Abstract: The present disclosure provides a molded screw preferably comprised of a sleeve portion to receive a pole, the sleeve portion connected to a conical shank terminating at a tip. The shank is in turn further comprised of at least one thread, the thread to facilitate drilling of the screw into the ground. The thread is further comprised of recessed portions that receive earth or dirt or other substances during the drilling process and stabilize the screw when it is set in the ground. In another embodiment, the shank is further comprised of a high and low thread, which spiral in alternating fashion to the tip of the screw.

Abstract: A retention clip, a seat assembly having a retention clip, and a method of assembly. The retention clip has a spiral anchor and at least one retention feature. The spiral anchor is configured to be screwed into a cushion. The retention feature extends away from the spiral anchor and is configured to secure a seat component to the retention clip.

Abstract: A post foundation system is provided. The system has a shaft with a helical disk attached to one end and a post support attached to the other end. The helical disk drives the shaft into the ground as a rotational force is applied to the shaft. A fin section is rotatably coupled about the shaft between its first and second ends. The fin section can have one or more fins extending outwardly from the shaft. The fin section engages the ground to stabilize the post foundation system as the shaft of the post foundation system is driven into the ground.

Abstract: An underground base configured for supporting an above-ground static structure that has a pair of plates each having a distal end, a proximal end, and a body portion between the distal end and the proximal end. The pair of plates are connected to each other to define a box section and a pair of flanges extending outwardly from opposing vertices of the box section. The base further has a plurality of brackets each connected to one of the plates at the proximal end, a base plate connected to the plurality of brackets, and an adjustment plate connected to the base plate via one or more adjustment fasteners. The adjustment plate is movable relative to the base plate via the one or more adjustment fasteners to adjust an orientation of the adjustment plate relative to the base plate.

Abstract: An anchor head mounted to or incorporated into the shaft of conventional tie down stakes and earth anchors. The anchor head eliminates the need to manually drive the earth anchor into the ground and allows the anchor to be placed and removed using conventional powered drill/drivers and hex sockets or wrenches. The anchor head has a hexagonal top section and a hexagonal bottom sectional separated by an integral, central annular shoulder. The top and bottom sections are each configured to have six equilateral side walls and dimensioned to receive two different sizes of wrench or hex socket. The bottom section of the anchor head has a threaded axial bore for receiving the threaded end of the anchor shaft. The bottom section also has a lateral “swage” bore through which a punch is inserted to swage or deform the threads of the shaft to permanently secure the anchor head to the shaft.

Abstract: In the above embodiment, the second leg distal end may be shaped to directly enter the slot, the distal end being aligned in a direction parallel and offset relative to the longitudinal cable axis. Also in the above embodiment, the first leg distal end may be shaped as an inverted U-shaped hook, the U-shaped hook being perpendicular and offset relative to the longitudinal cable axis and at least part of the post wall beneath the slot fits within the U-shaped hook once the hanger reaches the final seated position. The end shapes noted above are provided by way of example only and should not be seen as limiting.

Abstract: A pet food and water receptacle anchoring system includes an anchor that is fixed on an underside of the food/water receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, the anchor comprises a head member on an upper portion and a screw member on a lower portion. The anchor may be screwed downwardly into any surface, or alternatively into a sleeve that is secured into a cement surface. Preferably, the anchor includes a ground plate to provide further stabilization to the receptacle when secured to a surface.

