Removable ground anchor device, kit, method and system

Abstract

A system for manufacturing a ground anchor includes at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly. The system comprises an insertion arrangement configured to move at least one of the tube and the sleeve relative to each other to form the sleeved tubular assembly in which the tube is inserted through the sleeve. A bending unit is operative to apply a force on the sleeved tubular assembly for bending the assembly, and a controller comprising processing circuitry is provided for controlling the operation of the insertion arrangement and the bending unit.

Description

[0001] REMOVABLE GROUND ANCHOR DEVICE, KIT, METHOD AND SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The presently disclosed subject matter generally relates to ground anchor assemblies and more particularly to a removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor, including a ground anchor kit incorporating the removable ground anchor device and certain methods of assembly with the removable ground anchor and systems for manufacturing a removable ground anchor.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below.

[0006] • CN113123373A

[0007] • IP2001172973 A

[0008] • IPH06146275 A

[0009] • CN108797583A

[0010] • CN205369245U

[0011] • CN 102392444 A

[0012] • CN213204107U

[0013] • KR20050050732

[0014] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0015] GENERAL DESCRIPTION Ground anchor systems are some of the most useful tools available to geotechnical engineers. Ground anchors are commonly associated with earth-retaining walls, basement structures, dry docks, suspension bridges, pile load tests, tunnels, underground caverns, mooring dolphins, and transmission towers, in a non-limiting example. Ground anchors are typically categorized into either temporary or permanent type. The use of U-turn type removable ground anchors has proven to be an effective tool for anchoring projects of the type listed above. However, it has been noted that cable removal from these temporary ground anchor arrangements can often undermine grout materials used to secure tube portions of the removable ground anchor. Temporary or removable ground anchors are often used during the construction phase of a project to withstand tensile loads for a known or projected period of time typically on the order of a couple years.

[0016] There is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor. The removable ground anchor comprises a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein. The tube may be formed with a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom. The removable ground anchor device comprises a shaping sleeve and a reinforcement member. The shaping sleeve is mountable on and circumscribable about the U-shaped portion. The shaping sleeve comprises two legs extending from a distal end thereof, and each leg has an inter-leg surface having a space therebetween.

[0017] The reinforcement member has a member wall fixed to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of one of the inter-leg surfaces. The member wall of the reinforcement member has a wall height at least not less than a projection height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

[0018] In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion extends along a portion plane and the member wall has a wall radius of curvature and the portion has a portion radius of curvature, the radii of curvature extending transverse to the portion plane. In some embodiments, the wall radius of curvature is greater than the portion radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the wall radius of curvature approximates an infinite radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse crosssection and the member wall is planar at least along the portion. In some embodiments, the wall height is greater than the projection height of the projection of the portion. In some embodiments, the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of the portion. In some embodiments, the member wall has a wall area based on the wall height and a wall length of the member wall. The portion of the inter-leg surfaces has a portion area based on the projection height and a portion length of the portion. In some embodiments, the wall area is greater than the portion area.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the removable ground anchor is anchored in a stratum, the wall area comprises a stratum contact area at a surface of the member wall contacting the stratum which is greater than the portion area. In some embodiments, the wall length extends at least intermediate the two straight portions such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions. In some embodiments, the opposed wall portions extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the wall length is equal to or greater than the portion length.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inter-leg surfaces constitute the portion. In some embodiments, the member material is bendable. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

[0021] There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a ground anchor kit for use in a tensile load application within a load-bearing stratum. The ground anchor kit according to the presently disclosed subject matter may be said to comprise a shaping sleeve and a reinforcement member. The shaping sleeve has opposed sleeve ends and an outer sleeve surface. The reinforcement member has a member wall for affixation to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of the outer sleeve surface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the ground anchor kit is for use with a removable ground anchor, which removable ground anchor comprises a tube and at least one cable, the tube for sheathing the cable. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve is mountable on the tube. In some embodiments, the tube is bendable so as to form a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom. The shaping sleeve is circumscribable about the U- shaped portion and comprises two legs extending from a distal end thereof. Each leg positions a respective inter-leg surface in spaced relation to one another.

[0023] In some embodiments, the member wall has a wall height at least not less than a projection height of a projection of the portion on a wall plane defined by the member wall. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member comprises a member material having a greater tensile strength than that of a sleeve material from which the shaping sleeve is made. In some embodiments, the member material is bendable. In some embodiments, the U- shaped portion extends along a portion plane of the shaping sleeve.

[0024] In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse crosssection and the member wall is planar at least along a wall portion thereof. In some embodiments, the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of the portion. In some embodiments, the member wall comprises opposable wall portions, which opposable wall portions are extendable in parallel relation to one another.

[0025] There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor assembly. The removable ground anchor assembly according to the presently disclosed subject matter comprises a tube and a shaping sleeve. The tube sheaths at least one cable therein, and the shaping sleeve is mounted on the tube.

[0026] In some embodiments, the removable ground anchor device comprises a reinforcement member having a member wall affixable to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of the shaping sleeve. The member wall has a wall height at least not less than a height of a projection of the portion on a wall plane defined by the member wall. The reinforcement member comprises a member material having a greater tensile strength than that of a sleeve material from which the shaping sleeve is made.

[0027] In some embodiments, the tube is formed with a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom. In some embodiments, the U-shaped portion extends along a portion plane. The member wall has a wall radius of curvature and the portion has a portion radius of curvature. The radii of curvature extend transverse to the portion plane, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve is circumscribable about the U-shaped portion. The shaping sleeve comprises two legs proximally extending from a distal end thereof, and each leg has an inter-leg surface having a space therebetween. In some embodiments, the wall radius of curvature is greater than the portion radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the wall radius of curvature approximates an infinite radius of curvature. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse crosssection and the member wall is planar at least along said portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the wall height is greater than the projection height of the projection of the portion. In some embodiments, the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion. In some embodiments, the member wall has a wall area based on the wall height and a wall length of the member wall, and the portion of the inter-leg surface has a portion area based on the projection height and a portion length of the portion. In some embodiments, the wall area is greater than the portion area.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the removable ground anchor is anchored in a stratum, the wall area comprises a stratum contact area at a surface of the member wall contacting the stratum, which is greater than the portion area. In some embodiments, the wall length extends at least intermediate the two straight portions, such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions.

[0030] In some embodiments, the opposed wall portions extend parallel to one another. In some embodiments, the wall length is equal to or greater than the portion length. In some embodiments, the member material is bendable. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

[0031] There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a first method of assembling a removable ground anchor device on a removable ground ancho. The removable ground anchor comprises a curvable tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, and a curvable shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and a sleeve surface. The shaping sleeve is installed on the tube. The method of assembly includes providing a curvable reinforcement member having a member wall, and performing one of the following sequences. A first sequence involves curving the tube and the shaping sleeve to a U-shaped configuration. If the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved then curving the reinforcement member to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration, and affixing the curved member wall to the curved shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface.

[0032] A second sequence involves providing the curvable reinforcement member when uncurved, affixing the member wall to the shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface when shaping sleeve is uncurved and curving the tube, the shaping sleeve and the reinforcement member to a U-shaped configuration.

[0033] There is thus provided in accordance with another embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a second method of assembling a removable ground anchor device on a removable ground anchor. The removable ground anchor comprises a curvable tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, and a curvable shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and a sleeve surface. The shaping sleeve is installed on the tube.

[0034] The method of assembly comprises providing a curvable reinforcement member having a member wall, curving the tube and the shaping sleeve to a U-shaped configuration, curving the reinforcement member to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved and affixing the member wall to the shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface.

[0035] The affixing process may be performed in one of the following sequences: after curving the tube and the shaping sleeve and after curving the reinforcement member, if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved; and prior to curving the tube and the shaping sleeve and before performing curving the tube, the shaping sleeve and curving the reinforcement member if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved.

[0036] In some methods, the wall height may be formed to be at least twofold greater than the projection height. In some methods, the wall member may be formed to have a wall length, such that the wall length is extendable at least intermediate the two straight portions and such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions. In some methods, the opposed wall portions may be extended in parallel relation to one another. In some methods, the wall length may be formed to be equal to or greater than a portion length of the portion. In some methods, the wall member may be formed from a bendable material. In some methods, the wall member may be from a member material having a tensile strength allowing the member material to be bent to a curvature compatible with the U-shaped portion.

