US20040159055A1 - Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation - Google Patents
Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040159055A1 US20040159055A1 US10/778,806 US77880604A US2004159055A1 US 20040159055 A1 US20040159055 A1 US 20040159055A1 US 77880604 A US77880604 A US 77880604A US 2004159055 A1 US2004159055 A1 US 2004159055A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ground
- collar
- stabilizer
- resilient member
- mounting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 45
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 12
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 title 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 title 1
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 25
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000005069 ears Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002459 sustained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/22—Sockets or holders for poles or posts
- E04H12/2253—Mounting poles or posts to the holder
- E04H12/2269—Mounting poles or posts to the holder in a socket
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/60—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs
- E01F9/658—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by means for fixing
- E01F9/673—Upright bodies, e.g. marker posts or bollards; Supports for road signs characterised by means for fixing for holding sign posts or the like
- E01F9/685—Subsoil means, e.g. foundations
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
- E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
- E02D5/00—Bulkheads, piles, or other structural elements specially adapted to foundation engineering
- E02D5/74—Means for anchoring structural elements or bulkheads
- E02D5/80—Ground anchors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
- E04H12/22—Sockets or holders for poles or posts
- E04H12/2207—Sockets or holders for poles or posts not used
- E04H12/2215—Sockets or holders for poles or posts not used driven into the ground
Definitions
- the present invention concerns a stabilizer for in-ground members such as stakes, poles and the like.
- in-ground members such as stakes, poles and the like.
- Typical of such in-ground members are the target stakes of horseshoes or ring-toss games, and poles used to support articles such as badminton or volleyball nets, flags or banners, tents, plants, vines and the like.
- in-ground members such as target stakes in the games of horseshoes, ring-toss and the like, and support poles for any kind of article is, of course, well known in the art.
- a problem long encountered in the prior art is lack or loss of stability of such in-ground members, which usually are simply driven into the ground to provide their sole or primary means of support.
- reference to “in-ground” members means and includes stakes, poles and the like, which are primarily or entirely supported by the ground into which they are driven.
- the phrase “the ground” means and includes earth, soil, sand, loam and the like, whether bare ground, plant-, grass- or lawn-covered ground, meadow, beach sand, clay, etc.
- a stabilizer for in-ground members that includes a mounting collar having a channel extending therethrough and a plurality of arms. Each of the plurality of arms has a collar end, which is adapted to extend through the channel and engage with the mounting collar.
- the stabilizer also includes a resilient member that has a bore and is sized to be disposed within the channel so as to support the collar end of each of the plurality of arms at the mounting collar. The resilient member is adapted to receive the in-ground member.
- a related method for installing an in-ground member into the ground to dispose a portion thereof beneath the surface of the ground and to leave a portion thereof extending above the surface of the ground includes providing a plurality of arms that each have a collar end and a mounting collar and inserting the collar end through the channel of the mounting collar so that the collar end engages with the mounting collar.
- the method includes inserting a resilient member, which has a bore, into the channel of the mounting collar so that the resilient member supports the collar end and inserting an in-ground member into the bore so that the resilient member is forced against the mounting collar to provide rigidity to the plurality of arms.
- the method also includes driving the plurality of arms into the ground.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a stabilizer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention aligned with an in-ground member, a portion of which is embedded beneath the ground and another portion of which protrudes vertically above the ground;
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view, with the ground shown in cross section, showing an assembly of the stabilizer and in-ground member of FIG. 1 fully installed in the ground;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of an assembly of a fully installed stabilizer and in-ground member of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment for an anchor leg of FIG. 1.
- In-ground member 12 has an above-ground portion 12 a which extends vertically above the surface S of the ground G, and has a below-ground portion 12 b which is embedded in the ground G.
- Stabilizer 10 includes a mounting collar 16 that has a channel 18 extending therethrough.
- a plurality of arms is shown as four arms 20 a , 20 b , 20 c and 20 d .
- Arms 20 a - 20 d are disposed at ninety-degree intervals about mounting collar 16 , i.e., adjacent ones of the arms are at right angles to each other.
- Each arm 20 a - 20 d includes a stabilizing section 22 a , 22 b , 22 c , and 22 d that extend radially from mounting collar 16 , and an anchoring section 24 a , 24 b , 24 c , and 24 d that extend downwardly from stabilizing section 22 a - 22 d .
- each stabilizing section 22 a - 22 d may be in a range of approximately 8 inches to 10 inches and each anchoring section 24 a - 24 d is at least 10 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, each stabilizing section 22 a - 22 d is disposed approximately four inches below the ground.