Abstract: A tension device for securing a floating structure to a fixed point includes an elastic member and an inelastic member. The elastic member has a length between a first end and a second end thereof. The length is elastically variable under tension. The inelastic member limits elongation of the length of the elastic member. The tension device has a first length when the elastic member is not under tension and a longer length when the elastic member is elastically stretched by a tension force. The inelastic member limits elastic elongation of the elastic member to a second length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that is configured to melt at least one of snow and ice, comprising a coil formed from an elongated member having a first end and a second end, the elongated member having a surface comprising at least one of grooves, notches and pores configured to facilitate movement of liquid by capillary action. Corresponding methods and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a headstone, the apparatus comprising: a pile having a top end and a bottom end; a helical member secured to the bottom end of the pile; and a pile head secured to the top end of the pile, the pile head having a mounting portion engaging the top end of the pile and a holding portion extending away from the mounting portion for engaging a bottom end portion of the headstone to maintain the headstone in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are stakes for securing concrete-casting forms to the ground (e.g., compacted earth and compacted gravel surfaces), which can be inserted and removed easily by using an impact drill or hammer drill. Modular concrete casting forms and other accessories are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides helical ground anchors or piles designed to cut through rock. The helical ground anchors have a shaft, one or more helical plates attached to the shaft and at least one cutting tip attached to the distal end of the shaft in order to make a first cut through rock along the axis of rotation of the shaft. The distal end of the shaft is tapered and the at least one cutting tip can be attached to the longer end of the shaft. The helical shaped plates are attached to the shaft at a distance above the at least one cutting tip.

Abstract: An anchor system for anchoring an object to the ground is provided. The anchor system includes a base assembly for installing in the ground, the base assembly including a lower section securable in the ground, and an upper section having a substantially planar top surface. The upper section is adjustably secured to the lower section for adjusting an overall height of the base assembly. A retractable anchoring member is secured to the upper section and is adjustable between an operating position in which it extends above the top surface of the upper section, and a retracted configuration in which it is concealed below the top surface of the upper section. In an exemplary configuration, the anchoring member is pivotally secured to the upper section and can be pivoted between the operating position and the retracted configuration.

Abstract: We disclose a portable protection shelter that may be easily transported and set up as needed. The shelter provides protection from deadly weather, including storms, hail, hurricanes, and tornados. Additionally, it may be used as a survival pod or as protection from assailants or aggressive animals. The shelter can be transported as required, including through doors, and assembled and disassembled on demand using common handheld tools.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides guy wire anchoring brackets, guy wire anchoring kits, and guy wire anchoring systems that effectively reduce the land right-of-way needed to anchor guy wires attached to free standing structures. The guy wire anchoring brackets interconnect one or more helical piles in an angular relationship so that they act in unison to resist loading and reduce the real estate needed to anchor guy wires. The guy wire anchoring kits includes a pile connector assembly and the guy wire anchoring bracket capable of interconnecting one or more helical piles in an angular relationship so that they act in unison to resist loading. The guy wire anchoring systems include the guy wire anchoring bracket, one or more helical piles and one or more pile connector assemblies that connect the one or more helical piles to the guy wire anchoring bracket.

Abstract: An embedded pole installation method including applying a rotational force to a leading pole and an intermediate pole. The leading pole comprises a first helical plate disposed on a first portion of the leading pole. The intermediate pole is coupled to a second portion of the leading pole and comprises a second helical plate disposed on a first portion of the intermediate pole. The diameter of the intermediate pole is greater than a diameter of the leading pole. Applying the rotational force embeds the first helical plate and the second helical plate into a foundation such that a second portion of the intermediate pole does not penetrate the foundation. The method further includes coupling a utility pole to the second portion of the intermediate pole.

Abstract: A telescopic anchor pole is provided and described for anchoring boats in shallow water as well as functioning as an attachment apparatus for a variety of fishing, hunting, and recreational accessories/equipment. The anchor pole can extend and retract for quick and easy use, as well as allow for efficient storage within a boat. The anchor pole may also include an attachment mechanism allowing a user to attach interchangeable elements such as a decoy, T-handle, camera, or any other desired accessory.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of installing a reinforcement strip in a compacted fill retained by facing element together with the reinforcement strip extending between an anchorage zone and the wall. The anchorage zone is located away from the facing element and separated from the facing element. The method comprises: a) installing the reinforcement strip in the fill by feeding the strip from a first location in the anchorage zone to the wall and looping the strip through a wall connection point back to a second location in the anchorage zone; b) tensioning the strip by pulling the strip to a predetermined tension at the first location and at the second location; and c) anchoring the strip to the fill at the first location and at the second location while keeping the strip under tension.

