Abstract:
A method and device for securely anchoring a plant protection structure is provided wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support section. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section into the ground. The anchoring post is topped by a support module that may include one or more arms that support and/or help protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The arms are configurable to enable the device to help secure or protect plants or objects in a variety of embodiments as best suited to the needs of the object. The anchoring post may include solid or hollow continuous elongate elements that form both the post section and the anchor section.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of supporting plants, fences or objects by structures extending from and anchored below an exposed ground surface. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    It is often desirable to provide support and protection to plants, fences and object that are located above the exposed surface of the Earth, such as soil, sand, or an agrarian or rural landscape. The prior art includes a plurality of devices intended to anchor a support arm into earth, e.g., clay or topsoil. U.S. Pat. No. 202,179 discloses an “Improvement in Fence-Posts” comprising a slotted a hollow tube that may be driven into the ground. The tube slots are located at the tube end intended for placement into the ground, during which process individual elements of the tube defined by the slots are typically driven apart. The tube elements thus form support legs that angle away from a central axis of the tube body. The tube body is further configured to accept insertion of a solid post that provides support to a vertical fence. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 1,153,380 also includes a hollow tube with anchor elements defined by slots, but in distinction the slots run most of the length of the hollow tube are sized widely to accept fence wires that extend horizontally through the slots at vertical locations above the supporting earth. The hollow tube therein is itself a fence post that directly intersects with horizontal fence elements that are fastened to the tube. U.S. Pat. No. 1,263,132 discloses a long tube having short, narrow slits, whereby four legs are formed from the slotted end of the tube. Each leg is meant to fan out and away from a longitudinal access of the tube. 
         [0004]    Other prior art devices attach anchoring features to a single solid post. U.S. Patent Application Publication Serial No. 20060236620 discloses three solid legs attached to and extending from a unifying solid post. U.S. Patent Application Publication Serial No. 20080271388 presents a solid post having one or more anchoring members, wherein the anchoring member presents both an insertion position and an anchoring position. The anchoring member is formed like a blade that is thinner than the solid insertion post to which the anchoring blade is coupled. 
         [0005]    The prior art fails to provide solid elements that are driven into the ground to form both a linear supporting post section above the ground and an anchoring length that after insertion into the ground extends at an angle away from a longitudinal axis of the post section. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This and other objects of the present invention are made obvious in light of this disclosure, wherein a support system includes an anchoring post and a support module. The support module may be or include one or more arms that support or helps to protect at least a portion of a plant or object. The anchoring post includes two or more elongate elements that are coupled together substantially in parallel along a longitudinal axis, i.e., an elongate axis. The anchoring post presents a post section and an anchor section, wherein each anchor section is configured to angle progressively away from the longitudinal axis as the anchoring post receives a force that drives the anchor section substantially into the ground. The post section may comprise a combination of a post end of each of the elongate elements and the anchor section may comprise a combination of an anchor end of each of the elongate elements, wherein each anchor end extends continuously from a same elongate element that additionally comprises a post end. One or more second elongate elements may include an anchor tine that is configured for insertion into a ground material. 
         [0007]    In various alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anchoring post may comprise three or more elongate elements. Each elongate element may present a striking point distal from the anchor sections, wherein a plurality of striking points are disposed substantially proximate to a striking plane that is normal to the longitudinal axis. The striking points may be partially or wholly enclosed by a collar that compresses, maintains, and/or supports the anchor sections in a substantially parallel orientation. 
         [0008]    In various still alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anchoring post may be or comprise metal, metal alloy, a solid metal material such as metallic rebar, and/or a suitably rigid but malleable material known in the art. The post sections may alternatively or additionally be welded to each other and/or to one or more metal collars. 
         [0009]    According to a first aspect of the method of the present invention, the support module may include one or more arms that are configured to alternately, optionally or additionally support one or more of the following: a. a netting; b. a protective plant cover; c. a tree trunk; d. a plant pot; e. a sign; f. a cistern and enclosed water; g. an animal barrier; h. a branch or other element of a plant extending above ground; and i. a fence. 
