Abstract: A system and method of installing a preconstruction support system for a building, according to which the corresponding ends of two piling sections are connected together and an a auger is provided on one or more of the piling sections. The piling sections are driven into the ground in a manner so that a portion of the uppermost piling section extends above ground; and a concrete slab encases the portion of the piling sections.

Abstract: A monopole system has a free standing monopole tower and at least one collar assembly positioned around the tower having a plurality of radially projecting arms with holes. A plurality of anchor assemblies, each coupled to the ground around the tower and including a bracket having an aperture. A plurality of guy cables coupling one leg of each collar assembly with an aperture of an associated bracket.

Abstract: A system and method of installing a preconstruction support system for a building, according to which the corresponding ends of two piling sections are connected together and an a auger is provided on one or more of the piling sections. The piling sections are driven into the ground in a manner so that a portion of the uppermost piling section extends above ground; and a concrete slab encases the portion of the piling sections.

Abstract: The invention is an article of manufacture that has for its purpose, the anchoring of a pole, tube or rod in sand or other sediments. The principal anchoring element is a broad flange auger having a receptacle mounted on top of the auger for insertion of the bottom portion of the pole, tube, or rod, which is to be supported by the anchoring device. When not in use, and during transport to the location of use, the auger is covered by a tubular sheath, which covers the auger up to the receptacle on top, as a protection against the sharp edges of the auger. When removed from the auger, the sheath is used as a handle for turning the auger by use of a locking system that attaches the sheath or handle to the receptacle at the top of the auger. As the handle turns the auger, the auger penetrates the sediments, providing a stable anchor for the pole, tube, or rod. The round pointed end of the sheath may also be used for creating a starter hole in the beach sand or ground surface to begin the operation of the auger.

Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.

Abstract: A mounting plate and bolt assembly adapted for attachment to a top portion of a helice pier shaft. The helice pier shaft threaded into the top of a ground surface. The assembly is used for supporting various types of building, highway and other types of structures. The mounting plate and bolt assembly includes small circular upper and lower pierhead plates spaced apart and welded to the top portion of the helice pier shaft. Also, large circular upper and lower mounting plates with bolt holes are disposed next to the upper and lower small pierhead plates and held thereon using a plurality of threaded bolts received through the bolt holes. The bolt holes are disposed around an outer circumference of the large mounting plates. The top of the threaded bolts may be used for securing a base plate of a post. The post is used for supporting various types of structures thereon. The large mounting plates may be welded directly to the pier shaft if the movement of the post is not large.

Abstract: A bracket for connecting to and supporting a beam of a walkway releasably attaches to a helical anchor. The bracket includes a beam restrainer for supporting a beam and a connecting plate releasably attached to a connector assembly. The connector assembly releasably attaches the helical anchor to the bracket and accommodates differences in spacing at various installation locations.

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

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

Abstract: A one piece ground stake for securing drain, waste or vent pipe relative to the ground comprises a wire rod bent to form a hook having a ground engaging shank, a pipe engaging bend or cradle and a connecting leg connected between the pipe engaging bend and the shank by upper and lower connecting bends. The upper connecting bend extends above the lower connecting bend and is adapted to be struck by a hammer or the like to drive a lower end of the shank into the ground. The stake is driven into the ground until the cradle abuts against an upper surface of a pipe positioned on a bed of gravel, sand or the ground at a selected grade and position.

Abstract: A reinforced ground anchor including a spike, a pressure cap having a planar surface, a rod having a drive section at one end, and a swivel connection connecting said pressure cap with the rod. An opening is formed in the pressure cap. A guide is located adjacent the opening. The pressure cap engages flush with the surface of the ground, due to the action of the swivel connection, when the rod is positioned in the ground soil and the spike passes through the opening to engage in the ground soil at an acute angle. The spike and the cap in combination with the rod provide the anchor with additional resistance against horizontal and vertical pressure.

