Abstract: A driveable member and a locking member cooperate to form a post anchor which is utilized in earthen ground to support a post. The driveable member is capable of being driven into the earthen ground during an installation process wherein a post extends from the driveable member following the installation process. The locking member acts to secure the post and the driveable member together using a binding pressure between a post support sleeve of the driveable member and the outer surface of the post. Ideally the locking member is installed during the installation process utilizing an installation impact force which is delivered generally aligned with the length of the post to bind the locking member between the driveable member and the post. A method of coupling the locking member relative to the driveable member prevents any tendency of the locking member to become dislodged subsequent to the installation process.

Abstract: A deadman ground-anchor comprises a heavy steel rod with several inches of machine threading at a back end, and an arrowhead with a pair of wedge-shaped wings at a front end. The wedge-shaped wings are welded to the steel rod. A pivotable fluke is hinged to the shaft with a lateral pin. The whole unit is driven into the soil, e.g., with a jack-hammer, until the threads at the back end are almost completely buried. A stabilizer vane and interlocking cap are then placed over the end flat on the ground. Nuts are put over the threaded end and tightened so that the whole unit is drawn back out a few inches. The fluke folds out perpendicular to the shaft and locks compacted soil between it and the cap. The stabilizing vane braces the top end of the anchor against lateral forces.

Abstract: The invention provides a wall-retaining element, including a three-dimensional body having a bottom portion including a major base surface positionable upon the ground in spaced-apart relationship to a wall to be retained, such that the plane of the bottom portion traverses the plane of the wall; at least one major surface to be covered with soil for applying pressure to the element, and means for attaching one end of a tie rod or a cable to the element and for attaching its other end to the wall. The invention also provides a method for retaining a wall structure.

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 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 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 stake system for utilization within various types of soil conditions without require various designs of stakes. The inventive device includes a shaft having a spiked end, a hook secured to the upper end of the shaft, and a pair of first prongs secured to the lower portion of the shaft. The first prongs are comprised of a bendable material for allowing adjustment of the angle with respect to the shaft. If the invention is utilized within light soil, sand or gravel, the first prongs are preferably extended at a significant angle with respect to the shaft. If the invention is utilized within heavy soil, the first prongs are preferably parallel to or slightly extended from the shaft. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of second prongs are attached to the shaft in addition to the first prongs for increasing the gripping within the soil surface.

Abstract: An improved wing-type ground anchor. The ground anchor includes a central body portion, wings radiating laterally from the body portion, and a leg portion at the front end of the body portion GROUND ANCHOR that operates like a star-point drill for penetrating the ground. The sides of the leg portion each include a plurality of sharpened leading side edges which are longitudinally offset from each other. Each of the wings also includes a plurality of sharpened leading side edges which are longitudinally offset with respect to each other. The offset leading side edges and wing edges progressively extend greater distances laterally outward from the body portion along the length of the leg portion and the wings. Since smaller side edges and wing edges are advanced first, the staged side and wing edges facilitate passage of the ground anchor through soil.

Abstract: A support attachment for a post for reinforcing posts and straightening leaning posts. The support attachment for a post includes a generally L-shaped angle member for coupling to the post towards the lower end of the post. A pair of first arms are coupled to a lower end of the angle member for coupling, and a pair of second arms are pivotally coupled to free ends of the first arms.

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: The present invention 10 discloses a device to aid in providing ballast to place an object, e.g., a tank 16, underground. The device comprises a pair of generally horizontal elongated cylindrical members 30 having a bell 58 and spigot 60 type end for being joined together. A pair of upstanding cylindrical members 26 are provided on the horizontal cylindrical member 30 for connection to a source of pumpable concrete 48. Concrete 48 is pumped into one upright member 26 and air 50 is allowed to pass out the other upright member. Means 36 are provided for closing the ends of the horizontal member 30 so that concrete 48 will not leak out, with the means 36 using rebars 34 and, e.g., steel tek 52. Means 41 are also provided to the cylindrical members for attaching coupling cables 42 thereto so that the object, e.g., tank 16, can be properly ballasted.

