DRIVEWAY MARKER POLE MOUNT SYSTEMS

Abstract

A mounting system for driveway marker poles includes a mount body, a coil spring and a ground spike. The mount body includes an upper end with an opening for receiving a driveway marker, the opening leading to an internal axial passage. The mount body includes a lower portion sized to slidingly engage within an upper segment of the coil spring with an interference to retain the mount body to the coil spring. The ground spike includes a threaded upper end with an exterior thread configured to threadedly engage into a lower segment of the coil spring. Systems without a coil spring are also described.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to driveway markers used to delineate the edge of a driveway or other path and, more particularly, to driveway marker mounts adapted to permit driveway markers to move out of the upright position under applied force and move back to the upright position when the applied force is removed.

BACKGROUND

Driveway markers in the form of cylindrical poles that can be inserted into the ground along the border of a driveway or other path are common. In some cases, spring and insert assemblies are used to enable the driveway markers to move out of the upright position under applied force and move back to the upright position when the applied force is removed. However, in such driveway marker systems, the pole, insert and spring are commonly integrated together and not adapted for separation. In addition, existing driveway marker systems only fit a single pole size. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a driveway marker system that is adapted to more than one pole size. A driveway marker system that eliminates the need for springs could also be beneficial.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a mounting system for driveway marker poles includes a mount body including an upper end with an opening for receiving driveway markers, the opening leading to an internal axial passage, wherein the internal axial passage includes at least a first axial segment adjacent the opening and a second axial segment below the first axial segment, wherein the first axial segment has a first perimeter dimension sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a first diameter, wherein the second axial segment has a second perimeter dimension, which is smaller than the first perimeter dimension and sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

In another aspect, a mounting system for driveway marker poles includes a mount body, a coil spring and a ground spike. The mount body includes an upper end with an opening for receiving a driveway marker, the opening leading to an internal axial passage. The mount body includes a lower portion sized to slidingly engage within an upper segment of the coil spring with an interference to retain the mount body to the coil spring. The ground spike includes a threaded upper end with an exterior thread configured to threadedly engage into a lower segment of the coil spring.

In a further aspect, a mounting system for driveway marker poles is provided, where the device includes a mount body including an upper end with an opening for receiving driveway markers, the opening leading to an internal axial passage. In the mounting device, at least one of (i) the mount body is formed of a material having a durometer of between about Shore 70A and about Shore 85A (between 75A and 80A) and/or (ii) the internal axial passage includes a first axial segment adjacent the opening and a second axial segment below the first axial segment, wherein the first axial segment has a first perimeter dimension sized for receiving and holding a first driveway marker pole having a first diameter, wherein the second axial segment has a second perimeter dimension, which is smaller than the first perimeter dimension and sized for receiving and holding a second driveway marker pole having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

In another aspect, a mounting system for driveway marker includes a mount body including an upper end with an opening for receiving driveway markers, the opening leading to an internal axial passage, wherein the mount body includes an upper portion that includes the internal axial passage, a middle portion and a lower base portion, wherein the lower base portion includes a through opening for receiving a ground spike, wherein the middle portion is configured to enable flexing of the upper portion relative to the base portion.

The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a driveway marker system using a coil spring;

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-section of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3A-3D show one embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5A-5C show another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7A-7B show another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A-9C show another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 shows a flap arrangement useable in the any of the mount bodies;

FIG. 12 shows another flap arrangement useable in any of the mount bodies;

FIGS. 13 and 14 show another embodiment of a mount body for use in the system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 15A-15F show a mount body configuration that eliminates the need for a coil spring in the driveway marker system;

FIGS. 16A-16C show installation of the mount body of FIG. 15A;

FIGS. 17A-17C show another embodiment of a mount body configuration that eliminates the need for a coil spring in the driveway marker system; and

FIG. 18 shows another mount body in which the internal axial passage is adapted for three different driveway marker pole sizes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Marker Systems with Coil Springs

