Abstract: Provided herein is an article which is by its nature readily clamped to the end portion of a metallic ware employed as a cable support rack, and driven into the ground. An insulative wedge according to the invention renders a linear metallic ware to not be in contact with the ground, and has the further advantage of comprising an end portion which penetrates earth readily but which is simultaneously deflected by subterranean conduits into which it may inadvertently come into contact with, thereby not interfering with the integrity of subterranean utilities, including wires, pipes, conduits, and the like.

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: Novel anchors and foundations in customized lengths and installation method are less expensive, easier to handle, and assemble in the field to match any required length. Vertical segmented support and media consolidation plates swingably mounted about pivot points vertical support means incorporate media-facing surfaces swingable outwardly from the into surrounding media. Varying segmented lengths form segmented vertical support means. Novel apparatus and method provide for centering collar 113, an anchor positioning means at level force pivoting plates 194, and pivoting plates 194 positioned 40-50 degrees from vertical. A frusto-cone 197 dx equal to a predetermined distance of one-half inch forms gap 204. The novel method installs a anchor and foundation device in the earth by preparing a hole in the earth, lowering into the hole a segmented anchor or foundation device having swingable media facing plates, and applying force to swing the plates outwardly into the surrounding media.

Abstract: The repair stake for reinforcing a post includes an upper portion, a central portion and a lower portion. Fastener holes are present in the upper portion. The repair stake can driven between a deteriorating post and a concrete cast and attached to the deteriorating post to anchor the post.

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 device for anchoring the comer of a beach blanket, towel or other ground covering to the ground. The device includes a clip for removably attaching the device to the comer of the covering, thereby enabling the comer to be anchored to the ground via a stake flexibly attached to the clip by an elastic connecting material. There is a vertical slot defined on the stake to allow for variances in the depth of ground matter, which allows the covering to remain flush to the ground independent of how far into the ground the stake is driven. Additionally, the device has a removable top piece that can be used for displaying advertising, likenesses, shapes or, sports or other paraphernalia.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening system with an anchoring device (1) and a method for fastening an object (2) in the form of a stake or post projecting up from the ground, with an anchoring portion (4) which can be introduced into the earth of the ground and can be removed again from it, or can be releasably fastened on the surface of the ground, and with a holding portion (5) for receiving the object, the holding portion having a cup-shaped or tubular filling portion (6), provided with a filling opening (12), for receiving a filler (7). The filler (7) comprises a coarse-grained, hard material in the form of sand, loose chippings or rock.

Abstract: A portable beach/outdoor table includes a table top adapted to be removably mounted onto the top end of a support pole. An auger is attached to and projects vertically from the lower end of the support pole. A diametrically-extending rod is attached to the support pole adjacent the auger. The rod functions as a wrench to aid in inserting the support pole into the ground. The rod also functions as a stabilizer for the table-mounted support pole.

Abstract: A post anchor comprising a ground engaging portion in the form of fins and a post receiving portion in the form of deflectable collets that are clamped against a post by a clamping member. A damaged post can be easily replaced by removing the clamping member, replacing the post and reapplying the clamping member.

Abstract: A post footing for holding a post segment above a ground surface comprises an outer sleeve adapted to be forcibly driven into the ground. A socket member is pressure fitted within the outer sleeve with the leading end of the sleeve extending beyond the socket member to prevent the latter from being damaged in the event that an obstacle be encountered while the footing is being driven into the ground. The socket member defines a socket adapted to receive and hold an above-ground post segment once the footing has been installed in the ground.

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 sign post is comprised of two principal components, namely a lower tubular member and an upper tubular member which is telescoped over the lower member. The lower member has ground penetrating members at its lower end. A striker plate in an upper region of the upper member is adapted to strike an anvil plate closed upper end of the lower member when the upper member is reciprocated on the lower member to drive the ground penetrating members into the ground. A pin arrangement permits the upper member to be locked in different positions on the lower member.