         [0010]    One or more arms may be or comprise metal, metal alloy, a solid metal material such as metallic rebar, and/or a suitably rigid but malleable material known in the art. One or more arms may be welded to each other, to one or more anchoring posts, and/or one or more metal collars. 
         [0011]    According to a second aspect of the method of the present invention, a plurality of support systems are installed to (a.) provide support or be comprised within a fence; (b.) provide support or protection to one or more plants; and/or (c.) at least partially protect or enclose an area. 
         [0012]    According to a third aspect of the method of the present invention optionally, alternatively or additionally, a coupling element, such as a flexible tube, may be applied to couple arms of a same support module and/or arms of neighboring support systems. The coupled arms of one or more support modules may be configured and positioned to support a plant, such as a tree, or support a fence or fence element, such as netting. 
         [0013]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of aspects of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
       INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
       [0014]    All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
         [0015]    Such incorporations include U.S. Pat. No. 202,179 (Inventor: Lennon, S. N.; Issued on Apr. 9, 1818) titled “Improvement in fence-posts”; U.S. Pat. No. 1,153,380 (Inventor: Fussell, J. E.; issued on Sep. 14, 1915) titled “Fence-post”; U.S. Pat. No. 1,263,132 (Inventor: Sharpe, G. C.; Issued on Apr. 16, 1918); U.S. Pat. No. 6,088,953 (Inventor: Morgan, W; Issued on Jul. 18, 2000) titled “Collapsible protective plant cover”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,837 (Inventor, Morgan, W.; Issued on Jan. 18, 2000) titled “Adaptable plant protector”; U.S. Patent Application Publication Serial No. 20060236620 (Inventor: LaCrosse, W.; Published on Oct. 26, 2006) titled “Ground anchor”; U.S. Patent Application Publication Serial No. 20070062109 (Inventor: Jolley, W. B.; Published on Mar. 22, 2007) titled “Permanent underground staking system ad apparatus for vines and weakly rooted trees”; U.S. Patent Application Publication Serial No. 20080271388 (Inventor: Bayly, et al.; Published on Nov. 6, 2008) titled “Anchoring stake”. 
         [0016]    The publications discussed or mentioned herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Furthermore, the dates of publication provided herein may differ from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0017]    These, and further features of various aspects of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying specification, wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, or first version, that includes two elongate elements; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a close-up partial view of an elongate element of the first version of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a close-up partial view of an alternate, hollowed elongate element of the first version of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a perspective side view of a second alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention having three elongate elements; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a third alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention having four elongate elements and four support arms; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is an illustration of the third version of  FIG. 5 , wherein the elongate elements are packaged for shipment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  is an illustration of the third version of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6A  in an unpackaged state and ready for installation; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6C  illustrates the third version of  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A and  6 B after an installation in a ground material by means of application of force by a hammer to the elongate elements; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7A  is a close-up view of an anchor section of the third version of FIGS.  5  and  6 A- 6 C positioned above the ground material of  FIG. 6C ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7B  is a close-up view of the anchor section of the third version of  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A- 6 C and  7 A partially inserted into the ground material of  FIGS. 6C and 7A ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7C  is a close-up view of the anchor section of the third version of  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A- 6 C and  7 A- 7 B fully inserted into the ground material of FIGS.  6 C and  7 A- 7 B, 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of the second version of  FIG. 4  that includes three elongate elements, the collar, and two support arms positioned to constrain a tree trunk; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of the second version of  FIGS. 4 and 8  combined with a coupling element to constrain the tree trunk of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a close-up partial view of the support arms of the second version of  FIGS. 4 ,  8  and  9  and the coupling element of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of the third version of  FIG. 5  positioned to support a plant pot and a flower pot; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is an illustration of the third version of  FIGS. 5 and 11  having two support arms configured into a rectangular outline; 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is an illustration of the third version of  FIGS. 5 ,  11  and  12  further comprising a visual sign; 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  is an illustration of the third version of FIGS.  5  and  11 - 13  and positioned to support a vessel holding a liquid, e.g., a water bowl; 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  shows a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein a plurality of second versions of  FIG. 4  are further comprised with a total of four support arms and are mechanically coupled together to form a fence in combination with a fence material; 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  is an illustration of a fifth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention, or fourth version, wherein a plurality of support arms initially extend upwards from a collar; 
           [0038]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of the fifth version of  FIG. 16  as installed into a ground material; 
           [0039]      FIG. 18  is an illustration of the fifth version of  FIG. 16  in a first deployed state; 
           [0040]      FIG. 19  is an illustration of the fifth version of  FIG. 16  in a second deployed state; 
           [0041]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of the fifth version of  FIG. 16  located proximate to a plurality of plants and supporting a netting; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 21  is an illustration of the fifth version of  FIG. 16  supporting the netting of  FIG. 20  and enclosing a leaf-bearing plant. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0043]    It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular aspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims. 
