Ground Inserted Patents (Class 248/530)
  • Patent number: 5535978
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for anchoring the central support pole of a beach umbrella in the sand at a beach. The present anchoring apparatus includes a length of tube having a lower edge forming an opening at its lower end and a clamping means at its other end. The other or upper end of the tube is operatively adapted to permit the lower end of a beach umbrella support pole to be inserted there through, and the clamping means is suitable to lock in place the lower end of a support pole so inserted. The edge at the lower end of the tube is preferably serrated and intended to cut into the sand beach. The clamping means may include a threaded hole formed through the wall at the upper end of the tube and a screw that can be hand tightened through the threaded hole to apply a clamping force against the lower end of an umbrella support pole inserted into the upper end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventors: Arturo E. Rodriguez, Guillermo P. Rodriquez
  • Patent number: 5529299
    Abstract: A golf accessory apparatus has a divot tool having a removable ball marker attached thereto along with a golf club shaft cradle. The accessory body has a pair of prongs on one end thereof with each prong having a wedged-shaped tip to form a divot tool. The other end of the accessory body has a golf club shaft cradle thereon formed with a pair of lobes forming an arcuate seat therebetween so that when the prongs are pushed into the earth, the golf club can have the shaft laid upon the cradle to keep it off the ground. The golf accessory body also has a ball marker support thereon including an edge opening and a front window in the body. The window allows for removing a ball marker of predetermined shape into the edge slot behind the window and to display the face of the ball marker through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Miro D. Bellagamba
  • Patent number: 5524855
    Abstract: An anchor for supporting an umbrella post in a vertical position relative to a ground surface. The inventive device includes a cylindrical main body positionable into the ground surface and having a cylindrical bore for receiving the umbrella post. The cylindrical body includes a shovel formed at a lower end thereof, and a storage cup secured to an upper end for receiving and storing small articles or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Inventor: Dean A. Lesar
  • Patent number: 5518218
    Abstract: A portable umbrella assembly comprised of a tube, an umbrella disposed within the tube, an umbrella support member, and three bungee cords attached around the tube. One of the ends of the tube is chamfered so that it can readily be inserted into the ground. A series of holes are drilled through the tube to receive a transversely-extending fastener insertable through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: The Last Stand (Umbrella Holder Company)
    Inventor: Stephen S. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5501086
    Abstract: A security device for personal property at a beach includes two rods of a particular construction to permit ready mounting in loose soil or sand. A bar is formed to be attached readily between the two rods, so that neither rod can be turned to remove. A chain is secured at one end of the bar which prevents removal of the bar, and a padlock secures the chain to an item to be protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas M. Sherlock
  • Patent number: 5492294
    Abstract: A line guide bracket for adjustably coupling a holder to a ground stake is disclosed wherein the bracket is formed from flat metal sheet stock into a tubular structure and includes apertures having centering notches for accommodating ground stakes and holder arms of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Weston W. Haeussler
  • Patent number: 5488798
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a fishing rod at an inclined angle relative to a ground surface. The inventive device includes a stake member for piercing and engaging the ground surface. An adjustment assembly extends from the stake member and terminates in a pole engaging assembly against which the fishing pole can lean. A pair of laterally extending steps are secured to an upper end of the stake and can be utilized to force the stake into the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Mary J. Beachel
  • Patent number: 5482246
    Abstract: An anchoring device having an auger disposed circumferentially around the device and a spiral-shaped member mounted to a distal end of the device to facilitate insertion of the device into sand or loose dirt. The auger preferably includes a radially outward edge which is upwardly curved to give the auger a generally scoop-shaped configuration. This scoop-shaped configuration is capable of entering the ground and retaining earthen materials and thereby provides a significant anchoring effect. The anchoring device is either attachable to the bottom end of a device to be anchored, such as an umbrella post, or is integrally formed therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Sandgrabbers, Inc.
