Ground Inserted Patents (Class 248/530)
  • Patent number: 6745990
    Abstract: An anchor device comprising an elongated insert which has a lower end, an upper end, and a plurality of rib members extending radially therefrom, each of said rib members having a radial width which increases gradually in a direction from said lower end to said upper end of said elongated insert; an attachment seat integrally connected to said upper end of said insert and upper edges of said rib members; a metal shaft embedded longitudinally in said elongated insert, said metal shaft having an upper end which is embedded in said attachment seat, and a lower end which extends out of said lower end of said insert; and wherein said lower end of said metal shaft is tapered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: LTL Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm K. Groff, Yeu-Tien Yu
  • Patent number: 6742748
    Abstract: A mounting device that provides a stable platform and an enclosed junction box for securing an electrical fixture or any standard wall-mounted electrical device to an outdoor structure. The mounting device includes a base member and a post member. The base member is secured to the outdoor structure and the post member secured to the base to create a weatherproof housing. The junction box includes an access port that allows pulling of cable and space for completing wiring connections within the box. Any standard wall-mounted electrical device may be installed in the junction box. After installing the electrical device, the standard faceplate for the installed device is used to close the access port and thereby seal the electrical device from rain and moisture. The post member will also accept a standard electrical fixture such as a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Arlington Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gretz
  • Patent number: 6719261
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a metal post while it is being driven into the ground utilizes a platen base and a guide member which is joined to the base for holding the post in a steady condition while the post is being driven into the ground. The post is insertable endwise into the guide member and is engageable with the ground through a through-opening defined in the base. As a user stands upon or beside the base with his feet positioned on opposite sides of the through-opening, both of his hands are free to use a driver to drive the post into the ground. Therefore, this apparatus allows an individual to drive a post into the ground without the aid of another individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: George William Wadsworth
  • Publication number: 20040065802
    Abstract: This is a sunshade umbrella stand comprised of a hollow pole, a steel spike, and an umbrella holder. The stand itself is hollow with a foot pedal protruding out from the bottom portion of the stand and the foot pedal is attached to a hammer which slides up and down within the hollow pole comprising the stand. The steel spike is attached to the bottom of the stand and the foot pedal hammer makes contact with the spike forcing the spike into the ground; thus, allowing the stand to be firmly anchored to the surface of the earth. The umbrella holder fits upon the top of the stand into which an umbrella with its post can be placed, so that the umbrella is held firmly in place. The idea of this invention is to have a sunshade umbrella stand which will not allow an umbrella to tilt or fall due to wind or some other natural occurrence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Reinhard Herman Clasen
  • Patent number: 6715503
    Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Wright Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Brooks, III
  • Publication number: 20040036001
    Abstract: A universally applicable fishing rod support capable of being utilized on any type of terrain and/or surface for the effective support and proper angling position of any type and size fishing rod placed thereon, wherein an angler is able to move from passive to active engagement upon the quick and unhindered removal of the fishing rod from the fishing rod support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: James Barfield
  • Patent number: 6691973
    Abstract: A universally applicable fishing rod support capable of being utilized on any type of terrain and/or surface for the effective support and proper angling position of any type and size fishing rod placed thereon, wherein an angler is able to move from passive to active engagement upon the quick and unhindered removal of the fishing rod from the fishing rod support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: James Barfield
  • Patent number: 6685155
    Abstract: A net fixing rack structure includes a base, a fixing tube, and a mounting tube. The base is formed with an oblique through hole. The fixing tube has a first end formed with a pin rod and a screw portion and a second end formed with a transverse through hole. The mounting tube is mounted on the fixing tube. The oblique through hole of the base has a determined inclined angle, so that the fixing tube is fixed in the ground with a determined inclined angle. Thus, after the whole net fixing rack structure is assembled, the mounting tube is inclined relative to the ground with a determined angle, thereby enhancing the supporting effect of the net fixing rack structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Benjamin Chen
  • Patent number: 6675819
    Abstract: A mounting device for a beach umbrella includes a hollow tubular base having an open tapered end adapted for penetrating a ground surface and an opposing open end adapted for receiving an elongated mounting post of the beach umbrella. At least one outwardly projecting support arm is attached to the tubular base, and is adapted for carrying beach items and accessories above the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Lynn B. Arrowood, Ernest C. Arrowood
  • Publication number: 20030234334
