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 hosing 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 lock is formed of a main shaft having a first latching structure near its upper end and a ground fastener at its lower end. A mating member provides a cooperative latching structure and slides on the main shaft between raised and lowered positions. In one of the raised or lowered positions, the two latching structures are latchable, allowing the mating member to drive the main shaft to engage or disengage the ground fastener. In the other of the raised or lowered positions, the second latching structure is non-latchable with the first latching structure such that the main shaft is disabled from driving the ground fastener.

Abstract: A securing system for a portable basketball pole assembly is disclosed. The securing system includes ground screws which secure in the ground on either side of a base of the portable basketball pole assembly. A strap is extended from one ground member to the other over the base to hold the base securely to the ground and prevent tipping. Additional straps may be used to extend from the ground members to the pole to further secure the pole. In certain preferred embodiments, separate straps extend from the ground members to the pole. In other embodiments, a single strap is used. The straps are attached to the pole via a pole attachment member. The pole attachment member may conveniently be an after-market part which fits around an existing pole and provides a receiving element to receive the strap or straps. Buckles may be included to allow the straps to be tightened or loosened.

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.

Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.

Abstract: A method of securing an elongate member in the ground which includes the steps of embedding the member within a matching size and shaped hole in the ground then ensnaring the member with a ground anchor that passes substantially through the member intersecting the member. The invention also applies to a member with a ground anchor positioned therein and also having a lightening nut.

Abstract: A monopole support assembly includes at least two truss assemblies secured to an outer surface of a monopole. At least two helical piers or micropiles are secured to the at least two truss assemblies, respectively.

Abstract: A foundation screw with a tubular basic body having an encompassing helical screw thread for screwing into the ground. The foundation screw has a substantially cylindrical first longitudinal portion and a tapering second longitudinal portion. The first longitudinal portion merges tangentially with a convex jacket region of the second longitudinal portion having a radius of convexity R1, which has at least one value of the tube diameter D of the first longitudinal portion.

Abstract: A purpose of the invention is to provide a spiral piece of steel having high mechanical strength and being capable of easily making smaller the pitch intervals of twisted portions (spiral blade portions) even without changing the twist angle, and also to provide an application product thereof and a method for manufacturing the spiral piece of steel.

Abstract: A method of installing a support structure is provided for use in soft or unstable soil. The method forms a hole in the earth to a depth sufficient to support the structure, such as a utility pole or post. A pole support is placed in the hole and driven downward into the earth to form a supporting base at the bottom of the hole. The pole support in one embodiment has a helical screw at a bottom end and a flat supporting plate at the top end. The pole support is rotated by a drive member into the earth to position the support plate at the bottom of the hole. The support plate can have a hole in the top face to receive the drive member for rotating the support member to drive the screw into the earth. The drive member is then separated and lifted from the hole. The pole or post is positioned on the support plate and the hole is back-filled.

Abstract: An umbrella anchoring device comprising a support dowel and a generally truncated cone shaped umbrella stop, with two opposing surfaces, an angled wall connecting the outer perimeter of the surfaces, and a hollow passage through the vertical axis thereof which is complementary to the cross section of the support dowel, wherein the umbrella anchoring device is used to support an umbrella with at least a partially hollow shaft. A method of using the anchoring device, where the support dowel is placed generally vertically in the ground, the umbrella stop is placed over the end thereof and slid so that the wider surface is at ground level and the narrower surface is below, and an umbrella is placed over the support dowel, with the end resting on the umbrella stop.

Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.

Abstract: A foundation driller for anchoring of components in soil is provided that includes an apparatus in which the foundation driller comprises a base body with at least one cylindrical area and at least one cutting blade that provides forward advancement, in which the base body comprises at least two cylindrical areas with different diameters, wherein the area nearer to the soil has a smaller diameter and the at least one cutting blade providing forward advancement is attached at the area nearer to the soil and has an even incline.

Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.

Abstract: A headstone support system includes a pole having a first auger attached to the pole proximate a first end thereof, the first auger configured to drill through soil upon rotation of the pole, and a headstone support attached to a second end of the pole.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a lateral portion of a manufactured building having a support beam, comprising a ground member for being received on a ground surface and a joist bracket attached to at least one joist in a lateral portion of the manufactured building. A pivotably attached joist tube disposed in a first position between the ground member and the joist bracket is longitudinally movable to a second position for bearing forcibly therebetween and thereby supporting the lateral portion of the manufactured building. A method of supporting a lateral portion of a manufactured building having a support beam is disclosed.