[0037] There is thus provided, in accordance with various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, a system for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly comprising a sleeved portion, in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, and a protruding portion, in which the tube protrudes from the sleeve. The system comprises an insertion arrangement operative to move at least one of the tube and the sleeve relative to each other for forming the sleeved tubular assembly, in which the tube is inserted through the lumen of the sleeve; a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved tubular assembly at a bending location, the bending optionally causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail, thereby forming a flailing portion; and a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of the insertion arrangement and the bending unit.

[0038] The system further comprises a guiding arrangement including at least one surface operable for directing the flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during the bending, and optionally a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tubular assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location. In some embodiments, the bending unit comprises a roller having a receiving portion shaped with a continuous arcuate portion that has a continuous arcuateshaped periphery being part of a circle, and a discontinuous arcuate portion having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate shape of the receiving portion. In some embodiments, the system comprises any one or more of a guiding arrangement and a transporting arrangement including a tube receiving enclosure configured to receive at least a portion of the sleeved tubular assembly, wherein the tube receiving enclosure defines a chamber for receiving the flailing portion of the tube and comprises at least one lateral wall and a groove configured to receive the flailing portion. There is further provided a removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor, the removable ground anchor comprising a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, the tube being formed with a curved portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom. The removable ground anchor device comprises a shaping sleeve mountable on and circumscribable about the curved portion at a sleeve curved portion, the shaping sleeve comprising two legs extending from the sleeve curved portion, each leg having an inter-leg surface at which an inter-leg surface faces the other inter-leg surface, wherein at least a portion of one of the inter-leg surfaces is flat.

[0039] The aspects of the above systems can be combines or interchanged.

[0040] Below are listed the Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0041] 1. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve , comprising: an insertion arrangement operative to move at least one of the tube and the sleeve relative to each other for forming a sleeved tubular assembly of the sleeve and the tube, in which the tube is inserted through the lumen of the sleeve; a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved tubular assembly for bending the sleeved tubular assembly; and a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of the insertion arrangement and the bending unit.

[0042] 2. The system according to embodiment 1, wherein the tube is arranged to be insertable at its distal end into an input end of the sleeve, and the sleeve input end is opposite a sleeve output end.

[0043] 3. The system according to embodiment 2, wherein the insertion arrangement comprises a tube feeder operated by an actuator to advance the tube through the sleeve.

[0044] 4. The system according to embodiment 3, wherein the tube feeder comprises an insertion conduit and the actuator comprises a motor. 5. The system according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the tube has a longitudinal axis and is arranged for the tube distal end to exit the tube feeder at a sleeve dispensing location where the sleeve input end is positioned for insertion on the tube at the tube distal end.

[0045] 6. The system according to embodiment 5, wherein the controller is operative to position the sleeve at the sleeve dispensing location prior to the advancement of the tube distal end to the sleeve dispensing location.

[0046] 7. The system according to any one of embodiments 5 and 6, wherein the sleeve is dispensed to the sleeve dispensing location from a sleeve magazine.

[0047] 8. The system according to embodiment 7, wherein the sleeve magazine comprises a sleeve stacking chamber and a sleeve ejecting mechanism operable to cause the sleeve to be ejected from the sleeve stacking chamber to the sleeve dispensing location.

[0048] 9. The system according to embodiment 8, wherein the controller is operative to activate the sleeve ejecting mechanism for ejecting the sleeve therefrom to the sleeve dispensing location prior to the advancement of the tube distal end to the sleeve dispensing location.

[0049] 10. The system according to any one of embodiments 5 to 9, wherein the insertion arrangement comprises a limiter , positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location so as to inhibit the location of the sleeve to the sleeve dispensing location prior to insertion of the sleeve on the tube.

[0050] 11. The system according to embodiment 10, wherein the limiter comprises at least one stop wall. 12. The system according to any one of embodiments 2 to 11, wherein the controller is operative to terminate the advancement of the tube through the sleeve when an available tube length for forming the sleeved tube assembly extends approximately twice a length extending between a midsection of the sleeve to the tube distal end.

[0051] 13. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the bending unit comprises: a contact surface which contacts the sleeve on the tubular sleeve assembly at a corresponding sleeve contact surface ; and a pressing member operative to press the sleeve for bending thereof.

[0052] 14. The system according to embodiment 13 wherein the contact surface comprises a clamp for clamping the corresponding sleeve contact surface and pressing the sleeve thereat by the pressing member.

[0053] 15. The system according to embodiment 12, wherein the controller is operative to cause the bending unit to commence said bending of the sleeve after said termination of advancement of the tube though the sleeve.

[0054] 16. The system according to any one of embodiments 13 to 15, wherein the pressing member is movable along a predetermined path by a moving mechanism at least when bending the tubular sleeved assembly.

[0055] 17. The system according to embodiment 16, wherein the predetermined path comprises at least a part of an arcuate configuration.

[0056] 18. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the bending unit comprises a roller formed with a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve. 19. The system according to embodiment 18 when dependent on embodiment 5, wherein the roller is positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location.

[0057] 20. The system according to embodiment 19, wherein the roller comprises an axle configured for allowing the roller to revolve thereabout, optionally upon application of said force while bending the sleeved tubular assembly.

[0058] 21. The system according to any one of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate-shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate-shape of the receiving portion.

[0059] 22. The system according to embodiment 21, wherein the continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints , which meet two endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

[0060] 23. The system according to embodiment 22, wherein the continuous arcuate portion extends over an angular span of approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller.

[0061] 24. The system according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion.

[0062] 25. The system according to embodiment 24, wherein the truncated portion is planar.

[0063] 26. The system according to any one of embodiments 18 to 25 when dependent on embodiment 2, wherein the controller is operative to cause the bending unit to bend the tubed sleeved assembly by positioning the sleeve output end at a distance to the sleeve input end smaller than a diameter of the roller. 27. The system according to embodiment 26, wherein the controller is operative to apply a releasing force to release the bent tubular sleeved assembly from the roller upon termination of said bending, wherein a minimal releasing force required for said release is smaller than a releasing force required for said release absent the discontinuous arcuate portion.

[0064] 28. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 27, wherein at least one of the insertion arrangement and the bending unit comprises a trigger switch operative to terminate an action or commence an action, or both, performed by the insertion arrangement or the bending unit.

[0065] 29. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the sleeved tube assembly of at least one tube inserted through a lumen of a sleeve, has a sleeved portion , in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, and a protruding portion , in which the tube protrudes from the sleeve, comprising: the bending unit is operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion, said bending causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion ; a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface operable for directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending; and the controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit.

[0066] 30. The system according embodiment 29, wherein the guiding arrangement guides the flailing portion at least during bending along the predetermined path to traverse a smaller area than the flailing portion would have traversed, absent the guiding arrangement. 31. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 or 30, wherein the guiding arrangement is positioned to interfere with the flailing of the flailing portion.

[0067] 32. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 31, wherein a tube protruding portion distal side , during bending, is traversable along said predetermined path over a spatially-varying bending area extending between the tube protruding portion distal side and a tube protruding portion proximal side , a guided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed during bending when said flailing portion is directed by said guiding arrangement ;and an unguided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed when said flailing portion is not directed by said guiding arrangement , the guided bending area being smaller than the unguided bending area.

[0068] 33. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 32, wherein the at least one surface defines at least a part of the predetermined path and allows sliding of the flailing portion therealong.

[0069] 34. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 33, wherein the at least one surface is a surface comprising any one or both of an active element, which is controlled by the controller , and a passive element, which is not controlled by the controller.

[0070] 35. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 34, wherein the system has a vertical axis orthogonal to the ground and a horizonal axis and a latitudinal axis mutually orthogonal to each other and to the vertical axis , the least one surface is operative to define any one or more of: a vertical boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the vertical direction along the vertical axis ; a horizontal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the horizontal direction along the horizontal axis ; a latitudinal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the latitudinal direction along the latitudinal axis.

[0071] 36. The system according to embodiment 35, wherein the predetermined path traverses a base which constitutes at least the vertical boundary.

[0072] 37. The system according to embodiment 36, wherein the least one surface comprises a barrier wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary, the barrier wall protrudes from the base.

[0073] 38. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 37, wherein the least one surface comprises one or more recessed guide members formed with a recess dimensioned to partially enclose the flailing portion and maintain the flailing portion position along the predetermined path.

[0074] 39. The system according to embodiment 38, wherein the one or more recessed guide members is formed as a sheeve.

[0075] 40. The system according to any one of embodiment 36 and embodiments 37 to 39 when dependent on embodiment 36, wherein the least one surface comprises at least one elevated barrier extending above the base and being operative as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

[0076] 41. The system according to embodiment 40, wherein the at least one elevated barrier comprises a shaft.

