Abstract: A mounting structure for supporting a removable basketball support pole in the ground. In a first embodiment, the mounting structure may include a sleeve body, a clamping mechanism and a cap. The sleeve body has an open end of a predetermined size for receiving the basketball pole. The open end of the sleeve has relief portions, such as grooves, for providing flexibility to permit deformation of the open end of the sleeve to adjust to the size of the basketball pole. The clamping mechanism then may be used to engage the sleeve with the pole and securely support the basketball pole in position. In another embodiment, the clamping mechanism is unnecessary as a portion of the cap forms a wedge. In particular, the cap may include the relief portions and the sleeve has a camming surface whereby a portion of the cap wedges between the camming surface and the pole when the cap is tightened onto the sleeve.

Abstract: A post support apparatus for retaining a mounting post in generally upright disposition and including an elongated support body which includes a lower stake portion adapted to be driven into the earth, and an upper or above-surface post receiving portion. The post receiving portion includes a cavity adapted to rigidly and clampingly retain the base of a post therewithin. The stake portion consists of a continuously tapered body of generally crisscross or "X" configuration, having outer edge surfaces therealong, and with a distal tip end for engaging the earth and a proximal end for above-surface post retention. The stake portion body is tapered continuously from its proximal end to its distal tip end so that the outer edge surfaces remain in firm contact with the subterranean earth or soil. The stake body is dual tapered along its length with the portion adjacent the distal tip being steeply angularly tapered.

Abstract: A beach umbrella support is provided including a rigid hollow post. Also included is a spiral flange fixedly coupled to an outer surface of the post. At least one ear is fixedly coupled to the post and further fixed with respect to the flange for affording leverage. An umbrella rod is removably mounted within a top end of the post for being supported by the post.

Abstract: A support for use with a lawn ornament and the lawn of a user. The lawn ornament has a base. The support includes a substantially planar support surface adapted to support the base of a lawn ornament in a substantially level position. The support also includes a lawn insertion member and a leveling mechanism. The lawn insertion member is adapted to be readily inserted in the lawn and secure the support surface to the lawn in stable position. The leveling mechanism is adapted to indicate that the support surface is positioned in a level position whereby the support surface provides a level support for the lawn ornament.

Abstract: A flag support including a vertical base, a horizontal rod having a support end proximate the vertical base and an outer end, extending from the base, a flag support rod parallel to, below and separated from the horizontal rod, and having a support end, proximate the base, and an outer end, extending from the base. The outer end of the flag support rod includes a generally unshaped bend which forms a tortuous path between the outer ends of both rods to prevent accidental removal of the flag from the flag support rod. In the normal configuration, the outer ends of the horizontal rod and the flag support rod are contiguous and face each other, however, at least the flag support rod is sufficiently flexible from the vertical base as to provide a path for insertion of a hemmed flag onto the flag support rod between the horizontal rod and the flag support rod when the flag support rod is displaced from parallel relationship with the horizontal support rod.

Abstract: A device for protecting a putter head and repairing ball marks includes a body having a substantially planar face for abutting a face of the putter head, prongs extending from the body for repairing ball marks and a clip projecting from the body for detachably securing the device to the putter head to protect the putter face. In the preferred embodiment an rear face of the body is provided with an absorbent pad for cleaning a golf ball.

Abstract: An anchoring system and method for temporary structures is disclosed. The system comprises: At least a first stake having a shaft with a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end including a loop; at least a second stake having a shaft with a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end including at least one hook. When the lower ends of the at least first and second stakes are inserted into the ground, the lower ends of the stakes are angled away from each other, the shaft of the second stake is received through the loop of the first stake, and a portion of the shaft of the first stake is received within the at least one hook, whereby the at least first and second stakes are in a mutually interlocked condition which prevents the at least first and second stakes from being independently extracted from the ground.

Abstract: A basketball mounting system for an in-ground basketball system has a flanged basketball support pole and a flanged ground sleeve receiving a portion of the pole in overlapping relationship. The flanges are connected together by removable fasteners such as threaded bolts. In addition, the mounting system may include jacking members in the pole flange to facilitate removal of the pole from the ground sleeve. The jacking members include members such as threaded bolts passing through the pole flange that, when rotated in one direction, press against the ground sleeve flange causing the pole and the ground sleeve to separate.

