Ground anchors, in particular tent stakes (100), comprise one or more inherently flexible tines (110), a ground compression plate (160), and various tie points (420, etc.) for attaching a guy rope or the like to the top of anchor. The compression plate extends perpendicularly or at a large angle to the tine so that when the guy rope pulls on the anchor, the tine will tend to rotate about an underground fulcrum so that the compression plate will press against the ground and help the anchor resist pullout. The anchors are driven into the ground with a hammer or mallet. The tie points include hooks (420), closed holes (520), and swivel types comprising vertical members (810) with restraining, bulbous tops (820). An additional spring tie point (1600) can be inserted into optional lugs (1094, 1096) in the compression plate. The stakes can be driven into the ground vertically, or at an angle for additional holding force in some situations. They can also incorporate angled compression plates (160H, 160I). A curved stake (100I) provides additional holding force in sand or friable soils. The stakes can be manufactured by a variety of means in various materials, such as glass-reinforced or other plastics and forged or stamped metals.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of application Ser. No. 11/129,177, filed 13 May 2005, now abandoned, and application Ser. No. 10/989,960, Filed 15 Nov. 2004, also abandoned. Application Ser. No. 10/989,960 is a (CIP) of application Ser. No. 08/923,443, Filed 4 Sep. 1997, now abandoned. Application Ser. No. 08/923,443 claims priority of Australian application Ser. No. 36,761/97, filed 4 Sep. 1996.
An ice anchor and method of use thereof for securing or rescuing a vehicle which has become stuck or trapped while on a frozen surface of a body of water. The ice anchor may include blades which form a shaft and fit into an opening in the ice, and plates that limit insertion of the anchor into the hole and define an attachment area for a safety device such as a rope, chain, or cable, which may include a tensioning device. When lateral force is placed on the shaft by tensioning the safety device, the outer surfaces of the blades engage the inner wall of the hole and oppose the lateral forces, allowing the vehicle to be removed from the gap or opening in the ice.