    Inventor: Barbara Derkoski
  • Patent number: 5471802
    Abstract: An electromagnetically suspended floating floor apparatus in which a floating floor on which machines are set up is suspended from an installation floor with electromagnetic actuators so that the floating floor is spatially separated from the installation floor whereby no vibration is transmitted to equipment on the floating floor. The floating floor apparatus comprises the floating floor suspended from the installation floor at a plurality of supporting points by electromagnetic actuators, a light emitting member, fixed to a beam or a pillar, which emits a horizontal light beam, and a photosensor fixed to the installation floor which outputs a position signal representing a position of incidence of the horizontal light beam to the electromagnetic actuators. On the basis of the position signal, the electromagnetic actuators control a vertical position of the floating floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, Kajima Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Yano, Yoichi Kanemitsu, Katsuhide Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5470038
    Abstract: A portable, self-stabilizing folding seat support for use on ground conditions of various consistencies comprising a rigid main shaft, a plurality of pivoting stabilizer feet and stabilizer feet brackets attached to the base of the main shaft, and an adjustable stabilizer shaft which can be extended beyond the base of the main shaft and pivoting stabilizer feet to various positions. A removable stabilizer shaft cross bolt is used to fix the adjustable stabilizer shaft in various degrees of extension in relation to the main shaft and stabilizer feet, and a retention leash flexibly attaches the stabilizer shaft cross bolt to the main shaft and prevents its loss. The seat support may be used to provide a self-stabilizing seating platform on soft unstable ground conditions by vertically thrusting the extended stabilizer shaft into the soft ground or mud so that the extended stabilizer feet engage the soft surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Inventor: R. John Clark
  • Patent number: 5451045
    Abstract: A golf flag stick with a drainage ferrule having a plurality of valleys or grooves and a plurality of lands or projections in its outer circumferential surface. The lands engaging the inner surface of a ferrule socket in a putting cup while the grooves allow water, sand and other debris to pass through the ferrule socket while the ferrule is in the socket because the plurality of grooves and the ferrule socket define drainage apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Par Aide Products Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Garske
  • Patent number: 5433233
    Abstract: An umbrella including a central shaft, a plurality of fabric support ribs extending outwardly from the central shaft, a fabric cover associated with the fabric support ribs, a plurality of rib support elements for supporting the fabric support ribs and a plurality of detachable attachment elements, each operative to detachably attach a rib support element onto a fabric support rib, whereby in response to strong winds or other forces, detachment occurs, thereby preventing breakage of the support ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Sol Camping Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Shimon Shiran, Yonathan Zabary
  • Patent number: 5427346
    Abstract: A carrying case and anchoring system for a beach umbrella and its support shaft is disclosed comprising in combination:(1) Container means consisting of top, bottom and side members wherein the top and bottom members are operationally connected at one edge by hinge means to allow pivoting of the members about the axis of the hinge means whereby the container is opened and closed; wherein the top, bottom and side members define a hollow cavity when the carrying case is closed of sufficient size to receive a beach umbrella, its support shaft and a weighting medium for anchoring the container means, umbrella and support shaft; the top and bottom members being further characterized by possessing a plurality of paired openings situated through the top and bottom members wherein the openings of each pair are in direct opposition to one another such that when the carrying case is closed, the opening in the top member is juxtaposed upon the opening in the bottom member, thereby forming a channel through which the umb
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Mark Urgola
  • Patent number: 5396916
    Abstract: A shading device including an umbrella-like canopy comprising a collapsible frame and a flexible light-proof covering with a anchoring device for supporting the shade device above ground so that the canopy will serve as a sun shade, particularly for blocking the rays of the sun wherein the anchoring device including an offset support arm for overhanging the canopy and a anchoring helix adapted to be driven into the ground for providing support to the shading device, said anchoring device is mounted to the other end of a crankshaft with a hand crank for rotating the crankshaft in screw fashion to drive the anchoring helix to impart rotational force to drive the helical member of the anchoring device into the ground for anchoring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Robert Boissonnault