- stabilizing section 22 a - 22 d and anchoring section 24 a - 24 d are a continuous member with approximately a ninety-degree angle between the two sections.
- stabilizing section 22 a - 22 d may also be a separate piece from anchoring section 24 a - 24 d and the two sections may be couple together by a bolt, screw, weld, or any other known means for attaching two sections.
- Each anchoring section 24 a - 24 d may also include a respective projection or foot 26 a , 26 b , 26 c , and 26 d , which helps to anchor the arms 20 a - 20 d into the ground G.
- Each arm 20 a - 20 d includes a respective collar end 30 a - 30 d with a respective nub 32 a - 32 d .
- Each collar end 30 a - 30 d extends from stabilizing section 22 a - 22 d in a downwardly direction through channel 18 so that nubs 32 a - 32 d engage with mounting collar 16 .
- Nubs 32 a - 32 d help to keep the assembly from being forced upward upon impact. It will be appreciated that collar ends 30 a - 30 d engage mounting collar 16 without the assistance of any mechanical means such as welds, bolts, screws, or the like.
- Stabilizer 10 also includes a resilient member 40 that is inserted into channel 18 and helps to secure collar ends 30 a - 30 d to mounting collar 16 .
- Resilient member 40 also absorbs the impact when there is forced placed on in-ground member 12 , i.e., when a horseshoe ring impacts in-ground member 12 , and also ensures that in-ground member 12 does not slip.
- Resilient member 40 may be made from foam, rubber, or any material that is compressible and resists compression.
- resilient member may also be a spring device or any type of device that is compressible and resists compression.
- Resilient member 40 includes a bore 42 that extends through member 40 .
- Resilient member 40 is shaped so that it extends through mounting collar 16 .
- resilient member 40 has a curved body 44 and ears 46 (barbelled shaped). Ears 46 expand over a top edge 48 and a bottom edge 50 of mounting collar and help to hold resilient member in place within mounting collar 16 .
- Bore 42 is sized to be smaller than in-ground member 12 so that when in-ground member 12 is received into bore 42 , resilient member 40 is compressed and securely holds in-ground member 40 at mounting channel 16 .
- Anchoring section 24 d may include an anchor fin 54 d , which is attached to anchoring section 24 d .
- anchoring section 24 d may also include a plurality of holes 56 so that an installer may choose the height at which to attach anchor fin 54 d to anchoring section 24 d .
- anchor fin 54 d may be positioned at various heights along anchoring section 24 d .
- Each anchor fin 54 a , 54 b , 54 c (not shown), and 54 d may be arranged at similar heights or at least one anchor fin may be offset for one of the other anchor fins.
- anchor fin 54 d is somewhat fan-shaped.
- Anchor fin 54 d may be attached to anchoring section 24 d by a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, screw, weld, or the fins may ride in a track (not shown) on the anchoring section, and may be locked in place at a desired position by a detent or other suitable locking member.
- FIG. 3 an exemplary embodiment for arranging stabilizer 10 in ground G is illustrated. If stabilizer 10 is used for a horseshoe game, there is enhanced stability by arranging stabilizer 10 in an X formation so that a horseshoe is thrown at in-ground member 12 from a direction 60 .
- Direction 60 shows the impact force that would be imposed on in-ground member 12 if it served as the target stake of a horseshoes game in which the horseshoes were pitched from a position that causes them to travel along a path substantially parallel to, and in the direction 60 .
- Anchoring sections 24 a - 24 d are then placed on the ground G with foot 26 a - 26 d each being located in one of the trenches and with mounting collar 16 located directly above the hole. Anchoring sections 24 a - 24 d are then driven into the ground by either pushing on arms 20 a - 20 d or using a sledgehammer to drive anchoring sections 24 a - 24 d into the ground G. Repeated blows distributed in sequence to each arm 20 a - 20 d will drive stabilizer 10 into the ground to the position illustrated in FIG. 2.
- ground G comprises a loose soil or sand, for example, beach sand or a sand or loam used in a game such as horseshoes or ring-toss
- stabilizer 10 will, of course, be easily driven into the ground G and holes and trenches may not be necessary.
- stabilizing sections 22 a - 22 d are located within the trenches and mounting collar 16 is located in the hole, the hole and trenches are backfilled so as to cover stabilizer 10 and to have a section of in-ground member 12 extending above ground G.
- stabilizer 10 will provide an extremely secure retention of in-ground member 12 within ground G, and will provide a high degree of resistance to impacts in any direction, but especially in the direction of the arrow 60 of FIG. 3, thereby maintaining in-ground member 12 and its above-ground portion in desired alignment, usually vertical, relative to the surface S of ground G.
