Ground Inserted Patents (Class 248/156)
  • Publication number: 20020139915
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an anchor device. The method includes providing an elongated mold having an axial hole, a plurality of grooves extending radially from the axial hole, and an enlarged receiving space formed adjacent to the second end of the axial hole; disposing a metal shaft in the axial hole of the mold with an upper end of the metal shaft extending into the receiving space of the mold; injecting a molten plastic material into the mold around the metal shaft in order to fill the grooves and the receiving space; moving a forming die into the receiving space of the mold to depress the plastic material in the receiving space; and retracting the forming die from the mold and removing the integrally formed anchor device from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: LTL Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm K. Groff, Yeu-Tien Yu
  • Publication number: 20020121580
    Abstract: A trash can holder supported by an adjustable length pole with means for anchoring the pole in the ground, identification means on a mail box and at least a pair of hooks which secure a lid and its trash can.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Melvin W. Grady, L. Irene Grady
  • Patent number: 6431506
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for mounting a hollow glass ornament such as a blown glass gazing ball onto a support structure, for example an upright sprinkler. The adapter assembly includes a cylindrical plastic body having a first end adapted to mate with a base opening in the glass gazing ball, and a second end adapted to fit into the support. A bolt is rotatably inserted through the adapter body, and its threaded tip engages a flexible retaining piece comprising an elongated strip of rubber-like material having a nut held therein for receiving the bolt. The flexible retaining piece is pre-assembled to the tip of the bolt, and then inserted endwise into the gazing ball opening until the adapter assembly can be rotated downwardly and then pushed axially into the opening while the second end of the flexible retaining piece is bent against the adapter assembly and pushed through to the interior where it unfolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Bird Brain, Inc.
    Inventors: Courtney A. King, Keechang Han
  • Patent number: 6425555
    Abstract: A simple flower pot stand that is inserted into the soft ground wherein the device encompasses a tube with a beveled end and a flat end that is frictionally inserted into a receiving boss on the flower pot support. The flower pot support comprises a disk with a outer flange and an inner pocket to provide a reservoir for liquid that overflows from the plant pot. The receiving boss on the flower pot support is mounted on the bottom of the flower pot support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Hedeman
  • Publication number: 20020070321
    Abstract: A sign post is comprised of two principal components, namely a lower tubular member and an upper tubular member which is telescoped over the lower member. The lower member has ground penetrating members at its lower end. A striker plate in an upper region of the upper member is adapted to strike an anvil plate closed upper end of the lower member when the upper member is reciprocated on the lower member to drive the ground penetrating members into the ground. A pin arrangement permits the upper member to be locked in different positions on the lower member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Robert J. Womack
  • Patent number: 6402115
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an anchor device and the product thereof. The method includes providing an elongated mold having an axial hole, a plurality of grooves extending radially from the axial hole, and an enlarged receiving space formed adjacent to the second end of the axial hole; disposing a metal shaft in the axial hole of the mold with an upper end of the metal shaft extending into the receiving space of the mold; injecting a molten plastic material into the mold around the metal shaft in order to fill the grooves and the receiving space; moving a forming die into the receiving space of the mold to depress the plastic material in the receiving space; and retracting the forming die from the mold and removing the integrally formed anchor device from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: LTL Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm K. Groff, Yeu-Tien Yu
  • Publication number: 20020066446
    Abstract: A stand for an archery bow, preferably for competition comprising two bow arms (1) at their inner ends joined by a stock with a handle (2), at their outer ends (3), joined by at least one bow string (4,5) is described. A longitudinal stabilizer (6) with a relatively small cross section is fastened to the stock or handle, pointing out from the same. The stand is especially characterized in that the stand (8) comprises a joint means (9), fastened to the stabilizer. It holds with elastic load a longitudinal support element (10) in an optional first or second position. The support element is in the first position substantially parallel to the stabilizer (6) and forms in the second position such an angle or to the same, that one bow arm (1), the stabilizer (6) and the support element (10) form a structure with three support points at a substratum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Kalevi Kesti
