Ground Inserted Patents (Class 248/156)
  • Patent number: 7200973
    Abstract: A structural reinforcing layer made from wire, a structural reinforcing composite layer made from wire, and the resulting load bearing structures made from or retrofitted with wire reinforced plastics and cements. Said layers and structures made from monofilament metallic or pre-cured composite materials twisted into multi-strand wire geometry optimized to mechanically shear load into rigid thermoplastic, thermoset, metallic or cementious resin systems. Wire geometry, count, size and strength/stiffness can be varied in combination with resin type, sheet structure, permeability and orientation to create layers intended for use in composite and cement based structures as originally molded reinforcement or retrofitted structural upgrades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: George Tunis
  • Patent number: 7191996
    Abstract: The device, destined to be anchored in the ground of granular composition, comprises a rod with a hollow tubular section, the latter having an open upper end wherein can be fixed an object and an intermediate orifice on its flank. The orifice enables evacuation of the granular matter constituting the ground and penetrating into the rod through its open lower end when the device is being anchored in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Dimitrios Patsalaridis
  • Patent number: 7175141
    Abstract: A removable sign support system for supporting a sign on the ground includes a substantially upright support post, configured to removably receive a sign post. The support post has a substantially horizontal base affixed to its bottom end, with a plurality of spikes downwardly extending from the base into the ground, and a lifting connection fixedly attached to the support post. A removal device is provided for removing the support post from the ground, and includes a moveable column having a bottom end configured to bear upon the top of the ground near the base of the support post, and a lever arm pivotally attached to the moveable column. The removal device is configured to pull the spikes upwardly out of the ground by engaging the lever arm with the lifting connection and applying a substantially upward force thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Bruce Bolinder, Joe Bolinder
  • Patent number: 7172163
    Abstract: A mailbox holder (10) includes an upper mailbox support (14), a lower ground support (16) that is securely fastened to the upper support, and an attachment bracket (36) to which a mailbox (12) is secured. The upper mailbox support includes a vertical post (20), a horizontal arm (22) rigidly welded to the post to carry the mailbox, a diagonal support (24) welded between the horizontal arm and the vertical post, and a circular bolt flange (26) welded to the bottom of the post. The lower ground support includes a vertical stake (28) adapted for direct insertion into the ground, a circular bolt flange (30) welded to the top of the stake for connection to the upper support flange, and radially outwardly extending stabilizers (32) to resist movement of the support in the ground. The bracket is adjustable in width to accommodate mailboxes of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dan F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7156086
    Abstract: A bow holding stand assembly includes a rod that has a bottom end that is extendable into a ground surface. A plate has a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side edge and a second side edge. The lower surface is attached to a top end of the rod. A pair of legs is attached to and extends upwardly from the plate. The legs are angled away from the first end of the plate. A bracket is attached to and extends between distal ends of the legs with respect to the plate. A pair of arms is provided. Each of the arms is attached to one of the legs. A bow has a bottom edge and a front surface. The front surface is abuttable against the bracket and the bottom edge is abuttable against the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Carl B. Wells
  • Patent number: 7152841
    Abstract: A post support having a post receiving box. The box includes a pair of adjacent sides having internally raised portions and a pair of opposite sides being free of such raised portions and being substantially open along one edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: United Steel Products Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Callies
  • Patent number: 7143543
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body that has abutted and rectilinear lower ends that extend upwardly from the ground surface and terminate thereabove. The body has a top portion formed with a top edge of the lower ends and is disposed coplanar therewith. Coextensive support rods are conjoined to the lower ends and the top portion. The support rods are coextensively shaped and confront a length of the body. A base plate is engaged with the lower ends and the ground surface. An anchor rod is conjoined to the base plate and extends vertically down and away therefrom. The anchor rod is nested below the ground surface for maintaining same at a fixed position. The anchor rod has a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower end portions and the support rods respectively. A plant pot has a hook attached thereto that is attachable to the top portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Inventor: Roger E. Daniell
  • Patent number: 7134636
    Abstract: A post support having a post receiving box. The box includes a pair of adjacent sides having internally raised portions and a pair of opposite sides being free of such raised portions and being substantially open along one edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: United Steel Products Company
    Inventor: Gerald E. Callies
  • Patent number: 7089694
    Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a sign post assembly including a stabilizing post member, an outer tubular post and a horizontal post member. The stabilizing post member includes a spike portion and an inner post portion with a blocking portion coupled to the post member above the spike portion. The outer tubular post defines a post bore substantially extending through a length of the outer tubular post with at least a lower open end. The outer tubular post is configured to mate with the inner post portion to substantially extend within the post bore of the outer tubular post. The horizontal post member includes a horizontal post portion and a post coupling portion. The post coupling portion is configured to operatively couple with the inner post portion of the stabilizing post member so that the horizontal post portion extends transverse to the stabilizing post member to hang a sign thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Entech, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Allen
  • Patent number: 7090117
    Abstract: An elongated vertical plastic ground mount post for mailboxes is provided having an upper portion suitable for supporting a mailbox, as by insertion into a hollow support column of a plastic mailbox, and a lower portion with vertically spaced notches which serve to retain the post in place in the ground when earth is compacted against the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: RWL Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Lackey, Robert C. Beckmann
  • Patent number: 7082954
    Abstract: A tent stake with a handle attached by a swivel, a flat area for pounding the stake into the ground, and multiple holes drilled into the shaft, so that ropes or tie down strings may be secured into the ground when a tent is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: Roger Flanery, Irene Flanery
  • Patent number: 7080811
    Abstract: A utensil holder is designed for easy holding and removal of an utensil to be supported therein. The utensil holder in one embodiment is a continuous rod that includes a carriage having a first configured arrangement and a second configured arrangement. The configured arrangements form an inverted wedge and a U-shaped portion respectively. In some embodiments, the inverted wedge defines an inverted V-shaped opening. The inverted V-shaped opening wedges the handle of a utensil and the U-shaped portion supports the utensil in a cantilevered position. In an alternate embodiment, an extended portion can hold a wider utensil while an inverted wedge in another plane can hold an utensil having a cylindrical handle. The utensil holder in some embodiments is designed to hold utensils for cooking food over campfires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Murray Thompson
  • Patent number: 7077366
    Abstract: An upper section having a platform for supporting a camera, a lower section having an anchor for mounting into the ground, and an adjustment mechanism for vertically and rotationally adjusting the upper section to selectively aim the camera. In an exemplary embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes an upper shaft of the upper section and a lower shaft of the lower section being telescopically arranged. For compact storage, the lower section can be inverted and the lower shaft inserted into the upper shaft through an opening in the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: William Young
  • Patent number: 7055807
    Abstract: An expandable socket holds a fence pole for a flexible swimming pool fence. The socket, being generally cylindrical, but slightly tapered, is open at a top end and has a bottom end partially closed with a rectangular opening. The socket sits within a bore within a concrete swimming pool deck or within a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be imbedded in a hole in earth. The lower end of the fence pole has a shaft, with a locking plate mounted thereon. The locking plate fits through the opening in the socket and is twisted to lock the pole in place within the socket. The socket has one or more lengthwise expansion ribs extending from a sidewall. Each rib is capable of limited pivotal outwardly and inwardly movement and has an increased taper at the distal end. When the fence pole is inserted into the socket, each rib is forced outwardly to engage an inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Pool Cover Corporation
    Inventor: LeeAnn Pesta
  • Patent number: 7044449
    Abstract: A reusable fence post for supporting roll-up safety fencing comprises an elongated hollow post having an outside V-angle disposed along a first exterior side of the hollow post; a stake extending downward from a built-in sliding hammer for installing the reusable fence post in the ground without tools; and an elongated jaw member having an inside V-angle hinged at the lower end of the hollow post. The elongated jaw member swings away from the hollow post to receive the plastic fencing and swings toward the hollow post to be latched to the hollow post and held between inside and outside V-angle clamping surfaces, thereby securely clamping the safety fencing to prevent it from slipping either lengthwise or across the width of the fencing. In an alternate embodiment, the outside V-angle serves as the fence post; and the stake, having a cap at its upper end, slides within pipe sections attached to the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Dwayne Wink
  • Patent number: 7037221
    Abstract: A frameless portable suspension system includes a tensional two-dimensional material having a frameless perimeter, opposite upper corners, and a bottom secured to ground, the tensional two-dimensional material located in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground; a pair of adjustable spring mechanisms coupled to the upper corners and providing the upper corners in tension in an upward vertical direction and a outward horizontal direction, and wherein the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material is adjustable with the adjustable spring mechanisms while the tensional two-dimensional material is under tension and the tensional two-dimensional material is positionable in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground upon adjustment of the tension in the tensional two-dimensional material with the adjustable spring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventors: Rafael P. Bouffard, Barton G. Dunlevy
  • Patent number: 7032811
