ANCHORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME
An apparatus comprising a stake with a first end portion configured to support a component and a second end portion, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.
This disclosure relates generally to a ground anchoring apparatus, and more particularly to a ground anchoring apparatus for posts.
Ground anchoring apparatuses for mailboxes, signs, etc. are generally known. An anchoring apparatus has various features including a post. It is problematic when the post lacks stabilization when in use, as is often the case if the post is not mounted in a cement base.
It would be useful to develop a ground anchoring apparatus with improved stability.
SUMMARYOne embodiment described herein is an apparatus comprising a stake with a first end portion configured to support a component, and a second end portion, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion. In embodiments the stake has a longitudinal axis, and the anti-twist device extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the stake.
Another embodiment described herein is a system comprising an apparatus comprising a stake with a first end portion configured to support a component, and a second end portion, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion. The system also includes a shell with a longitudinal cavity configured to receive at least a part of the first end portion of the stake, and a top component connected to the first end portion of the stake.
Yet another embodiment described herein is a method of mounting a fixture comprising obtaining an apparatus comprising a stake with a first end portion having a first terminal end including a mounting plate configured to support a component, and a second end portion, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion. The method further includes obtaining a shell with a longitudinal cavity configured to receive at least a part of the first end portion of the stake, disposing at least a part of the second end portion of the stake underground, placing the shell over the first end portion of the stake such that the shell contacts the surface of the ground, and mounting the fixture to the mounting plate.
The ground anchoring apparatus described herein includes a stake with attachments fixed thereto to anchor and stabilize a column, pillar, post, pole, or other component. The anchoring apparatus penetrates the ground, and the column, pillar, etc. rests on the top surface of the ground. The apparatus secures a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, bird feeder, display stand, outdoor structure or other device attaching to the top of the ground anchoring apparatus. This device eliminates the need to dig a hold to install a ground-penetrating component, and improves upon the stability of component during and after installation.
DefinitionsAs used herein, the term “anti-twist device” means a component that prevents the apparatus from twisting after it has been installed in the ground.
As used herein, the term “stabilizing component” means a component that prevents sideways movement of a mounted vertical support.
Referring to the drawings,
In the embodiment shown in
Referring to
Details of the mounting component 16 of the apparatus 10 are shown in
In some embodiments, the shape and density of the shell impart additional stability or anti-tipping properties to the support apparatus. In the embodiment shown in
In embodiments, the support apparatus 10 has a length in the range of about 3 feet to about 11 feet, or about 4 feet to about 8 feet, or about 4 feet to about 6 feet. The shell 44 has a length of about 2 feet to about 8 feet, or about 2 to about 6 feet, or about 3 feet to about 5 feet. In embodiments, the lower end 174 of the shell 44 has a width of about 6 inches to about 18 inches, or about 10 inches to about 14 inches, and the upper end 176 of the shell 44 has width of about 3 inches to about 14 inches, or about 6 inches to about 12 inches.
In the embodiment shown in
In some cases, as is shown in
In embodiments, the support apparatus may be formed from a natural or synthetic substance, and typically is formed from a metal, or a heavy-duty thermoset or thermoplastic material that may include one or more fillers. In embodiments shells may be formed from natural or synthetic substances, including wood, plaster, cement, marble, granite, stone, thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials, and composites, including thermoplastics and thermoset containing fillers.
In some cases, the top component is a receptacle, such as a mail box. In some cases, the top component is a sign or yard accessory.
The support apparatus can be made by welding or otherwise fixing the various components to an elongated post. In embodiments, the support apparatus can be molded or 3D printed as a unitary component, or a portion of the support apparatus can be molded or 3D printed and additional components can subsequently be attached thereto.
A number of alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a stake with a first portion, configured to be positioned above a ground surface and a second portion, configured to be positioned beneath the ground surface, the first portion of the stake, having a length and including a first end portion comprising a terminal end configured to support a component,
- a connecting plate attached to the terminal end of the first portion of the stake,
- a mounting device configured to be removably attached to the connecting plate,
- an anti-twist device formed on the second portion of the stake,
- a stabilizing component formed on the second portion of the stake, between the anti-twist device and the first portion of the stake,
- a one-piece shell configured to surround the first portion of the stake, when the second portion of the stake is positioned beneath the ground surface, the shell having a length that is generally equivalent to the length of the first portion of the stake.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stake has a longitudinal axis, and the anti-twist device extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the stake.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the anti-twist device comprises a first fin and a second fin.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second fins are generally coplanar and narrow inwardly in a direction away from the stabilizing component.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing component includes a first section that extends radially outwardly from the stake.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first section is generally planar and includes first and second blades orientated generally perpendicularly relative to the plane of the first and second fins of the anti-twist device.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stabilizing component includes a generally planar second section that is perpendicular to an axis of the stake and is configured to be positioned on the surface of the ground when the apparatus is in use.
8. (canceled)
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least a first centering component formed along the length of the first portion of the stake.
10. (canceled)
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a pillar.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, where in the pillar comprises a longitudinal opening configured to receive the stake.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pillar is fixed between the stabilizing component and the mounting device.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the mounting device is configured to support the component that comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, and display stand.
15. (canceled)
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting plate is configured to be removably attached to the component.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the mounting device includes a plurality of bores configured to receive fasteners to attach the mounting device to the component.
18. A system comprising:
- an apparatus comprising: a stake with a first end portion configured to support a top component, and a second end portion configured to be positioned at least partially underground, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion,
- a shell with a longitudinal cavity configured to receive at least a part of the first end portion of the stake, the shell having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end that is configured to contact a surface of the ground when the system is in use, and
- a top component connected to a terminal end of the first end portion of the stake, wherein the top component comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, and display stand.
19. (canceled)
20. A method of mounting a fixture comprising:
- obtaining an apparatus comprising: a stake with a first portion having a length and including a first end portion having a first terminal end including a mounting device configured to support a component, and a second portion, an anti-twist device formed on the second portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second portion between the anti-twist device and the first portion,
- obtaining a shell with a longitudinal cavity configured to receive the entire length of the first portion of the stake,
- disposing the second portion of the stake underground,
- placing the shell over the first end portion of the stake-such that the shell surrounds the first portion of the stake and contacts the surface of the ground, and mounting the fixture to the mounting device.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the component is mounted on the mounting device, and comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, bird feeder, and display stand.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 11, 2019
Publication Date: Apr 15, 2021
Inventor: Jeffrey A. Jones (Southbury, CT)
Application Number: 16/599,945