  • Publication number: 20020066241
    Abstract: A easily installable fence post for fence posts. The easily installable fence post includes an elongated member having a first end and the second end. An auger bit portion for extending into a ground surface has a pointed end and a blunt end. The blunt end is integrally coupled to the first end of the elongated member such that the auger bit has a longitudinal axis is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Jeff Johnson
  • Patent number: 6389760
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved wood post protective sleeve that provides protection against conditions that promote post deterioration, allows for rapid dissipation of trapped exhaust air within the sleeve upon insertion of the post into the sleeve, and provides increased resistance to uplifting or downpressing displacing forces placed upon the post. In one form, the improved post protective sleeve comprises a body and at least one extending displacement resistant projection. The body comprises an internal surface and an external surface with an open end opposed to a bottom wall. The open end slidably receives a ground insert portion of a post. The bottom wall retains the ground insert portion of the post. At least one displacement resistant projection extends from the external surface, and a retainer secures the ground insert portion of the post to the body, preventing the ground insert portion of the post from uplifting out of and separating from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Ken McDonnell
  • Patent number: 6389744
    Abstract: A support for articles having an elongated portion has a single shaft and a head made of wire. The head is attached to one end of the shaft. The head consists of a single wire formed into loops. The loops are formed at an angle with the shaft. The form of the support can resemble a flower, with the shaft representing the flower stem, the head representing the flower head and the loops representing the shape and arrangement of the flower petals. The support can be made from a single piece of wire. The invention can be used to support plant stems, arrange cut flowers in a bouquet or store writing implements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry Thomas Pugh
  • Patent number: 6390931
    Abstract: A golf club includes an assembly that can be contained within the shaft of the golf club or can extend from the shaft of the golf club. The assembly includes a tine support and a tine attached to the tine support. When the assembly is within the shaft, the tine is positioned against the tine support. When the assembly extends from the shaft, the golf club can be positioned with the tine inserted into the ground. The insertion of the tine into the ground prevents the grip of the golf club from coming in contact with the ground. The tine and the tine support can be engaged by an insert structure, the insert structure being attached to the interior of the golf club shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Timothy R. Berndt
  • Patent number: 6386214
    Abstract: An umbrella operating system allows for the simple opening, closing and locking of an umbrella while allowing the frame to freely rotate about the pole, wherein the pole is held in a stationary position. The umbrella includes a pair of hub members mounted about a pole member wherein the lower hub member is slidable up and down the pole. A pulley system with locking cam member may be employed to allow the umbrella to safely and easily open to any desired level. A locking stabilizer arm may be used to secure the main hub member in the fully open position and a stabilizer base provides strong support to the pole member to help it withstand severe weather conditions. The umbrella is rotatable about the pole axis regardless of the degree to which it is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Dougan H. Clarke
  • Patent number: 6383088
    Abstract: The present invention, a golf club caddy apparatus allows for the convenient transportation and support, of golf clubs and golf accessories around a golf course putting green or practice tee. The apparatus releasably retains one or more golf clubs in a secure and convenient manner to facilitate play around a putting green or practice tee. The golf club caddy apparatus further facilitates play by being securely, yet releasably connected to the exterior of a golf bag when not in use. The golf club caddy apparatus allows a player to conveniently transport other associated golf accessories such as a personal towel, a pencil and golf tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gary Patrick Kershner
  • Publication number: 20020043597
    Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable leg assembly comprises a holder (11, 8) which is adapted to be fixed to the underside of a table top (1), and first, second and third elongate carrier elements (2, 3, 4). These cooperate by threaded engagement and are telescopingly displaceable inside each other. One of the first and third carrier elements (2, 4) is along essentially its entire length enclosed by and mounted rotatably but axially immovably in the holder (11, 8), and the other of the first and third carrier elements (4, 2) is arranged non-rotatably relative to the holder (11, 8). The leg assembly has a means for preventing rotation of the other of the first and third carrier elements (4, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: SVENSKA KENAB KARLSHAMNS ERGONOMI AB,
