Patent Publication Number: US-9428933-B2

Title: Stake system and method for soft material

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/611,912, filed on Mar. 16, 2012. This application also claims benefit to, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/353,637, filed on Jan. 19, 2012, which is pending and which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/843,580, filed on Jul. 26, 2010, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,118,047. The disclosures of each application listed above are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to an anchor or a stake and, more specifically, to stake systems, devices, and methods for anchoring objects in loose material, such as sand or snow. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior-art stakes have generally taken the shape of large nails or pegs for various objects to be anchored, such as for tents, sun shades, tarps, etc. The attachment point for such stakes is at the top or top portion of the stake. In mild weather conditions, these prior-art stakes generally secure the object successfully if secured in compacted or somewhat solid soils despite heavy wind conditions. However, in loose, non-compacted sandy soils or sand the prior art stakes completely fail in even the most mild wind conditions. Similar failures occur when anchoring an object in snow. To overcome the issues of anchoring in non-compact material, such as sand or snow, longer stakes have been employed or stakes with auger type ends to provide reinforcement in the non-compact material. Such structures, however, are bulky, costly to manufacture, and add considerable weight to the stake itself, resulting in stakes that are impractical and, with unpredictable weather conditions, will simply not provide sufficient anchoring resistance in such non-compact material. 
     Therefore, based on the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a light-weight stake with a minimal foot-print that is cost efficient to manufacture and provides considerable anchoring force in loose, non-compacted material, such as sand or snow. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a stake system and method configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object. In accordance with one embodiment, the stake system includes a stake member and a flexible line. The stake member includes an elongated portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is integrally formed with the elongated portion. The distal portion defines a first lateral width and the elongated portion defines a second lateral width, the first lateral width being larger than the second lateral width. The flexible line is configured to be coupled to the stake member. The flexible line and the distal portion of the stake member are configured to be below the exposed surface of the loose material. The flexible line is sized and configured to cut through the loose material such that at least a portion of the flexible line extends tautly away from the stake member and through the loose material below the exposed surface. Further, the flexible line includes an end configured to extend above the loose material to couple to the object. With this arrangement, the stake member is configured to substantially maintain a constant orientation relative to the exposed surface of the loose material upon the stake member being forced into the loose material and upon the flexible line being extended tautly away from the stake member at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the stake member includes a continuous bend that extends along both the elongated portion and the distal portion thereof and extends along a longitudinal length of the stake member. In another embodiment, the stake member includes multiple openings defined therein that extend through the stake member such that the multiple openings are aligned along the bend in both the distal portion and the elongated portion. Further, the multiple openings may be elongated openings and configured to couple to the flexible line. Furthermore, the flexible line is configured to couple to the stake member by extending through at least two of the openings. In another embodiment, the flexible line is configured to selectively extend through two of at least three of the multiple openings to provide a selective effective force applied to the stake member. 
     In another embodiment, the stake member includes multiple coupling portions aligned along a center longitudinal axis extending along both the distal portion and the elongated portion of the stake member. In one embodiment, the flexible line includes a first line portion and a second line portion, the first line portion and the second line portion each extending from separate and distinct coupling portions of said multiple coupling portions. Further, in another embodiment, the first line portion and the second line portion are configured to selectively couple to two of at least three of the multiple coupling portions to provide a selective effective force applied to the stake member. 
     In yet another embodiment, the stake member is configured to be positioned in the loose material such that the bend orients the distal portion and the elongated portion to extend away from the end of the flexible line coupled to the object. In another embodiment, a portion of the flexible line is configured to nest in the bend defined in the stake member. 
     In another embodiment, the flexible line includes a coupling member sized and configured to engage an opening defined in the distal portion of the stake member. Such a coupling member may include a first opposing portion and a second opposing portion with a middle portion extending therebetween, wherein the middle portion is configured to engage the opening and the first and second opposing portions are configured to be positioned at opposing sides of the stake member. In one embodiment, the coupling member includes a key configuration that corresponds to the opening defined in the distal portion of the stake member. 
     In another embodiment, the stake member tapers along a longitudinal length thereof from a distal portion of the stake member toward a proximal end of the stake member. 
     In yet another embodiment, the stake system may include a load amplifier configured to be positioned in the loose material such that the flexible line is configured to be operatively coupled to and tautly extend from the load amplifier. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a stake system is configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object. The stake system includes a stake member and a flexible line. The stake member includes an elongated portion and a distal portion, the distal portion being integrally formed with the elongated portion. The distal portion is configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the elongated portion and, further, the distal portion includes a width larger than the elongated portion. The flexible line is configured to be coupled to the stake member. The flexible line and the distal portion of the stake member are configured to be below the exposed surface of the loose material. The flexible line is sized and configured to cut through the loose material such that at least a portion of the flexible line extends tautly away from the stake member and through the loose material below the exposed surface. The flexible line includes an end configured to extend above the loose material to couple to the object, and the flexible line is configured to extend tautly away from the stake member and through the loose material at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the stake member includes a continuous bend that extends along both the elongated portion and the distal portion thereof and extends along a longitudinal length of the stake member. In another embodiment, the stake member is configured to be positioned in the loose material such that the bend orients the distal portion and the elongated portion to extend away from the end of the flexible line coupled to the object. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a high-load stake system is configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object. The high-load stake system includes a stake member, a flexible line and a load amplifier. The stake member includes a longitudinal length and includes an elongated portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the elongated portion, and the distal portion includes a lateral width larger than the elongated portion. The flexible line is configured to be coupled to the distal portion of the stake member. The flexible line and the distal portion of the stake member are configured to be driven below a surface of the loose material. Further, the flexible line is sized and configured to cut through the loose material such that at least a portion of the flexible line extends tautly away from the stake member and through the loose material below the surface. The flexible line includes an end configured to extend above the surface of the loose material, and the flexible line is configured to extend tautly away from the stake member and through the loose material at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. The load amplifier extends between a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion configured to be positioned above the loose material and the second end portion configured to be driven into the loose material. The load amplifier includes a first line and a second line. The first line is configured to extend tautly from the first end portion to couple to the end of the flexible line. The second line is configured to extend away from the stake member and is configured to extend toward and couple to the object. 