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a driveway marker system assembly 10 including a driveway marker pole 12, a mount body 14, a coil spring 16 and a ground spike 18. The coil spring 16 includes an upper cylindrical segment 16A and lower cylindrical segment 16B, where the upper segment has a larger internal diameter than the lower segment. The lower segment 16B engages on a threaded upper axial boss 18A of the ground spike. The thread on the upper axial boss 18A is configured to threadedly receive the coil spring for this purpose (e.g., the thread from has a helical pitch and general shape that will match to the helical pitch and shape of the wire making up the spring). The upper segment 16A receives a lower portion of the mount body 14. The pole 12 mounts into an axial passage 20 of the mount body (note that in FIG. 2 the pole 12 is not fully inserted). When installed in the ground, the spring 16 provides a flex feature in any direction (e.g., arrow 22) that enables the pole to bend downward out of the upright position under applied force and move back to the upright position when the applied force is removed.

FIGS. 3A-3D show one embodiment of a mount body 14A in which the mount body includes an upper end 30A with an opening 32A for receiving driveway markers, where the opening 32A leads to an internal axial passage 34A with central axis 26A. By way of example, the mount body 14A may be formed of a polyurethane material having a durometer of between about Shore 70A and about Shore 85A (between Shore 75A and Shore 80A). Use of this relatively low durometer provides an advantage in that it enables the driveway marker pole to be slidingly inserted into the internal axial passage with an interference fit manually, even when the lower portion of the mount body is already engaged into the upper portion of the coil spring. For example, using this durometer, the internal axial passage is sized and configured such that the driveway marker (e.g., with a diameter of 0.3125 inches) can be manually slid into the internal axial passage with an axially applied force of no more the forty pounds. However, other hardness variations or materials (e.g., neoprene, silicone, nitrile, natural rubber) are also possible and contemplated.

The internal axial passage 34A includes an upper axial segment 36A adjacent the opening and a lower axial segment 38A below the axial segment 36A. The axial segment 36A has a perimeter dimension sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a first diameter, and the axial segment 38A has a different, smaller perimeter dimension, which is sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. In this manner, the same mount body is capable of receiving and holding two different driveway pole sizes. For example, the first pole diameter may be on the order of 0.300 to 0.313 inches and the second pole diameter may be on the order of 0.245 to 0.255 inches, but other variations are possible.

Here, both axial segments 36A and 38A are substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical or with a slight taper or draft, indicated by angle θ, of from zero degrees up to about three degrees, or with a similar taper or draft in the opposite direction). In particular, the wall surfaces defining the respective axial segments 36A and 38A are each a substantial right circular cylinder shape (e.g., right circular cylinder shape or offset therefrom by a modest taper of no more than about three degrees). Thus, axial segment 36A has a substantially circular perimeter shape, with diameter D36A, in end view (circular shape defined in a plane transverse to the axis 26A), and the axial segment 38A has a substantially circular perimeter shape, with smaller diameter D38A. In one example, diameter D38A is less than 90% of diameter D36A (e.g., D38A is less than 85% of D36A), but other variations are possible.

The mount body 14A includes a lower portion 40A configured for positioning within the upper end or segment 16A of the coil spring (e.g., slidingly engaging into the opening of the upper segment with an interference to retain the mount body to the coil spring) and an upper rim portion 42A defining a lower surface 44A for engaging with a top of the coil spring in order to limit progression of the mount body into the coil spring. Here, a diameter of the upper annular rim is no more than 2.2 times an external diameter of a spring insert section of the mount body (e.g., the lower portion of the mount body). Here, the lower portion 40A includes an external surface 46A (e.g., substantial right circular cylinder shape) with a plurality spaced apart axial ribs 48A (e.g., four ribs are shown, but the number could vary). The ribs 48A are configured and dimensioned such that axial pullout force necessary to remove the lower portion 40A from coil spring is greater than an axial pullout force necessary to remove a driveway marker from the internal axial passage 34A. In this manner, a driveway marker can be pulled out of the mount body without pulling the mount body out of the spring (e.g., when the spring and mount body are spiked to the ground).

