Shaft With Embedding Wing-type Brace Patents (Class 52/153)
  • Patent number: 11946212
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle security barrier system for hostile vehicle mitigation. The vehicle security barrier system comprising: a panel; first and second support members; and a reinforcing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Mark Stone
  • Patent number: 11624202
    Abstract: The spring wire clip fastens fence wire to T-posts. The clip is constructed from hardened high carbon spring steel and has a geometry that allows the clip to be installed with no tools. The middle of the clip has a shape complementary to the T-post spine, typically a ā€œVā€ shape, such that the clip wraps around the spine and the two ends extend laterally. Each end has a curl that can engage the fence wire on either side of the T-post. The clips can be installed five times faster than with standard twist-type clips and can be repositioned, or reused, as the attachment is not permanent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: LOCK JAWZ LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Andrew Hiner, Alan Wade Simon
  • Patent number: 11542722
    Abstract: A fence support system includes brackets that may be attached to t-posts. The system includes modular brackets that may be configured in either a single or dual embodiment for attachment to components on multiple sides of the brackets. The bracket may also be configured with a round plate situated atop the body portion, such that the top of the bracket may be attached to components at a variety of angles. The bracket may be configured in large and small embodiments. The system includes an adjustable brace assembly configured to extend between brackets so as to support respective posts. The bracketry provides a means to hang gates from t-posts, create and support field fence corners and mid fence span supports using common t-posts, including fence intersections that are at non-90-degree angles, and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Thomas Allen Schueren
  • Patent number: 11414827
    Abstract: A first embodiment of an anchor system may include a ballast, rods projecting through the ballast such that the rods extend away from the ballast and into the ground when deployed, and a mounting hardware atop the ballast. The anchor system may include an anchor deployable into the ground with a line providing tension between the ballast and the anchor when deployed into the ground. Another embodiment of the anchor may include a ground plate coupled to a spade in which the spade may be pressed into the ground when deployed. The anchor system may include an earth anchor shaped to be deployed in a first position and resist removal from the ground in a second position. and a line running from the ground plate to the earth anchor. The tension on the line may cause the earth anchor to transition from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ARRAY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin C. de Fresart, Nikhil Kumar, Anubhav Tandon, Lucas Creasy, Nathan Schuknecht
  • Patent number: 11224774
    Abstract: A configurable support for an autonomous firefighting tower is mainly used as an unmanned, single leg firefighting tower that extinguishes fires in smaller scale areas. The configurable support includes a support member, a supply pipe, a pipe inlet, and a leg-engagement feature. The support member is the main structure that houses the supply pipe. The supply pipe allows fluid to flow from a water supply and out of the support member. The pipe inlet allows a water supply hose or similar conduit to be hermetically attached to the supply pipe. The leg-engagement feature allows the configurable support to receive an extension leg in order to be situated on a ground surface when the configurable support is combined with the multiple configurable supports to form an unmanned, multiple leg firefighting tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Inventor: Garry D. Thomsen
  • Patent number: 11002435
    Abstract: An assembly for anchoring a light post assembly with a ground anchor that secures to a ground box comprising a plate with a plurality of walls extending in a first direction to penetrate the ground and a plurality of fasteners extending in a second direction from the plate and receiving thereon a light post base having a plurality of openings for aligned receiving of the fasteners and receiving nuts thereon to secure the light post base to the ground box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Oliver Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Oliver, Daniel Oliver, John A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 9879444
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a post support device (1) for a post (10) adapted to be inserted substantially vertically in the ground. The post (10) has a top end (10A) and a bottom end (10B). The support device comprises a support member (2,3) adapted to engage the post below ground level at a point remote from the post bottom end, and at least two pairs of fins (2A,2B; 3A,3B), each pair of which extend from and form a triangulated structure with the support member and/or post. In use, with the post with the support device attached thereto is inserted substantially vertically in the ground, and the fins provide lateral resistance to prevent the post from displacing the soil and tilting towards the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: STEADYPOST LIMITED
