Earth anchor method and apparatus

Abstract

An improved earth anchor includes modifications allowing it to be driven more accurately into hard or clay-rich soil. Methods of manufacture, use, and devices are described.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An earth anchor apparatus configured to be driven through a material by a force applied to a drive bar operationally connected thereto comprising a pivot point between the drive bar and the earth anchor that is closer to the penetrating terminus or point of the earth anchor than is the center of mass of the two-dimensional projection of the shape of the earth anchor. 
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  where the proximity of the pivot point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by placing the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor closer to the terminus of the earth anchor. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  where the drive bar is machined at the point of contact to have a depression in the middle and/or rotationally tapered sides resulting in a dislodging force upon rotating the drive bar in the correct direction. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the proximity of the pivot point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer to the terminus of the earth anchor. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the area below and near the point of contact is heavier and/or reinforced. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the shape of the earth anchor is longer and thinner than that of an equilateral triangle. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the earth anchor is reinforced near the point of contact and point of cable connection. 
     
     
         8 . An earth anchor apparatus configured to be driven through a material by a force applied to a drive bar operationally connected thereto comprising an earth anchor with increased length thereby increasing the activation barrier to rotation after being driven into the material with the cable under tension. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the proximity of the pivot point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer to the terminus of the earth anchor. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8  wherein the length of the arrowhead is increased through being attached to the drive bar, where the drive bar or a section of the drive bar is left in the earth. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  wherein some rotation is allowed between the arrowhead and the section of drive bar attached to the arrowhead remaining in the ground with the arrowhead. 
     
     
         12 . An earth anchor apparatus comprising:
 an earth anchor body having a penetrating terminus for driving into a material;   at least one lateral portion providing stability during penetration; and   a point of contact for a driver that is closer to the penetrating terminus than the center of mass of the two-dimensional projection of the earth anchor body.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the earth anchor body is configured to be driven through a material by a force applied to a drive bar operationally connected thereto comprising a pivot point between the drive bar and the earth anchor. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the proximity of the pivot point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by placing the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor closer to the terminus of the earth anchor. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the drive bar is machined at the point of contact to have a depression in the middle and/or rotationally tapered sides resulting in a dislodging force upon rotating the drive bar in the correct direction. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the proximity of the pivot point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer to the terminus of the earth anchor. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the shape of the earth anchor is longer and thinner than that of an equilateral triangle. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein the earth anchor is reinforced near the point of contact and a point of cable connection. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 12  further wherein the earth anchor is configured to be driven through a material by a force applied to a drive bar operationally connected thereto comprising an earth anchor with increased length thereby increasing the activation barrier to rotation after being driven into the material with the cable under tension. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19  wherein the proximity of the pivot point to the terminus of the earth anchor is achieved by allowing the point of contact between the drive bar and the earth anchor to slide laterally while fixing an extension of the drive bar closer to the terminus of the earth anchor.