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14B that is identical to the mount body 14A, except that the external surface 46B of the lower portion 40B does not include any axial ribs.

FIGS. 5A-5C show an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14C that is identical to the mount body 14A, except that internal axial ribs (aka splines) are provided. In particular, the axial segment 36C is defined by a main perimeter wall 50C that includes a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly extending axial ribs 52C, and the axial segment 38C is defined by a main perimeter wall 54C that includes a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly extending axial ribs 56C. Here, four axial ribs 52C and four axial ribs 56C are provided, but other variations are possible. The axial ribs/splines allow compression of the pole into the mount body material to be applied against the ribs rather than the full circular perimeter of the axial passage.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14D that is identical to mount body 14C, except that the external surface 46D of the lower portion 40D does not include any axial ribs.

FIGS. 7A-7B show an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14E that is identical to mount body 14A, except the end view perimeter shape of the substantially cylindrical internal axial passage 34E along both axial segments 36E and 38E is polygonal (e.g., hexagonal or other) rather than circular. In this arrangement, the compression of the driveway marker pole into the mount body material will occur in the middle portion of each sidewall segment of the polygonal shape.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14F that is identical to mount body 14E, except that the external surface 46F of the lower portion 40F does not include any axial ribs.

FIGS. 9A-9C show an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14G that is identical to mount body 14E, except that internal axial ribs are provided. In particular, the axial segment 36G is defined by a main polygonal perimeter wall 50G that includes a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly extending axial ribs 52G, and the axial segment 38G is defined by a main polygonal perimeter wall 54G that includes a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly extending axial ribs 56G. Here, each polygonal segment includes an axial rib centered thereon, but other variations are possible.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14H that is identical to mount body 14G, except that the external surface 46H of the lower portion 40H does not include any axial ribs.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment in which the internal axial passage of a mount body include flaps. In particular, a main perimeter wall 601 of the upper axial segment of the internal passage includes a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly extending axial flap segments 621 that are angled relative to a radial direction, and a main perimeter wall 641 of the lower axial segment of the internal passage includes a plurality of spaced apart and inwardly extending axial flap segments 661 that are angled relative to a radial direction. The flap segments deflect/bend during insertion of a driveway marker pole to provide increasing compression against the driveway marker pole with increasing deflection/bend. These flap segments 621 and 661 could replace the axial ribs of any of the mount bodies 14C, 14D, 14G or 14H.

FIG. 12 shows an alternative embodiment in which the flap segments 621 and 661 are adjacent to respective axial recesses 681 and 701 into which axial flap segments can move/fold when a driveway pole is inserted. Again, this flap configuration could replace the axial ribs of any of the mount bodies 14C, 14D, 14G or 14H.

FIGS. 13 and 14 shows an alternative embodiment of a mount body 14J in which the end view shape of the external surface 46J of the lower portion 40J is polygonal rather than substantial right circular cylinder. This shape could be used with any configuration of the internal axial passage described in the above embodiments.

Any one of the above mount bodies could be packaged and sold as a kit, in combination with the coil spring, or with both the coil spring and the ground spike, for use with driveway marker poles that can be purchased separately. Of course, the kit could also include a pole.

Marker Systems without Coil Springs

FIGS. 15A-15F and 16A-16C show an embodiment of a driveway marker system in which the coil spring is eliminated in favor of a mount body 80A that includes an upper portion 82A, a middle portion 84A and a lower base portion 86A. The top of the upper portion 82A includes an opening 88A for receiving driveway marker poles, where the opening 88A leads to an internal axial passage 90A with central axis 92A. By way of example, the mount body 80A may be formed (e.g., a single molded unit) of a polyurethane material having a durometer of between about Shore 70A and about Shore 85A (between Shore 75A and Shore 80A), but other hardness variations or materials (e.g., neoprene, silicone, nitrile, natural rubber) are also possible and contemplated. Also, different portions of the mount body could be formed of different materials, or material compositions, of different hardness (e.g., the lower base portion having a higher hardness than the middle portion and/or upper portion, or other variations, such as co-molding or overmolding a stiffer upper portion and/or bottom portion with a lesser stiffness middle portion, or possibly varying rib stiffness from the balance). The internal axial passage 90A includes an upper axial segment 94A adjacent the opening and a lower axial segment 96A below the axial segment 94A. The axial segment 94A has a perimeter dimension sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a first diameter, and the axial segment 96A has a different, smaller perimeter dimension, which is sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