     In one embodiment, the load amplifier includes a spade portion coupled to the second end portion of the load amplifier. The spade portion is configured to be driven into the loose material. Further, the spade portion may include a surface area configured to stabilize the load amplifier in the loose material. In another embodiment, the load amplifier includes a step portion configured to facilitate driving the spade portion into the loose material. Such a step portion extends laterally from the load amplifier and extends separately and discreetly from the spade portion. In another embodiment, the load amplifier includes an elongated member extending between the first end portion and the second end portion. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of anchoring an object in loose material is provided. The method includes forcing a distal portion and a portion of an elongated portion of a stake member in the loose material, the distal portion integrally formed with the elongated portion, while simultaneously forcing a flexible line coupled to the distal portion of the stake member. The method also includes pulling an end of the flexible line so that the flexible line tautly cuts through the loose material toward the object with the end exposed above the loose material. In addition, the method also includes coupling the end of the flexible line to the object for anchoring the object with the distal portion having a width larger than the elongated portion such that the stake member is configured to substantially maintain a constant orientation relative to the exposed surface of the loose material so that the flexible line extends from the stake member at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the method includes selectively coupling the flexible line to two of at least three coupling positions on the stake member. The method step of selectively coupling includes threading the flexible line through two separate and distinct openings defined in the stake member. Further, the method step of selectively coupling may include selecting an effective force vector for extending toward the object between a first line portion and a second line portion of the flexible line. In another embodiment, the method step of coupling comprises coupling a first coupling member and a second coupling member of the first line portion and the second line portion, respectively, of the flexible line to the object. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of anchoring an object to loose material is provided. The method includes forcing a spade portion of load amplifier into the loose material with an end portion of the load amplifier positioned above the surface of the material; forcing a distal portion and a portion of an elongated portion of a stake member in the loose material at a position spaced from the load amplifier, the distal portion integrally formed with the elongated portion, while simultaneously forcing a flexible line coupled to the distal portion of the stake member into the loose material; coupling an end of the flexible line left above a surface of the loose material to a first line extending from the end portion of the load amplifier; and coupling a second line to the object so that the second line extends away from the stake member and between the load amplifier and the object. 
     In one embodiment, the method further includes tautly extending the flexible line and the first line between the distal portion of the stake member and the end portion of the load amplifier. In another embodiment, the method includes anchoring a force placed on the second line with both the load amplifier and the stake member. 
     In another embodiment, the step of forcing the distal portion and the portion of the elongated portion of the stake member also includes the step of orienting the stake member to substantially maintain a constant orientation relative to the surface of the loose material so that the flexible line extends from the stake member at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. In another embodiment, the method also includes pulling the end of the flexible line so that the flexible line tautly cuts through the loose material toward the end portion of the load amplifier. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, another stake system configured to be used in substantially loose material to anchor an object is provided. The stake system includes a stake member and a rigid member. The stake member includes a stake member and a rigid member. The stake member includes an elongated portion and a distal portion that extends along a longitudinal length of the stake member. The distal portion is integrally formed with the elongated portion. Further, the distal portion is configured to maintain a fixed position relative to the elongated portion, and the distal portion includes a width larger than the elongated portion. The rigid member is configured to be pivotably coupled to the distal portion of the stake member. The rigid member and the distal portion of the stake member are configured to be below an exposed surface of the loose material. The rigid member is sized and configured to pivot through the loose material such that at least a portion of the rigid member extends away from the stake member and through the loose material below the exposed surface. The rigid member includes an end configured to extend above the loose material to couple to the object. Further, the rigid member is configured to extend away from the stake member and through the loose material at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. 
     In one embodiment, the rigid member comprises at least one of a metallic material and a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the stake member is configured to be positioned in the loose material with the rigid member extending along the stake member in a closed position and, upon the rigid member being pivoted relative to the stake member such that the rigid member extends away from the stake member at the angle. In yet another embodiment, the stake member includes a bend formed therein and extending along the longitudinal length of the stake member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a stake system having an elongate member and a flexible line, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the elongate member of the stake system, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an end view of the elongate member of the stake system, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of the stake system and a stake-down object, depicting the elongate member and flexible line disposed above a loose material in a pre-use position, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is a side view of the stake system and a stake-down object, depicting the elongate member and flexible line disposed within the loose material in a use position, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of multiple elongate members in a compact, nested arrangement, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial front view of an elongate member with multiple slots defined in the elongate member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged side view of one end of the flexible line, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged side view of one end of the flexible line, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of an elongate member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along section line  9 A of  FIG. 9 , according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of an elongate member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view taken along section line  10 A of  FIG. 10 , according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a front view of an elongate member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view taken along section  11 A of  FIG. 11 , according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a front view of a stake system with an elongate member and a flexible line depicting the elongate member having a T-configuration at a proximal portion thereof, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of a stake member with an elongate portion and a distal portion, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective side view of a coupling member at one end of a flexible line, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14A  is a partial perspective view of an alternative coupling member at one end of a flexible line, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of a distal portion of a stake member, depicting a coupling portion defined in the stake member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15A  is a cross-sectional view of the stake member, taken along section line  15 A of  FIG. 15 , depicting the coupling member engaged with the coupling portion of the stake member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the distal portion of the stake member, depicting an alternative embodiment of the coupling portion, according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 16A  is an end view of a coupling member that corresponds with the coupling portion of the stake member depicted in  FIG. 16 , according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of a stake system, according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is side view of the stake system of  FIG. 17 , according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is side view of the stake system of  FIG. 17  in an intended use position, depicting the stake system positioned in loose material and coupled to an object, according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of various components of a high-load stake system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a side view of the high-load stake system in an intended use position, depicting a stake system and a load amplifier each positioned in loose material, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22  is a side view of a stake system with a rigid member, according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIGS. 23A and 23B  are side views of the stake system of  FIG. 22 , depicting method steps for installing the stake system with a rigid member, according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4B , an anchoring or stake system  20  is shown. Such a stake system  20  may include an elongate member  22  (or otherwise termed a stake or anchor) and a flexible line  24 . The stake system  20  may be configured to provide anchoring resistance for a stake-down object  16  in soft or loose material  12 , such as sand or sandy soils. Other soft or loose materials  12  may include snow or any other soft or loose material, such as gravel, loose dirt, or other fine aggregate. The stake-down object  16  or objects that may be employed with the stake system  20  of the present invention may include tents, tarps, trees, shrubs, sun shades, boats or snow/ice climbing devices that may need to be anchored in loose material  12 , as set forth above, or any other object that may be anchored in loose material  12 . As shown in the drawings and as described throughout the following description, as is traditional when referring to relative positioning on an object, the term “proximal” refers to the end portion of the apparatus which is closer to the user and the term “distal” refers to the end portion of the apparatus which is further from the user in the normal use of such apparatus. For example, relative to the elongate member  22  or stake disclosed herein, the proximal end portion of the elongate member  22  is the portion that a user would strike with a hammer and the distal end portion of the elongate member is the portion that may include a spike end, or the like, that is driven below the surface of the ground. 