  • Patent number: 5396743
    Abstract: An anchorage device for use in sand or sandy soils. The device comprises a shank portion (2) and a spike portion (4) at a lower end of the shank portion. The spike portion (4) comprises a first and second pair of downwardly convergent plates (6,18), the second pair of plates (18) extending from a position above the upper ends of the first plates (6) to a position beneath the upper ends of the first plates to funnel sand into the zone between the interior surfaces of the first plates (6). The sand thereby trapped between the plates anchors the spike portion (4) within the ground. The device may be used for example for anchoring beach umbrellas, tents and fences in sand or sandy soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney W. Bellette
  • Patent number: 5393052
    Abstract: A golfing device for divot repair/club holding/ball mark retention. The device has a central body portion with a narrow first end and a wide second end. A pair of long legs extend from the first end of the main body portion with a long u-shaped recess therebetween. The long legs have free ends remote from the first ends adapted to function as divot repair. A pair of short legs extend from the second end of the main body portion and have a shallow c-shaped recess between the legs. The short legs have a c-shaped recess adapted to hold the end of a golf club when the long legs are inserted into the ground. Lateral edges of the long legs, main body portion and short legs form smooth continuous lines in a tapering configuration being widest at the free ends of the short legs and being narrowest at the free ends of the long legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Todd E. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5390916
    Abstract: A combination container and holder (1) for a golf putter (5) and other clubs having a tube (19) with an open top (3) and closed bottom (12), a spike (2) for inserting the holder (1) into the ground (20) during play and a hook (4) extending from the tube (19) for retaining a wedge club (6) leaned against it during play. This holder helps to eliminate getting clubs and grips wet and dirty and bending to pick up clubs during play. It also protects and preserves golf club putters when out of the bag during play and even in the bag during storage and transportation. Optional holes (13) are provided in the tube bottom (16) to allow rain, moisture and dirt to drain from the tube (19). Optional supports may be added to the bottom floor (12) of the tube (19) to hold the putter above the floor of the tube (19) and keep it from touching any moisture or dirt on the bottom thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Par 3 Enterprises Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Govoni
  • Patent number: 5383299
    Abstract: A device for holding two fishing rods simultaneously comprising a vertically positionably post, the post having a lower end insertable into the ground, the post having an upper end with an extent formed at an acute angle with respect to the vertical and a horizontal component at the upper end of the upper extent adapted to be held by the person fishing, the post having an intermediate extent to orient the upper extent at an elevation to locate the lower portion of a fishing rod at a convenient height for the person fishing; a pair of tubes secured to the post adjacent to the upper extent thereof to orient the tubes with the axes at a common acute angle from the vertical with the axes of the tubes being rotationally displaced at an acute angle whereby two fishing rods supported by the tubes will extend at a proper angular orientation with respect to the horizontal and at a proper angular orientation with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Inventor: Delmer M. Smelker
  • Patent number: 5369902
    Abstract: An interchangeable sign system for locating indicia relative to a predetermined display includes an integral support member having a spacing portion and a retaining portion, and an indicia bearing member having a front indicia bearing surface and a flat rear surface including a retainer for freely, slidably engaging the indicia bearing member and the support member. The retaining portion and the spacing portion are not collinear but intersect at a junction to form an intersecting angle of between about 10 degrees to 170 degrees with respect to the spacing portion to orient the indicia bearing member in the line of sight of an observer when the indicia bearing member is above or below the observer's level line of sight. In the preferred embodiment, the retainer defines an open ended channel superbonded to the rear surface of the indicia bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Precision Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Minster
  • Patent number: 5365689
    Abstract: A device for holding a fishing rod has a rod engaging section which is pivotally affixed to a base section. The base section is attached, preferably rotatably, to a mounting section. The mounting section is constructed such that it can be alternatively clamped onto a wheelchair, or a lawn chair, or the side of a boat, or stuck into a shore/bank using a specially adapted securing stake. The device is constructed such that upon a fish strike, the rod engaging section swivels toward the direction of the applied force, preventing the fish from pulling the rod into the water. A spring loaded screw can be used to lock the rotating rod section into a set, non-rotatable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Donald E. Holliman