    Inventor: Matts Forsberg
  • Patent number: 6371139
    Abstract: A bracket for supporting a parasol and facilitating displacement of the parasol in an arcuate path includes a clamp configured for receiving and clamping a shaft of the parasol vertically, an arm, at least about ½ m long, connected to the bracket, and a vertical peg connected to the opposite end of the arm and configured for anchoring the bracket in an underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Dror Simchori
  • Patent number: 6360491
    Abstract: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels and satellite dishes upon a roof. The mounting base for attachment to a roof rafter incorporates a threadable elongated member or stanchion and only requires a single lag bolt which is positioned directly beneath the stanchion for fastening to a roof rafter. A guide tunnel is also provided on the roof mount for proper drill angle into the rafter. The solar panel support utilizes C-shaped extruded aluminum horizontal members where, upon fastening the solar panel to the members, enhances the strength properties from a C-shape to a square structural member. The disclosed design for the solar panel support and associated equipment which are attached to at least two mounting bases, permits efficient packaging, resulting in minimal packaging time and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley A. Ullman
  • Patent number: 6354554
    Abstract: A support stand for a beach umbrella includes a generally planar platform having an opening formed therethrough. A clamp is carried by an upper surface of the platform. The clamp includes an opening that corresponds in size and shape to the opening in the platform. The clamp is opened to introduce an umbrella support member through the opening in the platform. The clamp is then closed to interengage the umbrella support member and fasten the umbrella to the stand. The platform is inserted beneath the sand and an umbrella is inserted through the platform and interengaged by the clamp to anchor the umbrella in place in the sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Evert Hollenbeck
  • Publication number: 20020027182
    Abstract: The invention is an enhanced stabilization method and improved upright utility containment unit for various serviceable objects. The unit comprises of movable interior and exterior cylinders, joined by a connector. Elevating the unit's interior cylinder, until stopped, activates operation of an integrally attached propulsion mechanism and drive component, which when released impacts the connector, to achieve a controlled alignment force to sequentially hammer the exterior cylinder downward. The internally muffled consistent impact force automatically obtains depth penetration and compressed ballast weight steadiness for the unit. A fiber strap, and latch hook, are attached to the unit for convenient portability and enables flexible capabilities to tether applicable objects, to the stabilized unit, thus preventing displacement while decreasing deterioration of the object by adverse conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Stephen Eppley
  • Patent number: 6346051
    Abstract: A golf club stand is a single rod member which includes the following segments in series: a point at the lower end of the rod; a leg extending up from the point, a 180° bend; an arm depending from the bend; a first lateral member extending from the depending arm; a loop at the end of the first lateral member; a second lateral member extending from the loop; an upright arm extending from the second lateral member; and a coil at the end of the upright arm. The 180° bend between leg and arm forms a hook to hang the device on the upper rim of a golf bag, for storage. The first and second lateral members are spring biased against each other by the loop to releasably hold a towel between them. The arms and said second lateral member together form a U-shaped enclosure to confine the handle of a standing golf club. The coil provides a temporary holder for a smoker's pipe, cigar, cigarette, or the like. A club face cleaner brush is removably hung on the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Hirofusa Otsubo
  • Patent number: 6341752
    Abstract: A golf tee support for preventing movement of the tee after the golf ball is hit. The golf tee support includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The top wall has a bore therein. A coil spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the coil spring is fixedly mounted on the bottom wall of the housing. A rod has a first end and a second end. The first end of the rod is tapered to a pointed tip. The second end of the rod is fixedly coupled to the second end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent L. Green
  • Patent number: 6340147