     The stake system  20  disclosed herein may be termed a deep anchoring system that, as previously set forth, may include the elongate member  22  and the flexible line  24 . Such a flexible line  24  may be sized and configured to be coupled to the elongate member  22  at a distal portion  26  thereof. The distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 , with the flexible line  24  coupled thereto, may be configured to be pounded or forced into a soft or loose material  12 , for example, sand. Due to the loose nature of sand, the flexible line  24  can cut through the sand such that the coupled end and a portion of the flexible line  24  extend away from the elongate member  22  through the sand and toward the object being staked down. The other end of the flexible line  24  may be exposed above the sand to attach or couple to the stake-down object  16  for example, a tent. Such coupling to the stake-down object  16  may include directly coupling to a tie-down  14  or a guy-line. With this arrangement, the flexible line  24  extending through the loose material and being coupled to the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22  provides a deep anchoring system with greater pull-out resistance than that of conventional stakes so as to facilitate anchoring in loose material  12 , such as sand. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , in one embodiment, the elongate member  22  may include a first side surface  28  and a second side surface  30  each extending along a longitudinal length  21  and a width of the elongate member  22 . The longitudinal length  21  may extend between a proximal end  32  and a distal end  34  of the elongate member  22 . The width of the elongate member  22  may vary along one or more portions of the longitudinal length  21  of the elongate member  22 . The elongate member  22  may include the distal portion  26 , an intermediate extension  36  and a proximal portion  38 . In one embodiment, the distal portion  26  may extend between about a midpoint  27  of the elongate member  22  to the distal end  34  of the elongate member  22 , the midpoint  27  being defined as one-half the longitudinal length  21  of the elongate member  22 . The distal portion  26  may include a coupling portion  40  sized and configured to couple to the flexible line  24 . Further, the distal portion  26  may include a distal point  42  along an end surface of the distal portion  26 , the distal point  42  configured to be initially forced in the ground or loose material  12 . In another embodiment, the end surface or distal end  34  may be flat, without the distal point. 
     The intermediate extension  36  may extend various lengths between the distal portion  26  and the proximal portion  38  depending on the desired length of the elongate member  22 . The proximal portion  38  may include a proximal end surface  44  configured to be pounded or forced downward and may be left exposed above the ground or loose material  12 . The proximal portion  38  may also define one or more notches  46  to facilitate pulling the elongate member from the ground for removal therefrom. 
     In one embodiment, the distal portion  26  may include a lateral extension  48 , extending laterally relative to the longitudinal length  21 , similar to a paddle or wing configuration. The lateral extension  48  may provide a first width  23  that is greater than a second width  25  at the intermediate extension  36  of the elongate member  22 . The lateral extension  48  may include various forms and may include an enlarged surface area per unit length relative to the intermediate extension  36  such that the first width  23  of the lateral extension  48  is greater than the second width  25  immediately proximal the lateral extension  48 . 
     The distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 , as previously set forth, may include the coupling portion  40 . In one embodiment, such a coupling portion  40  may be in the form of an opening  50  defined in the elongate member  22  and extending therethrough. The opening  50  may define a circular shape with a slot extending therefrom. Such an opening  50  may be sized and configured to reversibly couple with one end of the flexible line  24 . Other coupling configurations may be employed, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the coupling portion  40  may be in the form of a protrusion or hook that may latch or couple to a looped end (not shown) of the flexible line  24 . The coupling between the flexible line  24  and the elongate member  22  may also be a permanent coupling so that the flexible line  24  remains fixed to the elongate member  22 . Importantly, the flexible line  24  should be coupled to the elongate member  22  at a position along the length of the elongate member  22  that positions the flexible line  22  within the loose material  12 . In one embodiment, the coupling portion  40  may be distal to at least the midpoint  27  of the elongate member  22 . In other words, the flexible line  24  may couple to the elongate member  22  at any point between the midpoint  27  and the distal end  34  of the elongate member  22 . 
     The flexible line  24  may include a first end  52  and a second end  54  with an intermediate portion  56  therebetween. In one embodiment, the flexible line  24  may include a line  58  with a coupling member  60  at the first end  52  and another coupling element, such as a ring  62  at the second end  54 . The ring  62  at the second end  54  of the flexible line  24  may be employed to couple to a tie-down  14  or a guy-line of, for example, a tent or any other suitable stake-down object  16 , as previously set forth. The coupling member  60  may be rod-like or a cylindrical like member with one end of the line  58  connected thereto. To couple the first end  52  of the flexible line  24  to the elongate member  22 , one end of the coupling member  60  may be inserted through the circular shaped portion of the opening  50  with the line  58  so that the line  58  may slide up the slot portion of the opening  50 . With this arrangement, the flexible line  24  may then be pulled tautly to bias or seat the coupling member  60  against a first side surface  28  of the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 , thereby, coupling the first end  52  of the flexible line  24  to the elongate member  22 . It should be noted that although a rod-like coupling member  60  may be used other shapes for a coupling member  60  may also be used such as a sphere shaped member or a disc shaped member or any other suitable coupling member known in the art, some of which may be employed with different shaped openings  50  defined in the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 . 
     The line  58  of the flexible line  24  may be made from a metal or high-strength polymer material or a combination of both, or any other suitable material that is flexible and relatively thin that can cut through soft or loose material  12 , such as sand or snow, The line  58  can be wire-like and may be braided into a cable like structure or be made from a single high-strength and flexible line. Other materials for the line  58  may also be employed as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In another embodiment, the elongate member  22  may define a bend  64  along the longitudinal length  21  of the elongate member  22 . The bend  64  may extend along the entire length or along a portion of the length, such as along the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 . Further, the bend  64  may extend along an axis  66  or center line of the elongate member  22  and along the longitudinal length  21 . The bend  64  in the first side surface  28  of the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22  may be employed to seat the coupling member  60  against or within the bend  64  when the flexible line  24  is pulled taut, thereby, centering the coupling member  60  relative to the elongate member  22 . As known by one of ordinary skill in the art, other structures may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention that centers or aligns the flexible line  24 , upon being placed in a taut position, relative to the elongate member  22 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 3 , an end it of the elongate member  22  is shown. The first side surface  28  of the elongate member  22  may be the surface facing upward and the second side surface  30  may be the surface facing downward. The second side surface  30  of the elongate member  22  may define a peak at the bend  64  and along the distal portion  26  or along the length of the elongate member  22 . The elongate member  22  may include a substantially flat structure defining a depth dimension  68  between the first side surface  28  and the second side surface  30 . In an embodiment with the bend  64 , such bend  64  may define a first side  70  (left side) and a second side  72  (right side) of the elongate member  22 . 