    Abstract: A mailbox assembly having a rotatable mailbox attached to a flexible support for securing said assembly within the ground. The support includes a rod having a top end and a bottom end. The support also includes a bottom support plate positioned on the ground surface for stabilizing the mailbox. A mounted stake is attached to the bottom support plate for securing the support underneath the ground surface. A spring is attached between the bottom end of the rod and the bottom support plate, for allowing the support to bend from the spring in any direction upon impact. The mailbox, having an interior cavity, is rotatably secured to the support by a cylinder shaped support plate attached to a circular collar. The rod of the support is sized to fit though the circular collar of the cylinder shaped support plate and is fastened to the inside cavity of the mailbox by a ball. The ball is threaded to accept the rod and hold the cylinder shaped support plate in place against the bottom of the mailbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Paulic, Dimitry Atrkhimovich
  • Patent number: 7024733
    Abstract: A device for securing a towel to ground so the towel will not be blown away has a first anchor device coupled to a first end of the towel and a second anchor device coupled to a second end of the towel. The first anchor device and the second anchor device are coupled to the ground to prevent the towel from being blown away. The first anchor device and the second anchor device each comprises a body section. A first arc member is formed on a first end of the body section. The first arc member is rolled in the ground so that ground elements rest inside the first arch member such that the weight of the ground elements prevents the beach towel from being blow away. A second arc member is formed at a second end of the body section. The second arc member partially touches the body section to form an enclosed oval channel, the oval channel used for securing the towel to the body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Donald D. Egigian
  • Patent number: 7025311
    Abstract: A low profile support for mounting and supporting electrical fixtures in an outdoor setting. The apparatus includes an elongated body having side walls and a closed top. The closed top includes an aperture that may be threaded or may include an electrically conductive bushing. Stabilizer bars are provided on the lower portion of the elongated body for anchoring the apparatus to the ground. The stabilizer bars are integral with the body to lower production costs and also to minimize separation of the bars from the body when the support is anchored in the ground. A wide cable entryway is provided in the lower portion to accept electrical feed cables. Cables are pulled into the junction box and the lower portion of the body, including the stabilizer bars, are buried in the ground. An electrical fixture may be mounted to the bushing by simply threading into the top threaded aperture or bushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 7007910
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a device for fastening poles, posts, masts or the like in the ground and a fastening device with a basic body are described, it being possible, but not essential, for at least one part portion of the basic body to be provided with a screw-like or spiral-like thread, and the basic body essentially having a cone-shaped basic shape with at least one conical part portion. According to the method of the present invention, the basic body is hammered into the basic shape from an essentially cylindrical tube. The fastening device has a holding portion, and an anchoring portion designed in one piece which, if provided with a thread, has at least two part portions of different conicity. The holding portion and essentially the anchoring portion are hollow throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventors: Klaus Krinner, Guenther Thurner
  • Patent number: 6997423
    Abstract: A durable sign post assembly is provided with weatherproof sign posts for mounting a laminated sign board. The sign posts are made of a plurality of laminated sheets of a high molecular weight high density polyethylene sheets. An adjustable bracket means is attached inside each sign receiving slot for mounting and supporting the sign between the sign posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Samuel Nudo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6983568
    Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for anchoring a structure to the ground includes an anchor shank (15) having a connection point (18) at which a connecting member, such as a chain (19) is coupled to the anchor shank (15). An anchor body (12) is pivotally connected to the anchor shank (10) at a point (14) remote from the connection point (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventors: James P. Chapman, Shelby M. Withrow
  • Patent number: 6971209
    Abstract: A stabilization system, including a drive head, stabilization cap and anchor is provided for boring an anchor into the ground and engaging the stabilization cap with the surface of the ground. The drive head engages the head of the anchor and the stabilization cap. Accordingly, rotation of the drive head results in rotation of the anchor and stabilization cap. It is by rotation that the anchor bores into the ground, the shaft of the anchor is placed at the center of the stabilization cap, and the stabilization cap engages the surface of the ground. After setting the anchor, the stabilization cap opposes lateral movement of the upper end of the anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Home Pride, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bradford Blevins
  • Patent number: 6962536
    Abstract: A compact golf accessory which may function as a cigar holder, golf club rest or golf ball retriever. The golf accessory is conveniently carried in a golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Tuga, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hall, Paul Hebert
  • Patent number: 6948694