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for demarcating a region with respect to the ground comprising a plurality of posts adapted to be removably inserted into the ground. The apparatus further comprises an adjustable connecting means which is secured by a receiving member in an upper portion of the post. A pedestal extends radially from a lower portion of the post. The pedestal is adapted to facilitate the removable insertion of the post. At least one pennant depends from the connecting means. The connection between the posts and the connecting means defines an adjustable border region or perimeter wherein the connection means, the posts, and/or the pennants are elevated above the ground and are thereby highly visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory M. Kenney
  • Patent number: 6637171
    Abstract: According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus and method for suspending rebar is disclosed. The rebar isolator of the present invention comprises a pointed metal spike or stake with one or more hollow-bodied rebar supports. Each of the hollow-bodied rebar supports has a support arm which supports the horizontally-positioned rebar. In addition, the spike or stake portion of the rebar isolator has a number of crimped zones which prevent the support arms from shifting downward or rotating in place when the concrete is poured over the horizontally-positioned rebar. The number of crimped zones corresponds to the number of hollow-bodied cylindrical rebar isolator supports and one crimped zone is located immediately below each of the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan D. Toone
  • Publication number: 20030173474
    Abstract: A hanging apparatus in four general embodiments. In the first embodiment an upright member has at least one hanger removably attached thereto by an attachment, the attachment being fixedly attached to a hanger. A base for holding the upright member has an angle adjusting socket within and can either be a stand or a spike. An upper end cap can be a decorative finial or functional. In the second embodiment a hanger is fixedly attached to a mounting member that is adapted to be positioned over the top of a door or fence. In the third embodiment a hanger is fixedly attached to a mounting member that is adapted to be positioned over the top of a handrail or the like in two variations. In a fourth embodiment at least one hanger is fixedly attached to a mounting member that is adapted to be positioned around a vertical post. A method of providing a hanging apparatus and a display rack for displaying hanging apparatuses is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Scott A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20030132362
    Abstract: A support device for supporting, stabilizing and fertilizing young, damaged or newly planted trees and/or other plant life includes a cross member having opposing first and second ends with a first stake member attached intermediate said ends and a second stake member attached intermediate the first stake member and the second end. Located at the first end of the cross member is an optional, additional support notch. The stake members having a hollow, tubular configuration with an open inlet at their respective upper ends and an insertion point at their respective lower ends. The first stake member further comprising a plurality of apertures extending vertically along the length of the member and having an overall length greater than that of the second stake member. An installation aid is provided which matingly engages the stake members is used to uniformly embed the device into the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Neil R. Miller
  • Patent number: 6591564
    Abstract: A pier support system comprises a support pier with a load-spreading plate that is laterally braced at the top to an anchor plate pinned to the ground just under the periphery of a modular building. The support pier is placed directly under the support girders of the modular building at critical points, and the lateral bracing runs outboard at a down angle of 35°-55°. Sufficient working room exists just inside the periphery of the modular building for large pinning rods to be driven into the ground through the anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Matt Cusimano
  • Patent number: 6588723
    Abstract: A shepherd hook is provided with a decorative outer cladding, preferably copper tube. The end of the outer decorative tubing is flattened and upturned to hold a decorative hanging basket or other decoration from an upturned lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: CFM Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph P. Moran, III
  • Patent number: 6568122
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder apparatus includes a first support unit which includes a V-shaped rod reception portion and a pair of first risers connected to opposite ends of the V-shaped rod reception portion. A second support unit includes a pair of railing rest members connected to the pair of first risers for resting on top of a railing and also includes a downwardly extending U-shaped member which serves to laterally confine the railing rest. A third support unit is connected to the second support unit, and the third support unit includes a front extension portion connected to the second support unit. A first handle rest portion is connected to the front extension portion. A rear extension portion is connected to the first handle rest portion, and a second handle rest portion is connected to the rear extension portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: Clyde D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6547203
    Abstract: A retractable anchoring device comprising of a hollow tubular member an auger and a fastener. The retractable anchoring device may move from a retracted position in which the auger is within the hollow tubular member, to a protracted position where the auger is exposed and may be driven into the ground whereby the hollow tubular member can support shade providing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Douglas Willard
  • Patent number: 6527246
    Abstract: An apparatus for firmly positioning in a trench and securing against movement, while fill is added to the trench, an underground utility pipe and means for marking the utility pipe. An underground positioning and anti-movement apparatus in the form of an underground stake adapted to be driven into a base fill, that includes an integral preferably curvilinear-shaped pipe engaging member which engages the outer surface of an underground pipe to secure the pipe in position above the base fill at the bottom of the trench while additional fill is added to the trench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas M. Stinnett
