Abstract: A bird feeder that includes a bird feed holder having open top and bottom ends, a plurality of feeding ports disposed in a sidewall defining the holder, a plurality of perches each associated with an inlet of an associated feeding port and a removable base for engaging with the bottom end of the holder, the removable base having a closed position for sealing the bottom end of the holder so as to retain the bird feed therein and an open position in which the base is removed from the holder to enable access to the bottom end of the holder. One embodiment has a manually operated latch member supported by the base and supported for radial engagement so as to enable releasable securing of the removable base to the holder. In another embodiment a manually operated latch couples to a main body portion, the latch being supported for rotation with respect to the main body portion to releasably secure the base assembly to the housing. Also disclosed is a feeder support apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention describes an anchor for securing an object the ground. The anchor is especially useful for securing, either temporarily or permanently, fixing objects to the ground, such as signs, poles, mailbox posts, tent or net supports. Placement of the device requires no digging and few or no tools, and visible damage to the landscape is reduced. Advantageously, subterranean obstructions can be detected and avoided while securing the device to the ground, thereby protecting utility lines from damage. Typically, little strength and low torque is needed to secure the anchor to the ground.

Abstract: A compression anchor for holding a support member, such as a cylindrical handrail, is disclosed. The anchor includes a body having a cavity and a wedge portion that connects to the body using thick threads, such as 2-4 ACME 2-G threads. The wedge is substantially cylindrical and encircles a support member received in the cavity. A compression ring is in contact with the body and the wedge portion. As the wedge portion turns relative to the body using the threads, the compression ring expands and contracts to loosen or tighten the connection between the received support member and the anchor. The wedge portion and the body are corrosion resistant.

Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector enables a sign support member to be fastened to an anchor member. The connector includes at least one shear member and a coupler assembly. The shear member has a first end, a second end, and a necked down section between the first and second ends. The coupler assembly surrounds the shear member and includes a first opening and a second opening. The shear member first end extends through the first opening, and the shear member second end extends through the second opening.

Abstract: A system for posting signage comprising a cylindrical shaped post, said post having two holes running horizontally there through, the first hole located proximal to the top end of the post and the second hole running proximal to the center of the post, a grooved cone incorporated on the bottom end of the post allowing for screw-type functionality for installing the post into the ground by a twisting motion and a rod that is sized to fit through the first and second hole of the post, said rod being adapted to hold a sign.

Abstract: A modular signpost including a first section, a second section that mounts onto the first section, and a third section that mounts onto the second section. The first section includes a ground mounting structure, a base tube and a guide tube. The second section includes a bracket for holding a flyer box. The second section includes a body tube that is able to slide over the guide tube on the first section. The third section is slide fit into the second section.

Abstract: A reusable fence post for supporting roll-up safety fencing comprising an elongated hollow post having an outside V-angle disposed along a first exterior side of the hollow post; a stake extending downward from a built-in sliding hammer for installing the reusable fence post in the ground without tools; and an elongated jaw member having an inside V-angle hinged at the lower end of the hollow post. The elongated jaw member swings away from the hollow post to receive the plastic fencing and swings toward the hollow post to be latched to the hollow post and held between inside and outside V-angle clamping surfaces, thereby securely clamping the safety fencing to prevent it from slipping either lengthwise or across the width of the fencing. In an alternate embodiment, the outside V-angle serves as the fence post; and the stake, having a cap at its upper end, slides within pipe sections attached to the post.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable post-anchor is readily secured to the ground without the use of tools, and is readily removed for re-use elsewhere, being used with a beach-style umbrella, and/or a table. It can support citronella torches, games nets and signage. The high strength plastic anchor has integral spikes projecting downwardly, and reinforced upper and lower surfaces to provide end loading spaces, for a users foot to force the spikes into the ground. The gusset-reinforced base plate is reinforced with ribs under the loading spaces, and an upstanding gusset-reinforced tube to hold a beach umbrella and/or a table; and to serve as a lever for removing the anchor from the ground.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable post-anchor is readily secured to the ground without the use of tools, and is readily removed for re-use elsewhere, being used with a beach-style umbrella, and/or a table. It can support citronella torches, games nets and signage. The high strength plastic anchor has integral spikes projecting downwardly, and reinforced upper and lower surfaces to provide end loading spaces, for a users foot to force the spikes into the ground. The gusset-reinforced base plate is reinforced with ribs under the loading spaces, and an upstanding gusset-reinforced tube to hold a beach umbrella and/or a table; and to serve as a lever for removing the anchor from the ground.

