Abstract: A ground stake for securing ropes or other fastening elements comprises a head portion with an elevated, textured surface and two or more extending flanges above a neck portion comprising recesses and a passageway. A plurality of elongated fins, at least a portion of which are tapered, depend from the base of the head portion and terminate in a truncated blunt end, providing a stronger tip while allowing clean penetration of the ground. One or more of the fins may comprise a stiffening rib to increase the rigidity of the fin. The elevated, textured surface provides increased impact resistance and prevents slippage of a pounding implement when the stake is being driven into the ground.

Abstract: A post anchor for securing a support post for a structure comprises a base with four upstanding sidewalls forming a cavity into which a post is inserted, and means to secure the post inside the cavity. Interior ribs and exterior augmented corners resist deformation under pressure exerted by the post. Interior channels allow water to drain from inside the cavity toward a drain hole. The anchor post is slightly elevated relative to the ground, allowing air and water to circulate around the post and post anchor. The post anchor is made of a thermoplastic polymer which is given a textured surface, and may include an ultraviolet protection additive.

Abstract: A ground stake for securing ropes or other fastening elements comprises a head portion with an elevated, textured surface and two or more extending flanges above a neck portion comprising recesses and a passageway. A plurality of elongated fins, at least a portion of which are tapered, depend from the base of the head portion and terminate in a truncated blunt end, providing a stronger tip while allowing clean penetration of the ground. One or more of the fins may comprise a stiffening rib to increase the rigidity of the fin. The elevated, textured surface provides increased impact resistance and prevents slippage of a pounding implement when the stake is being driven into the ground.

Abstract: A post system for a railing, the post system including a railing post, an insert and a post base. The railing post includes an elongated tubular body with first and second ends. The insert may snugly be insertable within the first end of the railing post. The post base may be connectable to the first end of the railing post and may have an inner member and an outer member substantially encasing the inner member. The inner member may be constructed from a first material, while the outer member may be constructed of a second material. The post base may include a base member and a housing member connected to and extending from the base member. The housing member may be adapted to engage the railing post.

Abstract: An ornamental picket spacer for a railing system. The spacer may include an elongated spacer member having generally parallel sides and a wall extending therebetween and an ornamental member connected to the wall. The generally parallel sides of the elongated spacer member may include wings for insertion into the railing system. The ornamental member may be a diamond or a circle or any other suitable shape.

Abstract: An adjustable post support (10) for use in supporting a post vertically above the ground. The support may include a lower spike portion (12) and an upper bracket portion (14). The lower spike portion may include an upper end. The bracket portion may include a curved dome (22) and an upstanding sleeve (32) extending upwardly therefrom. The curved dome may nest with the upper end of the spike to provide a ball and socket type connection between the lower spike portion and the upper bracket portion. A fastening device (52, 54) may be used for tightening the upper bracket and lower spike portion together and a support table (60) may be located inside the sleeve.