  • Patent number: 6523302
    Abstract: A unitary garden stake is provided from a formable length of tubing wherein an anvil is formed on an upper end of the tubular body and a wedge is formed on a lower end thereof. The anvil is formed by a plurality of longitudinal crimps along the length of the upper end. The wedge is formed by compressing the lower end of the unitary stake while removing a segment of the tubing wall near the lower end. The anvil is sufficiently strong to absorb the impact of blows administered to drive the wedge into underlying soil. A protective coating is applied to the stake when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Esmail Zayeratabat
  • Patent number: 6497327
    Abstract: A golf club holder useful for holding selected golf clubs in a generally upright position once such selected golf clubs have been extracted from the golf club bag for use by a golfer on the fairway or green approaching a hole. Such golf club holder includes a pointed shaft for insertion into the ground, a handle for ease in insertion and retraction of the golf club holder from the ground, a cigar holder, a bag hanger, and an international orange colored head assembly for ease in locating the golf club holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Perry S. Rindfleisch
  • Patent number: 6494643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system with an anchoring device (1) and a method for fastening an object (2) in the form of a stake or post projecting up from the ground, with an anchoring portion (4) which can be introduced into the earth of the ground and can be removed again from it, or can be releasably fastened on the surface of the ground, and with a holding portion (5) for receiving the object, the holding portion having a cup-shaped or tubular filling portion (6), provided with a filling opening (12), for receiving a filler (7). The filler (7) comprises a coarse-grained, hard material in the form of sand, loose chippings or rock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Thurner
  • Patent number: 6490823
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a fishing rod holding apparatus which is capable of holding, singularly or in combination, a fishing pole, an umbrella, and a lantern. The device is easily transportable because it easily disassembles into small and easy to handle component parts. The device incorporates a swivel, so the fishing rod may be swung about for baiting the hook, unhooking a catch, or adjusting the tackle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Tim V. Ibarra
  • Patent number: 6487781
    Abstract: A bore path alignment system for accurately determining a desired bore pitch for a ground-boring device. The bore path alignment system includes a first pole, a first tube adjustably positioned upon the first tube, a guide tube with a pitch instrument pivotally attached to the first tube, a second pole, and a second tube including a spotter strip adjustably positioned upon the first tube. The user positions the first pole into the ground surface where boring is to begin and the second pole above a location where a specific depth is required. The user positions the second tube containing the spotter strip according to the depth in the second location. The user then adjusts the angle of the guide tube until the spotter strip is aligned thereby allowing the user to determine the required boring pitch by the pitch instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Clifford C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6487977
    Abstract: A portable beach/outdoor table includes a table top adapted to be removably mounted onto the top end of a support pole. An auger is attached to and projects vertically from the lower end of the support pole. A diametrically-extending rod is attached to the support pole adjacent the auger. The rod functions as a wrench to aid in inserting the support pole into the ground. The rod also functions as a stabilizer for the table-mounted support pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventors: Steven Williams, William Smith
  • Publication number: 20020175262
    Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Edward J. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20020153466
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a metal post while it is being driven into the ground. This apparatus allows a single worker to both hold the post steady as well as pound it at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: George William Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 6461084
    Abstract: A post anchor comprising a ground engaging portion in the form of fins and a post receiving portion in the form of deflectable collets that are clamped against a post by a clamping member. A damaged post can be easily replaced by removing the clamping member, replacing the post and reapplying the clamping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Ian Matear Stuart
  • Patent number: 6461018
    Abstract: A decorative lighting stake assembly maintains at least one decorative light above a surface. The decorative lighting stake assembly includes: (i) a holder configured to selectively hold at least one decorative light therein; and (ii) a stake selectively, removably coupled to the holder. The stake selectively couples the holder to the ground surface. The stake is separately deployable from the holder prior to coupling the holder to the stake. In use, the stake is selectively driven partially into the ground surface, after which the holder is selectively coupled to the stake. The stake has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be inserted into a ground surface to a desired depth and the second end is configured to be coupled to the holder. The holder has a receiving end which selectively, removably receives at least one individual light socket therein, so that at least one light is selectively deployed by inserting a socket of the light into the receiving end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Sunhill Properties, P.C.
