Anchoring stake

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anchoring stake that includes an elongate member having a longitudinal axis extending along its longitudinal length, the elongate member having a lower portion which is insertable into a ground environment and an upper portion which in use projects above the ground environment, and at least one anchor member attached to the lower portion of the elongate member. The anchor member is movable between an insertion position in which the length of the at least one anchor member is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member and an anchoring position in which the length of the at least one anchor member extends at an angle away from longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

1 . An anchoring stake including:
 an elongate member having a longitudinal axis extending along its longitudinal length, the elongate member having a lower portion which is insertable into a ground environment and an upper portion which in use projects above the ground environment; and   at least one anchor member attached to the lower portion of the elongate member, the anchor member being movable between an insertion position in which the length of the at least one anchor member is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member and an anchoring position in which the length of the at least one anchor member extends at an angle away from longitudinal axis of the elongate member.   
   
   
       2 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchor member is a generally elongate body. 
   
   
       3 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one anchor member is a generally planar body which, in use, can be trapped in the surrounding ground environment. 
   
   
       4 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 3 , wherein the at least one anchor member includes at least one blade. 
   
   
       5 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 4 , wherein the at least one blade has a shape which enables the blade to move and twist when moving through the ground environment. 
   
   
       6 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 4 , wherein the at least one blade has a lateral twist along its longitudinal length. 
   
   
       7 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 6 , wherein the lateral twist of the at least one blade has a generally helical configuration. 
   
   
       8 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the length of the at least one anchor member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member in the insertion position. 
   
   
       9 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein in the insertion position the length of the at least one anchor member is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member and axially twisted relative to a connection point with the elongate member. 
   
   
       10 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one anchor member is connected to the elongate member through a flexible member. 
   
   
       11 . An anchoring stake according  claim 10 , wherein the flexible member allows the anchor member to pivot longitudinally and transversely about the connection between the anchor member and elongate member. 
   
   
       12 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 10 , wherein the flexible member allows the anchor member to laterally twist about the connection between the anchor member and elongate member. 
   
   
       13 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one anchor member is rotatably connected to the elongate member in a manner which allows rotation of the anchor member about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. 
   
   
       14 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 13 , wherein the at least one anchor member includes a bore hole at a proximal end through which a section of the lower portion of the elongate member is inserted. 
   
   
       15 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member includes one or more stops which limit the extent of movement of the anchor member when the elongate member moves between the insertion position and anchoring position. 
   
   
       16 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 15 , wherein the one or more stops include engagement surfaces which a portion of the anchor member can abut. 
   
   
       17 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 15 , wherein the elongate member includes at least two stops, being an upper stop which the anchor member engages when in the insertion position and a lower stop which the anchor member engages when in the anchoring position. 
   
   
       18 . An anchoring stake according to any one of  claims 15 , wherein the at least one stop is formed by one or more bodies which provides a circumferential engagement surface substantially around the perimeter of the elongate member. 
   
   
       19 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchor member extends between 30° and 120° relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member when in the anchoring position. 
   
   
       20 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 19 , wherein the anchor member extends at substantially 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member when in the anchoring position. 
   
   
       21 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , including two or more anchor members. 
   
   
       22 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 21 , wherein the two or more anchor members are connected to the elongate member at generally equally spaced apart locations around the perimeter of the elongate member. 
   
   
       23 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the base of the lower portion of the elongate member includes an arrow point. 
   
   
       24 . An anchoring stake according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member includes a depth guide feature which provides an indication of the depth that the stake should be inserted into the ground for proper functioning of the anchor member.