POLE ANCHOR WITH SPRING-LOADED SPADE

Abstract

An assembly can include a plate, a spade pivotable relative to the plate, a spring positioned to bias the spade toward an expanded configuration, and a cord secured to the plate and dimensioned to extend around the spade, wherein the cord is positioned to hold the spade in a constricted configuration, and wherein release of the cord permits the spade to pivot outward toward the expanded configuration. The assembly can further include a pin removably mounted to the plate and slidable to release the spade from the constricted configuration. A system can include a plurality of plate assemblies comprising spring-loaded spades, wherein the plate assemblies are secured to a pole. A method of installing an upright pole can include expanding a spring-loaded spade in a hole.

Description

BACKGROUND

Poles can be installed in an upright orientation in the ground. For example, the foot of a utility pole can be positioned in a hole in the ground and backfill can be used to fill the space around the foot of the utility pole and the ground to hold or stabilize the pole in the upright orientation. In certain instances, an anchor can be mounted to the foot of the utility pole to improve the stability of the pole in the ground.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an assembly includes a plate; a spade pivotable relative to the plate; a spring positioned to bias the spade toward an expanded configuration; and a cord secured to the plate and dimensioned to extend around the spade, where the cord is positioned to hold the spade in a constricted configuration, and where release of the cord permits the spade to pivot outward toward the expanded configuration.

Implementations may further include a pin removably mounted to the plate, where the plate may include a sleeve, where the pin is slidable within the sleeve, and where the cord extends around the spade to the pin to hold the spade in the constricted configuration.

In another aspect, a system includes a first plate assembly that may include a first plate, a first spring-loaded spade pivotably mounted to the first plate, and a first cord positioned to constrict expansion of the first spring-loaded spade. The system may further include a second plate assembly that may include a second plate, a second spring-loaded spade pivotably mounted to the first plate, and a second cord positioned to constrict expansion of the second spring-loaded spade. The system may further include a bolt structured to secure the first plate and the second plate to opposite sides of a pole.

In another aspect, a method includes fastening a plate of a pole anchor assembly to a pole, positioning an end of the pole in a hole, releasing a pin of the pole anchor assembly to permit expansion of a spring-loaded spade outward from the plate within the hole, and back-filling the hole to cover the spring-loaded spade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an anchor including spring-loaded spades with certain hidden structures depicted with dashed lines and depicting the anchor in a constricted configuration, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the anchor of FIG. 1 showing a first end of a cord secured to a plate of the anchor to hold the anchor in the constricted configuration, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another portion of the anchor of FIG. 1 showing a second end of the cord secured by a pin to hold the anchor in the constricted configuration, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the anchor of FIG. 1 with the cord removed for illustrative purposes, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the anchor of FIG. 1 with the cord removed and one of the spring-loaded spades released to an expanded configuration for illustrative purposes, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a pair of anchors mounted to a pole and depicting the spring-loaded spades in different degrees of expansion, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pair of anchors of FIG. 6 mounted to the pole, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of installing a utility pole, in accordance with at least one aspect of the present disclosure.

The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate aspects of concepts that include the claimed disclosure and explain various principles and advantages of those aspects.

The devices disclosed herein have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various aspects of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular aspects, procedures, techniques, etc. to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced in other aspects that depart from these specific details.

Over time, an upright pole installed in the ground can be prone to moving away from its desired orientation. For example, the pole can be subjected to transverse loads (e.g. wind on the wires supported by the pole) that cause the pole to rock back and forth enough to lift the foot of the pole upward from its installed position. Lifting of the pole is referred to as pole “walking”.

A pole shoe or anchor can be mounted to the foot of a pole to assist in securing the pole in its installed position. However, certain pole shoes require a larger diameter hole and, thus, additional backfill material around the pole. Larger diameter holes can require more time and larger equipment (e.g. a larger diameter auger) and may not be suitable in all situations, especially those where space is more limited, for example.