Abstract: Relatively heavy electrical equipment, such as a computer mainframe or server unit, is provided with a mechanism which prevents and/or mitigates damage to the equipment caused by seismological or other activity. In particular, the mechanism comprises a turnbuckle having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: An underground utility location marker including an elongated casing inserted into the ground above an underground utility line, and a rod received in the casing. The rod is selectively movable between a lowered storage position and a raised warning position where it can be seen by a person preparing to excavate in the area. A directional arrow and a distance indicator are carried on a ground flange attached to the top of the casing to show the direction and distance to the next adjacent marker. Also, the rod is of a distinctive color indicating a specific utility.

Abstract: A turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts. There is provided an easily assemblable and economical apparatus which preferably includes a multiplicity of energy absorption points which help to prevent damage to the expensive computer frame and which further assists in maintaining computer operations at peak levels even during certain seismological activity.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for anchorage in the soil by means of a ground anchor (1) in the form of a tube (2) in which at least two axial slots (3a, 3b) are arranged along at least one region of a tube wall in a part of the tube which is to be driven into the soil. This tube (2) is driven into the soil by cooperating with a pike (4) which is arranged in the tube (2) and which, after the tube has been driven in, is removed therefrom. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the tube (2) in at least one region with axial slots (3a, 3b) is subjected to a radial load by means of a tool (5) which is sunk into the tube and which is actuated so as to exert a controllable expansion of the tube is brought about in this region. The tool is removed from the tube when a predetermined degree of expansion has been attained.

Abstract: A tornado escape capsule 10 for a house trailer 100 having a structural framework 101 which defines an interior compartment 102 dimensioned to releasably receive the escape capsule 10 which is connected to a ground engaging anchor 40 by a tether 60 whereby the escape capsule 10 will remain attached to the ground engaging anchor 40 in the event that a tornado destroys the house trailer 100 that originally surrounded the escape capsule 10.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the use of a post anchor adaptable to impact insertion into the earthen ground to rigidly support a post extending above ground level. The post anchor is functional without requiring the use of concrete to reinforce the post anchor within the earthen ground. A driveable member and a locking member cooperate to form each post anchor. The driveable member must be formed from at least one piece of a sheet material. The sheet material is subjected to a deforming process to render definable unique panels thereon definable from adjacent panels by a linear juncture. A post engaging channel cooperates with a plurality of ground engaging fins to provide displacement resistance properties to the post anchor. A secure attachment, using the locking member, occurs to secure the post to the driveable member following placement of both the post and the driveable member during the installation procedure. Either a single sheet piece or multiple sheet pieces form the driveable member.

Abstract: An anchor (100) for anchoring a structure to the ground includes a cylindrical section (102), an anchor shank (104), and an anchor body (106). The cylindrical section has a driving surface (108) and a hole (112) and is connected to the anchor shank (104) at an attachment point (110). The anchor shank (104) has a connection feature (114) and a pivot slot (122), wherein the anchor body (106) is pivotally coupled to the anchor shank (104) at the pivot slot (122). The anchor body (106) has an angled portion (126) for engaging the ground when the anchor is set and a leading edge (128). The anchor (100) has a pre-set state in which the anchor body (106) is parallel with the anchor shank (104) and a set state in which the anchor body (106) is no longer parallel with the anchor shank (104).

Abstract: A kit of readily assemblable parts to protect computer equipment and the like against destructive seismological motions. In particular, a turnbuckle mechanism having threaded yokes disposed at opposite ends of the turnbuckle is employed together with eyebolts disposed within the yoke portions of the threaded yokes as a means for providing a retention device for anchoring relatively heavy computer and/or other equipment in position during seismological events. The electrical equipment is disposed within a frame which preferably includes a plurality of metal plates disposed at the bottom thereof. The frame is also provided with casters which permit the equipment to be rolled conveniently into place and then anchored firmly into position using a small number of pins which extend through the threaded yokes and eyebolts.