Abstract: An anchoring device particularly for securement of an umbrella, and may also be used in soft or hard materials. The anchoring device is comprised of a tubular body having an outer surface and an upper end and a tapering lower end, the lower end includes a penetrating tip extending longitudinally from the tubular body, the penetrating tip further having a plurality of lateral extensions capable of breaking hard ground, and a plurality of laterally extending baffles about the outer surface of the lower end of the tubular body, each of the baffles having a front edge proximal and a rear edge distal to the lower end of the tubular body. The front edges are substantially the same distance from the penetrating tip, whereby the lateral extensions break the ground or material preceding the front edges of the baffles as the body rotates.

Abstract: A sign post kit having an anchor post member is secured to the ground by a pair of stakes driven through two PVC pipes disposed in diagonally opposite corners thereof, a main post member is slid over a portion of the anchor post member and stake combination and securely snapped into place, and an arm member is snapped onto the main post member. A brochure holder is formed out of one end of the arm member and is covered by a flap. Signs are hung from the arm member or ride on top of the arm member. A flag can be inserted into a flag pole holder formed in the top the main post member or in a portion of the arm member. A stake puller jack is provided for removing the stakes from the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically unfolding and for displaying a road map for use by a driver or a passenger is provided. The road map is preferably made from a resilient fabric or similar material which is stretched over an umbrella-like mechanism that is attached to a shaft, such that when the mechanism is activated, the road map is automatically unfolded by the mechanism to a position perpendicular to the shaft. When the mechanism is inactive the road map is substantially conically folded about the shaft forming a generally cylindrical assembly. The mechanism may be returned to its inactive state automatically, by use of a return mechanism, or manually by the user. A device for attaching the apparatus to an area within a vehicle cabin is also provided. Preferably, the device enables the apparatus to be positioned by the user so as to provide the best viewing position for the user while driving the vehicle. The device is preferably freely detachable from the area to which it may be attached.

Abstract: A removable and collapsible barricade post assembly for the restriction of vehicular traffic. The barricade post assembly has a novel base assembly that allow the post assembly to be removed from its mounting bracket which is normally permanently affixed to the ground. Alternatively, the post assembly can remain attached to its mounting bracket while being lowered to allow the passage of vehicular traffic. The barricade post assembly has a number of security features to restrict the unauthorized removal or collapsing of the barricade post. A cover assembly to enhance security and to provide weather protection for the barricade post assembly is also described.

Abstract: A golf club support for raising a golf club grip above a golf green or fairway. The golf club support comprises an elongated support member having a distal end. The support member is hingedly attached to the golf club shaft intermediate the golf club head and the golf club grip. The support member is moveable between a first position, in which the distal end of the support member is remote from the golf club shaft so that the golf club grip is supported above the golf green or fairway, and a second position in which the distal end of the support member is proximate the golf club shaft. The golf club support includes a coiled spring for biasingly urging the support member to the second position when the golf club grip is not being supported above the golf green or fairway.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to minimize lateral tipping of refuse containers by winds, animals and the like. A securement apparatus for wheel-based or conventional refuse containers is described. The invented apparatus includes an elongate stake having a hooked bracket and a tethering means which releasably captures a handle and a lid respectively of a refuse container. A tapered end and support surface penetration stop member on the elongate stake facilitate partial, vertical penetration of a support surface by the stake. When the stake is vertically penetrating the support surface, the hooked bracket may be adjusted to secure handles of various size, shape, and capacity refuse containers.

Abstract: A fence post anchor that adjusts for vertical post alignment by providing a post engagement support portion that swivels on a ground engagement portion. The post engagement portion is defined by a split box sleeve secured to an adjustment dome. A fastener assembly interconnects the adjustment dome to the ground engagement portion that has multiple engagement flights on which the dome can be movably positioned and secured thereto.

Abstract: A combination turf stake and frame construction assembly for establishing a framework construction upon a ground surface. The turf stake includes an elongate spike portion having a first inserting end, a second supporting end and a plurality of vane portions projecting in circumferentially spaced apart and axially directed fashion substantially along the spike portion. A substantially polygonal shaped body defining a hollowed and interior cavity is integrally formed atop the second supporting end of the turf stake and substantially corresponds to a likewise polygonally shaped and inserting end of a selected elongate frame construction member so as to engage the elongate member in a friction fit manner. A plurality of turf stakes and frame construction members can be employed to assemble any desired framework construction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground anchor incorporating a sliding lockable wedge portion upon a vertical post having an auger, screw, or drill flight formed thereon, wherein substantial relative motion between an outdoor item and a ground surface may be releasably prevented. The auger may be used to easily drill the post into the ground and, once installed, the sliding wedge portion may be moved down the post shaft and forced down such that the projecting wedge fins are driven into the surface of the earth. The sliding wedge portion is then coupled to the shaft having the auger portion. Such a combination will prevent the vertical post from rotating about its axis, which is desirable in that it prevents the post from rotating in the wind and prevents unauthorized removal of the post, or any item attached to the post, because the projecting wedge fins prevent the post from being unscrewed from the ground.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a sign and a bent wire bail for ground insertion. The sign is formed from a blank with adhesive strips for securing its inner surface together in a folded position.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for conveniently organizing weapon articles, such as rifles, shotguns, pistols, bows, arrows, ammunition, ammunition holders, eye and ear protection, muzzle loading equipment, tools and the like for use outdoors. The organizer comprises a tray member having a plurality of organizing areas for receiving one or more of the weapon articles. The tray member also comprises a plurality of notched areas and a slotted member having a slot for supporting, for example, rifles and a gun cleaner, respectively. The tray member is mounted on an I-shaped support which has a rung or engaging member towards a planting end thereof to facilitate forcing at least one spike located on the planting end into the ground. The organizer enables a shooter or archer to organize and support weapon articles at any desired location a predetermined distance above the ground to make it convenient and easy for them to shoot.

Abstract: A system for mounting road signs and other posts which is simple to use, has few parts and is tamper resistant. The system also allows for the easy dismounting of the post for maintenance and changing of signs. The system uses a metal base driven into the ground, a non-square post with at least one flat side and a bifurcated wedge to lock the post into position in the base. This system also prevents rotation of the post due to winds or other forces.

Abstract: A device for holding an outdoor cooking vessel over a campfire has an elongate post that is pushed into ground adjacent to the campfire. An elongate tubular member has an opening extending through top and bottom surfaces of the tubular member. The elongate post fits snugly through the opening. A second elongate tubular member is pivotally attached to the first tubular so that the second tubular member can pivot upwardly from a distal end of the first tubular member. A first end of an elongate plate is attached to an underside of the the end of the second tubular member so that the second end of the plate extends along an underside of the first tubular member and slightly beyond a second opening through the first tubular member.

Abstract: A device for holding and stabilizing nursery pots to protect against blowover from wind and rain. The device comprises a circular base having a central cavity, upwardly extending vertical projections attached to the base and openings between the vertical projections for placement of stakes for securing the device above the ground. The device may further include a ring encircling and attached to the vertical supports for added stabilization.

Abstract: An outdoor support post includes an anchor ground rod, a base post member including a tubular sheath, an extension post member including a tubular sheath, and a cross post member including a tubular sheath that is perpendicularly mountable to the extension post member for supporting an article thereon. The anchor member includes an angle-iron and two inverted L shaped extensions. One of the L-shaped extensions partially penetrates the ground with the angle-iron and partially extends with the angle-iron in engaging abutment within the base post member for bracing support of the base post member. The second L-shaped extension partially extends with the angle-iron in engaging abutment within the extension post member and in engaging abutment within the base post member for bracing support of both the extension post member and the junction of the base post member and the extension post member.

Abstract: A beverage holder which comprises an elongated member having a pointed, ground penetrating tip, a container carrier dimensioned to receive a beverage container such as an aluminum can containing soda, beer, or the like, and a pivotal coupling assembly for coupling the container carrier to the elongated member, the carrier being selectively angularly positionable into an upright orientation relative to the elongated member regardless of the angular position of the latter relative to the ground. Illustratively, the elongated member may be configured with an axial bore dimensioned and arranged to receive and support the butt-end or handle portion of a fishing pole, the thus configured beverage holding assembly functioning also as a fishing pole holder.