         [0044]    Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, as well as the recited order of events. 
         [0045]    Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention. 
         [0046]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methods and materials are now described. 
         [0047]    It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with the recitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  is a side view of a first alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention  2 , or first version  2 , that includes a first elongate element  4 A and a second elongate element  4 B. Each elongate element  4 A &amp;  4 B includes a striking end  6 A &amp;  6 B, an elongate length  8 A &amp;  8 B, and an anchor end  10 A &amp;  10 B. One or more of the elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B may be formed by a continuous solid material or a fully or partially hollowed-tube. The first version  2  preferably includes at least two elongate elements  10 A &amp;  10 B. 
         [0049]    The elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B are coupled together at one or more coupling points  12 A,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D and held substantially in parallel with an elongate axis A, i.e., wherein each elongate element  4 A &amp;  4 B is preferably within five degrees of planarity with the elongate axis A along the longest dimension of the respective elongate element  4 A &amp;  4 B. The coupling points  12 A,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D may be or comprise single or combined welds and/or a pressure fitting. Each anchor end  10 A &amp;  10 B includes a tine  34 A &amp;  34 B that extends from an anchor coupling point  12 D. 
         [0050]    A support module  14  configured may be attached to the elongate elements  12 A &amp;  12 B as depicted in  FIGS. 8 through 21  herein. 
         [0051]    The anchor ends  10 A &amp;  10 B of the elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B in combination form an anchor section  16  of the first version  2 . The striking ends  6 A &amp;  6 B and the elongate lengths  8 A and  8 B of the elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B and in combination form a post section  18  of the first version  2 . 
         [0052]    Each striking end  6 A &amp;  6 B further comprises a striking point  20 A &amp;  20 B that are each located within a same striking plane S. 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2  is a close-up partial view of an elongate element  4 A &amp;  4 B. It is understood that certain alternate preferred embodiments of one or more elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B may comprise a length of number three U.S. imperial bar size rebar having a nominal diameter D 1  of 0.375 inch. Alternatively or additionally, one or more elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B may be or comprise metal, a metal alloy, a solid metal material such as steel or aluminum, and/or a suitably rigid but malleable nonmetallic material known in the art. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3  is a close-up partial view of an alternate elongate element  22 , wherein the alternate elongate element  22  is at least partially hollowed and a lumen  24  of the alternate second element  22  has a diameter D 2  preferably in the range of 0.90 to 0.20 of a total diameter D 1  of the alternate elongate element  22 . 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4  is a close-up partial view of a second alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention  24 , or second version  24 , configured with three elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C, a collar  26  and four support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D. It is understood that one or more elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C may comprise a continuous length of number three U.S. imperial bar size rebar having a nominal diameter of 0.375 inch. Alternatively or additionally, one or more elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C may be or comprise a continuous length of metal, a metal alloy, a solid metal material such as steel or aluminum, and/or a suitably rigid but malleable nonmetallic material known in the art. 