     In another embodiment, the elongate member  22  may define a lateral bend (not shown) that extends laterally relative to the axis  66  of the elongate member  22 . For example, a lateral bend may be employed to further stabilize the elongate member  22 , such as including a bend extending lateral to the longitudinal length  21  in, for example, the proximal portion  38  of the elongate member such that, in the use position, a proximal portion exposed above the loose material extends away from the direction of the flexible line. In this manner, the proximal portion of the elongate member may be employed as a pounding surface at the bend, the elongate member being forced into the loose material until the proximal portion that is bent is flush with the loose material. The proximal portion of the elongate member being flush with the loose material may further increase the pull-out resistance with an underside of the bent proximal portion having leverage against the surface of the loose material. 
     In one embodiment, the elongate member may be made from aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium or composites or combinations thereof or any other suitable metals or combination of metals or composites. In another embodiment, the elongate member may be made from a polymeric material of types known in the art. The elongate member may be manufactured utilizing known processes of fabrication and/or molding, such as stamping, laser cutting or injected molding in the case of employing a polymeric elongate member or any other known polymeric molding process, as known to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  depict the stake system  20  of the present invention being employed within the loose material  12 , such as sand, for anchoring a stake-down object  16 , such as a tent. With respect to  FIG. 4A , a user of the stake system  20  may couple the second end  54  of the flexible line  24  to a tie-down  14  of the stake-down object  16 . The user may then couple the first end  52  of the flexible line  24  to the elongate member  22  so that the coupling member  60  (shown in outline form) is positioned within the bend (not shown) on the first side surface  28  of the elongate member  22  and the line  58  is positioned at a top-end of the slot of the opening  50  defined in the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 . The elongate member  22  may then be positioned a distance away from the tie-down  14  so that the flexible line  24  is taught. Also, the elongate member  22  may be oriented relative to a surface  13  of the loose material  12  at an angle α. The angle α may range between about 20 degrees to about 90 degrees, however, other angles may also be acceptable as the more important component in the deep anchoring system is the angle from which the flexible line  24  extends from the elongate member  22 , discussed in detail below with respect to  FIG. 4B . 
     Further, with respect to  FIG. 4A , when pulling the elongate member  22  to place the flexible line  24  in the taut position, care should be taken that the second side surface  30  of the elongate member  22  is oriented to face the tie down  14  at the angle α or, in other words, the elongate member  22  should not be skewed or rotated relative to axis  66  of the elongate member  22  when placing the elongate member  22  in the orientation prior to forcing the elongate member  22  into the loose material  12 . At this stage, a user may then place their knee or foot on the flexible line  24  at, or adjacent to, the second end  54  thereof to maintain the tautness of the flexible line  24  while forcing the elongate member  22  into the loose material  12 . The user may then employ a hammer or mallet to force or drive the elongate member  22  into the loose material  12  by pounding on the proximal end  32  of the elongate member  22 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 4B , the taut flexible line  24  is configured to cut through or slice through the loose material  12  as the elongate member  22  is driven into the loose material  12 . In the final use-position, the flexible line  24  may extend directly away from the elongate member  22  toward the stake-down object  16  at an angle β. The angle β is defined as the angle between the elongate member  22  and the flexible line  24  when the stake system  20  is in the use position. For maximum performance, the angle β may be preferably about 90 degrees. Other angles for angle β that provide acceptable resistance may range between about 60 degrees and about 120 degrees. Further, other angles for angle β that may be employed may range between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees. In this manner, the stake system  20 , including the flexible line  24  coupled to the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 , acts as a deep anchoring system that provides a pull-force resistance allowing one to readily anchor in loose material  12 , such as sand. Further, the surface area of the lateral extensions  48  and the second side surface  30  of the elongate member  22  that is concealed or below the exposed surface  13  of the loose material  12  provides resistance from being pulled through the loose material  12  with a directional force  74  provided through the taught flexible line  24  being placed on the elongate member  22  at the distal portion  26  thereof and adjacent the lateral extensions  48  below the surface of the loose material  12 . Furthermore, in another embodiment, the bend (not shown) along the length and axis  66  of the elongate member  22  may automatically center and orient the second side surface  30  of the elongate member  22  relative to the directional force  74  in the taut flexible line  24 . Proper orientation of the second side surface  30  relative to the flexible line  24  may increase the pull-through resistance of the elongate member  22  due to maximizing the surface area of the second side surface  30  of the elongate member  20  facing the directional force  74  of the flexible line  24 . In this manner, the preferred angle β is about 90 degrees, but other angles may also provide acceptable resistance, as previously set forth. With this arrangement, the stake system  20 , including the elongate member  22  and flexible line  24 , may be employed in loose material  12  to anchor a stake-down object  16 . 
     Furthermore, in another embodiment, the stake system may be employed by attaching the second end of the stake-down object after forcing the elongate member into the loose material. For example, the first end  52  of the flexible line  24  may be coupled to the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22 . The elongate member  22  may then be forced into the loose material  12  by, for example, pounding on the proximal end  32  with a mallet, with a portion of the flexible line  24  also being forced into the loose material  12 . The user can then pull the second end  54  of the flexible line  24  toward the tie-down  14  of the stake-down object  16 , thereby, pulling the flexible line  24  taut to cut or slice through the loose material  12  to extend in the direction of the tie-down  14 . The user can then couple the second end  54  of the flexible line  24  to the stake-down object  16  with a portion of the flexible line extending through the loose material, as depicted in  FIG. 4B . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 5 , in another embodiment, the elongate member  22  may include the bend  64 , as previously set forth, along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the elongate member  22  to readily facilitate a nested arrangement  76  with other elongate members  22 . As depicted, a plurality of elongate members  22  may be nested together to allow a user to maintain the plurality of elongate members  22  together with a minimal foot-print. Such minimal foot-print facilitates greater portability in maintaining the plurality of elongate members  22  in a compact manner or the nested arrangement  76 . 
     In another embodiment, with respect to  FIG. 6 , the distal portion  26  of the elongate member  22  may include one or more secondary openings  78  defined therein. The secondary openings  78  may extend through the elongate member  22  and may be in the form of, for example, slots within the elongate member  22  or any other suitable shaped secondary openings  78 . In one embodiment, the secondary openings  78  may extend laterally relative to the longitudinal length of the elongate member  22 . In another embodiment, the secondary openings  78  may extend vertically or diagonally relative to the longitudinal length of the elongate member  22 . In still another embodiment, the secondary openings  78  may be circular or oval holes or define a curve-linear slot within the elongate member  22 . 
     The secondary openings  78  may be useful for being employed in loose material, such as snow. In particular, for example, upon the elongate member  22  being forced in a loose material, such as snow, the snow may melt so that water may collect within and along the secondary openings  78  and then turn to ice. The ice within and along the secondary openings  78  may provide an increase in the pull-through resistance. In this manner, the elongate member  22  may include one or more secondary openings  78  in the distal portion  26  and/or along other portions of the elongate member  22  to maximize the potential pull-through resistance of the elongate member  22 . 