Abstract: A golf club holder defined by an elongate rod, the distal end of which is insertable into a support surface. A club shaft receiver block is attached to the rod's proximal end, and that block includes at least one aperture formed therethrough in substantially parallel relation to the longitudinal axis of the rod. A slot communicates through the side of the block with the aperture such that a golf club shaft may be passed through the slot, and the exterior of the club shaft will engage the interior of the aperture to hold the club therein with the club head above the support surface. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the receiver block may include more than one aperture/slot combination so that the holder may retain a corresponding number of golf clubs.

Abstract: A portable grill includes a vertical post, a grill support member, a grill grate for mounting on the grill support member, and a locking member for attaching the grill support member to the vertical post. The locking member has four sidewalls disposed in parallel spaced opposed pairs forming a rectangular tube with open opposed ends. The locking member includes a slot penetrating three of the sidewalls. The slot forms an angled opening on one of the sidewalls and also 180 .degree. opposed "J" shaped openings on an opposed pair of sidewalls. The "J" shaped openings each have a curved side portion corresponding to one half circumference portion of the circumference of the post. The angled opening is contiguous with the "J" shaped openings. The post is retained in position when it is received through the angled opening and rests against the opposing curved side portions of the "J" shaped openings receiving full 360.degree. contact. A grill accessory holder and a portable grill kit are included.

Abstract: A stand for a portable barbecue grill. The stand includes a connecting flange, a telescopic sleeve with a height adjustment pin, and a spike. The connecting flange has a seat portion that is bolted through holes in the base of a portable barbecue. Further, the connecting flange has a mounting sleeve. The telescopic sleeve has a flange end and a spike receiving end. In the preferred embodiment the flange end of the telescopic sleeve is threadably received by the mounting sleeve of the flange. Finally, the stand includes a spike with a spiked end that is inserted into the ground. The spike is slidably received by the telescopic sleeve. Both the spike and the telescopic sleeve have a plurality of holes along their length that can be aligned for receiving a height adjusting cotter pin.

Abstract: A stand assembly for use during golf is described. The stand assembly comprises a post having one end suitable for fixed insertion in the ground and a second end. The stand assembly also includes a support member that is designed and sized for selectively carrying a cigarette or cigar, or golf club grip.

Abstract: A device to support baseballs used by a pitcher during batting practice. The devices comprises a container for supporting a quantity of baseballs. An upright support member supports the container above a baseball field. Detachable connecting apparatus detachably connects the container to the upright support member. An anchor device is connected to the upright support member for securing the upright support member at a location permitting the pitcher to retrieve a baseball from the container to throw during batting practice.

Abstract: A bow holder for holding an archery bow in a ready position is provided. The bow holder includes a vertical member and a horizontal member. The vertical member is mountable to a structure such as a tree. The horizontal member has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is spaced transversely from the distal end so that the distal end extends away from the vertical member at a given distance. The bow holder further includes a string movably securable to the distal end and extending downwardly from the distal end. The string has a support portion comprising a knot. The knot is engageable with the archery bow to hold the archery bow in a ready position. The string supports the weight of the archery bow as a bow hunter aims the archery bow at a target. The knot silently releases engagement from the archery bow as the bow hunter draws back on the archery bow to fire a shot at the target.

Abstract: A support structure, primarily for a trash or lawn bag is characterized by two identical bracing supports that are positioned to support the bag when staked into the ground. The bracing supports include a lower leg and an upper leg. Each leg is formed with a specific cross-sectional shape that allows the nesting and close coupling of the lower leg to the upper leg. An elbow or right angle member is releasably attached to the lower leg to fix the depth of the lower leg within the ground and trap the bag between the ground and the elbow member. Slidably received over the upper leg is a retainer clip having a right angle support and an opening having the same outer configuration as the cross-sectional shape of the legs such that the retainer clip may freely slide along the length of the upper leg member.

Abstract: Fence post construction including a main post which is installed in an upright vertical position within a post hole, with the post having at least one bracket fixedly attached thereto, with the bracket being located substantially just below the ground surface when the post is installed within the post hole and the bracket is of a shape and size to slidably receive a rod there through, thus the bracket and the rod in combination provide an anchor for securing the post within the ground.

Abstract: A golf accessory is provided for supporting a cigar in spaced relationship to the turf for preventing the cigar from contacting chemicals applied to the turf. The accessory includes a bottom supporting surface for placement on the turf. The accessory further includes a top surface characterized by at least one array of corrugations. Each array of corrugations includes an arcuately concave corrugation extending entirely across the accessory and a pair of arcuately convex corrugations on opposite respective sides of the concave corrugations. The concave corrugation has a radius dimensioned to support a cigar of a selected ring size.

Abstract: A stand which supports a golf club in a highly visible and easily retrievable position above a grassy surface. The stand has a top plate with two spaced spikes extending downward from an under side of the top plate and adapted to be driven into the grassy surface. A column extends vertically upwardly from an upper surface of the top plate and internally engages and supports the club. A cylindrical securing means is attached to the top plate which encircles the club and cooperates with the column for maintaining the club in a vertical disposed position.

Abstract: A stake assembly for the support of soccer poles and other tubular structures includes a pair of generally parallel vertical members affixed together and spaced a desired distance apart by an upper lateral member interposed between the vertical members proximate their upper portion, and a lower lateral member interposed between the vertical members proximate their medial portion, such that the distance between the outside surfaces of the vertical members is generally equal to, and preferably slightly greater than, the inside diameter of the pole to be supported. Furthermore, the upper lateral member has a lateral extent generally equal to the inside diameter of the pole to be supported, while the lower lateral member has a lateral extent generally equal to the outside diameter of the pole to be supported. The vertical members terminate in a basal portion each preferably bearing an angled tip.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a collapsible outdoor gun rack wherein in one configuration, that of a gun rack, a plurality of guns can vertically rest against the gun rack, and in a second collapsible or compact configuration the present invention is reduced in size and is easy to carry when, for example, trapshooting, target shooting and/or hunting.

Abstract: A support structure or ground sleeve for supporting a pole including a cap threadably engageable with an open end of a sleeve body. The ground sleeve includes a sleeve body adapted to be positioned in a ground surface for receiving and supporting a pole and includes at least one flange extending outwardly from the sleeve body for preventing the sleeve from rotating in the ground, a collet for engaging the pole, and an inwardly tapered closed end of the sleeve body for centering an end of the pole. An inwardly tapered race surface of the cap and a plurality of cirumferentially-spaced tabs of the sleeve body cooperate to define the collet. In addition, the ground sleeve is formed of a weather resistant non-corrosive material.

Abstract: A lightweight and inexpensive refuse bag holder is provided, the holder including a simple perimeter structure formed from a C-shaped rod and a tube. The holder also may include a support structure connected to the perimeter structure to support the perimeter structure. The support structure may include sled runners which facilitate the user's dragging the holder along the ground during refuse collection. The support structure also may include appropriate spikes to permit anchoring of the holder in the ground.

Abstract: A collapsible bag holder is provided with a vertically extending support member, ground mountable at one end and at an opposite end a pair of pivotally attached transversely extending collapsible bags holding members are provided. Locking means are provided for the collapsible bag holding members so that the bag holding members may be locked in a preselected horizontally extending angular position for receipt of the mouth end of a collapsible bag which will be supported in its upright, open position with the bottom of the bag resting upon the ground.

Abstract: An improved anchor for a sign support includes a square tube having a plurality of holes along a center line on at least two opposing sides or all four sides. One end of the square tube has two points at opposing corners of the square tube and edges connecting the two points to the sides of the square tube to facilitate easier insertion of the anchor into the ground.

Abstract: A golf club holder can be folded up to be carried in a golfer's pocket and can then be unfolded or extended so that its ground-piercing legs can be pushed into the ground. The golf club holder includes a clamp, having first and second clamping surfaces, at least one of which is movable relative to the other for clamping the golf club onto the golf club holder. The golf club holder is clamped onto the club and is then pushed into the ground simply by holding the grip of the club and pushing the club down until the head of the club rests on the ground. To remove the holder, the golfer simply pulls the club by its grip, pulling the holder out of the ground, and then removes the holder from the club. In this way, the golfer can keep a spare club handy without its grip getting wet and without having to bend down to pick up a club from the ground.

