like. The device comprises three or more harness members which are interconnectable to one another about a base section of a pole. Each harness member has a pole engaging section for attachment against a pole and a bolt support section spaced outwardly from the pole engaging section. An anchor bolt is guidingly positioned in the bolt support section of each of the harness members and extends along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the pole and spaced a predetermined distance away from the bolt support section. An anchoring assembly is secured to the anchor bolt and disposed below the bolt support section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Tri-Steel Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Legler
  • Patent number: 5123209
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a shelf-like bracket which mounts to the exposed foundation of a building or other structure. The portion of the bracket which fits underneath the foundation is adjustable to permit secure fitting. The bracket includes a vertically mounted cylindrical member adapted for receiving and holding piers (pipes). A first housing is mounted vertically atop the bracket and is adapted to support a hydraulic cylinder for driving piers into the subsurface surrounding the foundation. Each pier is adequately secured to a preceding pier prior to being driven into the subsurface. Connected piers are consecutively driven into the subsurface to a predetermined point. The first housing is removed and a second driving device is used to drive the piers further into the subsurface. Grout is forced by pressure through the interior of the piers and out through the base pier's apertures, thereby forming a grout base at the base of the piers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: W. T. Nally
  • Patent number: 5104265
    Abstract: A socket and method for anchoring a sign post in the ground securely without requiring the sign post to be drivingly impacted. The socket has a hollow cavity having a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as that of the post, the cavity terminating at a ledge. The ledge is an edge of a portion of a leader inserted into one end of the socket and having the remainder of the leader extending from that one end. The socket is driven into the ground by inserting a driving rod into the cavity and impacting the driving rod against the ledge formed by the leader until the socket is driven to the desired depth in the ground. The driving rod is then withdrawn and the sign post is inserted into the socket and secured to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Charles F. Halloran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5090165
    Abstract: Disclosed is a sleeve or boot designed to encase a preformed base configured diametrically smaller than the remainder of a wooden post or pole, the sleeve or boot protecting and extending the life of the base when buried in the ground. In one embodiment the sleeve or boot may be formed by a coating of a suitable material such as plastic. In a second embodiment the sleeve or boot is preformed from suitable material such as plastic and includes an umbrella-like rim upon which a shoulder of the post or pole rests and which deflects excess moisture, and a pair of hooded vents which provide room for expansion in the event water within the sleeve or boot should freeze. The sleeve or boot may be attached to the base by a pair of galvanized pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Loren D. Kenny
  • Patent number: 5076032
    Abstract: A post and anchoring device that rapidly secures a wooden post to the ground. An anchor stake is driven into the ground to a predetermined depth onto which a wooden post having an appeal bore is insertively engaged and locked to the anchor stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Steel City Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5060908
    Abstract: A mailbox support post assembly (13) comprising an elongated hollow member (15) consisting of two identical parts (20, 22), each part (20, 22) having a cross-section characterized by a bulged central portion (24, 26) and flanges (28, 30 and 32, 34) extending from each side of the bulged central portion (24, 26). A mailbox support portion (40, 42) extending outwardly and upwardly from the elongated hollow member (15) for receiving a mailbox. An anchor shaft (70) may be clamped between the bulged central portions (24, 26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Hugh M. Sofy
  • Patent number: 5060435
    Abstract: The bracket anchors a hydro pole or a telephone pole vertically on rocky ground or on ground beneath which are sewer pipes or electrical conduits. The bracket consists of a number of pole-mounts each having a base which rests on the ground and an upright which contacts the pole. The pole-mounts are spaced about the circumference of the pole and are clamped to the pole by means of bands interconnected by links. The length of each link is adjustable to fit poles of various sizes.A leg extends downwardly from the pole-mount into a hole in the ground. The leg consists of a sleeve to which a number of wedges are connected. A bolt extends downwardly from the base of the pole-mount into the sleeve and mates threadably with a camming plug. Rotation of the bolt causes the plug to move upwardly into contact with the wedges and to force them outward into contact with the inside wall of the hole with resulting anchoring of the leg in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Inventor: Anatol L. Bogdanow
  • Patent number: 5040478
    Abstract: A marker supported in the ground allows a reel-type grass mower to cut grass around the marker without requiring the removal of the marker. The marker has a flexible elastomeric element coupled between a substantially rigid shaft and a substantially rigid stake and for urging the shaft into axial alignment with the stake and for allowing a reel-type grass mower to bend the rigid shaft over at the elastomeric element to a position with a sign member substantially flat with the ground, and includes first and second raised side edges which serve to protect the signage surface of the marker from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5024551
    Abstract: A pair of parallel slalom posts connected by a flag, which flag is connected by an elastic strip with one of the posts, and the other post is provided with a tilting joint. Thus, if a skier touches the post with the tilting joint, the post can bend without damage to the flag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Inventor: Hans Hinterholzer
  • Patent number: 4972642
    Abstract: A monolithic plastic moldable foot is provided for supporting a wooden post in a hole in the ground. The foot includes a dish-shaped lower wall configured to be supported by the earth at the bottom of the hole and rib structure on the bottom wall for distributing loads throughout the entire extent of the bottom wall. After the hole is back filled the foot resists lateral and up-loads as well as down loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Inventor: Frederick P. Strobl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4955068
