A post sleeve includes a reinforced concrete body preformed around a liner that defines a cavity extending longitudinally within the body, sized to receive a post. Standoff ribs run lengthwise within the cavity and extend inward from inner walls of the cavity. A post in the cavity is supported laterally by the standoff ribs. Drain channels between the ribs permit water to flow past the post and exit the cavity via a lower aperture. A drain tube is coupled to the lower aperture, and extends downward where it is covered with gravel at the bottom of a post hole. Concrete is poured around the post sleeve in the hole. The cavity is adaptable to receive posts of varying sizes, and at various depths. A collar closes a space between the post and the top of the cavity, permitting air circulation within the cavity while shedding water and substantially preventing insects from entering the cavity.

A device is disclosed for facilitating the anchoring and release of a structure to a medium, such as sand. The device is operable to inject a liquefying fluid into a medium upon a down stroke so as to facilitate liquefication within an area of the medium. The structure is simultaneously inserted into the area of the medium where liquefication has occurred by creating a vacuum within the structure, upon an upstroke, which facilitates the insertion operation. The distal end of the structure to be anchored is fitted with at least one protrusion for increasing the holding force of the medium. If desired, the distal end of the structure is also fitted with at least one fin operable under selective control of a user for reducing the holding force on the structure. In one embodiment, the user, when desiring to release the structure, rotates the structure, thereby rotating the fin. The fin, rotating within the liquefied medium, serves to reduce the holding force of the medium with respect to the structure, thereby allowing for easier removal of the structure by a user.

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.

This patent pertains to secondary containment systems. One implementation includes a support assembly that includes an elongate post member and a stabilization plate. In one instance, a stabilization plate is mounted on the elongate post member to reduce movement of the elongate post member when the stabilization plate is embedded in the ground. Another implementation includes a panel splice assembly including reinforcing members that secure overlapping, corrugated panels.

A adjustable post support includes a post receptacle with a first longitudinal axis; a mount with a second longitudinal axis; and upper and lower adjustment plates disposed therebetween. The upper adjustment plate resides closer to the receptacle, rotates about the first longitudinal axis, and has a first surface above an opposing second surface. The first surface remains normal to the first longitudinal axis when rotated. The second surface resides at an angle to the first surface. The lower adjustment plate rotates about the second longitudinal axis and has a third surface above an opposing fourth surface. The fourth surface remains normal to the second longitudinal axis when rotated. The third surface resides at an angle to the fourth surface. The second surface is disposed against the third surface.

A torch pole having a top, a bottom, and a length between the top and bottom. A step is affixed to the torch pole and is free to pivot between a lower position where the step protrudes from the torch pole and an upper position where the step is folded to the torch pole.

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.

A ground spike with an attachable mounting bracket. The ground spike has an angled tip adapted to be driven into the ground. The top of the spike has a mounting plate configured to be substantially flat with the ground surface when installed. The mounting plate can be of any suitable size or shape. A plurality of slots are located around the perimeter, and extend towards the center for a distance. An upper post fastening section with an open upper end receives and secures a post, such as a mailbox post. Holes in the sides of the fastening section allow for securely fastening the mounting bracket to the post, such as through screws or similar fastening means. The lower end of the post fastening section includes a second mounting plate, or flanges that extend outward at a right angle. The second mounting plate or flanges comprise a plurality of slots that are configured to align with the slots in the mounting plate attached to the spike. Mechanical fasteners, such as bolts and nuts, are used to fasten the mounting bracket to the spike mounting plate. Preferably, the mechanical fasteners are made of a material that breaks when a threshold level of force is applied to the post secured to the mounting bracket.

A connector is constructed so as to be embedded in a cementitious member and connect a post or other supported member to the cementitious member, such that the connection formed can resist rotational and bending moment forces transmitted to the connector by the post that it supports.

A system is disclosed herein comprising a stake with a first end portion configured to support a top component, a second end portion configured to be positioned at least partially underground, an anti-twist device formed on the second end portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second end portion between the anti-twist device and the first end portion. The system also includes a shell with a longitudinal opening configured to receive at least part of the first end portion of the stake. The shell has a lower end that is configured to contact the ground when the system is in use. Corresponding devices and methods also are disclosed.