Abstract: A helical pile having lateral support. A helical pile has lateral support plates that extend in a vertical direction parallel to the axis of the helical pile and substantially perpendicular to a plane of a helix on the helical pile. A helical support rod assembly provides additional lateral support to a helical pile. The helical support rod assembly has a longitudinal axis that intersects the longitudinal axis of the helical pile. The helical pile provides a foundation for a post, such as a support post used in supporting a suspended fence in a ball field. The helical support rod assembly provides additional lateral support that may be required for larger post, such as a foul pole in a ball field. The time and labor for installing a foundation for posts is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A screw pile substructure support system comprises a tubular pile with a fixed conical tip having a helical flight thereon which draws the pile into a soil bed when a torque is applied to the pile. The tip has a substantially conical shape, and the largest diameter of the tip is substantially the same as the diameter of the tubular pile to which it is attached. The helical flight is attached to the outside surface of the tip. The tip may also be provided a point tip and one or more cutting teeth attached its surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drilling/clamping device including a base body which can be extracted from the shaft or rod, provided at one end with a drilling head actuated by means of an electric motor housed inside the base body. The base body also includes means for coupling to the shaft or rod, provided with means for actuating an electrical contactor element in order to actuate the electric motor. In addition, a rising/falling pivoted connection is provided between the coupling means and the base body, such that, when pressure is applied to the rod or shank the coupling means move axially and abut against the contactor element associated with the electric motor, thereby starting the electric motor.

Abstract: A fish feeding device featuring an elongated shaft component with a first end portion formed into the shape of a helix for holding foodstuffs below the level of water in a fish tank and with a stopper component held by the shaft, keeping the shaft away from the inner walling of any panel portion of the tank and with the shaft component being bent about a vertically inclined central axis of symmetry of the shaft component for purposes of holding the invention about upper edging of the given panel portion and featured by further bends of the shaft component serving to hold the device fast in place about the exterior walling of and accordingly the panel portion of the fish tank.

Abstract: An improved self-anchoring umbrella, the umbrella comprising a canopy and pole, a retractable auger disposed within the pole of the umbrella. The retractable auger is operated using an electric motor and portable power source, and a switch allowing a user to provide power to the electric motor which rotates a drive head with spiral teeth engaged within spiral grooves in the pole. The umbrella may further include a table portion, and extendable stabilizing legs disposed in the lower portion of the pole. When the auger portion is screwed into sand or other surface and the stabilizing legs are engaged with the surface, the invention provides a stable umbrella for outdoor recreation and other purposes.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a device in multilayer soil includes analyzing the soil to determine the depth, hardness and density of at least two layers of soils. The anchoring device is prepared for positioning by attaching a self-drilling bit to a bottom end of a hollow rod, attaching a drilling disc to the rod at a position above the self-drilling bit, attaching at least one helical disc to the rod above the drilling disc, and attaching a positioning plate to the rod at a distance from the drilling disc such that the distance from the bottom of the drilling disc to the bottom of the positioning plate is approximately equal to the depth of a first layer of soil. The anchoring device is drilled into the soil until the drilling disc rests on top of the second layer and the positioning plate rests on top of the first layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an anchoring device wherein a positioning plate (5), intended for bearing on the ground surface, is mounted onto a hollow rod (2). The rod consecutively supports, from the positioning plate (5) to the free end (22), at least one helical force disk (6) then one helical penetration disk (8). Said anchoring device is characterized in that the rod extends after the helical penetration disk opposite the plate (5). Said anchoring device is moreover characterized in that a bit (4) is placed on the free end of said rod so that a first portion of the rod (2), capable of being screwed into at least one first ground layer, extends from the plate (5) to the helical penetration disk and moreover so that a second portion of the rod (2), capable of being anchored in a second ground layer, extends from the helical penetration disk (8) to the bit (4).

Abstract: A ground anchor having an elongated shaft with upper and lower ends, a grooved locking post on the upper end; an threaded auger fixed to the lower end, an engagement area for engaging an external tool, a sleeve mounted over the main shaft, which spins freely, and an attachment member configured to secure one or more of an external lock, chain, rope or cable attached to an external object to thereby anchor the external object when the main shaft is screwed into the ground, and a lock device configured to cover and lock onto the grooved locking post so the attachment member and sleeve cannot be removed, whereby the sleeve covers the main shaft and obstructs access to the main shaft to prevent unwanted persons from removing it.

Abstract: An automated system which anchors the moving unit(s) of a self propelled irrigation machine to the ground in order to prevent said unit(s) from tipping over under extreme weather conditions. The automatic anchor for a self-propelled irrigation system includes a tubular body, a driving mechanism, a mounting mechanism, a shaft, a screwpile, and a control unit. The screwpile is sleeved by the tubular body and mounted onto the main frame of the moving unit(s) via the mounting mechanism. The medium shaft is telescopically connected to the screwpile on one end and operatively coupled to the driving mechanism at the other end. The control unit is communicably coupled to the driving mechanism and thus controls the rotation, position, and state of the screwpile. In the extended state, the screwpile anchors the moving unit to the ground and in the withdrawn state the screwpile is retracted thus allowing for standard operations.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for the rapid and precise removable installation of a substrate-penetrating device that facilitates underground delivery of various utilities to and/or from devices mounted thereon.

Abstract: An anchor in including a cylindrical member having a helical thread which can be advanced into an anchoring material and a tether restraint element having a configuration adapted to guide movement of a tether end movably coupled to said tether restraint toward a position on said tether restraint which directs forces transmitted to the tether restraint element from said tether end in a direction capable of rotationally advancing the elongate cylindrical member into the anchoring material.

Abstract: A portable secure anchor device may comprise a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end having a helical surface located at the distal end, and a housing which rotatably receives the proximal end of the shaft. The housing may include a locking mechanism in communication with an internal engagement mechanism connected to the proximal end of the shaft. The locking mechanism may have two or more positions, which either locks the internal engagement mechanism and allows the anchor device to be inserted or removed from the ground, or allows the engagement mechanism to freely spin and not be able to remove the anchor device from the ground.

Abstract: A tamper resistant apparatus for removable retention of a memorial marker such as those found at a grave site. The apparatus includes a locking mechanism housed within a cylinder. The cylinder has a cover intended for use exposed to the environment. The cylinder is attached to a footing plate that provides lateral stability during placement of the apparatus in the ground. Horizontal gripping within the ground is provided by a helical anchor attached to the footing plate. The locking mechanism includes a latch which may be moved into and out of a notch in the post of the memorial marker to respectively retain and release the marker from the apparatus.

Abstract: A tilt tower and pipe auger anchor assembly comprising a tilt tower having a mast and a swing tube and a coax cable engaging both the mast and the swing tube, the mast has a near end, the near end has a mast flange plate with fastener holes therethrough. A pipe auger anchor has walls defining a generally hollow elongated body having a near end and a removed end, the near end including a pipe auger anchor flange plate mateable with the mast flange plate. The pipe auger anchor flange plate has fastener openings therein and fixedly attached to the near end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated body and an auger at the removed end. The auger provides a penetration force when the body is rotated and the auger is engaged with the ground.

Abstract: A remotely operable anchoring system for a mobile irrigation apparatus includes anchoring units mounted to irrigation towers. The anchoring units are remotely operable through a control module and have anchor members which, upon command, can be moved by the anchoring units from a retracted position to an extended position in which each anchor member penetrates and anchors itself into the soil beneath the irrigation tower. Upon command, after the danger of high wind has passed, each anchor member may be retracted from the extended position to the retracted position in preparation for future use.

Abstract: Herein described is a post anchor apparatus for erecting and anchoring posts in natural terrain. The apparatus of the present invention provides a convenient means of erecting a post in natural terrain while also providing improved strength, stability, and durability to the post. The apparatus comprises at least a housing for receiving the base of a post, a rod, stabilizer element for stabilizing the apparatus within the natural terrain, and an auger blade for driving the rod into the natural terrain.

Abstract: A screw-in foundation anchor for traffic, lighting and utility poles and the like. The anchor comprises a shaft with an upper end fixed to a base plate on which the pole base is attachable. A helical blade on the shaft allows the anchor to be driven into the earth by rotation. At least two notches are provided on the edges of the base plate, each notch sized to engage the shaft of an adjacent anchor. Multiple anchors can be strapped together in groups or bundles for storage and shipment, with the notches engaging adjacent anchor. Such an arrangement prevents dislodgement or shifting of the anchors in transit. This reduces the cost of shipping the anchors, decreases the likelihood of damage to the anchors during shipment, and improves the safety of handling the bundles and unloading the individual anchors.

Abstract: A tilt tower and pipe auger anchor assembly comprising a tilt tower having a mast and a swing tube and a coax cable engaging both the mast and the swing tube, the mast has a near end, the near end has a mast flange plate with fastener holes therethrough. A pipe auger anchor has walls defining a generally hollow elongated body having a near end and a removed end, the near end including a pipe auger anchor flange plate mateable with the mast flange plate. The pipe auger anchor flange plate has fastener openings therein and fixedly attached to the near end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated body and an auger at the removed end. The auger provides a penetration force when the body is rotated and the auger is engaged with the ground.

Abstract: A cutting device for use with installation of helical ground anchors designed to cut through rock. The invention has carbide steel cutting tips attached to the distal end of a shaft extending below the end in order to make a first cut through rock along the axis of rotation of the shaft. Helically shaped plates are attached to the shaft at a distance above the shaft set of cutting tips. Attached along the outer edge of the helix are additional carbide steel cutting tips that extend below the bottom surface of the helix and cut along the axis of rotation of the shaft. The present invention allows for the installation of helical ground anchor supports at proper depths without deviation, in situations where the path is obstructed by rock or other hard materials.

Abstract: An anchor pier for supporting a manufactured building, in which the anchor pier includes having a shaft with a connector and a helical flight proximate a driving tip, with a brace member attached to the connector and to the manufactured building with a connector, to transfer loading between the manufactured building and the ground. A method of supporting a manufactured building is disclosed.

Abstract: Herein described is a post anchor apparatus and methods of use in erecting and anchoring posts in natural terrain. The apparatus of the present invention provides a convenient means of erecting a post in natural terrain while also providing improved strength, stability, and durability to the post. The apparatus comprises at least a housing for receiving the base of a post, a rod, stabilizer element for stabilizing the apparatus within the natural terrain, and an auger blade for driving the rod into the natural terrain.

Abstract: A ground anchor is provided for driving into the ground for anchoring or supporting a structure. The ground anchor includes a hub with a helical load bearing screw and a pointed ground engaging end. The ground engaging end has a blade extending axially from the hub with first and second opposing major faces and first and second transverse faces that converge at the axial end to a flat axial face. The blade has one or more diagonal frangible portions to define a diagonal break line. The breakable portion of the ground anchor penetrates the ground and breaks away from the blade when a predetermined torque or stress is applied to the blade. The breakable portion breaks away to form a ground engaging end having a dimension and surface area that is larger than the original ground engaging end.

Abstract: A ground anchor is provided for driving into the ground for anchoring or supporting a structure. The ground anchor includes a hub with a helical load bearing screw and a pointed ground engaging end. The ground engaging end has a blade extending axially from the hub with first and second opposing major faces and first and second transverse faces that converge at the axial end to a flat axial face. The blade has one or more diagonal frangible portions to define a diagonal break line. The breakable portion of the ground anchor penetrates the ground and breaks away from the blade when a predetermined torque or stress is applied to the blade. The breakable portion breaks away to form a ground engaging end having a dimension and surface area that is larger than the original ground engaging end.

Abstract: Anti-theft protection systems and methods for portable devices, such as portable electronic devices, that are unattended during use. The anti-theft protection systems and methods use a combination of measures including mechanical aspects, such as tethering the device to an object that is difficult to move, and electronic aspects that detect unauthorized movement and or alarm the user or other responsible party if unauthorized movement occurs.

