GB2546203A

GB2546203A - Anchor peg

Info

Publication number: GB2546203A
Application number: GB1705537.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Dean Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-02-01
Filing date: 2013-02-01
Publication date: 2017-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2033-02-01
Also published as: GB2546203B; GB2510387A; GB201705537D0; GB201301807D0; GB2510387B

Abstract

An anchor peg that is deployable into a configuration that produces a larger subsurface footprint than the entrance hole it was inserted into the ground through. The peg has an outer body D and an inner shaft E that is connected to sprung fingers G that are configurable outwardly to create the enlarged subsurface footprint. The outer body D has a bottom tip L, which may be detachable via a screwed thread, and the inner shaft E sits within the outer body D so that when it is in its fully inserted position it is firmly abutted against the base of the outer body D and tip L. There may be fluted grooves F in the outer body D that house the sprung fingers G when in their non-deployed position. There may also be an anchor point A which may be interchangeable attached to the inner shaft E that has a tether, rope or strap attached to it, the subsurface footprint becoming larger as more force is applied to the anchor point A.

Description

Anchor Peg

Related application

This application is a divisional application of UK patent application no. GB1301807.2 (dated 01/02/2013), the contents of the entire specification and drawings of which earlier application are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the invention

This invention relates to an anchor peg, in particular to an anchor peg for anchoring a structure to the ground, e.g. via a tether, rope or strap.

Background

Most ground anchors, stakes or pegs are a straight or curved pole of various materials that is driven into the ground at an angle to brace a structure via a tether, rope or strap. They have the same diameter entrance point as their footprint in the ground. These stakes rely for their efficacy on the angle to the structure when inserted and the suction of the ground to keep them secure. However, they are very ineffective in windy/severe weather, on loose or lightly compacted ground/surfaces and when directly in line with the tether securing the structure.

Statement of invention

To overcome this failing the anchor peg of this invention has single or multiple sprung fingers that extend underground to create a subterranean/sub surface footprint area that the sprung fingers pull-up against to secure it within the surface structure. The anchor peg of this invention is as defined in the appended claim 1.

Advantages

The anchor peg of the invention requires a greater kn force to remove it when deployed in the ground/subsurface, bringing greater resilience to structures in all weather conditions. It also allows for structures to be erected and secured on weak/granular ground or surfaces.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Example embodiments of the anchor peg of the invention (not to scale) will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment form of anchoring peg according to the invention, wherein the various labelled parts/features are as follows: (A) Anchor point for fixing a tether from the anchor peg to the structure, which can be fixed or interchangeable with different applications depending on use. (B) Screw-thread for connecting or changing the anchor point (A). (C) Pull hooks, loops or grips to enable extraction of the anchor peg. (D) Outer body. (E) Inner shaft. (F) Fluted groove(s) on the shaft to house singular or multiple sprung fingers (G). The fluted groove(s) can also be incorporated into the outer body, depending on what use the anchor peg is required for (as shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2). (G) Sprung fmger(s) when deployed to create the enlarged sub-surface footprint. (H) The fluted grooves and sprung fingers when ready for insertion into or extraction from the surface. (I) Void, when the anchor peg is in use/under tension. (J) Impact area/interface between inner shaft (E) and outer body (D) and tip (L). (K) Screw-thread for removal of tip (L). (L) Removable tip, for maintenance, cleaning or replacement.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment form of anchor peg according to the invention, wherein the various labelled parts/features are as follows: (A) Inner shaft. (B) Sprung finger(s) when deployed to create the enlarged sub-surface footprint. (C) Outer body with fluted groove(s) incorporated into it. (D) Attachment point for sprung finger(s) (B) attached to inner shaft (A). (E) Sprung fmger(s) (B) when retracted and resting in the outer body (C) ready for insertion or extraction. (F) Void left when sprung finger(s) (B) are deployed.

In this embodiment of Figure 2 the fluted groove(s) are incorporated in the outer body, instead of in the inner shaft.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

The anchor peg has been designed to increase the amount of kn force that is required to pull it out of the ground/surface, as compared with other surface anchors, stakes or pegs, when attached to a structure. It can be used in all weathers and climates, especially in high wind and loose ground/surface conditions. It really comes into its own when used on soft, granular or un-compacted surfaces. The more force that is exerted on the anchor peg at the anchor point ((A) in Fig. 1) that is attached to the inner shaft ((E) in Fig. 1), the more it becomes stable in the ground/surface. All other surface anchors, stakes or pegs are only mildly effective when used on compacted ground.

