Abstract: A device is disclosed for facilitating the anchoring and release of a structure to a medium, such as sand. The device is operable to inject a liquefying fluid into a medium upon a down stroke so as to facilitate liquefication within an area of the medium. The structure is simultaneously inserted into the area of the medium where liquefication has occurred by creating a vacuum within the structure, upon an upstroke, which facilitates the insertion operation. The distal end of the structure to be anchored is fitted with at least one protrusion for increasing the holding force of the medium. If desired, the distal end of the structure is also fitted with at least one fin operable under selective control of a user for reducing the holding force on the structure. In one embodiment, the user, when desiring to release the structure, rotates the structure, thereby rotating the fin.

Abstract: A tie down stake and associated methods. The tie down stake is configured to mount on a second tie down stake in a storage configuration. Multiple tie down stakes can be chained to each other by releasable mounting connections formed by adjacent tie down stakes in the chain.

Abstract: A securing assembly for an article, said securing assembly including: a footing adapted to be securable to a floor or a similar supporting surface underneath said article; a securing rod dimensioned and arranged to be releasably and rigidly securable between said article and said footing.

Abstract: A datacenter may include a server rack supported on a floor that is supported over a subfloor. The server rack may be anchored through the floor to the subfloor by a linkage that extends through the floor. The linkage may include a rack anchor secured to the server rack and a subfloor anchor secured to the subfloor. A cable and turnbuckle or other linkage components may be arranged between the rack anchor and subfloor anchor and may be used collectively for removing slack from the linkage and/or otherwise tensioning the linkage to anchor the server through the raised floor and via the linkage to the subfloor.

Abstract: A mounting assembly (70c) for installing solar cell or photovoltaic modules (58) on a building surface (34) is disclosed. The mounting assembly (70c) includes a mounting device (74), a stud (114) that may be threaded to the mounting device (74), a clamping member (142) that may be positioned on the stud (114), and a nut (128) that may be threaded onto the stud (114) to secure the clamping member (142) to the mounting device (74). A mounting plate (110?) is disposed somewhere between the clamping member (142) and the mounting device (74). This mounting plate (110?) includes a raised structure or dome (174) on its upper surface (170) for positionally registering modules (58) thereto, a plurality of grounding projections (172) on this same upper surface (170), and a plurality of wiring tabs or clips (178) on its lower surface (176).

Abstract: The present invention features a beach towel anchor system for securing a beach towel on a ground surface. The system features a rectangular beach towel and a plurality of towel anchors. The towel anchor features a pivoting clamp having a top clamping interface and a bottom clamping interface. The towel anchor features a first pivoting lever and a flexible pullstrap located on a clamp top lever. The towel anchor features a second pivoting lever located on a clamp bottom lever. The towel anchor features a removable ground projection centrally located on the clamp bottom lever. The removable ground projection is inserted into the ground surface. The pivoting clamp is pivoted into a first open position. The beach towel is inserted into the pivoting clamp. The pivoting clamp is released and clamped on the beach towel in a second closed position via a spring bias.

Abstract: This invention provides for a new and improved apparatus to secure the corners or edges of fabric or material that is used for covering ground surfaces. The apparatus incorporates a clip for gripping the fabric or material thereby enabling the corners or edges to be anchored buy a stake with an extendable spike into porous ground surfaces. Opening the clip via compressing the rear clip handles, the foldable spring-loaded releasing stake and spike attached to the clip body, extends and locks the stake and spike onto the clip base to be inserted into the ground matter for the secure anchoring of the article that is attached.

Abstract: A sign post system includes an elongated slide spike, and an impact anvil mounted to the slide spike at a location intermediate the spike ends. An elongated slide hammer column assembly slides onto the slide spike to contact the impact anvil while using the slide spike as a guide to deliver a force to the slide spike to drive the slide spike into the ground. A hollow sign post structure is configured to slide over the slide spike and cover at least a portion of the slide spike above the impact anvil, the slide spike and sign post configured to support a sign structure after installation. In an exemplary embodiment, the system parts are fabricated of plastic materials.

