Anchoring device

Abstract

An anchoring including a stake and a flange extending radially outwardly from the stake. The flange has a flange fixed section and a flange movable section movably attached to the flange fixed section. The flange movable section is selectively movable between an aligned configuration and an angled configuration, wherein in the flange angled configuration, the flange movable section is angled relative to the flange fixed section and, in the flange aligned configuration, the flange movable section is in a substantially co-planar relationship relative to the flange fixed section. The flange movable section is adapted to act as an auger for facilitating the insertion of the stake in the ground material when in the flange angled configuration and to co-operate with the flange fixed section when in the flange aligned configuration to assist in stabilising the stake in the ground material.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of anchoring devices and is more particularly concerned with an anchoring device having a flange for acting selectively as an auger blade or a stabilizing plate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable to solidly anchor objects such as temporary vehicle shelters, balconies or the like to a ground material. Typically, the object being anchored needs to be prevented from being lifted from the ground and/or sinking into the ground.

The prior art is replete with various anchoring devices for anchoring various types of objects. One of the drawbacks associated with some prior art anchoring devices relates to the relative difficulty with which they can be inserted into the ground. In order to facilitate insertion into the ground, some prior art devices are provided with auger-type blades. Such auger-type blades are adapted to act like a screw thread or plough share to thread the anchoring device into the ground, hence facilitating insertion thereof.

The use of an auger-type blade, while facilitating the insertion of the anchoring device into the ground surface tends to loosen the ground material around the inserted portion of the anchoring device as the auger blade is screwed thereinto. This tends to make the stake or shaft of the anchoring device less stable. Particularly, the anchor shaft or stake may be able to move back and forth laterally and to loosen ground material and thereby loosen the anchoring device such that the latter becomes relatively ineffective.

Some prior art devices already inherently suffer from being relatively unstable as they tend to shift or lean to a non-vertical alignment when even moderate lateral forces are placed against thereagainst. This situation is, in part, due to the relatively large moment arm of the anchoring device and the relatively small diameter of the inserted portion of the anchoring device which provides only a limited contact between the anchoring device and adjacent ground material. The problem of instability of anchoring devices is compounded, in certain regions, wherein anchoring devices are used in ground material subject to being frozen.

In an attempt to increase the stability of the anchoring devices, some prior art anchoring devices have resorted to using so-called stabilizing caps and/or compacting plates. U.S. Pat. No. 4,923,165, naming Boyce R. Cockman as inventor and issued May 8, 1990, for example, discloses a post anchor using both a compactor plate and a stabilizing cap.

The post anchor includes an elongated shank having a boring end and bracket end. An auger is carried near the boring end of the shaft for boring a hole in the ground material. A bracket is carried near the bracket end of the shank for attaching the post to the shank. A compactor plate is carried by the shank near the bracket end for compacting the soil between the compactor plate and the auger. A stabilizing cap is further provided and includes a footing plate and a vertical stabilizing rim which penetrates the ground material to stabilize the anchor against lateral forces.

Prior art devices using compactor plates and/or stabilizing caps however suffer from numerous drawbacks. Indeed, compactor plates such as disclosed in the hereinabove-mentioned patent create a relatively large obstructing surface which creates a significant drag force. This drag force, in turn, makes insertion of the anchoring device into the ground material rather difficult.

Furthermore, the compactor plate only allows for compaction of material about a limited area adjacent the shank. As for the stabilizing cap, it only acts near the ground surface. Also, in some situations, the interference it creates when protruding from the ground simply cannot be tolerated.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved anchoring device. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an anchoring device for being anchoring into a ground material using a driving force, the anchoring device comprising a substantially elongated stake extending substantially along a stake longitudinal axis, the stake defining a stake first end and a longitudinally opposed stake second end; a flange extending substantially radially outwardly from the stake, the flange having a flange fixed section and a flange movable section movably attached to the flange fixed section; the flange fixed section extending substantially in a fixed section geometrical plane; the flange movable section being selectively movable relative to the flange fixed section between an aligned configuration and an angled configuration, wherein in the flange angled configuration, the flange movable section is angled relative to the flange fixed section; in the flange aligned configuration, the flange movable section is in a substantially co-planar relationship relative to the flange fixed section; whereby the flange movable section is adapted to act as an auger for facilitating the insertion of the stake in the ground material when in the flange angled configuration and to co-operate with the flange fixed section when in the flange aligned configuration to assist in stabilising the stake in the ground material.