Here, both axial segments 94A and 96A are substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical or with a slight taper or draft, indicated by angle θ1, of from zero degrees up to about three degrees). The end view perimeter shape of the substantially cylindrical internal axial passage 90A along both substantially cylindrical axial segments 94A and 96A is polygonal (e.g., four-sided with curved corner in the illustrated version, but other polygonal shapes being possible) rather than circular. However, any one of the above described axial passage configurations for the mount bodies 14A-14G could be incorporated into the mount body 80A (including the various shapes and the presence or absence of axial ribs or flap segments).

The upper portion 82A includes a pair of lateral slots 110A and 112A that lead, respectively, to the axial segments 94A and 96A. These slots may be used to insert a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to assist in removing a driveway marker pole from the internal axial passage 90A.

The middle portion 84A, and/or the connection of the upper portion 82A to the middle portion 84A, is configured to enable flexing of the upper portion 82A relative to the base portion 86A (e.g., per arrow 114A). In order to prevent excessive flexing or bending, the illustrated middle portion 84A is formed with a series of vertically spaced apart annular stiffening ribs 116A. Additional rigidity is achieved, if needed, by the use of axial stiffening ribs 118A between each sequential pair of annular ribs 116A. Here, four circumferentially spaced apart axial stiffening ribs 118A between each sequential set or pair of annular ribs 116A are utilized, but the number could vary. Notably, the axial ribs 118A running between the pairs of sequential annular ribs 116A are circumferentially offset or staggered from each other as shown to enable flex of the annular ribs in the regions where the adjacent axial ribs are not located. It is recognized, however, that in some embodiments, the axial ribs could all be aligned. In other embodiments, the axial ribs could be eliminated and/or both the annular ribs and axial ribs could be eliminated.

The lower base portion 86A is enlarged relative to the middle and upper portions and includes a through opening 120A for receiving a ground spike 200 in order to secure the mount body 80A to the ground at a location where a driveway marker pole is desired. Access to the opening 120A is provided by a recessed section 122A of the lower base portion 86A Here, the middle portion 84A and the upper portion 82A are substantially aligned over the through opening 120A of the lower base portion 86A (e.g., an axis 124A of the through opening 120A is substantially aligned with the axis 92A). Per FIGS. 16A-16C, to install the mount body 80A using a ground spike 200, the mount body 80A may be initially placed at an angle with the ground spike vertical, where some flexing of the material around the through opening facilitates this orientation, while the ground spike 200 is hammered into the ground 202. The bottom side of the lower base portion 86A may also include a tapered or angled section 130A to facilitate this orientation. When the ground spike 200 is fully seated, the head of the spike engages the upward facing surface that is disposed around the through opening 120A to hold the mount body securely to the ground or proximate to the ground. A driveway marker pole 204 can then be inserted into the axial passage 90A per arrow 206.

FIGS. 17A-17C show another embodiment of a driveway marker system in which the coil spring is eliminated in favor of a mount body 80B that includes an upper portion 82B, a middle portion 84B and a lower base portion 86B. The top of the upper portion 82B includes an opening 88B for receiving driveway marker poles 204, where the opening 88B leads to an internal axial passage 90B with central axis 92B. By way of example, the mount body 80B may be formed (e.g., a single molded unit) of a polyurethane material having a durometer of between about Shore 70A and about Shore 85A (between Shore 75A and Shore 80A), but other hardness variations or materials are also possible and contemplated. The internal axial passage 90B includes an upper axial segment 94B adjacent the opening and a lower axial segment 96B below the axial segment 94B. The axial segment 94B has a perimeter dimension sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a first diameter, and the axial segment 96B has a different, smaller perimeter dimension, which is sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter.