    Inventors: John Robert Gibbs, Andrew John Gibbs
  • Patent number: 9016656
    Abstract: A stabilizer which has general purpose use but which is particularly well suited for use with temporary real estate signs has an elongated body adapted for pivotal connection with a post for vertical swinging movement. A plurality of flanges or wings are spaced apart longitudinally at an opposite and free end of the body and define flat laterally extending anchoring surfaces. The free end of the stabilizer body is inserted into the soil on forceful downward swinging movement of the body and the lateral anchoring surfaces firmly secure the post against angular movement toward and away from the stabilizer. The stabilizer can be releasably stored in an upright position adjacent the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventor: Paul David Basconi
  • Publication number: 20150101267
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilising element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Ewan R. SMITH
  • Patent number: 8782970
    Abstract: A portable surface anchor is presented. Such portable surface anchor is able to be transported to various and difficult geographical areas, placed on the surface and able to provide support for vertically elevated objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Scott Eugene Griffiths
  • Patent number: 8683756
    Abstract: A screw foundation system for aligning and fastening a rod- or post-like object in the ground includes a sleeve-like plastic receiving part which can be screwed into the ground and which, in the fastened state, accommodates an end region of the rod- or post-like, object and surrounds their periphery of the object with a distance at least in certain portions; and a curable filling compound which, in the fastened state, fills the space between the end region of the rod- or post-like object and the inner contour of the receiving part, wherein the inner contour has undercuts for anchoring the cured filling compound. The screw foundation system can include a screwing-in tool having a dimensionally stable fitting core which can be inserted into the receiving part in order to screw in the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Krinner Innovation GmbH
    Inventor: Horst Schoetz
  • Patent number: 8468755
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a solar array support structure that includes a mounting structure extending a length and configured to receive a solar array. The solar array support structure further includes a support column extending from the mounting structure into a ground. Moreover, the solar array support structure includes a lateral force resistance component in communication with the support column in the ground, the lateral force resistance component being dimensioned to reduce pressure on the ground from a force transmitted by the support column in a first direction and a second opposite direction more so than any other two opposite directions located in the same plane as the first and second opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Zuritis
  • Patent number: 8444105
    Abstract: An umbrella anchoring device comprising a support dowel and a generally truncated cone shaped umbrella stop, with two opposing surfaces, an angled wall connecting the outer perimeter of the surfaces, and a hollow passage through the vertical axis thereof which is complementary to the cross section of the support dowel, wherein the umbrella anchoring device is used to support an umbrella with at least a partially hollow shaft. A method of using the anchoring device, where the support dowel is placed generally vertically in the ground, the umbrella stop is placed over the end thereof and slid so that the wider surface is at ground level and the narrower surface is below, and an umbrella is placed over the support dowel, with the end resting on the umbrella stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Silvestri
  • Patent number: 8230648
    Abstract: A utility land anchor for mooring a water craft to a shore or beach or to act as a ground anchor to pull an object, such as an ATV, thereto, that includes a straight shaft that is pointed on one end and is arranged for connecting to a torque producing device, such as a handle or sided driver, on its other end. The shaft includes an auger secured adjacent to the pointed end, and is to loosely fitted into a cylindrical tube wherefrom blades or fins are attached to extend oppositely outwardly from the cylindrical tube sides that are sloped outwardly to facilitate travel into the shore, beach or ground, and a mooring line connector is secured to the cylindrical tube, adjacent to a lower end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Scott E. Bulloch
  • Patent number: 8051609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Borge Olgaard
  • Patent number: 7942612
    Abstract: A post hole shoring device is provided for receiving and securing a vertically extended 4Ɨ4 post. The post would be placed within a hole, secured with concrete, and the hole formed would be backfilled with the soil removed from the hole. By use of the shoring device around the post at the bottom of the hole, additional vertical support is provided to strengthen the vertical installation and prevent movement of the post. The shoring device can be back-filled over, or even filled with aggregate or concrete to provide additional support at very little cost and without modifying conventional materials or construction techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher H. Willison