         [0056]    One or more of the support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D may be or comprise an organic plastic material, a nonorganic plastic material, a metal such as aluminum, steel or iron, and/or a metal alloy. In one exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the support arms  28 A- 28 D may comprise a length of rebar, steel, aluminum or iron having a nominal diameter of 0.250 inch. 
         [0057]    The collar  26  may be a press fitting that holds the support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D and the elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C under compression. Alternately or additionally the collar  26 , the support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D and/or the elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C may be welded together. An optional weld material  29  may be provided to support a welding of the collar  26 , the support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D and/or the elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C. The weld material  29  may alternatively be derived from the process of applying a welding heat to the collar  26 , the support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D and/or the elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C. 
         [0058]    The collar  26  may comprise steel, stainless steel, aluminum, iron, a metal, a metal alloy, or other suitable plastic, organic or inorganic material or structure known in the art. The collar  26  of the second version preferably presents a width dimension in parallel with the elongate axis in the range of 0.25 inches to six inches. 
         [0059]    The elongate elements  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C are coupled together at one or more coupling points  12 A,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D and held substantially in parallel with an elongate axis A, i.e., wherein each elongate element  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C is preferably within five degrees of planarity with the elongate axis A along the longest dimension of the respective elongate element  4 A,  4 B &amp;  4 C. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a third alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention  30 , or third version  30 , a depth registration marking  32 , having four elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D and four support arms  28 A,  28 B,  28 C &amp;  28 D. The post section  18  of the third version  30  is formed by the combination of the portion elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D that extend from each elongate element striking point  20 A- 20 D to the fourth coupling point  12 D. 
         [0061]    The depth registration marking  32  is a visual indicator of the position of the post section  18  relative to the ground material  40  whereby a user may visually calibrate the length of the third version  30  that is protruding from the ground material  40  as the anchor section  16  is inserted into the ground material  40 . This visual calibration by the user supported by the depth registration marking  32  helps the user to set the anchor section  16  of a single third version  30  at a preferred depth into the ground material  40 , and to position a plurality of third versions  30  at approximately a same depth within the ground material  40 . 
         [0062]    The anchor section  16  of the third version is formed by the fourth coupling point  12 D and a plurality of tines  34 A- 34 D of the anchor ends  10 A- 10 D 
         [0063]    The exemplary elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D may each comprise an individual steel reinforcing bar, known as a rebar in the art, wherein each rebar preferably presents a length in the range from 0.5 foot to twelve feet and a cross-sectional diameter preferably in the range of from 0.25 inch to 2.0 inches. Each exemplary elongate element  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D preferably presents an individual length in the range from 1.0 foot to four feet and an individual cross-sectional diameter preferably in the range of from 0.25 inch to 0.75 inch. The exemplary elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D most preferably have equal lengths along the elongate axis A. It is understood that certain alternate preferred embodiments of one or more first elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D may comprise a length of number three U.S. imperial bar size rebar having a nominal diameter of 0.375 inch. It is further understood that certain alternate preferred embodiments of one or more elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D may comprise a length of metric size number ten rebar having a nominal diameter of 9.525 millimeters. The elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D each preferably exhibit a yield strength preferably in the range starting from 250 Newtons per square millimeter of area and extending to 500 Newtons per square millimeter of area. Alternatively or additionally, one or more first elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D may comprise a continuous length of (a.) American Society for Testing and Materials (hereinafter, “ ASTM ”) A 615 Deformed and plain carbon-steel bars; (b.) ASTM A 706 Low-alloy steel deformed and plain bars; (c.) ASTM A 955 Deformed and plain stainless-steel bars; and/or (d.) ASTM A 996 Rail-steel and axle-steel deformed bars. 