Abstract: A mailbox stand comprising a vertical support sleeve; a vertical extension shaft rotatably and vertically adjustably mounted within and extending vertically from the upper opening of the bore of the vertical support sleeve; a support arm pivotally attached to the upper end of the vertical extension shaft; a mailbox attachment bracket fixedly attached to the support arm; a first breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower end of the vertical support sleeve; a second breakaway plate fixedly attached to the lower surface of the first breakaway plate by means of threaded bolts; and a breakaway plate support shaft fixedly attached to and extending downward from the lower surface of the second breakaway plate.

Abstract: An anchor (10) for blankets, towels and the like comprising a clamp (22) located atop a post (20). The clamp comprises a base piece (24) and a head piece (40) hingedly attached to one another by a pin (50). A coil spring (60) mounted in the pin urges the teeth (32, 42) of the clamp closed. Alternatively, flipper tabs (70) can be used to hold the teeth closed.

Abstract: A foldable holder for beverage containers and other items has a generally horizontal tray provided with a hole for accommodating a beverage container. A U-shaped member pivotally mounted to the tray traverses the bottom of the hole to provide a support for the beverage container and retain the container within the hole of the tray. The tray is supported above the ground with a stake pivotally connected to one end of the tray. The stake can be pivoted into a side-by-side relationship relative to the tray to facilitate the carrying and storage of the holder. The U-shaped member is also pivoted in a generally folded position relative to the tray, so the entire tray is located in a generally common plane.

Abstract: A fence post support for securing a synthetic resin fence post in the ground in a vertical position. The fence post support comprises a ground engaging spike whose upper portion receives the end of the fence post thereover and which can be expanded wedgeably securing the post on the support. A pounding plate is provided for driving the post support into the ground.

Abstract: A post structure which includes a support pole, a casing, and spring clips for securing the casing to the pole. The spring clips each include a spiral portion which grips the pole, and arms which project outward to engage the inner sidewalls of the casing. The spring clips are constructed to permit the casing to be moved downwardly over the spring clips during installation. However, the spring clips effectively anchor the casing to the pole to prevent any upward movement of the casing for removal.

Abstract: An umbrella coupler for the support of an umbrella having a shaft and a handle comprises an umbrella coupler assembly having a lower portion either integral with or capable of being connected to a supportive base to maintain an umbrella in an upright active position when engaged in the umbrella coupler assembly. Varying embodiments of the umbrella coupler assembly are provided with a preferred umbrella coupler assembly having a lower portion supporting a seat member, an upper portion, and a middle wall portion extending at least partially upwardly from the seat member and to the upper portion and further having an opening dimensioned to receive and support either a vertically orientated handle or a J-shaped umbrella handle.

Abstract: A sign assembly includes a sign and a bent wire bail for ground insertion. The sign is formed from a blank with adhesive strips for securing its inner surface together in a folded position. A sign mounted on a wooden stick is shown as an alternative embodiment. A method of manufacturing the sign mounted on a wooden stick involves placing inner and outer parallel strips of adhesive on the inside faces of a sign blank and folding the sign blank together to provide a pocket between the innermost adhesive strips. A wooden stick is inserted into the pocket.

Abstract: A ground engagable gun support apparatus comprising a main elongated tube and an adjustable elongated tube slidably attached to the main elongated tube by a pair of stabilizing bars and securing means and adjustable vertically and rotatably about the main elongated tube with a butt support tray at the lower end of the elongated tube and a generally "Y" shaped barrel support bracket attached at the upper end of the adjustable elongated tube to receive and support the butt and barrel of the gun respectively, and a strap affixed to the main elongated tube for carrying and camouflage coloring of the invention providing for the non-detectibility by game when employed by the user in the field or safety coloring for visibility in the field.

Abstract: A light stake for holding decorative lights has a generally S-shaped or script C-shaped light holder releasably or permanently attached to a stake. The mounting clip is formed from a resilient material. The light holder will hold light sockets of the three popular sizes of Christmas lights. Display holders displaying decorative figures and reflectors can be positioned on the light stake.