Wings In Different Planes Patents (Class 52/154)
  • Patent number: 11613899
    Abstract: An arrangement for making a field repair on a multi-part pole having upper and lower walls joined together by a flanged connection that is beginning to show signs of failure. The arrangement includes upper and lower C-channels secured to the upper and lower walls of the pole, respectively and a front plate secured to said upper and lower C-channels and spanning the flanged connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: EXO Group LLC
    Inventors: Wesley J. Oliphant, Zachary J Oliphant
  • Patent number: 11499333
    Abstract: A structure for receiving and stabilizing a fence post or other similar support, as well as methods of making and using and a material blank for forming the same, are all described. The support has a flat planar member, into which a series of cooperating notches/slits, recesses, and perforations or frangible connections are provided. When assembled, the support is defined by a pair of axially aligned planar members, cooperatively fitted to form supported receiving recesses at a predetermined axial offset from the non-receiving edge of the support. A method of securing such supports for subsequent encasement in concrete is also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventors: Luke Travis Thompson, Truett Ramsey Thompson
  • Patent number: 11280106
    Abstract: A steel cap for structurally connecting together a new foundation and an existing tower is disclosed. The new foundation includes at least one foundation element positioned in the ground. The existing tower includes an existing foundation and a tower structure extending from and supported by the existing foundation. The steel cap comprises (a) a first element for connecting the cap to the new foundation element or foundation elements and (b) a second element for connecting the cap to the existing tower and thereby, in use, connecting together the new foundation and the existing tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: PILING AND CONCRETING AUSTRALIA (PCA) PTY LTD
    Inventors: Allan John Herse, Robert Michael Bollman
  • Patent number: 11225159
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a charging station for electric vehicles with a ground foundation and a column arranged above the ground foundation and accommodating charging electronics. The ground foundation and the column are formed in one piece. The column includes an opening which runs transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column and extends into the interior of the column. The opening is arranged for accommodating a charging electronics, in particular the opening is arranged as receptacle for the charging electronics and comprises locking means for the charging electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: innogy SE
    Inventors: Jürgen Waffner, Jörg Meier
  • Patent number: 11053655
    Abstract: Method of building a grid system wherein a plurality of modular apparatuses can be arranged at a structure site. The plurality modular apparatuses can have a central tubular member having an inner bore formed between a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of vanes having a lateral width at least equal to a diameter of the central tubular member. The one or more modular apparatuses can be positioned above a surface of the structure site. Each of the plurality modular apparatuses can be connected with at least two adjacent modular apparatuses of the plurality of modular apparatuses via a locking lug on one of the plurality of vanes slidingly engaged with a locking channel on an adjacent modular apparatus. The plurality of modular apparatuses can then be driven into the structure site wherein the inner bore receives earthen formation therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 10973205
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a retainer apparatus that includes a scoop having an exterior surface and an interior surface with a central opening and a predetermined length. A retention device has a base with a length greater than the length of the central opening of the scoop and a flange portion extends upwardly from the base portion and contains at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Bolt-On QLK, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Bennett Bolton
  • Patent number: 10794030
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lateral support for a shaft of a helical pile, the lateral support including a tubular portion for receiving the shaft and a plurality of fins extending from the tubular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Kemp, Shawn David Downey, Daniel V. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10774560
    Abstract: A drivable stake for attachment to an article that includes an elongated stake having a first end section that terminates at a first end and a second end section that terminates at an opposing second end. The elongated stake has impact drive shoulders and a stake plate is coupled to the elongated stake and in contact with the impact drive shoulders. A coupling member surrounding the elongated stake and includes an opening for attachment to the article. A hollow impact drive member slidingly travels along the second end section of the elongated stake for striking the stake plate and driving the first end section into the ground. The stake includes a fastener for coupling the impact drive member to the elongated stake during a driving action and for locking the impact drive member in place relative to the elongated stake in a locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Darrin McCugh
  • Patent number: 10767385