- arms 20 a - 20 d have been illustrated as extending radially outwardly from mounting collar 16 at ninety-degree intervals, more or fewer than four arms may be used and they may be positioned at equal or unequal radial intervals, depending on the nature of the ground and whether directionality of highest resistance to impact is desired.
- the in-ground member of the invention need not be a target stake for horseshoes or ring-toss as illustrated, but may be a tent pole, fence post, some other type of post, a pole or other in-ground member, or the like.
- Such in-ground members alone or in cooperation with similar or identical in-ground members, may serve to support any of a wide range of articles, for example, a badminton or volleyball net or the like, a flag or banner, a tent, growing plants and vines, etc.
- a stabilizer in accordance with the present invention such as stabilizer 10 , will enormously enhance the stability of any type of in-ground member.
- stabilizer 10 is inexpensive to make and it can be shipped disassembled. Stabilizer 10 is also easy to assemble and may be assembled in the field at the time of installation into the ground.
- the stabilizer may be made of any suitable material, metal, plastic or a combination thereof, and it may be formed of components which are secured to each other by any suitable means, or it may be an integrally-formed, i.e., one-piece, stabilizer.
- the stabilizer of the present invention may be dimensioned and configured to be fitted onto an existing in-ground member, or it may be pre-assembled with an in-ground member to provide a unitary assembly comprising a stabilizable in-ground member.
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. A method for installing an in-ground member into the ground to dispose a portion thereof beneath the surface of the ground and to leave a portion thereof extending above the surface of the ground, the method includes: providing a mounting collar having a channel extending therethrough and a plurality of arms having respective collar ends; inserting the collar ends through the channel of the mounting collar so that the collar ends engages with the mounting collar; inserting a resilient member into the channel of the mounting collar so that the resilient member supports the collar ends, the resilient member having a bore; engaging the in-ground member with the resilient member; and driving the plurality of arms into the ground.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of the date of the earlier filed provisional application, having U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/448,256, filed on Feb. 19, 2003, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention concerns a stabilizer for in-ground members such as stakes, poles and the like. Typical of such in-ground members are the target stakes of horseshoes or ring-toss games, and poles used to support articles such as badminton or volleyball nets, flags or banners, tents, plants, vines and the like.
- 2. Related Art
- The utilization of in-ground members such as target stakes in the games of horseshoes, ring-toss and the like, and support poles for any kind of article is, of course, well known in the art. A problem long encountered in the prior art is lack or loss of stability of such in-ground members, which usually are simply driven into the ground to provide their sole or primary means of support. As used herein, reference to “in-ground” members means and includes stakes, poles and the like, which are primarily or entirely supported by the ground into which they are driven. In this context, the phrase “the ground” means and includes earth, soil, sand, loam and the like, whether bare ground, plant-, grass- or lawn-covered ground, meadow, beach sand, clay, etc.
- One difficulty with such in-ground members is a lack of stability, which may result from loosening of the ground retaining the member in place, which loosening may be aggravated by impacts sustained by, or stresses imposed on, the in-ground member. Such impacts may result from a game, such as when the target stake of a horseshoe game is impacted by the horseshoe striking it, and stresses may be imposed by the wind exerting a force on a tent, plant, flag or banner, or by physical contact by persons, animals or objects with the in-ground member or the article it supports.
- The above discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies are overcome or alleviated by a stabilizer for in-ground members that includes a mounting collar having a channel extending therethrough and a plurality of arms. Each of the plurality of arms has a collar end, which is adapted to extend through the channel and engage with the mounting collar. The stabilizer also includes a resilient member that has a bore and is sized to be disposed within the channel so as to support the collar end of each of the plurality of arms at the mounting collar. The resilient member is adapted to receive the in-ground member.
- Additionally, a related method for installing an in-ground member into the ground to dispose a portion thereof beneath the surface of the ground and to leave a portion thereof extending above the surface of the ground, the method includes providing a plurality of arms that each have a collar end and a mounting collar and inserting the collar end through the channel of the mounting collar so that the collar end engages with the mounting collar. In addition, the method includes inserting a resilient member, which has a bore, into the channel of the mounting collar so that the resilient member supports the collar end and inserting an in-ground member into the bore so that the resilient member is forced against the mounting collar to provide rigidity to the plurality of arms. The method also includes driving the plurality of arms into the ground.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a stabilizer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention aligned with an in-ground member, a portion of which is embedded beneath the ground and another portion of which protrudes vertically above the ground;
- FIG. 2 is an elevation view, with the ground shown in cross section, showing an assembly of the stabilizer and in-ground member of FIG. 1 fully installed in the ground;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of an assembly of a fully installed stabilizer and in-ground member of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 4 is an elevation view of an alternative embodiment for an anchor leg of FIG. 1.