         [0064]    Alternatively or additionally, one or more elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D may be or comprise metal, a metal alloy, a solid metal material such as steel or aluminum, and/or a suitably rigid but malleable nonmetallic material known in the art. In certain still alternate embodiments of the present invention, one or more elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B may be shaped as a hollow tube, or alternatively partially hollowed in some fraction of total length. 
         [0065]    One or more of the support arms  28 A- 28 D may be or comprise an organic plastic material, a non-organic plastic material, a metal such as aluminum, steel or iron, and/or a metal alloy. In one exemplary preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the support arms  28 A- 28 D may comprise a length of steel, aluminum or iron having a nominal diameter of 0.250 inch. 
         [0066]    Each support arm  28 A- 28 D preferably presents a length no longer than any of the elongate elements  4 A- 4 D. Each arm  28 A- 28 D more preferably presents a length no longer than any of the post sections  14 A- 14 D of the elongate elements  4 A &amp;  4 B. 
         [0067]    The plurality of support arms  28 A- 28 D and the plurality of elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D are coupled together by or within the collar  26  by welding and/or by a press fitting  36  formed by the collar  26  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0068]    The elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D are coupled together at one or more coupling points  12 A,  12 B,  12 C and  12 D and held substantially in parallel with the elongate axis A, i.e., wherein each elongate element  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D is preferably within five degrees of planarity with the elongate axis A along the longest dimension of the respective elongate element  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D. 
         [0069]    One or more bindings  38  are shown in  FIG. 6A  that apply compressive force to maintain the first version  2  in a shipping position, or first state of the anchor section  16 . The bindings  38  may be metal wire, plastic or other suitable means known in the art. 
         [0070]    Referring now to  FIG. 6B ,  FIG. 6B  presents the first version  2  with the bindings  38  removed and a plurality of anchor tines  34 A- 34 D that are optionally preformed to angle away from the elongate axis A in a second state of the anchor section  16 . 
         [0071]    A user may manually, or optionally with the aid of a manual or powered tool, adjust the angle of the tines  34 A- 34 D relative to the elongate axis A after the bindings  38  have been removed from the anchor section  16 . This user adjustment of the tine orientation in the second state enables the user to compensate for an observed or expected conditions of the ground material  40  and with the purpose of inserted the anchor section  16  into a more preferred orientation within the ground material  40 . 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6C ,  7 C and  8 A, the third version  30  is shown fully installed into a ground material  40  in a third state of the anchor section wherein each anchor tine  34 A- 34 D is further splayed away from the elongate axis A as a consequence of having receiving a force delivered by a hammer  44  at a plurality of striking points  26 A- 26 D of the first elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D. The striking points  20 A- 20 D of each elongate element  4 A- 4 D are located within the striking plane S. 
         [0073]    A top collar edge  43  may be positioned in various alternated embodiments of the third version  30  to lie (a.) below the striking plane S; (b.) within the striking plane S; or (c.) above the striking plane S. It is preferable in certain other alternate preferred embodiments of the present invention that the striking points  20 A- 20 D are positioned within the striking plane S and the top collar edge  43  is located below the striking plane S by a displacement in the range of from 0.125 inch to 0.250 inch, whereby the hammer  42  may deliver force directly to the plurality of first elongate elements  4 A,  4 B,  4 C &amp;  4 D by direct physical contact with the striking points  20 A- 20 D. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7A  is a close-up view of an anchor section  16  of the third version  30  positioned above the ground material  40 . The ground material  40  may be or comprise a supporting material such as soil, earth, sand, artificial ground covering, and/or exposed Earth surface. 
         [0075]      FIG. 7B  is a close-up view of the anchor section  16  of the third version  30  partially inserted into the ground material  40  as a consequence of a downward force being delivered to the striking points  20 A- 20 D. The plurality of anchor tines  34 A- 34 D of the anchor section  16  are splayed further away from the elongate axis A as the anchor section  16  is driven further into the ground material  22 . More particularly, each anchor end  10 A- 10 D comprising one individual anchor tine  34 A- 34 D may splay further from the elongate axis A as the anchor section  16  is forced into the supporting ground material  40 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 7C  is a close-up view of the anchor section  16  of the third version  30  fully inserted into the ground material  40 , wherein the plurality of anchor tines  34 A- 34 D are further splayed away from the elongate axis A. 