Abstract: A gravesite memorial display is provided which includes a display rack and support post. The display rack displays items that depict hobbies, interests, and achievements of the deceased. The gravesite memorial display also includes an anti-theft bar that prevents theft of memorial items.

Abstract: An umbrella stand having a tube with an axial lumen, a top, a bottom, and the top capable of receiving a pole into the axial lumen; a removable lever; the top being able to receive and release the removable lever; and the bottom capable of securing the tube into the ground. Or, the above device wherein a first hole and a second hole are oppositely positioned on the side of the tube; and the removable lever comprises a cylindrical rod capable of fitting through the first and second hole. Or, the above device wherein the a grip screw is coupled to the side of the tube and capable of securing the pole in the tube; an annular shim is placed in the stand; the bottom of the stand is a grooved spiral; and latches are coupled to the stand and capable of holding the removable lever.

Abstract: A fishing rod support includes a restriction member configured to receive a portion of a fishing rod, wherein the restriction member is configured to substantially restrict rotational movement of the rod about a substantially vertical axis passing through the rod portion. The support is also provided with a retaining member configured to releasably inhibit vertical movement of the rod portion.

Abstract: A beach umbrella stand is provided including a foot operated drive assembly. A pole of a beach umbrella stand has a hollow interior portion housing the foot operated drive assembly. The foot operated drive assembly includes a ratchet assembly operated by a foot pedal. The ratchet assembly further includes a an auger mounted at least partially within the pole, for driving into the sand. The ratchet assembly is positioned for operation of a pedal by a user's foot.

Abstract: A pier (10) to be driven into a ground surface includes an auger member (11) having a shaft (12) that is rotated in a first direction to drive the auger member into the ground surface, and a compaction member (16) having a sleeve (17) surrounding a portion of the shaft. The compaction member (16) includes a compaction part (18) attached to and extending laterally outwardly of the sleeve (17). A threaded rod (23) engages the shaft (12) and is rotated to cause the compaction member (16) to move down the shaft (12) and compact the soil around the shaft.

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: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: An adjustable post support (10) for use in supporting a post vertically above the ground. The support may include a lower spike portion (12) and an upper bracket portion (14). The lower spike portion may include an upper end. The bracket portion may include a curved dome (22) and an upstanding sleeve (32) extending upwardly therefrom. The curved dome may nest with the upper end of the spike to provide a ball and socket type connection between the lower spike portion and the upper bracket portion. A fastening device (52, 54) may be used for tightening the upper bracket and lower spike portion together and a support table (60) may be located inside the sleeve.

Abstract: A support stand assembly for a rod and reel combination comprises a vertical support member, adapted for extending from a support surface. The support member includes a horizontal top surface and at least one vertical side surface. A T-shaped slot is positioned adjacent the at least one vertical surface of the support member and extends a selected distance into the support member from the top surface thereof. A leg of the T-shaped slot intersects the at least one vertical surface of the vertical support member. An attachment member is secured to the rod of a rod and reel combination proximal the balancing point thereof. The attachment member engages with the T-shaped slot of the support member to support the rod and reel combination in a horizontal position. The attachment member disengages from the T-shaped slot of the support member upon upward movement of the rod and reel combination.