Abstract: An expansion wedge anchor (80) for insertion in a hole (H) delimited by a wall comprises an expander member (32) and an expansion number (34), the expander member being provided at a leading end of the expander member, the expander member comprising a flaring end (40), the expansion member being expandable at a trailing end (48) thereof and being adapted to engage the wall of the hole when the expander member is positioned in the hole, wherein upon longitudinal withdrawal of the expander member from the hole, the expander member displaces longitudinally relative to the expansion member with the flaring end thereof gradually causing the trailing end of the expansion member to expand, whereby a trailing edge of the expansion member engages the wall of the hole. The trailing end is adapted, when expanded by the flaring member, to extend at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of said expander member.

Abstract: A screw form anchor device (10) intended for screwed penetration into a host material. The anchor device (10) includes a body (11) having a manipulating end (12) and a distal end (13). A screw thread (22) is formed by a plurality of tapering angular helix thread forms (22a) which extend from the distal end. Each angular helix thread form (22a) has an outward facing surface (24) and, relative to the distal end, a downward facing surface (25). In the preferred form an emergent helix thread (26) commences from a point distant from the distal end (13). This emergent helix thread (26) extends toward the manipulating end (12) of the body (11).

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

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having interspaced threaded portions and unthreaded portions extending axially along at least a portion of its length. The unthreaded portions of the shaft are radially recessed with respect to the threaded portions. A helical plate with a threaded passageway can engage the threaded portions of the shaft at any desired location along the shaft. A key is then inserted into the passageway between the helical plate and an unthreaded portion of the shaft to hold the helical plate at the desired location on the shaft.

Abstract: A structure for mounting a pole firmly in the ground, the structure having an anchor section and a pole section, wherein the anchor section is an auger, wherein the sections are hinged together with the pole section lying on the ground after the auger is screwed into the ground, and wherein the pole section can then be hoisted or lifted around hinge to an upright position, and wherein cooperating elements of connector structure are provided on the sections for firmly affixing the sections together with the anchor section remaining in the ground and with the pole in a desired upright position.

Abstract: A spiral stake includes a handle structure which facilitates transfer of downwardly and torsionally directed forces from a user's hand to the stake during installation in the ground at a selected location. The spiral stake includes a spiral section, and a straight transition section extending between the handle and the spiral section. A portion of the handle contacting the users palm when downward and torsional force is applied thereto presents a convex curvature of suitable dimension and shape characteristics to distribute resistive forces comfortably to the user's hand. In a preferred embodiment, an opposed region of the handle contains a series of indentations forming a grip for the corresponding reception of the user's fingers, resulting in improved ergonomic feel and force-transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A ground anchor for erectly supporting a longitudinal member includes a conduit, and an auger member secured to the conduit and having one or more auger blades to engage into ground. A stabilizer cap is engageable onto the conduit and includes one or more teeth to engage into the ground. A sleeve may be engaged between the conduit and the stabilizer cap, and includes a slot to allow the sleeve to engage onto the conduit. The sleeve includes an inner peripheral shoulder to engage with a peripheral swelling of the conduit, and to limit the movement between the conduit and the sleeve and the stabilizer cap.

Abstract: A building structure comprising one or more modular panels (5); a wall locating member (12) positioned between a base (2) and the one or more modular panels (5); a top member (19) placed on top of the modular panels (5); and a plurality of tie rods (14). The modular panels (5) when adjoining to form a wall create longitudinal cavities (16) within the wall. The plurality of tie rods (14) extend through said longitudinal cavities (16) and secure said top member (19), walls (3) and wall locating member (12) to the base (2).

Abstract: A pier assembly (20, 60) is provided that utilizes a rotatable shelf (12, 70) structure to place a screw jack assembly (15) under a footing (28) of a foundation.

Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.