    Abstract: A fence post holder for holding fence posts in the ground. The fence post holder includes a support portion that has a closed bottom, an open top and a perimeter side wall extending between the closed bottom and the open top to define an interior space adapted for receiving a base of a fence post inserted through the open top. The insertion portion extends downwardly from the support portion. The insertion portion has a bottom point whereby the insertion portion is adapted for facilitating insertion of the insertion portion into a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jeff Dymarczyk
  • Patent number: 6338465
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprising: a frame adapted to support and pivotally hold a at least one fishing rod, the frame having an anteriorly disposed side and a posteriorly disposed side, each opposing the other, and opposing sides, the anteriorly disposed side having a plurality of anterior fishing rod accommodations, and the posteriorly disposed side having plurality of corresponding inverted posterior fishing rod accommodations; a support member for supporting the frame; at least one supplementary strut therebetween the frame and the support member; and mounting means adapted to mount the fishing rod holder thereonto a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Freddie Stoner
  • Patent number: 6338211
    Abstract: A memorial marker that includes a cap, that is attached to the uppermost end of a rod and is a conventionally-oriented five point star that has a pair of lowermost pointed arms that depend skewly outwardly from the rod, and which equidistantly straddle, and clear, the uppermost end of the rod, and as a result thereof, allows a left half to be releasably captured between the pair of lowermost pointed arms and the uppermost end of the rod so as to maintain the card in a closed mode thereof when a left half of the card is folded onto a right half of the card, and the card is moved vertically upwardly on the rod, and the left half of the card is flexed and engaged between the pair of lowermost pointed arms and the uppermost end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Mary Lou Carney
  • Patent number: 6336599
    Abstract: A spray shield apparatus for shielding against spray from a sprinkler. The spray shield apparatus has an elongated support rod capable of being anchored relative to the sprinkler. A pair of baffles are mounted to an upper shank of the support rod with least one baffle having a pivot end which pivots to different angles relative to the other baffle. Additionally, flexible tabs which extend from the upper shank are preferably used to releaseably secure the pivoting baffle(s) at the desired angle. The flexible tabs are capable of engaging and disengaging notched grooves located on an inner surface of the pivot end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventors: Randall M. Herr, Anthony D. Herrera
  • Patent number: 6334281
    Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for boring in soil (90) generally includes an elongate shank (20) having auger blades (34) on its lower end (30) and a attachment mechanism (41) on its upper end (40) for attachment of anchor lines (48), a compression cap (60), and one or more biasing springs (50). Biasing springs (50) operate between upper end (40) of shank (20) and compression cap (60) for maintaining cap (60) biased in a downward direction so that soil between cap (60) and auger (34) remains compressed at all times. Compression cap (60) includes a plate (62) that is freely journaled on shank 20 above blades (34) such that plate (62) can freely tilt through a tilt angle to align with surface (91) of soil (90).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventors: James Oliver, Evon L. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6334596
    Abstract: Provided is a unique sign support system having a self-contained installation and extraction system which is effective for temporarily attaching the sign support system to soft or hard ground with minimal effort and without the requirement for additional tools. The sign support system further provides for independent vertical and horizontal size adjustments to permit the sign support to adapt to a variety sizes of signs and spatial limitations. The invention further provides a unique vertical support assembly having a self-contained installation and extraction system which is effective for temporarily attaching the vertical support assembly to soft or hard ground, the vertical support assembly then being adapted for a wide variety of uses, to include tent supports, temporary lawn awning supports and other such temporary vertical support requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Boyd K. Temple
  • Patent number: 6328273
    Abstract: A pole mount is provided for supporting a device, such as a satellite dish or an antenna. The pole mount includes an elongated rod having a ground penetrating end, and a pair of augers secured on the elongated rod in spaced apart relationship. The first auger, which is closer to the ground penetrating end of the elongated rod, is smaller in diameter than the second auger. The ratio of the diameter of the first auger with respect to the second auger is on the order of three to five. A stabilizing plate is secured to the elongated rod and is constructed and arranged to engage the ground. A support member is secured to the stabilizing plate and extends upwardly therefrom away from the elongated rod. The support member is hollow and is adapted to receive a cable which is provided to connect an appliance, such as a television set, to the satellite dish carried on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher C. Kemikem