[0077] 42. The system according to embodiment 41 when dependent from embodiment 38, wherein the shaft is supported by the recessed guide member. 43. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 42, wherein the least one surface comprises a selectively clamping unit operative to selectively secure a segment of the flailing portion thereto.

[0078] 44. The system according to embodiment 43, wherein the selectively clamping unit comprises a first and second clamping surface positioned with a selectively variable gap therebetween for clamping the segment of the flailing portion in the gap.

[0079] 45. The system according to embodiment 44, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other between a clamping position, in which the gap between the surfaces is less than a diameter of the segment of the flailing portion, and a release position, in which the gap exceeds the diameter of the segment of the flailing portion.

[0080] 46. The system according to embodiment 45, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other by an actuator operative to move one or both of the first and second surfaces between the clamping and release positions.

[0081] 47. The system according to any one of embodiments 44 to 46, wherein the first clamping surface of the selectively clamping unit comprises a wheel having a circumferential clamping face , and the second clamping surface comprises a roller assembly positioned adjacent to the wheel to define the gap therebetween.

[0082] 48. The system according to embodiment 47, wherein the roller assembly comprises at least one rotatable roller mounted on a rigid support structure.

[0083] 49. The system according to any one of embodiments 47 or 48, when dependent on embodiment 45, wherein the wheel and the roller assembly are movable relative to each other between the clamping position and the release position. 50. The system according to embodiment 49, wherein the roller assembly is displaceable relative to the wheel by an actuator operative to move the roller assembly between the clamping position and the release position.

[0084] 51. The system according to any one of embodiments 36 and 37 to 50 when dependent on embodiment 36, further comprising a ramp operative to guide the flailing portion along the predetermined path towards the latitudinal boundary positioned above the base.

[0085] 52. The system according to embodiment 51 when dependent on embodiment 47, wherein the ramp comprises a planar inclined surface extending from the base upwards.

[0086] 53. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 52 wherein at least one of the bending unit and the guiding arrangement comprises a trigger switch operative to terminate an action or commence an action, or both, performed by at least one of the bending unit and the guiding arrangement.

[0087] 54. The system according to embodiment 53 when dependent on embodiment 43, wherein the trigger switch is engaged at least with of the selectively clamping unit and is operative, when triggered, to facilitate activation of the actuator to move the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

[0088] 55. The system according to embodiment 53 or 54 when dependent on embodiment 43, wherein the trigger switch is operative to activate the actuator to move one or both of the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

[0089] 56. The system according to embodiment 55 when dependent on embodiment 13, wherein the controller is operative to terminate the bending of the bending unit upon engagement of the trigger switch by any one of the pressing member and the selectively clamping unit. 57. The system according to embodiment 56, wherein the pressing member commences the bending at an initial position and the controller is operative to cause the movement of the pressing member , following the termination of the bending, towards the initial position.

[0090] 58. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 57, wherein the bending unit is operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion at a bending location; a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location; and a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit.

[0091] 59. The system according to embodiment 58, wherein the transporting arrangement comprises an advancing unit operative to selectively cause the advancing of at least the segment of the flailing portion from the selectively clamping unit towards said another location.

[0092] 60. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 59, wherein the at least one surface comprises a tube receiving enclosure having a receiving chamber for receiving at least a portion of the sleeved tube assembly.

[0093] 61. The system according to embodiment 60 when dependent from embodiment 35, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises at least one wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

[0094] 62. The system according to embodiment 61 when dependent from embodiment 36, wherein the at least one wall extends transversely relative to the base. 63. The system according to any one of embodiments 60 to 62 when dependent from embodiment 36, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction.

[0095] 64. The system according to embodiment 63 when dependent from embodiment 36, wherein the at least one wall is operative to move the flailing portion in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction, along the predetermined path at least during said bending.

[0096] 65. The system according to any one of embodiments 60 to 64, wherein the sleeve has an input end and an opposite sleeve output end the protruding portion comprises the flailing portion protruding from the output end of the sleeve and a linear portion protruding from the input end of the sleeve, the tube receiving enclosure has a longitudinal axis and is positioned, at some time during said manufacturing, at a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the tube receiving enclosure is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tube at the linear portion.

[0097] 66. The system according to embodiment 65, wherein the tube receiving enclosure at the first position in operative to receive the flailing portion.

[0098] 67. The system according to embodiment 65 or 66, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the first position and a second position , in which the tube receiving enclosure is longitudinally misaligned with the linear portion at least along axis relative to axis.

[0099] 68. The system according to embodiment 67, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least during any one of said bending and said transporting. 69. The system according to embodiment 68, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least following said bending.

[0100] 70. The system according to any one of embodiments 29 to 69, further comprising a cutter unit for cutting the protruding portion at a predetermined length for manufacturing the bent sleeved tube assembly.

[0101] 71. The system according to any one of embodiments 60 to 70, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is formed with a tunnel-shaped geometry comprising an arched upper wall.

[0102] 72. The system according to any one of embodiments 60 to 71, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls extending downward from the arched upper wall to form the receiving chamber.

[0103] 73. The system of any one of embodiments 60 to 72, wherein the tube receiving enclosure further comprises a channel or groove aligned with the longitudinal axis , and adapted to stabilize the flailing portion during movement during manufacturing.

[0104] 74. The system of any one of embodiments 65 and 66 to 74 when dependent on embodiment 65, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operated by an actuator operative to move the tube receiving enclosure between at least the first position and the second position.

[0105] 75. The system according to embodiment 74 when dependent on embodiment 36, wherein the base comprises a recess formed therein and being located beneath the tube receiving enclosure when the tube receiving enclosure is at the second position. 76. The system of embodiment 75, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the second position in which it is over the recess , and the first position in which the tube receiving enclosure is displaced from the recess to expose the recess.

[0106] 77. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including a sleeved tube assembly of at least one tube inserted through a lumen of a sleeve, having a sleeved portion , in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, and a protruding portion , in which the tube protrudes from the sleeve, comprising: a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion, said bending causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion ; a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface operable for directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending; a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit; and optionally, said bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion at a bending location; and optionally a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location.

[0107] 78. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including a sleeved tube assembly of at least one tube inserted through a lumen of a sleeve, having a sleeved portion , in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, comprising: a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion at a bending location; a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location; and a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit; and optionally said bending unit causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion ; and optionally a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface operable for directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending.

[0108] 79. The system according to embodiment 77 or 78, wherein the tube is arranged to be insertable at its distal end into an input end of the sleeve, and the sleeve input end is opposite a sleeve output end.

[0109] 80. The system according to embodiment 79, wherein the tube protruding portion comprises a distal side extending from the sleeve output end to the tube distal end and a proximal side extending from the sleeve input end towards a tube proximal end.

[0110] 81. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 80, wherein the bending unit comprises: a contact surface which contacts the sleeve on the tubular sleeve assembly at a corresponding sleeve contact surface ; and a pressing member operative to press the sleeve for bending thereof.

[0111] 82. The system according to embodiment 81, wherein the corresponding sleeve contact surface is positioned at greater proximity to the sleeve output end than to the sleeve input end.

[0112] 83. The system according to embodiment 81 or 82, wherein the contact surface comprises a clamp for clamping the corresponding sleeve contact surface and pressing the sleeve thereat by the pressing member. 84. The system according to any one of embodiments 81 to 83, wherein the pressing member is movable along the predetermined path by a moving mechanism at least when bending the tubular sleeved assembly.

[0113] 85. The system according to embodiment 84, wherein the predetermined path comprises at least a part of an arcuate configuration.

[0114] 86. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 85, wherein the bending unit comprises a roller formed with a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve.

[0115] 87. The system according to embodiment 86, wherein the roller comprises an axle configured for allowing the roller to revolve thereabout, optionally upon application of said force while bending the sleeved tubular assembly.

[0116] 88. The system according to any one of embodiments 86 to 87, wherein the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate-shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate-shape of the receiving portion.

[0117] 89. The system according to embodiment 88, wherein the continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints, which meet two endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

[0118] 90. The system according to embodiment 89, wherein the continuous arcuate portion extends over an angular span of approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller.

[0119] 91. The system according to any one of embodiments 88 to 90, wherein the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion. 92. The system according to embodiment 91, wherein the truncated portion is flat.

[0120] 93. The system according to any one of embodiments 86 to 92 when dependent on embodiment 31 , wherein the controller is operative to cause the bending unit to bend the tubed sleeved assembly by positioning the sleeve output end at a distance smaller to the sleeve input end than a diameter of the roller.

