Support stake and method of use

Abstract

A stake device for providing support to a structure, including an upper end that includes interface means for transferring torsional force to the support stake to enable an operator to rotate the support stake about a longitudinal axis of the support stake. The stake includes a lower end that includes thread means for threadably engaging ground to allow the support stake to be threaded downwardly into the ground. An elongate intermediate section is disposed between the upper end and lower end and includes at least one opening formed within the intermediate section, said opening running substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the support stake and being configured to receive a securing device to secure the support device to the structure.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A stake device for providing support to a structure, comprising: 
 a) an upper end, including interface means for transferring torsional force to the support stake to enable an operator to rotate the support stake about a longitudinal axis of the support stake;    b) a lower end, including thread means for threadably engaging ground to allow the support stake to be threaded downwardly into the ground; and    c) an elongate intermediate section disposed between the upper end and lower end, including at least one opening formed within the intermediate section, said opening running substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the support stake and being configured to receive a securing device to secure the support device to the structure.    
     
     
         2 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the elongate intermediate section includes a substantially circular cross sectional area.  
     
     
         3 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of openings, each comprising a channel formed in the intermediate section, the channels being spaced along the longitudinal axis of the stake and each channel being oriented at an angle from an immediately adjacent channel.  
     
     
         4 . A device as in  claim 3 , wherein the angle is selected from the group consisting of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°.  
     
     
         5 . A device in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein a total length of the device is at least 12 inches long.  
     
     
         6 . A method of securing a concrete form for receiving uncured concrete, comprising the steps of: 
 a) placing a threaded support stake on ground adjacent a location of the concrete form;    b) threadably engaging the threaded support stake into the ground by applying a torsional force to the support stake; and    c) securing the support stake to the concrete form by securing a fastener to the support stake and the concrete form.    
     
     
         7 . A method in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the support is threadably engaged into the ground by applying the torsional force to the support stake with a power tool.  
     
     
         8 . A method in accordance with  claim 6 , further comprising the step of threadably removing the support stake by applying a torsional force in an opposite rotational direction as that used to engage the support stake into the ground.  
     
     
         9 . A method in accordance with  claim 6 , wherein the step of securing the stake to the form comprises the step of nailing a nail through the stake into the form.  
     
     
         10 . A method of forming a reservoir for receiving uncured concrete, comprising the steps of: 
 a) installing a support stake into ground by engaging the support stake with a tool and applying a torsional force to the support stake;    b) creating at least one wall of the reservoir by placing a form piece adjacent the support stake on an outward side of the form piece;    c) securing the form piece to the support stake by fastening a fastener to the support stake and the form piece; and    d) removing the support stake after the concrete has at least partially cured by engaging the support stake with the tool and applying a torsional force to the support stake.    
     
     
         11 . A method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the support is threadably engaged into the ground by applying the torsional force to the support stake with a power tool.  
     
     
         12 . A method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the power tool is selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic wrench, an electric wrench, a pneumatic drill, and an electric drill.  
     
     
         13 . A method in accordance with  claim 10 , further comprising the step of threadably removing the support stake by applying a torsional force in an opposite rotational direction as that used to engage the support stake into the ground.  
     
     
         14 . A method in accordance with  claim 10 , wherein the step of securing the form piece to the stake comprises the step of nailing a nail through the stake into the form.  
     
     
         15 . A stake for providing support to a structure, comprising: 
 a) an upper end including an engagement portion sized and shaped to be received by a tool to torsionally engage the stake;    b) an intermediate section disposed adjacent the upper end, including at least one opening formed therein and configured to be engaged by a fastener to facilitate fastening of the stake to the structure; and    c) a lower threaded section including a series of threads associated with the stake, wherein the stake is configured to be threaded into ground adjacent the structure by the tool and to be fastened to the structure to limit movement of the structure relative to the stake.    
     
     
         16 . A device in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein the elongate intermediate section includes a substantially circular cross sectional area.  
     
     
         17 . A device in accordance with  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of openings, each comprising a channel formed in the intermediate section, the channels being spaced along the longitudinal axis of the stake and each channel being oriented at an angle from an immediately adjacent channel.  
     
     
         18 . A device as in  claim 17 , wherein the angle is selected from the group consisting of 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90°.  
     
     
         19 . A device in accordance with  claim 15 , wherein a total length of the device is at least 12 inches long.