Abstract: An adjustable-length shaft implanted in the ground for supporting trees. A helical screw is mounted on the lower end of the shaft. A lever arm, passed into a lever fitting attached to the shaft, is rotated about the shaft, causing the helical screw to penetrate and lodge in the ground. An anchoring bracket is attached to a portion of the shaft immediately above the ground. An anchoring rod is driven through the bracket into the ground, preventing further rotation of the shaft. A rigid fastening arm extends outwardly from the upper end of the shaft. The outer end of the fastening arm has a flexible strap with a free end. After adjusting and securing the shaft at the desired height, the free end of the strap is looped around the tree trunk and back through a ratchet mechanism in the fastening arm, which holds the free end fast.

Abstract: A piering device includes a shaft having a polygonal cross-section with a series of notches spaced at intervals along the vertices of the shaft. For example, the shaft can have a square cross-section with rounded corners. The helical plate has a passageway with a cross-section to slide along the shaft when the helical plate is in a first rotational position on the shaft. However, notches within the passageway of the helical plate engage the notches on the shaft when the helical plate is rotated to a second rotational position, thereby preventing the helical plate from sliding along the shaft. A key is inserted between the shaft and helical plate to hold the helical plate in the second rotational position and thereby fix the axial position of the helical plate on the shaft.

Abstract: An elongated pilot member is forced into the ground and an auger with a hollow stem is positioned around the pilot member and rotated to move the auger into the ground. A second elongated member is coupled to the pilot member and an upward force is applied to the auger stem or to an extension thereof to enable a downward force to be applied to the second elongated member to force the second elongated member and the pilot member into the ground. The second elongated member and the auger stem then are attached together and to a foundation support member for providing support for a foundation.

Abstract: There is disclosed a security anchoring device attachable to a sign or the like and anchorable to the ground to prevent or discourage theft and vandalism. According to one aspect of the invention, the security anchoring device includes a coupling member mountable to a member of the sign and also mountable along the shaft of a ground anchor. The ground anchor preferably has a tool engagement portion at its distal end that allows the ground anchor to be coupled to a power tool to drive the anchor into the ground.

Abstract: A helice pier coupling system used for used for soil stabilization, supporting building structures and similar applications. The coupling system provides a way of adding one or more pier shaft extensions to a helice pier shaft of a helice pier for extending the length of the pier. The pier shafts may have lengths of 5 feet or greater. The coupling system includes a first helice pier. The first helice pier having diagonal cuts at a lower first end and an upper second end of a pier shaft. The lower first end of the pier shaft can be used as a lead point when the pier shaft is driven into the soil surface. The upper second end of the pier shaft can be used with a shaft coupling for engaging a lower first end, having a mating diagonal cut, of a pier shaft of a second helice pier or the pier shaft extension. The first helice pier includes one or more helice plates.

Abstract: A split door jamb having a support frame and a trim frame utilize a unique mounting system. The support frame includes two vertical side frame members connected by a laterally-extending top member. Each side frame member includes a plurality of adjustable fasteners for mounting the side frame members to walls defining a door opening. One frame member has at least one hinge pad for carrying a door or similar object to cover the opening. The support frame carries outwardly-extending tongues and tongue fasteners adjacent to the tongues. The trim frame has two vertical side trim members connected by a laterally-extending top trim member. The trim frame carries a tongue receiving cavities that receive the tongues extending from the support frame. Each trim member also carries fasteners for complementary connection with the support frame fasteners to adjustably connect the trim frame and support frame together.

Abstract: A helice pier coupling system used for used for soil stabilization, supporting building structures and similar applications. The coupling system provides a way of adding one or more pier shaft extensions to a helice pier shaft of a helice pier for extending the length of the pier. The pier shafts may have lengths of 5 feet or greater. The coupling system includes a first helice pier. The first helice pier having diagonal cuts at a lower first end and an upper second end of a pier shaft. The lower first end of the pier shaft can be used as a lead point when the pier shaft is driven into the soil surface. The upper second end of the pier shaft can be used with a shaft coupling for engaging a lower first end, having a mating diagonal cut, of a pier shaft of a second helice pier or the pier shaft extension. The first helice pier includes one or more helice plates.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: An umbrella with an integral anchoring structure is provided. The umbrella includes a post having a lower end for insertion into the ground, and an upper end for supporting an umbrella top. The umbrella includes an integral spiral shaped anchoring structure formed on the lower end of the post. The anchoring structure is formed with a width, W, greater than a diameter of the post and a length, L, which is adapted to stabilize a weight of the umbrella and secure the umbrella and the post in a variety of earthen conditions such as sand, lawn, and soil even in a prevailing breeze or stormier conditions. The umbrella further includes one or more retractable levers integrally attached along the post.