    Abstract: A bow and arrow stand, engaging the ground and holding an archery bow in an erect and upright position without contact with the bow string includes a vertical support shaft with an angular middle portion, an upper vertical portion and a lower vertical portion with a ground end tapering into a sharp point which is inserted into the ground, two padded horizontal members attached to the angular middle portion, an arrow quiver suspended from the lower vertical portion, a secondary ground engaging spike with a horizontal arm attached to the lower vertical portion, and a magnetic accessory bowl attached to the upper vertical portion to hold archery tools and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Ralph D. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 6945731
    Abstract: A flag assembly includes an elongated and rectilinear shaft having opposed end portions situated adjacent a ground surface. The shaft includes a banner attached to one of the end portions having surface indicia imprinted thereon. A protective cover member is provided with a centrally registered countersunk bore situated therebelow. A frusto-conical spring member having axially opposed first and second end portions is conjoined to another end portion of the shaft and extends downwardly away therefrom along a vertical plane respectively. A bushing having a monolithically formed lower portion provided with a tapered diameter is inwardly offset from a diameter of the shaft. The bushing further has an axially registered upper portion operably conjoined to the spring member and cooperating with the shaft such that the spring member can be resiliently adapted between compressed and equilibrium positions to absorb vertically channeled impact forces encountered during installation procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Randy T. Vait
  • Patent number: 6938370
    Abstract: A tree support stake having a base and a trunk. The base includes a plurality of tines extending horizontally and radially from a center of the base. Each of the tines includes a vertical portion extending downwardly at a periphery of the base. One end of the trunk is connected to the base and the other end extends upwardly to a predetermined height. The trunk comprises a plurality of upward vertical extensions joined together and extending upwardly at various elevations along the predetermined height, and a plurality of horizontal bars protruding perpendicularly from terminuses of the upward vertical extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Milt Johns
  • Patent number: 6935065
    Abstract: A gun holder and support apparatus that combines multiple gun engagement functions in a compact adjustable transportable configuration. The gun support device provides for a self-supporting and portable field gun holder with adjustment brackets to accommodate different rifle gun types as well as acting as a gun barrel rest during firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: John W. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6925754
    Abstract: A new vegetation support for supporting the growth of vegetation such as vegetable plants and vines. The inventive device includes an elongate pole with alternating first and second sets of bores through it. The bores of the first set of bores are extended in a first direction while the bores of the second set of bores are extended in a second direction. Inserted through each of the bores is an elongate dowel. An auger member with a top turning portion and a bottom corkscrew portion is inserted into an opening in the bottom of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Brian J. Tearoe
  • Patent number: 6915992
    Abstract: A modular garden post having an improved plastic tube joint assembly for increasing the strength of the joints between modules and thereby enabling the post to withstand a substantially increased bending moment. The improved joint assembly includes an adhesive joint and an adjacent slip joint. The improved joint assembly provides a garden post of increased strength for supporting a fixture and box-mounted electrical device in an outdoors setting. The garden post may be used for mounting devices in a landscape surrounding such as lights, cameras, photocells to control lighting, and other similar devices. An UL-listed electrical box is provided within the top member for housing electrical receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters (“GFCI's”) or similar devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6910664
    Abstract: A removable sign support system for supporting a sign on the ground includes a substantially upright support post, configured to removably receive a sign post. The support post has a substantially horizontal base affixed to its bottom end, with a plurality of spikes downwardly extending from the base into the ground, and a lifting connection fixedly attached to the support post. A removal device is provided for removing the support post from the ground, and includes a moveable column having a bottom end configured to bear upon the top of the ground near the base of the support post, and a lever arm pivotally attached to the moveable column. The removal device is configured to pull the spikes upwardly out of the ground by engaging the lever arm with the lifting connection and applying a substantially upward force thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Bruce Bolinder, Joe Bolinder
  • Patent number: 6895712
    Abstract: A wire plant cage comprises a matrix of interconnected vertical and horizontal wire members to support a plant and to accommodate plant growth. The wire plant cage has an upper ring and lower ring connected to at least one leg adapted to provide support for the wire plant cage and engage the ground. A ledge, shaped so as to permit application of a downward force by a plant cage user, is formed on each leg to facilitate ground engagement without damage to the ring-leg connections. Loops formed on the top of the legs provide a mechanism for pulling the plant cage out of the ground and handling the cage. The plant cage is shaped so as to provide support to plants growing out of the ground and to support plant containers that are placed within the plant cage interior. The present invention is shaped to facilitate the stacking of a plurality of the plant cages for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Cherokee Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Gunderman, Jerry E. Gunderman, John R. Gunderman, George Wendell Hollenbeck
