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.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a stake having an anchoring section. The invention is particularly applicable as a display or support stake or pole for potted plants and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that application may be used as a stake in various applications where it is desirable to anchor a stake, pole, post, shaft or the like into a ground environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

Potted plants typically include one or more stakes used to support the stem of the plant and/or to display relevant information about the plant and/or the manufacturer. Current Industry practice is to push a plain wooden or plastic stake into the soil of a plant container and fasten a label or a portion of the plant to the stake using a fastening means such as a twist tie. In some instances the stake may include an arrow head or barbed side projection at its lower end designed to resist removal of the lower end of the stake from the soil once the stake is inserted in the soil within the plant container.

However, it has been found that in most cases the stake can easily be withdrawn from the soil in the plant container. In this regard, the plain nature of the base of plain stake offers little resistance to removal. A stake having an arrow head typically offers little more resistance to removal compared to a plain stake due to the formation of a tunnel or pathway in the soil when the arrowhead is inserted.

It would therefore be desirable to provide a stake which can be inserted into the soil in a plant container and provide resistance to the stake being withdrawn from the soil.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, there is provided an anchoring stake including:

• • an elongate member having a longitudinal axis 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 the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

Accordingly, the movable anchor member includes a means of anchoring the base of the stake in a ground environment such as a body of soil and therefore can resist a withdrawal force applied to the stake when inserted in the ground environment. In this respect, when the anchor member is inserted into the ground environment in the insertion position the length anchor member is placed in general alignment with the longitudinal length of the elongate member and therefore provides the least resistance for the base of the elongate member and attached anchor member entering the body of soil. The anchor member is generally inserted to a depth in which it is completely immersed within the ground environment. When a force is applied to the stake to attempt to withdraw the stake from the ground environment the anchor member moves within the ground environment to the anchoring position. In the anchoring position, the anchor member is angled away from the elongate member providing a body that becomes trapped in the ground environment thereby providing a resistance force to the applied withdrawal force.

As can be appreciated, the effectiveness of the anchoring stakes ability to resist withdrawal is dependent on the size and configuration of the anchor member. In order to provide a reasonable resistance force, it is preferable that the anchor member provides a sizable body which can be trapped in the ground environment. The anchor member is therefore preferably a generally elongate body. More preferably, the at least one anchor member is a generally planar body which in use can be trapped in the surrounding ground environment. In this respect, the at least one anchor member preferably has dimensions that in use allow the at least one anchor member to be enveloped in the ground environment and engage a portion thereof when in the anchoring position. The engagement of the at least one anchor member with the surrounding ground environment thereby provides a resistance force to removal of the anchoring stake from the ground environment.

The at least one anchor member can take any number of forms. In one embodiment, the anchor member comprises a cylindrical rod. In another embodiment, the anchor member comprises a generally planar plate. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one anchor member includes at least one blade, preferably a propeller or auger type blade. In this sense, the anchor member has a preferred twisted shape which is selected to allow the blade to move within and through a body of soil in which it is inserted.

It is therefore preferable that the at least one blade has a shape which causes the blade to move and twist when inserted into the ground environment. In one preferred embodiment, this shape is provided by a lateral twist along the longitudinal length of the blade. Preferably, the lateral twist has a generally helical configuration. It is thought that such a shape enables the blade to move more freely through a ground environment such as for example a body of soil. Preferably, the blade is shaped in a manner that assists a user to insert the base of the stake into the ground environment. Similarly, the blade is preferably shaped to assist the blade move through the ground environment when the blade is moving to the anchoring position within the ground environment when a withdrawal force is applied to the stake. Advantageously, such a shape should also generally enable the blade to move around obstacles encountered in the ground environment. For example, in a body of soil the shape of the blade should generally allow the blade to move around root formations or the like.

The anchor member is movable between an insertion position and an anchoring position. In the insertion position, the length of the at least one anchor member is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one anchor member is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member in the insertion position. In other embodiments, the length of the at least one anchor member is positioned a small angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member in the insertion position. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one anchor member is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member and can also be axially twisted relative to a connection point with the elongate member when in the insertion position.

The anchor member is configured to extend at an angle away from the elongate member when in the anchoring position in order to provide a suitable resistance force in the ground environment to resist removal of the anchoring stake from the ground environment. Of course, the closer the angle is to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member, the greater the resistance force. Preferably, the anchor member extends between 30° and 120° relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member when in the anchoring position. More preferably, the anchor member extends at substantially 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member when in the anchoring position.