  • Patent number: 7877961
    Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Best Joist Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Richard Strickland, Lei Xu
  • Patent number: 7877935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Borge Ollgaard
  • Patent number: 7730675
    Abstract: A post anchor includes a ground engaging portion in the form of fins and a post receiving portion that has an oversized top and angled, linear segment or circular impressions below. The impressions form a clamp when downward force is applied to seat the post that is inserted into the post receiving portion. Adjustment in plumb can be made by moving the top of the post to the desired location and inserting hardware at the top edge of the receiving portion. A damaged post can be replaced by removing the hardware, replacing the post and reinserting the connection hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Oz-Post International LLP
    Inventor: Ian A. Hill
  • Patent number: 7707797
    Abstract: A circular concrete cap foundation poured in-situ within a perimeter forming corrugated metal pipe set atop or within an excavated pit and enclosing a series of circumferentially spaced pile anchors. The circular concrete cap foundation supports sets of inner and outer circumferentially spaced tower anchor bolts having their lower ends anchored to an embedded anchor ring and their upper ends projecting vertically and upwardly out the top of the circular foundation to engage the base flange of a supported tower. The pile anchors are formed with perimeter corrugated metal pipes set deep in subsurface soils with cementitious material surrounding and partially bonding to a centralized steel bolt or tendon which extends through the cap foundation. The tower anchor bolts and the pile anchor bolts are both partially encased in a PVC sleeve so that the bolts can be post-tensioned. The pile anchors are in tension only and serve to pull the cap foundation down to compress the underlying ground soils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Allan P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 7665253
    Abstract: A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof to the outside wall. The metal connector includes a base member with formed pockets that form tunnels. The base member has attaching means to outside sheathing and the underlying top plate of a wall. Threaded rods from the roof are inserted through the tunnels of the base member and tightened together. The invention can be installed on different structural members of a house including a rafter, hip rafter, valley rafter, and facia board. The connector inhibits uplift, detachment, outward thrusting, twisting, and lateral movement, thereby preventing wind and seismic damage to a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas C Thompson
  • Publication number: 20090293379
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilising element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Anchor Systems (Europe) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ewan R. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090113818
    Abstract: A fence post anchor that is easily integrally fabricated and attachable onto any type of fence post of choice. The anchor includes a bottom section that functions as a platform and an outwardly projecting spade section that provides strength and stability for the post. The anchor is pivot able between an installed position and an uninstalled position. Most importantly, the anchor automatically self-sets upon installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: David Heard
  • Publication number: 20090100771
    Abstract: Pillar shaped items in a flagstone surrounding, where the object has the same form and dimension as one or a combination of more of the used flagstones in the flagstone surroundings and where the pillar is mounted as a substitution of one or a combination of more of the used flagstones in the flagstone surroundings. The pillar shaped items can be fixed internally for instance by pipe-shaped pins and at their basis by the adjoining pillar shaped flagstones in the flagstone system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Soren Momsen
  • Patent number: 7478510
    Abstract: Method for securing a foundation form disposed on a moisture barrier membrane. The method can include penetrating the moisture barrier membrane with one end of a stake, sealing a breach in the moisture barrier membrane around a periphery of the stake caused by the penetrating step; and removing a portion of the stake extending above the moisture barrier membrane. A sealing member can be disposed on the stake at a location along an axial length of the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Vista Investments and Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Wilson, Gregory S. Foster
  • Patent number: 7434360