The anchor peg, with its single or multiple sprung finger(s) ((G) in Fig. 1 and (B) in Fig. 2), can be manufactured to any size so as to accommodate the forces exerted on it by a particular structure. The outer body ((D) in Fig. 1 and (C) in Fig. 2) will be made out of high impact plastic, steel or other durable material. The inner shaft ((E) in Fig. 1 and (A) in Fig. 2) has sprung fmger(s) ((G) in Fig. 1 and (B) in Fig. 2) of various numbers and lengths attached to it ((D) in Fig. 2), that are then inserted into the outer body ((D) in Fig. 1 and (C) in Fig. 2). When an upward force is applied to the inner shaft ((E) in Fig. 1 and (A) in Fig. 2) it is allowed to move a predetermined distance causing the sprung fmger(s) ((G) in Fig. 1 and (B) in Fig. 2) to protrude outwards. This gives the anchor peg a larger subsurface footprint than the entrance point, allowing it to be used at any angle to the structure including directly in-line with the tether. The anchor peg is removed by detaching the tether from the anchor point ((A) in Fig. 1) and pushing the inner shaft ((E) in Fig. 1 and (A) in Fig. 2) downwards. This re-sheaths the sprung fingers ((G) in Fig. 1 and (B) in Fig. 2), enabling extraction using the finger pulls ((C) in Fig. 1) on the outer body ((D) in Fig. 1).

The anchor point ((A) in Fig. 1) is interchangeable with different heads depending on the anchor peg’s usage. This is done by unscrewing the anchor point ((A) in Fig. 1) from the shaft ((E) in Fig. 1) at point B ((B) in Fig. 1).

The bottom tip ((L) in Fig. 1) of the outer body ((D) in Fig. 1) is detachable via a screwed thread ((K) in Fig. 1) to allow cleaning and removal of any granular substance that may become trapped.

In accordance with the presently claimed invention, the inner shaft ((E) in Fig. 1) is designed to sit within the outer body ((D) in Fig. 1) in such a way that when in the insert position it is firmly abutted ((J) in Fig. 1) to the base of the outer body ((D) in Fig. 1) and tip ((L) in Fig. 1).

In order to supplement the overall disclosure of the present invention herein, reference may be had to the following paragraphs detailing further aspects, embodiments, and features of the present invention and/or embodiments thereof:

Background

Most ground anchors, stakes or pegs are a straight or curved pole of various materials that are driven into the ground at an angle to brace structures via tethers, ropes or straps. They have the same diameter entrance point as their footprint in the ground. These stakes rely on the angle when inserted to the structure and the suction of the ground to keep them secure. They are very ineffective in windy/severe weather, on loose or lightly compacted ground/surfaces and when directly in line with the tether securing the structure.

Statement of invention

To overcome this failing the TAP has single or multiple sprung fingers that extend underground to create a subterranean/sub surface footprint area that the sprung fingers pull-up against to secure the surface structure.

Advantages

The TAP requires a greater kn force to remove it when deployed in the ground/subsurface bringing greater resilience to structures in all weather conditions. It also allows for structures to be erected and secured on weak/granular ground or surfaces.

Introduction to Drawings

An example of the TAP (Not to scale) will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings comprising Figure 1 (referred to below as “TAP01”) and Figure 2 (referred to below as “TAP02”): TAP01 - Section through TAP. A. Anchor point for fixing a tether from the TAP to the structure that can be fixed or interchangeable with different applications depending on use. B. Screw-thread for connecting or changing anchor point (ref: A) C. Pull hooks, loops or grips to enable extraction of the TAP. D. Outer body. E. Inner shaft. F. Fluted groove(s) on shaft to house singular or multiple sprung fingers (ref: G). The fluted groove(s) can also be incorporated into the outer body depending on what use the TAP is required for (See TAP02). G. Sprung finger(s) when deployed to create the sub-surface footprint. H. The fluted groove and sprung fingers when ready for insertion or extraction into surface. I. Void when TAP is in use/under-tension. J. Impact area/interface between inner shaft (ref E) and outer body (ref: D) and tip (ref K). K. Screw-thread for removal of tip (ref: L). L. Removable tip for maintenance, cleaning or replacement. TAP02 - Section through TAP showing fluted groove(s) incorporated in the outer body. A. Inner shaft B. Sprung fmger(s) when deployed to create the sub-surface footprint. C. Outer body with fluted groove(s) incorporated into it. D. Attachment point for sprung finger(s) (ref: B) to inner shaft (ref: A). E. Sprung finger(s) (ref: B) when retracted and resting in the outer body (ref: C) ready for insertion or extraction. F. Void left when sprung finger(s) (ref: B) are deployed.

