AU685647B2

AU685647B2 - A lockable ground anchor

Info

Publication number: AU685647B2
Application number: AU28567/95A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Maurice David Fountain
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-08-15
Filing date: 1995-08-15
Publication date: 1998-01-22
Anticipated expiration: 2015-08-15
Also published as: AU2856795A

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for Service: Invention Title: Maurice David Fountain Maurice David Fountain CULLEN CO., Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, 240 Queen Street, Brisbane, QId. 4000, Australia.

A lockable ground anchor The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me This invention relates to a lockable ground anchor for use in securing portable equipment such as temporary road signs, trailers, light aircraft or the like.

An enduring problem in relation to portable equipment used outdoors is the prevention of unauthorised use or theft. The usual solution to this problem is to secure the equipment with a padlock and chain or the like to an immovable object or at least to an object which is difficult to move. Utility poles, fence posts or railings or suitable elements of buildings are all used in this regard.

It is also known to include elements in concrete walls or concreted surfaces to which equipment can be secured, again with a padlock and chain or the like.

Th, foregoing solutions to the security problem are not applicable when portable equipment is moved to a remote location. For example, objects to which a trailer can be secured at a camping site or boat launching area may not be available. Similarly, temporary road signs may need to be positioned away 15 from any object suitable for securing the sign thereto.

There is thus a need for a ground anchor which can be used for securing portable equipment thereto and which is easily demountable for transporting to different sites along with the portable equipment.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ground anchor which may meet the requirements set out in the preceding paragraph.

According to a first embodiment, the invention provides a ground anchor comprising: a base adapted for engaging a portion of the shank of each of at least two spikes with said spikes in a splayed disposition and the heads thereof in contact with an upper face of said base; a cover adapted for fitting over said base and said heads of said at least two spikes; at least one locking pin for securing said cover to said base; and a connector for connecting thereto means for securing an article to said anchor.

According to a second embodiment, the invention provides a method -f securing an article to the ground using an anchor according to the first embodiment, the method comprising the steps of: 1) laying the base of said anchor on the ground; 2) driving at least two spikes into the ground in splayed disposition with

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engagement between a portion of the shank of each spike and said base with heads of said spikes contacting the upper face of said base; 3) positioning said cover over said base and securing said cover to said base via a said at least one locking pin; and 4) securing said article to said anchor via said connector.

With reference to the first embodiment, the base of the anchor is essentially a plate which can be of any shape including rectangular, triangular and circular. The adaptation of the base for engaging a portion of the shank of a spike typically comprises an aperture through which the spike can pass or a notch or channel at an edge of the base in which the spike can rest. Apertures, notches or channels advantageously have a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of spikes. Spikes are typically circular in cross-section.

The walls of apertures, notches or channels are typically angled with respect to the general plane of the base so that splaying of engaged spikes is 15 facilitated.

The base can be adapted and sized to accommodate any number of °spikes. Typically, between three and ten spikes are used. In a preferred embodiment, the base is a circular plate adapted to receive up to eight equally spaced spikes at the edge thereof.

The cover of the anchor is advantageously configured to fit completely over the base so that in use the edges of the cover bite into the ground thereby substantially preventing a jemmy or lever being forced under the base.

The cover therefore has a shape corresponding to that of the base.

!n forms of the invention where the spikes engage notches or channels in edges of the base, the cover preferably contacts the heads of the spikes to maintain engagement between the spikes and the base. Alternatively, a projecting member, or members can be provided on the inside surfaces of the cover, which member or members contact the heads of the spikes with the cover in position over the base.

The at least one locking pin of the ground anchor can be a bolt, the threaded portion of which is received by a nut or internally threaded boss.

Alternatively the locking pin can be a bayonet-type fitting or any other type of locking means known to those of skill in the art. The locking pin can be integral with the base from which it extends through an aperture in the cover. Preferably, however, the locking pin is passed through an aperture in the cover to be received by an appropriate fitting in the base. The foregoing type of locking pin typically includes a shoulder along the shank thereof, which shoulder can bear against the cover in an assembled anchor.

The number of locking pins included in an anchor can vary in accordance with the configuration of the anchor. For example, an anchor having a triangular-shaped base can have three locking pins, one adjacent each apex of the triangular configuration. However, such an anchor can also have a single, centrally-located locking pin. A single, centrally-located locking pin is also typical of anchors having a circular base and cover.

Locking pins which are not integral with the base advantageously include a head or handle to facilitate installation and removal of the pin. The handle can be a T-piece or a lever-like projection from the head of the pin. The head of such locking pins also advantageously includes an aperture, or eye, for connecting a chain, padlock or the like, thereto to secure an article of portable 15 equipment to the anchor. However, it will be appreciated that a connection point for use in securing an article to the anchor need not necessarily be associated with locking pin and may, for example, be associated with the cover. The connector in this case can be an upstanding tab having an aperture therethrough, or a shackle or eyebolt or the like.