[0121] 94. The system according to embodiment 79, wherein the controller is operative to apply a releasing force to release the bent tubular sleeved assembly from the roller upon termination of said bending, wherein a minimal releasing force required for said release is smaller than a releasing force required for said release absent the discontinuous arcuate portion.

[0122] 95. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 94, wherein the guiding arrangement guides the flailing portion at least during bending along the predetermined path to traverse a smaller area than the flailing portion would have traversed, absent the guiding arrangement.

[0123] 96. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 95, wherein the guiding arrangement is positioned to interfere with the flailing of the flailing portion.

[0124] 97. The system according to any one of embodiments 80 and embodiments 81 to 96 when dependent on embodiment 80, wherein the tube protruding portion distal side , during bending, is traversable along said predetermined path over a spatially-varying bending area extending between the tube protruding portion distal side and the tube protruding portion proximal side , a guided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed during bending when said flailing portion is directed by said guiding arrangement ;and an unguided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed when said flailing portion is not directed by said guiding arrangement , the guided bending area being smaller than the unguided bending area.

[0125] 98. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 97, wherein the at least one surface defines at least a part of the predetermined path and allows sliding of the flailing portion therealong.

[0126] 99. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 98, wherein the at least one surface is a surface comprising any one or both of an active element, which is controlled by the controller , and a passive element, which is not controlled by the controller.

[0127] 100. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 99, wherein the system has a vertical axis orthogonal to the ground and a horizonal axis and a latitudinal axis mutually orthogonal to each other and to the vertical axis , the least one surface is operative to define any one or more of: a vertical boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the vertical direction along the vertical axis ; a horizontal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the horizontal direction along the horizontal axis ; a latitudinal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the latitudinal direction along the latitudinal axis.

[0128] 101. The system according to embodiment 100, wherein the predetermined path traverses a base which constitutes at least the vertical boundary.

[0129] 102. The system according to embodiment 101, wherein the least one surface comprises a barrier wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary, the barrier wall protrudes from the base. 03. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 102, wherein the least one surface comprises one or more recessed guide members formed with a recess dimensioned to partially enclose the flailing portion and maintain the flailing portion position along the predetermined path. 04. The system according to embodiment 103 , wherein the one or more recessed guide members is formed as a sheeve. 05. The system according to any one of embodiments 103 to 104 when dependent from embodiment 102, wherein the one or more recessed guide members are positioned at a greater proximity to the barrier wall than to the tube protruding portion proximal side.

[0130] 106. The system according to any one of embodiment 100 and embodiments 101 to 105 when dependent on embodiment 100, wherein the least one surface comprises at least one elevated barrier extending above the base and being operative as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

[0131] 107. The system according to embodiment 106, wherein the at least one elevated barrier comprises a shaft.

[0132] 108. The system according to embodiment 107 when dependent from embodiment 105, wherein the shaft is supported by the recessed guide member.

[0133] 109. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 108, wherein the least one surface comprises a selectively clamping unit operative to selectively secure said segment of the flailing portion thereto. 110. The system according to embodiment 109, wherein the selectively clamping unit comprises a first and second clamping surface positioned with a selectively variable gap therebetween for clamping the segment of the flailing portion in the gap.

[0134] 111. The system according to embodiment 110, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other between a clamping position, in which the gap between the surfaces is less than a diameter of the segment of the flailing portion, and a release position, in which the gap exceeds the diameter of the segment of the flailing portion.

[0135] 112. The system according to embodiment 111, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other by an actuator operative to move one or both of the first and second surfaces between the clamping and release positions.

[0136] 113. The system according to any one of embodiments 110 to 112, wherein the first clamping surface of the selectively clamping unit comprises a wheel having a circumferential clamping face , and the second clamping surface comprises a roller assembly positioned adjacent to the wheel to define the gap therebetween.

[0137] 114. The system according to embodiment 113, wherein the roller assembly comprises at least one rotatable roller mounted on a rigid support structure.

[0138] 115. The system according to any one of embodiments 113 or 114, when dependent on embodiment 111, wherein the wheel and the roller assembly are movable relative to each other between the clamping position and the release position 116. The system according to embodiment 115, wherein the roller assembly is displaceable relative to the wheel by an actuator operative to move the roller assembly between the clamping position and the release position.

[0139] 117. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 116 when dependent from embodiment 101, further comprising a ramp operative to guide the flailing portion along the predetermined path towards the latitudinal boundary positioned above the base.

[0140] 118. The system according to embodiment 117 when dependent on embodiment 113, wherein the ramp comprises a planar inclined surface extending from the base towards the wheel.

[0141] 119. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 118, wherein at least one of the bending unit , the guiding arrangement and the transporting arrangement comprises a trigger switch operative to terminate an action or commence an action, or both, performed by at least one of the bending unit ,the guiding arrangement and the transporting arrangement.

[0142] 120. The system according to embodiment 119 when dependent on embodiment 109, wherein the trigger switch is engaged at least with of the selectively clamping unit and is operative, when triggered, to facilitate activation of the actuator to move the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

[0143] 121. The system according to embodiment 119 or 120 when dependent on embodiment 81, wherein the trigger switch is operative, when triggered by the pressing member , to activate the actuator to move one or both of the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position. 122. The system according to any one of embodiments 119 to 121 , wherein the controller is operative to terminate the bending of the bending unit upon engagement of the trigger switch by any one of the pressing member and the selectively clamping unit.

[0144] 123. The system according to embodiment 122, wherein the pressing member commences the bending at an initial position and the controller is operative to cause the movement of the pressing member , following the termination of the bending, towards the initial position.

[0145] 124. The system according to embodiment 123, wherein the transporting arrangement comprises an advancing unit operative to selectively cause the advancing of at least the segment of the flailing portion from the selectively clamping unit towards said another location.

[0146] 125. The system according to embodiment 124, wherein the advancing unit comprises a tube feeder operated by the actuator to advance the linear portion therefrom , thereby causing the advancement of the segment of the flailing portion from the selectively clamping unit.

[0147] 126. The system according to embodiment 125 when dependent from embodiment 113, wherein the wheel is mounted on an axle and is operative to rotate about its axis during said advancement of the segment of the flailing portion.

[0148] 127. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 126, wherein the at least one surface comprises a tube receiving enclosure having a receiving chamber for receiving at least a portion of the sleeved tube assembly. 128. The system according to embodiment 127 when dependent from embodiment 100, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises at least one wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

[0149] 129. The system according to embodiment 128 when dependent from embodiment 101, wherein the at least one wall extends transversely relative to the base.

[0150] 130. The system according to any one of embodiments 127 to 129 when dependent from embodiment 100, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction.

[0151] 131. The system according to embodiment 130, wherein the at least one wall is operative to move the flailing portion in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction, along the predetermined path at least during said bending.

[0152] 132. The system according to any one of embodiments 127 to 131, wherein the sleeve has an input end and an opposite sleeve output end the protruding portion comprises the flailing portion protruding from the output end of the sleeve and a linear portion protruding from the input end of the sleeve, the tube receiving enclosure has a longitudinal axis and is positioned, at some time during said manufacturing, at a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the tube receiving enclosure is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tube at the linear portion.

[0153] 133. The system according to embodiment 132, wherein the tube receiving enclosure at the first position in operative to receive the flailing portion.

[0154] 134. The system according to embodiment 132 or 133, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the first position and a second position , in which the tube receiving enclosure is longitudinally misaligned with the linear portion at least along axis relative to axis.

[0155] 135. The system according to embodiment 134, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least during said bending.

[0156] 136. The system according to any one of embodiments 127 to 135, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, at least during said transporting.

[0157] 137. The system according to embodiment 136, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least following said bending.

[0158] 138. The system according to any one of embodiments 77 to 137, further comprising a cutter unit for cutting the protruding portion at a predetermined length for manufacturing the bent sleeved tube assembly.

[0159] 139. The system according to any one of embodiments 127 to 138, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is formed with a tunnel-shaped geometry comprising an arched upper wall.

[0160] 140. The system according to any one of embodiments 127 to 139, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls extending downward from the arched upper wall to form the receiving chamber.

[0161] In spec: the receiving chamber is dimensioned to guide the flailing portion without substantial deformation thereof, allowing guided motion along a curved or arc-shaped predetermined path. 141. The system of any one of embodiments 127 to 140, wherein the tube receiving enclosure further comprises a channel or groove aligned with the longitudinal axis , and adapted to stabilize the flailing portion during movement during manufacturing.