Abstract: A stake having first and second generally planar members intersecting along a common longitudinal axis extending from a leading end adapted for ground penetration to a trailing end with a striking surface includes a plurality of steps toward the trailing end adapted for supporting posts of varying diameters. Support pads extend in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis from the steps to provide a support surface for securing a posts of varying diameters and/or shapes with a fastener. In one embodiment, the stake includes a number of holes extending through at least one of the first and second members and the first and second members include scalloped edges with a common apex at the leading end. In another embodiment, the second member includes a triangular portion with an apex displaced relative to the apex of the first member which may include a triangular or trapezoidal portion.

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: The present invention is directed to an improved wood post protective sleeve that provides protection against conditions that promote post deterioration, allows for rapid dissipation of trapped exhaust air within the sleeve upon insertion of the post into the sleeve, and provides increased resistance to uplifting or downpressing displacing forces placed upon the post. In one form, the improved post protective sleeve comprises a body and at least one extending displacement resistant projection. The body comprises an internal surface and an external surface with an open end opposed to a bottom wall. The open end slidably receives a ground insert portion of a post. The bottom wall retains the ground insert portion of the post. At least one displacement resistant projection extends from the external surface, and a retainer secures the ground insert portion of the post to the body, preventing the ground insert portion of the post from uplifting out of and separating from the body.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sign post anchor system that provides omni-directional stabilization of a sign post. The inventive anchor system includes a tubular anchor sleeve having a square cross-section for receiving at one end the sign post and at the other end the tubular post anchor. The anchor sleeve includes a plurality of spaced apart holes located along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve for permitting selective mounting of the sign post. The anchor sleeve further includes a plurality of fins secured to the corners of the anchor sleeve and extending outward from the sleeve. The plurality of fins provide stabilization of the anchor sleeve and accompanying sign post.

Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella having an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.

Abstract: A beach umbrella stabilizer comprising an outer tubular sleeve and a telescoping inner tubular sleeve which interact to form an impact-type slide hammer arrangement is disclosed. The inner tubular sleeve of the stabilizing device can be forced into the sand by the slide hammer arrangement. After the stabilizing device is securely anchored into the sand, a beach umbrella can be attached to the end thereof by means of a clamp. The height of the stabilizing device can be adjusted thus permitting the overall height of the beach umbrella to be similarly adjusted.

Abstract: An earth anchor for a pole that includes a base, a spike, and attaching apparatus. The base has a lowermost face for contacting the earth, an uppermost face opposite to the lowermost face, and a longitudinal axis. The spike is for insertion into the earth, and depends from the lowermost face of the base. The attaching apparatus is for engaging a pole, and is disposed on the uppermost face of the base. The base is disk-shaped with a circular periphery for providing a blunt round edge that eliminates corners when tipped on which a player could fall and be injured, and is wide for leaving enough room for the pole to still be pushed into the earth using foot pressure. The attaching apparatus includes a stop boss disposed on the uppermost face of the base, along the longitudinal axis of the base, which centers the attaching apparatus for allowing the pole to have identical stability in all directions.

Abstract: A constructional support including three tubes secured to a central support member with the tubes defining guides for drilling holes into the ground and for guiding anchor members as they are being driven into the holes to secure the support with respect to the ground. In one embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the tubes intersect at a point along the longitudinal axis of the central support member. In another embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the tubes each lie in a respective plane which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the central support member.

Abstract: An anchor used in concrete construction serves both as a bar termination and as a transition or starter bar anchor for use between pours or at forms for poured-in-place construction, or at the surfaces of precast elements. The anchor includes a core and is of relatively short axial extent, which has substantial peripherally continuous deformations which provide a large area bonding surface relative to the diameter or area of the core. In a preferred form, the increased bonding surface area is created by a circumferentially continuous flute or ridge which has a substantial height relative to the core. In a preferred form, the ridge is the form of a continuous helix. The height of the rib is preferably about ⅓ the axial spacing or pitch. The core includes bar sockets at one or both ends which may be designed to accommodate bar ends for a variety of mechanical connections, although tapered thread connections are preferred.

Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella comprising an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.

Abstract: A post holder is formed by a lower spike portion and an upper bracket portion. The bracket portion is connected to the spike portion at an adjustable connection formed by a curved seat at the upper end of the spike portion and a curved base at the bottom end of the bracket portion. This adjustable connection enables different aligned positions of the bracket portion with the spike portion and an adjustable tightening member is provided to lock the bracket portion with the spike portion in any one of these different aligned positions.

Abstract: A self-anchoring beach umbrella comprising an umbrella canopy and an umbrella pole. The umbrella pole having an upper member for supporting the canopy and a lower member for self-anchoring the umbrella into a ground surface. The upper member being an elongated tubular sleeve having a first end communicating with and supporting the umbrella canopy, an axial lumen formed within the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end for receiving a pole standard into the axial lumen. The lower member being a pole standard having a length, a first end formed for insertion into the axial lumen of the elongated tubular sleeve, and a second end formed for anchoring into the ground surface. A hammer is fixed to the elongated tubular sleeve, the hammer included for transmitting an axial force applied to the elongated tubular sleeve onto an anvil. The anvil fixed to the pole standard for receiving the axial force from the hammer and transmitting it to the pole standard to anchor the pole standard into the ground surface.

Abstract: A reflective mounting member mountable to a traffic sign post to augment the warning capability of the sign post or to provide a text message, the sign post being defined by a rear wall, divergent side walls extending from said rear wall and terminating in opposing planar flanges thereby defining a U-shaped longitudinal channel, the mounting member having a U-shaped channel formed therein such that it mates about the exterior of the U-shaped channel of the traffic sign post and is mounted thereto.

Abstract: Umbrella apparatus is provided for use by disc golfers and others. The device includes a hollow, cylindrical, longitudinal member which can provide a storage compartment for an umbrella slidably disposed therein. A suction cup mounted atop the longitudinal member allows the user to easily pick up discs without having to stoop or bend.

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: An anchor system for alternate types of signage includes an elongated anchor member and an attached, lowermost formation engageable with an underlying foundation to firmly support the anchor member in a substantially vertical disposition. A bore within the anchor member slidably receives the lower portion of an elongated sign pole or marker device, with a stop element within the anchor member serving to limit the length of the sign pole inserted therewithin. Secure attachment of the sign pole relative the vertical anchor member is achieved by the application of a compression element comprising a collar and having a tapered, inner surface engageable with the upper portion of the anchor member. The inclusion of a plurality of slots in the upper portion of the anchor member provides individual segments which are subsequently deflected radially inwardly upon the tightening of the compression element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the vertical arrangement of a pole or post-like object (4) on a fixing device (6) located in the ground, comprising a substantially cylindrical, longitudinally extended holding drift (10) which protrudes upwards from the free upper side of the fixing device (6) and which can be inserted into a receiving bore hole (12) on the lower front face (14) of the pole or post-like object (4). Also provided is a support plate (16) which is separate from the fixing device (6) and can be fixed onto the lower front face (14) of the pole or post-like object (4). At least one fixing attachment (18) protrudes upwards therefrom. In the middle of the support plate (16) there is an orifice (24) which is at least partially adapted to the cross-section of the holding drift (10). The support plate (16) also has a clamping section (26) which borders on the central orifice (24) and which is oriented in the same direction as the at least one attachment (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar comprises a support assembly including a first support and a second support. The first support has a ground-engaging portion. The second support is coupled to the first support so that the ground-engaging portion provides subjacent support for the second support. The second support is structured and dimensioned to support a reinforcement bar in a substantially upright position. A support member is coupled to the support assembly. The support member is provided for vertically supporting another reinforcement bar. A method for supporting reinforcement bar comprises the steps of providing a ditch having a bottom surface and apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar. The method next comprises the step of positioning apparatus for supporting reinforcement bar in the ditch with an end of apparatus protruding from the ditch and a ground-penetrating portion driven in the bottom surface of the ditch.