  • Patent number: 6328046
    Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella having an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Eric K. Doreste
  • Publication number: 20010039769
    Abstract: A ground anchor, such as a tent peg, includes a channel-section, ground-penetrating base member, and a second member at or adjacent one end of the base member. The second member projects (or is capable of projecting) from the base member at an inclination thereto and is provided with an attachment point for a tether.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Robert John Orr
  • Patent number: 6315251
    Abstract: A portable sign stand comprising a base, at least one leg attached to the base at at least one attachment point, and a sign supporting member pivotally mounted to the base at a pivot point. The pivot point is disposed at a lower position on the base than all of the attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Custom Stamping & Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: David A. Stoudt, Dennis L. Marcotte
  • Publication number: 20010035201
    Abstract: A beach umbrella stabilizer comprising an outer tubular sleeve and a telescoping inner tubular sleeve which interact to form an impact-type slide hammer arrangement is disclosed. The inner tubular sleeve of the stabilizing device can be forced into the sand by the slide hammer arrangement. After the stabilizing device is securely anchored into the sand, a beach umbrella can be attached to the end thereof by means of a clamp. The height of the stabilizing device can be adjusted thus permitting the overall height of the beach umbrella to be similarly adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Dragan Karl Kuzmic
  • Patent number: 6309308
    Abstract: A holder for a golf club employing two joined but relatively adjustable members for detachably receiving and holding the club and a vertical spike suspended between the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6298611
    Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for boring in soil (90) generally includes an elongate shank (20) having auger blades (34) on its lower end (30) and a attachment mechanism (41) on its upper end (40) for attachment of anchor lines (48), a compression cap (60), and a bearing member (80). Compression cap (60) includes a plate (62) that is freely journaled on shank 20 above blades (34) such that plate (62) can freely tilt through a tilt angle to align with surface (91) of soil (90). Bearing member (80) includes a bearing surface (85) adapted for applying coupled bearing forces on compression cap (60) over the tilt angle such that compression cap (60) compresses soil between cap (60) and auger blades (34). In exemplary embodiment, bearing surface (85) is inverse conical or spherical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventors: James Oliver, Evon L. Oliver
  • Patent number: 6298618
    Abstract: A constructional support including three tubes secured to a central support member with the tubes defining guides for drilling holes into the ground and for guiding anchor members as they are being driven into the holes to secure the support with respect to the ground. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the tubes intersect at a point along the longitudinal axis of the central support member. In another embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the tubes each lie in a respective plane which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Robert Lawson
  • Publication number: 20010017150
    Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella comprising an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Eric K. Doreste
  • Patent number: 6267127
    Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella comprising an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Eric K. Doreste
  • Patent number: 6263601
    Abstract: A lighted real estate sign having at least one translucent face with indicia to convey marketing information pertaining to a parcel of real estate. An internal light illuminates the translucent face and clearly displays the indicia at night. The sign is powered by a battery, and controlled by a control circuit in response to inputs from a solar panel used to recharge the battery, a photocell used to detect appropriate light conditions to illuminate the internal light, and a timer to turn off the light. The real estate sign is attached to a mounting bracket, which, in turn, is anchored to the parcel of real estate. The sign is locked to the mounting bracket to prevent theft and to rigidly maintain the sign and position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: David Scot Emert
  • Publication number: 20010004812