Abstract: The ground anchor comprises two substantially triangular shaped plate members mounted to an elongate, substantially cylindrical member. The plate members are pivotably mounted on the elongate member so as to be selectively and pivotably moveable relate to the elongate member between a first or storage position, wherein the plate members abut or overlie one another, or a second or in-use position wherein the plate members extend away from one another.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a corner of a beach blanket or towel to the sand of a beach. The device includes a clamp removably attachable to the corner of the beach blanket or the towel for enabling the corner to be anchored to the sand of the beach, and a spike removably receivable in an eyelet defined on the clamp, for anchoring the clamp and thus the corner of the beach blanket or towel to the sand of the beach. The spike includes a locking mechanism for locking and unlocking the spike within the eyelet of the clamp.

Abstract: A fastening device comprises a connecting member 8 and a body 1, an object to be secured typically being attached to the connecting member, and the body being installed, at a fixed location 25. To secure the object, an end 11 of the connecting member 8 must be inserted through an opening 6 in the body 1 for engagement with a retaining means after the retaining means has been temporarily moved away from its operative position. An actuating means 13, which may be hidden, is used for release of the object, and may require some skill for operation. Installation of the body 1 is described in relation to one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A construction for and method of building a tie-down type ground anchor for securing a structure to supporting ground. A cylindrical block formed from recycled plastic waste has a longitudinal bore and receives a tether through the bore. The tether is knotted at one end. The tether is pulled through the block until the knot lodges thereagainst, thus preventing the tether from being pulled free of the block from the unknotted end. The block is lowered into a hole dug beneath the structure being secured. The block is disposed with the free end of the tether facing away from the structure. The free end of the tether is then tied to the structure after being adequately tightened. The hole is then filled.

Abstract: Device for anchoring the foundation of a structure in the ground comprising an anchor (1) and a pull line (8) along an axis (ZZ'), the end (19) of a terminal portion (18) thereof being integral with a fastener (9) secured to the body of the anchor (1). The body comprises a front wing element (2) shaped to go into the ground along an axis (XX') and a rear wing element (3) opposing the pull of the line (8) by abutment in the ground once the anchor is tilted in the ground. In one embodiment, the fastening location (9) is offset to the axis (ZZ') of pull in the direction of the axis (XX') of the anchor body (1). The anchoring device comprises a component (7) for guiding the terminal portion (18) of the pull line (8) between the fastening location (9) and the axis of pull (ZZ'), whereby the fastener is offset. The anchor body (1) comprises a fin-shaped element (6) located on the other side of the plane of the front wing element (2) in relation to the guide component (7).

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: Ground anchors of the type which are attached to cables and rods and driven into the ground and tilted transversely by tensioning the cable. A ground anchor comprising a body portion having a generally triangular cross-section extending substantially along its length having generally concave sides and a continuous convex lower surface from one edge of the body portion where the sides and lower surface meet to an opposite edge.

Abstract: An anchor (20) which is attachable to the leg (500) of a canopy (502) framework includes a bar (22) having a foot (30), a weight (32), and at least one attaching means for attaching the anchor (20) to the leg (500). The anchor (20) is useful in circumstances where the wind could lift, displace, or overturn the canopy (502) and associated framework.

Abstract: A ground anchor assembly comprises a looped cable 3 passing around a saddle 4 with one or more optional recesses 8 in its outer surface 7, all this being held in place by solidified grout or the like in an elongate bore 1. Extension 5 gives good transfer of forces when both cable ends are stressed outwards, and tubes 6 prevent internal cracking of the grout. After a period of use the cable 3 can be removed by pulling one cable end only.More than one such cable 3 can pass round saddle 4, and more than one such assembly can locate in the bore 1.

Abstract: A lockdown system for a low rise building including a roof structure with sheathing disposed over a plurality of roof rafters, the roof structure forming eaves around the periphery thereof, the system comprises a loop of rafter cable for being secured around the eaves of the roof; and a plurality of anchor cables operably secured to the rafter and to the ground, the anchor cables being adapted to exert a downward force on the rafter such that lift forces generated during high winds are counteracted.