Abstract: A utility land anchor for mooring a water craft to a shore or beach or to act as a ground anchor to pull an object, such as an ATV, thereto, that includes a straight shaft that is pointed on one end and is arranged for connecting to a torque producing device, such as a handle or sided driver, on its other end. The shaft includes an auger secured adjacent to the pointed end, and is to loosely fitted into a cylindrical tube wherefrom blades or fins are attached to extend oppositely outwardly from the cylindrical tube sides that are sloped outwardly to facilitate travel into the shore, beach or ground, and a mooring line connector is secured to the cylindrical tube, adjacent to a lower end thereof.

Abstract: A foundation screw with a tubular basic body having an encompassing helical screw thread for screwing into the ground. The foundation screw has a substantially cylindrical first longitudinal portion and a tapering second longitudinal portion. The first longitudinal portion merges tangentially with a convex jacket region of the second longitudinal portion having a radius of convexity R1, which has at least one value of the tube diameter D of the first longitudinal portion.

Abstract: A method of securing an elongate member in the ground which includes the steps of embedding the member within a matching size and shaped hole in the ground then ensnaring the member with a ground anchor that passes substantially through the member intersecting the member. The invention also applies to a member with a ground anchor positioned therein and also having a tightening nut.

Abstract: An anchoring device comprising a shaft, at least part of whose length comprises a tapered portion, with at least one helical flange which runs substantially along the length of said tapered section and an engagement means to allow the device to engage with a lever wherein in use rotation of the lever about the axis of the shaft results in rotation of the device such that the tapered portion and the helical flange co-operate to drive the device into the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, method, and components for assembling and disassembling boardwalks, decks, and platforms. The invention has a number of extruded and interlocking components. It is installed by driving piles, preferably helical piles, into a ground surface. The invention provides a comprehensive set of assembly members, including and not limited to brackets that attach to the piles, headers, joists, cross braces, decking, and decking fasteners for holding the decking in place. In particular, a multiple-way adjustable bracket connects the piles to the rest of the structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floor anchor (10) made of steel pipe. The floor anchor comprises a hollow shaft segment (14) having an external thread (16) at least in segments, and a head segment adjacent to the shaft segment (14) and facing downward in the anchored state in the floor. The head segment (12) is designed as a drill head and comprises elements for removing earth.

Abstract: A structural support device in the form of a push pier capable of use in high load-bearing capacity applications involving significant lateral load conditions, the push pier having a lead section with a ground penetrating friction collar, and one or more extension members that are machine fabricated with an integrally formed hardened alloy steel coupling section that is adapted to mate with the push pier lead section or another similarly constructed extension shaft. The hardened coupling section is formed of heat-treated and hardened alloy steel which is quenched and tempered to a yield and tensile strength substantially exceeding that of the main tubular shaft section to which it is connected, and inertia friction welded thereto.

Abstract: A surf lifesaving system comprises two floating lines extending from two spaced apart tethering points fixed on the beach to a buoy anchored offshore on the seabed. The floating lines are connected to sinking lines which pass through pulleys attached to the buoy in continuous loops with the floating lines. The tethering points are poles anchored in the sand, the floating lines comprise individual floats connected by rope at from three to seven meter intervals and the sinking lines have a core which is denser than saltwater.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a lead for a helical pile, comprising, a square shaft attached to the lead, the lead is provided with a base and a plurality of blades, and the blades extend axially from the base and are oriented with respect to one another so as to form more than two angles between each other.

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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which includes a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground.

Abstract: An ergonomic post with an integral anchor could include a housing having a top and a base. A screw could be rigidly coupled to and protrude from the base. The screw could have a shaft with helical grooves that terminates in a tip. A head could be rigidly coupled to and protrude from the top of the housing, for removably coupling the post to a rotational driving means.

Abstract: A transportable cooking container with a fastener joint on the bottom wall of the container. An anchor post consisting of a vertical component with an auger at one end. An anchor post consisting of a horizontal component attached to the vertical component spaced ? up the total length of the vertical component from the auger end of the vertical component. The non-auger end of the vertical component can be inserted into the fastener joint on the bottom wall of the cooking container, which fastener joint can be manually moved between an opened position, opening the clasp allowing for insertion of the vertical component, and a closed position, securing the cooking container to the vertical component of the anchor post.

