Apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter

Claim 2

In an apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter including a base member formed with at least one elongated slot dimensioned to receive a stake therethrough and formed with a structure supporting portion for securement of a structure thereto, at least one elongated stake mounted in said slot and having a first end formed to be driven into said earth matter and an opposite second end formed to be impacted by a driving tool, said stake being formed from a strip of flat material having a generally rectangular cross-section and said stake being helically formed over the length thereof, and ground engaging means secured to said base and formed to engage said earth matter at a spaced distance from said stake to prevent rotation of said base about said stake, the improvement comprising: said second end of said stake being formed with at least one ear extending laterally of the body of said stake to a distance greater than the width of said slot adjacent said ear, said ear tapering outwardly from the body of said stake to a position adjacent said second end to engage and wedge said base member downwardly to said earth matter.

Claim 3

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein, said stake is formed with a pair of oppositely facing, outwardly tapering ears extending from adjacent opposite sides of the body of said stake in the direction of twist of the helically formed stake, said ears tapering outwardly at a greater rate than the rate of twist of said helically formed stake whereby angular engagement of said base member by said stake is achieved in addition to downward wedging of said base member.

Claim 4

Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein, said ears are further formed with notches positioned adjacent upper portions of said ears and dimensioned for receipt of said base member adjacent said slot whereby said stake can be driven downwardly until said notches fixedly secure said stake to said base member for angular engagement and downward wedging of said base member.

Claim 5

In an apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter including a base member formed with a pair of spaced apart elongated slots dimensioned to receive stakes therethrough and formed with a structure supporting portion for securement of a structure thereto, and a pair of elongated helically twisted flat stakes mounted in said slots and having first ends formed to be driven into said earth matter and opposite second ends formed to be impacted by a driving tool and to engage and secure said base member against said earth matter, the improvement comprising: a second elongated base member formed for mounting on said first base member in superimposed and substantially perpendicular relation thereto, said second base member further being formed with a pair of stake receiving slots at opposite ends thereof and formed with openings for receipt of said structure supporting a portion of said first named base member therethrough; and a second pair of stakes formed substantially as defined for the first named stakes and formed to be driven through said slots in said second base member to urge said base member against said earth matter for anchoring of said second base member to said earth matter.

Claim 6

In an apparatus for anchoring a structure to earth matter including a base member formed with a pair of spaced apart elongated slots dimensioned to receive stakes therethrough and formed with a structure supporting portion for securement of a structure thereto, and a pair of elongated helically twisted flat stakes mounted in said slots and having first ends formed to be driven into said earth matter and opposite second ends formed to be impacted by a driving tool and to engage and secure said base member against said earth matter, the improvement comprising: a second elongated base member formed for mounting on said first base member in superimposed and substantially perpendicular relation thereto, said second base member further being formed with a pair of stake receiving slots at opposite ends thereof and formed with openings for receipt of said structure supporting a portion of said first named base member therethrough; and a second pair of stakes formed substantially as defined for the first named stakes and formed to be driven through said slots in said second base member to urge said base member against said earth matter for anchoring of said second base member to said earth matter.

Claim 7

Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein, said structure supporting a portion of the first named base member is provided by an upstanding flange formed from material constituting part of said base member, and said first named base member is further formed by upstanding structure engaging prongs, said second base member being formed with openings indexed for receipt of said prongs therethrough.