Anchor for vertical uprights

Abstract

An anchor for vertical uprights includes a spring, the spring having a mounting spike integrally formed therewith for insertion into a soft, outdoor surface, and the spring allowing the post to fold over upon impact; and at least one laterally extending flange connected to the mounting spike at a point beneath the spring.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An anchor for vertical uprights, comprising:
 a spring;   wherein said spring is provided with a mounting spike integrally formed therewith for insertion into a soft, outdoor surface, said spring allowing said vertical upright to fold over upon impact; and   at least a first laterally extending flange connected to said mounting spike at a point beneath said spring.   
     
     
         2 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first laterally extending flange is connected to said mounting spike at a distal tip of said mounting spike. 
     
     
         3 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising at least a second laterally extending flange, said second flange connected to said mounting spike at a point between said spring and said first flange. 
     
     
         4 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first flange is welded to said mounting spike. 
     
     
         5 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first flange further comprises at least one upwardly angled portion along a bottom edge of said first flange. 
     
     
         6 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said spring is a coil spring and is constructed of ⅜″ diameter wire. 
     
     
         7 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said second flange is welded to said mounting spike. 
     
     
         8 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said second flange further comprises at least one upwardly angled portion along a bottom edge of said second flange. 
     
     
         9 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first flange further comprises at least one right angle extension. 
     
     
         10 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said second flange further comprises at least one right angle extension. 
     
     
         11 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said first flange is arrow-shaped. 
     
     
         12 . The anchor for vertical uprights as set forth in  claim 3 , wherein said second flange is arrow-shaped.