  • Patent number: 5359803
    Abstract: An adjustable pole rest includes a supporting device which consists of two telescopic rods connected by a connector for supporting a fishing rod, a mounting device fastened to the ground to support the supporting device, a balancing device fastened to the ground to balance the positioning of the mounting device on the ground, and a swivel coupling device connected between the supporting device and the mounting device for permitting the supporting device to be turned horizontally on the mounting device to change the position of the fishing pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventor: Gwo-Nan Shieh
  • Patent number: 5358209
    Abstract: An anchoring device for use on the shaft of a beach umbrella or the like, including a conical member that tapers to a rounded point and around which is spirally wound a constant pitch asymmetric buttress-type thread whose upper surface is perpendicular to the long axis of the conical member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: William H. Ward
  • Patent number: 5349775
    Abstract: An adjustable ground-inserted fishing rod holder for supporting a fishing rod at a desired angle. The holder includes a stake which may be inserted into a ground surface at the desired angle. A pair of supports are coupled to the stake and may be adjusted to accommodate fishing rods of various lengths. Measurement indicia is provided on a side of the stake and an alternate embodiment includes an oscillator assembly for selectively oscillating an associated fishing pole. A foot engagement element is coupled to the stake so as to aid insertion of the stake into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventor: Valentino G. Mondares
  • Patent number: 5337989
    Abstract: A two-piece self-locking pole stand assembly includes a sleeve base that is secured into the ground and a tubular insert that fits snugly into the base, housing two pivot arms that engage the base and automatically lock the insert to it upon insertion of the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Phillip C. Apple
  • Patent number: 5305976
    Abstract: A metal stake having a pointed lower end is arranged for penetration into and upright support above the ground. At least one plate extends laterally from the stake to preclude turning thereof and also can enter a slot in a wooden post to enable removable post mounting on the stake. With slight addition of square collars a square tubular post can be similarly mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Jack D. Blanchard
    Inventor: Jack D. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 5286019
    Abstract: The combination comprises a support and a wiper detachably attachable to the support. The support comprises a shaft being pointed at one end and having an essentially semi-circular bracket attached to its other end, the shaft and bracket lying essential in a flat plane. The wiper is a small, pleated towel with a tab portion attached at one end. VELCRO (T.M.) fastener components are attached to the tab so that the tab may be folded over and detachably straddle the bracket, In use the support is pushed essentially vertically into terrain and one or more golf club handles laid into the bracket to hold them off the terrain. The wiper is used to remove contamination from the handles, heads and shafts of the golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Jason M. Watabe
  • Patent number: 5273062
    Abstract: A beach umbrella has a shaft, ribs, gores, stretchers, and a runner to open and close the umbrella. A container is attached to the runner, container a radio and a locked storage compartment. A fan assembly is also attached to the runner to force air downward onto a person under the umbrella. The umbrella also has a base with threads on the lower end of the base, so the umbrella can be threaded into the ground. A platform on the base provides a stable foundation, and handles on the platform facilitate the threading of the umbrella into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Inventor: Peter Mozdzanowski
  • Patent number: 5271196
    Abstract: A stabilizer-retention device for beach umbrellas which will substantially increase the total static retention forces and lateral stability of beach umbrellas thereby alleviating or preventing lifting forces caused by steady winds and/or gusts causing a beach umbrella to become dislodged from the sand in which it is supported or becoming tilted or upset thereby greatly facilitating use of beach umbrellas in a more stable, secure and safe manner. The device involves an attachment or modification of the supporting rod or standard that is normally inserted into the sand to increase the lateral stability and static retention of the umbrella. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed including a plate attached to the lower end of the supporting rod which may be circular, square or polygonal with various methods of attachment or an open-topped container embedded in the sand for receiving the beach umbrella rod or standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Roy Fanti