The at least one anchor member can be connected to the lower portion of the elongate member using any suitable arrangement. In one embodiment, the anchor member is connected to the elongate member using a hinge arrangement. Preferably, the hinge allows the anchor member to pivot between a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the anchor member is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the elongate member and a second position in which the longitudinal axis of the anchor member extends at an angle and more preferably generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. However, as can be appreciated other connections such as universal connections, ball joints, flexible members, pivot joints, rotatable connections or the like could also be used in the present invention.

In one preferred embodiment, the at least one anchor member is connected to the elongate member through a flexible member. Suitable members include a flexible body of material such as for example a plastic, one or more straps, cord, wire or the like. Preferably, the flexible member allows the anchor member to pivot both longitudinally and transversely about the connection between the anchor member and elongate member. In some embodiments, the flexible member also allows the anchor member to laterally twist about the connection between the anchor member and elongate member.

In another embodiment, the at least one anchor member is rotatably connected to the elongate member in a manner that allows rotation of the anchor member about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In one form in which the at least one anchor member is rotatably connected to the elongate member, the at least one anchor member includes a bore hole at a proximal end thereof through which a section of the lower portion of the elongate member is inserted.

It is preferable that movement of the anchor member relative to the elongate member be limited in certain directions. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the elongate member includes one or more stops that limit the extent of movement of the anchor member when the elongate member moves between the insertion position and anchoring position. Preferably, the stops limit upwardly and downwardly pivoting movement of the anchor member relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member.

The stops can be formed from any suitable formation that restrict movement of the at least one anchor member in the desired direction of movement. Typically, the stops comprise physical barriers that one or more portions of the at least one anchor member engages. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the one or more stops include engagement surfaces which a portion of the anchor member can abut. As can be appreciated, the stops can be formed by any formation such as a lug, projection, rib, arm, finger, flange, shoulder or the like. In some embodiments, the at least one stop is formed by one or more bodies which provides a circumferential engagement surface around the perimeter of the elongate member. In some embodiments, the at least one stop includes one or more lugs, ribs or flanges circumferentially arranged about the anchor member.

It is generally desirable to restrict movement of the anchor member in two directions, such as for example upward and downward movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the elongate member typically include at least two stops. Preferably, the two stops include 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. In this embodiment, the stops form location means, which locate the anchor means in a desired position relative to the elongate member when placed in the insertion and anchoring position.

The anchoring stake of the present invention can include any number of anchor members. In one embodiment, the anchoring stake includes a single anchor member. Preferably, this single anchor member is rotatably connected to the lower portion of the elongate member to allow the anchor member to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In another embodiment the anchoring stake includes two or more anchor members. Of course, those embodiments that include two or more anchor members have the advantage of having at least two anchor members extending in different directions about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In this sense, the more anchor members used, the better the distribution of resistance force about the longitudinal axis of the elongate member. In order to optimise the resistance force, it is preferable that 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.

The anchoring stake can be used in any number of applications in which it is desirable to anchor a stake, pole or shaft in a ground environment. In a preferred application, the anchor stake is used as a label or plant support stake in a plant container. In this embodiment, the stake is a plant container stake which is inserted in use in a body of soil (the ground environment) housed in a plant container.

The upper portion of the elongate member can be used to support, fix, mount or engage with any number of apparatus or devices. Preferably, the upper portion of the elongate member includes one or more of a fastener, label retaining fixture, plant holder, or container. In one preferred embodiment, the upper portion of the elongate member includes a label retaining fixture such as is for example disclosed in one of the Applicant's Australian Patents No. 616346 or 738318, or New Zealand patent No. 237813.

The elongate member can also include other features. In some embodiments, the elongate member includes a hand grip portion which preferably provides a comfortable graspable portion that a user can hold when using the anchoring stake. Furthermore, some embodiments of the invention include a depth guide feature on the upper portion of the elongate body which provides an indication of the depth that the stake should be inserted into the ground for proper functioning of the anchor member. Preferably, the depth guide is a formation or mark provided on the elongate member at the desired height. In other embodiments, a series of markings or indicia are provided on the elongate member to provide an indication of the depth the lower portion of the stake has been inserted within the ground environment.