Abstract: The ground anchor includes a shaft having a pointed lower end, an embossed section extending between lower and upper portions of the shaft to retain the threaded upper portion above ground, at least one helical blade attached to the lower portion, a stabilizer cap mounted concentric on the upper portion, the cap having an outer diameter greater than the helical blades and having a plurality of spikes, a first and second securing member threaded onto the upper portion for holding the stabilizer cap against the embossed section and rotating the shaft into and from the ground, the second securing member having an outer diameter less than the first securing member and an interchangeable mount threaded to the upper portion. The interchangeable mount having a housing for covering the securing members and the upper portion and optionally having an attachment(s) extending therefrom.

Abstract: A cable guide mechanism configured to be releasably attached to a shaft, which includes a body portion, an indent or groove and a protrusion, characterised in that said indent or groove is located on the opposite side of the body portion to the protrusion, and is dimensioned and configured to releasably retain an inside edge of a first distal end of a loop which is attached to a terminal end of a cable; the protrusion is tapered with its widest section directly opposite the indent or groove; the linear distance between the bottom of the indent or groove and the widest section of the protrusion is sufficiently close to the inside length of the loop that in use the first distal end of the loop cannot climb out of the indent or groove; said shaft is configured to freely rotate co-axially inside the cable guide mechanism.

Abstract: A fastener apparatus, a helical augur, to provide a secure anchor of movable objects to terrestrial sub-surfaces. An inverted cone collar inserted on the upper shaft of the auger is trapped to prevent removal or lowering, but is free to rotate. A key insert is provided to lock the augur to the cone collar so that the augur can be turned in or out when the key is inserted, but cannot be turned without the key.

Abstract: A foundation driller for anchoring of components in soil is provided that includes an apparatus in which the foundation driller comprises a base body with at least one cylindrical area and at least one cutting blade that provides forward advancement, in which the base body comprises at least two cylindrical areas with different diameters, wherein the area nearer to the soil has a smaller diameter and the at least one cutting blade providing forward advancement is attached at the area nearer to the soil and has an even incline.

Abstract: A utility land anchor for mooring a water craft to a shore or beach or to act as a ground anchor to pull an object, such as an ATV, thereto, that includes a straight shaft that is pointed on one end and is arranged for connecting to a torque producing device, such as a handle or sided driver, on its other end. The shaft includes an auger secured adjacent to the pointed end, and is to loosely fitted into a cylindrical tube wherefrom blades or fins are attached to extend oppositely outwardly from the cylindrical tube sides that are sloped outwardly to facilitate travel into the shore, beach or ground, and a mooring line connector is secured to the cylindrical tube, adjacent to a lower end thereof.

Abstract: This anchoring system is specifically designed to be used in soft, sandy-like earth to anchor a variety of objects, including recovering of 4×4 vehicles stuck in sand or soft material, that need to be winched out without having a fixed object to anchor it to. In other words no fixed object like a tree or a pole, or another vehicle, is necessary to attach the anchor to. This anchoring system can easily be used by one person. What differentiates this auger from other kinds of augers is that the point of strength is underground and connected to a cable. If the cable is pulled it provides the anchor point to which a tensile load can be applied in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis of the auger. It can be used in a variety of applications, like anchoring tents and poles, and recovering vehicles etc.

Abstract: A support post for a flexible substrate includes a primary base and a secondary base adapted to rest upon the primary base. The secondary base supports an upright substrate support member. The secondary base is selectively secured to the primary base to orient the upright substrate support at such angle as may be required to maintain the flexible substrate in a taut condition.

Abstract: An adjustable stairway system provides access between a first elevation level and a second elevation level. The system includes a pair of expandable and retractable scissor stringers and multiple spaced apart treads joining the pair of stringers. The system further includes a first mounting assembly structured to allow a top portion of the stairway to be relatively permanently secured to a landing or other man-made structure, and second, different mounting assembly that allows a bottom portion of the stairway to be removably secured to natural terrain such as a beach. The system sometimes includes a control assembly to assist in expanding or retracting of the stairway.

Abstract: A portable ground anchor system comprises base plate members having a hinge pin passage formed therethrough and each base plate member having a multiplicity of holes formed therethrough for interaction with ground spikes; central triangular shaped plate members having circular openings formed therethrough at a triangular apex thereof; a spacer member adapted to provide an engagement for a cable, said spacer member interconnected between said central triangular shaped plate members; a cylindrical pin for pivotally joining the base plate members and the central triangular members.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an anchoring system includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a stem and a helix fixedly attached to the stem and configured to penetrate and lodge into ground. The second member couples to the first member and secures the anchoring system into the ground. A third member optionally couples to the stem of the first member and provides an attachment fixture for coupling an object to the anchoring system.

