A composite assembly includes a series of elongated layers joined lengthwise thereof. At least two of the elongated layers each have an upper elongated portion and a lower elongated portion secured together in an end-to-end relationship at a joint therebetween by a connector arrangement. The upper elongated portion is constructed of a wood material, and the lower elongated portion is constructed of a non-wood material. The lower elongated portion may have a reinforcing rod therein.

A ground anchor assembly for quick and efficient installation into the ground, the assembly having a ground anchor post with a shaft with an upper end and lower end, the upper end having a threaded shaft section and the lower end having a helical blade portion, a rotating drive engaging end located on the upper end, a ground anchor post support device and a hollow main post wherein the hollow main post slidably engages the upper end of the ground anchor post when inserted into the ground and any lateral forces applied to the hollow main post is transferred out through to the ground anchor support device.

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.

A system for rigidly mounting a flag pole or other device to a protruding eye bolt or ring hook attached to a portable shelter. The invention is configured to not interfere with the collapsing action of the shelter. A hand knob is also included to facilitate installing alternate devices to the mounting system.

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.

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.

A fence post mount device comprising: a base having at least one cavity; a first universal collet having a plurality of collet legs attached to each other through at least one of a plurality of separation notches, wherein a distal end of the first universal collet is inserted into the cavity from a proximal end of the base; a first cap nut inserted into the first universal collet; a post inserted into the cavity of the base; a full thread nut threaded into the first cap nut from a distal end of the base through an opening, wherein each of the plurality of separation notches are broken when the full thread nut is tightened into the first cap nut and each of the collet legs of the first universal collet deforms an inner wall of the post such that the post is securely locked within the cavity of the base.

A caisson is modified to include side tabs thin can be gripped by side-mounted clamps on a vibratory hammer so that the caisson may be lifted into position from a horizontal position, oriented vertically, and driven into the ground without readjustment of the clamping of the vibratory hammer. An end cap installed permanently at the top of the caisson may provide an additional flange for receiving a lower clamp of the vibratory hammer to complete installation of the caisson, driving the caisson further into the earth until the tabs arc buried in the ground. The flange may be sized to fit within a tower portion attached to the caisson eliminating the need for a replaceable flange system.

This invention relates to railings, and more particularly to post holders for hollow posts. The post holders of the present invention comprise a shaft extending from a base, and in use a post slides over the shaft of the post holder.

A portable and modular foundation that can be utilized to support a monopole includes a central hub and a plurality of legs. A proximal end of each leg is removably attached to the central hub. A plurality of floor panels extends from proximate the hub to a perimeter of the foundation and define a substantially uninterrupted floor. With the plurality of floor panels attached to the legs, the foundation can optionally be buried where the soil or other material is positioned on top of the floor panels to provide the necessary ballast to allow the foundation to retain a monopole with a piece of equipment in an elevated position. Alternatively, if the foundation is to be utilized above ground, a plurality of wall panels can be attached to the floor panels and the legs with braces to retain the wall panels in a substantially vertical position. The plurality of wall panels forms a substantially continuous wall about a perimeter of foundation such that ballast can be placed therein.