The base of the lower portion of the elongate member can also include features that assist in the insertion of the anchoring stake into a body of soil. In this respect, the lower portion of the elongate member can include a tapered base. More preferably the base of the lower portion of the elongate member includes an arrow point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an anchoring stake according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the anchoring stake of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the anchoring stake of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor stake along line A-A of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view of the anchoring device of the stake shown in FIG. 1, with the anchoring device configured in an insertion position.

FIG. 6 is a view of the anchoring device of the stake shown in FIG. 1, with the anchoring device configured in an intermediate position when immersed in a body of soil.

FIG. 7 is a view of the anchoring device of the stake shown in FIG. 1, with the anchoring device configured in an anchoring position when immersed in a body of soil.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of an anchoring stake according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the anchor blade of the anchoring stake of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the anchor blade of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the anchor blade of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, there is shown a first embodiment of an anchoring stake 10 according to the present invention. The illustrated anchoring stake 10 is designed as an information label holder for a potted plant. The anchoring stake 10 therefore includes an elongate pole 12 having a lower portion or insertion end 14 that includes an anchoring arrangement 15 which is insertable into a body of soil housed in a plant container (not illustrated) and an upper portion 16 having a label fastening section 17 which is located above the ground environment when in use in plant container. The illustrated anchoring stake 10 is typically formed from plastic moulding process. However, it should be appreciated that other materials such as wood, metal or the like could also be used.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, it can be seen that the upper portion 16 of the elongate pole 12 is configured as a generally cylindrical tube having longitudinal axis X-X running through the centre thereof (FIG. 2). The label fastening section 17 is affixed to the upper end (relative to the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 to 4) of the elongate pole 12. The label fastening section 17 provides a means for locating and attaching a plant identification label such as for example the label 24 shown in FIG. 3. The label fastening section 17 could be formed by any suitable arrangement which includes a fastener which affixes or otherwise secures a label to the upper end of the stake 10 such as a clip, peg or tie. In the illustrated embodiment, label fastening section 17 comprises a generally rectangular support body 18.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the support body 18 includes an entrance opening 19 and exit opening 21 and an elongate aperture 20 therebetween forming a linear passage through the height of the support body 18. The entrance opening 19 is headed by a rounded upstanding flange 22 that provides a ramp and support surface for a label 24 which is to be fastened within the fastening section 17. As best shown in FIG. 1 and 4, the aperture 20 includes two pairs of spaced apart fastening ribs 26. Each fastening ribs 26 have a tapered shape (best shown in FIG. 4), which tapers from a least extent proximate to the entrance opening 19 and greatest extent at the exit opening 21. Each pair of fastening ribs 26 define two different fastening spaces therebetween.

One configuration of label 24 having a fastening section 28 that can be received in aperture 20 is shown in FIG. 3. The illustrated label 24 is formed from a flat sheet having a rectangular information section 30 on which information is displayed relating to a plant, food, brand or the like and a fastening section 28. The fastening section 28 of the label 24 has a barbed arrow head configuration providing two fastening flanges 32. Ideally, the neck 33 of the fastening section 28 has a smaller width than the fastening space between at least one of the two pairs of fastening ribs 26 in the aperture 20 of the label fastening section 17. The fastening section 28 is preferably constructed from generally resilient material so as to allow the section to flex when fastened to the fastening section 28 of the stake 10.

The label 24 is fastened to the label fastening section 17 of the stake 10 by inserting the fastening section 28 through the entrance opening 19 and through the aperture 20 until the fastening flanges 32 exit through the exit opening 21. The tapered structure of the fastening ribs 26 help the fastening section 28 of the label 24 squeeze between the fastening ribs 26 of the aperture 20. Once through, the fastening ribs 26 close around the neck 33 of the fastening section of the label trapping the neck 33 within the aperture. As the fastening flanges 32 and information section 30 are typically wider than the fastening space between the relevant pair of fastening ribs 26, the label 24 becomes securely fastened within the label fastening section 17 of the stake 10. In this position, the label 24 is displayed on the anchoring stake 10 in a generally vertical orientation extending generally upwardly and away from the upper end of the stake 10.

The centre section of the elongate pole 12 of the stake 10 includes a substantially oval finger grip area 38. The finger grip area 38 includes a ridged or textured panel 39 on the front side (FIG. 1) and a bumped or granulated textured surface 40 on the rear surface (FIG. 2). The textured surfaces 39, 40 are provided to enable a user to easily grip and control the stake 10 during insertion into the soil.