Abstract: A tilt tower and pipe auger anchor assembly comprising a tilt tower having a mast and a swing tube and a coax cable engaging both the mast and the swing tube, the mast has a near end, the near end has a mast flange plate with fastener holes therethrough. A pipe auger anchor has walls defining a generally hollow elongated body having a near end and a removed end, the near end including a pipe auger anchor flange plate mateable with the mast flange plate. The pipe auger anchor flange plate has fastener openings therein and fixedly attached to the near end perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow elongated body and an auger at the removed end. The auger provides a penetration force when the body is rotated and the auger is engaged with the ground.

Abstract: A wet well design that utilizes recycled material in sectional components to construct wet wells on site is disclosed. Traditional wet well components are made of pre-cast concrete. Green Recycled Material Component Wet Well components are constructed using recycled plastic, recycled steel and recycled Styrofoam. The method described herein for constructing the components and assembling the wet well on site addresses several logistical problems associated with the pre-cast concrete design including reducing project start to completion time, delivery costs, large crane rental costs and power line relocation costs. This design also enables construction of oblong wet wells in medians and other restricted areas as components can be straight or curved sections. Finally, this design eliminates the shifting of traditional cement well components due to uplift from underground water pressure through the use of a new anchoring system. Shifting can result in groundwater intrusion into the well.

Abstract: A helical pier having a rock tip for rotational insertion into soil/rock and anchoring a structure thereto has an elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis, a penetrating end, a trailing end, and a peripheral surface between the penetrating end towards the trailing end. The penetrating end defines a penetrating edge of the shaft. A recess formed in the shaft extends from the first end surface toward the trailing end of the shaft, forms a recess wall and terminates in a second end surface that is obliquely inclined relative to the first end surface and the longitudinal axis. The recess wall defines a lateral cutting edge oriented transversely to the penetrating edge. In use, the recess receives soil/rock loosened by the penetrating edge and the cutting edge, and the second end surface directs loosened soil/rock out of the recess when the helical pier is rotated into the soil/rock.

Abstract: A screw foundation system for aligning and fastening a rod- or post-like object in the ground includes a sleeve-like plastic receiving part which can be screwed into the ground and which, in the fastened state, accommodates an end region of the rod- or post-like, object and surrounds their periphery of the object with a distance at least in certain portions; and a curable filling compound which, in the fastened state, fills the space between the end region of the rod- or post-like object and the inner contour of the receiving part, wherein the inner contour has undercuts for anchoring the cured filling compound. The screw foundation system can include a screwing-in tool having a dimensionally stable fitting core which can be inserted into the receiving part in order to screw in the latter.

Abstract: We disclose a portable protection shelter that may be easily transported and set up as needed. The shelter provides protection from deadly weather, including storms, hail, hurricanes, and tornados. Additionally, it may be used as a survival pod or as protection from assailants or aggressive animals. The shelter can be transported as required, including through doors, and assembled and disassembled on demand using common handheld tools.

Abstract: A foundation system for electrical utility structures is provided that minimizes impact on the chosen construction site, minimizes labor and minimizes associated installation costs. The foundation system comprises a structure to be supported at its base which has a plurality of arm members secured to the base and a plurality of helical piers or micropiles which are inserted into the ground and distally attached to the base of the structure by attaching to the arm members.

Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring an item to the ground is provided. The anchoring system comprises an elongated main shaft having a first end and a second end. At least one bracket is mounted to the main shaft approximately halfway between the first end and the second end of the main shaft. A securing mechanism is associated with the at least one bracket for releasably securing the item to the at least one bracket. An elliptical, angled auger is mounted at the second end of the main shaft. Upon securing the item to the at least one bracket and securing the second end of the main shaft into the ground, the item is securely positioned into a desired position.

Abstract: A selectively releasable ground securing device that includes a ground member, a clamp body, and a lock assembly that selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body relative thereto. The ground member includes a drivable body that is constructed to be driven into a ground surface such that the ground member is generally flush with the upper layer of the ground surface. The lock assembly selectively cooperates with the ground member to secure the clamp body and structure engaged therewith relative to the ground member. In a preferred embodiment, the clamp body cooperates with a rail of a goal assembly to prevent tipping or movement of the goal assembly when the lock assembly is engaged with the ground member.