[0162] 142. The system of any one of embodiments 132 and 133 to 141 when dependent on embodiment 132, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operated by an actuator operative to move the tube receiving enclosure between at least the first position and the second position.

[0163] 143. The system according to embodiment 142 when dependent on embodiment 101 , the base comprises a recess formed therein and being located beneath the tube receiving enclosure when the tube receiving enclosure is at the second position.

[0164] 144. The system of embodiment 143, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the second position in which it is over the recess , and the first position in which the tube receiving enclosure is displaced from the recess to expose the recess.

[0165] 145. The system of embodiment 144 when dependent on embodiment 138, wherein the enclosure is operative to move following completion of said cutting, thereby enabling the cut sleeved tube assembly to fall through the recess to a downstream handling station.

[0166] 146. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve , comprising: a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved tubular assembly for bending the sleeved tubular assembly and comprising a roller comprising a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve, the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate-shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate-shape of the receiving portion.

[0167] 147. The system according to embodiment 146, wherein the roller comprises an axle configured for allowing the roller to revolve thereabout, optionally upon application of said force while bending the sleeved tubular assembly.

[0168] 148. The system according to any one of embodiments 146 and 147, wherein the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate- shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate-shape of the receiving portion.

[0169] 149. The system according to embodiment 148, wherein the continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints , which meet two endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

[0170] 150. The system according to embodiment 149, wherein the continuous arcuate portion extends over an angular span of approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller.

[0171] 151. The system according to embodiment 150, wherein the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion.

[0172] 152. The system according to embodiment 151, wherein the truncated portion is planar.

[0173] 153. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly, the system comprising: any one or more of a guiding arrangement and a transporting arrangement comprising a tube receiving enclosure configured to receive at least a portion of the sleeved tubular assembly, wherein the tube receiving enclosure defines a chamber for receiving a flailing portion of the tube and comprises at least one lateral wall and a groove configured to receive the flailing portion of the tube.

[0174] 154. The system of embodiment 153, wherein the groove is shaped and dimensioned to retain the flailing portion in a predetermined position during or after bending of the sleeved tubular assembly.

[0175] 155. The system of embodiment 153 or 154, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between a first position aligned with a bending location and a second position aligned with a downstream location.

[0176] 156. The system of embodiment 155, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is configured to transport the flailing portion from the bending location to the downstream location along a guided path.

[0177] 157. The system of any one of embodiments 153 to 156, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises a recess configured to release at least a portion of the sleeved tubular assembly to a handling station.

[0178] 158. The system of embodiment 157, wherein the recess is located at a downstream region of the tube receiving enclosure and configured to allow gravitational or mechanically assisted release of the flailing portion or a segment thereof.

[0179] 159. The system of any one of embodiments 153 to 158, further comprising a controller comprising processing circuitry configured to control the movement of the tube receiving enclosure between the first position and the second position.

[0180] 160. A method for manufacturing a ground anchor, the method comprising: optionally inserting at least one tube through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly comprising the tube and the sleeve; applying a force to the sleeved tubular assembly to bend the sleeved tubular assembly at a bending location; and controlling the insertion of the tube through the sleeve and the bending of the sleeved tubular assembly using processing circuitry of a controller; optionally said bending causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion and said bending being performed at a bending location; optionally directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending; and optionally transporting a bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location.

[0181] 161. A removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, said tube being formed with a curved portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom, the removable ground anchor device comprising: a shaping sleeve mountable on and circumscribable about the curved portion at a sleeve curved portion said shaping sleeve comprising two legs extending from the sleeve curved portion, each leg having an inter-leg surface at which an inter-leg surface faces the other inter-leg surface, wherein at least a portion of one of the inter-leg surfaces is flat.

[0182] 162. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 161, wherein the at least one of the legs has at least one additional surface adjacent the inter-leg surface, at least a portion of the at least one additional surface is flat.

[0183] 163. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 161 or 162, wherein the at least one of the legs has a surface parallel to the inter-leg surface, at least a portion of the at least one parallel surface is flat. 164. The removable ground anchor device of any one of embodiments 161 to 163, wherein the sleeve curved portion has a U-shape comprising at least a semi-circular arc.

[0184] 165. The removable ground anchor device of any one of embodiments 161 to 164, wherein the sleeve curved portion has a curvature with a diameter KI, and the inter-leg surface has a length K2 that is greater than KI .

[0185] 166. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 165, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion.

[0186] 167. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 165, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least two times the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion.

[0187] 168. The removable ground anchor device of any one of embodiments 161 to 167, wherein at least one leg has a longitudinal axis and at least the leg has a cross-sectional profile , taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis , the cross-sectional profile formed in a rectangular shape.

[0188] 169. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 168, wherein the shaping sleeve defines an internal housing having a rectangular cross-sectional profile configured to receive and house a plurality of tubes therein, the rectangular shape operative to arrange the plurality of tubes in a compact configuration that minimizes unused volume within the housing.

[0189] 170. The removable ground anchor device of any one of embodiments 161 to 169, wherein the material of the shaping sleeve is more rigid than the material of the tube.

[0190] 171. The removable ground anchor device of any one of embodiments 161 to 170, wherein the material of the shaping sleeve is formed of a deformable material operative to retain its curved shape of the sleeve curved portion after being bent.

[0191] 172. A removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, said tube being formed with a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom, the removable ground anchor device comprising: a shaping sleeve mountable on and circumscribable about the U-shaped portion, said shaping sleeve comprising two legs extending from a distal end thereof, each leg having an inter-leg surface having a space therebetween; and a reinforcement member having a member wall fixed to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of one of said inter-leg surfaces, wherein the member wall has a wall height at least not less than a projection height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

[0192] 173. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 172, wherein the U- shaped portion extends along a portion plane, the member wall having a wall radius of curvature and the portion having a portion radius of curvature, said radii of curvature extending transverse to the portion plane.

[0193] 174. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 173, wherein the wall radius of curvature is greater than the portion radius of curvature.

[0194] 175. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 173 or 174, wherein the wall radius of curvature approximates an infinite radius of curvature.

[0195] 176. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to

[0196] 175, wherein the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the member wall is planar at least along said portion.

[0197] 177. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to

[0198] 176, wherein the wall height is greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

[0199] 178. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to 177, wherein the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion. 179. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to 178, wherein the member wall has a wall area based on said wall height and a wall length of the member wall, the portion of the inter-leg surfaces has a portion area based on said projection height and a portion length of said portion, the wall area being greater than the portion area.

[0200] 180. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 179, wherein, when the removable ground anchor is anchored in a stratum, said wall area comprises a stratum contact area at a surface of the member wall contacting the stratum which is greater than the portion area.

[0201] 181. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 179 or 180, wherein the wall length extends at least intermediate the two straight portions such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions.

[0202] 182. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 181, wherein the opposed wall portions extend parallel to one another.

[0203] 183. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 179 to

[0204] 182, wherein the wall length is equal to or greater than the portion length.

[0205] 184. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to

[0206] 183, wherein the inter-leg surfaces constitute said portion.

[0207] 185. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to

[0208] 184, wherein a material forming the member is bendable.

[0209] 186. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 172 to

[0210] 185, wherein the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

[0211] 187. A ground anchor kit for use in a tensile load application within a load-bearing stratum, the ground anchor kit comprising: a shaping sleeve, the shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and an outer sleeve surface; and a reinforcement member having a member wall for affixation to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of the outer sleeve surface.

[0212] 188. The ground anchor kit according to embodiment 187 for use with a removable ground anchor, the removable ground anchor comprising a tube and at least one cable, the tube for sheathing said cable.

[0213] 189. The ground anchor kit according to embodiment 188, wherein the shaping sleeve is mountable on the tube.

[0214] 190. The ground anchor kit according to embodiment 189, wherein the tube is bendable so as to form a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom, the shaping sleeve being circumscribable about the U-shaped portion and comprising two legs extending from a distal end thereof, each leg positioning a respective inter-leg surface in spaced relation to one another.

[0215] 191. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 187 to 190, wherein the member wall has a wall height at least not less than a projection height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

[0216] 192. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 187 to 191, wherein the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

[0217] 193. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 187 to 192, wherein a material forming the member is bendable.

[0218] 194. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 190 and 191 to 193 when dependent on embodiment 190, wherein the U-shaped portion extends along a portion plane of said shaping sleeve. 195. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 187 to 194, wherein the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the member wall is planar at least along a wall portion thereof.

[0219] 196. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 192 to 195, when dependent on embodiment 191, wherein the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

[0220] 197. The ground anchor kit according to any one of embodiments 187 to 196, wherein the member wall comprises opposable wall portions, the opposable wall portions being extendable in parallel relation to one another.