Conveniently, the fixed section geometrical plane extends in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to the stake longitudinal axis; the flange fixed and movable sections both extending in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to the stake when the flange movable section is in the aligned configuration. Typically, the flange has a substantially flat and annular configuration when the flange movable section is in the aligned configuration.

Conveniently, the flange movable section is pivotally attached to the flange fixed section by a hinge for pivotable movement relative thereto between the aligned and angled configurations; the hinge and the flange movable section being configured such that upon insertion of the stake into the ground by rotating the stake about the stake longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction, the pressure exerted by the ground material onto the flange movable section biases the latter towards the angled configuration and, upon rotation of the stake in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction with the flange inserted into the ground material, the pressure exerted by the ground material on the flange movable section biases the latter towards the aligned configuration.

Typically, the flange fixed section extends circumferentially over an arc segment between a fixed section first end and a fixed section second end, the fixed section first and second ends defining a flange spacing therebetween for receiving the flange movable section; the flange movable section having a movable section attached end and a substantially opposed movable section free end; the movable section attached end being pivotally attached to the fixed section first end such that the movable section free end pivots substantially towards the stake first end when the flange movable section pivots towards the movable section angled configuration; wherein when the flange is inserted in the ground material and the flange movable section is in the movable section angled configuration, the movable section free end is located deeper in the ground material than the movable section attached end.

Conveniently, the flange is configured such that when the flange is inserted in the ground material, the flange movable section is biased towards the flange angled configuration by the contact between the ground material and the flange movable section adjacent the movable section free end upon rotation of the stake in the stake first rotational direction.

Typically, the anchoring component is provided with a pivot limiter for limiting the pivotal movement of the flange movable section to a predetermined pivotal range. Conveniently, the pivot limiter is configured so as to prevent the movable section free end from pivoting towards the second end beyond the flange fixed section.

Typically, the flange movable section is angled relative to the flange fixed section by a movable-to-fixed section angle when in the movable section angled configuration, the pivot limiter being configured so as to limit the pivotal movement of the flange pivotable section to a predetermined maximal movable-to-fixed section angle.

Conveniently, the flange movable section pivots about a movable section axis, the pivot limiter also acting as a pivot guide for guiding the movement of the flange movable section; wherein the pivot limiter at least partially prevents the flange movable section from moving in a direction substantially parallel to the movable section axis.

Typically, the flange fixed section defines a fixed section first surface and an opposed fixed section second surface, the fixed section first and second surfaces facing respectively substantially towards the stake first and second ends; the flange movable section defining a movable section first surface and an opposed movable section second surface, the movable section first and second surfaces facing respectively substantially towards the stake first and second ends; the anchoring component being further provided with a stopping component, the stopping component extending from the fixed section second surface over at least a portion of the flange spacing, the stopping component being configured, sized and positioned for abuttingly contacting the movable section second surface when the flange movable section is in the movable section aligned configuration so as to prevent the movable section free end from pivoting towards the stake second end beyond the flange fixed section.

Conveniently, the stopping component is provided with a stopping component aperture extending therethrough; the anchoring component is further provided with a guiding rod extending from the movable section second surface into the stopping component aperture; the stopping component aperture and the guiding rod being configured, sized and positioned such that the guiding rod slides through the stopping component aperture as the flange movable section pivots between the movable section angled and aligned configuration; the guiding rod defines a guiding rod proximal end attached to the movable section second surface and an opposed guiding rod distal end; the guiding rod is provided with a rod stopping protrusion extending substantially radially outwardly therefrom for abuttingly contacting the peripheral edge of the stopping component aperture and limiting the movement of the flange movable section upon the flange movable section reaching a predetermined configuration.

Typically, the hinge includes at least one hinge ring attached to the flange fixed section substantially adjacent the fixed section first end; a hinged rod attached to the flange movable section substantially adjacent the movable section attached end and extending through the hinge ring.

Conveniently, the anchoring component further includes at least one reinforcement member extending between the flange and the stake for reinforcing the flange.

Typically, the anchoring component further includes a compacting component attached thereto for compacting the ground material around at least a portion of the anchoring component.

Conveniently, the compacting component is releasably attached to the compacting component. Typically, the compacting component includes a compacting tube mountable over the stake; a compacting auger blade extending substantially radially outwardly from the compacting tube.