Abstract: A ground anchor (10) comprising an anchor shaft (11) and an anchoring screw (13) moulded onto the anchoring shaft adjacent the lower end thereof. The anchoring shaft (11) is of a rectangular cross-section with four side walls (12). The anchoring shaft (11) is configured at its bottom end (15) for ground penetration. The upper end (19) of the anchor shaft (11) is configured to receive torque applied thereto. The anchoring screw (13) comprises a hub (21) and a screw flight (23) on the hub. The anchoring screw (13) is moulded onto the anchor shaft (11), and the hub (21) is keyed to the anchor shaft. The anchoring screw (13) is so constructed that the spiral flight (23) is rigid yet has some resilient flexibility which allows the flight to deflect laterally in the direction of the screw axis. Specifically, the screw flight (23) has sufficient rigidity to allow it to penetrate the ground in which it is intended to be used when torque is applied to the anchor shaft (11).

Abstract: An earth anchor of the pivoting type having an essentially cylindrical body, a blind bore extending therein to from a trailing axial end of the cylindrical body and a leading edge projecting from a leading end of the body, the leading edge chisel shaped for ease of penetration into the ground, guiding surfaces extending substantially normal to the leading edge and forward of the main body portion, the guiding surfaces having a plurality of leading chisel edges stepped back from the leading edge and from one another as the guiding surface leading edges are spaced further away from a center of the leading edge, the guiding surfaces terminating in final leading edge spaced axially from the leading edge and laterally from each of the stepped leading edges and having at least a portion which extend radially beyond the main body, guide ridges extending from the final leading edges to the trailing axial end projecting radially from the body substantially no further than the maximum width of the guiding surface leadi

Abstract: A ground anchor load testing system includes a ground anchoring unit having a bare upper drill shaft portion along and around which a reaction anchor with its hollow shaft is temporary installed. During test loading of the installed ground anchoring unit, a test loading head is coupled with both concentric flanging ends of the ground anchoring unit and the temporarily installed reaction anchor. The test loading head exerts via a first coupling the push test load on the first flanging end of the ground anchoring unit while withholding itself via a second coupling on the second flanging end of the reaction anchor. A measurement device may be positioned on the ground adjacent the test load head. Eventual axial displacement of the ground anchoring unit under test load may be externally recognized by the measurement device via an axial displacement indicator in axial connection with the first coupling.

Abstract: A tie-down anchor for a self-propelled irrigation machine comprising an anchor embedded in the ground adjacent one or more of the drive units on the irrigation machine with the anchors being connected to the main frame of the drive unit by means of a chain and chain tightener connector. If the machine is subjected to high winds, the tie-down anchors securely hold or tie down the drive units to the ground, thereby preventing the overturning of the machine.

Abstract: A lateral force resistance device for a ground achoring system suitably used in expansive soils has an inner sleeve structure and an outer collar connected to the inner sleeve structure by a plurality of load transfer members such as longitudinal load transfer plates. The lateral force resistance device is embedded in the soil over a ground anchor, such as a helical anchor, by sliding the inner sleeve structure of the device over the top end of the anchor and using an embedment method involving vibration, pushing or other technique. The outer collar of the lateral force resistance device provides a relatively large surface area displaced from the inner sleeve structure for providing efficient load transfer to the surrounding soil.

Abstract: An adapter attachment for an auger which includes an connecting shaft sized and shaped to be attached to the pilot bit hole present in the end of an auger, after the removal of pilot bit. The adapter also includes a bolt flange for connection to a foundation anchor installation plate/tool such as a locking dog assembly. The adapter obviates the need to remove the auger from the Kelly bar during anchor installation. A modification includes eliminating the bolt flange and placing the connecting shaft directly to the locking dog assembly to form a pilot hole locking dog.

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

Abstract: A telescoping pier foundation system (100, 100a, 100b) comprises generally an outer shell preferably made of a tough material, such as, a suitable polymer or a metal alloy, having an internal cavity (12) for receiving cementitious mixture. The outer shell comprises a stationary portion (10) and at least one longitudinally telescoping member (30) in longitudinal alignment with one another and connected to one another to achieve a given height, length or depth for forming a pier foundation. After the at least one telescoping member (30) is raised to meet a structural member (80, 80a) of a building and secured to the structural member, the internal cavity (12) of the outer shell is filled with cementitious mixture and cured to form a composite pier foundation.

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

Abstract: A modular helical anchor apparatus includes at least two shaft sections connected by an anchor section. An end of each of the shaft sections is releasably connected to opposite ends of the anchor sections by fasteners. The anchor section includes a helical member.