[0221] 198. A removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor assembly, said removable ground anchor assembly comprising a tube and a shaping sleeve, the tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, the shaping sleeve being mounted on the tube, the removable ground anchor device comprising: a reinforcement member having a member wall affixable to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of the shaping sleeve, the member wall having a wall height at least not less than a height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

[0222] 199. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 198, wherein said tube is formed with a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom.

[0223] 200. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 199, wherein the U- shaped portion extends along a portion plane, the member wall having a wall radius of curvature and the portion having a portion radius of curvature, said radii of curvature extending transverse to the portion plane.

[0224] 201. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 200, wherein the shaping sleeve is circumscribable about the U-shaped portion, said shaping sleeve comprising two legs proximally extending from a distal end thereof, each leg having an inter-leg surface having a space therebetween. 202. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 200 or 201, wherein the wall radius of curvature is greater than the portion radius of curvature.

[0225] 203. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 200 to

[0226] 202, wherein the wall radius of curvature approximates an infinite radius of curvature.

[0227] 204. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 198 to

[0228] 203, wherein the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the member wall is planar at least along said portion.

[0229] 205. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 198 to

[0230] 204, wherein the wall height is greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

[0231] 206. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 198 to

[0232] 205, wherein the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

[0233] 207. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 198 to

[0234] 206, wherein the member wall has a wall area based on said wall height and a wall length of the member wall, the portion of the inter-leg surface having a portion area based on said projection height and a portion length of said portion, the wall area being greater than the portion area.

[0235] 208. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 207, wherein, when the removable ground anchor is anchored in a stratum, said wall area comprises a stratum contact area at a surface of the member wall contacting the stratum, which is greater than the portion area.

[0236] 209. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 207 or 208 when dependent on embodiment 199, wherein the wall length extends at least intermediate the two straight portions such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions. 210. The removable ground anchor device according to embodiment 209, wherein the opposed wall portions extend parallel to one another.

[0237] 211. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 207 to

[0238] 210, wherein the wall length is equal to or greater than the portion length.

[0239] 212. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 198 to

[0240] 211, wherein the member material is bendable.

[0241] 213. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of embodiments 198 to

[0242] 212, wherein the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

[0243] 214. A method of assembling a removable ground anchor device on a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a curvable tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, and a curvable shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and a sleeve surface, the shaping sleeve being installed on the tube, the method comprising: providing a curvable reinforcement member having a member wall; and performing one of the following sequences: curving the tube and the shaping sleeve to a U-shaped configuration; if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved then curving the reinforcement member to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration; and affixing the curved member wall to the curved shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface; or providing the curvable reinforcement member when uncurved; affixing the member wall to the shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface when shaping sleeve is uncurved; and curving the tube, the shaping sleeve and the reinforcement member to a U-shaped configuration.

[0244] 215. A method of assembling a removable ground anchor device on a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a curvable tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, and a curvable shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and a sleeve surface, the shaping sleeve being installed on the tube, the method comprising: providing a curvable reinforcement member having a member wall; curving the tube and the shaping sleeve to a U-shaped configuration; curving the reinforcement member to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved; and affixing the member wall to the shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface; said affixing performed in one of the following sequences: after said curving the tube and the shaping sleeve and after said curving the reinforcement member, if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved; and prior to said curving the tube and the shaping sleeve and before performing said curving the tube, the shaping sleeve and said curving the reinforcement member if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved.

[0245] 216. The method according to embodiment 214 or 215, further comprising the step of forming the wall height to be at least twofold greater than the projection height.

[0246] 217. The method according to embodiment 216, further comprising the step of forming the wall member to have a wall length, the wall length being extendable at least intermediate the two straight portions such that member wall comprises opposed wall portions.

[0247] 218. The method according to embodiment 216 or 217, further comprising the step of extending the opposed wall portions in parallel relation to one another.

[0248] 219. The method according to any one of embodiments 216 to 218, further comprising the step of forming the wall length to be equal to or greater than a portion length of said portion.

[0249] 220. The method according to any one of embodiments 216 to 219, further comprising the step of forming the wall member from a bendable material. 221. The method according to any one of embodiments 216 to 220, further comprising the step of forming the wall member from a member material having a tensile strength allowing the member material to be bent to a curvature compatible with the U-shaped portion.

[0250] 222. The removable ground anchor device of any one of embodiments 172 to 186, wherein the reinforcement member comprises a U-shaped wall portion which has a curvature with a diameter KI, and an inter-leg surface has a length K2 that is greater than KI.

[0251] 223. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 222, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the U-shaped wall portion.

[0252] 224. The removable ground anchor device of embodiment 224, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least two times the diameter KI of the U-shaped wall portion.

[0253] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0254] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0255] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0256] FIG. 2 is a lateral side elevational view of the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0257] FIG. 3 is a proximal end elevational view of the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0258] FIG. 4 is another elevational view of the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0259] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a removable ground anchor usable in combination with the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a cable being pulled through a tube of the removable ground anchor for removing the cable from the tube; FIG. 6A is a first lateral side view of the removable ground anchor usable in combination with the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a cable of the removable ground anchor being pulled from a tube of the removable ground anchor to remove the cable from the tube;

[0260] FIG. 6B is a second lateral side view of the removable ground anchor usable in combination with the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a cable free end of a cable of the removable ground anchor being pulled into a tube end of the removable ground anchor to remove the cable from the tube;

[0261] FIG. 7 is an enlarged proximal end view of a removable ground anchor usable in combination with the removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a cable being directed into the page at a left end of the removable ground anchor and being directed out of the page at the right end of the removable ground anchor;

[0262] FIG. 8 is a top view of a removable ground anchor assembly according to the presently disclosed subject matter as embedded in a load-bearing stratum and showing a cable being removed from a tube of the removable ground anchor portion of the assembly thereby causing stress forces and rifts within a stratum space between opposed portions of a sleeve portion of the assembly at a proximal end thereof;

[0263] FIG. 9 is an enlarged proximal end view of a removable ground anchor assembly according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a cable being directed into the page at a left end of the assembly and being directed out of the page at the right end of the assembly thereby causing stress forces and rifts within a stratum space between opposed portions of a sleeve portion of the assembly;

[0264] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a first type of removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a tube of a removable ground anchor;

[0265] FIG. 10A is a top perspective view of a second type of removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a tube of a removable ground anchor; FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a tube of a removable ground anchor;

[0266] FIG. 12A is a first lateral side elevational view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a tube of a removable ground anchor;

[0267] FIG. 12B is a second lateral side elevational view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a tube of a removable ground anchor;

[0268] FIG. 13 is a top view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a removable ground anchor as embedded in a load-bearing stratum and showing a cable being removed from a tube of the removable ground anchor thereby causing stress forces within the stratum and the removable ground anchor device countering the stress forces for eliminating rifts within a stratum space between opposed portions of a reinforcement member of the removable ground anchor device;

[0269] FIG. 14A is a proximal end view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a removable ground anchor as embedded in a load-bearing stratum and showing a cable being removed from a tube of the removable ground anchor thereby causing stress forces within the stratum and the removable ground anchor device countering the stress forces for eliminating rifts within a stratum space between opposed portions of a reinforcement member of the removable ground anchor device;

[0270] FIG. 14B is a proximal end view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown installed on a removable ground anchor and depicting an infinite radius of curvature of a reinforcement member of the removable ground anchor device;

[0271] FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as enlarged and sectioned from FIG. 14B to show in greater detail an attachment site of the reinforcement member to the shaping sleeve along a portion thereof and depicting a projection of the portion along a wall plane of the reinforcement member; FIG. 16 is an exploded top perspective view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown exploded from a tube of a removable ground anchor;

[0272] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter shown exploded from a removable ground anchor assembly usable with the removable ground anchor device;

[0273] FIG. 18 is a generic representation of a ground anchor kit according to the present disclosed subject matter showing an uncurved shaping sleeve and an uncurved reinforcement member of the ground anchor kit;

[0274] FIG. 19 is a side view of an uncurved shaping sleeve according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0275] FIG. 20 is an end view of an uncurved shaping sleeve according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0276] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an uncurved shaping sleeve according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting the uncurved shaping sleeve being bent or curved about a central sleeve portion of the shaping sleeve to form a U-shaped sleeve configuration;

[0277] FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of a curved shaping sleeve according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting the curved shaping sleeve formed into a U- shaped sleeve configuration;

[0278] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of a curved shaping sleeve according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting the curved shaping sleeve formed into a U-shaped sleeve configuration;