  • Patent number: 5263279
    Abstract: A support device for rigidly holding an upright prop driven into a ground mixture in a container having an upper rim. The device comprises an elongated member provided at one end with a ring in which the prop may be slid and held substantially vertically when it is set in ground mixture. The device also comprises a sleeve that can be clipped onto the rim of the container, the sleeve slideably receiving the elongated member and holding it in a direction perpendicular to the rim. The elongated member is detachably locked within the sleeve by a pawl which projects from the sleeve in such a manner as to engage a notch being part of a series of spaced apart notches made in the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventors: Leopold Delsanne, Daniel McLaughlin, Jean-Marie Allard
  • Patent number: 5217194
    Abstract: Support tubes of an associated yard swing arrangement are mounted to stabilizer apparatus, including an upper tube portion coaxially mounted to a lower tube portion. The lower tube portion includes a "V" shaped anchor plate member arranged for projection into an underlying ground surface. A modification of the invention includes anchor rods pivotally mounted relative to an inner tube arranged for projection through slots of an outer tube for securement to an underlying ground surface in the anchoring of the yard swing structure to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Hugh L. Brownell
  • Patent number: 5176344
    Abstract: A net game comprising of a pair of poles that are tightened across using a rope or cable in support of a net for net games. Said pole members are tubular in shape and are joined with ground anchor members that are of similar shape so as to slip-fit one over the other. Ground anchor members are rigidly placed partially within the earth for attachment and support of pole members. This standard is self-supporting and is suitable for a variety of net game sports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Stephen E. Eberhard
    Inventor: Stephen Eberhard
  • Patent number: 5161561
    Abstract: An outdoor service system is disclosed which is comprised of a segmented pole, a plurality of fixed split thrust bearing parts mounted on said pole, a split table mounted on a rotatable thrust bearing part which bears upon one of said fixed thrust bearing parts, a plurality of receptacles detachably secured to a rotatable thrust bearing part which is borne by one of said fixed thrust bearing parts, and a parasol mounted on a rotatable thrust bearing part which is borne by another one of said fixed thrust bearing parts. The disclosed outdoor service system further includes a pointed lowermost pole segment adapted to be driven into the ground and a plurality of wings pivotably mounted on said lowermost pole segment whereby to prevent its withdrawal from the ground. A foot plate is further provided to assist in the embedding of the lowermost pole segment in the ground, and to resist angular deflection of the pole when its lowermost segment is fully embedded in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Bruce W. Jamieson
  • Patent number: 5156369
    Abstract: A ground anchoring arrangement for attachment to, for example, the pole of a beach umbrella or the like consists of a hollow cylindrical member having a rod rotatably supported therein. A spiral screw is attached to one end of the rod, and the other end of the rod is grippingly (CANC) attachable to a handle rotator. Thus, when the handle rotator is rotated, the rod rotates, and the spiral screw rotates with it. The point of the screw is placed adjacent to the ground and rotated so that the screw digs itself into the earth to firmly fix the elongated cylinder in the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Inventor: Salvatore Tizzoni
  • Patent number: 5152495
    Abstract: A mechanism for anchoring umbrellas that includes a tubular outer member and a helical assembly at the lower end that is driven into the ground through manually imparted rotation through the use of a gear box and handle or battery powered electric motor. Stabilizing members protrude into the ground by the action of a releasable spring. The spring acts on an inner shaft that is co-axially housed within an outer tubular member. The inner shaft is rigidly mounted at its lower end to a platform member from which the stabilizing members are pivotally mounted. The stabilizing members protrude outwardly and snuggly through angular openings preventing the sand or soil from entering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Inventors: Manuel A. Jacinto, Pablo W. Concepcion
  • Patent number: 5143108
    Abstract: A portable beach umbrella is provided having a plurality of rotatable accessible utility levels for storing necessary beach equipment. The umbrella also includes a refreshment support member, entertainment devices, and is easily secured to sand or ground for stability while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Robert J. Kenney
  • Patent number: 5098057