    Abstract: A leaf disposal bag is formed from a large diameter thin plastic circular sheet. A drawstring is woven through a plurality of evenly spaced apertures provided around a peripheral edge of the circular sheet. A pair of radially extending tabs are formed at diametrically opposed locations on the sheet and each receive a ground insertion spike for retaining the circular sheet in a flat open condition on the surface of the ground. In use, leaves to be disposed are piled upon the upper surface of the circular sheet. Upon collection of a sufficiently large volume of leaves, the ground insertion spikes are withdrawn from the ground and the drawstring is tightened to close the circular sheet into a closed bag. The ground insertion spikes may be formed as a separable enlarged head portion and a sharpened shank portion having a mating frusto conical plug and socket connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Robert Tennihan
  • Patent number: 4951904
    Abstract: A post assembly for use with mailboxes and the like includes a ground-engaging stake of angle-iron, the stake having a lower penetrating portion and an upper protruding portion. A post has a lower end including a diagonal surface and a channel entirely along one side including a slot along one edge of the channel for receiving the upper protrucing portion of the ground-engaging stake. Fasteners penetrating the ground-engaging stake upper protruding portion engage the channel portion of the post. A coverstrip covers the channel, upper protruding portion of the stake, and fasteners so as to permit the assembly to appear as a solid post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: The Cedar Works, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Obenshain
  • Patent number: 4926785
    Abstract: A marker for golf courses and similar locations including an in-ground receptacle, a surface plate mounted on and in surrounding relationship with the top of the receptacle at ground level, and a tubular "stake" which fits into the receptacle. The plate and receptacle form a swivel bearing to permit the surface plate to lie flush with non-level ground while retaining the vertical orientation of the stake and receptacle. The plate is crowned to shed balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Lockwood Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Lamson
  • Patent number: 4923164
    Abstract: Four orthagonally oriented rigid blades are fixed together along a side of each and taper to a common pointed bottom with a rigid top plate affixed across the top of the blades and a steel tube extends upwardly from the plate to receive and support a post such as a sign post, fence post or the like extending upwardly from the device. The invention is adapted to be driven into the ground to support and anchor posts.The invention also includes a "break away" embodiment incorporating a thick high density rubber retainer atop the rigid plate about the tube which has a flanged bottom beneath the rubber retainer and a rigid centrally apertured plate is bolted onto the top plate to hold the rubber retainer and tube on the top plate. A heavy blow to a post mounted in the tube will tilt the tube to pivot the flange thereof to deform the retainer and allow the tube and flange to flip out of the upper apertured plate as a break away feature without damage to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Richard A. Stenberg
  • Patent number: 4919065
    Abstract: The invention is related to a submarine vehicle for the deep ocean research. This vehicle is composed of a penetrator (1) and of a support structure (2 to 7). The vehicle descends by gravity due to a ballast disposed in the lower part (11) of the penetrator. Apart from this ballast, the vehicle can be recovered due to a discoupling of the ballast by an explosive bolt (13). After discoupling, the float clusters (8) located in the upper part of said support structure supply the mounting thrust necessary for transferring the vehicle up to the ocean surface. If this thrust is insufficient, a pyrotechnical device (15) can be provided, which inflates a bag and thus creates an additional thrust directed to the upside.The invention is particularly useful in the investigation at the deep ocean sea-bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM)
    Inventors: Charles N. Murray, Michel R. Jamet
  • Patent number: 4874149
    Abstract: A post support for securing a post in the ground in a generally vertical position, which post support comprises an elongated ground-engaging spike to be driven vertically into the ground and a post support hollow container which comprises a pair of fixed, right angle vertical wall sections which form a part of the hollow container and which have tapered hemmed edges and a pair of right angled wedge end caps which also have tapered hemmed edges, with the wedge end caps adapted to have their edges fit in an overlapping relationship with the hemmed edges of the fixed vertical wall section and to be driven downwardly on the installation of the post to force the fixed wall sections inwardly so as to wedge and engage the post within the hollow container section thereby providing the support and securing of a post in the post support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: The Gordon Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Miceli
  • Patent number: 4871279
    Abstract: A slalom post (1) is described comprising at least one eccentrically pivoted disc-like anchor element (5, 8) normally positioned substantially within the cross-sectional area of the lower end of the post. By simply twisting the slalom post (1) around its vertical longitudinal axis (4), the anchoring element (5, 8) is brought from its normal ineffective position into its effective anchoring position by rotation around a vertical axis offset and parallel to the vertical longitudinal axis of the slalom post. If desired, a roughened peripheral edge of the disc may be provided for engagement with the snow or ice into which the lower end of the post is placed so that the rotation of the post will rotate the disc-like anchoring element relative thereto to move it into its effective anchoring position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Inventor: Hans Hinterholzer
  • Patent number: 4862656
    Abstract: A security post assembly consisting of a base tube to be sunk into the ground or other base and a post which fits into the mouth of the tube is lockable by a mortise lock mounted inside the post above ground level. The bolt of the lock protrudes outside the post and into a receiver structure carried on the underside of a cover plate which is hinged to the base tube and which can be swivelled to stand up beside the post. The receiver structure comprises a U-shape flange which fits inside a U-shape guard plate attached to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Eamonn W. J. Kelly
  • Patent number: RE35133
    Abstract: A socket and method for anchoring a sign post in the ground securely without requiring the sign post to be drivingly impacted. The socket has a hollow cavity having a cross sectional configuration substantially the same as that of the post, the cavity terminating at a ledge. The ledge is an edge of a portion of a leader inserted into one end of the socket and having the remainder of the leader extending from that one end. The socket is driven into the ground by inserting a driving rod into the cavity and impacting the driving rod against the ledge formed by the leader until the socket is driven to the desired depth in the ground. The driving rod is then withdrawn and the sign post is inserted into the socket and secured to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Sign Post Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Halloran, Jr.