Abstract: A method of applying weights to the legs of instant pop-up canopies and the like is disclosed. The weights help prevent uplift under windy conditions. Each weight case is comprised of two half-round hollow cases. The case halves are joined by hinges on one edge and latches on the opposite edge. Each case half has a full length inner V-groove, which when closed, create a throughbore for the canopy legs. Each case half top is fitted with a filler hole and cap. The hollow cases can be filled with a variety of weight material. The weighted case is wrapped around the lower leg of the canopy and latched shut to secure the weight around the canopy leg. The weight case rests on the flanged footplate of each leg. Four to six weight cases are required for each application.

Abstract: A plurality of tent weight plates are adapted to be stacked one upon another in use on a tent leg and in transport on a cart. A base plate on the lower-most weight plate includes an extension beyond the plates to which a tent leg is secured. The weight plates include a tab matingly received in a track between rails on the cart to prevent shifting of the plates on the cart. The plates also include holes which are aligned when the plates are stacked so as to receive a post through the holes to maintain alignment of the stacked plates in use on the tent leg and during transport on the cart.

Abstract: A ground spike is disclosed having a plurality of blades and a flat plate secured thereto. The blades each have a reinforcement deformation proximal to a longitudinal outer edge. The reinforcement deformation may be a reinforcement line stamped therein, may be a bent outer edge, or the like. Objects may be attached to the flat plate, thereby securing such objects to the ground when the ground spike is used. The ground spike may have a post receiving socket secured to the flat plate. Each component may comprise metals of varying thickness and rigidity or other suitable materials.

Abstract: A canopy anchor pad system that has a pad with a metal plate attached thereto and a fastening member that extends through the pad. The anchor pad system is attached to the leg of a canopy assembly and is of size and shape to accommodate a secondary weight such as a cooler that can be placed on the pad in order to anchor the leg of the canopy assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus, in particular a high-pressure cleaning apparatus, is provided, on which at least one fastening device for fastening the cleaning apparatus to a carrier is disposed. The at least one fastening device comprising at least one tensioning section on which a tensile force, which is directed at the carrier, acts when the cleaning apparatus is fastened to the carrier by means of a tensioning element. At least one retaining section is connected to the at least one tensioning section, for retaining the at least one fastening device on the cleaning apparatus. The at least one fastening device has at least one support section in order to be supported on the cleaning apparatus. The support section is connected to the at least one tensioning section by at least one connecting section, the at least one connecting section yielding if the tensile force exceeds a maximum permissible tensile force.

Abstract: Systems, devices and/or methods of a stake system configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor a stake-down object are provided. In one embodiment, the stake system includes an elongate member and a flexible line. One end of the flexible line is configured to be coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member and is configured to be below an exposed surface of the loose material. The flexible line is sized and configured to cut through the loose material such that at least a portion of the intermediate portion extends tautly away from the elongate member and through the loose material below the exposed surface. With this arrangement, the other end of the flexible line is configured to extend above the loose material and configured to be coupled to the stake-down object.

Abstract: A knock down flag pole assembly is provided including a base, a ferrule, and an elongate post. The base may include a coupling with a pocket having a coupling member or portion configured to removably couple to the ferrule. The coupling secures the ferrule to the base, but also permits the flag pole to be knocked out from the base.

Abstract: A bottom trim member secures a curved sheet element such as a windshield or the like on a surface. The bottom trim member includes a bottom trim extrusion having a connecting leg affixable to the curved sheet element and a gasket receiving leg. A gasket is disposed in engagement with the gasket receiving leg, where the gasket is shaped such that the bottom trim extrusion is positionable in multiple orientations relative to the surface and such that the gasket maintains a sealing engagement in any of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations. A securing member is affixable to the surface and cooperable with the bottom trim extrusion to secure the bottom trim extrusion to the surface in any one of the bottom trim extrusion multiple orientations.

Abstract: A support for a pole reflector, according to the invention, is useful for securing a marking reflector to the ground to delineate the edge of a road, curb or driveway, for example. The support, which has an anchor portion that may be hammered into the ground, includes a cantilevered arm that extends radially outward from the anchor portion. A pole reflector may be supported by a receiver provided at the free end of the arm, such that the pole reflector may be located over a hard surface such as asphalt or concrete, where the pole reflector could not otherwise be driven into the ground.