Abstract: A method of raising the transmission cables carried by a utility pole having a base end with a ground foundation supporting the pole in upright position, without disturbing the pole foundation or disconnecting the cables, includes the steps of anchoring opposed, circumferentially spaced elongate pole support members to extend upwardly along the pole and severing the pole to define a first pole supported by the pole foundation and a second pole supported by the first pole; fixing the support members to the first pole and slidably banding them to the second pole; raising the second pole above the first pole to a level remaining below the upper ends of the support members; and fixing the lower end of the second pole within and to the upper ends of the support members at a spaced distance above the first pole.

Abstract: An improved anchor is provided for small boats for mooring in the bottom of bodies of water such as lakes and coastal and inland waters. Embodiments include an anchor comprising a rod, such as a round cross-section stainless steel rod about 3-6 feet long and about 1-2 inches in diameter. One end of the rod is tapered, either to a point or to a blunt or hemispherical end, while the other end has a swivel with an eyelet for connecting a shackle and a rope or chain. A hand grip is provided on the rod between the two ends of the rod. The tapered end of the rod is inserted into the bottom of a body of water using the hand grip. Thus, the anchor easily sets on the first attempt, the swivel accommodates changes in current and wind conditions that may move the boat while it is moored, thereby avoiding dislodging of the anchor, and the anchor does not snag on debris.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary earth anchors and methods for their use. In one exemplary embodiment an earth anchor comprises and elongate hub having a trailing end and a leading end. At least one blade is attached to the hub, with the plate having a discontinuous circular periphery. The blade is configured such that a continuous circle drawn around the periphery of the blade defines an area. The blade has an area that is less than about 70% of the area of the circle, and the ratio of a path at shear resistance for the blade to the perimeter of this circle is greater than about 90%. Tubular extensions are attached to the hub and poured above the hub to facilitate injection of a low-strength, impermeable non-cementitious chemical grout in order to seal potential paths for water created by installation of the anchor and thereby reducing the risk of increase rate of soil heave in expensive soils.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for securing a pole into ground, which includes a tubular section being retained in the ground for supporting the pole. A support element is disposed on the open end of the tubular member, for supporting the pole proximate to the open end. The support element includes an annular outer member, which is rotatably disposed on the tubular section, and includes a support aperture eccentrically offset with respect to the center of the outer member. An annular inner member is rotatably disposed within the support aperture, and includes a receiving aperture eccentrically offset with respect to the center of the inner member, for supporting the pole. The outer member and inner member are respectively rotatable to vary the positions of the support aperture and the receiving aperture, so as to selectively tilt the poles longitudinal axis to a desired position with respect to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tubular section.

Abstract: A mounting structure for supporting a removable basketball support pole in the ground. In a first embodiment, the mounting structure may include a sleeve body, a clamping mechanism and a cap. The sleeve body has an open end of a predetermined size for receiving the basketball pole. The open end of the sleeve has relief portions, such as grooves, for providing flexibility to permit deformation of the open end of the sleeve to adjust to the size of the basketball pole. The clamping mechanism then may be used to engage the sleeve with the pole and securely support the basketball pole in position. In another embodiment, the clamping mechanism is unnecessary as a portion of the cap forms a wedge. In particular, the cap may include the relief portions and the sleeve has a camming surface whereby a portion of the cap wedges between the camming surface and the pole when the cap is tightened onto the sleeve.