    Abstract: A portable holder for securing a shaft of an item to a ground surface. The holder has a flexible base and a sleeve. The base has a center, a perimeter, a center hole disposed through the center and an upwardly projecting lip coupled to the perimeter. The base has a plurality of openings spaced around the perimeter for use with one or more stakes. The sleeve is coupled to the base and configured to receive a portion of the shaft. The sleeve has an internal bore aligned with the center hole in the base. When the shaft is received by the sleeve, the shaft passes through the bore, through the center hole, and into the ground surface. The sleeve has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface having a plurality of gripping protrusions, and a plurality of securing straps coupled to the outer surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Simon David Gray Wehr
  • Patent number: 10435858
    Abstract: The present invention is an earth-locking apparatus and an inextricably intertwined method to form an underground grid-bridge system to provide foundation support for structures such as sand silos, holding tanks, bulkheads, and power transmission lines. The earth-locking modular apparatus has locking lugs and locking channels perpendicularly connected to a plurality of vanes that extend vertically the length of the central tubular member whereby interlocking vanes are conjoined to multiple modular apparatus allowing for confined compaction of columns and blocks of soil that are then subjected to a porosity destruction process to tighten and de-water the confined soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Lawrence S. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 10364543
    Abstract: A stake assembly provides an earth anchor and includes a stake having a longitudinal axis and an upper portion and a lower portion. The stake is attached to a cup having a sidewall defining a closed perimeter and a top wall substantially closing the sidewall, the sidewall having an open bottom end. The stake passes through the top wall with the upper portion above the top wall and the lower portion below the top wall. When the stake is pounded or screwed into the ground the cup captures soil which adds resistance to the stake being removed from the ground. One embodiment has the cup at an oblique angle to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Robert T. Yackley
  • Patent number: 10167606
    Abstract: A method of stabilizing a dike using a ground anchor assembly, includes: connecting a ground anchor to a first end of a tensile member; introducing the ground anchor through the earth body and into a stable layer beneath the dike; providing a pressure distributing member on or around the tensile member at a position within the dike where stabilization against lateral earth movement is required; and connecting a second end of the tensile member to a counter member at an outer surface of the dike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: J.F. Karsten Beheer B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Franciscus Karsten
  • Patent number: 10008134
    Abstract: A sign system and method for temporarily displaying signs. The sign system includes a mounting assembly, a pole and a sign. The mounting assembly is installed in the ground; the pole is engaged with the mounting assembly and the sign is engaged with the pole. The mounting assembly includes a flange with upper and lower surfaces; a base engaged with the upper surface and extending outwardly therefrom in a first direction; and a screw engaged with the lower surface of the flange and extending outwardly therefrom in a second direction. The flange is oriented at right angles to a longitudinal axis of the screw. When the screw is rotated into the ground the flange contacts the ground surface and limits the depth to which the screw may rotate. Additionally, the screw may be of a preset length to additionally control the depth of penetration of the screw into the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Black Horn Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Scott Pura, Nicholas Pura, Chris Cropley
  • Patent number: 10006185
    Abstract: A helical pile assembly includes a plate and a rod extending from the plate. The rod includes threads. A piling is configured to be disposed in the ground and support a load. A connection device is positioned around the rod and configured to transmit torque to the piling. The connection device includes threads that are configured to engage the threads of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: TORCSILL FOUNDATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Jimmy B. Tomchesson, Rex E. Hallman, Lyle G. Love
  • Patent number: 9957685
    Abstract: A stake assembly provides an earth anchor and includes a stake having a longitudinal axis and an upper portion and a lower portion. The stake is attached to a cup having a sidewall defining a closed perimeter and a top wall substantially closing the sidewall, the sidewall having an open bottom end. The stake passes through the top wall with the upper portion above the top wall and the lower portion below the top wall. When the stake is pounded or screwed into the ground the cup captures soil which adds resistance to the stake being removed from the ground. One embodiment has the cup at an oblique angle to the top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Robert T. Yackley
  • Patent number: 9945145