Abstract: A stake for holding an irrigation pipe near a plant. The pipe comprising a first end portion and a second portion bendable relative to the first end portion. The stake comprising a distal retaining portion for holding the first portion of the pipe and first and second proximal retaining portions for optionally accommodating the second portion of the pipe. The stake is designed to allow the second portion of the pipe to be optionally moved from the first proximal retaining portion to the second proximal retaining portion without removing the first portion of the pipe from the distal retaining portion.

Abstract: A portable sign includes a light weight post and an arm that is pivotally attached by a hinge to an upper portion of the post and can be locked orthogonal to the post. The hinge enables the sign to be collapsed, such that the arm folds against the post, to facilitate storage and transport. In one embodiment, the post includes a shaft configured to be driven into the ground using a rotary drive tool. The shaft includes a head configured to engage the tool, which provides the motive force required to drive the lower portion of the post into the ground. Some exemplary embodiments employ a base configured to surround the lower portion of the post. The base can serve several functions, including providing support for the post, providing a container for flowers, and providing space for additional signage.

Abstract: A ground securing rod includes a hollow metal rod (1), whose drive-in end has a flat helical section whose diameter is slightly larger than that of the bar (2), terminating in a tip (3). The section is made with the body of the rod (1) itself by a reduction in its diameter in combination with stamping of the rod in order to flatten it, whereby it is twisted until the helical section is formed, which has a cone-shaped reinforcement at its base (4), while at its upper end the rod (1) has an attached upper reinforcing piece (5), having a seat (6) for a torsion lever (7) that can be inserted into a through opening (8) located at the upper end of the rod and is positioned in the area covered by the upper reinforcing piece (5).

Abstract: A ground securing rod includes a hollow metal rod (1), whose drive-in end has a flat helical section whose diameter is slightly larger than that of the bar (2), terminating in a tip (3). The section is made with the body of the rod (1) itself by a reduction in its diameter in combination with stamping of the rod in order to flatten it, whereby it is twisted until the helical section is formed, which has a cone-shaped reinforcement at its base (4), while at its upper end the rod (1) has an attached upper reinforcing piece (5), having a seat (6) for a torsion lever (7) that can be inserted into a through opening (8) located at the upper end of the rod and is positioned in the area covered by the upper reinforcing piece (5).

Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.

Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.

Abstract: A ground stake for securing ropes or other fastening elements comprises a head portion with an elevated, textured surface and two or more extending flanges above a neck portion comprising recesses and a passageway. A plurality of elongated fins, at least a portion of which are tapered, depend from the base of the head portion and terminate in a truncated blunt end, providing a stronger tip while allowing clean penetration of the ground. One or more of the fins may comprise a stiffening rib to increase the rigidity of the fin. The elevated, textured surface provides increased impact resistance and prevents slippage of a pounding implement when the stake is being driven into the ground.

Abstract: A multi-purpose convertible device interchangeably convertible from a shovel mode to an anchor mode, wherein, when in the shovel mode, the convertible device removes earthen material to form an opening, and when in the anchor mode, the earthen material is positioned on a portion of the convertible device to weigh down the convertible device such that the convertible device resists displacement by typically encountered environmental conditions.

Abstract: A rotatable base apparatus for use with a hose reel enclosure. The base comprises an upper and a lower portion. A bearing is located in between the upper and lower portions and allows the portions to rotate with respect to each other. The bearing can comprise balls mounted in sockets in the lower base portion which ride in a track in the upper base portion. Clips are provided on the upper base portion to secure the hose reel enclosure thereto. This arrangement allows the user to remove the hose from the reel in any direction without the danger of the hose reel enclosure tipping over. The hose reel enclosure will rotate to the direction in which the hose is being removed. It also allows the hose reel enclosure to rotate to the direction that the hose is being wound onto the reel. This prevents the hose from being unevenly wound onto the reel, i.e. piling up on one side of the reel.