Conveniently, the compacting auger blade has a substantially helicoidal configuration, the helicoidal configuration being oriented so that rotation of the compacting tube in the stake second direction causes the compacting auger blade to contact the ground material towards the flange, when the compacting tube is mounted over the stake and the compacting tube is allowed to rotate independently relative to the stake about a tube longitudinal axis.

Typically, the anchoring component is further provided with a stake-to-tube coupling means for releasably coupling the stake to the compacting tube when the compacting tube is mounted over the stake.

Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the proposed anchoring device is provided with a flange that can be used selectively either as an auger blade for allowing screwing of the anchoring device into the ground material or as a base plate for increasing the stability of the anchoring device once inserted into the ground material. Hence, the flange in the auger blade configuration creates a reduced drag force and facilitates screwing of the anchoring device into the ground. However, once inserted into the ground, the flange may be deployed in its stabilizing configuration which provides a relatively large face area in friction confronting relation to the surrounding ground material. In the stabilizing configuration, the flange hence locks the anchoring device against both sinking under compression loads and rising under tension loads.

In addition, the flange, in its stabilizing configuration, reduces the risks of leakage passing around the anchoring member that could loosen the ground material therearound.

The proposed anchoring device also allows for the compaction of the loosened ground material along a significant portion of the shank inserted into the ground material hence increasing the overall lateral stability of the anchoring device.

Also, the proposed anchoring device is designed so as to be easily inserted into the ground material in a relatively stable configuration through a set of relatively quick and ergonomical steps without requiring special tooling, manual dexterity or excessive force. In particular, the flange thereof may be selectively moved between its auger blade and stabilizing plate configurations by merely rotating the anchoring device in selected directions relative to its longitudinal axis.

Yet, still furthermore, the proposed anchoring device is designed so as to be manufacturable through conventional forms of manufacturing in order to provide an anchoring device that will be economically feasible, long-lasting and relatively trouble-free in operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1, in a perspective view, illustrates an anchoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the anchoring device being shown with its flange fixed section in an aligned configuration;

FIG. 2, in a top view, illustrates the anchoring device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3, in an elevational view, illustrates the anchoring device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4, in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates the anchoring device shown in FIGS. 1 through 3,

FIG. 5, in an elevational view, illustrates the anchoring device shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 with its flange fixed section in a flange angled configuration and with a compacting tube mounted over its stake;

FIG. 6, in a partial elevational view with sections taken out, illustrates some of the features of the anchoring device and compacting tube shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7, in an elevational view, illustrates the anchoring device shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 and the compacting tube shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 with the anchoring device having its flange in an aligned configuration and the compacting tube being removed from the stake of the anchoring device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an anchoring device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10. The anchoring device 10 is intended to be used mainly for anchoring an object (not shown) into a ground material (also not shown). The object may take any suitable form such as that of a car shelter, a tent, a balcony or any other suitable object without departing from the scope of the present invention. Also, the ground material may take any suitable form such as that of earth, sand, clay or any other suitable ground material without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Typically, the anchoring device is adapted to be anchored into the ground material using a driving tool (not shown) for providing a rotational driving force. Alternatively, the anchoring device 10 could be anchored into the ground manually. It should be understood that various types of driving tools could be used together with the anchoring device 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The anchoring device 10 includes a substantially elongated stake 12 extending substantially along a stake longitudinal axis 14. The stake 12 defines a stake first end 16 and a longitudinally opposed stake second end 18.

Typically, the stake first end 16 has a substantially bevelled or otherwise shaped configuration such as a substantially conical shape shown in FIG. 1 adapted to define a stake apex 20 for facilitating the aligning and insertion of the stake 12 into the ground material.

The stake second end 18 is typically provided with a stake-to-tool coupling means for coupling the stake 12 to the driving tool so as to provide a rotational driving force.

The stake-to-tool coupling means may take any suitable form. In the embodiment shown throughout the drawings, the stake-to-tool coupling means includes a stake coupling aperture 22 for receiving a stake coupling pin (not shown) or the like.