     With respect to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , other embodiments are shown that may be employed at the second end  54  of the flexible line  24  to couple to a tie-down  14  (or guy-line) or coupled directly to a stake-down object  16  (see  FIG. 4A ). For example,  FIG. 7  illustrates a hook structure  80  that may be fixed at the second end  54  of the flexible line  24 .  FIG. 8  shows a latch structure  82  fixed at the second end  54  of the flexible line  24 . The latch structure  82  may include an extension  84  that pivots, as depicted by arrow  86 . As known by one of ordinary skill in the art, other suitable structures may be utilized for coupling to a stake-down object. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 9 and 9A , another embodiment of an elongate member  122  is shown,  FIG. 9A  being a cross-sectional view taken along section line  9 A of  FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the elongate member  122  is similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , except in this embodiment, the elongate member  122  may include a substantially constant width along the longitudinal length. The elongate member  122  may include a first side surface  128  and a second side surface  130  extending between a proximal end  132  and a distal end  134  with a bend  164  along an axis  166  or center line of the elongate member  122 . Further, the elongate member  122  may include a coupling portion  140  defined as an opening  150  in distal portion  126  of the elongate member  122  sized and configured to couple with the flexible line (not shown), similar to that described previously. Further, a proximal portion  138  of the elongate member  122  may include notches (not shown) along one or both sides of the elongate member  122  to facilitate pulling the elongate member  122  from the loose material, such as the sand. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 10A , another embodiment of an elongate member  222  is shown,  FIG. 10A  being a cross-sectional view of the elongate member  222  taken along section line  10 A of  FIG. 10 . The elongate member  222 , in this embodiment, may include a tri-wing configuration or a “Y” configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 10A . As such, the elongate member  222  may include a first side surface  228 , a second side surface  230  and a third side surface  231  each defined by ribs  233  that may extend between a proximal end  232  and a distal end  234  along the longitudinal length of the elongate member  222  and extend laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate member  222 . As in the previous embodiments, the elongate member  222  may include a coupling portion  240  or opening  250  defined in a distal portion  226  of the elongate member  222 . Such opening  250  may be sized and configured to receive a first end of a flexible line (not shown) so that, for example, a coupling member (not shown) may be disposed within a bend  264  in the first side surface  228  to center and align the elongate member  222  when being forced into the loose material, as previously discussed herein. Adjacent to the proximal end  232 , the elongate member  222  may include notches  246  defined in the ribs  233  to facilitate pulling the elongate member  222  from the loose material. Further, in another embodiment, the distal portion  226  may include a lateral extension (not shown) such that the ribs  233  extend laterally to enlarge the surface area of the distal portion  226  (similar to the lateral extension  48  depicted in  FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 11A , another embodiment of an elongate member  322  is shown. In this embodiment, the elongate member  322  may include a circular cross-section, shown in  FIG. 11A , taken from section line  11 A of  FIG. 11 . Similar to previous embodiments, the elongate member  322  of this embodiment may include a coupling portion  340  or opening  350  defined in a distal portion  326  of the elongate member  322  for coupling to a flexible line (not shown). At a proximal end  332  of the elongate member  322 , the elongate member  322  may include a proximal end surface  344  sized and configured to receive pounding for forcing the elongate member  322  into the loose material to place the elongate member  332  and flexible line in the use-position. This embodiment may also include a lateral extension (not shown) or wing configuration at the distal portion  326  of the elongate member  322 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 12 , another embodiment of the stake system  420  is shown. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiments and more specifically to the embodiment depicted and described relative to  FIG. 1 . However, in this embodiment, the elongate member  422  or stake may include a T-configuration at a proximal portion  438  thereof. As in the previous embodiments, the stake system  420  of this embodiment may include the elongate member  422  and a flexible line  424 , the flexible line  424  configured to be coupled to the distal portion  426  of the elongate member  422 . In this embodiment, the proximal portion  438  of the elongate member  422  may include the T-configuration or one or more proximal lateral tabs  490 . The tabs  490  may extend laterally relative to the longitudinal length of the elongate member  422  at the proximal portion  438  of the elongate member  422  to define an under-side surface  492  of the tab. Further, the elongate member  422  may include a hole  494  defined in the elongate member  422  at the proximal portion  438  of the elongate member  422 . The hole  494  may extend through the depth of the elongate member  422  to include a hole periphery  496  defined in the elongate member  422 . The hole  494  may be sized and configured to receive one of the lateral tabs  490  of another elongate member  422 . For example, when it is desired to remove the stake system  420  from the ground, the hole  494  defined in the elongate member  422  may be exposed above ground level to allow a user to insert the tab  490  of another elongate member  422  into the hole  494  to abut the under-side surface  492  of the tab  490  against the hole periphery  496 . The user can then pull upward, thereby, pulling the stake system  420  from the ground. In this manner, the tab  490  and hole  494  arrangement in the proximal portion  438  of the elongate member  422  may be employed to more easily remove the stake system  420  from the ground. Alternatively, the stake system  420  may be removed from the ground (without the above-described hole) by placing the under-side surface  492  of one elongate member  422  under the under-side surface  492  of another elongate member  422  that is partially exposed in the ground for leverage therebetween. The user can then readily pull the partially exposed elongate member from the ground via the tabs  490  of the two elongate members  422 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , another embodiment of a stake member  500  that may be employed with a flexible line (not shown) as a stake system, similar to that described and depicted in previous embodiments. The stake member  500  of this embodiment may include a longitudinal length  502  extending between a proximal end  504  and a distal end  506 . Further, the stake member  500  may include a bend  508  along the longitudinal length  502  and a center line  510  or axis of the stake member  500 . Also, the stake member  500  includes a distal portion  512  proximate to the distal end  506  and an elongated portion  514  longitudinally extending between the distal portion  512  and the proximal end  504 , the elongated portion  514  being integrally formed with the distal portion  512 . 
     In this embodiment, the elongated portion  514  may laterally widen in width toward the distal portion  512 . In other words, the stake member  500  may taper in width from the distal portion  512  toward the proximal end  504 . Further, as in previous embodiments, the distal portion  512  of this embodiment includes a first lateral width  516  and the elongated portion  514  includes a second lateral width  518 , the first lateral width  516  being larger than the second lateral width  518 . In addition, the distal portion  512  includes a coupling portion  520  defined therein to facilitate coupling to the flexible line (not shown). Such a distal portion  512  may extend proximate the coupling portion  520  and/or may extend from a mid-point  522  of the stake member toward the distal end  506  of the stake member  500 . As depicted, in this embodiment, both the distal portion  512  and the elongated portion  514  may taper in their respective lateral widths. In another embodiment, the taper may extend from the distal portion of the stake member, but only along the elongated portion  514  of the stake member  500 . 