    Abstract: An embedded pole installation method including applying a rotational force to a leading pole and an intermediate pole. The leading pole comprises a first helical plate disposed on a first portion of the leading pole. The intermediate pole is coupled to a second portion of the leading pole and comprises a second helical plate disposed on a first portion of the intermediate pole. The diameter of the intermediate pole is greater than a diameter of the leading pole. Applying the rotational force embeds the first helical plate and the second helical plate into a foundation such that a second portion of the intermediate pole does not penetrate the foundation. The method further includes coupling a utility pole to the second portion of the intermediate pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TRINITY MEYER UTILITY STRUCTURES LLC
    Inventors: Guy L. Faries, Jonathan P. Girard, Mark H. Fairbairn
  • Patent number: 9464397
    Abstract: In various implementations, an anchoring system may include one or more anchors. An anchor may include a first coupling member, a second coupling member, and a plate. The anchor may be coupleable to other anchors and/or objects. The anchoring system may be used to secure an object to a location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventor: Philip Abraham
  • Patent number: 9441341
    Abstract: A coupling unites two short segments of trench shield spreader tubing into a single spreader tube of desired length. The coupling comprises a cylindrical insert adapted to fit snugly within and to extend a short distance into the interiors of two spreader tube segments abutted end-to-end, the total length of which becomes the spreader. Each coupling includes transverse retainer pin holes which align with like holes through the abutted ends of the spreader tube segments to admit a retainer pin. The coupling may include stiffener and spacer straps disposed on either side of the retainer pin holes that extend substantially the length of the coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Gary Neil Hames
  • Patent number: 9057172
    Abstract: An anchoring system for anchoring a pole to a ground surface, the anchoring system including a plurality of modules interconnectable to one another for surrounding the pole, each module including a support leg configured for extending into the ground surface so as to provide anchoring support to the pole on a given side of said pole, each module of the anchoring system further including at least two mounting interfaces disposed distally from the support leg and configured for resting against the pole, and each module of the anchoring system further including at least one connecting member extending from an edge of the support leg to a corresponding mounting interface, said the least one connecting member further operatively extending between said at least two mounting interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: CICAME ENERGIE INC.
    Inventors: Genevieve Soucy, Franck Willier, Nicolas Hillion
  • 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: 9003722
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Anchor Systems (Europe) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ewan R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8984834
    Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing an upstanding utility/meter pole having a worn top includes an elongate brace adapted to bear against the pole near a top end of the pole. A washer plate is disposed in overlying relation to the elongate brace. A front support is secured to an opposite side of the pole by an elongate bolt that extends diametrically through the pole and is engaged by a nut to secure the brace and front support in sandwiching relation to the pole. A second embodiment reinforces a cross arm of a pole and a third embodiment ensleeves a pole at its uppermost end in a cylindrical body that serves as a prosthesis for a disintegrating pole top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: PLS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Butler
  • Publication number: 20140230347
    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: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Anchor Systems (Europe) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ewan R. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20130291453
    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: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: ANCHOR SYSTEMS (EUROPE) LTD.
    Inventor: Ewan R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8156695
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and systems comprising an anchor post that has a shaft, at least one stabilizing element attached to the anchor post configured to resist movement of the anchor post, and at least one alignment element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Anchor Systems (Europe) Ltd.
    Inventor: Ewan R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7694487
    Abstract: A tubular post for a light or other electrical device is mounted in soil with the use of an anchor which is comprised of a vertical sleeve and a flange which extends horizontally from the lower end of the sleeve. A flat bottom excavation is made in soil, to receive the anchor. Electrical conductors are run across the top of the flange, through ports in the sleeve and up the interior of the post. A stop within the bore of the sleeve limits downward movement of the post which is inserted into the top of the bore, to enable the running of the conductors through the ports. The excavation is then backfilled. When the anchor has been installed in soil so that top of the sleeve is near the surface, the post may be lifted from the sleeve and replaced without making a new excavation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Gary L. Ryan
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7185461
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kalitec Signalisation Inc.