    Abstract: A landscape stake system comprises an improved stake and a hammer cap. The stake comprises a tapered lower region and an intermediate region. Preferably, the intermediate region comprises an I-beam format to provide reinforcement of the stake to prevent cracking of the stake during insertion of the stake into the ground. An upper region of the stake comprises a first U-shaped channel that is configured to receive a portion of a landscape edging board. The upper region of the stake further comprises a plurality of horizontal grooves and apertures configured to receive a fastener. The hammer cap comprises a substantially horizontal surface that is configured to receive the head of a hammer and a pair of vertical legs that form second channel and are configured to receive the upper region of the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Fibertech Polymers, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Traub, Jerry Crews, Arthur Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040159055
    Abstract: A stabilizer for an in-ground member includes: a mounting collar having a channel extending therethrough; a plurality of arms having respective collar ends, the collar ends being adapted to extend through the channel and engage with the mounting collar; and a resilient member being sized (a) to be disposed within the channel between the collar ends and (b) to be engaged by the in-ground member so as to urge the resilient member against the collar ends to force the collar ends against the mounting collar, whereby to rigidify the stabilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Ronald L. Stone
  • Publication number: 20040028481
    Abstract: A modular helical anchor apparatus includes at least two shaft sections connected by an anchor section. An end of each of the shaft sections is releasably connected to opposite ends of the anchor sections by fasteners. The anchor section includes a helical member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Michael A. Pinkleton
  • Publication number: 20030143038
    Abstract: Connection devices to improve utilization of synthetic deformed bars to transfer tensile loads. Attachment devices for connection of thin wall face panels to mechanically stablized earth walls with minimal tensile loads. Horizontally disposed synthetically deformed bars or other tensionable members utilized to combine precast retaining wall elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: John W. Babcock
  • Patent number: 6474028
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventors: Matt Cusimano, John Earl Howard
  • Patent number: 6401407
    Abstract: The present invention provides an earth anchor to secure a cover over a trench or hole in the ground. The device has a retaining cap which is attached to a rod. Extendible arms are connected to the rod below the cap. The end of the rod opposite the cap is inserted into the hole or trench until the cap rests at ground level, either on separate cover plates or on the ground itself. For large holes, the cap retains separate cover plates over the hole; for small holes, the cap acts as a cover itself. The arms are extended by a jack screw, rack and pinion, or other means until they contact the substrate or underside of the cover plates and clamp the same between the cap and the arms. The cover can be removed by reversing the motion of the jack screw or rack and pinion, and retracting the arms, thereby freeing the device to be removed from the whole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Stay-Put Safety Plate Distribution, Inc.
    Inventor: Doy T. Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20010039913
    Abstract: A survey marker having a rod with a pointed tip and a section of auger flights at a selected location thereof spaced apart from the tip, wherein the auger flights do not extend the entire length of the rod and preferably does not extend pass the half-way mark of the rod. A head extending from a distal end of the rod opposite the point includes means for retaining a survey flag, means for engaging a drive tool, and means for alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Clarence E. Truax
  • Patent number: 6308468
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Caruso
  • Patent number: 6263622
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Craig Griffin, Robert Donald McLeod
  • Patent number: 5984587
    Abstract: A ground stabilization apparatus and method for using the same in the installation of an elongated post such as a fence post, mailbox post, or sign post. The ground stabilization apparatus has a central ground support collar to which a plurality of radially extending stabilization arms are attached. By changing the position of the stabilization arm when it is inserted into the central ground support collar, a variety of post sizes and shapes can be installed using the apparatus. The ground stabilization apparatus is used to maintain the post in its upright and plumb position over time by distributing the force action on the post to a large area surrounding the post near the surface of the ground. The method of using the ground stabilization apparatus describes installing the device in a shallow channel that surrounds the post hole into which the post is to be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Stanley W. Odle
  • Patent number: 5927905