Abstract: A post support apparatus for retaining a mounting post in generally upright disposition and including an elongated support body which includes a lower stake portion adapted to be driven into the earth, and an upper or above-surface post receiving portion. The post receiving portion includes a cavity adapted to rigidly and clampingly retain the base of a post therewithin. The stake portion consists of a continuously tapered body of generally crisscross or "X" configuration, having outer edge surfaces therealong, and with a distal tip end for engaging the earth and a proximal end for above-surface post retention. The stake portion body is tapered continuously from its proximal end to its distal tip end so that the outer edge surfaces remain in firm contact with the subterranean earth or soil. The stake body is dual tapered along its length with the portion adjacent the distal tip being steeply angularly tapered.

Abstract: An antitheft motor-vehicle anchor (1, 28, 35) is affixed immovably to a surface position (30) proximate a parking place and has a break-resistant connecter(7, 9, 10, 31, 33, 36, 37) that is lockable to a wheel (14), frame and/or axle of a motor vehicle or vehicular unit to prevent its theft by being carried, towed or pushed away. The break-resistant connector can be retractable or otherwise raised to and lowered from or optionally fixed in a locking or clamping position. Either a fixed or a retractably raised and lowered embodiment can be used as a locking motorcycle stand. A raised and lowered or otherwise retractable embodiment is flush with a surface of a parking place.

Abstract: A pile assembly which is driven into the earth for building foundations of engineering and construction employs a leading pile comprising a hollow column having a plurality of openings formed in a side wall thereof and a lower sharpened tip end and an open upper end, a wedge component having a plurality of elongated wedge members. The wedge component is movable downwardly in a space within the column. The leading pile has a guide component for guiding said elongated wedge members through the openings of the column into the earth when the wedge means is depressed.

Abstract: A fence post anchor that adjusts for vertical post alignment by providing a post engagement support portion that swivels on a ground securing portion. The post engagement portion is defined by a split box sleeve secured to an adjustment dome. A fastener assembly interconnects the adjustment dome to the ground engagement portion that has multiple engagement flights on which the dome can be movably positioned and secured thereto.

Abstract: An anchoring device for anchoring a shaft in relatively hard ground including an elongated shaft having a ground penetration member. The penetration member includes a coiled extension portion extending longitudinally beyond the shaft lower end to facilitate penetration of the ground when rotated in one direction. The coiled length of the extension portion is sufficiently short to resist substantial uncoiling of the coiled extension portion during penetrating movement into the relatively hard ground. In another aspect, a retaining device is provided for selective penetration of the ground at a second location spaced-apart from the first location to substantially prevent rotational movement of the shaft about the longitudinal axis for removal thereof from the ground.

Abstract: A fence post anchor that adjusts for vertical post alignment by providing a post engagement support portion that swivels on a ground engagement portion. The post engagement portion is defined by a split box sleeve secured to an adjustment dome. A fastener assembly interconnects the adjustment dome to the ground engagement portion that has multiple engagement flights on which the dome can be movably positioned and secured thereto.

Abstract: A combination turf stake and frame construction assembly for establishing a framework construction upon a ground surface. The turf stake includes an elongate spike portion having a first inserting end, a second supporting end and a plurality of vane portions projecting in circumferentially spaced apart and axially directed fashion substantially along the spike portion. A substantially polygonal shaped body defining a hollowed and interior cavity is integrally formed atop the second supporting end of the turf stake and substantially corresponds to a likewise polygonally shaped and inserting end of a selected elongate frame construction member so as to engage the elongate member in a friction fit manner. A plurality of turf stakes and frame construction members can be employed to assemble any desired framework construction.

Abstract: A boot system and method are described for preventing water or debris from entering a hole in the ground in which a pole has been placed prior to filling the hole with dirt or concrete. A flexible sheet is attached to the pole above the ground, and the lower edge of the sheet is secured to the ground around the pole. The side edges of the sheet are connected together. This system sheds water and keeps all foreign material out of the hole.