- Referring to FIGS.1-3, there is shown a
stabilizer 10 aligned with an in-ground member 12. In-ground member 12 has an above-ground portion 12 a which extends vertically above the surface S of the ground G, and has a below-ground portion 12 b which is embedded in the ground G. - Stabilizer10 includes a
mounting collar 16 that has achannel 18 extending therethrough. A plurality of arms is shown as fourarms 20 a, 20 b, 20 c and 20 d. Arms 20 a-20 d are disposed at ninety-degree intervals about mountingcollar 16, i.e., adjacent ones of the arms are at right angles to each other. Each arm 20 a-20 d includes a stabilizingsection collar 16, and ananchoring section stabilizer 10 is used for a horseshoe game, each stabilizing section 22 a-22 d may be in a range of approximately 8 inches to 10 inches and each anchoring section 24 a-24 d is at least 10 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, each stabilizing section 22 a-22 d is disposed approximately four inches below the ground. - The figures illustrate that stabilizing section22 a-22 d and anchoring section 24 a-24 d are a continuous member with approximately a ninety-degree angle between the two sections. The advantage of this is easy of manufacturing and assembly. In addition, stabilizing section 22 a-22 d may also be a separate piece from anchoring section 24 a-24 d and the two sections may be couple together by a bolt, screw, weld, or any other known means for attaching two sections.
- Each anchoring section24 a-24 d may also include a respective projection or
foot 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, and 26 d, which helps to anchor the arms 20 a-20 d into the ground G. Each arm 20 a-20 d includes a respective collar end 30 a-30 d with a respective nub 32 a-32 d. Each collar end 30 a-30 d extends from stabilizing section 22 a-22 d in a downwardly direction throughchannel 18 so that nubs 32 a-32 d engage with mountingcollar 16. Nubs 32 a-32 d help to keep the assembly from being forced upward upon impact. It will be appreciated that collar ends 30 a-30 d engage mountingcollar 16 without the assistance of any mechanical means such as welds, bolts, screws, or the like. - Stabilizer10 also includes a
resilient member 40 that is inserted intochannel 18 and helps to secure collar ends 30 a-30 d to mountingcollar 16.Resilient member 40 also absorbs the impact when there is forced placed on in-ground member 12, i.e., when a horseshoe ring impacts in-ground member 12, and also ensures that in-ground member 12 does not slip.Resilient member 40 may be made from foam, rubber, or any material that is compressible and resists compression. In addition, resilient member may also be a spring device or any type of device that is compressible and resists compression.Resilient member 40 includes abore 42 that extends throughmember 40.Resilient member 40 is shaped so that it extends through mountingcollar 16. In an exemplary embodiment,resilient member 40 has a curved body 44 and ears 46 (barbelled shaped). Ears 46 expand over atop edge 48 and abottom edge 50 of mounting collar and help to hold resilient member in place within mountingcollar 16. Bore 42 is sized to be smaller than in-ground member 12 so that when in-ground member 12 is received intobore 42,resilient member 40 is compressed and securely holds in-ground member 40 at mountingchannel 16. - Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of arms20 a-20 d is illustrated. In addition, while only one arm is illustrated, it is understood that the embodiment is applicable to each of the arms 20 a-20 d. Anchoring
section 24 d may include an anchor fin 54 d, which is attached to anchoringsection 24 d. In addition,anchoring section 24 d may also include a plurality ofholes 56 so that an installer may choose the height at which to attach anchor fin 54 d to anchoringsection 24 d. By providinganchoring section 24 d with a plurality ofholes 56, anchor fin 54 d may be positioned at various heights alonganchoring section 24 d. This enables variation of the depth of individual anchor fins below ground surface when the installation is complete, and/or permits fastening of more than one anchor fin to a given anchoring section. Each anchor fin 54 a, 54 b, 54 c (not shown), and 54 d may be arranged at similar heights or at least one anchor fin may be offset for one of the other anchor fins. In an exemplary embodiment, anchor fin 54 d is somewhat fan-shaped. Anchor fin 54 d may be attached to anchoringsection 24 d by a mechanical fastener, such as a bolt, screw, weld, or the fins may ride in a track (not shown) on the anchoring section, and may be locked in place at a desired position by a detent or other suitable locking member. - Referring again to FIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment for arranging
stabilizer 10 in ground G is illustrated. Ifstabilizer 10 is used for a horseshoe game, there is enhanced stability by arrangingstabilizer 10 in an X formation so that a horseshoe is thrown at in-ground member 12 from adirection 60.Direction 60 shows the impact force that would be imposed on in-ground member 12 if it served as the target stake of a horseshoes game in which the horseshoes were pitched from a position that causes them to travel along a path substantially parallel to, and in thedirection 60. - Referring to FIGS.1-3, in order to attain the assembly of