Abstract: A portable barrier system including a portable post support device having a base member with a handle and an attachment mechanism for supporting a post, the post in turn supporting a barrier material.

Abstract: An anchor apparatus for anchoring an article to the ground includes a pair of spaced apart legs rotatably mounted on an axle. Each of the legs has a curved tine attached thereto for insertion into the ground as the legs are rotated in opposite directions about the axle. A lug on each leg receives a pin in an aperture for preventing rotation of the legs relative to one another and the tines have flanges which resist pulling the tines from the ground. A chain is connected between one end of the pin and a sleeve. When the tines are inserted into the ground, the pin is inserted into the apertures in the lugs and the sleeve is positioned on the pin between the lugs, the chain can be looped around a portion of a sports goal frame resting on the ground and a lock can be inserted through the chain and an aperture in one of the lugs such that the anchor apparatus prevents the sports goal from tipping over.

Abstract: A post anchor adaptable to impact insertion into the earthen ground to rigidly support a post extending above ground level. The post anchor is functional without requiring the use of concrete to reinforce the post anchor within the earthen ground. A driveable member and a locking member cooperate to form each post anchor. A post engaging channel cooperates with a plurality of ground engaging fins and a sub-grade surface to provide displacement resistance properties to the post anchor. The resistance properties include the sub-grade surface compacting the earthen ground during and following installation and restricting displacement of earthen ground over the ground engaging fins following installation. A secure attachment, using the locking member, occurs to secure the post to the driveable member following placement of both the post and the driveable member during the installation procedure.

Abstract: An anchor for anchoring a structure to the ground includes an anchor shank (10) having a connection point (18) at which a connecting member is coupled to the anchor shank (10). An anchor body (12) is pivotally connected to the anchor shank (10) at a point (14) remote from the connection point (18).

Abstract: A recreational vehicle awning tightener including a generally planar rigid plate sized for receiving a user's foot thereon, the plate having an upper surface and a lower surface bounded by a front edge, a back edge, and a pair of side edges extended therebetween and with the rear edge of the plate positionable upon a recipient surface and the front edge extended upwards to thereby create an acute angle between the lower surface and the recipient surface; a hook removably couplable to an outboard portion of a cover of an awning; and a generally taut line having one end coupled to the hook and another end coupled to the plate, whereby when the user's foot is placed upon the plate and then applies a downward force, the hook pulls the outboard portion of the cover of the awning downwards.

Abstract: The ground anchor of the invention is used for winching vehicles from mud, river beds, sand embankments and the like and up rough terrain, such as hills and mountains. The anchor includes a blade with a sharp ground-engaging point, a cantilever post preferably releasably connected to the center of the blade, as by post tabs in slots in the blade, and locked in place by a latch arm with a hook. The anchor also includes an elongated tongue pivotally connected to the end of the post which is remote from the blade and which extends in the same direction as the point of the blade. The tongue has at its free end a connector to retain a winch cable. Tension linkage is pivotably connected to the mid portion of the post and to the remote end of the tongue and extends generally in the direction of the point. The anchor includes a support brace in the form of a truncated triangle with cross bar and diverging depending ground-engaging legs.

Abstract: A system for modifying existing wood frame buildings to protect them from damage due to seismic and wind forces. At least one (preferably several) deadman is formed adjacent to a peripheral foundation that supports rim joists on foundation sill plates at the foundation and plural crossed beams and floor framing joists. The deadman preferably comprises concrete. A plurality of transfer blocks and compression blocks are fastened along said rim joists between at least some of the framing joists. Elongated transfer ties are secured to the transfer blocks and pass adjacent to the deadman. At least one anchor embedded in the deadman and is fastened to the transfer tie. At least one additional anchor may be secured to the deadman and fastened to an adjacent framing joist. Framing joists preferably have short tie straps overlapping all joist connections and fastened to the joists. Exterior wall covering material may be removed adjacent to the foundation sill plate and any wall sill plates.