Here, both axial segments 94B and 96B are substantially cylindrical (e.g., cylindrical or with a slight taper or draft of from zero degrees up to about three degrees). The end view perimeter shape of the internal axial passage 90B along both substantially cylindrical axial segments 94B and 96B is polygonal (e.g., four-sided with curved corner in the illustrated version, but other polygonal shapes being possible) rather than circular. However, any one of the above described axial passage configurations for the mount bodies 14A-14G could be incorporated into the mount body 80B (including the various shapes and the presence or absence of axial ribs or flap segments).

The upper portion 82B includes a pair of lateral slots 110B and 112B that lead, respectively, to the axial segments 94B and 96B. These slots may be used to insert a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) to assist in removing a driveway marker pole from the internal axial passage 90B.

The lower base portion 86B is enlarged relative to the middle and upper portions and includes a through opening 120B for receiving a ground spike 200 in order to secure the mount body 80B to the ground at a location where a driveway marker pole is desired. Here, the lower base portion includes a laterally offset foot 140B that enables the through opening 120B to be laterally offset from the middle portion 84B and the upper portion 82B (e.g., the axis 124B of the through opening 120B is offset from the axis 92B). This configuration enables easier access to the opening 120B for a user to place the ground spike 200 during installation.

Here, the middle portion 84B is shown with a substantially cylindrical shape with smooth external surface. However, the middle portion 84B could include the annular rib and/or axial rib configuration of mount body 80A as described above.

Either of the above mount bodies could be packaged and sold as a kit, in combination with the ground spike, for use with driveway marker poles that can be purchased separately. Of course, the kit could also include a pole.

It is to be clearly understood that the above description is intended by way of illustration and example only, is not intended to be taken by way of limitation, and that other changes and modifications are possible.

For example, while the internal axial passage of each of the above described embodiments of the mount body each include two distinct axial segments corresponding to two distinct driveway marker pole sizes, embodiments adapted for more than two pole sizes are contemplated. In this regard, reference is made to the schematic embodiment shown in FIG. 18 in which the upper portion of a mount body 80C is shown, where the internal axial passage 90C includes three axial segments 94C, 96C and 95C of differing perimeter dimension for three different pole diameters (e.g., 0.375 to 0.385 inches, 0.300 to 0.315 inches and 0.245 to 0.255 inches, or other), with each axial segment having a corresponding lateral access slot 110C, 112C and 111C that enables insertion of a tool (e.g., screwdriver or other) to facilitate pole removal). Any of the above described mount body embodiments could incorporate an internal axial passage with three (or more) distinct perimeter dimensions. In addition, variations of any of the described mount bodies are contemplated in which the axial passage is only sized to fit a single diameter pole.

Moreover, while internal passage axial segments that are substantially cylindrical are primarily described, variations in which the axial segments are not substantially cylindrical are also possible.

Claims

1. A mounting system for a driveway marker pole, the system comprising: a mount body including an upper end with an opening for receiving a driveway marker, the opening leading to an internal axial passage;wherein the mount body is configured with one or more of features (i), (ii) or (iii) below: (i) the mount body is formed of a material having a durometer of between about Shore 70A and about Shore 85A;or(ii) the mount body includes an upper annular rim that completely surrounds the opening;or(iii) the mount body includes a lower portion with a plurality circumferentially spaced apart exterior axial ribs.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mount body is configured with all of features (i), (ii) and (iii).