[0279] FIG. 24 is a proximal end view of a curved shaping sleeve according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface extending in parallel relation to a portion plane of the curved shaping sleeve;

[0280] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an uncurved reinforcement member according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting the uncurved reinforcement member being bent or curved about a central wall portion of the reinforcement member to form a U- shaped wall configuration; FIG. 26 is an elevational view of an inner member wall of the reinforcement member according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing a wall height and a wall length thereof;

[0281] FIG. 27 is an edge view of the reinforcement member according to the presently disclosed subject matter showing an outer member wall surface and an inner member wall surface thereof;

[0282] FIG. 28 is a top perspective view of a curved reinforcement member according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting the curved reinforcement member formed into a U-shaped wall configuration;

[0283] FIG. 29 is a top edge view of a curved reinforcement member according to the presently disclosed subject matter depicting the curved reinforcement member formed into a U-shaped wall configuration;

[0284] FIG. 30 is a proximal end elevational view of the reinforcement member according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0285] FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a removable ground anchor device according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0286] FIGs. 31B-D are perspectives views of a removable ground anchor according to the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0287] FIGs. 32A-36G are schematic views of systems for manufacturing a ground anchor according to the presently disclosed subject matter; and

[0288] Figs. 37-39 are elements of the system of Figs. 32A-36G.

[0289] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0290] The presently disclosed subject matter generally provides a removable ground anchor device 10 or ensemble for use with a temporary or U-turn type removable ground anchor 11. In some applications, the removable ground anchor device 10 is provided in a ground anchor kit comprising the basic components. Further, certain methods of assembling a removable ground anchor device 10 on a removable ground anchor 11 are disclosed. The removable ground anchor device 10 according to the presently disclosed subject matter is generally introduced, depicted and referenced in FIGS. 1 - 4, and the removable ground anchor 11 usable in combination with the removable ground anchor device 10 is generally introduced, depicted and referenced in FIGS. 5 - 7.

[0291] Temporary or removable U-turn type ground anchors as generally referenced at 11 are structural elements capable of transmitting a tensile load to a load bearing stratum as at 100 (FIG. 9), which includes any one or more of: sand, silt, clay, mortar, soil, grout, concrete, rock, gravel or any other geosphere material, the tensile load-bearing strength of which may be bolstered by a variety of grout applications during formation of the anchor site.

[0292] The removable ground anchor 11 usable in combination with the removable ground anchor device 10 according to the presently disclosed subject matter comprises a tube 12 for removably sheathing at least one cable 13 therein. In some applications, the tube 12 may provide a basis for an anchor head that is anchored in the load-bearing stratum 100 along with grout materials to secure the tube 12 or anchor head within the load-bearing stratum 100. The grout materials are injected into a space designated 109 described hereinbelow. It is noted that stratum 100 may include the grout material injected in the ground and / or any type of natural or artificial ground material. For purposes of these specifications, the load-bearing stratum as referenced at 100 should be construed as encompassing any material, such as in a non-limiting example comprising grout, various soils, bedrock, and combinations thereof or any other geosphere material suitable for anchoring the removable ground anchor 11.

[0293] The grout materials can include grout, mortar, slurry, cement and any material which is initially flowable and thereafter can form a solid for a tensile load to a load-bearing stratum or any other geosphere material.

[0294] The cable 13 of the removable ground anchor 11 is of a high tensile strength tendon or wire / cable rope, typically a braided steel cable. These cables generally comprise wires, strands, and a core shaped in a spiral pattern. More particularly, steel wires are aligned in a precise helix geometric pattern to form a strand in a process known as stranding and closed during which strands are laid around the core to form a wire or cable rope, though any suitable cable configuration is contemplated. The cable 13 may be decoupled or removed from the tube 12 once the service life of the ground anchor 11 expires by pulling the cable 13 from one end of the tube 12 as referenced at pull arrow or vector 114. A free end of the cable 13 is simultaneously directed into the tube 12 as at follow arrow or vector 115 and advanced therethrough until the cable 13 is removed from the tube 12. Referencing FIG. 7, for example, the reader will there see the pull vector 114 is directed out of the page and the follow vector 115 is directed into the page corresponding to analogous references in FIG. 5 through 6B.

[0295] In some embodiments, the tube 12 may be formed with a U-shaped tube portion 14 and two straight tube portions 15 proximally projecting therefrom. Together the U-shaped tube portion 14 and the two straight tube portions 15 extend along a portion plane 108 as referenced in FIGS. 6A through 7. In some applications, the cable 13 may be inserted into the tube 12 such that the tube 12 removably sheaths the tube 13 before the tube 12 is shaped or formed into a U-shaped configuration to form the U-shaped tube portion 14 with the straight tube portions 15 projecting proximally therefrom. It is noted that the tube may be formed with a portion other than a U-shape, such as a curved shape or any shape which allows removal of the cable 13 from an end of the tube 12.

[0296] The tube 12 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as with a circular cross - section as shown in FIG. 15. It is appreciated that tube 12 may be formed in alternative shapes, such as with an oval-like cross section, and / or with a rectangular or triangular cross section, in a non-limiting example.

[0297] A U-turn type ground anchor, as generally depicted in FIGS. 5 - 7, may be said to further comprise a fixed anchor length 101 and a free anchor length 102 as referenced in FIGS. 5 through 6B. From a comparative consideration of FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B versus FIG. 7, it will be noted the portion plane 108 may be obliquely angled to a stratum surface 143 in some applications.

[0298] The fixed anchor length 101 is the designated length of the removable ground anchor 11 over which the tensile load is transmitted to the load-bearing soil or stratum 100 intermediate a distal end 40 of the removable ground anchor 11 and a proximal portion 41 of the removable ground anchor 11. In this regard, the reader will note that in some embodiments, the primary load-bearing portion of the removable ground anchor 11 is generally located at the distal end 40 and extends proximally depending on the application.

[0299] The distance between the proximal portion 41 of the removable ground anchor 11 and the anchor head generally terminating at the stratum surface 143 is generally referred to as the free anchor length 102. A tendon or cable bond length is the overall cable length of the cable 13 that is temporarily bonded at the stratum 100 or grout and capable of transmitting the applied tensile load thereinto. The length of the tendon or cable 13 that is decoupled from the surrounding stratum 100 or grout during stressing is called the free tendon or cable length.

[0300] After an effective service life of a removable ground anchor 11, the cable 13 may be removed from the tube 12 so as to prevent a permanently buried cable obstruction within the stratum 100. For example, the removal of the cable 13 from the tube may prevent underground cable obstructions for future development adjacent the project site. It has been noted the process of removing the cable 13 from the tube 12 may impose inwardly directed stress forces 103 into the stratum 100 or grout intermediate the straight tube portions 15 projecting from the U-shaped tube portion 14 at the load-bearing end of the removable ground anchor 11 generally along the fixed anchor length 101. These stress forces 103 can cause fracture, shift, or rifts 104 within the space 109 or area of the stratum 100 intermediate at least the straight tube portions 15 and possibly the area between the U- shaped sleeve portion 23 thereby weakening the stratum 100 and / or grout at the anchor site as generally and comparatively further depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0301] Comparatively referencing FIGS. 8 and 9, it will be seen in some applications, a shaping sleeve 16 of greater transverse diameter 105 (FIG. 15) than the outer tube diameter 106 of the tube 12 may be outfitted upon the tube 12 at the load-bearing end of the removable ground anchor 11.

[0302] There is provided in accordance with an embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter a removable ground anchor device 10 configured to counter the stress forces 103 to help eliminate the rifts 104 within the space 109 of the stratum 100 at the anchor site. The removable ground anchor device 10 according to the presently disclosed subject matter addresses this perceived need. The removable ground anchor device 10 generally depicted in FIGS. 1 - 4 comprises a shaping sleeve 16 configured to be circumscribable about the tube 12 that enables removal of the cable 13 from the tube 12 along the U-shaped turn of the U-shaped tube portion 14.

[0303] A first type of removable ground anchor device 10 is further depicted attached to a tube 12 of the removable ground anchor 11 in FIGS. 10 and 11 - 14B and certain elements of the device 10 are further referenced in FIGS. 15 - 30. In some embodiments, the removable ground anchor device 10 further comprises a reinforcement member or plate 20 mountable to the shaping sleeve 16. A second type of removable ground anchor device as referenced at 10’ is depicted in FIG. lOAfor comparison purposes. Whereas the removable ground anchor device 10 is depicted with a singular U-shaped reinforcement member or plate 20 mountable to the shaping sleeve 16, the removable ground anchor device 10’ is depicted with a single reinforcement member or a plurality of reinforcement members or plates 20 mountable to the shaping sleeve 16 in spaced relation to one another.