Abstract: An anchoring device, adapted to be driven into the ground, is used to tether a floating vessel along a shore area, an animal or child, or an inanimate object. It includes an elongated hammer element and an elongated stake element in axial alignment and preferably assembled in a manner to enable relative axial and rotational movement between the hammer element and the stake element. Consequently, without disconnecting the assembled hammer and stake elements, the user axially raises and lowers the hammer element to strike with force the stake element to drive the stake element into the ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a manufactured building to a desired location and securing it to a foundation. The apparatus includes elongate members extending through the exterior walls and secured to upper beams above the upper building plate and lower beams below the building lower plate. The elongate members are placed in tension compressing and holding together the wall plates and studs. An eyelet is secured to each upper beam and/or elongate member. The building is lifted using cables secured to the eyelets. The lower beam is selectively detachably attachable to the transporting trailer for rigidly securing the building thereto. After placing the building on a foundation, the lower beams are also selectively attachable to the foundation for securing the building thereto.

Abstract: A connector 20 for quickly and easily connecting an anchor strap 50 having an upper end 52 and a lower end 56 to a sidewall bracket 73 of a manufactured home 70; the sidewall bracket 70 having an elongate horizonal slot 77. Connector 20 includes a central portion 22 including means 44 for connecting strap 50. An attachment portion 30, including a neck 31 and a head 34, is adapted to be maneuverable for easy attachment to slot 77. Attached connector 20 is pivotable about an axis substantially perpendicular to an attached tensioned strap 50. A connector assembly 10 includes strap 50 already attached to connector 20. The method of using connector assembly 10 includes attaching strap 50 to an anchor 80.

Abstract: A easily installable fence post for fence posts. The easily installable fence post includes an elongated member having a first end and the second end. An auger bit portion for extending into a ground surface has a pointed end and a blunt end. The blunt end is integrally coupled to the first end of the elongated member such that the auger bit has a longitudinal axis is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: A screw-type, in-ground anchor device for anchoring an above-ground upright. A generally cylindrical drive shaft includes an upper cylindrical housing portion constructed of ¼-inch rolled steel with an inside diameter sized to match the outside diameter of the upright. A conical portion connects the upper housing portion to a lower tip portion. The surface of the conical portion has a slope of less than 20 degrees, and preferably in the range of 5-10 degrees. A set of screw threads (flightings) are attached to the tip portion and have a diameter that is approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the upper housing portion. The flightings operate in soil to screw the anchor device into the ground when the device is rotated. The conical portion outwardly compresses the soil that is disrupted in the wake of the flightings. Since the flightings have a diameter approximately equal to or less than the diameter of the upper housing portion, soil surrounding the drive shaft is not disrupted.

Abstract: A spiral stake includes a handle structure which facilitates transfer of downwardly and torsionally directed forces from a user's hand to the stake during installation in the ground at a selected location. The spiral stake includes a spiral section, and a straight transition section extending between the handle and the spiral section. A portion of the handle contacting the users palm when downward and torsional force is applied thereto presents a convex curvature of suitable dimension and shape characteristics to distribute resistive forces comfortably to the user's hand. In a preferred embodiment, an opposed region of the handle contains a series of indentations forming a grip for the corresponding reception of the user's fingers, resulting in improved ergonomic feel and force-transfer efficiency.