Abstract: An adjustable beach umbrella assembly has a securing mechanism to attach it to the beach or ground, and then has an umbrella securing mechanism to securely and adjustably hold a beach umbrella in a desired place through an attachment mechanism.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing a roof-resting vehicle includes the steps of leaning one or more buttress stands against a rear fender area of the vehicle, passing a chain under a rear end of the vehicle from one of the buttress stands to another, tightening the slack from the chain by pulling chain-grab end fittings towards the fenders at the vehicle undercarriage, using a ratchet strap, restraining the chain from sliding off the rear end of the vehicle by attaching a ratchet strap to the chain near a trunk lid of the vehicle, and passing the chain up to the vehicle undercarriage in front of a wheel assembly of the vehicle, attaching a ratchet strap at a base of the one or more buttress stands and tightening, and placing wedges in front of the opposite end of the vehicle, such that the vehicle is stabilized.

Abstract: A refuse container retainer includes an elongated member, defining an open chamber, that is screwed in to the ground. A collar attached atop the elongated member has a central opening extending the chamber, a base plate adjacent a top portion of the elongated member, and opposed flanges positioned above the base plate. A telescoping upright member seats in the chamber and extends through the collar. The base plate contacts the ground halting embedding of the elongated member and the cover plate conceals it and the upright member to which it is attached. Lifting the cover plate also lifts the upright member to receive a refuse container turned upside down. The refuse container rests on the ground over the cover plate and upright member.

Abstract: A tent pole bracket for use with a tent having a pole, which may comprise a body having a first end and a second end and a first side and a second side, the body including a wall defining an elongate cavity for receiving a tent pole, the cavity being open on the first end and open on the first side, and the body having a slot for receiving a strap, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An assembly includes an anchor formed from non-corrosive material that includes an elongated stake section provided with a rectilinear spine traveling along an entire length thereof. The stake section has a pair of monolithically formed shoulders diverging forwardly and away from the spine. The shoulders include rectilinear edges equidistantly spaced from the spine so that the stake section defines an elbow-shaped cross-section. The stake section has a coupling monolithically formed with a top end thereof that has a rigid front face and an open rear face. A clamp section is connected to the coupling that can be pivoted about an axis defined orthogonal to the spine. The clamp section is provided with a cup holder monolithically formed therewith for supporting a beverage at an elevated position above the ground surface. The clamp section further has decorative surface indicia imprinted thereon which are associated with beach paraphernalia.

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.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting to and supporting a beam of a walkway releasably attaches to a helical anchor. The bracket includes a beam restrainer for supporting a beam and a connecting plate releasably attached to a connector assembly. The connector assembly releasably attaches the helical anchor to the bracket and accommodates differences in spacing at various installation locations.

Abstract: A beach umbrella provides an elongated support shaft having a pointed distal end inserted into a soft surface, and a proximal folding canopy positioned below an upper terminal end of the support shaft. The folding canopy provides a fabric panel stretched over a plurality of ribs engaged with the support shaft and extending radially from it to form a downwardly convex external surface. A flexible strap is attached over the upper terminal end of the support shaft and an opposing eyelet engaged with the tip of one of the ribs of the umbrella. A securing line is fixed at a distal end to a stake driven into the surface so the line forms a downwardly divergent angle with the support shaft. The flexible strap lies in contact with the external surface of the fabric panel and is joined at its upper end with the strap. Strap and line are arranged to point upwind to counter wind forces so that the umbrella cannot be blown over.

Abstract: An anchoring device for an umbrella for driving and securing the umbrella to a ground surface such as, for example, one comprised of sand or dirt. The anchoring device for an umbrella includes a base plate that has an upper side and a lower side. A stake member mounted to the lower side of the base plate is provided for removably penetrating the surface. A tubular member is coupled to the upper side of the base plate. The tubular member includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending between the first and second ends of the tubular member. The second end of the tubular member includes a bore extending therein toward the first end of the tubular member. In one embodiment, an end of the shaft of the umbrella is removably insertable in the bore.

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.

Abstract: A means for securing a beach towel or blanket or the like on a beach, lawn or the like, having a container sized to receive a weight such as sand, and a slotted diaphragm of flexible resilient material shaped to receive and secure the edge or corner of the towel or blanket.