    Abstract: Apparatus for reliably anchoring a vertical shaft to various types of earth. The apparatus includes an anchor pin having a helically coiled portion at the lower end thereof designed to be screwed into the ground, and a shaft holder releasably attached to the anchor pin and having a shaft-receiving opening through which a shaft carrying a load to be anchored is adapted to be extended. The shaft-receiving opening is laterally offset from its attachments to the anchor pin such that the shaft may be extended fully through the opening and firmly inserted into the ground. The anchoring apparatus of the invention is designed for general use in anchoring vertical shafts carrying various types of loads including umbrellas, birdhouses, signs, flags and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventors: Carl H. Gran, Charles Reed, Arthur A. Smith
  • Patent number: 5090348
    Abstract: The invention is a traffic signalling post which comprises a flexible rod member, a rigid shaft coaxially secured at one end to the rod member, an anchor bore member adapted to house the shaft for maintaining the latter in a vertical position. The bore member has a perforated elastic diaphragm for peripherally sealing the shaft at a location adjacent the rod member when the latter sits in the bore member. The diaphragm is particularly characterized by a pair of rectilinear lips extending upwardly and adapted to be depressed downwardly with the introduction of the shaft in the anchor bore member and to be raised upwardly by the retraction of the shaft from the anchor bore member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Denis P. Hugron
  • Patent number: 5090656
    Abstract: A sign of fence post support includes an upper polygonal section from which depend a plurality of leg members. The upper section defines an inner socket within which a post bottom is placed and includes a plurality of inwardly directed tangs specifically formed to permit slicing into the material of a post bottom being urged into the socket, to provide a secure interlocking of a post to the support device. A pair of diametrically opposed leg members each comprises a pair of side plates of triangular configuration and disposed normal to one another such that during driving of the support into the ground, obstructions in the soil will urge the bottom tips of the leg member in an outward direction, further anchoring the assembly within the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Roger A. Brown
  • Patent number: 5088681
    Abstract: Anchor device for use on the stake of a beach umbrella, including a main body having a semi-circular cross-section and a flight that extends helically around the main body and is fastened to it at two longitudinally-spaced position lines of contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Rudolph J. Procaccianti
    Inventors: Rudolph J. Procaccianti, Bartolo Rizzo
  • Patent number: 5083395
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pole member organization, wherein a plurality of vertical posts are fixedly secured together joined at their upper terminal end to an "L" shaped junction. The "L" shaped junction includes a first horizontal post telescopingly receiving a second and third horizontal post. The first and second horizontal posts include guide slots that are longitudinally aligned, with the guide slots receiving an alignment eye and leg within each slot to guide each post in a telescoping relationship. A winding reel is mounted within the "L" shaped junction, with the "L" shaped junction including an aperture aligned with each eye to effect a winding and reeling of the associated crab trap to the post structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Inventor: Angela F. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5082231
    Abstract: A post-support for permanent installation at or below ground level includes a post-receiving collar affixed to fins. The fins have collar supporting shoulders against which a post may rest. A driver/cap/marker has a cap and a sleeve and the sleeve length is the same as the collar length so that when the driver/cap/marker is inserted into the collar the lower edge of the sleeve rests on the shoulders and the underside of the cap/marker rests on top of the collar. The driver/cap/marker serves firstly as a tool for inserting the support into the ground, secondly as a cover for an unused support, and thirdly as marking/locating means for an unused collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: John R. Knowles
  • Patent number: 5080239
    Abstract: Golf-club holder which supplements a normal golf bag and is particularly adapted for use with golf carts. The holder comprises an elongated rigid body which terminates as a spike at one end which is driven into the ground when using the holder. Golf-club retaining means are affixed to the body and spaced from the spike so that the clubs can be retained proximate the upper ends thereof. The retaining means each have a short flexible member affixed at one end to the body and a ring-like retaining member is affixed to the other end. The ring-like member fits over the top of the club to retain same. When the holder is not in use it can readily be stored in the golf bag since it occupies only a small lateral space. In use, the golfer carries the holder and several clubs from the cart to a location remote from the cart where the clubs not used for the shot are retained by the holder. This keeps the clubs clean and dry and prevents clubs from being inadvertently left on the course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Inventor: Joseph W. Rowland
  • Patent number: 5076032