Detailed Description

The Typhoon Anchor Peg (TAP) has been designed to increase the amount of kn force that is required to pull all other surface anchor, stake or peg out of the ground when attached to a structure. It can be used in all weathers and climates, especially in high wind and loose ground/surface conditions. It really comes into its own when used on soft, granular or un-compacted surfaces. The more force that is exerted on the TAP at the anchor point (TAP01-A) that is attached to the inner shaft (TAP01-E), the more it becomes stable in the surface. All other surface anchors, stakes or pegs are only mildly effective when used on compacted ground.

The TAP, with its single or multiple sprung fmger(s) (TAP01-G & TAP02-B), can be manufactured to any size so as to accommodate the forces exerted on it by a particular structure. The outer body (TAP01-D & TAP02-C) will be made out of high impact plastic, steel or other durable material. The inner shaft (TAP01E & TAP02A) has sprung finger(s) (TAP01-G & TAP02-B) of various amounts and lengths attached to it (TAP02-D), that are then inserted into the outer body (TAP01-D & TAP02-C). When an upward force is applied to the inner shaft (TAP01-E & TAP02-A) it is allowed to move a predetermined distance causing the sprung finger(s) (TAP01-G & TAP02-B) to protrude out. This gives the TAP a larger subsurface footprint than the entrance point, allowing it to be used at any angle to the structure including directly in-line with the tether. The TAP is removed by detaching the tether from the anchor point (TAP01-A) and pushing the inner shaft (TAP01-E & TAP02-A) downwards. This re-sheaths the sprung fingers (TAP01-G & TAP02-B), enabling extraction using the finger pulls (TAP01-C) on the outer body (TAP01-D).

The anchor point (TAP01-A) is interchangeable with different heads depending on the TAP’s usage. This is done by unscrewing the anchor point (TAP01-A) from the shaft (TAP01-E) at point B (TAP01-B).

The bottom tip (TAP01-L) of the outer body (TAP01-D) is detachable via a screwed thread (TAP01-K) to allow cleaning and removal of any granular substance that may become trapped.

The inner shaft (TAP01-E) is designed to sit within the outer body (TAP01-D) in such a way that when in the insert position it is firmly abutted (TAP01-J) to the base of the sheath (TAP01-D) and tip (TAP01-L).

Some other aspects or embodiments of the invention may be further understood from the following numbered clauses: 1. An anchor, stay or peg that once inserted in the ground produces a larger subsurface footprint than the entrance hole. 2. It can be made to any size that is required by the structure that is to be secured (ref: Clause 1). 3. The extending sprung fmger(s) can be manufactured to any length, size and number (ref: Clause 2) depending on the surface conditions and the requirements of the structure it is securing (ref: Clauses 1 & 2). 4. The subterranean/subsurface footprint of the TAP becomes greater as more force is applied (ref: Clause 1) to the anchor point via the shaft to the sprung fingers (ref: Clause 3) from the surface structure.

Claims

1. An anchor peg for use in anchoring a structure to the ground, which once inserted in the ground via an entrance hole is deployable into a configuration which produces a larger subsurface footprint than the entrance hole, wherein the anchor peg comprises: an outer body and an inner shaft, the inner shaft having attached thereto one or more sprung fingers configurable outwardly to create the enlarged subsurface footprint, wherein the outer body comprises a bottom tip, and the inner shaft is configured to sit within the outer body in such a way that when in its fully inserted position therein the inner shaft is firmly abutted against the base of the outer body and the tip.

2. An anchor peg according to claim 1, wherein the anchor peg further comprises one or more respective fluted grooves in the outer body for housing the or respective ones of the sprung fingers when in its/their non-deployed configuration.

3. An anchor peg according to claim 1, further comprising an anchor point attached to the inner shaft for having attached thereto a tether, rope or strap for anchoring a structure to the ground, wherein the subsurface footprint of the anchor peg becomes greater as more force is applied to the anchor point via the inner shaft to further deploy outwardly the sprung fingers.

4. An anchor peg according to claim 1, further comprising an anchor point attached to the inner shaft for having attached thereto a tether, rope or strap for anchoring a structure to the ground, wherein the anchor point is interchangeable with different heads.

5. An anchor peg according to claim 1, wherein the bottom tip is detachable via a screwed thread to allow cleaning and removal of any granular substance that may become trapped.