Abstract: A steel cable eyelet construction for a looped steel cable end is protected against corrosion by a tubular member of synthetic material that extends all the way around the loop and partially into the ground when the steel cable end is formed as an anchor that is cemented into the ground. The synthetic material tubular member in turn is protected against mechanical wear and tear by a tubular metal jacket such as a stainless steel jacket. This construction is especially suitable for anchors that are used to secure protection nettings against falling rocks and avalanches. Providing the corrosion protection and the mechanical wear and tear resistance by different elements assures a prolonged serviceability of such steel cable eyelets forming anchors cemented into the ground.

Abstract: Post anchoring and quick release device (10) having a lower post attachment section (20) and an upper anchoring section (22). the device (10) is an elongated, generally rectangular body having in the lower section at least one opening (40,42) in one configuration and at least one opening (66,68) in another configuration and a nail hole (48,50,74,76) beneath each said opening. The nail holes are separated from the openings either by a web (52,54) or a restricted slit (78,80). The device is attached to a post by nails and when the post is to be removed from the ground a bar (B) is used to strike an offset release surface (28) to rupture the web against the nail or to allow the nail so slide through the restricted slit (78,80). In the one the nail is bent down as the device is forced down and in the other the nail slides free of the nail without contacting the nail. The post can then be lifted vertically such that the nail slides free of the device.

Abstract: A stabilizer-retention device for beach umbrellas which will substantially increase the total static retention forces and lateral stability of beach umbrellas thereby alleviating or preventing lifting forces caused by steady winds and/or gusts causing a beach umbrella to become dislodged from the sand in which it is supported or becoming tilted or upset thereby greatly facilitating use of beach umbrellas in a more stable, secure and safe manner. The device involves an attachment or modification of the supporting rod or standard that is normally inserted into the sand to increase the lateral stability and static retention of the umbrella. Various embodiments of the device are disclosed including a plate attached to the lower end of the supporting rod which may be circular, square or polygonal with various methods of attachment or an open-topped container embedded in the sand for receiving the beach umbrella rod or standard.

Abstract: A tie down stake for anchoring small aircraft or other objects to the ground in any soil conditions and which consists of a central hub with an eyelet and a plurality of holes that serve as stake guides for directing a plurality of anchoring rods at a fixed angle downward and outward into the ground. Thus joined by the hub, the anchoring rods cooperate together to form a secure earth anchor. Also disclosed are a rod removal tool, a security cap and a packing tube for use with the tie down stake.

Abstract: An improved stake device is provided which is capable of prolonged or even permanent ground position and location in a manner which is completely submerged below ground level at all times. The stake device allows for engaging and holding a securement line which may be removed from the stake device without movement of the stake device from its ground location and position. The stake device includes a longitudinal stake member which is attached to an open cylindrical housing member. A line receiving member is extended laterally from the frame of the housing member into an interior cavity therein for releasable fastening by a corresponding connection member of the securement line.

Abstract: An earth anchor that can be driven into the ground to a desired anchoring depth and which has a tie rod extending therefrom for connection to an above-the-ground structure to be supported. The anchor is in the form of a stamped plate having a substantially flat co-planar body portion with a tapered ground entry end and with planing wings formed at a trailing end which are angled out of the plane of the body portion for guiding the anchor plate into a substantially horizontal anchoring position upon tensioning of the tie rod. The anchor plate is formed with a stepped drive rod receiving notch in the trailing end which is engageable by the head of the drive rod and which maintains the anchor plate in coaxial relation to the drive rod as it is being driven into the ground.

Abstract: A ground anchor adapted to be driven into the ground comprises an elongated flat plate having a first bent portion at one end forming a U-shaped throat along one side of the plate and a second bent portion at the end opposite the first mentioned end slightly inclined relative to the flat surface of the plate in the direction opposite the throat. A cable is secured at one of its ends, to the plate, at an intermediate portion between both ends of the plate. The intermediate portion is located in the direction of the second bent portion relative to the center of gravity of the plate. The end of the cable forming a closed loop has an aperture adjacent the plate and on the same side of the plate as the throat. The loop and the throat are adapted to upstandingly retain the rod while the latter is impacted for driving the anchor into the ground, and the plate is adapted to tilt about the loop when the cable is pulled upwardly thereby imparting a plowing effect of the plate in the ground.