Locking pins, or rotatable locking elements associated with a fixed locking pin, can have associated therewith releasable security means to prevent .0 rotation of a pin or element. Such security means is typically a pivotable arm or flap which can be positioned over a pin or rotatable member and locked to prevent rotation of the pin or member. In a preferred form of this aspect of the invention, the security means is an arm pivotally connected to the head of a locking pin, the free end of which has a projecting member which when the arm is pivoted into the secured position is received by one of a plurality of apertures in the top of the cover. The arm has an aperture therethrough which can coincide with an eye in the head of the locking pin. Any item through the eye and aperture in the arm prevents rotation of the locking pin.

The components of anchors according to the invention are typically fabricated from metal materials. Preferably, the base and cover are aluminium alloy castings. Spikes and locking pins are advantageously fabricated from steel.

The base and cover of anchors advantageously include ribbing to enhance the strength thereof.

For use in securing an article, the base of an anchor according to the invention is laid on the ground and spikes driven into the grou'ld either through apertures in the base or so as to engage notches or channels at the edges of the base. The spikes are driven into the ground in a splayed disposition and to the extent that the heads of spikes abut the top face of the base. The cover is then fitted over the base and secured thereto with the locking pin which is locked in this position. The article can then be secured to the installed anchor via the connector.

The length of spikes can be varied in accordance with the nature of the ground to which the anchor is to be fixed. For example, longer spikes may be required with less compacted or sandy soil whereas shorter spikes suffice with highly compacted soil. Generally, spikes range between 30 cm and 50 cm in S. length. It is not essential that adjacent spikes be splayed with respect to each other in an installed anchor having a plurality of spikes. However, each of a pair of spikes on opposite sides of the base of an anchor is splayed with respect to the S. 15 other to prevent removal of the anchor from the ground. Spikes can be splayed at angles varying between 60, and 120 with 90' being preferred.

It will be appreciated that when installed, the cover of an anchor prevents access to the spikes so that they cannot be withdrawn. The cover is also forced into the ground and urges the spikes against the base through contact with the heads of the spikes. This ensures that the anchor is held firmly in place.

An anchor according to the invention can be used to secure any article to the ground. Such an anchor is particularly suited for securing caravans, trailers for motor vehicles be they goods trailers or boat trailers, light aircraft, portable road signs, portable equipment such as generators or pneumatic power supplies, or for securing a moored boat to the shore.

Having broadly described the invention, an anchor will now be exemplified with reference to the accompanying drawings to be briefly described hereafter.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an anchor in pa.tial cross-section and partially exploded.

Figure 2 is a plan view from above of an anchor base.

Figure 3 depicts in elevation an anchor plate.

Like items in the drawings are identically numbered.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown anchor 1 comprising base 2, cover 3 and locking pin 4. Base 2 is a circular casting having an internally 6 threaded central boss 5 and a plurality of notches at the edge thereof, the rear of one of which is indicated at 6. The notches lie in an outwardly flared lip 7 on the bottom of the base. Spikes 8 and 9 can engage notches in base 2. Base 2 includes ribs on the underside thereof extending between boss 5 and lip 7, one of which is indicated at Cover 3 is similarly circular and includes a lip 11 which flares generally at the same angle as lip 7 of base 2. Cover 3 includes a clearance hole 12 for locking pin 4. An annular rib 13 is provided at the junction of the circular portion of cover 3 and lip 11, which rib contacts heads 14 and 15 of spikes 8 and 9 when the cover is in situ. This contact maintains the engagement between the spikes and base 2. Cover 3 also includes ribs radiating from hole 12 to the periphery of the cover to fuse with rib 13. One of the radial ribs is indicated at 16, Shank 17 of locking pin 4 has a threaded portion 18 which can be ***secured into boss 5 of base 3. The locking pin also includes a shoulder 19 which S° 15 can abut cover 3 when in situ. Locking pin 4 has a head comprising a lever 20 to assist installation and removal of the pin. Locking pin 4 also has a circular hole 21 therethrough.

~A security device 22 is pivotally connected to lever 20 at 23. The security device comprises a channel section arm 24 which can fit over lever 20 to align a circular hole 25 in arm 24 with hole 21. Arm 24 also includes a downwardly projecting member 26 which is curved along an arc which has as its axis pivot point 23.

When locking pin 4 is installed in an assembled anchor, security device 22 can be pivoted over lever 20 so that end 27 of member 26 can locate in any one of a plurality of holes in the upper face oi cover 3. One such hole is indicated at 28. It will be appreciated that the security device can prevent rotation of locking pin 4 in an assembled anchor. Rotation of cover 3 is also to an extent prevented by the radial ribbing contacting the heads of spikes.

Base plate 2 is shown from above in Figure 2. Lip 11 and the notches therein can be clearly seen in this figure. One of the notches is indicated at 6.