Abstract: A easily installable fence post for fence posts. The easily installable fence post includes an elongated member having a first end and the second end. An auger bit portion for extending into a ground surface has a pointed end and a blunt end. The blunt end is integrally coupled to the first end of the elongated member such that the auger bit has a longitudinal axis is generally coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: A ground anchor rod drilled into soil is held in place by a generally rectangular stabilizer having various side thicknesses of about 2-1 cm from a top to a bottom portion and a front and backside having a width of about 20 cm. The front face contains multiple depressions over its entire surface for receiving soil. The backside has two parallel spaced. apart vertical protrusions for enclosing a portion of the ground anchor rod when the stabilizer is hammered into the ground juxtaposed to the ground anchor rod. The stabilizer is made from a high strength plastic such as ABS and can withstand loads in excess of four thousand pounds.

Abstract: A modular construction system utilizes building components or panels formed of high strength plasticized concrete. Panels are formed with two or more linear peripheral edges fitted with mortises. FRP pultruded tenons are used to connect aligned mortises for adjacent panels. Walls, crown beams and roof panels can be so formed and assembled. Hollow corrugated panels are suitable for forming beams and interior partitions. Beams can be rested on regularly spaced piles and then floor panels on the beams, walls on the floor panels, crown beams on the walls and roof panels on the crown beams, buildings can be erected with a minimum of tools or specialized knowledge. The resulting structure is substantially impervious to environmental hazards, particularly relevant in more primitive locations.

Abstract: A burial apparatus for underground crypts, preferably those that include space for two stacked caskets, which apparatus includes a ground auger, a turnbuckle connected thereto and a flanged inverted L-shaped member connected to the turnbuckle and engaged with the crypt to retain the crypt within the ground. The apparatus works particularly well with an empty crypt and with a dual crypt when opened to receive a second casket.

Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for boring in soil (90) generally includes an elongate shank (20) having auger blades (34) on its lower end (30) and a attachment mechanism (41) on its upper end (40) for attachment of anchor lines (48), a compression cap (60), and one or more biasing springs (50). Biasing springs (50) operate between upper end (40) of shank (20) and compression cap (60) for maintaining cap (60) biased in a downward direction so that soil between cap (60) and auger (34) remains compressed at all times. Compression cap (60) includes a plate (62) that is freely journaled on shank 20 above blades (34) such that plate (62) can freely tilt through a tilt angle to align with surface (91) of soil (90).

Abstract: A ground anchor rod drilled into soil is held in place by a generally rectangular stabilizer having various side thicknesses of about 2-1 cm from a top to a bottom portion and a front and backside having a width of about 20 cm. The front face contains multiple depressions over its entire surface for receiving soil. The backside has two parallel spaced apart vertical protrusions for enclosing a portion of the ground anchor rod when the stabilizer is hammered into the ground juxtaposed to the ground anchor rod. The stabilizer is made from a high strength plastic such as ABS and can withstand loads in excess of four thousand pounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reinforcing a ground on which is disposed a loading structure, comprising a series of structural inclusions disposed in the ground and adapted to mechanically reinforce said ground, the inclusions having a diameter D comprised between substantially 0.2 m and 0.6 m, two adjacent inclusions being separated by a distance (A) such as 2D≦A≦10 D, the series of inclusions being made of a material having a Young's modulus of between 500 and 10,000 MPa, a load transmitting layer interposed between the ground and the loading structure, said layer having a Young's modulus less than the Young's modulus of the series of inclusions, a first nominal height between two adjacent inclusions of the series, and a second height less than the first nominal height at locations situated just above the series of inclusions, where the load transmitting layer is plastically compressed by the inclusions which partially penetrate within the load transmitting layer.