  • Patent number: 6883285
    Abstract: A plastic post device for mailboxes includes a tubular member having a depression formed by a stem, a conduit having a recess formed by another stem. The recess of the conduit is aligned with the depression of the tubular member, and the stems of the tubular member and the conduit are engaged with each other, to laterally secure the conduit to the tubular member. The tubular member and the conduit each include an inner portion having a less specific weight than that of an outer peripheral covering which includes a ultraviolet absorber material and an anti-oxidation agent for protecting the post device from being rusted or damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 6871455
    Abstract: A reinforced ground anchor including a spike, a pressure cap having a planar surface, a rod having a drive section at one end, and a swivel connection connecting said pressure cap with the rod. An opening is formed in the pressure cap. A guide is located adjacent the opening. The pressure cap engages flush with the surface of the ground, due to the action of the swivel connection, when the rod is positioned in the ground soil and the spike passes through the opening to engage in the ground soil at an acute angle. The spike and the cap in combination with the rod provide the anchor with additional resistance against horizontal and vertical pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventors: Norman Frank Cockman, Silas E. Winn
  • Patent number: 6865852
    Abstract: A device for protection of property against high winds comprising a flexible material of predetermined strength and stretch characteristics, and in the form of a panel or several panels, utilized to protect the side of a structure including its windows and doors from the strong winds and debris impacts occurring during a hurricane. The device is anchored in a manner to space it out from the area being protected according to formula provided, and can safely dissipate substantial impacting energy. The preferred embodiment attaches to an overhanging eave and the ground below protecting in addition to the windows and doors, plantings, outdoor furniture, decorative shutters, downspouts, and such as are enclosed behind the barrier. Several methods of storage and deployment of said curtain are described including rolling, sliding, and converting to awning. The barrier has the added feature of acting as a tie down in certain applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Targus International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ted Gower
  • Patent number: 6863251
    Abstract: A support for mounting and supporting electrical fixtures and electrical devices in an outdoor setting. The support includes an elongated body that is typically molded in one piece from a plastic material. Stabilizer bars are provided on the lower end of the body to provide firm anchoring in the ground. The stabilizer bars are integral with the body to reduce the possibility of separation from the body. A wide cable entryway is provided on the bottom of the body to accept electrical feed cables at various depths in the ground. The body includes a closed top, four side walls, and at least one access opening within one of the side walls. The hollow interior of the body can be closed off at any location desired between the access opening and the top edge of the cable entryway to form an integral electrical junction box for housing interior electrical connections. A flange projects beyond the outer wall around the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6829806
    Abstract: A device for securing a towel to the ground so the towel will not be blown away by the wind is comprises a first anchor devices coupled to a first end of the towel and a second anchor device coupled to a second end of the towel. The first anchor device and the second anchor device are coupled to the ground to prevent the towel from being blown away by the wind. The first anchor device and the second anchor device each comprises a body section. A first arc member is coupled to the body section. The first arc member is rolled in the ground so that ground elements rest inside the first arch member such that the weight of the ground elements prevents the beach towel from being blow away. A second arc member is coupled to the body section for securing the towel to the body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Donald D. Egigian
  • Patent number: 6820379
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Klaus Krinner, Guenther Thurner, Martin Thurner
  • Patent number: 6820389
    Abstract: A support pole having a traffic signal support arm secured thereto wherein the connection between the lower end of the support pole and its base plate is strengthened by the use of a strengthening ring welded thereto and also wherein the connection of the support arm to the support pole is strengthened through the use of a strengthening ring provided at the inner end of the support arm. The connections described above also enhance the fatigue strength of the support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Valmont Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl J. Macchietto
  • Publication number: 20040206860
    Abstract: A removable sign support system for supporting a sign on the ground includes a substantially upright support post, configured to removably receive a sign post. The support post has a substantially horizontal base affixed to its bottom end, with a plurality of spikes downwardly extending from the base into the ground, and a lifting connection fixedly attached to the support post. A removal device is provided for removing the support post from the ground, and includes a moveable column having a bottom end configured to bear upon the top of the ground near the base of the support post, and a lever arm pivotally attached to the moveable column. The removal device is configured to pull the spikes upwardly out of the ground by engaging the lever arm with the lifting connection and applying a substantially upward force thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Bruce Bolinder
  • Patent number: 6789916