Abstract: The device, destined to be anchored in the ground of granular composition, comprises a rod with a hollow tubular section, the latter having an open upper end wherein can be fixed an object and an intermediate orifice on its flank. The orifice enables evacuation of the granular matter constituting the ground and penetrating into the rod through its open lower end when the device is being anchored in the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding an umbrella includes a longitudinal shaft with a lower and an upper end. The lower end is adapted for insertion into the ground. A pivoting lever is used to urge the lower end into the ground by stepping on it. The upper end is adapted to receive and retain a lower end of the umbrella. An intermediate support is provided between the upper and lower ends and is used to steady the apparatus, for example, in the wind.

Abstract: A post support having a post receiving box. The box includes a pair of adjacent sides having internally raised portions and a pair of opposite sides being free of such raised portions and being substantially open along one edge.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body that has abutted and rectilinear lower ends that extend upwardly from the ground surface and terminate thereabove. The body has a top portion formed with a top edge of the lower ends and is disposed coplanar therewith. Coextensive support rods are conjoined to the lower ends and the top portion. The support rods are coextensively shaped and confront a length of the body. A base plate is engaged with the lower ends and the ground surface. An anchor rod is conjoined to the base plate and extends vertically down and away therefrom. The anchor rod is nested below the ground surface for maintaining same at a fixed position. The anchor rod has a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower end portions and the support rods respectively. A plant pot has a hook attached thereto that is attachable to the top portion.

Abstract: A post support having a post receiving box. The box includes a pair of adjacent sides having internally raised portions and a pair of opposite sides being free of such raised portions and being substantially open along one edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a sign post assembly including a stabilizing post member, an outer tubular post and a horizontal post member. The stabilizing post member includes a spike portion and an inner post portion with a blocking portion coupled to the post member above the spike portion. The outer tubular post defines a post bore substantially extending through a length of the outer tubular post with at least a lower open end. The outer tubular post is configured to mate with the inner post portion to substantially extend within the post bore of the outer tubular post. The horizontal post member includes a horizontal post portion and a post coupling portion. The post coupling portion is configured to operatively couple with the inner post portion of the stabilizing post member so that the horizontal post portion extends transverse to the stabilizing post member to hang a sign thereto.

Abstract: A raisable pedestal includes an enclosed housing fixed to a ground surface; guide rods mounted within the housing; an inner shell mounted for movement along the guide rods between a retracted position entirely within the housing and an extended position extending out from the housing, the inner shell including an arrangement for supporting electronic components in a manner to render the electronic components accessible when the inner shell extends out from the housing; a piston for moving the inner shell along the guide rods between the retracted and extended positions; a rain sensor mounted on an upper end of the housing for detecting precipitation; and a control connected with the sensor for controlling the piston to move the inner shell to the retracted position when the sensor detects precipitation.

Abstract: An expandable socket holds a fence pole for a flexible swimming pool fence. The socket, being generally cylindrical, but slightly tapered, is open at a top end and has a bottom end partially closed with a rectangular opening. The socket sits within a bore within a concrete swimming pool deck or within a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be imbedded in a hole in earth. The lower end of the fence pole has a shaft, with a locking plate mounted thereon. The locking plate fits through the opening in the socket and is twisted to lock the pole in place within the socket. The socket has one or more lengthwise expansion ribs extending from a sidewall. Each rib is capable of limited pivotal outwardly and inwardly movement and has an increased taper at the distal end. When the fence pole is inserted into the socket, each rib is forced outwardly to engage an inner surface of the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A reusable fence post for supporting roll-up safety fencing comprises an elongated hollow post having an outside V-angle disposed along a first exterior side of the hollow post; a stake extending downward from a built-in sliding hammer for installing the reusable fence post in the ground without tools; and an elongated jaw member having an inside V-angle hinged at the lower end of the hollow post. The elongated jaw member swings away from the hollow post to receive the plastic fencing and swings toward the hollow post to be latched to the hollow post and held between inside and outside V-angle clamping surfaces, thereby securely clamping the safety fencing to prevent it from slipping either lengthwise or across the width of the fencing. In an alternate embodiment, the outside V-angle serves as the fence post; and the stake, having a cap at its upper end, slides within pipe sections attached to the post.