The stake 12 typically has a substantially tubular and hollow configuration. It should, however, be understood that the stake 12 may take other forms without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The anchoring device 10 also includes a flange 24 extending substantially radially outwardly from the stake 12. The flange 24 has a flange fixed section 26 and a flange movable section 28 movably attached to the flange fixed section 26. The flange 24 is typically located substantially towards the stake first end 16.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 3, the flange fixed section 26 extends substantially in a fixed section geometrical plane P. The fixed section geometrical plane P typically extends in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to the stake longitudinal axis 14. It should, however, be understood that the fixed section geometrical plane P could be otherwise angled relative to the stake longitudinal axis 14 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The flange movable section 28 is selectively movable relative to the flange fixed section 26 between an aligned configuration shown in FIGS. 1 through 4 and 7 and an angled configuration shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. In the flange angled configuration, the flange movable section 28 is angled relative to the flange fixed section 26 while in the flange aligned configuration, the flange movable section 28 is in a substantially co-planar relationship relative to the flange fixed section 26.

The flange movable section 28 is hence adapted to act both as an auger for facilitating the insertion of the stake 12 in the ground material and to act as a stabilizer for assisting in the stabilizing of the stake 12 in the ground material respectively when in the flange angled and aligned configurations.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 2, the flange 24 typically has a substantially flat and annular configuration when seen in a top view and when the flange movable section 28 is in the aligned configuration. It should, however, be understood that the flange 24 could have another configuration such as a polyhedral or any other suitable configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As seen more specifically in FIG. 2, the flange movable section 28 typically defines a substantially arc-shaped movable section main portion 30 and a substantially triangular-shaped movable section auxiliary portion 32 extending integrally from the movable section main portion 30. It should, however, be understood that the configuration of the movable section 28 could vary without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown more specifically in FIG. 4, the flange movable section 28 is typically attached to the flange fixed section 26 by a hinge generally indicated by the reference numeral 34, for pivotal movement relative thereto between the aligned and angled configurations. The hinge 34 and the flange movable section 28 are configured such that upon insertion of the stake 12 into the ground by rotating the stake 12 about the stake longitudinal axis 14 in a first rotational direction, the pressure exerted by the ground material onto the flange movable section 28 biases the latter towards the angled configuration. The hinge 34 and the flange movable section 28 are also configured such that upon rotation of the stake 12 in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction with the flange 24 inserted in the ground material, the pressure exerted by the ground material on the flange movable section 28 biases the latter towards the aligned configuration.

The flange fixed section 26 extends circumferentially over an arc segment between a fixed section first end 36 and a fixed segment second end 38. The fixed section first and second ends 36, 38 define a flange spacing therebetween for receiving the flange movable section 28.

The flange movable section 28 has a movable section attached end 40 and a substantially opposed movable section free end 42. The movable section attached end 40 is pivotally attached to the fixed section first end 36 such that the movable section free end 42 pivots substantially towards the stake first end 16 when the flange movable section 28 pivots towards the movable section angled configuration. Hence, when the flange 24 is inserted in the ground material and the flange movable section 28 is in the movable section angled configuration, the movable section free end 42 is located deeper in the ground material than the movable section attached end 40.

Flange 24 is configured such that when inserted in the ground material, the flange movable section 28 is biased towards the flange angled configuration by the contact between the ground material and the flange movable section 28 adjacent the movable section free end 42 upon rotation of the stake 12 in the stake first rotational direction.

The anchoring component 10 is typically further provided with a pivot limiter for limiting the pivotal movement of the flange movable section 28 to a predetermined pivotal range. The pivot limiter is typically configured so as to prevent the movable section free end 42 from pivoting towards the stake second end 18 beyond the flange fixed section 26.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 6, the flange movable section 28 is adapted to pivot relative to the flange fixed section 26 so as to define a movable-to-fixed section angle 44. The pivot limiter is typically configured so as to limit the pivotal movement of the flange pivotal section 28 to a predetermined maximal movable-to-fixed section angle 44.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 4, the flange movable section 28 pivots about a movable section pivotal axis 46. The pivot limiter is typically also adapted to act as a pivot guide for guiding the movement of the flange movable section 28. The pivot limiter typically at least partially prevents the flange movable section 28 from moving in a direction substantially parallel to the movable section pivotal axis 46.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 6, the flange fixed section 26 defines a fixed section first surface 48 and an opposed fixed section second surface 50. The fixed section first and second surfaces 48, 50 face respectively substantially towards the stake first and second ends 16, 18.

The flange movable section 28 defines a movable section first surface 52 and an opposed movable section second surface 54. The movable section first and second surfaces 52, 54 face respectively substantially towards the stake first and second ends 16, 18 when the flange movable section 28 is in the movable section aligned configuration.