    Abstract: A decoy assembly for a turkey or other decoy has an animal decoy body that can be a collapsible hollow form with an expander. The body is carried on a mounting that is adjustable in height, has a nodding feature by which the body can bow forwardly and aft, and also can rotate over a span that is limited to less than a full revolution. Several alternative arrangements are provided. The mounting can have a blade-like strip having a substantially greater width than thickness, fitted to the body and rotatable in a hollow tubular section of the a ground engaging stake part. The ground engaging part can have a radial inward crease that acts as an angular stop. The strip is preferably a spring and is aligned such that its greater width is lateral to the decoy body. Flexing of the body on the strip causes a fore-and-aft bobbing motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Glenn Lindaman
  • Patent number: 6237881
    Abstract: A convertible flower pot support and table which comprises a base and an upper support member with a plurality of legs extending between the base and the upper support member, the upper support member having a centrally located aperture designed to receive a flower pot or a table top which has a connecting ring extending downwardly from a bottom surface thereof, the connecting ring being designed to fit within the aperture of the upper support member. The device may be easily stored and in preferred embodiments, there is provided an anchoring peg for anchoring the same to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Micheline Levesque
  • Patent number: 6234444
    Abstract: A plant supporter is disclosed utilizing a pole having lugs attached to it. Apertures extend into each lug and cantilevered arms extend from the apertures outwardly from the pole to provide support to a plant. The lugs may have a resilient clip portion such that they may be easily mounted or removed from the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Y. Haddad
  • Patent number: 6227845
    Abstract: A torch holder includes a supporting portion, a receiving portion and a engaging portion. The supporting portion includes an L-shaped upper portion and a lower portion with one end connected to the upper portion and the other end inserted into the ground. The engaging portion is also an L-shape and so positioned that both L-shaped structures are in the same plane to keep the holder from rotating and fixed in the vertical position. The receiving portion is mounted on the upper portion of the supporting portion, which includes a cylindrical holding portion mounted on the supporting portion with a screw or the like for securing the torch in a cylindrical holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas M. Pillow, Richard F. Pillow
  • Patent number: 6227395
    Abstract: A stake assembly for an electrical receptacle includes a stake formed with a slot, and a coupling device mounted movably on the stake for sliding along the slot. The coupling device includes a pair of opposite engaging members respectively having first protrusions, each of which has a hooking end adapted to hook releasably with the receptacle. The engaging members are slidable along the slot between a first position, in which the hooking ends of the first protrusions engage the receptacle, and a second position, in which the first protrusions move toward each other from the first position and the hooking ends disengage from the receptacle. The coupling device further includes an urging member that urges the engaging members to move from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Hsien-Wen Ho
  • Patent number: 6216382
    Abstract: A manually manipulated expander spaces the opposite walls of the body of a flexible hollow animal decoy, such as a turkey decoy. The decoy has outwardly convex flexible walls, one of which is collapsed inwardly by inverting it against the other, thus flattening the decoy for transport. The expander is associated with a vertical support pillar or shaft, which carries the decoy on the ground. Bracing portions of the expander extend for example in opposite directions, to contact and space the walls. In an integral expander embodiment the walls are braced open by two opposite arms or by the peripheral edges of a thin two dimensional shape complementing a cross section of the hollow opening between the walls. The expander is then rotated 90° to place either the wider or thinner expander cross section between the decoy walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Glenn Lindaman
  • Patent number: 6213314
    Abstract: A portable rack for garden tools provides support for various garden tools during gardening and light landscaping operations. The present rack is particularly well suited for the support of the upper ends or handles of larger elongate tools, such as shovels, rakes, hoes, etc., with the lower working ends of the tools remaining on the ground. The gardener thus need not bend over or stoop to pick up such a tool from the ground each time a different tool is needed. The present rack essentially comprises a central column with a sharpened lower end to facilitate ground penetration. A laterally extending spade or blade bit is provided above the lower end, which precludes rotation of the central column within the hole formed in the ground when the device is anchored. A lower foot planting crossmember is provided above the spade or blade, for the gardener to plant the device into the ground in the manner of using a shovel or spade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Richard G. Beemer
  • Patent number: 6202368