Abstract: An auxiliary stake or stabilizer for reinforcing a rod turned into the ground and placed under tension from a guy wire. The stabilizer has a flattened body characterized by a partially circular groove extending longitudinally along the body. The groove engages the rod and prevents the stabilizer from being displaced from parallel orientation to the rod while the stabilizer is being driven into the ground. The groove is preferably partially circular, for cooperating with rods having circular cross section. The stabilizer has a broadened head for receiving impacts and driving forces, and a tapered distal end for readily penetrating the ground. A preferred material is recycled plastic, which is substantially impervious to natural deterioration.

Abstract: A system for mounting road signs and other posts which is simple to use, has few parts and is tamper resistant. The system also allows for the easy dismounting of the post for maintenance and changing of signs. The system uses a metal base driven into the ground, a non-square post with at least one flat side and a bifurcated wedge to lock the post into position in the base. This system also prevents rotation of the post due to winds or other forces.

Abstract: The ground engaging restraint device (2) comprises a ground spike (4) and a clasp (6). Comprising the clasp is a head (48), a pin (50) and a pair of arms (52) having teeth (64). The ground spike has a receiver (12) having a bore (20) and circumferential notches (24), an elongated shaft (16) having a ground-engaging stop (18). In one embodiment the shaft has a plurality of interconnected webs (36), and in another embodiment the shaft has a helical blade (72) fixed concentrically about the shaft. A portion of an article (14) is placed over and inserted into the bore by placing the clasp over the receiver, causing the pin to enter the bore and frictionally engage the article between the pin and the bore. Teeth of a pair of arms engage a plurality of notches (24) on the receiver, removably retaining the clasp on the receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for consolidating earth and anchor setting device. The apparatus includes a vertical support, a plurality of spaced media consolidation plates swingably mounted to the vertical support, a rib disposed along a lower edge of respective ones of the consolidation plates and a bearing plate secured to the vertical support. The apparatus can be used to install a bearing and moment foundation having an upper surface, a lower surface and a converging side surface. The upper surface is adapted to receive a pushing force for pushing the foundation into the soil and the side surface adapted to contact the soil when a pushing force is applied to the upper surface. The anchoring device can also be used to install a pier foundation having a plug, an installation load bearing member, an installed load bearing member and a cap.

Abstract: A stake assembly for the support of soccer poles and other tubular structures includes a pair of generally parallel vertical members affixed together and spaced a desired distance apart by an upper lateral member interposed between the vertical members proximate their upper portion, and a lower lateral member interposed between the vertical members proximate their medial portion, such that the distance between the outside surfaces of the vertical members is generally equal to, and preferably slightly greater than, the inside diameter of the pole to be supported. Furthermore, the upper lateral member has a lateral extent generally equal to the inside diameter of the pole to be supported, while the lower lateral member has a lateral extent generally equal to the outside diameter of the pole to be supported. The vertical members terminate in a basal portion each preferably bearing an angled tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a post particularly for use with vinyl fencing. The apparatus includes a mounting fitting having a first member defining a web and an aperture and a second member defining a peripheral surface. The aperture formed by the first member is disposable about a stake such that the first member is engageable with the outer surface of the stake to frictionally support the mounting fitting thereon. The peripheral surface of the second member is connected to the first member by the web and is engageable with the inner surface of a hollow post to frictionally support the post about the stake. The related method for installing a post includes the steps of securing a mounting stake to a surface, frictionally coupling a mounting fitting to the stake, and sliding a hollow post about the stake and mounting fittings such that the mounting fitting frictionally supports the hollow post about the stake.

Abstract: An adjustable mounting for a post system for use in aligning and maintaining a post attached thereto to a desired vertical attitude to a ground surface. The adjustable mounting includes, as embodiments, a ball segment and seat combination that are movable with respect to one another, and in another embodiment involves a pair of interactive tapered washers, with the embodiments all including arrangements for clamping together the components that is a single bolt type fastener that is for maintaining the components of the adjustable mounting between a ground stake top surface, or ground surface, and a post bottom end or post insert base.