    Inventors: Jean Lapointe, Robert Griffith
  • Patent number: 7025016
    Abstract: An anchoring marker post comprising a hollow elongated member, the elongated member composed of a flexibly resilient polymer plastic and having a first end and a second end, integrally attached to the elongated member is a set of anchoring flaps, the anchoring flaps located proximate the second end of the elongated member, attaching each of the anchoring flaps to the elongated member is a flexible living hinge, the flexible living hinge allowing the anchoring flaps to be moveable from a first closed position to facilitate the handling and transportation of the marker post to a second open position to prevent the withdrawal of the elongated member from an embedded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Rednet, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott D. Landes
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6560935
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: David H Barefield
  • 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
  • Patent number: 5899030
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: David H Barefield
  • 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: 5749180
    Abstract: A ground anchor for securing posts in the ground is provided. The ground anchor comprises a leg having a lower portion that is connected to a barb and an upper portion that is connected to a fin structure. The leg further comprises two sidewalls that meet at a corner and terminate at two diverging ends. The lower barb extends upward from the lower portion of the leg at a non-vertical angle. The barb provides additional resistance to any uplifting forces imposed upon the post or the anchor and further displaces or clears out soil from beneath the fin structure to facilitate the insertion of the post therethrough. The fin structure comprises a central crease portion disposed between two diverging fins. The fin structure is attached to the leg so that the central crease is disposed opposite to the corner of the leg. Each of the diverging fins are connected to one of the diverging ends of the sidewalls of the upper portion of the leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Asset Purchase Co. LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Jewett, Thomas B. Bird
  • 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: 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: 5661932
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: David H. Barefield
  • Patent number: 5547315
    Abstract: A socket for receiving a post, column or rod has a closed end forming a seat against which the post, column or rod may be seated when installed, the socket being secured within the ground or other solid body which may be entered when pierced. The socket is a unitary member which, in one form, may be a sheet of metal folded to have an internal cross sectional configuration corresponding to the post, column or rod and has folds which form the closed end, portions of the folds converging to an oblique leading edge which may pierce and penetrate the ground or other solid body. In an other form of the invention the socket is a hollow tube swaged closed at one end and may be ground to an oblique edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Charles F. Halloran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5498640
    Abstract: Expandable thermoplastic polymers in particle form comprising a) at least one organic boron-silicon compound, b) at least one thermoplastic polymer and c) a blowing agent, a process for their preparation, and the foams produced using these expandable thermoplastic polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Witt, Rolf Henn
  • Patent number: 5396743
    Abstract: An anchorage device for use in sand or sandy soils. The device comprises a shank portion (2) and a spike portion (4) at a lower end of the shank portion. The spike portion (4) comprises a first and second pair of downwardly convergent plates (6,18), the second pair of plates (18) extending from a position above the upper ends of the first plates (6) to a position beneath the upper ends of the first plates to funnel sand into the zone between the interior surfaces of the first plates (6). The sand thereby trapped between the plates anchors the spike portion (4) within the ground. The device may be used for example for anchoring beach umbrellas, tents and fences in sand or sandy soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Inventor: Rodney W. Bellette
  • 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: 5255480
    Abstract: A ground anchor comprises a generally flat anchor plate folded into a U or V-shape against a resilient bias. The resilient bias may be inherent in the folded portions of the anchor plate, or may be provided by means of auxiliary or plate springs disposed between the folded portions. In the latter, a retaining pin may secure the folded portions together while driving the plate into the ground. A release arrangement shears the pin so that the plate springs open to resist subsequent extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Hydracor International, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Alsop
  • Patent number: 4893787