         [0077]    The placement of the anchor tines  34 A- 34 D in the splayed position of  FIG. 7C  provides the post section  18  with a superior stability of the anchor tines  34 A- 34 D that is achieved by the spreading process represented in  FIGS. 6A-6C  and  FIGS. 7A-7C . This transition of the anchor tines  34 A- 34 D from the second state of the anchor section  16  shown in  FIGS. 6B and 7A  to the third state of the anchor section  16  shown in  FIGS. 6C and 7C  produces an advantageous form of anchoring. The splaying of the anchor tines  20 A- 20 D from the elongate axis A enables the present invention and the second version  24  and then third version  30  particularly, to be more securely wedged into the ground material  40 . 
         [0078]    The advantageous third state of the anchor section  16  is also a result of the tines  34 A- 34 D deflecting off of obstructions located within the ground material, e.g., rocks and tree roots. In contrast, rigid prior art anchoring systems typically do not allow anchoring components thereof to conform or to deflect around or off of ground material obstructions. These more rigid prior art systems therefore limit the flexibility of positioning of an anchoring post within certain ground materials  40 , whereas the method of the present invention provides an anchor section  16  that supports positioning of the attached post section  18  at a desirable or acceptable orientation in a wider variety of ground materials  40 . 
         [0079]    The third state of the anchor section  16  of  FIGS. 6C and 7C  presents a placement of the tines  34 A- 34 D in the ground material  40  that is better able to resist wind flow from multiple directions, and more stably support unbalanced loading and offset loading caused by the weight of, and forces delivered from, the support arms  20 A- 20 D. 
         [0080]    In addition, as a user repositions the support arms  28 A- 28 D of the support module, the user will typically delivers a force component that will act to pull the anchor section  16  up and out of the ground material  40  and/or deliver torque forces to the tines  34 A- 34 D. The third state of the anchor section  16  enables the third version  30  to better resist these forces of uplift and torque as instantiated when a user prepares the support arms  28 A- 28 D for plant or structure protection application after the anchor section  16  has been inserted into the ground material  40 . 
         [0081]    It is understood that each anchor tine  34 A- 34 D is preferably formed from a continuous material that in total length forms an individual first elongate element  4 A,  4 B,  4 C  FIG. 8  illustrates the second version  24 , that includes three elongate elements  4 A,  4 B, &amp;  4 C, the collar  26 , and two support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B. The support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B initially extend from the collar  26  and may be positioned to support a variety of plants and structures, such as a trunk  44  of a tree  46  as pictured in  FIG. 8 . The support arms  128 A &amp;  28 B may be positioned to constrain motion of the tree trunk  44 . 
         [0082]      FIG. 9  illustrates the second version  24  additionally including an optional coupling element  48  used to mechanically couple the two support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B and to more stably constrain motion of the tree  46 . 
         [0083]      FIG. 10  illustrates the coupling element  48 , wherein the coupling element  48  may comprising a hollow flexible rubber or plastic tube with two hollowed ends  48 A &amp;  48 B, wherein each hollowed end  48 A &amp;  48 B is sized to enable a friction fit with a support arm  28 A &amp;  28 B. Each coupling element end  48 A &amp;  48 B presents a coupling aperture  50  sized to enable an interference fit with a support arm  28 A &amp;  28 B by insertion of the support arm  28 A &amp;  28 B into the coupling aperture  50 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 11  illustrates an alternate configuration of the second version  24 , wherein one or more support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B are positioned to substantially or partially enclose, and support, a container, such as a plant pot  52  or a flower pot  54 . An additional optional plurality of press fit coupling features  56 A- 56 D more proximate to the anchor tines  34 A- 34 D than the collar  26  are presented in  FIG. 11 , wherein the optional additional plurality of press fit coupling features  56 A- 56 D support a rigidity of the post section  18  of the second version  24  by combined alignment in parallel with the elongate axis A of each of the elongate elements  4 A- 4 D. 