     As in previous embodiments, the stake member  500 , including the distal portion  512  and at least a portion of the elongated portion  514 , is configured to be forced and positioned into a loose material with the proximal end  504  configured to remain exposed above a surface of the loose material. Further, the stake member  500  is configured to substantially maintain a constant orientation relative to the exposed surface of the loose material upon the stake member  500  being forced into the loose material and upon the flexible line (not shown) being extended tautly away from the stake member  500  at an angle ranging between about 45 degrees and about 135 degrees, as described in previous embodiments. 
     With respect to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , another embodiment of a flexible line  532  and stake member  530 , respectively, are provided. The flexible line  532  of this embodiment provides a coupling member  534  having a first opposing portion  536  and a second opposing portion  538  with a middle portion  540  extending therebetween. The stake member  530  includes a distal portion  542  with a coupling portion  544  that may be in the form of an opening  546  defined through the distal portion  542  of the stake member  530 . Such an opening  546  may include a first portion  548  and a second portion  550 . The first portion  548  of the opening  546  may include circular shape and the second portion  550  of the opening  546  may include an elongate shape that extends proximally from the circular first portion  548 . The elongate second portion  550  may include two opposing nubs  552  configured to engage the middle portion  540  of the coupling member  534  and configured to maintain the middle portion  540  of the coupling member  534  within the coupling portion  544  of the stake member  530 . In this manner, the first opposing portion  536  of the coupling member  534  may be sized and configured to be inserted through the circular first portion  548  of the coupling portion  544 . Further, the middle portion  540  may be sized and configured to slide proximally along the second portion  550  to squeeze beyond the two opposing nubs  552  and to be held or removably locked above the nubs  552 . The first opposing portion  536  and the second opposing portion  538  may include a circular or disc shaped configuration with the middle portion  540  having a cylindrical configuration. As can be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the first and second opposing portions  536 ,  538  may include a variety of geometries that correspond with profile geometry of the first portion  548  of the coupling portion  544 . The coupling member  534  may be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material. Such material may be a metallic material, such as aluminum or steel, or polymeric material, such as a plastic or rubber material, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Further, the flexible line  532  may extend through or partially into the coupling member  534 . In one embodiment, the first opposing portion  536  and the second opposing portion  538  may be similarly sized. In another embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 14A , a coupling member  560  may include a first opposing portion  562  and a second opposing portion  564  that include different sizes or diameters. With this arrangement, the first opposing portion  562  may be sized and configured to be inserted through a first portion  548  of the coupling portion  544  of the stake member  530  (See  FIG. 15 ) and the second opposing portion  564  may be sized larger than the first opposing portion  562  to minimize the potential of the coupling member  560  from inadvertently disengaging from the coupling portion  544  of the stake member  530 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 15A  (also with reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 ), a cross-sectional view of the coupling member  534  engaged with the stake member  530  is provided. As depicted, the coupling member  534  may be engaged to the coupling portion  544  of the stake member  530 . For example, the first opposing portion  536  may be inserted through the circular first portion  548  of the coupling portion  544  with the middle portion  540  forced proximally along the elongate second portion  550  to be forced beyond or past the nubs  552  and maintained in the proximal most portion of the elongate second portion  550  of the coupling portion  544 . Further, at this stage, the first opposing portion  536  may be positioned adjacent and/or against a first side surface  554  of the stake member  530  and the second opposing portion  538  may be positioned adjacent and/or against a second side surface  556  of the stake member  530 . With this arrangement, the coupling member  534  may be sized and configured to be maintained and coupled to the stake member  530  to substantially prevent the coupling member  534  from incidentally being disengaged from the distal portion  542  of the stake member  530 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 16 and 16A , another embodiment of a stake member  570  and a coupling member  572 , respectively, is provided. In this embodiment, the stake member  570  may include a coupling portion  574  defined in the distal portion  576  thereof that may include a key configuration. For example, the first portion  578  of the coupling portion  574  may include a circular configuration defining a flat portion  580  on one side thereof. Similarly, the coupling member  572  may include a first opposing portion  582  and a second opposing portion  584 , the first opposing portion  582  having a circular configuration with a flat side  586 . Such first opposing portion  582  with its flat side  586  is sized and configured to correspond with the first portion  578  of the coupling portion  574  such that the first opposing portion  582  of the coupling member  572  must be oriented appropriately to be inserted through the first portion  578  of the coupling portion  574  of the stake member  570 . With this arrangement, the coupling member  572  may include a key configuration to substantially minimize the coupling member  572  from disengaging from the stake member  570 . Other key configurations may also be employed, such as the first opposing portion  582  having a protrusion (not shown) or the like that corresponds with the first portion  578  of the coupling portion  574  of the stake member  570 . 
     With respect to  FIGS. 17 through 19 , another embodiment of a stake system  600  is provided. This embodiment may be particularly suited as a stake system  600  to be employed in a loose material  632  where the material may be inconsistent along its depth. For example, various depths or layers of snow often provide soft or powdery portions and more rigid or icy portions, resulting in inconsistencies along the depth of the snow or loose material  632 . The stake system  600  of this embodiment provides a means by which the position where an effective force is applied to the stake member  602  may be selectively modified or adjusted to more effectively anchor and address various depth inconsistencies in the snow or loose material. Further, the stake system  600  of this embodiment prevents a flexible line  602  from inadvertently becoming disengaged with the stake member  602  due to such inconsistencies in snow. 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the stake system  600  is substantially similar in its use and function of the stake systems depicted and described in previous embodiments, For example, the stake system  600  may include a stake member  602  and a flexible line  604 , the stake member including an elongated portion  605  and a distal portion  606 . The distal portion  606  may include a larger surface area per unit length than the surface area of the elongated portion  605  per unit length of the stake member  602 . Further, the stake member  602  may include a bend  608  along the longitudinal length and center line  610  of the stake member. However, in this embodiment, the stake member  602  may include a selective coupling mechanism for coupling the flexible line  604  thereto. For example, the stake member  602  may include multiple openings  612  defined therein that extend through the stake member  602 . The openings  612  may be elongated and extend longitudinally along the center line  610  of the stake member  602  and extend along the bend  608  defined in the stake member  602 . The multiple openings  612  may include a first opening  612   a , a second opening  612   b , a third opening  612   c , a fourth opening  612   d , and a fifth opening  612   e , as sequentially ordered from a distal end  614  toward the proximal end  616  of the stake member  602 . 
     The flexible line  604  or cable may include a first coupling member  620  and a second coupling member  622  at a first end  624  and a second end  626 , respectively, of the flexible line  604 . In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second coupling members  620 ,  622  may be in the form of a ring or a loop formed at opposite ends of the flexible line  604 . The flexible line  604  may be coupled to the stake member  602  by threading, for example, the first coupling member  620  through the first opening  612   a  and threading the second coupling member  622  through, for example, a third opening  612   c  so that an intermediate portion  628  of the flexible line  604  is positioned on a back-side or a first side surface  630  of the stake member  602  and, when the first and second ends  624 ,  626  are pulled taut, the intermediate portion  628  sits or nests within the bend  608  along the centerline  610  of the stake member  602 . 
     With respect to  FIG. 19 , the stake system  600  of this embodiment is depicted in an intended use position in the loose material  632 , such as snow. Similar to previous embodiments, the stake member  602  may be pushed into the loose material  632  and the flexible line  604  may be pulled tautly to cut through the loose material  632  to the location of a coupling portion  644  coupled to an object (not shown), such as a tent or any other desired object. As such, the stake system  600  may be configured to anchor the object in loose material and withstand a force  646  that may be applied to the stake system  600 . As depicted, the flexible line  604 , in this embodiment, may include a first portion  638  and a second portion  640  extending tautly from the stake member  602  with the first coupling member  620  and the second coupling member  622  exposed above a surface of the loose material  632  and, further, with the intermediate portion  628  positioned against the first side surface  630  of the stake member  602  against the concave side of the bend (as shown in outline). The first and second coupling members  620 ,  622  may both be coupled to the coupling portion  644  coupled to an object. 
     The force  646  placed upon the first portion  638  and the second portion  640  of the flexible line  604  provides an effective force vector  642  (shown in outline) disposed between the first portion  638  and second portion  640  of the flexible line  604 . Such effective force vector  642  preferably may extend from the stake member  602  at an angle β of about 90 degrees, but may also be within the range of about 60 degrees and 120 degrees, or within the range of about 45 degrees and 120 degrees. Further, the intermediate portion  628  of the flexible line provides leverage against the stake member  602  over a length  648  between, for example, the first opening  612   a  and the third opening  612   c  (see  FIG. 17 ) threaded by the flexible line  604 . Depending upon the multiple openings  612  employed for threading the flexible line  604 , the effective force vector  642  may vary in position, however, such effective force vector  642  will always extend between the first and second portions  638 ,  640  of the flexible line  604 . Preferably, the flexible hue  604  may be threaded through the distal most opening or first opening  612   a  and, depending upon the consistency or layers of the loose material  632  will depend on which other opening the flexible line  604  is threaded. In some instances, it may be preferable to employ openings  612  other than the distal most opening. 
     For example, a user may select which openings  612  to thread the flexible line  604  by testing the snow. Such testing may be employed by shoveling a portion of the snow away to observe and determine the characteristics of the snow, such as observing a powder layer  634  and a rigid layer  636  (layers distinguished by dotted line  635 ). Once the depths of various layers in the snow are determined, the user may select particular openings  612  to thread the flexible line  604  based on the various layers and then test the anchoring force with the selected openings  612 . The user may modify the two openings  612  employed and experiment with the anchoring force until the user is satisfied with the optimal selection of two openings. Some factors a user may use to determine optimal selection of openings  612  may include ensuring the effective force vector  642  extends through a rigid layer  636  of snow or ensuring the distal portion  606  of the stake member  602  engages a rigid layer  636 . Once the user has selected the two openings  612  for optimal anchoring force relative to inconsistencies in the loose material  632 , the user may then implement the stake system  600  for anchoring an object appropriately. In this manner, the flexible line  604  being threaded through two openings of the stake member  602  increases the stability of the stake member  602  in potentially inconsistent portions of snow and, further, prevents the potential of the flexible line  604  becoming decoupled due to such inconsistencies. 
     Now turning to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , an embodiment of a high-load stake system  700  is provided. In this embodiment, the high-load stake system  700  employs a stake system  702 , as described and depicted in any of the previous embodiments, with a load amplifier  704  or object to withstand a force  706 . With respect to  FIG. 20 , the stake system  702  includes a stake member  708  having a distal portion  710  and an elongated portion  712  with a flexible line  714  coupled to the distal portion  710  of the stake member  708 . 
     The load amplifier  704  may include an elongated pole portion  716  extending between a proximal end  718  and a distal end  720 . The distal end  720  may include a spade portion  722  fixed thereto. Such a spade portion  722  may include a shovel-like configuration and a surface area  723  sized and configured to be forced deep into loose material  705  and to stabilize the load amplifier  704  in the loose material  705 . The load amplifier  704  may also include a step portion  724  having an elongate configuration extending across or transverse relative to the elongated pole portion  716 . The step portion  724  may be positioned distal a mid-point  726  of the elongated pole portion  716  and proximal the spade portion  722  or above and separate from the spade portion  722 . 
     The load amplifier  704  may also include a first coupling portion  728  and a second coupling portion  730  positioned, separately and discreetly, along the elongated pole portion  716 . For example, the first coupling portion  728  may be positioned a distance  740  from the second coupling portion  730  along the elongated pole portion  716 . The first coupling portion  728  may be positioned at the proximal end  718  of the elongated pole portion  716 . The first coupling portion  728  may be configured to include a first line  732 , such as a tension strap, with a tightening buckle  734  that is configured to extend between the first coupling portion  728  and the flexible line  714  of the stake system  702 . The second coupling portion  730  may be positioned between the proximal end  718  of the elongated pole portion  716  and the step portion  724 . In one embodiment, the second coupling portion  730  may be positioned closer to the step portion  724  than the proximal end  718  of the elongated pole portion  716 . The second coupling portion  730  may be configured to include a second line  736 , the second line  736  being configured to couple to an object (not shown). 