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a diameter of the upper annular rim is no more than 2.2 times a diameter of a spring insert section of the mount body.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the internal axial passage includes at least a first axial segment adjacent the opening and a second axial segment below the first axial segment, wherein the first axial segment has a first perimeter dimension sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a first diameter, wherein the second axial segment has a second perimeter dimension, which is smaller than the first perimeter dimension and sized for receiving and holding a driveway marker pole having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first axial segment is substantially cylindrical and the second axial segment is substantially cylindrical.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first axial segment has a substantially circular perimeter shape, with a first diameter, in a first plane transverse to an axis of the internal axial passage, wherein the second axial segment has a substantially circular perimeter shape, with a second diameter, in a second plane transverse to the internal axial passage, the second diameter being smaller than the first diameter.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the second diameter is less than 90% of the first diameter.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a coil spring;wherein the mount body includes a lower portion slidingly engaged within an upper end segment of the coil spring and the upper annular rim defines a lower surface for engaging with a top of the coil spring to limit progression into the coil spring.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a driveway marker having a diameter of 0.3125 inches, wherein the driveway marker is slidably engageable into the internal axial passage with an interference fit, and the internal axial passage is sized and configured such that the driveway marker can be manually slid into the internal axial passage with an axially applied force of no more the forty pounds.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a ground spike engaged within a lower end segment of the coil spring.

11. (canceled)

12. The system of claim 8, further comprising a driveway marker pole engaged in the axial passage of the mount body, wherein the lower portion of the mount body is engaged within the upper end segment of the coil spring, and wherein an axial pullout force necessary to remove the lower portion of the mount body from coil spring is greater than an axial pullout force necessary to remove a driveway marker from the internal axial passage.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the lower portion of the mount body includes a plurality circumferentially spaced apart exterior axial ribs.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the lower portion of the mount body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart exterior axial ribs.

15-16. (canceled)

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the mount body includes an upper portion that includes the internal axial passage, a middle portion and a lower base portion, wherein the lower base portion includes a through opening for receiving a ground spike, wherein the middle portion is configured to enable flexing of the upper portion relative to the lower base portion.

18-19. (canceled)

20. The system of claim 1, wherein the material is a polyurethane material.

21. (canceled)

22. A mounting system for driveway marker poles, the system comprising: a mount body;a coil spring;a ground spike;wherein the mount body includes an upper end with an opening for receiving a driveway marker, the opening leading to an internal axial passage;wherein the mount body includes a lower portion slidingly engaged within an upper segment of the coil spring with an interference to releasably retain the mount body to the coil spring;wherein the ground spike includes a threaded upper end with an exterior thread configured to threadedly engage into a lower segment of the coil spring.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the internal axial passage includes at least a first axial segment adjacent the opening and a second axial segment below the first axial segment, wherein the first axial segment has a first perimeter dimension, wherein the second axial segment has a second perimeter dimension, which is smaller than the first perimeter dimension.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the mount body is formed of a material having a durometer of between about Shore 75A and about Shore 82A.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the lower portion of the mount body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart exterior axial ribs.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the mount body includes an upper rim portion sized to engage with an upper end of the upper segment of the coil spring to limit movement of the mount body into the upper segment, wherein the upper rim portion completely surrounds the opening in the upper end of the mount body.

27. A mounting system for driveway marker poles, the system comprising: a mount body;a coil spring;a ground spike;wherein the mount body includes an upper end with an opening for receiving a driveway marker, the opening leading to an internal axial passage;wherein the mount body includes a lower portion sized to slidingly engage within an upper segment of the coil spring with an interference fit sufficient to retain the mount body to the coil spring but to permit removal of the mount body from the coil spring manually without the aid of any tool;wherein the ground spike includes an upper end configured to matingly engage into a lower segment of the coil spring;wherein the mount body is formed of a material having a durometer of between about Shore 75A and about Shore 85A; andwherein the mount body includes an upper rim portion sized to engage with an upper end of the upper segment of the coil spring to limit movement of the mount body into the upper segment.

28. The system of claim 27, wherein: the upper rim portion completely surrounds the opening in the upper end of the mount body, and wherein the internal axial passage is configured to slidingly receive at least two different sized driveway marker poles with an interference fit for retention;the mount body includes a lower portion with a plurality circumferentially spaced apart exterior axial ribs.

29-33. (canceled)