Abstract: A ground anchor comprises an anchor plate (1) which is to be driven edge first into the ground. A flexible anchor strap or web (4) is attached to the plate, and the plate has a tail flap (7) which provides a fulcrum about which the buried anchor plate can pivot. Apparatus (5) are provided on the anchor whereby it can be driven into the ground with rotation about a generally horizontal axis. Once it is buried the strap (4) can be used to increase the rotation of the plate and thus give the plate maximum resistance to withdrawal from the ground.

Abstract: One form of conventional earth anchor device includes an anchor which is driven into the ground as the leading element of a combination. Thus, the anchor must be streamlined to facilitate ground entry which is incompatible with the need for a curved body facilitating anchoring. Another problem is the need for anchors having large bearing areas which require considerable effort for insertion into the ground. A device providing a solution to these problems includes a tube or sleeve with a sacrificial blade releasably mounted in the bottom end thereof for driving into the ground, and a rod carrying an anchor and a spring biasing the anchor outwardly, whereby the sleeve can be driven into the ground, following which the rod is held down while the sleeve is extracted, leaving the blade, and, when the anchor and spring exit the sleeve, the spring biases the anchor into a ground engaging position. An upward pull on the rod pivots the anchor into a secure anchoring position in the ground.

Abstract: Ground anchors are installed by drive rods or gads connected in end to end relation by sleeves or couplers which accommodate sliding of adjacent rod ends into abutting relation under impact or compression loads and which retain the rods in connected string relation under tension loads. The sleeves have smooth rolled internal rope type threads in their end portions separated by a slide chamber receiving mating threads on end portions of adjacent rods which are threaded through and beyond the internal threads into the slide chamber. The rods slide in the sleeves and ends of adjoining rods will abut under compression loads and separate under tension loads while still being retained in end to end relation. A string of drive rods is successively built up to be impacted successively from ground level.

Abstract: An alignment and lateral support member for use in laying common concrete blocks. The support member comprises an elongate body piece of rigid material having a length which is greater than the width of concrete blocks with which the support member is to be used. A first appendage extends from a first face of the body piece. The first appendage has a stop surface extending substantially perpendicular to the first face of the body piece, with the stop surface of the first appendage being positioned a distance from the first end of the body piece so that when the stop surface of the first appendage engages an outer surface of the sidewall of a first concrete block, with the first face of the body piece lying adjacent to the first block, the body piece spans from one sidewall of the first block to the other sidewall of the first block. A second appendage extends from a second face of the body piece.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing articles such as benthic barriers to the earth comprising an elongated subteraneanly pivotable plastic body having a strap affixed centrally to one side thereof, and a benthic barrier clamping element with an aperture therethrough that is slidable on the strap. The strap is intended for passage through a hole in a benthic barrier, and the clamping element in ratchet-like fashion secures the benthic barrier to the ground or lake bottom to a desired degree of tightness.

Abstract: A plate or wing-type ground anchor for driving upright and into the ground to desired depth and pulled into flat anchoring position at the driven depth is provided with an extended cruciform shaped leg in advance of the plate wings to act as a star drill or chisel facilitating penetration of the ground. The plate anchor has an axial tubular body portion providing an elongated round bottom socket for mating with a round bottom drive rod for efficient transfer of impact energy from the rod to the anchor. A raised central rib on the tubular body portion has a sharp front cutting edge and a reduced thickness trailing end with a transverse hole therethrough. A pull member can include either a loop pivoted in the hole or a shackle straddling the reduced thickness end with a pin pivoted in the hole. Shoulders on the rib overlie the loop or shackle to divert earth therearound.

Abstract: An anchor for supporting guy wires for transmission towers and other structures. The anchor includes a cradle or base skid which supports a plurality of modular deadweight bodies which may interlock to increase the overall stability of the anchor.