Abstract: An anchor member for anchoring a beach blanket or beach towel at the beach, the anchoring member having a stake portion having a lower end and an upper end, the lower end being tapered for facilitating insertion into the sand, the upper end being rounded and having extended therefrom a biased clamping means comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw and biasing means disposed there between, the upper jaw and lower jaw having serrated surfaces so as to engage the fabric of a beach blanket or beach towel, the edge of which would be disposed there between, there being an anchor member associated with each corner of the beach blanket or beach towel.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus comprises a cam buckle disposed intermediate each end of the tie-down apparatus, a first strapping material having a first end engageable with a first end of the cam buckle and a second strapping material having a first end engageable with a second end of the cam buckle. A hook like member is disposed on a second end of one of the first strapping material and the second strapping material and a ring like member is disposed on a second end of an opposite one of the first strapping material and the second strapping material. Further, the apparatus includes a means engageable with an end of the tie-down apparatus for anchoring the tie-down apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A ground anchoring device for attaching floral containers to the ground. The anchoring device is made of lightweight material and can be easily manipulated. The anchor has a vertical shaft with a hook at the top for grasping the rim or edge of the container and a horizontal step along the vertical shaft for easy insertion into the ground when pressure or force is applied to the horizontal step.

Abstract: A tie-down apparatus comprises a cam buckle disposed intermediate each end of the tie-down apparatus, a first strapping material having a first end engageable with a first end of the cam buckle and a second strapping material having a first end engageable with a second end of the cam buckle. A hook like member is disposed on a second end of one of the first strapping material and the second strapping material and a ring like member is disposed on a second end of an opposite one of the first strapping material and the second strapping material. Further, the apparatus includes a means engageable with an end of the tie-down apparatus for anchoring the tie-down apparatus.

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.

Abstract: A frame clamp for an anchor strap assembly (10) for a manufactured home (70) having a frame member (74), such as an I-beam (75), and supported above ground (99), such as by piers (91). Anchor strap assembly (10) includes elongate anchor strap (30) connecting a ground anchor (20) to frame clamp (40). Ground anchor (20) includes head (22) fixed near ground (99) to the side of beam (75). Clamp (40) attaches top end (34) of strap (30) to beam (75) and comprises stationary jaw (42) and movable jaw (60) joined such that movable jaw (60) to which strap (30) is attached is pivotable about axis (58) perpendicular to the plane of strap (30) and such that movable jaw (60) is hinged such that tensioning strap (30) clamps beam (75) between jaws (42,61). Clamp (40) is easily attached and prevents strap breakage during home movement such as during an earthquake or storm.

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.

Abstract: A tent pole ground anchor and support device is disclosed as including a substantially flat base that is configured for placement on the ground. A pair of stake-receiving openings are defined in the base so that a ground stake may be inserted through one of the openings and into the ground. A wall projects upwardly from the base, with the wall and base cooperatively defining a pole-retaining recess that is configured to receive an end of the tent pole therein. With respect to known recreational tents, the recess is oversized relative to the tent pole so that the pole may be retained in the recess in the desired oblique orientation relative to the ground. The wall is preferably discontinuous and consequently presents spaced apart ends that cooperatively define a pole-receiving hole therebetween. The pole-receiving hole is provided so that the tent pole may be nested therein when in the desired orientation.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for use with a marine cleat which may be attached to a boat. The bracket is in the form of a rod having first and second ends. The first end of the rod is bent into a Z shape or S shape configuration for engagement with the marine cleat so that the rod is secured to the cleat. The second end is adapted to receive an accessory, such as a lantern.

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.

Abstract: An anchor comprising a curved picket is provided. The picket has a first end and a second end and an attachment element, for receiving a trainer, positioned proximate to the first end of the picket. The second end of the curved picket is penetrable into a surface of a soil or other penetrable substance, in a manner that anchors the picket. The picket penetrates the root system of the plant. The root system provides additional anchoring support for the picket and the attached trainer. A trainer is attached near the first end of the picket and a plant is trained to grow along the trainer. The anchor is a simple and inexpensive device that firmly anchors a trainer near the ground while preventing the trainer from directly contacting the ground. The anchor is more resistant to winds and erosion when compared to conventional anchors. The tension on the trainer is adjustable after the anchor is set into the soil.

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.