    Inventor: Lewis P. Chanslor
  • Publication number: 20020139067
    Abstract: A post footing for holding a post segment above a ground surface comprises an outer sleeve adapted to be forcibly driven into the ground. A socket member is pressure fitted within the outer sleeve with the leading end of the sleeve extending beyond the socket member to prevent the latter from being damaged in the event that an obstacle be encountered while the footing is being driven into the ground. The socket member defines a socket adapted to receive and hold an above-ground post segment once the footing has been installed in the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Jean Lapointe, Robert Griffith
  • Publication number: 20020139915
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an anchor device. The method includes providing an elongated mold having an axial hole, a plurality of grooves extending radially from the axial hole, and an enlarged receiving space formed adjacent to the second end of the axial hole; disposing a metal shaft in the axial hole of the mold with an upper end of the metal shaft extending into the receiving space of the mold; injecting a molten plastic material into the mold around the metal shaft in order to fill the grooves and the receiving space; moving a forming die into the receiving space of the mold to depress the plastic material in the receiving space; and retracting the forming die from the mold and removing the integrally formed anchor device from the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: LTL Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm K. Groff, Yeu-Tien Yu
  • Publication number: 20020130236
    Abstract: The invention provides a stand for a stemmed drinking implement, such as a wine glass, and in a preferred form provides a stake for insertion into the ground and a support for engaging and supporting the cup of the drinking implement, rather than the base of the drinking implement with the base of the glass raised above the ground. Since the region of support is much nearer to the center of gravity than the base or even above the center of gravity of the drinking implement, the stability of the drinking implement in the stand is much improved compared to merely placing the drinking implement directly on the ground. Provision of a stake permits that the stand can accommodate uneven or sloping ground easily. In one broad form the invention provides a stand for a stemmed glass or the like including a base portion for attachment to or insertion into a relatively stable object and at least one support portion for holding a stemmed glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Tracey Anne Swensen
  • Patent number: 6439744
    Abstract: A decorative lighting system for deploying a string of decorative lights above a ground surface, includes (i) a string of decorative lights comprising a plurality of electrical sockets each connected by wiring strung between each of the sockets, each socket receiving a light bulb; and (ii) a plurality of separate stakes configured to hold the plurality of sockets. Each stake includes (i) a sharpened end to facilitate driving the stake through the ground surface and into the ground to a desired depth; (ii) a receptacle that removably receives an individual socket therein, and (iii) a slot that removably seats and secures said wiring, the slot located adjacent the sharpened end such that said wiring extends from the socket on said string of lights located at the receptacle, through a body of the stake and into slot, wherein the sharpened end comprises an insertion member disposed below the slot such that the insertion member is placed into the ground surface with the wiring above the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Yard-Lites, Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis P. Chanslor
  • Patent number: 6419592
    Abstract: A receptacle device for propping and supporting, above ground, the elevated golf club grip handle of a grounded golf club, preventing the golf club grip handle from coming in contact with ground surface moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: James E. Player
  • Patent number: 6412748
    Abstract: A ground anchoring mechanism for attachment to an article, such as a beach umbrella, comprises an anchor post defining a lower pointed end and a horizontal step section extending sideways from the anchor post such that the anchor post may be translationally driven into the ground by using a person's foot onto the horizontal step section and driving the anchor post in the ground using the person's weight. The ground anchoring mechanism also includes at least one strap, and preferably a pair of such straps, which defines an opening for receiving an upper end of the anchor post and which comprises an elongated band, typically resilient, which is used to encircle the pole of the beach umbrella and secure the same to the anchor post. The strap also defines on an inner side thereof a concave recess which is adapted to receive part of the circumference of the umbrella's pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fix Plus
    Inventor: Martin Girard
  • Patent number: 6401658
    Abstract: A height adjustable bird feeder apparatus which allows for the selective lowering and raising of a bird feeder relative to a stationary, vertically oriented pole, wherein the apparatus includes a pole, a sleeve concentrically mounted to the pole so as to be slidable therealong, an article, preferably a bird feeder, mounted to the sleeve, and a sleeve retention mechanism. The sleeve extends entirely through the bird feeder at the center of gravity. The sleeve retention mechanism has a plurality of sets of diametrically opposed holes formed in the pole which receive therethrough a removable pin. An optional critter guard is located at the bottom of the sleeve. When the feed becomes depleted, the user removes the pin and lets the sleeve slid down the pole to the bottom. At this height, the bird feeder feed reservoir is now easily replenished. After filling, the user lifts the bird feeder and sleeve combination back up the pole and reinserts the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: W. Bradley Teets