     With respect to  FIG. 21 , the load amplifier  704  employed with the stake system  702  is depicted. For example, the load amplifier  704  may be driven into loose material  705 , such as sand or snow or any other loose aggregate, by stepping on the step portion  724  or pounding the elongated pole portion  716  at its proximal end  718  to facilitate forcing the spade portion  722  below the surface of the loose material  705  until the step portion  724  is about flush with the surface of the loose material  705 . Such load amplifier  704  may be vertically driven into the loose material  705  at a substantially orthogonal angle relative to the surface of the loose material  705 . The first line  732  may then be attached or coupled to one end of the flexible line  714  of the stake system  702  while the other end of the flexible line  714  is coupled to a distal portion  710  of the stake member  708 . The stake member  708  of the stake system  702  may then be driven into the loose material  705 , as described in previous embodiments, such that the flexible line  714  extends from the stake member  708  through the loose material  705  at an angle β of about 90 degrees, or at an angle β within the range of about 60 degrees and 120 degrees, or at an angle β within the range of about 45 degrees and 135 degrees. The first line  732  may then be tensioned with the tightening buckle  734  such that the first line  732  and flexible line  714  extend tautly between the proximal end  718  of the load amplifier  704  and the distal portion  710  of the stake member  708  to provide a tension force Ft therebetween. It should be noted that this tension force Ft is facilitated via the stake system arrangement with the flexible line  714  being drawn from the distal portion  710  of the stake member  708 , as previously depicted and described herein. The second line  736  may then be coupled to an object (not shown) so that the load amplifier  704  and the stake system  702  may anchor the object and withstand a force  706  applied thereto. For example, the load amplifier  704  and the stake system  702 , in combination, may be employed in sand or snow for vehicle retrieval, house boat anchoring, slack line anchoring, and any other object that potentially generates large constant and/or dynamic threes. Depending on the object and the potential forces that may be generated, it may be desirable to employ additional stake systems  702 , such as two or three stake systems, each with their own first line  732  extending between the proximal end  718  of the load amplifier  704  and the flexible line  714  of each stake system  702 . 
     The load amplifier  704  and stake system  702  are sized and configured to withstand the force  706  or forces generated and applied to the load amplifier  704 . For example, the spade portion  722  of the load amplifier  704 , upon the force  706  being applied to the load amplifier  704 , may be sized and configured to provide a static or shear force Fs as one component to withstand the force  706 . In this manner, the surface area  723  of the spade portion  722  stabilizes the load amplifier  704  deep within the loose material  705 . Further, the stake system  702  facilitates the tension force Ft extending along the first line  732  and the flexible line  714  between the load amplifier  704  and the stake system  702 , providing another component that withstands the force  706 . Such tension force Ft extends at an angle θ, thereby, providing a horizontal force component Fx and a vertical force component Fy. The distance  740  between the first coupling portion  728  and the second coupling portion  730  provides a lever arm or moment between the force  706  and the tension force Ft, the horizontal force component Fx directly counteracting the force  706 . Further, upon the force  706  being applied to the load amplifier  716 , the vertical force component Fy drives or forces the load amplifier  704  in a downward direction. As such, as the force  706  that is applied to the load amplifier  716  is, increased, the vertical force component Fy driving the load amplifier  716  into the loose material also is increased. With this arrangement, the distance  740  or moment arm provides an advantageous feature in providing a multiplying effect for both the horizontal force component Fx and the vertical three component Fy of the tension force Ft. Further, the stake system of the present invention provides the stability and anchoring necessary to facilitate the tension force Ft. In this manner, the combined anchoring features of the stake system  702  and the load amplifier  701  provide the high-load stake system  700  the ability to withstand large constant and/or dynamic forces in loose material, such as sand or snow. 
     Now turning to  FIGS. 22, 23A, and 23B , another embodiment of a stake system  800  is provided. Referring first to  FIG. 22 , the stake system  800  of this embodiment includes a rigid member  804 , rather than the flexible line of previous embodiments. The stake system  800  includes a stake member  802  and the rigid member  804 , the stake member  802  having a distal portion  806  and an elongated portion  808 . Similar to previous embodiments, the stake member  802  may include a first side surface  810  and a second side surface  812  with a bend (not shown) extending along a longitudinal length  813  of the stake member  802 , or at least partially along the length of the stake member  802 . Further, the distal portion  806  and the elongated portion  808  may be integrally formed to each other as well as extend from each other in a fixed arrangement. 
     The rigid member  804  may be elongated with a first end portion  814  and a second end portion  816 , the first end portion  814  pivotably coupled the distal portion  806  of the stake member  802  at for example, the second side surface  812  of the stake member  802 . The second end portion  816  of the rigid member  804  may be a free end. The rigid member  804  may be pivotably coupled to a stake coupling portion  818  via a pin  820  and hole (not shown) type arrangement or some other coupling member as known in the art. The stake coupling portion  818  may be sized and configured to facilitate the rigid member  804  to pivot about the stake coupling portion  818  at an angle  822 , relative to the stake member  802 , ranging between about 0 degrees and 180 degrees, or at an angle  822  ranging between about 0 degrees and 135 degrees. The rigid member  804  may also pivot about the stake coupling portion  818  at an angle  822  ranging between about 0 degrees and 120 degrees, or any other angle range suitable to facilitate, the rigid member  804  to pivot and extend at an appropriate angle relative to the stake member  802 . Further, the rigid member  804  may include a lateral cross-section having a rectangular shape or any other suitable shape, such as circular or square shape. The rigid member  804  may be formed of a metallic material, such as steel, or the rigid member  804  may be formed from a polymeric material. Further, the rigid member  804  may be elongated so as to be longer than the length  813  of the stake member  802 . In another embodiment, the rigid member  804  may be elongated to be a similar length of the longitudinal length  813  of the stake member  802 . 
     With respect to  FIGS. 23A and 23B , one embodiment of installing the stake system  800  is provided. For example, with reference to  FIG. 23A , the stake system  800  may be positioned adjacent an object  824 , such as a tree or any other suitable object for staking down or anchoring. The stake system  800  may be pounded or manually forced into a loose material  826 . such as sand or soil, with the rigid member  804  extending relative to the stake member  802  in a closed position or at an angle of about 0 degrees. In instances where one may be planting a tree or the like, the soil may be disrupted or loose. As such, the stake system  800  may be implemented in soil that may be loosened to facilitate the stake system  800  to be pounded or forced into the loose material  826 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 23B , once the stake system  800  is positioned in the loose material  826 , the rigid member  804  may then be manually moved and pivoted to an angle  828  relative to the stake member  802 . Such angle  828  may extend from the stake member at about 90 degrees, or at an angle extending in the range of about 60 degrees and 120 degrees, or at an angle extending within the range of about 45 degrees and 135 degrees. in this, manner, the rigid member  804  moves through the loose material  826 , pivoting about the stake coupling portion  818 , such that the second end portion  816  may be exposed above the loose material  826  with the remaining portion of the rigid member  804  extending through the loose material  826  to the distal portion  806  of the stake member  802 . The second end portion  816  of the rigid member  804  may include a ring portion  830  or the like. Such ring portion  830  may then be coupled to a line member  832  so that the line member  832  may be coupled to the object  824 . One or more other stake system  800 , if needed, may also be employed, to anchor the object  824 , as represented with dotted line  834 . With this arrangement, the stake system  800  having the rigid member  804  may be employed to anchor an object  824 , similar to previous embodiments. 
     While the invention may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. Further, the structural features of any one embodiment disclosed herein may be combined or replaced by any one of the structural features of another embodiment set forth herein. For example, the tabs  490  of  FIG. 12  may be included in any one of the embodiments of the elongate member described herein. As such, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.