Abstract: A low profile support for mounting and supporting electrical fixtures in an outdoor setting. The apparatus includes an elongated body having side walls and a closed top. The closed top includes an aperture that may be threaded or may include an electrically conductive bushing. Stabilizer bars are provided on the lower portion of the elongated body for anchoring the apparatus to the ground. The stabilizer bars are integral with the body to lower production costs and also to minimize separation of the bars from the body when the support is anchored in the ground. A wide cable entryway is provided in the lower portion to accept electrical feed cables. Cables are pulled into the junction box and the lower portion of the body, including the stabilizer bars, are buried in the ground. An electrical fixture may be mounted to the bushing by simply threading into the top threaded aperture or bushing.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a device for fastening poles, posts, masts or the like in the ground and a fastening device with a basic body are described, it being possible, but not essential, for at least one part portion of the basic body to be provided with a screw-like or spiral-like thread, and the basic body essentially having a cone-shaped basic shape with at least one conical part portion. According to the method of the present invention, the basic body is hammered into the basic shape from an essentially cylindrical tube. The fastening device has a holding portion, and an anchoring portion designed in one piece which, if provided with a thread, has at least two part portions of different conicity. The holding portion and essentially the anchoring portion are hollow throughout.

Abstract: A stabilization system, including a drive head, stabilization cap and anchor is provided for boring an anchor into the ground and engaging the stabilization cap with the surface of the ground. The drive head engages the head of the anchor and the stabilization cap. Accordingly, rotation of the drive head results in rotation of the anchor and stabilization cap. It is by rotation that the anchor bores into the ground, the shaft of the anchor is placed at the center of the stabilization cap, and the stabilization cap engages the surface of the ground. After setting the anchor, the stabilization cap opposes lateral movement of the upper end of the anchor.

Abstract: An assembly includes a plurality of elongated and rectilinear support posts having opposed end portions. The assembly further includes a plurality of U-shaped fastening members removably positional through a primary support member. The primary support member is provided with first and second pairs of arcuate indentations formed along the front face of the primary support member. A bracket including attachable first and second sections is medially situated between the support posts. The first section has opposed end portions conjoined to the front face of the primary support member, and the second section has opposed end portions conjoined to the first section end portions wherein the second section protrudes forwardly of the first section. The first and second pair of indentations are juxtaposed side-by-side and are laterally opposed from the end portions of the first and second sections such that the support posts can abut the bracket during operating conditions.

Abstract: A breakaway signpost connector for attaching a sign support member to an anchor member. The connector includes a shear member having a first end, a second end, and a necked-down section between the first and second ends. A spring surrounds the shear member and supports the necked-down section.

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 bow and arrow stand, engaging the ground and holding an archery bow in an erect and upright position without contact with the bow string includes a vertical support shaft with an angular middle portion, an upper vertical portion and a lower vertical portion with a ground end tapering into a sharp point which is inserted into the ground, two padded horizontal members attached to the angular middle portion, an arrow quiver suspended from the lower vertical portion, a secondary ground engaging spike with a horizontal arm attached to the lower vertical portion, and a magnetic accessory bowl attached to the upper vertical portion to hold archery tools and accessories.

Abstract: A tree support stake having a base and a trunk. The base includes a plurality of tines extending horizontally and radially from a center of the base. Each of the tines includes a vertical portion extending downwardly at a periphery of the base. One end of the trunk is connected to the base and the other end extends upwardly to a predetermined height. The trunk comprises a plurality of upward vertical extensions joined together and extending upwardly at various elevations along the predetermined height, and a plurality of horizontal bars protruding perpendicularly from terminuses of the upward vertical extensions.

