ANCHORING APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAME

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a stake with a first end portion configured to support a component and a second end portion, 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. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a stake with a first portion, configured to be positioned above a ground surface and a second portion, configured to be positioned beneath the ground surface, the first portion of the stake, having a length and including a first end portion comprising a terminal end configured to support a component, a connecting plate attached to the terminal end of the first portion of the stake, a mounting device configured to be removably attached to the connecting plate, an anti-twist device formed on the second portion of the stake, a stabilizing component formed on the second portion of the stake, between the anti-twist device and the first portion of the stake, a one-piece shell configured to surround the first portion of the stake, when the second portion of the stake is positioned beneath the ground surface, the shell having a length that is generally equivalent to the length of the first portion of the stake.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stake has a longitudinal axis, and the anti-twist device extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the stake.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the anti-twist device comprises a first fin and a second fin.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second fins are generally coplanar and narrow inwardly in a direction away from the stabilizing component.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing component includes a first section that extends radially outwardly from the stake.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first section is generally planar and includes first and second blades orientated generally perpendicularly relative to the plane of the first and second fins of the anti-twist device.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the stabilizing component includes a generally planar second section that is perpendicular to an axis of the stake and is configured to be positioned on the surface of the ground when the apparatus is in use.

8. (canceled)

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least a first centering component formed along the length of the first portion of the stake.

10. (canceled)

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shell comprises a pillar.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, where in the pillar comprises a longitudinal opening configured to receive the stake.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pillar is fixed between the stabilizing component and the mounting device.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the mounting device is configured to support the component that comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, and display stand.

15. (canceled)

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting plate is configured to be removably attached to the component.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the mounting device includes a plurality of bores configured to receive fasteners to attach the mounting device to the component.

18. A system comprising: an apparatus comprising: a stake with a first end portion configured to support a top component, and 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, a shell with a longitudinal cavity configured to receive at least a part of the first end portion of the stake, the shell having a first end, and a second end opposite the first end that is configured to contact a surface of the ground when the system is in use, and a top component connected to a terminal end of the first end portion of the stake, wherein the top component comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, and display stand.

19. (canceled)

20. A method of mounting a fixture comprising: obtaining an apparatus comprising: a stake with a first portion having a length and including a first end portion having a first terminal end including a mounting device configured to support a component, and a second portion, an anti-twist device formed on the second portion, and a stabilizing component formed on the second portion between the anti-twist device and the first portion, obtaining a shell with a longitudinal cavity configured to receive the entire length of the first portion of the stake, disposing the second portion of the stake underground, placing the shell over the first end portion of the stake-such that the shell surrounds the first portion of the stake and contacts the surface of the ground, and mounting the fixture to the mounting device.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the component is mounted on the mounting device, and comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, bird feeder, and display stand.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an elevational view of the support apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the second end portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in detail.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view the terminal end of the first end portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in detail.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the anti-twist device of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in detail.

[0011] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the terminal end of the second end portion of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in detail.

[0012] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a right side elevational view when installed in a system that is connected to the top component.

[0013] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a front end elevational view when installed in a system that is connected to the top component.

[0014] FIG. 8 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a left side view with the stabilizing component displayed when installed in a system that is connected to the top component.

[0015] FIG. 9 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 when employed in a system.

[0016] FIG. 10 shows an elevational view of a second embodiment of the support apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The ground anchoring apparatus described herein includes a stake with attachments fixed thereto to anchor and stabilize a column, pillar, post, pole, or other component. The anchoring apparatus penetrates the ground, and the column, pillar, etc. rests on the top surface of the ground. The apparatus secures a mailbox, sign, windmill, tent, statue, fountain, bird bath, bird feeder, display stand, outdoor structure or other device attaching to the top of the ground anchoring apparatus. This device eliminates the need to dig a hold to install a ground-penetrating component, and improves upon the stability of component during and after installation.

Definitions

[0018] As used herein, the term “anti-twist device” means a component that prevents the apparatus from twisting after it has been installed in the ground.

[0019] As used herein, the term “stabilizing component” means a component that prevents sideways movement of a mounted vertical support.

[0020] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-5 show a first embodiment of a support apparatus 10. The support apparatus 10 includes an elongated, rigid stake 12 having a first end portion 14 that includes a mounting component 16 and an opposite, longitudinally spaced second end portion 18 with a pointed terminal end 20 that is configured to be inserted in the ground. A stabilizing component 22 is fixed to the second end portion 18 of the stake 12 at or near the connection to first end portion 14. In some cases the stabilizing component 22 includes a first section that extends radially outwardly from the stake. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the stabilizing component 22 includes a ground-penetrating portion 24 configured to partially or fully penetrate the ground, and a depth control portion 26 that, in embodiments, is generally perpendicular to the central axis A of the stake 12 and is configured to remain above the ground and prevent the support stake 12 from being pushed too far into the ground. One suitable configuration of the ground-penetrating portion 24 is shown in detail in FIG. 4 and is spade-shaped with the pointed end 25 being configured to enter the ground first. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, the ground-penetrating portion 24 is configured to be disposed underground when the apparatus is in use, and includes opposite first and second blades 27, 29 that are generally coplanar with one another. One suitable configuration of the depth control portion 26 is shown in the figures and includes a generally planar section that extends horizontally across the top surface of the ground when the apparatus is in use.