Located axially below the finger grip area 38 are two lateral arcuate ribs 42. The ribs 42 provide a depth guide which provides an indication of the depth that the stake 10 should be inserted into the ground for proper functioning of the anchoring section 15.

Located at the lower end of the elongate pole 12 is the lower portion or insertion end 14 of the stake 10. This insertion end 14 is configured for insertion with a ground environment such as a body of soil housed in a plant container (not illustrated). In order to aid in the insertion process, the insertion end 14 includes at its base a triangular arrow section 44. The arrow section 44 has two tapered faces which extend between two shoulder regions 46 and arrow point 47 at the tip of the arrow head 44. As can be appreciated, the pointed or tapered shape of the arrow head 44 is designed to facilitate easy insertion of the insertion end 14 into a body of soil.

The anchoring arrangement 15 of the stake 10 is located axially above the arrow section 44. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the anchoring arrangement 15 includes two helical leaf-shaped anchor blades 50. Each anchor blade 50 has a distal end 51 which is free and a proximal end 52 which is attached to the elongate pole 12 through a flexible member 54. The flexible member 54 is a flexible strap or cord that allows the anchor blades 50 to move in both a longitudinal and transverse direction about its connection to the elongate pole 12.

The arrow head 44 includes two shoulder regions 46 which provide a lower stop for the downward longitudinal movement of the anchor blade 50. In this respect, the shoulder regions 46 provide a reaction area that a portion of the anchor blade 50 can engage and abut, thereby preventing further downwards movement its connection to the elongate pole 12. Similarly, two triangular lugs 56 located axially above the anchor blades 50 provide an upper stop for the upward longitudinal movement of the anchor blade 50. Again, the lugs 56 provide a reaction area which a portion of the anchor blade 50 can engage and abut, thereby preventing further upward movement when pivoting about its connection to the elongate pole 12.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the anchor blades 50 have a “propeller blade” configuration having airfoil features similar to that of the sycamore seed-pod which is able to float through the air in a spiralling manner. In this respect, each anchor blade 50 has a lateral twist along its longitudinal length following a generally helical configuration. This shape is used to enable each blade 50 to twist and turn within the soil when it is inserted in the soil as will be explained in more detail later in the specification.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 7, there is illustrated a series of figures which illustrate the anchoring function of the anchoring stake 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4.

Referring firstly to FIG. 5, there is shown the insertion section 14 of anchoring stake 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 arranged in an insertion position used when the insertion section 14 is inserted into the soil 49 of the potted plant. In this arrangement, the anchor blades 50 are longitudinally pivoted into a generally upright position with the general longitudinal axis of the blades 50 generally aligned with the longitudinal axis X-X of the elongate pole 12. In this arrangement, a section of the upper surface of each blade 50 is in abutting contact with the apex 57 of each respective lug 56. This contact holds each blade 50 in this general position.

Accordingly, during insertion of this end 14 into the body of soil 49, the arrow section 44 is inserted into the soil 49 surrounding a potted plant. As the lower end 14 is progressively inserted, the surrounding soil 49 contacts the base of the anchor blades 50 as shown by arrows H. As the anchor blades 50 become progressively immersed in the soil 49, the blades 50 are forced upwardly to generally align with the longitudinal axis of the elongate pole 12. Once the anchor blades 50 abut the respective lugs 56, the shape of the blades 50 causes the blades 50 to cooperatively engage with the lugs 56 and react to the forces H placed on the lower surface of the blade 50. This usually causes the anchor blades 50 twist their way through the soil 49 during progressive insertion of the blades 50 into the soil 49. The insertion section 14 is inserted into the ground until the blades 50 are fully immersed in the soil 49, and preferably up until the depth guide ribs 42 contact the surface (not illustrated) of the soil 49. As noted previously, the ribs 42 provide a depth guide which provides an indication of the depth that the stake 10 should be inserted into the ground for proper functioning of the anchor blades 50.

This twisting reaction of the anchor blades 50 on insertion into the soil 49 is desirable, as it allows the blade 50 to move relative to the elongate pole 15 in order to avoid obstacles. In this regard it is thought that the general alignment of the blades 50 with the axis X-X and the twisting motion of the blade 50 produce a minimum resistance of entry of the stake 10 into the soil 49 and causes the least disturbance of the soil 49 and the root matter surrounding the plant and avoids breaking the major plant roots by flexibly moving around them. For example, when the stake 10 is inserted near a plant structure, the anchor blades 50 can in some instances twist around underground plant structures such as roots or the like to minimise damage to these structures during the insertion process.