Abstract: A novel support pole design that is both stable and easily removable in an outdoor environment. The support pole is universally adaptable for use with flags, umbrellas, or other objects requiring support to an elevated position relative to the ground. A key feature of the present invention is the means that anchors the present invention to the ground. This means includes a small locking pin that maintains a large flat base in close coupling with the ground.

Abstract: A gun holder and support apparatus that combines multiple gun engagement functions in a compact adjustable transportable configuration. The gun support device provides for a self-supporting and portable field gun holder with adjustment brackets to accommodate different rifle gun types as well as acting as a gun barrel rest during firing.

Abstract: A new vegetation support for supporting the growth of vegetation such as vegetable plants and vines. The inventive device includes an elongate pole with alternating first and second sets of bores through it. The bores of the first set of bores are extended in a first direction while the bores of the second set of bores are extended in a second direction. Inserted through each of the bores is an elongate dowel. An auger member with a top turning portion and a bottom corkscrew portion is inserted into an opening in the bottom of the pole.

Abstract: A vine wire support post molded as integral unit from plastics has an elongate tapered supporting portion having upper end and lower end, a wire attachment provided on the supporting portion, a peg for holding support post in ground joined to lower end of supporting portion, a foot at the join between peg and supporting portion. The supporting portion is flexible and has variable sectional strength decreasing over a length of supporting portion from a position of higher sectional strength nearer lower end to a position of lower sectional strength nearer upper end.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder system, for holding a fishing rod and securing to a deck rail or ground surface, using a fishing rod holder having a threaded rod, a fixed clamp attached to one end of the threaded rod, a u-shaped rod support bracket attached to the other end of the threaded rod, a movable clamp, and an adjustment wheel for holding the fixed clamp against the movable clamp. A rod support tube mounts in the u-shaped rod support bracket and has an open end for holding the fishing rod. A ground adapter has a cylindrical body that selectively inserts between the fixed clamp and movable clamp and has a pair of stakes for attaching to the ground surface. The holder may be secure to the deck rail by extending the deck rail between the fixed clamp and movable clamp and tightening the adjustment wheel thereagainst.

Abstract: A wooden post protective sleeve including a collar having an open upper end, a closed lower end, and a surrounding side wall. The open upper end is dimensioned for receiving the lower end of the wooden post therein. The surrounding side wall has a plurality of apertures therethrough downwardly of the open upper end. The apertures are dimensioned for receiving wood screws therethrough for engaging the lower end of the wooden post. The closed lower end has a plurality of drainage apertures therethrough. The drainage apertures include a central aperture and four peripheral apertures. The collar is fabricated of plastic.

Abstract: A support for mounting and supporting electrical fixtures and electrical devices in an outdoor setting. The support includes an elongated body that is typically molded in one piece from a plastic material. Stabilizer bars are provided on the lower end of the body to provide firm anchoring in the ground. The stabilizer bars are integral with the body to reduce the possibility of separation from the body. A wide cable entryway is provided on the bottom of the body to accept electrical feed cables at various depths in the ground. The body includes a closed top, four side walls, and at least one access opening within one of the side walls. The hollow interior of the body can be closed off at any location desired between the access opening and the top edge of the cable entryway to form an integral electrical junction box for housing interior electrical connections. A flange projects beyond the outer wall around the access opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a sign post assembly including a stabilizing post member, an outer tubular post and a horizontal post member. The stabilizing post member includes a spike portion and an inner post portion with a blocking portion coupled to the post member above the spike portion. The outer tubular post defines a post bore substantially extending through a length of the outer tubular post with at least a lower open end. The outer tubular post is configured to mate with the inner post portion to substantially extend within the post bore of the outer tubular post. The horizontal post member includes a horizontal post portion and a post coupling portion. The post coupling portion is configured to operatively couple with the inner post portion of the stabilizing post member so that the horizontal post portion extends transverse to the stabilizing post member to hang a sign thereto.