         [0085]      FIG. 12  illustrates a still alternate configuration of the second version  24 , wherein two support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B are positioned to form a rectangular border shape. The optional coupling element  48  additionally may be applied to stabilize the two support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B in the rectangular border shape. 
         [0086]      FIG. 13  illustrates the alternate configuration of the second version  24 , wherein a sign material  58  bearing a visual signage  60  is installed upon the support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B. 
         [0087]      FIG. 14  presents a yet alternate configuration of the second version  24  wherein the support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B are positioned to support a vessel  62  shaped to contain water  64 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 15  shows a fourth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention  66 , or fourth version  66 , that comprises at least two second versions  24  mechanically coupled together to form a fence  68  in combination with a fence material  70 . A plurality of second versions  24  may be positioned to protect a tree  46 , one or more plants, or an area or structure, from intrusion by human, deer  72 , and/or other animals. The fence material  70  may be or comprise a sheet of Ross Deer Netting™ deer netting material or a sheet of Wild Life Netting™. 
         [0089]    When the fourth version  66  is intended to encircle protect the tree  40  from the deer  62 , it is preferable that each support arm  28 A- 28 D have a length in the range from three feet to six feet and that each post section  18  of the second version  24  be at least as long as the longest support arm  28 A- 28 D. It is additionally preferable in certain additional alternate preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention that the second version  24  comprise support arms  28 A- 28 D that are all substantially equal in length within plus or minus 0.5 inches. 
         [0090]    Two of the support arms  28 A &amp;  28 B of the second  24  are positionable downwards from the collar  26  toward the ground material  40 . The two other support arms  28 C &amp;  28 D of the same second version  24  are positionable upwards and away from the collar  26 . A plurality of second versions  24  may be located proximate to each other and may be coupled by one or more coupling elements  48 , wherein a downward angled support arm  28 A of a first exemplary second version  24  is coupled to a downward angled support arm  28 B of a neighboring second version  24 , and an upward angled support arm  28 C of the first exemplary second version  24  is coupled to an upward angled support arm  28 D of the same neighboring second version  24 . 
         [0091]    Referring now to  FIGS. 16 &amp; 17 ,  FIG. 16  is an illustration of a fifth alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention  74 , or fifth version  74 , wherein the plurality of support arms  28 A- 28 D are extend upwards from the collar  26 .  FIG. 17  illustrates a plurality of additional striking points  76 A- 76 B of the fifth version  74  are available to receive a downward force directly from the hammer  42 . 
         [0092]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 ,  FIG. 18  partly illustrates the positionable mobility of the support arms  28 A- 28 D.  FIG. 19  illustrates the support arms  28 A- 28 D of the fifth version  74  angled upwards and away from the collar  26 . 
         [0093]      FIG. 20  illustrates the fifth version  74  located proximate to a plurality of plants  78  and supporting a netting  80 , wherein the netting  80  substantially encloses the plurality of plants  78 , e.g., flowering plants, seedlings and shoots. It is understood that the netting  80  may be positioned to extend to, and make contact with, the ground material  40 . 
         [0094]      FIG. 21  illustrates the fifth located proximate to a leaf-bearing plant  82  and supporting the netting  80 , wherein the netting  80  substantially encloses a leafed region  84  of the leaf-bearing plant  86 . 
         [0095]    The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of the present invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope of the present invention. The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given include many specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certain possible applications of the present invention. The examples given should only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the applications of the present invention, and the full scope of the Present Invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described applications can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein. The scope of the present invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, be determined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art and in light of the disclosures presented above.