    Abstract: A post system for use in installing fence posts, mailbox posts, and the like that includes a ground anchor having a tubular member with a circular cross-section of uniform diameter along its length, and a longitudinal axis, the tubular member having a lower end with a peripherally extending auger blade, and an upper end; and a post having first and second ends, and a bore extending into the post from one of the post ends, the tubular member upper end being insertable into the post bore. The lower end of the ground anchor is screwed into the ground, and a length of the tubular member approximately equal to the length of the bore is left exposed above ground level. The post is then telescoped onto the above-ground part of the tubular member by inserting the exposed part of the tubular member into the post bore. The ground anchor may be used alone as a post, and the post system, or ground anchor alone, may also be employed as a ground anchor for modular homes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Millard F. Wallace, III
  • Patent number: 6186137
    Abstract: Cooking apparatus comprises an elongated post supportable in an upright position in proximity to a cooking fire, a collar slidably mounted directly on the post for sliding movement along the post; a cooking platform secured to the collar, a tether, and a hook or link engaging mechanism carried at the upper end of the post. At least a portion of the tether is a link chain. The hook or link engaging mechanism serves to releasably secure the collar together with the platform at a selected position of elevation on the post. In order to control the cooking process, the apparatus may be structured not only to control the elevation of the cooking platform over the cooking fire but also to control the horizontal angular position of the cooking platform in relation to the cooking fire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6178651
    Abstract: A reusable support for a batter board member is provided comprising at least one sleeve for receiving a batter board member attached to an elongate spike such that a batter board member received within the sleeve is supported in a substantially vertical orientation when the spike is driven into the ground. Elongate legs may be attached to the sleeve for better stability in the ground and multiple sleeves may be used for better support of the batter board member. A batter board assembly is provided wherein at least two reusable supports are driven into the ground and two batter board members are received in the supports such that the members extend substantially vertically from the ground. A horizontal batter board member is then secured between the two vertical batter board members and a control string is attached to the horizontal member. When the batter boards are no longer required, the horizontal members may be detached from the vertical member and the vertical members removed from the reusable supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Mark Yancey
  • Patent number: 6170183
    Abstract: A yard sign is formed from a plastic corrugated board and supported in the ground by two separate L-shaped rods. The rods have a long leg section. The leg section of at least two rods are inserted through separate corrugations on either side of the sign and forced into the ground by pressing against the bent portion. The rods have a diameter which is adapted to snuggly fit within the channels applying slight pressure against the channel to support the sign above the ground merely by the compression fit between the rod and the corrugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Patriot Signage Incorporated
    Inventor: Kevin Keefe
  • Patent number: 6149119
    Abstract: A device for providing stability to a utensil (1) comprises an elongate spigot (5) arranged to be inserted into an apertured support or the ground, and a retaining member (4) arranged to be secured to, or formed on, the base (2) of the utensil (1). The spigot (5) is releasably retainable by the retaining member (4) in either a first position in which the longitudinal axis (14) of the spigot (5) is generally perpendicular to the base (2) of the utensil (1) so as to enable the spigot (5) to be inserted into the apertured support or in the ground, or a second position in which the longitudinal axis (14) of the spigot (5) is substantially parallel to the base (2) so as to store the spigot (5) when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Andrew Mark O'Connell
  • Patent number: 6082697
    Abstract: A soccer goal anchor device used for securing a soccer goal in place and a method for installing the anchor device. The anchor device is used for engaging a portion of a soccer goal frame and securing the frame on top of a ground surface. The anchor device can also be used with other types of goals used on a playing field and other outdoor portable equipment. Also, the anchor device prevents the soccer goal frame from pivoting and falling onto a ground surface or the frame from being moved on the ground surface. The anchor device includes an auger for screwing into the ground surface. An upper end of the anchor device includes a clevis. The clevis is dimensioned to conform to different annular and angular cross-sections of goal frames for a snug and secure fit therearound. The clevis includes two upwardly extending flanges for receiving a portion of the soccer goal frame therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Dan J. Grunfeld