The anchoring component 10 is typically further provided with a stopping component 56. The stopping component 56 typically extends from the fixed section second surface 50 over at least a portion of the flange spacing. The stopping component 56 is typically configured, sized and positioned for abuttingly contacting the movable section second surface 54 when the flange movable section 28 is in the movable section aligned configuration so as to prevent the movable section free end 42 from pivoting towards the stake second end 18 beyond the flange fixed section 26.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 4, the stopping component 56 is typically provided with a stopping component aperture 58 extending therethrough. The anchoring component 10 is typically further provided with a guiding rod 60 extending from the movable section second surface 54 into the stopping component aperture 58. The stopping component aperture 58 and the guiding rod 60 are configured, sized and positioned such that the guiding rod 60 slides through the stopping component aperture 58 as the flange movable section 28 pivots between the movable section of angled and aligned configuration.

The guiding rod defines a guiding rod proximal end 62 attached to the movable section second surface 54 and an opposed guiding rod distal end 64. The guiding rod 60 is typically provided with a rod stopping protrusion 66 extending substantially radially outwardly therefrom. The rod stopping protrusion 66 is adapted to abuttingly contact the peripheral edge of the stopping component aperture 58 and limit the movement of the flange movable section 28 upon the flange movable section 28 reaching a predetermined angled configuration.

As illustrated more specifically in FIG. 4, the stopping component 56 may take the form of a substantially oval-shaped ring welded or otherwise attached about the first end thereof so as to extend at least partially over the flange spacing. It should, however, be understood that the stopping component could have other configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The hinge 34 typically includes at least one and preferably three or more hinge rings 68 attached to the flange fixed section 26 substantially adjacent the fixed section first end 36. The hinge 34 typically also includes a hinge rod 70 attached to the flange movable section 28 substantially adjacent the movable section attached end 40 and extending through the hinge rings 68.

Typically, the movable section attached end 40 is provided with movable section ring receiving recesses 72 for receiving a portion of corresponding hinge rings 68 and allowing the hinge rod 70 to be mounted directly on the movable section second surface 54. Similarly, the edge of the fixed section first end 36 is typically provided with fixed section ring receiving recesses 74 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 4) for receiving an opposed portion of the hinge rings 68. Typically, the hinge rod 70 extends in a substantially parallel relationship relative to both the movable section attached end 40 and the fixed section first end 36.

In at least one embodiment of the invention, the stopper component 56 and the hinge rings 68 are metallic chain links or segments welded or otherwise attached to the flange fixed section 26 and, in the case of the hinge rings 68, also welded or otherwise attached to the flange fixed section 26. Also, in at lest one embodiment of the invention, both the guiding rod 60 and the hinge rod 70 are metallic rods while the stopping protrusion 66 is a bolt.

Typically, the anchoring component 10 further includes at least one and typically three reinforcement members or rods 76 extending between the flange 24 and the stake 12 for reinforcing the flange 24. The reinforcing rods 76 typically extend between the flange fixed section 26 and the stake 12. The flange 24 defines a flange peripheral edge 78. The reinforcing rods 76 typically extend in a configuration so as to taper from the fixed section second surface 50 substantially adjacent the flange peripheral edge 78 to the stake 12.

As illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 6 and 7, the anchoring component 10 typically still further includes a compacting component 80 attached thereto for compacting the ground material around at least a portion of the anchoring component 10. The compacting component 80 is typically releasably attached to the stake 12.

The compacting component 80 typically includes a compacting tube 82 mountable over the stake 12 and a compacting auger blade 84 extending substantially radially outwardly from the compacting tube 82. The compacting tube 82 defines a compacting tube first end 86 and a longitudinally opposed compacting tube second end 88 located so as to be positioned respectively adjacent the stake first and second ends 16, 18 when the compacting tube 80 is mounted over the stake 12. The compacting auger blade 84 is typically located substantially adjacent the compacting tube first end 86.

The compacting auger blade 84 has a substantially helicoidal configuration. The helicoidal configuration of the compacting auger blade 84 is oriented so that rotation of the compacting tube 82 in the second rotational direction causes the compacting auger blade 84 to bias or compact the ground material towards the flange 24.

The anchoring component 10 is typically still further provided with a stake-to-tube coupling means for releasably coupling the stake 12 to the compacting tube 82 when the compacting tube 82 is mounted over the stake 12. The stake-to-tube coupling means may take any suitable form. In the embodiment shown throughout the drawings, the stake-to-coupling means includes a tube coupling aperture 90 configured, sized and positioned so as to be put substantially in register with the stake coupling aperture 22 when the compacting tube 82 is mounted over the stake 12.