Abstract: The reflective marker allows a user to easily place the invention in a desired location without damaging the housing or structure of the marker. More specifically, the reflective marker that contains a foot cleat allowing a user to foot pressure to the cleat or to strike the cleat with a mallet/hammer to drive the invention into the ground. As a result, force is not exerted on the marker's external housing or marker's reflector, and the reflector's aesthetic appeal, structural integrity and reflecting capacity are kept intact. The reflective marker has a primary and a secondary anchor spike for securing the device in the ground.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for positioning and fixing beams, in particular made from wood, in particular for the construction of ground foundations, by means of at least one ground dowel. The ground dowel receives, in a retaining part, a ground dowel insert part which can be fixed therein and which possesses a retaining means, attached to a baseplate, for determining the position of the beam relative to the ground dowel insert part, the ground dowel insert part being fixed at least adhesively on the pressed-on beam. After the ground dowel, placed at the desired position and provided with the ground dowel insert part, has been adjusted to the desired height, the beam is pressed on to the retaining means in the desired position. The ground dowel insert part is fixed on the removed beam in accordance with the position determined by the retaining means, and the beam thus positioned, with the ground dowel insert part fixed thereon, is inserted into the retaining section of the ground dowel.

Abstract: A flag pole anchor is used for holding a flag pole. The flag pole anchor is particularly beneficial in that it allows a flag to be displayed in association with a headstone or monument while causing little or no interference with cemetery ground crews and the like.

Abstract: A mounting device or post for supporting an electrical fixture or box-mounted electrical device in an outdoor setting. The post provides an internal electrical box that may be configured by the installer as a standard size electrical box or a large electrical box capable of accepting several electrical devices. The top of the electrical box is integral with the top of the post and includes a mounting assembly for an electrical fixture, thereby allowing an electrical fixture to be mounted on the post with all wiring connections contained within the box. An opening in the side wall of the post provides access to the electrical box and is typically provided with a removable cover that is secured thereto. Electrical receptacles, switches, ground fault circuit interrupters or similar devices can be mounted in the box opening.

Abstract: A rigid support is disclosed for attaching a Network Interface Device thereto. The support has an elongate shape with an upper end and a lower end. The support also has means for sliding a ground plate along the support. The support is driven into the earth, and the ground plate is longitudinally adjustable along the support to vary the height of the ground plate above the earth. The ground plate is for connection to electrical ground.

Abstract: Tethering stakes of the nature intended to be pounded flush with or below ground level. Certain of the tethering stakes include a cap on the pounding end which is adapted for ease of placement and release of a tethering line. Accordingly, the tethering line can be removed from the stake when it is to be pounded into the ground and then engaged with the stake only when tethering is desired. Certain of the embodiments include caps having uniquely shaped apertures for securing the tethering line. Another includes an aperture in communication with an aperture in the stake such that a lead cable or the like may be moved out of the way when the stake is pounded into the ground and may be fully received within the stake when tethering is not desired. Another embodiment employs a coupler passing through an aperture directly beneath the pounding surface to facilitate ease of attachment and removal of the tethering line.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and supporting fixtures and electrical devices in an outdoor setting. The apparatus includes an elongated body having side walls and a closed top. The top of the body includes an aperture and an electrically conductive bushing leading into a junction box that meets electrical codes. Integral radial projections extend from the lower portion of the elongated body for anchoring the apparatus to the ground. A wide cable entryway is provided in the lower portion to accept electrical feed cables. The cables are pulled into the junction box and the lower portion of the body buried in the ground. A fixture may be mounted to the bushing and an electrical device mounted in the junction box. After wiring connections are completed within the box and a cover or face plate inserted over the electrical device, the apparatus provides a stable, weatherproof platform for mounting fixtures and electrical devices in an outdoor setting.