stabilizer 10 and in-ground member 12, the following method is utilized. A hole for the mountingcollar 16 and four trenches, for each stabilizing section 22 a-22 d of each arm 20 a-20 d.Stabilizer 10 is then assembled by sliding each collar end 30 a-30 d throughchannel 18 so that nubs 32 a-32 d hook ontobottom edge 50.Resilient member 40 is then inserted into channel and in-ground member 12 is slide intobore 42. Anchoring sections 24 a-24 d are then placed on the ground G with foot 26 a-26 d each being located in one of the trenches and with mountingcollar 16 located directly above the hole. Anchoring sections 24 a-24 d are then driven into the ground by either pushing on arms 20 a-20 d or using a sledgehammer to drive anchoring sections 24 a-24 d into the ground G. Repeated blows distributed in sequence to each arm 20 a-20 d will drivestabilizer 10 into the ground to the position illustrated in FIG. 2. If the ground G comprises a loose soil or sand, for example, beach sand or a sand or loam used in a game such as horseshoes or ring-toss,stabilizer 10 will, of course, be easily driven into the ground G and holes and trenches may not be necessary. Once stabilizing sections 22 a-22 d are located within the trenches and mountingcollar 16 is located in the hole, the hole and trenches are backfilled so as to coverstabilizer 10 and to have a section of in-ground member 12 extending above ground G. - It will be appreciated that
stabilizer 10 will provide an extremely secure retention of in-ground member 12 within ground G, and will provide a high degree of resistance to impacts in any direction, but especially in the direction of thearrow 60 of FIG. 3, thereby maintaining in-ground member 12 and its above-ground portion in desired alignment, usually vertical, relative to the surface S of ground G. - While four arms20 a-20 d have been illustrated as extending radially outwardly from mounting
collar 16 at ninety-degree intervals, more or fewer than four arms may be used and they may be positioned at equal or unequal radial intervals, depending on the nature of the ground and whether directionality of highest resistance to impact is desired. - It will be appreciated that the in-ground member of the invention need not be a target stake for horseshoes or ring-toss as illustrated, but may be a tent pole, fence post, some other type of post, a pole or other in-ground member, or the like. Such in-ground members, alone or in cooperation with similar or identical in-ground members, may serve to support any of a wide range of articles, for example, a badminton or volleyball net or the like, a flag or banner, a tent, growing plants and vines, etc. Whatever the purpose of the in-ground member, a stabilizer in accordance with the present invention, such as
stabilizer 10, will enormously enhance the stability of any type of in-ground member. - The advantages of
stabilizer 10 are thatstabilizer 10 is inexpensive to make and it can be shipped disassembled.Stabilizer 10 is also easy to assemble and may be assembled in the field at the time of installation into the ground. - While the invention has been described with respect to specific preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that numerous variations may be made to these specific embodiments which variations nonetheless lie within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the stabilizer may be made of any suitable material, metal, plastic or a combination thereof, and it may be formed of components which are secured to each other by any suitable means, or it may be an integrally-formed, i.e., one-piece, stabilizer. The stabilizer of the present invention may be dimensioned and configured to be fitted onto an existing in-ground member, or it may be pre-assembled with an in-ground member to provide a unitary assembly comprising a stabilizable in-ground member.
Claims (15)
1. A stabilizer for an in-ground member comprising:
a mounting collar having a channel extending therethrough;
a plurality of arms having respective collar ends, said collar ends being adapted to extend through said channel and engage with said mounting collar; and
a resilient member being sized (a) to be disposed within said channel between said collar ends and (b) to be engaged by said in-ground member so as to urge said resilient member against said collar ends to force said collar ends against said mounting collar, whereby to rigidify said stabilizer.
2. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein said collar ends have respective nubs that protrude beyond a bottom edge of said mounting collar.
3. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein said collar ends have respective nubs that hook onto a bottom edge of said mounting collar.
4. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein said resilient member has at least one ear that overlaps an edge of said mounting collar.
5. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of arm include respective stabilizing sections and anchoring sections, said stabilizing sections are disposed adjacent to said collar ends and extend radially from said mounting collar for a first distance to an end, said anchoring sections extend from said end downwardly for a second distance to a distal end.
6. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein said anchoring sections include respective projections disposed at said distal end.
7. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein an angle between one of said stabilizing section and one of said anchoring section is approximately 90 degrees.
8. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said stabilizing section and at least one of said anchoring section are coupled together at said end.
9. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said anchoring section includes at least one hole for mounting an anchor fin.
10. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said anchoring sections includes an anchor fin, said anchor fin is adjustable.
11. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein each of said anchoring sections includes an anchor fin and one of said anchor fins is disposed at a higher elevation than the other anchor fins.
12. The stabilizer of claim 1 , wherein said resilient member has a bore therein and said in-ground member is adapted to be engaged with said resilient member by being inserted into said bore so that upon insertion of said in-ground member into said resilient member, said resilient member is forced against said collar ends to force said collar ends against said mounting collar to provide rigidity to said stabilizer.
13. A method for installing an in-ground member into the ground to dispose a portion thereof beneath the surface of the ground and to leave a portion thereof extending above the surface of the ground, the method comprising:
providing a mounting collar having a channel extending therethrough and a plurality of arms having respective collar ends;
inserting said collar ends through said channel of said mounting collar so that said collar ends engages with said mounting collar;
inserting a resilient member into said channel of said mounting collar so that said resilient member supports said collar ends, said resilient member having a bore;
engaging the in-ground member with said resilient member; and
driving said plurality of arms into the ground.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein said in-ground member engages said resilient member by inserting said in-ground member into a bore of said resilient member so that upon insertion of said in-ground member into said resilient member, said resilient member is forced against said collar ends to force said collar ends against said mounting collar to provide rigidity to said stabilizer.
15. The method of claim 13 , further comprising, before driving said plurality of arms into the ground, excavating a portion of the ground.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/778,806 US20040159055A1 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2004-02-13 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
US11/871,739 US7484336B2 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2007-10-12 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US44825603P | 2003-02-19 | 2003-02-19 | |
US10/778,806 US20040159055A1 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2004-02-13 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/871,739 Continuation US7484336B2 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2007-10-12 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040159055A1 true US20040159055A1 (en) | 2004-08-19 |
Family
ID=32853576
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/778,806 Abandoned US20040159055A1 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2004-02-13 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
US11/871,739 Expired - Fee Related US7484336B2 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2007-10-12 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/871,739 Expired - Fee Related US7484336B2 (en) | 2003-02-19 | 2007-10-12 | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20040159055A1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100115838A1 (en) * | 2005-08-17 | 2010-05-13 | Jolley Wesley B | Method of producing ornamental tree using vine plants |
GB2516881A (en) * | 2013-08-02 | 2015-02-11 | Atg Access Ltd | Improvements in and relating to bollards and barriers |
US9127421B2 (en) | 2011-01-28 | 2015-09-08 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9127422B2 (en) | 2011-01-28 | 2015-09-08 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9127423B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2015-09-08 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9133589B2 (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2015-09-15 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9133590B2 (en) | 2011-01-28 | 2015-09-15 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9217229B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2015-12-22 | ATG Access Ltd. | Barriers |