    Abstract: A unitary fence corner post assembly having a brace member welded to medial portions of a main post to extend laterally therefrom and a strut welded between the main post and brace member. The main post, brace member, and strut are constructed of square steel tubing and a steel first stabilization plate is welded to the main post and brace member to extend along the main post from the brace member substantially three-quarters of the distance between the brace member and the lower end of the main post. A notch is formed in the upper edge of the first stabilization plate to extend a distance along the main post and the assembly further includes a second stabilization plate extending through the notch and welded to the main post, the brace member and the first stabilization plate. An end portion of the brace member is downturned and and square anchor plates are welded to the extensive end of the brace member and to the lower end of the main post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Inventor: Terry D. Watson
  • Patent number: 4882891
    Abstract: An anchor or foundation apparatus and a method for installing said apparatus in an earthen hole. The apparatus is equipped with outwardly extending moment resisting vanes. The apparatus employs pivotally swingable plates which swing in an arc upwardly or downwardly into the surrounding media to fix the device therein. The surface of the plates forced into the surrounding media is provided with oppositely disposed rib means extending along the upper and lower edges of the plates and said rib means serve as media containment means. The media containment means extends the zone of media consolidation and the plane for dislodgement of the device a considerable distance outwardly into the surrounding media. When the device is employed in the anchor mode the moment resisting vanes can be forced downwardly into the zone of media consolidation to provide enhanced resistance against moment imparting forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: S.A.F.E.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Sero, James S. Collins, Victor Yates
  • Patent number: 4833846
    Abstract: A device for supporting a building structure or the like includes an elongate shaft which is of square cross section and has a short length of screw flight at a lower end and the male screw threaded portion at an upper end extending coaxially with the shaft. A stabilizer in the form of a sleeve arranged to closely surround the square shaft together with three wings to be hammered downwardly into the ground surrounding the shaft after the shaft is screwed into the ground. Various heads can be provided including particularly a building support head in the form of a sleeve with a female screw thread at one end for attachment to the threaded portion of the shaft and a plate separate from the sleeve which can swivel relative to the sleeve to allow adjustment of the height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Inventors: James McFeetors, James M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 4801128
    Abstract: A ground implanted support system includes a plurality of conical base members having irregular configurations in transverse cross section which are inserted in preformed complementary holes formed by a tool which is uniformly forced into the ground either manually or by controllable force producing means and thereafter each of the implanted base members receives a bolt, a plug, a post, or the like in a precast opening in the top of each base member. In a preferred form of the invention, the base members are precast from concrete and the base members are not inserted completely in the ground which reduces corrosion of the part being supported by the base members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Lawrence Taylor
  • Patent number: 4795137
    Abstract: This device relates to tubular fence posts having a plurality of triangularly flanged fins, radially disposed about the lower portion of the post. The triangular flanges substantively extend below a planar terminal end of the post such that triangular tip extensions are formed thereby. The tip extensions are disposed horizontally below the planar terminal end of the post. The upper edge of the triangular flanges extend longitudinally up the post to a point substantively consisting of a ratio 2:5 of the length of post above the upper edge of the triangular flanges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventor: Samuel Witt
  • Patent number: 4520545
    Abstract: Method of making, from a strip, (for example metallic) a peg including a prismatic sheath from at least one surface of which extends a fin shaped so as to facilitate its downward penetration into the ground and increase its strength in the transverse direction, characterized in that the method comprises: shaping a strip adapted to form a plurality of pegs so as to define on each edge thereof a straight prismatic sleeve (1, 2) having all along its longitudinal dimension an opening (11, 21) extending along its edge which connects it with the intermediate strip portion (3) joining both sleeves to each other; and cutting said shaped strip both in a direction orthogonal to the generatrixes of said prismatic sleeves (1, 2) to form sections (A.sub.1, B.sub.1, A.sub.2, B.sub.2) the length of which is equal to the vertical dimension of the peg, and, in each said section, along a diagonal plane (A.sub.1, B.sub.1). The method can be used for making pegs for fences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: Paul Moraly