In use, the compacting tube 82 is mounted over the stake 12 until the compacting auger blade 84 is located substantially adjacent the flange 24 such as shown in FIG. 6. Both the compacting tube 82 and the stake 12 are coupled to a suitable rotary-type driving tool. Typically, the compacting tube 82 and the stake 12 are coupled to the driving tool by inserting a coupling pin simultaneously through the registered apertures 22, 90 and through a corresponding coupling aperture of the driving tool.

The driving tool is then used to rotate both the compacting tube 82 and the stake 12 in the first rotational direction while exerting a downward pressure into the ground material. The rotation of the stake 12 and, hence, of the flange 24 in the first rotational direction causes the ground material to exert a pressure on flange movable section 28 that pivots the latter towards the movable section angled configuration. In the movable section angled configuration, the flange movable section becomes an auger blade adapted to act like a screw thread or plough share to thread the anchoring device 10 into the ground material, hence facilitating insertion thereof.

Once the anchoring device 10 has reached a sufficient depth in the ground material, the rotation of the stake 12 is reversed into the second rotational direction over a limited angular range, causing the flange movable section 28 to pivot back towards the movable section aligned configuration. A downward pressure may then be imparted on the anchoring device 10 to impart a compression on the ground material located underneath the flange 24. With the flange movable section 28 in the movable section aligned configuration, the flange 24 provides a relatively large face area in friction confronting relation to the surrounding ground material. The flange 24 hence locks the anchoring device 10 against both sinking under compression loads and rising under tension loads. Also, the flange increases the lateral stability of the anchoring device 10.

Once inserted at a proper depth, the stake 12 is then uncoupled or detached from the driving tool leaving only the compacting tube 82 coupled or attached to the driving tool. The driving tool is then used to rotate, preferably slowly, the compacting tube 82 in the second rotational direction.

Rotation of the compacting tube 82 in the second rotational direction causes the compacting auger blade 84 to push or bias the ground material around it downwardly so as to exert a compacting action. Hence, the sliding upward movement of the compacting tube 82 along the stake 12 causes the compacting auger blade 84 to create a column of compacted ground material around the stake 12 hence further increasing the stability of the now inserted and compacted anchoring device 10. The compacting auger blade 84 eventually reaches the surface and the compacting tube 82 can now also be detached from the driving tool.

Claims

1. An anchoring device for being anchoring into a ground material using a driving force, said anchoring device comprising:

a substantially elongated stake extending substantially along a stake longitudinal axis, said stake defining a stake first end and a longitudinally opposed stake second end;

a flange extending substantially radially outwardly from said stake, said flange having a flange fixed section and a flange movable section movably attached to said flange fixed section;

said flange fixed section extending substantially in a fixed section geometrical plane;

said flange movable section being selectively movable relative to said flange fixed section between an aligned configuration and an angled configuration, wherein in said flange angled configuration, said flange movable section is angled relative to said flange fixed section; in said flange aligned configuration, said flange movable section is in a substantially co-planar relationship relative to said flange fixed section;

whereby said flange movable section is adapted to act as an auger for facilitating the insertion of said stake in said ground material when in said flange angled configuration and to co-operate with said flange fixed section when in said flange aligned configuration to assist in stabilising said stake in said ground material.

2. An anchoring device as recited in claim 1, wherein said fixed section geometrical plane extends in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to said stake longitudinal axis; said flange fixed and movable sections both extending in a substantially perpendicular relationship relative to said stake when said flange movable section is in said aligned configuration.

3. An anchoring device as recited in claim 1, wherein said flange has a substantially flat and annular configuration when said flange movable section is in said aligned configuration.

4. An anchoring device as recited in claim 1, wherein said flange movable section is pivotally attached to said flange fixed section by a hinge for pivotable movement relative thereto between said aligned and angled configurations;

said hinge and said flange movable section being configured such that upon insertion of said stake into said ground by rotating said stake about said stake longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction, the pressure exerted by said ground material onto said flange movable section biases the latter towards said angled configuration and, upon rotation of said stake in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction with said flange inserted into said ground material, the pressure exerted by said ground material on said flange movable section biases the latter towards said aligned configuration.