US20160076270A1 (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2016-03-17 | Michael Shaun Yandell | Methods and apparatus for supporting a column |
US9803330B2 (en) * | 2015-10-07 | 2017-10-31 | Timothy Seay | Post support and post support system |
US10344496B1 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2019-07-09 | Adam S. Cefalo | Anchoring device for a beach umbrella |
US11613858B2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2023-03-28 | Atg Access Ltd | Barriers |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8573694B2 (en) * | 2005-11-22 | 2013-11-05 | M & C Corporation | Method and apparatus for coupling Isofix bar to brackets that mount to vehicle body |
US8336865B2 (en) * | 2009-11-24 | 2012-12-25 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Methods, systems, and products for welding grounding rods |
US9022340B2 (en) | 2011-03-21 | 2015-05-05 | Techform Products Limited | Formed tube with formed wire rivet |
CN103726706B (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2015-11-25 | 宁海县雁苍山电力设备厂 | From steady type electric pole |
USD770061S1 (en) * | 2015-03-03 | 2016-10-25 | Harold Carn | Adjustable post support |
Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US287923A (en) * | 1883-11-06 | Fence-post | ||
US459583A (en) * | 1891-09-15 | Harness-support | ||
US676968A (en) * | 1900-10-25 | 1901-06-25 | Alexander A Stanton | Hitching-post. |
US1359704A (en) * | 1919-10-25 | 1920-11-23 | Harry H Howell | Fencepost |
US3017000A (en) * | 1962-01-16 | Land anchor | ||
US3021960A (en) * | 1960-07-05 | 1962-02-20 | Steelcase Inc | Rack structure |
US3115226A (en) * | 1960-03-31 | 1963-12-24 | Jr Jesse C Thompson | Anchor apparatus |
US3173524A (en) * | 1962-11-19 | 1965-03-16 | Earl J Redlich | Anchor |
US3295802A (en) * | 1965-03-16 | 1967-01-03 | Francis R Leatherman | Christmas tree stand |
US3342444A (en) * | 1965-07-12 | 1967-09-19 | Allen W Key | Post stabilizer |
US3526069A (en) * | 1968-09-09 | 1970-09-01 | Robert F Deike | Anchoring device |
US3861097A (en) * | 1973-09-24 | 1975-01-21 | Merle W Patterson | Earth anchor |
US3935912A (en) * | 1973-04-13 | 1976-02-03 | Mituo Shibata | Anchoring device and method for settling the device in the ground |
US3955787A (en) * | 1975-07-10 | 1976-05-11 | Allied Products Company | Display stand |
US4052827A (en) * | 1975-01-31 | 1977-10-11 | Yancey Charles R | Ground anchor and foundation support |
US4269010A (en) * | 1979-11-21 | 1981-05-26 | Glass Carl R | Multi fin post anchor system |
US4379550A (en) * | 1979-07-09 | 1983-04-12 | Multikunst Legepladser I/S | Ground supported playground device |
US4553358A (en) * | 1984-09-06 | 1985-11-19 | Construction Robotics, Inc. | Post anchor |
US4592178A (en) * | 1985-04-09 | 1986-06-03 | Lu Hsi H | Ground anchor |
US4753411A (en) * | 1987-08-19 | 1988-06-28 | Walter Lechner | Portable beach umbrella safety base |
US5407168A (en) * | 1994-01-31 | 1995-04-18 | Shultz; Jerry L. | Stand for trees and other cylindrical objects |
US5482245A (en) * | 1973-10-28 | 1996-01-09 | Graves; Lori L. | Tree and pole stand |
US5524855A (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-06-11 | Lesar; Dean A. | Umbrella post sand anchor |
US5622015A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1997-04-22 | Collins; James S. | Method and apparatus for consolidating earth and anchor setting device |
US5984587A (en) * | 1997-11-06 | 1999-11-16 | Odle; Stanley W. | Ground stabilization apparatus and method for installing an enlongated post |
US6461084B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-10-08 | Ian Matear Stuart | Post anchor |
-
2004
- 2004-02-13 US US10/778,806 patent/US20040159055A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-10-12 US US11/871,739 patent/US7484336B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US287923A (en) * | 1883-11-06 | Fence-post | ||
US459583A (en) * | 1891-09-15 | Harness-support | ||
US3017000A (en) * | 1962-01-16 | Land anchor | ||
US676968A (en) * | 1900-10-25 | 1901-06-25 | Alexander A Stanton | Hitching-post. |
US1359704A (en) * | 1919-10-25 | 1920-11-23 | Harry H Howell | Fencepost |
US3115226A (en) * | 1960-03-31 | 1963-12-24 | Jr Jesse C Thompson | Anchor apparatus |
US3021960A (en) * | 1960-07-05 | 1962-02-20 | Steelcase Inc | Rack structure |
US3173524A (en) * | 1962-11-19 | 1965-03-16 | Earl J Redlich | Anchor |
US3295802A (en) * | 1965-03-16 | 1967-01-03 | Francis R Leatherman | Christmas tree stand |
US3342444A (en) * | 1965-07-12 | 1967-09-19 | Allen W Key | Post stabilizer |
US3526069A (en) * | 1968-09-09 | 1970-09-01 | Robert F Deike | Anchoring device |
US3935912A (en) * | 1973-04-13 | 1976-02-03 | Mituo Shibata | Anchoring device and method for settling the device in the ground |
