12E.

Anchor 16 further comprises a plate 22 engaged with and connecting a bottom end of either the first or second member 12A, 12B to a bottom or second end 20D of tube 20. Plate 22 defines a hole 22A (FIG. 4) extending through plate 22 and configured to allow fastener 24 to pass through plate 22. The inner bore 20A of the tube 20 is vertically aligned with the hole 22A defined in plate 22. Further, while plate 22 is depicted as rectangular in configuration, any shape is possible.

In one specific embodiment, connector 18 may be welded or otherwise secured to an outer surface 12A of the first member. Tube 20 may be welded or otherwise secured to an outer plate of connector 18. Plate 22 may be welded or otherwise secured to bottom end of either first or second member and bottom end of tube 20.

In another specific embodiment, tube 20 may be welded or otherwise secured directly to the outer surface of first member without the use of connector 10. However, as mentioned previously, if this configuration is utilized, the dimensions of the fastener 24 and its enlarged head 24A should be able to be rotated to drive the fastener into the ground in order to secure the sign 10 to the same.

Fastener 24 includes an enlarged head 24A adapted to engage a drill or a tool, which will be described in more detail below regarding a method of installing the sign 10. As best seen in FIG. 4, fastener 24 further comprises a shaft 24B extending outwardly from head 24A and configured to be received within the bore 20A of tube 20 of anchor 16. In one particularly embodiment, the fastener 24 is freely coupled to the tube 20 of anchor 16 such that the rotation of the fastener 24 within tube 20 is boundless. The vertical path of travel of the fastener 24 may be linear bounded between a maximum first position and a minimum second position. Fastener 24 further comprises a threaded tip 24C extending outwardly and integral with shaft 24B. The threaded tip 24C can have enlarged helical or spirally wound flights that are configured to engage the ground as the fastener rotates about a longitudinal axis 24D that extends centrally through shaft 24B. Head 24A, shaft 24B, and threaded tip 24C are configured to secure anchor 16 and thereby the frame 12 to the ground, which will be described in more detail below regarding a method of installing the sign.

It will be understood that sign 10 may have a first fastener engaged with first anchor 16A and a second fastener engaged with second anchor 16B. In one embodiment, the helical flights or thread on the fastener 24 of the first anchor 16A and the helical flights or thread on the fastener 24 of the second anchor 16B may wind or spiral in the same direction. This configuration would make the drilling process simple and not require any tooling changes as the operator installs the sign 10. However, in another particular embodiment, the helical flights or thread on the fastener 24 of the first anchor 16A and the helical flights or thread on the fastener 24 of the second anchor 16B may wind or spiral in the different direction (e.g., one of the two fasteners 24 is reverse threaded). This configuration would be advantages to create offsetting installation orientations to resist external forces, such as wind, that impact the sign.

In one specific embodiment, an interior surface of the tube may include threading. The shaft of the fastener may also include threading which is complementary to the treading on the interior surface of the tube.

Having now described sign 10, a method of installing sign 10 will now be described in greater detail.

Referring to FIG. 5A, a user provides the frame 12 with display 14 secured thereto. The user engages anchor 16 with first or second member 12A, 12B. The user then places fastener 24 within tube 20 and through the hole 22A in plate 22 of anchor 16. A user places the threaded tip 24C of the fastener in a desired location along a ground “G”. The user then lowers a tool or a drill “T” onto head 24A of fastener 24 in the direction of arrows “A”.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, the user then secures sign 10 by engaging the tool “T” to lower anchor 16 in the direction of arrows “B” by penetrating the ground “G” with threaded tip 24C. Particularly, the tool drives the fastener 24 in a rotational action to effectuate linear translation of the faster from the first position (i.e., its maximum height relative to ground “G”) to the second position (i.e., its minimum height relative to ground “G”). While the fastener is rotating, as being driven by the tool “T”, the frame 12 remains stationary and does not rotate or otherwise significantly move. The threaded tip 24C penetrates the ground “G” in the direction of arrows “C”. Once sign 10 is secured, plate 22 of anchor 16 is directly atop a top surface of the ground “G”. After sign 10 is secured, at least a portion of the shaft 24B of the fastener 24 will extend outwardly from tube 20. Also, after sign 10 is secured the user may remove the tool “T” from the head 24A.

Stated otherwise, the fastener 24 may move along a linear path of travel between a first position and a second position. In one particular embodiment, the linear path of travel of the fastener occurs in a directly vertical movement. In the shown embodiment, the first position is depicted as the raised position at which the enlarged head 24A is at its maximum height relative to ground. The second position is depicted as the lowered position at which the enlarged head 24A is at its minimum height relative to ground. The shown embodiment depicts that the linear movement between the first position and the second position is accomplished by a rotational movement about the axis of shaft 24B that effectuates linear translation of the fastener due to threads 24C engaging the ground “G”. In this embodiment, the rotation-to-linear translation of the fastener 13 occurs outside of the internal space 13C defined between vertical planes 13A, 13B. During the rotation-to-linear translation of the fastener, the frame 12 remains in place and is relatively stationary due to the rotational action of the fastener occurring within the bore of the tube 20 through which the fastener 24 extends.