As indicated above, base 2 and cover 3 of Figure 1 are in crosssection. The plane of cross-section corresponds to A-A of Figure 2.

It can be appreciated from Figure 1 that when the illustrated anchor is assembled, locking pin 4 holds cover 3 over base 2 and heads 14 and 15 of the spikes. The contact between rib 13 of cover 3 and the heads maintains the spikes in engagement with the notches in base 2 and hence maintains the splayed disposition of the spikes. Passage of a locking means such as the shank of a padlock through the aligned holes 21 and 25 locks the assembled anchor together and also prevents rotation of locking pin 4.

An assembled anchor in use is depicted in Figure 3. The figure shows cover 3 of anchor 1, locking pin 4 with security device 22 and spikes 8 and 9. Installation of anchor 1 has resulted in lip 11 of cover 3 extending below ground level 29. A padlock 30 is shown installed through the aligned holes in the locking pin and security device to which padlock a chain 31 is also fitted. The chain is fixed to the article (not shown in the figure) secured to the anchor.

It can be appreciated from Figure 3 that the splaying of spikes 8 and prevent the anchor being extracted from the ground. The spikes cannot easily **be moved into a perpendicular orientation because of the cover which maintains 15 spikes in a splayed disposition. Furthermore, the extension of the lip of the cover below ground level minimises the risk of the anchor being disrupted by way of a lever forced under the cover.

It will be appreciated that many alterations and modifications can be made to the anchor as exemplified above without departing from the broad ambit 20 and scope of the invention, which ambit and scope is to be limited only by the appended claims.

So* SS° SS

Claims

1. A ground anchor comprising: a base adapted for engaging a portion of the shank of each of at least two spikes with said spikes in a splayed disposition and the heads thereof in contact with an upper face of said base; a cover adapted for fitting over said base and said heads of said at least two spikes; at least one locking pin for securing said cover to said base; and a connector for connecting thereto means for securing an article to said anchor.

2. Anchor according to claim 1, wherein said base has a shape .oo. selected from rectangular, trialgular or circular. •go•

3. Anchor according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said adaptation of *said base for engaging a portion of the shank of a spike is selected from an 15 aperture through which said spike can pass, or a notch or channel at an edge of said base in which said spike can rest.

4. Anchor according to claim 3, wherein said aperture, notch or channel has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of a spike. S 20 5. Anchor according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein walls of said aperture, notch or channel are angled with respect to the general plane of the base to facilitate splaying of engaged spikes.

6. Anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said anchor is adapted to engage between three and ten spikes.

7. Anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said cover is configured to fit completely over said base and has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of said base.

8. Anchor according to claim 7, wherein said cover includes a downwardly extending lip which extends beyond the lower edge of said base.

9. Anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a ridge or ridges are provided on the underside of said cover, which ridge or ridges can contact heads of said spikes when said cover is in situ to maintain said spikes in engagement with said base. Anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said locking pin comprises a threaded bolt which is received by an int-rnally threaded boss. 9

11. Anchor according to claim 10, wherein said internally threaded boss is associated with said base and said cover includes an aperture for the passage of said locking pin therethrough.

12. Anchor according to claim 11, wherein said locking pin includes a shoulder along the shank thereof, which shoulder bears against said cover in an assembled anchor.

13. Anchor according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said locking pin has a radial projection from the head thereof to facilitate installation and removal of said pin.

14. Anchor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said locking pin has associated therewith releasable security means. o Anchor according to claim 14, wherein said security means comprises an arm pivotally connected to a radial projection from the head of said locking pin, the free end of which arm has a projecting member which when said S 15 arm is pivoted into the secured position is received by one of a pluraliRy of apertures in said cover of an assembled anchor, and wherein an aperture in said arm aligns with an aperture in said head of said locking pin to allow the securing S•thereof.

16. Anchor according to anyone of claims 1 to 15, wherein said base S 20 and cover are ribbed.

17. A method of securing an article to the ground using an anchor according to any one of claims I to 16, said method comprising the steps of 1) laying the base of said anchor on the ground; 2) driving at least two spikes into the ground in splayed disposition with engagement between a portion of the shank of each spike and said base with heads of said spikes contacting the upper face of said base; 3) positioning said cover over said base and securing said cover to said base via a said at least one locking pin; and 4) securing said article to said anchor via said connector.

18. A ground anchor substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED THIS 15TH DAY OF AUGUST 1995 MAURICE DAVID FOUNTAIN By his Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO Abstract The invention provides a ground anchor for use in securing portable equipment such as trailers, caravans, light aircraft and road signs. The anchor consists of a base which can be laid on the ground and is adapted to engage a plurality of spikes driven into the ground in a splayed disposition. A cover is fitted over the base and heads of spikes and secured to the base. Portable equipment can then be secured to a connector associated with the anchor. 0 5 o a