    Abstract: A portable lamp post assembly which comprises a monolithic container and lamp post support, a lamp post attached to the lamp post support, and a fixture attached to the lamp post. The container comprises a bottom, upstanding walls extending from the outer periphery of the bottom, and a boss projecting upwards from the bottom. The fixture may be one or more of several items including a light. The container may be used as a planter or storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Adjusta-Post Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Ruggles
  • Patent number: 6786173
    Abstract: An adjustable marker for delimiting boundaries comprised of a spacing rod, an anchoring peg and a pivotal connection pivotably engaging between the said spacing rod and the said anchoring peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Denis Courtemanche
  • Publication number: 20040169121
    Abstract: A flag pole anchor is used for holding a flag pole. The flag pole anchor is particularly beneficial in that it allows a flag to be displayed in association with a headstone or monument while causing little or no interference with cemetery ground crews and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Anthoney G. Winn
  • Patent number: 6779764
    Abstract: A mounting device or post for supporting an electrical fixture or box-mounted electrical device in an outdoor setting. The post provides an internal electrical box that may be configured by the installer as a standard size electrical box or a large electrical box capable of accepting several electrical devices. The top of the electrical box is integral with the top of the post and includes a mounting assembly for an electrical fixture, thereby allowing an electrical fixture to be mounted on the post with all wiring connections contained within the box. An opening in the side wall of the post provides access to the electrical box and is typically provided with a removable cover that is secured thereto. Electrical receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters or similar devices can be mounted in the box opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Publication number: 20040149868
    Abstract: A rigid support is disclosed for attaching a Network Interface Device thereto. The support has an elongate shape with an upper end and a lower end. The support also has means for sliding a ground plate along the support. The support is driven into the earth, and the ground plate is longitudinally adjustable along the support to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth. The ground plate is for connection to electrical ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: David J. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20040144379
    Abstract: A campfire grilling device comprising (i) a stake, (ii) a slide hammer on the stake, (iii) a horizontal support, with grilling surface, (iv) a frictional engager to hold the horizontal support to the stake, and (v) a grill lifting tool is disclosed. Using the grill lifting tool and a handle on the horizontal support, a campfire cook can easily adjust the height of the grilling surface, even while the campfire is burning. The horizontal support can also be pivoted about the stake, so the grilling surface can be swiveled on or off the fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6758456
    Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: John M. Krieger
  • Patent number: 6752362
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and supporting fixtures and electrical devices in an outdoor setting. The apparatus includes an elongated body having side walls and a closed top. The top of the body includes an aperture and an electrically conductive bushing leading into a junction box that meets electrical codes. Integral radial projections extend from the lower portion of the elongated body for anchoring the apparatus to the ground. A wide cable entryway is provided in the lower portion to accept electrical feed cables. The cables are pulled into the junction box and the lower portion of the body buried in the ground. A fixture may be mounted to the bushing and an electrical device mounted in the junction box. After wiring connections are completed within the box and a cover or face plate inserted over the electrical device, the apparatus provides a stable, weatherproof platform for mounting fixtures and electrical devices in an outdoor setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6749170
    Abstract: A bow holder apparatus includes a bow holder unit which includes a top holder member portion and a bottom holder member portion. The top holder member portion includes a front holder portion, a middle holder portion, and a rear holder portion. The bottom holder member portion includes connector receivers. Holder-to-support interface means are received in the connector receivers for connecting the bow holder unit to an underlying support that can be either the ground or an elevated structure, such as a tree stand. For the ground-penetration mode, the holder-to-support interface means include top stake portions which are connected to ground-penetration bottom stake portions of ground stake members. For the tree-stand-support mode, the holder-to-support interface means include a bolt head portion of a first connector bolt which is connected to a support panel which is connected to a tree stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Randall Rhoads
  • Patent number: 6745990
    Abstract: An anchor device comprising an elongated insert which has a lower end, an upper end, and a plurality of rib members extending radially therefrom, each of said rib members having a radial width which increases gradually in a direction from said lower end to said upper end of said elongated insert; an attachment seat integrally connected to said upper end of said insert and upper edges of said rib members; a metal shaft embedded longitudinally in said elongated insert, said metal shaft having an upper end which is embedded in said attachment seat, and a lower end which extends out of said lower end of said insert; and wherein said lower end of said metal shaft is tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: LTL Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm K. Groff, Yeu-Tien Yu