  • Patent number: 6402115
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an anchor device and the product thereof. The method includes providing an elongated mold having an axial hole, a plurality of grooves extending radially from the axial hole, and an enlarged receiving space formed adjacent to the second end of the axial hole; disposing a metal shaft in the axial hole of the mold with an upper end of the metal shaft extending into the receiving space of the mold; injecting a molten plastic material into the mold around the metal shaft in order to fill the grooves and the receiving space; moving a forming die into the receiving space of the mold to depress the plastic material in the receiving space; and retracting the forming die from the mold and removing the integrally formed anchor device from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: LTL Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Malcolm K. Groff, Yeu-Tien Yu
  • Patent number: 6402117
    Abstract: A display-frame fixing device includes a threaded rod, a base, a fixing cylinder, an elongate cylinder and a sleeve. The threaded rod is embedded in the ground with an upper end exposing out and engages with the base resting on the ground. The fixing cylinder fits around the base, letting two insert blocks fitting with an insert member of the base. The sleeve is rotated to move down to surround the fixing cylinder to push in the insert blocks, which contact with the insert member. Then the fixing cylinder, the elongate cylinder and the sleeve are combined stably with the base on the ground for the pole or the rod of a display frame or an advertising banner to insert in the center hole of the elongate cylinder stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Jui-Yi Tsai
  • Publication number: 20020066241
    Abstract: A easily installable fence post for fence posts. The easily installable fence post includes an elongated member having a first end and the second end. An auger bit portion for extending into a ground surface has a pointed end and a blunt end. The blunt end is integrally coupled to the first end of the elongated member such that the auger bit has a longitudinal axis is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Jeff Johnson
  • Patent number: 6389760
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved wood post protective sleeve that provides protection against conditions that promote post deterioration, allows for rapid dissipation of trapped exhaust air within the sleeve upon insertion of the post into the sleeve, and provides increased resistance to uplifting or downpressing displacing forces placed upon the post. In one form, the improved post protective sleeve comprises a body and at least one extending displacement resistant projection. The body comprises an internal surface and an external surface with an open end opposed to a bottom wall. The open end slidably receives a ground insert portion of a post. The bottom wall retains the ground insert portion of the post. At least one displacement resistant projection extends from the external surface, and a retainer secures the ground insert portion of the post to the body, preventing the ground insert portion of the post from uplifting out of and separating from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Ken McDonnell
  • Patent number: 6371432
    Abstract: A support device for supporting a substantially vertical pole comprises a two-part collar (1) defining a central passage (6) therethrough. The parts of the collar may be releasibly secured together, thereby allowing a collar to be fitted around a pole. The support device further comprises a plurality of legs (8, 9) adapted to support the collar above the lowermost ends of the legs and with the central passage thereof substantially vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Philip Tsappi
  • Publication number: 20020040957
    Abstract: Stabilizer apparatus for a landscape light post includes a collar securable to a cyndrical landscape light post and stabilizer element secured to the collar. The stabilizer elements include vertically oriented elements and horizontally disposed elements. Several different embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventor: E. Ray Carter
  • Patent number: 6360491
    Abstract: A new mounting system for elevating and supporting objects such as solar panels and satellite dishes upon a roof. The mounting base for attachment to a roof rafter incorporates a threadable elongated member or stanchion and only requires a single lag bolt which is positioned directly beneath the stanchion for fastening to a roof rafter. A guide tunnel is also provided on the roof mount for proper drill angle into the rafter. The solar panel support utilizes C-shaped extruded aluminum horizontal members where, upon fastening the solar panel to the members, enhances the strength properties from a C-shape to a square structural member. The disclosed design for the solar panel support and associated equipment which are attached to at least two mounting bases, permits efficient packaging, resulting in minimal packaging time and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley A. Ullman
  • Patent number: 6354554
    Abstract: A support stand for a beach umbrella includes a generally planar platform having an opening formed therethrough. A clamp is carried by an upper surface of the platform. The clamp includes an opening that corresponds in size and shape to the opening in the platform. The clamp is opened to introduce an umbrella support member through the opening in the platform. The clamp is then closed to interengage the umbrella support member and fasten the umbrella to the stand. The platform is inserted beneath the sand and an umbrella is inserted through the platform and interengaged by the clamp to anchor the umbrella in place in the sand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Evert Hollenbeck