    Abstract: A method for and inserting a ground anchor into the ground, comprising the step of screwing an elongated anchor body into the ground by means of an extension tube that is to be connected to the proximal end of the anchor body. The distal end of a tension line is connected to the anchor body above the screw blade turns. A pipe sleeve is slid onto the extension tube, while guiding the tension line via an eyelet at the pipe sleeve adjacent to the distal end of the pipe sleeve, from the anchor body along the pipe sleeve. The anchor body is then screwed downwardly by turning the extension tube and the pipe sleeve jointly to a predetermined depth. Finally, the pipe sleeve together with the line extending there along are rotated around the stationary anchor body/extension tube assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: Tijmen van Halteren
  • Patent number: 5815994
    Abstract: A bridging beam for bridging a weakened area of a pole to reinstate the pole. The beam includes a sleeve for abutting the external surface of the pole on an inner surface of the sleeve and an external brace extending outwardly from an outer surface of the sleeve. The brace is constructed to brace the sleeve in radial and tangential directions relative to the sleeve. The brace is formed as an elongate tubular box section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Powerbeam Pty, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Keith Knight, Noel William Murray
  • Patent number: 5730555
    Abstract: A ground anchoring system that prevents lateral movement of an anchoring post. The system is characterized by an anchor plate removably mounted upon a cylindrical anchoring post. Opposing channels are formed on the post and extend along the longitudinal axis of the post to a stop located within each of the respective channels. The anchor plate includes first, a second, and a third portion. The first and third portions project from the plate in a direction opposite to the second portion to form two generally diamond shaped apertures in the anchor plate when viewed along its longitudinal axis. The diamond shaped apertures are sized to allow the post to pass through when the longitudinal axis of the post is in line with the longitudinal axis of the plate. The second and third portions of the plate include tabs to fit within the channels and engage the stops of the post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald Stoner
  • Patent number: 5722205
    Abstract: A post assembly for supporting a fence, a sign or receptacle such as a mailbox. The post assembly comprises a ground penetrating rod having an enlarged head, a square, hollow, decorative body placed over the rod after the rod is forced into the ground, and a footplate. The enlarged head of the rod cooperates in close fit within the hollow body. A pin frictionally fits into openings formed in the body, interfering with the rod as the body is lowered over the rod. The body is then employed as a driver to force the rod into the ground. When the rod is driven down to the point that the body contacts the footplate, the pin is removed from the body. The body then is lowered into abutment with the footplate. The openings of the body which receive the pin then align with a passage formed in the enlarged head of the rod. The pin is reinserted into the body, this time passing through the passage of the enlarged head of the rod. The rod and body are thus interlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Richard M. Gannaway
  • Patent number: 5689918
    Abstract: A new Sign Post Stabilizer for increasing the stability of a sign post by providing multi-directional support. The inventive device includes a post sleeve positionable over a sign post and a pair of L-shaped wing members extending horizontally outward from the post sleeve. The post sleeve includes a pair of aligned mounting holes for securing the post sleeve to a lower section of the sign post with a standard bolt and nut fastener. The post sleeve is secured to the lower section of the sign post such that the pair of L-shaped wing members extend outward from the post sleeve below the surface of the ground when the lower section of the sign post is driven into the ground. Each one of the pair of L-shaped wing members extends outward from the post sleeve in about 180 degree spaced relation. In addition, each one of the pair of L-shaped wing members is bent at a wing angle along an imaginary vertical axis so as to form adjacent multi-planar vertical walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Paul Johnson
  • Patent number: 5661933
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: Leslie A. DeJonghe
  • Patent number: 5575122
    Abstract: An earth screw anchor assembly has peripheral edges on its hub member and intermediate flange portion of its spade member with different configurations permitting placement of the hub member on the intermediate flange portion in an asymmetrical relation overlapping and offsetting the respective peripheral edges relative to one another to facilitate application of welds thereto for attaching the hub member to the spade member. The assembly also has an attachment land formed on one side of the intermediate flange portion and protruding downwardly therefrom and being attached along and extending partially about an upper end of the lower portion of the spade member. The blade member includes leading and trailing end portions axially offset from one another and a middle portion extending between the leading and trailing end portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel V. Hamilton, Robert M. Hoyt, Patricia J. Halferty, William L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5568785