Once sign 10 is no longer needed and needs to be removed, the user reengages tool “T” with head 24A of fastener 24. The user engages tool “T” to remove the threaded tip 24C from the ground “D” in a direction opposite from arrows “C” which will lift anchor 16 and thereby sign 10 in a direction opposite from arrows “B”.

Although this foregoing embodiment is shown being installed with the sue of the tool “T”, another tool could be substituted for the drill. For example, instead of the drill a user could use a wrench to engage the head 24A of fastener 24 and use the wrench to rotate the fastener 24 to connect the sign to ground “G.”

Referring to FIGS. 6-9, there is shown a second embodiment of a sign in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 110. Sign 110 comprises a frame 112, a display 114 and an anchor 116. Display 114 is substantially identical to display 14 and therefore will not be described in much detail hereafter.

Referring to FIG.6, frame 112 is substantially identical to frame 112 except for the particular features described below. Frame 112 comprises a first member 112A and a second member 112B opposite and spaced apart from one another. Frame 112 comprises a third member 112C and a fourth member 112D opposite and spaced apart from one another.

First member 112A and second member 112B each include a platform 112E engaged with each of the first and second members 112A, 112B. Platform 112E are each substantially perpendicular to the respective first and second members 112A, 112B.

Sign 110 comprises a first anchor 116A (also referred to herein as anchor 116) and a second anchor 116B. First anchor 116A is operably engaged with a first member 112A. Second anchor 116B is operatively engaged with second member 112B. First anchor 116A and second anchor 116B are identical to one another except for their orientation on opposite sides of frame 112. It will be understood that the following description of anchor 116 will apply equally to first anchor 116A and second anchor 116B.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, anchor 116 comprises a first connector 118A and a second connector 118B operably engaged with first member 112A. Specifically, first and second connectors 118A, 118B are operably engaged with an outer surface of second member 112A of frame 112. First connector 118A is disposed near a top of frame 112. Second connector 118B is disposed closer to a bottom of frame 112. First and second connectors 118A, 118B are of a shape and size to receive at least a portion fastener 124.

In one specific embodiment, a top surface of first connector 118A is substantially aligned with a top surface of third member 112C of frame 112.

Fastner 124 is substantially identical in structure to fastener 24 except for the size. Fastener 124 comprises an enlarged head 124A, a shaft 124B and a threaded tip 124C. Shaft 124B extends between first connector 118A and second connector 118B. First and second connector 118A, 118B are configured to receive at least a portion of shaft 124B of fastener 124. Head 124A, shaft 124B and threaded tip 124C will be described in more detail below regarding a method of installing the sign.

Having now described sign 110, a method of installing sign 110 will now be described in greater detail.

The user provides the frame 112 with display 114 secured thereto. The user engages anchor 116 with first are second member 112A, 112B. The user then places fastener 124 within first and second connectors 118A, 118B. A user places the threaded tip 124C of the fastener in a desired location along the ground “G”. The user then lowers a tool “T” onto head 124A of fastener 124.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the user then secures sign 110 by engaging the tool “T” to lower fastener 124 in the direction of arrows “E” by penetrating the ground “G” with threaded tip 124C. The threaded tip 124C penetrates the ground “G” in the direction of arrows “F”. After sign 110 is secured, the entirety of threaded tip 124C is within the ground “G”. Also, after sign 110 is secured the user may remove the tool “T” from the head 124A.

Once sign 110 is no longer needed and needs to be removed, the user reengages tool “T” with head 124A of fastener 124. The user engages tool “T” to remove the threaded tip 24C from the ground “D” in a direction opposite from arrows “F” which will lift anchor 16 and thereby sign 10 in a direction opposite from arrows “E”.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown a third embodiment of a sign in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 210. Sign 210 comprises a frame 212, a display 214 and an anchor 216.

Frame 212 is generally the same shape and style as a step stakes. Frame 212 comprises a first member 212A and a second member 212B opposite and spaced a distance apart from one another. Frame 212 further comprises a third member or a support member 212C extending between and connecting first and second member 212A, 212B.

Although not pictured here, frame 212 comprises a bar extending between first and second members 212A, 212B and a pair of tines extending outwardly from the bar configured to receive and hold a portion of the display 214.

Frame 212 is generally made from a metal wire such as stainless steel wire. It will be understood that while frame 212 is generally metal, frame may be made of any other material suitable to receive and hold display.

Display 214 is generally made of corrugated plastic and is printed or manufactured to show the desired items. It will be understood that display 214 may alternatively be made of any suitable material to show the desired items and to be received and held by frame 212.

Sign 210 comprises a first anchor 216A (also referred to herein as anchor 216) and a second anchor 216B. First anchor 216A is operably engaged with a first member 212A. Second anchor 216B is operatively engaged with second member 212B. First anchor 216A and second anchor 216B are identical to one another except for their connection with frame 212 on opposite sides thereof. It will be understood that the following description of anchor 216 will apply equally to first anchor 216A and second anchor 216B.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, anchor 216 comprises a support 218 engaged with and extending outwardly from first member 212A. Support 218 is generally a flat plate extending outwardly from a bottom end of the first member 212A. Support 218 defines a bore 220 extending through the support 218 and configured to receive a fastener 228.