  • Publication number: 20020027182
    Abstract: The invention is an enhanced stabilization method and improved upright utility containment unit for various serviceable objects. The unit comprises of movable interior and exterior cylinders, joined by a connector. Elevating the unit's interior cylinder, until stopped, activates operation of an integrally attached propulsion mechanism and drive component, which when released impacts the connector, to achieve a controlled alignment force to sequentially hammer the exterior cylinder downward. The internally muffled consistent impact force automatically obtains depth penetration and compressed ballast weight steadiness for the unit. A fiber strap, and latch hook, are attached to the unit for convenient portability and enables flexible capabilities to tether applicable objects, to the stabilized unit, thus preventing displacement while decreasing deterioration of the object by adverse conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Stephen Eppley
  • Publication number: 20020023996
    Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder and supporting device that includes a rod holder, a support member, and a base for land operation and a base for aquatic vessel operation. Both the rod holder and the support member pivot and are securable thereby allowing the fishing rod to be placed in the most advantageous position for catching fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2000
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Kondash
  • Patent number: 6347600
    Abstract: A portable indicating and protective structure for underground utilities is provided. The portable structure is designed to be erected about a utility located at ground level on a construction site, to permit construction workers to avoid inadvertent damage to such a utility. Such damage occurs when the utility is impacted by construction machinery, delivery trucks, and other vehicles on the construction site. The portable structure is a protective barrier which would enclose or encircle the utility. The sidewall elements may be secured in place by stakes or the like. The sidewall may be cylindrical, rectangular, or some other geometric configuration. The top portion and the lower portion would be open to permit access to the utility. Two poles will be affixed proximal the sidewall and will extend vertically several times the height of the sidewall. These pole elements may secure the sidewall in place by passing vertically through a plurality of ring elements which are connected to the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Inventor: John T. Duff, II
  • Patent number: 6341756
    Abstract: A holder for a fishing pole includes a relatively moveable ground engaging member for pivotal attachment to the end of the fishing pole handle and can be selectively moved from an unextended storage position to an extended working position, the ground engaging member having a generally arcuate cross-section and tapering in both length and height and having an arcuate distal end for insertion into the ground to maintain a fishing pole at a desired operating position without the need for a user to physically hold the fishing pole. The fishing pole holder can be permanently attached to the fishing rod handle so that the holding feature is always available for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Allen J. Morris
  • Patent number: 6340147
    Abstract: A fence post holder for holding fence posts in the ground. The fence post holder includes a support portion that has a closed bottom, an open top and a perimeter side wall extending between the closed bottom and the open top to define an interior space adapted for receiving a base of a fence post inserted through the open top. The insertion portion extends downwardly from the support portion. The insertion portion has a bottom point whereby the insertion portion is adapted for facilitating insertion of the insertion portion into a ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Jeff Dymarczyk
  • Patent number: 6338465
    Abstract: A fishing rod holder comprising: a frame adapted to support and pivotally hold a at least one fishing rod, the frame having an anteriorly disposed side and a posteriorly disposed side, each opposing the other, and opposing sides, the anteriorly disposed side having a plurality of anterior fishing rod accommodations, and the posteriorly disposed side having plurality of corresponding inverted posterior fishing rod accommodations; a support member for supporting the frame; at least one supplementary strut therebetween the frame and the support member; and mounting means adapted to mount the fishing rod holder thereonto a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Freddie Stoner
  • Patent number: 6328273
    Abstract: A pole mount is provided for supporting a device, such as a satellite dish or an antenna. The pole mount includes an elongated rod having a ground penetrating end, and a pair of augers secured on the elongated rod in spaced apart relationship. The first auger, which is closer to the ground penetrating end of the elongated rod, is smaller in diameter than the second auger. The ratio of the diameter of the first auger with respect to the second auger is on the order of three to five. A stabilizing plate is secured to the elongated rod and is constructed and arranged to engage the ground. A support member is secured to the stabilizing plate and extends upwardly therefrom away from the elongated rod. The support member is hollow and is adapted to receive a cable which is provided to connect an appliance, such as a television set, to the satellite dish carried on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher C. Kemikem