A pole anchor movable between a constricted configuration and an expanded configuration can fit within a smaller diameter hole in its constricted configuration. Upon insertion in the hole, the pole anchor can be released from its constricted configuration to take up additional space within the hole. Spring-loaded spades can move from constricted configurations to expanded, or released configurations, after the pole and pole anchor(s) thereof are inserted into the hole to further stabilize the pole in the ground.

In one instance, a pole anchor assembly includes a plate, a pin removably mounted to the plate, a spade pivotable relative to the plate, a spring positioned to bias the spade toward an expanded configuration, and a cord secured to the plate and dimensioned to extend around the spade to the pin. The cord is positioned to hold the spade in a constricted configuration for placement of the pole anchor assembly in the ground. Release of the cord, by drawing the pin away from the plate, for example, can permit the spade to pivot outward toward the expanded configuration in the hole.

An expandable anchor for a pole can fit within a smaller diameter hole in certain instances. Additionally, spring-loaded spades can increase the earth-bearing surface to further support the pole. Owing to the angled-orientation of the spring-loaded spades, the spades may open further in certain instances as the pole attempts to “walk” up and out of the ground. Further opening or expansion of the spades further increases the earth-bearing surface of the spades around the perimeter of the pole in various instances. Moreover, in various instances, the pointed geometry of the outwardly-extending tips of the spades can be designed to project or dig into the ground around the perimeter of the hole to further grip and secure the pole therein. In such instances, the tips of the spades can be configured to dig into virgin soil or virgin substrate, which is more stable than backfilled substate in many instances. For example, backfilled substrate could shear or give way more easily than virgin substate under the transverse loads exerted on the pole. As a pole attempts to “walk” out of the ground, for example, the resistance from the expandable anchor can increase.

Referring primarily to FIGS. 1-7, a pole anchor assembly 10 includes a plate 20, a spade 50 pivotable relative to the plate 20, a spring 60 positioned to bias the spade 50 toward an expanded configuration, and a cord 70 secured to the plate 20 and dimensioned to extend around the spade 50 to the pin 40. The pole anchor assembly 10 can be secured to a foot 92 (FIG. 7) of a pole 90. The plate 20 include a through-hole 38 that is dimensioned to receive a bolt 42 to secure the plate 20 to the pole 90. The pole 90 can be formed from wood, metal, and/or fiberglass, for example.

In various instances, the pole anchor assembly 10 (e.g. plate 20, spades 50) can be comprised of metal, such as galvanized steel, for example. In other instances, the pole anchor assembly 10 can be comprised of carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and/or zinc, for example. The structures supported by the plate 20 and/or the spades 50, e.g. hinge sleeves, braces, etc., can be connected by fasteners and/or welding, such as fillet welds or arc spot welds, for example.

The spade 50 is spring-loaded by the spring 60. More specifically, the spring 60 exerts an opening or outward force on the spade 50 to bias the spade 50 open or outward with respect to the pole 90. In various instances, the spring 60 is a helical torsion spring, however, alternative springs (e.g. spiral spring, compression spring, leaf spring, etc.) are contemplated. The spring(s) are positioned to bias the spade 50 into an expanded configuration relative to the plate 20.

In various instances, the bolt 42 can be configured to secure a pair of plates 20 on opposite sides of the pole 90. In other instances, the bolt 42 can secure a single plate 20 to the pole 90. Additionally or alternatively, the plate 20 can include additional through-holes 39, which are dimensioned to receive additional fasteners for securing the plate 20 to the pole 90. The additional fastener can be a bolt, screw, rivet, anchor, or combination thereof, for example.

In certain instances, the pole 90 can be a utility pole for carrying utility or telephone lines above the ground. In other instances, the pole 90 can serve a different purpose. In certain instances, the pole 90 can be a stand-alone pole. In other instances, the pole 90 can be connected to one or more additional support structures or scaffolds. For example, the pole 90 can be part of an H-frame pole structure.

The pole anchor assembly 10 includes three spades 50a, 50b, 50c, which are spring-loaded. In other instances, the pole anchor assembly 10 can include a single spade 50, a pair of spades, or more than three spades 50. The spades 50a, 50b, 50c are mounted to the plate 20 at hinges 52. The hinges 52 include a hinge pin 53, which permits the spades 50a, 50b, 50c to pivot or rotate relative to the plate 20. More specifically, each spade 50a, 50b, 50c is mounted to a portion of the outer surface 28 at hinges 52.

The plate 20 extends between a first end 24 and a second end 26. The plate 20 includes an outer surface 28 extending between the first end 24 and the second end 26. The outer surface 28 is positioned outward or facing away from the pole 90. The outer surface 28 is contoured and includes a first support surface 30 supporting the first spade 50a, a second support surface 32 angularly offset from the first support surface 30 and supporting the second spade 50a, and a third support surface 34 angularly offset from the first and second support surfaces 30, 32 and supporting the third spade 50a.

The plate 20 defines contours 29 dimensioned to wrap the plate 20 around the pole 90. For example, the contours can be dimensioned to keep the plate 20 substantially against or abutting the pole 90. Each contour 29 is defined between a pair of adjacent support surface 28, 30, 32. The spades 50 are angularly offset from each other owing to the contours 29 of the contoured outer surface 28. The reader will appreciate that the radius of curvature of the contours 29 can be selected based on the number of support surfaces and spades, the diameter of the pole 90, and/or the number of pole anchor assemblies 10 mounted to the pole 90, for example.

The pole anchor assembly 10 is moveable between a constricted configuration and expanded configurations. For example, the spades 50 can be biased into a constricted configuration; however, the springs 60 are structured and positioned to bias the spades 50 towards expanded configurations. The spades 50 of the pole anchor assembly 10 are independently movable between constricted and expanded configuration(s) to fill the space between the pole 90 and a perimeter 80 (FIG. 6) of the hole in the ground around the perimeter of the pole 90 upon release of the cord 70 restraining rotational expansion of the spades 50.

The cord 70 is positioned to hold the spades 50 in their constricted configurations relative to the plate 20. Release of the cord 70 from the pin 40 permits the spades 50 to pivot outward toward the expanded configurations. More specifically, the plate 20 further includes a sleeve 22 that is dimensioned to receive the pin 40. The pin 40 is slidably received in the sleeve 22 to engage a pinned end 74 of the cord 70. For example, the cord 70 includes a free end 72 and the pinned end 74 opposite to the free end 72. The free end 72 is retained in a notch or catch 36 structured to hold the free end 72 to the plate 20. The free end 72 can be selectively or removably retained in the catch 36. In other instances, the free end 72 can be fixed to the catch 36, such as by a fastener and/or welding, for example.

The pinned end 74 of the cord 70 is releasably engaged with the pin 40. For example, the pinned end 74 can define a loop or looped portion through with the pin 40 can extend. In a constricted configuration, for transport and/or installation of the pole anchor assembly 10 in a hole, for example, the cord 70 is positioned to extend around the spades 50 from the catch 36 to the pin 40. The taut cord 70 restrains the spades 50 against the bias of the springs 60 to prevent the pointed ends 54 of the spades 50 from pivoting outward away from the plate 20.

In use, at least one end of the cord 70 can be released to release the spades 50 from their respective constricted configurations. For example, the pin 40 can be drawn from the sleeve 22 to release the pinned end 74 of the cord 70 from the plate 20. In such instances, the tension in the cord 70 is released when the pinned end 74 of the cord is free from the pin 40. In various instances, the free end 72 of the cord 70 can be released from the catch 36 in the absence of tension in the cord 70. In other instances, the free end 72 can remain engaged with the catch 36; however, the slack in the cord 70 would still permit outward rotation of the spades 50 against the slack cord 70, for example.

The cord 70 can be a metal wire lanyard, such as braided or wound wire strands, for example. The cord 70 can be flexible, such as a flexible, non-stretchable metal wire that can conform to the shape of the spring-loaded spades around the contoured outer surface 28 of the plate 20.

In various instances, the pin 40 can be withdrawn from the sleeve 22 by a user. For example, the pole anchor assembly 10 further includes a manual actuator 44 (FIGS. 3 and 4) in the form of a grip, handle, or ring, for example, which extends from the pin 40. The manual actuator 44 is positioned to receive a manual input to pull the pin 40 out of the sleeve 22.

The spades 50 are sharp-edged tools for digging into the ground and/or backfill around the foot 92 of the pole 90. For example, each spade 50 includes a pointed end 54, which points in a direction outward from the upright axis UA (FIGS. 6 and 7) of the pole 90. In other instances, each spade 50 can include more than one pointed end, such as a rectangular or pronged blade having a pair of pointed ends for engaging the ground.

In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the spades 50 can include a brace 58. The brace 58 can be structured to further rigidify the spade 50 to resist deformation of the spade 50 under significant loads. The braces 58 define contoured ridges protruding from the outward (in a constricted configuration) and/or underside (in a fully expanded configuration) of the spade 50.

Referring primarily to FIG. 6, a pair of pole anchor assemblies 10 are installed on the pole 90. The perimeter 80 of an diagrammatic hole is shown for illustrative purposes in FIG. 6. The spades 50 of the pole anchor assemblies 10 are shown in various degrees of expansion for illustrative purposes. The reader will further appreciate that the diameter of the hole can resist further expansion of the pointed tips or ends 54 of the spades 50 into the ground; however, the pointed ends 54 can penetrate the sidewalls of the hole in various instances to further expand and open, especially as the pole 90 is subjected to forces motivating the pole 90 to “walk” upwards out of the hole. In such instances, the pointed ends 54 of the spades 50 can dig into virgin substrate beyond the perimeter 80 the hole in the ground. For example, a portion of a spade 50 can engage the backfilled substrate within the perimeter 80 of the hole, and another portion of the spade 50 can engage the virgin substrate outside the perimeter 80 of the hole.

The spades 50 extend or point outward from the plate 20 in different directions. For example, the pointed tip 54 of the second spade 50b points in a second direction D2, the pointed tip 54 of the third spade 50c adjacent to the second spade 50b extends in a second direction D2, and the pointed tip 54 of the first spade 50a adjacent to the second spade 50b but on the opposite side from the third spade 50c extends in a third direction D3. A first angle θ1 is defined between the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 and a second angle θ2 is defined between the first direction D1 and the third direction D3. In various instances, the spades 50a, 50b, 50c can be spaced equidistantly along the curved outer surface 28. In such instances, the spades 50a, 50b, 50c can be spaced equidistantly around a portion of a perimeter of the pole 90 and the first angle θ1 is equal, or substantially equal, to the second angle θ2. Substantially equal can be equal within a tolerance of 1%, 2%, 5%, or 10% depending on the size of the pole anchor assembly 10 and the application thereof, for example.

A third angle θ3 is defined between the second direction D2 and the third direction D3. In various instances, the third angle θ3 can be approximately 90 degrees. In such instances, four spades 50 can be equidistantly spaced around the perimeter of the pole 90 at 90 degree intervals, for example. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, additional spades 50 can also be incorporated into the pole anchor assemblies 10.

The pole anchor assemblies 10 are identical and symmetrically installed on opposite sides of the pole 90. The pair of pole anchor assemblies 10 are symmetrical relative to a first transverse center axis A1 defined through and perpendicular to the upright axis UA of the pole 90. Moreover, each individual pole anchor assembly 10 is symmetrical relative to a second transverse center axis A2 defined through and perpendicular to the upright axis UA of the pole 90 and the first transverse center axis A1. In such instances, the arrangement of six spades 50 around the pole 90 is biaxially symmetric relative to the first and second transverse center axes A1 and A2. Although the degree to which the pole anchor assemblies 10 are expanded is symmetrical about the first transverse center axis A1 in FIG. 6, the reader will appreciate that the degree of expansion may not be symmetric. The degree of expansion depends on the geometry and material of the hole, as well as the available space between the pole 90 and the hole. However, in their constricted configurations, the pole anchor assemblies 10 and spades 50 thereof can be biaxially symmetric because their spades 50 are in their constricted, or non-expanded, configurations.

Referring primarily to FIG. 7, the spades 50a, 50b, 50c further include a tail 56, which acts as backstop against over-rotation of the spades 50a, 50b, 50c from their fully-expanded configurations. The tails 56 define a stop plate extending downwardly (in the constricted configuration of the spade) and inwardly (in the expanded configuration of the spade 50).

The spades 50a, 50b, 50c are configured to open up to a ninety degree angle relative to the pole 90 and the upright axis UA thereof. The tails 56 are positioned and structured to abut an abutment surface 94 on the underside or bottom of the foot 92 of the pole 90. For example, the foot 92 can define a planar surface, which is generally level and horizontal, and the upright axis UA is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the abutment surface 94. The tails 56 push against the abutment surface 94 to prevent over-rotation of the spades 50a, 50b, 50c beyond their fully-expanded configurations. Moreover, the abutment surface 94 can further brace and support the spades 50a, 50b, 50c pushed against the abutment surface 94 to further anchor the pole 90 in the ground and prevent the pole 90 from walking out of the ground.

In certain instances, a pole can be installed in an upright orientation in the ground with a pole anchor. The pole anchor can be dimensioned to fit around a portion of the perimeter of the foot of the pole. Additionally, a hole can be dimensioned to fit the pole with the pole anchor secured thereto. Upon placement of the pole in the hole, the pole anchor can be actuated to fill the space around the pole within the hole. For example, one or more spring-loaded spades on the anchor can expand toward the perimeter of the hole from the pole.

Referring primarily to FIG. 8, in various instances, a method 200 for installing a pole includes, at block 202, fastening a plate of a pole anchor assembly to a pole and, at block 204, positioning an end of the pole in a hole. In various instances, in the constricted configuration, a gap can be defined between the anchor and the wall of the hole. For example, a radial clearance of about 2.0 inches can be defined around the perimeter of the anchor. In other instances, the radial clearance can be less than 2.0 inches, such as 0.5 inches or 1 inch, for example. In still other instances, the radial clearance can be greater than 2.0 includes, such as 4.0 inches or 6.0 inches, for example. The desired radial clearance can be selected based on the size of the pole/hole, substrate material of the ground, and/or application of the pole, for example. As further described herein, the pole anchor assembly can be radially expandable around the pole within the hole. For example, at block 206, releasing or removing a pin of the pole anchor assembly is to permit expansion of the pole anchor assembly within the hole. In various instances, the pole anchor assembly includes at least one spring-loaded spade, which is positioned and structured to expand radially outward from the plate of the pole anchor assembly within the hole. The method 200 further includes, at block 208, back-filling the hole to cover the spring-loaded spade.

In such instances, the backfill material can assume the space around the expanded anchor assembly and spring-loaded spade(s) thereof.

In certain instances, fastening the plate to the pole, at block 202, includes positioning a bolt through the plate and the pole. In certain instances, a plurality of pole anchor assemblies can be mounted to the pole. For example, pole anchor assemblies can be spaced around the perimeter of the pole and/or vertically along the pole within the hole. The number of pole anchor assemblies can depend on the size of the pole/hole and/or the substrate material of the ground in which the pole is mounted, for example, for example. In various instances, the pole anchor assemblies can be mounted to the pole in a symmetrical manner, as further discussed herein.

The method 200 can further include withdrawing a pin from a sleeve to release a cord. For example, as further disclosed herein, a cord can extend from the pin to secure the spring-loaded spade(s) in a constricted configuration relative to the plate. Removal of the pin from the sleeve is configured to release the spring-loaded spade(s) from the constricted configuration thereof.

The reader will appreciate that the method 200 can be utilized in connection with the pole anchor assembly 10 and the pole 90, for example.

Unless stated otherwise, terms like “including” or “having” should be interpreted as open-ended (i.e., “including but not limited to”). Numeric claim recitations generally mean “at least” the stated number, and disjunctive terms like “A or B” should be interpreted to include either or both unless explicitly specified. Operations in any claim may generally be performed in any order unless explicitly stated. The recitation “at least one of A, B, and C” should be interpreted as any combination of A, B, and C, such A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together. The recitation “at least one of A, B, or C” should be interpreted to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together.

This written description may disclose several embodiments of the subject matter, including the best mode, and may enable one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the embodiments of subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that may occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other embodiments may be intended to be within the scope of the claims if they may have structural elements that may not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they may include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. An assembly, comprising:

a plate;

a spade pivotable relative to the plate;

a spring positioned to bias the spade toward an expanded configuration; and

a cord secured to the plate and dimensioned to extend around the spade, wherein the cord is positioned to hold the spade in a constricted configuration, and wherein release of the cord permits the spade to pivot outward toward the expanded configuration.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pin removably mounted to the plate, wherein the plate comprises a sleeve, wherein the pin is slidable within the sleeve, and wherein the cord extends around the spade to the pin to hold the spade in the constricted configuration.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the cord comprises a free end and a pinned end, wherein the plate comprises a notch structured to hold the free end, and wherein the pinned end of the cord is releasably engaged with the pin.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pinned end is releasable from the pin to release the spade from the constricted configuration.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the pinned end comprises a loop, and wherein the pin extends through the loop.

6. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising a manual actuator extending from the pin, the manual actuator positioned to receive a manual input to pull the pin out of the sleeve.

7. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising:

a plurality of spades pivotably mounted to the plate; and

a plurality of springs positioned to bias the plurality of spades toward expanded configurations.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the cord is dimensioned to extend around the plurality of spades to the pin.

9. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the plate comprises a first end, a second end, and a contoured outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, the contoured outer surface comprising:

a first support surface supporting a first spade of the plurality of spades; and

a second support surface supporting a second spade of the plurality of spades, wherein the first spade is angularly offset from the second spade owing to the contour of the contoured outer surface.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the first spade comprises a first pointed end pointing in a first direction, wherein the second spade comprises a second pointed end pointing in a second direction, and wherein an angle is defined between the first direction and the second direction.

11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bolt, wherein the plate further comprises a through-hole dimensioned to receive the bolt to secure the plate to a utility pole.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the spade further comprises a tail forming a stop plate, wherein the tail is positioned and structured to abut an underside of a utility pole to prevent over-rotation of the spade beyond its fully-expanded configuration.

13. A system, comprising:

a first plate assembly comprising a first plate, a first spring-loaded spade pivotably mounted to the first plate, and a first cord positioned to constrict expansion of the first spring-loaded spade;

a second plate assembly comprising a second plate, a second spring-loaded spade pivotably mounted to the first plate, and a second cord positioned to constrict expansion of the second spring-loaded spade; and

a bolt structured to secure the first plate and the second plate to opposite sides of a pole.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first plate assembly further comprises a first plurality of spring-loaded spades including the first spring-loaded spade, wherein the first plurality of spring-loaded spades are spaced equidistantly around a portion of a perimeter of the pole.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the second plate assembly further comprises a second plurality of spring-loaded spades including the second spring-loaded spade, wherein the first plurality of spring-loaded spades and the second plurality of spring-loaded spades are biaxially symmetrical.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the first cord comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is secured in a catch in the first plate, and wherein the second end is releasably secured to a pin slidably mounted to the first plate.

17. A method, comprising:

fastening a plate of a pole anchor assembly to a pole;

positioning an end of the pole in a hole;

releasing a pin of the pole anchor assembly to permit expansion of a spring-loaded spade outward from the plate within the hole; and

back-filling the hole to cover the spring-loaded spade.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein fastening the plate to the pole comprises positioning a bolt through the plate and the pole.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising mounting a plurality of pole anchor assemblies to the pole.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the pole anchor assembly further comprises a cord extending from the pin to secure the spring-loaded spade in a constricted configuration relative to the plate, the method further comprising withdrawing the pin to release the cord whereby the spring-loaded spade is released from the constricted configuration.