As can be appreciated, the degree of movement can be altered by altering the shape and dimensions of the blades 50 and the dimensions of the reaction face of the lugs 56 which engage with the anchor blades 50. Accordingly, the degree of twisting reaction can be selected to suit a particular application. The selected degree of twisting reaction can therefore be selected to suit a size of the stake 10, the volume of the soil 49 in the pot and/or the stage of development of root growth of a particular plant.

After insertion into the soil, the insertion end 14 is typically arranged in the configuration shown in FIG. 5. The anchor blades 50 do not generally move relative to the longitudinal axis X-X of the elongate pole 12 until a withdrawal force (shown as force W in FIG. 6 and 7) is applied to the upper section 16 in an attempt to withdraw the insertion end from the body of soil 49 that it is immersed within.

Once a withdrawal force W is applied, the elongate pole 12 is lifted upwardly in the body of soil 49. However, because the anchor blades 50 are flexibly mounted to the elongate pole 12 and have a generally large width, the soil 49 surrounding the blades 50 provide a resistance forces J on the upper surface of each blade 50. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, as the elongate pole 12 is pulled upwardly, the blades 50 react against the surrounding soil 49 and rotate longitudinally about its flexible attachment member 54 and extend outwardly. Again, the twisted shape of each blade 50 allows the blades 50 to laterally twist and rotate through the soil 49 and root matter (not illustrated). The blades 50 become fully extended when a section of the base of each blade 50 abuts the lower reaction region provided on the shoulder region 46 of the arrow section 44, best illustrated in FIG. 7. In this anchoring position, the anchor blades 50 are arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation. Continued upward withdrawal movement is resisted by the force of the soil 49 on the upper surface of the blades 50 as shown by the arrows k in FIG. 7. Upward movement of the insertion end 14 is therefore resisted through the soil 14 and root matter. To remove the stake 50 from the body of soil 14, sufficient force is needed to either break the flexible connection 54 between the blades 50 and elongate pole 12 or to overcome the holding force k provided by the soil 49 on the upper face of the blades 50.

It should be appreciated, that the present invention should be effective using any number of anchor blades 50. Referring now to FIG. 8 to 10 there is shown the insertion end 70 of another embodiment of the anchoring stake 72 according to the present invention which has a single anchor blade 74. It should be understood that the general configuration of this embodiment is very similar to the anchoring stake 72 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, with the exception of some details of the anchoring arrangement 15A. It should therefore be understood that the foregoing description is also generally applicable to this embodiment with the exception of the following described differences.

As shown in FIG. 8 to 11, the anchor blade 74 of this embodiment has a very similar configuration to that shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this respect, the anchor blade 74 has a “propeller blade” configuration which incorporates a lateral twist along its longitudinal length following a generally helical configuration. Again, this shape is used to enable the blade 74 to twist and turn within the soil (not illustrated) when the blade 74 moves with the soil.

In contrast to the anchor member 50 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the single anchor member 74 illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11 is rotatably mounted to the elongate member 12A. In this embodiment, the leaf blade 74 includes a bore hole 76 at its proximal end a proximal end 52 through which the elongate member is inserted. The bore hole 76 has sufficient dimensions to allow the anchor member 76 to longitudinally pivot between the insertion position (A) and anchoring position (B) shown in FIG. 8. Furthermore, this particular attachment allows the leaf blades 74 to axially rotate about the longitudinal axis X-X of the elongate member 12A. It is thought that this extra degree of rotational freedom allows the single helical leaf-shaped blade 74 to more easily bypass root matter with less damaging effect in comparison to a fixed attachment position to the elongate pole 15A.

The extra axial rotational freedom also necessitates the stops 46A and 56A formed above and below the blade 74 to have a configuration which generally fully extends around the perimeter of the elongate pole 12A. Accordingly, each of the stops 46A and 56A extend circumferentially around the axis X-X of the elongate pole 12A to provide reaction surfaces for the blades 74. With respect to the arrow point 46A, this takes the form of the circumferential shoulder region 46A of an upturned cone located at the base of the elongate pole 12A. The shoulder region 46 provide the lower reaction surface or stop for the downwards movement of the blade 74. The upper stop 56A is provided by a spherical hub formed in the elongate pole 12A. Of course, other circumferential bodies such as disk flanges or the like would also be suitable.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Throughout the description and claims of the specification the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises”, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

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; andat 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.