    Abstract: A marking device for marking the location of underground utility lines including an indicating member having at least one substantially planar surface and a positioning member rigidly secured to the indicating member that includes a stake member oriented perpendicularly with respect to the substantially planar surface having a plurality of stabilizing members extending therefrom and oriented at an angle of between thirty and sixty (30.degree., 60.degree.) degrees thereto. The stabilizing members are constructed from a material having sufficient resilience to allow each stabilizing member to flex while the stake member is inserted into the earth. The indicating member includes indicia indicating at east one type of utility and indicia indicating a direction of travel with respect to the indicating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Hallie W. Hazen
  • Patent number: 5553978
    Abstract: Expansible anchors, particularly a pivotable anchor for pilings. The anchor is characterized by a backing plate which is secured to the lower exterior portion of the piling. A pivot bracket extends laterally outward of the backing plate to support a pivoting arm and thrust plate. As the piling is being driven, the pivoting arm and thrust plate are pivoted upwardly in substantial alignment with the piling vertical axis. As the piling is driven and set, the pivoting arm and thrust plate are pivoted downwardly to a laterally outward locking mode. The surrounding marine surface then settles upon the thrust plate, locking the piling in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Stanley Bates
  • Patent number: 5345732
    Abstract: A method of giving strength to a pole comprising taking a nail comprising two longitudinally extending metal sections generally of L-shape cross-section, wherein the two sections are secured together so that, in cross-section, the nail is generally of T-shape, driving the nail into the ground adjacent the pole with the cross-bar of the T-shape adjacent the pole and the upright of the T-shape extending generally radially of the pole, and fastening the nail to the pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventors: John K. Knight, Noel W. Murray
  • Patent number: 5082231
    Abstract: A post-support for permanent installation at or below ground level includes a post-receiving collar affixed to fins. The fins have collar supporting shoulders against which a post may rest. A driver/cap/marker has a cap and a sleeve and the sleeve length is the same as the collar length so that when the driver/cap/marker is inserted into the collar the lower edge of the sleeve rests on the shoulders and the underside of the cap/marker rests on top of the collar. The driver/cap/marker serves firstly as a tool for inserting the support into the ground, secondly as a cover for an unused support, and thirdly as marking/locating means for an unused collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Inventor: John R. Knowles
  • Patent number: 4831798
    Abstract: A ground anchoring stake adapted for use in securing animal traps, tent straps or ropes, and similar devices to the ground is disclosed. The stake includes an elongated cylindrical body having an upper head portion and a lower sharpened end portion. A bail is connected to or formed integrally with the body. A first portion of the bail extends outwardly from the body at a point which is below the upper head portion. The first portion of the bail curves upwardly so as to be oriented generally parallel to the body and extend above the upper head portion. An upper curved portion of the bail is disposed above the head portion of the body. A tail portion of the bail extends downwardly from the upper curved portion parallel to the body. The tail portion extends well below the upper head portion of the body. The upper curved portion of the bail permits a universal pivoting connection to be easily established between the stake and a connecting member attached to the anchored device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Inventor: Jack O. Otteson
  • Patent number: 4738060
    Abstract: A marker assembly for permanently locating underground utility elements with a non-removable plastic stake and a tamper-proof marker held in place by the stake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventors: Gregory A. Marthaler, Robert H. Marthaler
  • Patent number: 4699165
    Abstract: A stake for anchoring a beach blanket, towel or other like fabric is disclosed. An elongated body is provided with tapered vanes. A planar upper end is provided with an arcuate slot within which is located a rotatable ring. A vertical slot, a curved edge and a recess provide for engaging the fabric when the fabric is applied thereto and the ring is rotated into the recess. The arcuate slot allows for downward sliding of the ring into a locking location which may be provided with a detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Inventor: Ramon Barzana
  • Patent number: 4663902
    Abstract: An anchor for fence posts consisting of a spade pivotally attached to a post wherein the configuration of the sheet metal spade generally corresponds to the post, and by the use of a strap the anchor may be retrofitted to an installed post and will pivot to an operable position to resist post tilting and withdrawal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Inventor: Lacey E. Abbott, Jr.