It will be understood that sign 210 may comprise a first support on first anchor 216A and engaged with first member 212A. First support may define a first bore extending therethrough. It will also be understood that sign 210 may comprise a second support on second anchor 216B and engaged with second member 212B. Second support may define a second bore extending therethrough.

In one specific embodiment, support may be integral with first member or second member of frame.

Fastner 224 comprises a head 224A adapted to engage a drill, a shaft 224B extending outwardly from head 224A. Fastener 224 further comprises a threaded tip 224C extending outwardly from shaft 224B and adapted to engage a ground surface to secure sign 210 to ground. Fastener 224 further includes a washer 224D integral with a portion of shaft 224B. Head 224A, shaft 224B, threaded tip 224C, and washer 224D will be described in more detail below regarding a method of installing the sign.

Having now described sign 210, a method of installing sign 210 will now be described in greater detail.

The user provides the frame 212 with display 214 secured thereto. The user engages anchor 216 with first or second member 212A, 212B. The user then places fastener 224 within the bore 220 of each the first and second anchors 216A, 216B. A user places the threaded tip 224C of the fastener in a desired location along the ground. The user then lowers the drill onto head 224A of fastener 224.

The user then secures sign 210 by engaging the drill to lower fastener 124 by penetrating the ground with threaded tip 224C. After sign 210 is secured, the entirety of threaded tip 224C is within the ground and a lower surface of washer 224D is directly atop an upper surface of support 218. Also, after sign 210 is secured the user may remove the drill from the head 224A.

Once sign 210 is no longer needed and needs to be removed, the user reengages the drill with head 224A of fastener 224. The user engages drill to remove the threaded tip 224C from the ground which will lift anchor 216 and thereby sign 210 out of the ground.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a sign in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, generally indicated at 310. Sign 310 comprises a frame 312, a display 314 and an anchor 316.

Referring to FIG. 12, frame 312 comprises a member or a post 312A. It will be understood that frame 312 as illustrated herein comprises a singular post, frame may alternatively comprise any number of posts.

Frame 312 is generally made from wood. It will be understood that while frame 312 is generally wood, frame may be made of any other material suitable to receive and hold display.

Display 314 generally made of plastic or wood and is printed or manufactured to show the desired items. It will be understood that display 314 may alternatively be made of any suitable material to show the desired items and to be received and held by frame 312.

Although not pictured herein, display 314 is secured to post 312A of frame 312 via a securement member, which may comprise a bracket and a screw.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, anchor 316 includes a receiver 318 configured to receive and hold post 312A of frame 312. Anchor 316 further includes a support 320 extending outwardly from receiver 318. Support 320 is adapted to engage and sit on the ground. Support 320 further defines a set of bores 322 extending though support 320 and configured to receive a set of fasteners 324. Set of fasteners 324 comprises a head 324A, a shaft 324B, a threaded tip 324C and a washer 324D and is substantially identical to fastener 224 and therefore will not be described in much detail hereafter except for below regarding to a method of installing the sign.

Having now described sign 310, a method of installing sign 310 will now be described in greater detail.

The user provides the frame 312 with display 314 secured thereto. The user places the post or the member 312A within the receiver 318 of the anchor 316. The user then places the set of fasteners 324 within the set of bores 322 extending through the support 320. A user places the threaded tip 324C of the fastener 324 in a desired location along the ground. The user then lowers the drill onto head 324A of fastener 324.

The user then secures sign 310 by engaging the drill to lower fastener 324 by penetrating the ground with threaded tip 324C. After sign 310 is secured, the entirety of threaded tip 324C is within the ground and a lower surface of washer 324D is directly atop an upper surface of support 320. Also, after sign 310 is secured the user may remove the drill from the head 324A.

Once sign 310 is no longer needed and needs to be removed, the user reengages the drill with head 324A of fastener 324. The user engages drill to remove the threaded tip 324C from the ground which will lift anchor 316 and thereby sign 310 out of the ground.

Unless explicitly stated that a particular shape or configuration of a component is mandatory, any of the elements, components, or structures discussed herein may take the form of any shape. Thus, although the figures depict the various elements, components, or structures of the present disclosure according to one or more exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that any other geometric configuration of that element, component, or structure is entirely possible. For example, instead of the frame being rectangular, the frame 12 can be semi-circular triangular, rectangular or square, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, decagonal, dodecagonal, diamond shaped or another parallelogram, trapezoidal, star-shaped, oval, ovoid, lines or lined, teardrop-shaped, cross-shaped, donut-shaped, heart-shaped, arrow-shaped, crescent-shaped, any letter shape (i.e., A-shaped, B-shaped, C-shaped, D-shaped, E-shaped, F-shaped, G-shaped, H-shaped, I-shaped, J-shaped, K-shaped, L-shaped, M-shaped, N-shaped, O-shaped, P-shaped, Q-shaped, R-shaped, S-shaped, T-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, X-shaped, Y-shaped, or Z-shaped), or any other type of regular or irregular, symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration.

Various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.

While various inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.