    Abstract: A post and anchoring device that rapidly secures a wooden post to the ground. An anchor stake is driven into the ground to a predetermined depth onto which a wooden post having an appeal bore is insertively engaged and locked to the anchor stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Steel City Corporation
    Inventor: John F. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5046699
    Abstract: An anchoring device for securing a post such as a beach umbrella into the ground comprising a hollow tubular member for vertically holding the post, a screw member at the lower end of the tubular member, a pair of laterally extending lever arms at the upper end of the tubular member for twisting the screw member and the tubular member and driving both into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventors: Gilles R. Perreault, Pierre P. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 5044597
    Abstract: A receptacle device for removably receiving an supporting an external utilization device such as a rod or a fishing pole. The device includes an generally tubular receptacle body of electrically insulating material extending in a longitudinal direction having a receiving opening at one end thereof. The body includes a support opening the axis of which is parallel to and spaced apart from the axis of the receiving opening. A rigid longitudinally extending support shaft is received within the support opening which rigidly extends away from the receptacle body at the support opening for anchoring the receptacle device into and through an opening of an external surface such as the surface of the earth or the rod holder of a recreational boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Lester S. Walczak
  • Patent number: 4938446
    Abstract: A fishing rod support having a pair of tines connected by a horizontal member adapted for purchase of the foot to set the tines into the soil. A spaced apart pair of upwardly and downwardly opening rod cradles allow the rod to be positioned within the cradles to clear the reel for unobstructed use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: James L. Williams
  • Patent number: 4925148
    Abstract: A fishing pole holder is provided and consists of a bracket attached to an elongated post having a pointed end adapted to be inserted into the ground near a body of water so that a portion of a fishing pole can be inserted and supported between the bracket and the post. A built-in flashlight is carried by the post for illuminating for night fishing. A mechanism carried on the post can visually indicate a hooked fish by flashing the flashlight when the fish pulls the fishing pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventors: Jerry Newton, Chester Grogan, Jr., George Spector
  • Patent number: 4923164
    Abstract: Four orthagonally oriented rigid blades are fixed together along a side of each and taper to a common pointed bottom with a rigid top plate affixed across the top of the blades and a steel tube extends upwardly from the plate to receive and support a post such as a sign post, fence post or the like extending upwardly from the device. The invention is adapted to be driven into the ground to support and anchor posts.The invention also includes a "break away" embodiment incorporating a thick high density rubber retainer atop the rigid plate about the tube which has a flanged bottom beneath the rubber retainer and a rigid centrally apertured plate is bolted onto the top plate to hold the rubber retainer and tube on the top plate. A heavy blow to a post mounted in the tube will tilt the tube to pivot the flange thereof to deform the retainer and allow the tube and flange to flip out of the upper apertured plate as a break away feature without damage to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Richard A. Stenberg
  • Patent number: 4910902
    Abstract: A stake is drivable into the ground for holding a sign post. The stake has a clamp at its upper end so that the stake can be driven into the ground, then a conventional sign post can be clamped for support. The stake includes a flange, of rods, used to stabilize the stake and prevent rotation. The clamp may also include holes to received small flag poles as an additional attraction to the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Terry O. Greer
    Inventor: Joe Anderson
  • Patent number: 4874149
    Abstract: A post support for securing a post in the ground in a generally vertical position, which post support comprises an elongated ground-engaging spike to be driven vertically into the ground and a post support hollow container which comprises a pair of fixed, right angle vertical wall sections which form a part of the hollow container and which have tapered hemmed edges and a pair of right angled wedge end caps which also have tapered hemmed edges, with the wedge end caps adapted to have their edges fit in an overlapping relationship with the hemmed edges of the fixed vertical wall section and to be driven downwardly on the installation of the post to force the fixed wall sections inwardly so as to wedge and engage the post within the hollow container section thereby providing the support and securing of a post in the post support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: The Gordon Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Miceli