5. An anchoring device as recited in claim 4, wherein said flange fixed section extends circumferentially over an arc segment between a fixed section first end and a fixed section second end, said fixed section first and second ends defining a flange spacing therebetween for receiving said flange movable section;

said flange movable section having a movable section attached end and a substantially opposed movable section free end;

said movable section attached end being pivotally attached to said fixed section first end such that said movable section free end pivots substantially towards said stake first end when said flange movable section pivots towards said movable section angled configuration;

wherein when said flange is inserted in said ground material and said flange movable section is in said movable section angled configuration, said movable section free end is located deeper in said ground material than said movable section attached end.

6. An anchoring device as recited in claim 5, wherein said flange is configured such that when said flange is inserted in said ground material, said flange movable section is biased towards said flange angled configuration by the contact between said ground material and said flange movable section adjacent said movable section free end upon rotation of said stake in said stake first rotational direction.

7. An anchoring device as recited in claim 5, wherein said anchoring component is provided with a pivot limiter for limiting the pivotal movement of said flange movable section to a predetermined pivotal range.

8. An anchoring device as recited in claim 7, wherein said pivot limiter is configured so as to prevent said movable section free end from pivoting towards said second end beyond said flange fixed section.

9. An anchoring device as recited in claim 7, wherein said flange movable section is angled relative to said flange fixed section by a movable-to-fixed section angle when in said movable section angled configuration, said pivot limiter being configured so as to limit the pivotal movement of said flange pivotable section to a predetermined maximal movable-to-fixed section angle.

10. An anchoring device as recited in claim 7, wherein said flange movable section pivots about a movable section axis, said pivot limiter also acting as a pivot guide for guiding the movement of said flange movable section; wherein said pivot limiter at least partially prevents said flange movable section from moving in a direction substantially parallel to said movable section axis.

11. An anchoring device as recited in claim 7, wherein said flange fixed section defines a fixed section first surface and an opposed fixed section second surface, said fixed section first and second surfaces facing respectively substantially towards said stake first and second ends;

said flange movable section defining a movable section first surface and an opposed movable section second surface, said movable section first and second surfaces facing respectively substantially towards said stake first and second ends;

said anchoring component being further provided with a stopping component, said stopping component extending from said fixed section second surface over at least a portion of said flange spacing, said stopping component being configured, sized and positioned for abuttingly contacting said movable section second surface when said flange movable section is in said movable section aligned configuration so as to prevent said movable section free end from pivoting towards said stake second end beyond said flange fixed section.

12. An anchoring device as recited in claim 11, wherein

said stopping component is provided with a stopping component aperture extending therethrough;

said anchoring component is further provided with a guiding rod extending from said movable section second surface into said stopping component aperture;

said stopping component aperture and said guiding rod being configured, sized and positioned such that said guiding rod slides through said stopping component aperture as said flange movable section pivots between said movable section angled and aligned configuration;

said guiding rod defines a guiding rod proximal end attached to said movable section second surface and an opposed guiding rod distal end;

said guiding rod is provided with a rod stopping protrusion extending substantially radially outwardly therefrom for abuttingly contacting the peripheral edge of said stopping component aperture and limiting the movement of said flange movable section upon said flange movable section reaching a predetermined configuration.

13. An anchoring device as recited in claim 5, wherein said hinge includes

at least one hinge ring attached to said flange fixed section substantially adjacent said fixed section first end;

a hinged rod attached to said flange movable section substantially adjacent said movable section attached end and extending through said hinge ring.

14. An anchoring device as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchoring component further includes at least one reinforcement member extending between said flange and said stake for reinforcing said flange.

15. An anchoring device as recited in claim 1, wherein said anchoring component further includes a compacting component attached thereto for compacting said ground material around at least a portion of said anchoring component.

16. An anchoring device as recited in claim 15, wherein said compacting component is releasably attached to said compacting component.

17. An anchoring device as recited in claim 15, wherein said compacting component includes

a compacting tube mountable over said stake;

a compacting auger blade extending substantially radially outwardly from said compacting tube.

18. An anchoring device as recited in claim 17, wherein said compacting auger blade has a substantially helicoidal configuration, said helicoidal configuration being oriented so that rotation of said compacting tube in said stake second direction causes said compacting auger blade to contact said ground material towards said flange, when said compacting tube is mounted over said stake and said compacting tube is allowed to rotate independently relative to said stake about a tube longitudinal axis.

19. An anchoring device as recited in claim 18, wherein said anchoring component is further provided with a stake-to-tube coupling means for releasably coupling said stake to said compacting tube when said compacting tube is mounted over said stake.