[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, an anti-twist device 30 is formed on the post 12 between the stabilizing component 22 and the pointed terminal end 20. The anti-twist device 30 is configured to prevent rotation of the post 12 along it longitudinal axis A after the post 12 has been inserted in the ground. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the anti-twist device 30 includes a first fin 32 and a second fin 34, both of which are configured to be located underground when the support apparatus 10 is in a mounted position in the ground. In embodiments, the first fin 32 and second fin 34 are coplanar with one another in a plane that is parallel to axis A of the stake 12, and the first fin 32 and second fin 34 extend radially outwardly from the post 12. In embodiments, the first and second fins are generally coplanar and narrow inwardly in a direction away from the stabilizing component. In some cases, as is shown in FIG. 1, the plane of the first fin 32 and the second fin 34 is perpendicular to the plane of the ground penetrating portion 24 relative to the direction of the axis A of the stake 12, thus providing enhanced stability to the post after it has been inserted into the ground. In this case, the ground-penetrating portion 24 of the stabilizing component 22 can also contribute to spin resistance of the apparatus 10 after it has been placed in the ground.

[0022] FIG. 5 shows the details of the pointed terminal end 20 of the stake 12. In the embodiment shown, the point is configured at an angle of about 30-45 degrees. In embodiments, the point is configured at an angle in the range of about the pointed terminal end 20 is configured with a point angle in the range of about 20 to about 80 degrees, or about 30 to about 70 degrees, or about 30 to about 60 degrees.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the above-ground portion 40 of the post 12 is the section of the post 12 that is configured to be disposed above the ground 33 when the post is in use. This portion of the post is surrounded by a shell 44, which may be tubular and may be configured as a column, pillar, post, or pole, as shown in FIGS. 6-9. The shell 44 can be configured to impart an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the system. The shell 44 includes a first end section 46 configured to be positioned around the first end portion of the stake 12, and a second end section 48 configured to rest on the depth control portion 26 and/or the ground when the system is mounted in the ground. The shell has a longitudinal opening 50 with an inner wall 52 extending through most, or all, of the first end section 46, and through to the second end section 48. The longitudinal opening is configured to surround the above-ground portion of the stake 12 and to have direct contact with the outer edge surfaces 57, 59 of first and second centering components 60, 62, respectively, that are disposed along the length of stake 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first centering component 60 and the second centering component 62 are used, but a great number or a smaller number of centering component can be used depending on the strength of the stake, the weight and balance of the item being supported, etc.

[0024] Details of the mounting component 16 of the apparatus 10 are shown in FIG. 3. The mounting component 16 is formed on the stake 12 at or near the terminal end 70 of the first end portion 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the mounting component 16 is shaped as a plate. The mounting component 16 has a first surface 72 configured to directly contact a fixture 80, shown in FIG. 5, such as a mail box, sign, etc., or directly contact a connecting plate 142 for the item 74, as is shown in FIGS. 6-8. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the connecting plate 142 is positioned between the first surface 72 and the item 24. The mounting component 16 has a plurality of bores 74 extending in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first surface 72 configured to receive bolts, screws, or another suitable type of fastener, described below in detail.

[0025] FIGS. 6-8 show various views of a system 120 that includes a support apparatus 10, a shell 44, and a mailbox or other supported fixture 80. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the connecting plate 142 is positioned between the mounting component 16 and the supported fixture 80. The connecting plate 142 is configured to receive a plurality of fasteners 82 that connect the plate 142 to the fixture 80. The fasteners 82 extend through bores 122 in the fixture 80. The fixture sits on top of the shell 44. The connecting plate 142 also is configured of receive a plurality of fasteners 84 that connect the plate 142 to the mounting component 16, such as screws. The fasteners extend through bores 145 in plate 142 and through bores 74 in mounting component 16.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a photo showing an embodiment with a shell 244 around an internal support apparatus (not shown). The internal support apparatus has a configuration similar that that shown in FIGS. 1-6. The shell 244 is made from concrete or a concrete-looking substance, although other materials also can be used. A receptacle 180 is mounted to the top of the shell 244.

[0027] In some embodiments, the shape and density of the shell impart additional stability or anti-tipping properties to the support apparatus. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the shell 44 is wider at the lower end 174 and that the upper end 176. The lower end further includes a base 177 that protrudes radially to further prevent sideways movement of the support apparatus 10. In some cases, a high density material is used for the shell in order to further promote the stability of the system 120.

[0028] In embodiments, the support apparatus 10 has a length in the range of about 3 feet to about 11 feet, or about 4 feet to about 8 feet, or about 4 feet to about 6 feet. The shell 44 has a length of about 2 feet to about 8 feet, or about 2 to about 6 feet, or about 3 feet to about 5 feet. In embodiments, the lower end 174 of the shell 44 has a width of about 6 inches to about 18 inches, or about 10 inches to about 14 inches, and the upper end 176 of the shell 44 has width of about 3 inches to about 14 inches, or about 6 inches to about 12 inches.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6-8, the bottom surface 87 of the supported fixture 80 is connected to the support apparatus 10, but none of the side surfaces of the supported fixture 80 are directly connected to the support apparatus.

[0030] In some cases, as is shown in FIG. 10, the depth control portion of the support apparatus 100 can be a depth indicator 127, such as a line, indentation, protrusion, or other marking showing what portion of the stake should be position underground. In this case, the horizontally-extending plate forming a depth control portion 26 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is not required.

[0031] In embodiments, the support apparatus may be formed from a natural or synthetic substance, and typically is formed from a metal, or a heavy-duty thermoset or thermoplastic material that may include one or more fillers. In embodiments shells may be formed from natural or synthetic substances, including wood, plaster, cement, marble, granite, stone, thermoplastic materials, thermoset materials, and composites, including thermoplastics and thermoset containing fillers.

[0032] In some cases, the top component is a receptacle, such as a mail box. In some cases, the top component is a sign or yard accessory.

[0033] The support apparatus can be made by welding or otherwise fixing the various components to an elongated post. In embodiments, the support apparatus can be molded or 3D printed as a unitary component, or a portion of the support apparatus can be molded or 3D printed and additional components can subsequently be attached thereto.

[0034] A number of alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.