Abstract: A ground anchor (10) for boring in soil (90) generally includes an elongate shank (20) having auger blades (34) on its lower end (30) and a attachment mechanism (41) on its upper end (40) for attachment of anchor lines (48), a compression cap (60), and a bearing member (80). Compression cap (60) includes a plate (62) that is freely journaled on shank 20 above blades (34) such that plate (62) can freely tilt through a tilt angle to align with surface (91) of soil (90). Bearing member (80) includes a bearing surface (85) adapted for applying coupled bearing forces on compression cap (60) over the tilt angle such that compression cap (60) compresses soil between cap (60) and auger blades (34). In exemplary embodiment, bearing surface (85) is inverse conical or spherical.

Abstract: A post anchor capable of being in ground soil comprising an elongated metal rod, a drive section located at a first end of the rod and a boring section located below the drive section and substantially adjacent a second end of the rod. The drive end includes a drive connector, a stabilizing cap, and a mounting apparatus. The mounting apparatus mounting the stabilizing cap for swiveling motion relative to the drive end so that the stabilizing cap is adjusted for surface alignment with the ground soil when the anchor is set.

Abstract: A ground anchor with a floating stabilizer consists of an elongate shaft, a screw flight coupled to the shaft at the lower end and an extension point mounted to the shaft at its lowermost point. A drive handle is provided for rotating the shaft about the axis and threading the flight into the ground. A winged stabilizer member fits over the shaft such that it floats freely of the shaft after installation to accommodate ground heave. An L-shaped mounting member is carried on a threaded rod screwed into a female thread at the top of the shaft for engaging a structure and supporting the structure relative to the ground.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for securing a boring machine to the earth is provided. The anchor assembly includes a shaft equipped with a helical assembly by which the shaft can be driven into and removed from the earth like a screw. The helical assembly preferably includes a plurality of flights and a plurality of wings pivotally attached to the flights and helically aligned therewith. The wings and flights are configured so that rotation in one direction urges the wings into the retracted position. However, counter-rotation for only part of a turn forces the wings into the extended position, which expands the diameter of the helical assembly. Thus, the extended wings bite into soil that was undisturbed during the initial insertion, providing increased frictional engagement between the anchor and the soil. Yet, because the wings are helically aligned with the flights, the extended wings do not substantially resist withdrawal of the anchor assembly from soil by reverse rotation.

Abstract: A mechanical ground anchor is provided including an anchor body having a plurality of parts forming a cylindrical shape. The parts forming the cylindrical shape are mounted to be opened and closed in the horizontal direction by a slide mechanism and a drive mechanism for opening and/or closing the anchor body on a core material. Thus, it is possible to enlarge the section performance of the slide mechanism between the core material and anchor body, it thus is also possible to increase rotational torque and/or tensile strength, and in case of self-boring, hard soil foundation boring and extremely deep evacuation can be easily performed as a result.

Abstract: A post system for use in installing fence posts, mailbox posts, and the like that includes a ground anchor having a tubular member with a circular cross-section of uniform diameter along its length, and a longitudinal axis, the tubular member having a lower end with a peripherally extending auger blade, and an upper end; and a post having first and second ends, and a bore extending into the post from one of the post ends, the tubular member upper end being insertable into the post bore. The lower end of the ground anchor is screwed into the ground, and a length of the tubular member approximately equal to the length of the bore is left exposed above ground level. The post is then telescoped onto the above-ground part of the tubular member by inserting the exposed part of the tubular member into the post bore. The ground anchor may be used alone as a post, and the post system, or ground anchor alone, may also be employed as a ground anchor for modular homes.

Abstract: A compact umbrella anchor and method is disclosed that includes a bit with a pin member with an auger blade. The pin member has a small body to support the auger blade without interfering with operation of the larger blade surface. A retractable handle is built onto the tubular body of the umbrella anchor. The handle pivots between an open position and a closed position. Stops on the handle stop rotation at the open position so that the hand grips are directed radially outwardly. The handle has slots that are slightly undersized with respect to the tubular body or in other words the cross-section is slightly greater than a semi-circle, so as to cause the grips to snap gently into the closed position. An umbrella pole can be telescopically interconnected with the tubular body of the umbrella anchor.