US3861097A (en) * | 1973-09-24 | 1975-01-21 | Merle W Patterson | Earth anchor |
US5482245A (en) * | 1973-10-28 | 1996-01-09 | Graves; Lori L. | Tree and pole stand |
US4052827A (en) * | 1975-01-31 | 1977-10-11 | Yancey Charles R | Ground anchor and foundation support |
US3955787A (en) * | 1975-07-10 | 1976-05-11 | Allied Products Company | Display stand |
US4379550A (en) * | 1979-07-09 | 1983-04-12 | Multikunst Legepladser I/S | Ground supported playground device |
US4269010A (en) * | 1979-11-21 | 1981-05-26 | Glass Carl R | Multi fin post anchor system |
US4553358A (en) * | 1984-09-06 | 1985-11-19 | Construction Robotics, Inc. | Post anchor |
US4592178A (en) * | 1985-04-09 | 1986-06-03 | Lu Hsi H | Ground anchor |
US4753411A (en) * | 1987-08-19 | 1988-06-28 | Walter Lechner | Portable beach umbrella safety base |
US5407168A (en) * | 1994-01-31 | 1995-04-18 | Shultz; Jerry L. | Stand for trees and other cylindrical objects |
US5524855A (en) * | 1994-12-01 | 1996-06-11 | Lesar; Dean A. | Umbrella post sand anchor |
US5622015A (en) * | 1995-04-12 | 1997-04-22 | Collins; James S. | Method and apparatus for consolidating earth and anchor setting device |
US5984587A (en) * | 1997-11-06 | 1999-11-16 | Odle; Stanley W. | Ground stabilization apparatus and method for installing an enlongated post |
US6461084B1 (en) * | 1998-12-23 | 2002-10-08 | Ian Matear Stuart | Post anchor |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100115838A1 (en) * | 2005-08-17 | 2010-05-13 | Jolley Wesley B | Method of producing ornamental tree using vine plants |
US7941967B2 (en) * | 2005-08-17 | 2011-05-17 | Jolley Wesley B | Method of producing ornamental tree using vine plants |
US9133590B2 (en) | 2011-01-28 | 2015-09-15 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9127421B2 (en) | 2011-01-28 | 2015-09-08 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9127422B2 (en) | 2011-01-28 | 2015-09-08 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9127423B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2015-09-08 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9133589B2 (en) | 2011-05-27 | 2015-09-15 | ATG Access Ltd. | Bollards |
US9217229B2 (en) | 2011-08-01 | 2015-12-22 | ATG Access Ltd. | Barriers |
GB2516881A (en) * | 2013-08-02 | 2015-02-11 | Atg Access Ltd | Improvements in and relating to bollards and barriers |
GB2516881B (en) * | 2013-08-02 | 2018-02-07 | Atg Access Ltd | Improvements in and relating to bollards and barriers |
US20160076270A1 (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2016-03-17 | Michael Shaun Yandell | Methods and apparatus for supporting a column |
US9340991B2 (en) * | 2014-09-15 | 2016-05-17 | Michael Shaun Yandell | Methods and apparatus for supporting a column |
US9803330B2 (en) * | 2015-10-07 | 2017-10-31 | Timothy Seay | Post support and post support system |
US11613858B2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2023-03-28 | Atg Access Ltd | Barriers |
US10344496B1 (en) * | 2018-04-24 | 2019-07-09 | Adam S. Cefalo | Anchoring device for a beach umbrella |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7484336B2 (en) | 2009-02-03 |
US20080250730A1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7484336B2 (en) | Stabilizer for in-ground members, assemblies including the same, and method of installation | |
CA2060459C (en) | Post anchoring device | |
US5704188A (en) | Post structure | |
US7438273B2 (en) | Anchor for securing an object to ground | |
US8839572B2 (en) | Post anchor apparatus and method of use | |
US10501957B1 (en) | Underground post mounting apparatus | |
US8893444B2 (en) | Anchoring system with post angular adjustment | |
US4402166A (en) | Sign post with stabilizer | |
US20040206947A1 (en) | Fencing system | |
US10089906B2 (en) | Apparatus for interior signpost support | |
US7883070B2 (en) | Secure post | |
US8231309B2 (en) | Pier bracket | |
US10140894B2 (en) | Yard sign anchor and stabilizer | |
CA3121283C (en) | Anchoring system for securing a post | |
US20210102353A1 (en) | Combination plate and lateral stabilizers for use with a post and post spike | |
US7308776B2 (en) | Pole anchor footing system | |
US6560935B1 (en) | Post anchor | |
KR101546032B1 (en) | Easy installation and replacement for one barrier holding fixture | |
US20030042475A1 (en) | Bracing apparatus and method of use | |
US9155284B2 (en) | Portable support device | |
JPH10512935A (en) | Equipment for vertical placement of poles or pillars | |
KR102172877B1 (en) | Railing and fence posts | |
KR200184804Y1 (en) | The structure of the support | |
KR200322780Y1 (en) | Apparatus for fixing post of union pleasure resort | |
KR101577375B1 (en) | Easy installation and replacement for one barrier holding fixture |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |