Abstract: Apparatus for reliably anchoring a vertical shaft to various types of earth. The apparatus includes an anchor pin having a helically coiled portion at the lower end thereof designed to be screwed into the ground, and a shaft holder releasably attached to the anchor pin and having a shaft-receiving opening through which a shaft carrying a load to be anchored is adapted to be extended. The shaft-receiving opening is laterally offset from its attachments to the anchor pin such that the shaft may be extended fully through the opening and firmly inserted into the ground. The anchoring apparatus of the invention is designed for general use in anchoring vertical shafts carrying various types of loads including umbrellas, birdhouses, signs, flags and the like.

Abstract: A form supporting bracket for supporting a concrete form on a support surface, including a form-engaging member having a base plate with an aperture therein. A rod extends through the aperture for preventing lateral movement, and a clamp secures the base plate to the rod for preventing angular movement. The clamp includes a rigid angle member with one leg having an aperture therethrough for engaging the rod while the other leg engages the base plate.

Abstract: A security device (10) for a trailer is provided having a body member (12) with an auger (30) projecting from the body member (12). The auger (30) rotatably anchors the body member (12) to the ground. A plug (40) projects from the body member (12) for insertion into a socket portion (62) of the trailer. A bail (46) surrounds a portion of the socket portion (62) and locks to the body member (12) such that movement of the body member (12) relative to the socket portion (62) is restrained.

Abstract: Anchor device for use on the stake of a beach umbrella, including a main body having a semi-circular cross-section and a flight that extends helically around the main body and is fastened to it at two longitudinally-spaced position lines of contact therewith.

Abstract: A post-support for permanent installation at or below ground level includes a post-receiving collar affixed to fins. The fins have collar supporting shoulders against which a post may rest. A driver/cap/marker has a cap and a sleeve and the sleeve length is the same as the collar length so that when the driver/cap/marker is inserted into the collar the lower edge of the sleeve rests on the shoulders and the underside of the cap/marker rests on top of the collar. The driver/cap/marker serves firstly as a tool for inserting the support into the ground, secondly as a cover for an unused support, and thirdly as marking/locating means for an unused collar.

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.

Abstract: Vertically oblong fabrics panels displaying promotional graphics mounted pivotally on a frame enabling the panels to rotate as wind vanes kinetically displaying the graphics. The apparatus, which displays graphics like a banner but emulates the kinetic properties of a flag, is termed a Flanner.

Abstract: A surf board support and protector made of semirigid to rigid material which is a poor conductor of heat, e.g. plastic, fiberglass or the like. The support has an internal cavity generally shaped to the nose end of a surf board. The support may be buried or forced into sand in a position to support a surf board in an upright position.

Abstract: A target holder comprising a pair of elongated stakes, each of which is fitted with a pivotally mounted spring jaw type target clamp. The stakes each have a tapered lower end and a tongue receiving slot for receiving a stepping bar. The pointed ends of the stakes are driven into the ground by stepping on the stepping bar.

Abstract: An apparatus providing securement and mounting of a mail box, arranged with a vertical post threadedly mounted to an upper plate, with the upper plate securing a single or a plurality of mail box members thereon. The lower end of the post is threadedly received with a socket, the socket integrally and orthogonally mounted to a lower support plate, with the lower support plate mounting a plurality of spike members projecting orthogonally downwardly from the lower support plate for securement within the ground.

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).

Abstract: A removable sign post is described comprising a metal lower post member which is driven into the ground with an upper post member being selectively vertically adjustably mounted thereon. The upper post member has a pair of locking lugs at its lower end which extend through a pair of openings formed in the lower post member and which are secured thereto by means of a locking bar. The upper post member includes at least a pair of vertically spaced projections extending therefrom which are adapted to pierce a sign member positioned thereon and to maintain the same thereon.

Abstract: An anchoring device for securing a post such as a beach umbrella into the ground comprising a hollow tubular member for vertically holding the post, a screw member at the lower end of the tubular member, a pair of laterally extending lever arms at the upper end of the tubular member for twisting the screw member and the tubular member and driving both into the ground.

Abstract: An animal tethering device is disclosed which includes a tubular member placed in the ground in a more-or-less permanent position. A rod-like member or restraint stake to which a flexible line can be connected is inserted in the tubular member with a flexible line attached to tie an animal. The tubular member has an upper collar extending outwardly from an upper end portion thereof for visibility. The rod-like member has a rain cap which is received over the upper extremity of the tubular member and substantially prevents entry of water thereinto. A bearing surface is also established between the rain cap and the tubular member to reduce the possibility of entanglement. The upper end of the tubular member has a spiral ridge on the outer surface thereof and the rain cap has an inwardly-extending projection engagable with the ridge.

Abstract: A receptacle device for removably receiving an supporting an external utilization device such as a rod or a fishing pole. The device includes an generally tubular receptacle body of electrically insulating material extending in a longitudinal direction having a receiving opening at one end thereof. The body includes a support opening the axis of which is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of the receiving opening. A rigid longitudinally extending support shaft is received within the support opening which rigidly extends away from the receptacle body at the support opening for anchoring the receptacle device into and through an opening of an external surface such as the surface of the earth or the rod holder of a recreational boat.

Abstract: A composite support stake for holding a corrugated sign in an upright position, includes a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extending wire post members of a first diameter and a transverse cross beam connecting the lower end portions of the pair of post members to define a step for driving the posts into the underlying soil foundation. A pair of elongated wire pins connect respectively to the pair of post members and the outer surface thereof so that the top of each post acts as a stop for defining the penetration of the pins into the corrugated portion of the sign. The posts can be much greater in diameter than the pins, preferably having a diameter of at least twice the diameter of the pins. The wire posts can thus be made much heavier as they do not have to fit into the corrugated sign, so that the posts carry the load of a users foot in penetrating the soil.

Abstract: A two-piece portable weapon stand having a first piece universal support, and a second piece weapon housing. The universal support is designed to accommodate a plurality of weapon housings. The universal support also can be attached to horizontal supports or vertical supports and can also be pushed into the ground. The weapon housings hold the weapons firmly in one place and yet provide for easy withdrawal of the weapons from the housings when needed.

Abstract: A stake (1) supports an outdoor lighting fixture. The light fixture includes a socket (23) for a light bulb (6), and electrical wires (w) connected to the socket. The stake has a stem (3) insertable into the ground. An improvement (7) comprises a housing 4 having an opening (9) in its upper end. The height of the housing is such that the socket fits within the housing when the fixture is installed on the stake. The light bulb protrudes through the opening in the upper end of the housing when the socket is so installed. One side of the housing has an opening (21) to allow insertion and removal of the socket. The housing has horizontal slots (29, 31) in its respective side walls to support the wiring for the fixture.

Abstract: A light base and transformer housing to house an isolation transformer and to be used as a mounting base for airport mavigational lights comprising a unitary housing made from a noncorrosive material provided with external vertically extending fluted indentations so that said housing will have greater compressive strength and will resist movement in the ground when installed therein and after concrete or bitumen has been poured around said housing.

Abstract: A bird feeder tree includes an artificial tree trunk having an internal compartment in which bird feed is contained. Multiple feeding ports are provided on the trunk. Multiple artificial branches are mounted on the trunk adjacent the feeding ports. Birds perch on the branches and feed on the contained bird feed through the feeding ports.

Abstract: A mailbox support apparatus having a mailbox mounting plate attached to a hollow post member includes a ground mount stake driving into the ground and received within the hollow post member.

Abstract: A foldable wire holder for a plastic bag is disclosed to hold the bag in a vertical position with its mouth snagged in a fully open position on a wire framework formed by a horizontally disposed bag holding frame and an upper portion of an upright supporting framework for the bag holding frame. The wire holder is portable and, in one embodiment, may simply be thrust into the ground where it is to be used, for example, to collect leaves, grass clippings, or other discrete matter. The legs of the supporting frame are provided with stub ends and a lateral support member which sets their depth and keeps the bag holding frame in a horizontal plane while the bag is filled. In another embodiment, a foldable base is provided which is a mirror image of the bag holding frame. Angulation of pivot means on the supporting frame, or of the ends of the bag holding frame, is essential to position the bag holding frame in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A portable game apparatus is a kit which includes a lower stake member and a set of upper stake members. The members have threaded portions which allow the members to be securely joined together end to end. One of the upper members is structured to allow the upper members and lower member (when joined together) to be pounded into the ground. The upper member is detached from the lower member while the lower member remains embedded in the ground to provide a foundation for the other upper members which are specifically structured to allow various game structures such as volleyball nets, basketball nets and backboards as well as tether balls and ropes to be secured thereto. Truncated cone portions on the members (at their joined portions) add structural rigidity to the members, and ridge and groove structures secure the members in a desired joined together position.

Abstract: An apparatus including a rigid shaft and terminating at a lower pointed end, with a mounting head integrally formed and aligned with an upper terminal end of the shaft. The mounting head includes a plurality of spaced parallel plates formed with apertures therethrough to receive fasteners to be directed within a post mounted within the head. The shaft includes a helical web integrally mounted to the shaft adjacent the lower terminal end, and optionally includes a second helical web mounted to the shaft spaced between the mounting head and the first helical web to direct soil upwardly of the shaft interiorly of a ground support surface.

Abstract: Safety restraining apparatus for a model airplane under power comprising an inverted U-shaped member having a hinged member mounted on the top. The hinged member consists of a pair of spaced arms and legs which limit motion of the hinged member to one direction when the U-shaped member is inserted into the ground. The aircraft with propeller turning is restrained by the hinged member coming into contact with the horizontal stabilizers. The aircraft is released for take off by withdrawing the airplane permitting the hinged member to drop to ground under gravity to be out of the way. One advantage of this invention is that the arms drop out of the way when the airplane is withdrawn. Another advantage of this design is that once the device is mounted in the ground it can be reused any number of times without removing it from the ground. Thus, for a full day of flying, for example, the device is installed, used repeatedly, and then removed when the equipment is to be put away and the area is left.

Abstract: An animal restraint device is disclosed. It includes a tubular member which is placed in the ground in a more-or-less permanent position. Two or more of these members can be located in desirable positions around a yarn. A restraint stake to which a flexible line can be connected is placed in the tubular member to tie an animal. The tubular member has an upper collar extending outwardly from an upper end portion for visibility when the member is inserted in the ground. The upper extremity of the tubular member extends slightly above the collar. The stake has an upper ring for making a connection with a flexible line and has a rain cap below the ring which is received over the upper extremity of the tubular member and substantially prevents entry of water thereinto. A plastic cap can be placed over the upper end of the tubular member when the stake is not in place.

Abstract: A post for supporting a mailbox or the like having an anchor engaging the ground and having an upper end, an enclosure having a plurality of vertical corner-defining members spaced from each other and including a vertical slot confronting the nearest adjacent corner-defining members and panel members situated between the corner-defining members, brackets fixed to at least some of the members of the enclosure within the intermediate portion for maintaining the relative position of the members, and a spring coupling a lower bracket to the anchor for biasing the lower ends of the vertical members toward the ground to support the enclosure in an upright position.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and maintaining a golf club bag in a vertical position on natural turf, consisting essentially of a chassis, said chassis being removably, or permanently fixed to the bottom of a golf club bag, and a plurality of prongs protruding downward from the chassis, mounted to the chassis in a fixed, or pivotal manor. The golf club bag is supported by the prongs being driven into the turf.

Abstract: An improved tripod includes a spike and pad structure for supporting the tripod on the ground. The spike is fixed to the bottom portion of the leg and at an angle with respect thereto and is threaded to receive a spherical ball. Gripping the ball is a pad element, the ball including a groove and the pad including a nubbin received in the groove. Thus, the pad is free to tilt arcuately with respect to the spike and when rotated, the pad also rotates the ball thus allowing the pad to extend beyond the spike or to position the spike within the pad.

Abstract: A bag holder is disclosed which is insertable into the ground surface, and which includes a bag holding ring which is pivotable between a folded, nonuse position, and an open use position. The ring is also vertically adjustable to accomodate different size of bags.

Abstract: A removable earth anchor for supporting the post of signs, flags, road markers and the like. The anchor is designed to accommodate connection to various types and shapes of support posts.

Abstract: A mobile desk apparatus is set forth for use in inclement environmental conditions including horizontal legs spaced at one hundred twenty degrees relative to one another integrally and orthogonally secured to a central telescoping mass structure. An internal tube of the mast structure is fixedly mounted relative to an external tube by use of a friction lock directed through the external tube to impose upon an exterior surface of the internal tube. The desk portion includes a plurality of spaced "L" shaped brackets positioned on either side of the internal tube with arcuate slots directed therethrough to enable angular orientation of the desk relative to the mast structure. A transparent, polymeric cover is pivotally mounted to overlie the desk structure with a rear flange hingedly mounted adjacent a rear bottom edge of the desk and removably relative to the desk to present a selective writing surface or its removal enabling convenient access to interior contents of the desk.

Abstract: An improved adjustable holder for a screed rail for mounting the rail above the ground so as to eliminate the need for concrete pads which are presently used to support such a screed rail on the ground. The holder includes an upright stake or post having a sleeve adjustably mounted on the post for movement along the post. A bar extends laterally from the sleeve and is coupled thereto by a pivot pin so that the angle of the bar relative to the ground can be adjusted. Once adjusted, the bar is fixedly held in place by a clamping structure including a curved, slotted arm pivotally mounted at one end thereof and coupled near the opposite end to the bar. Slidable members are on the bar for holding the side flanges of the screed rail in place on the bar at the proper positions. Thus, the holder of the present invention has three degrees of freedom, namely vertical movement of the sleeve, pivotal movement of the bar in a vertical plane, and linear movement of the flange holding members on the bar.

Abstract: A device for retaining a beach towel or the like in place, especially on the sand of a beach. The device includes a receptacle having an open portion for receiving sand or the like therein. The sand applies a substantially downward force thereon, thereby weighing the device down and retaining it in place. A stem depending portion of the device extends downwardly from the receptacle and is received in the sand further retaining the device in place. A lid removably engages the receptacle over the open portion thereof with, preferably, a "snap-action", thereby retaining hte sand therein. Means is provided for removably securing the towel to the device, thereby retaining the towel in place. In one embodiment, this means is provided by the removable engagement between the lid and the receptacle, such that when a portion of the beach towel is disposed therebetween, this engagement concomitantly engages that portion of the towel retaining the towel in place.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder is provided and consists of a bracket attached to an elongated post having a pointed end adapted to be inserted into the ground near a body of water so that a portion of a fishing pole can be inserted and supported between the bracket and the post. A built-in flashlight is carried by the post for illuminating for night fishing. A mechanism carried on the post can visually indicate a hooked fish by flashing the flashlight when the fish pulls the fishing pole.

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.

Abstract: A signpost support bracket includes a generally L-shaped ground bracket having a ground engaged horizontal leg and an upstanding leg adapted for detachable securement to the lower end of a signpost. An elongated ground spike is driven through a hole in the horizontal leg to rigidly secure the bracket and signpost relative to the ground. The ground spike hole is spaced sufficiently from the signpost and upstanding leg of the ground bracket to provide vertical clearance above the spike for driving the spike into the ground.

Abstract: A post anchor (A) is disclosed for anchoring a post (18) and the like in ground soil which comprises an elongated shank (10) having a boring end (14) and a bracket end (16). An auger (B) is carried at least near the boring end of the shank for boring a hole in the soil. A bracket (C) is carried near the bracket end of the shank for attaching the post to the shank. A compactor plate (D) is carried by the shank near the bracket end for compacting the soil between the compactor plate and the auger. A drive coupling (F) attaches to the bracket for connecting to a power drive for rotating the coupling and elongated shank. The drive coupling has a first position for connecting to the bracket for screwing the anchor into the ground and a second position for connecting it to the bracket for screwing the anchor out of the ground. A stabilizing cap (G) includes a footing plate (52) and a vertical stabilizing rim (56) which penetrates the soil to stabilize the anchor against lateral forces in 360 degrees of direction.

Abstract: A beach and lawn table which is affixed to the ground on which it rests by an auger projecting from the base of the table. The table has a single axially located leg which also provides a holder for the shaft of an umbrella. The table top is removably mounted on the upper end of the table's leg and also serves as a wrench to screw the auger into the ground until the base of the table rests firmly on the ground.

Abstract: A tomato vine supporting device having a plurality of spaced vertically elongated rods equally spaced in a circular configuration. The upper ends of the rods terminate in an outwardly and downwardly extending arm with the outer ends of the arms terminating in upwardly extending hook elements. A first circular horzontal ring is removably nested in these hook elements. Second hook elements are mounted on the upper ends of the rods, and third hook elements are secured to the rods intermediate their upper and lower ends. Second and third rings are removably nested in the second and third elements, respectively. The lower ends of the rods can be inserted into the ground, mounted in sockets within an earth container, or otherwise secured to the rim of an earth container.

Abstract: A one-piece holder for shooting targets, archery targets, yard signs and the like has a first crossbar with a clip at each end having a toothed notch into which the target or sign suitable for the named purposes may be inserted. The first crossbar is supported by an upright which has a second crossbar at its lower end with earth-penetrating prongs extending downward therefrom, enabling the user to press the prongs into the ground with his foot, so as to support the holder and, therefore, the target or sign, vertically.

Abstract: A stake is drivable into the ground for holding a sign post. The stake has a clamp at its upper end so that the stake can be driven into the ground, then a conventional sign post can be clamped for support. The stake includes a flange, of rods, used to stabilize the stake and prevent rotation. The clamp may also include holes to received small flag poles as an additional attraction to the sign.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible cooking grill assembly for use at temporary camp sites has an elongated spud support which is driven into the ground by means of a driving tool having an impact head at its upper end. The impact head absorbs the force of the blows used to install the spud support in the ground. The driving tool is then removed and a grill support post is removably fit on the spud support. A removable grill may then be placed on the grill support post. The driving tool thus spares the spud support, grill support post and grill from any damage that may occur from hammer blows during installation. The height and lateral position of the grill may also be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A bow holder for supporting various types of bows in an upright position is disclosed. The holder comprises a support member having an upper, middle and lower section. The bottom portion of the lower section engages the holder for selectively mounting it to various surfaces, including a hunting seat or the ground. An upper bow receptacle is angularly disposed to the upper section, and a lower bow receptacle is angularly disposed to the middle section. The upper section is joined to the middle section at an interior obtuse angle less than 180.degree.. In one embodiment, the middle section is joined to the lower section at an exterior obtuse angle less than 180.degree.. In a second embodiment, adjacent ends of the middle and lower support member sections have matingly engageable serrated edges which are releasably secured. The middle section of this second embodiment can be adjustably disposed with respect to the lower section at various exterior angular orientations.

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.

Abstract: A convertible valet bag, characterized in that it is made from a generally rectangular bag opened at the top and fitted, at this level, with a holding means, as well as a supporting means which is movable between a resting position in which it is totally retracted within the bag and a working position in which it acts as a support to allow the bag to stand in a generally upright position.

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.

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.