[0304] In a non-limiting example, the plurality of reinforcement members 20 may be mounted to a first portion of the shaping sleeve 16 so as to face the same direction. In some embodiments, the plurality of reinforcement members 20 may face one another on opposed portions of the shaping sleeve 16 (not specifically illustrated). Further, the reinforcement members 20 of a plurality may comprise varied heights 25, lengths 29 (FIG. 26), shapes and thicknesses 140 (FIG. 15) as compared to one another. The removable ground anchor device 10’ is presented to show the reader that differing configurations thereof are contemplated and the removable ground anchor device 10 otherwise depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 - 14B should not be construed as limiting.

[0305] In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 16 is formed of a sleeve material and the reinforcement member 20 is formed of a member material such that the sleeve material may be suitably welded or otherwise bonded to the member material. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 comprises a member material having a greater tensile strength than that of the sleeve material from which the shaping sleeve 16 is made. In some embodiments, the member material is bendable, and in some embodiments, the member material is bendable such that a U-shaped sleeve portion 23 of the shaping sleeve 16 may comprise a curvature compatible with the U-shaped tube portion 14 of the tube 12.

[0306] In a non-limiting example, the material of the reinforcement member 20 is a stainless steel. In a further non-limiting example, the material of the reinforcement member 20 is a stainless steel with a grade in the range of St. 37- St. 52, which can include a material having a strength in the range of 350-650 Megapascal, subranges and variables thereof.

[0307] Furthermore, the reinforcement member 20 may comprise at least the same tensile strength of that of the shaping sleeve 16. The tensile strength of the reinforcement member 20 is determined by its material and by its thickness, namely the tensile strength increases as the thickness 140 of the reinforcement member 20 increases. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 may comprise a greater tensile strength of that of the shaping sleeve 16. In a non-limiting example, the thickness of the reinforcement member 20 may be in the range of 2 - 20 millimeters. In a non-limiting example, the thickness 140 of the reinforcement member 20 is at least 1.5 more than the thickness of the shaping sleeve. In a non-limiting example, the thickness of the reinforcement member 20 is 4 millimeters and the thickness of the shaping sleeve is 2.67 millimeters.

[0308] In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 16 is mountable on and circumscribable at least about the U-shaped tube portion 14 of the tube 12 such that the U-shaped sleeve portion 23 sheaths the U-shaped tube portion 14. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 16 comprises two sleeve legs 17 proximally extending from a U-shaped sleeve portion 23 of the shaping sleeve 16 toward a proximal end 18 of the shaping sleeve 16. Each sleeve leg 17 of the shaping sleeve 16 has an inter-leg surface 19 having or defining a space 107(FIG. 22) therebetween generally coextensive with the space 109. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 may be formed from a planar plate having an outer member wall 21 and an inner member wall 27. In some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 is affixed or mounted to the shaping sleeve 16 at least along a portion 26 of at least one of the inter-leg surfaces 19.

[0309] In some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 may be affixed or mounted to the shaping sleeve 16 along at least a portion of a surface length 110 of one or both inter-leg surfaces 19. In some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 may be affixed or mounted to the shaping sleeve 16 along the entire surface length of the inter-leg surfaces 19. In some embodiments, either one of both of the inter-leg surfaces 19 comprise or constitute the portion 26 at which the reinforcement member 20 is affixed or mounted to the shaping sleeve 16. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 may comprise a U-shaped wall portion 36 such that the outer member wall 21 may also be affixed to an inner sleeve surface 22 (FIG. 23) at the U-shaped sleeve portion 23 of the shaping sleeve 16.

[0310] In some embodiments, a wall length 29 (FIG. 26) of the reinforcement member 20 extends at least intermediate the two straight portions 15 when in a curved or U-shaped wall configuration thereby providing opposed or opposable wall portions 37. In some embodiments, the opposed wall portions 37 extend in parallel relation to one another along with the sleeve legs 17. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 may comprise opposed wall portions 37. The opposed wall portions 37 extend proximally from the U-shaped wall portion 36 such that the outer member wall 21 of the reinforcement member 20 may be affixed to the shaping sleeve 16 along at least a portion of the surface length 110 or along the entire surface lengths 110 at the inter-leg surfaces 19 and along a length 24 (FIG. 23) of the inner sleeve surface 22. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 may be shorter in length, equal to or greater in length as compared to the overall length 130 (FIG. 19) of the shaping sleeve 16 depending on the application and specification requirements of the project design. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the wall length 29 may be equal to or greater or lesser than the surface length 110.

[0311] In some embodiments, the inter-leg surface constitutes the surfaces 19 along one or both sleeve leg 17. In some embodiments, the inter-leg surface includes the entire or a portion of surfaces 19 and / or inner sleeve surface 22.

[0312] In some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 of the reinforcement member 20 has a wall height 25 (FIG. 26) at least not less than a projection height 28 of a projection 50 of the portion 26 on a wall plane 111 defined by the outer member wall 21 of the reinforcement member 20. In this regard, the reader is directed to FIG. 15. The inter-leg surfaces 19 comprising the portion 26 project upon the outer member wall 21 a projection 50 as at the thickened line so referenced in FIG. 15. The projection 50 has an upper projection end 32 and a lower projection end 33. In some embodiments, the upper projection end 32 lies within an upper sleeve plane 112 and the lower projection end 33 lies within a lower sleeve plane 113, which upper and lower planes 112 / 113 extend parallel to the portion plane 108 respectively through an upper sleeve surface 34 and a lower sleeve surface 35 of the shaping sleeve 16. The inter-leg surface(s) 19 extending along the (inner) portion 26 of the shaping sleeve 16 intermediate the upper sleeve surface 34 and the lower sleeve surface 35 either comprise or constitute the portion 26 that affixes to the outer member wall 21.

[0313] In some embodiments, the U-shaped tube portion 14 and straight tube portions 15 generally extend along the portion plane 108. The shaping sleeve 16 also extends along the portion plane 108 when sheathing the tube 12. In some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 has a wall radius of curvature 116 as generally depicted and referenced in FIG. 14B and the portion 26 has a portion radius of curvature 117 as generally depicted and referenced in FIG. 15. The radii of curvature 116 and 117 extend transverse to the portion plane 108. Referencing FIG. 15, the reader will there see the portion plane 108 there referenced. The portion plane 108 extends in two dimensions along an X axis 121 directed horizontally across the page and along a Z axis 123 (FIGS. 12Aand 12B) directed into the page orthogonal to a Y axis 122 directed vertically across the page.

[0314] In some embodiments, the wall radius of curvature 116 of the outer member wall

[0315] 21 is greater than the portion radius of curvature 117 of the portion 26. In some embodiments, the wall radius of curvature 116 approximates an infinite radius of curvature as in applications wherein the reinforcement member 20 is planar and tangentially mounted to the shaping sleeve 16 along the portion 26 as generally depicted in FIG. 14B. In other words, in some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 or at least at the side of the reinforcement member 20 that faces the inter-leg surface(s) 19 and the inner sleeve surface

[0316] 22 is substantially planar in some embodiments and mounted to a shaping sleeve 16 having a circular transverse cross-section.

[0317] In other words, in some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 16 may comprise a circular transverse cross-section and the outer member wall 21 is planar at least along the portion 26. In some embodiments, both the outer member wall 21 and the inner member wall 27 are planar, with the outer member wall 21 being mounted to the shaping sleeve 16 at least along the portion 26 thereof. In some embodiments, the U-shaped sleeve portion 23 is planar and U-shaped in two dimensions or along the X axis 121 and the Z axis 123 at least along the portion 26 of the shaping sleeve 16.

[0318] In some embodiments, the wall height 25 of the outer member wall 21 is greater than the projection height 28 of the projection 50 of the portion 26. In some embodiments, the projection 50 of the portion 26 is generally equal to the outer diameter 105 of the shaping sleeve 16. In some embodiments, the projection 50 of the portion 26 is lesser than the outer diameter 105 of the shaping sleeve 16. In other words, the projection height 28 defined by the outer diameter 105 is a maximum projection height 28. In all embodiments, the projection height 28 of the projection 26 is no greater than the diameter of 105 of the shaping sleeve 16. In some embodiments, the wall height 25 is at least twofold greater than the projection height 28 of the projection 50 of the portion 26. In some embodiments, the wall height 25 is at least threefold greater than the projection height 28 of the projection 50 of the portion 26.

[0319] In some embodiments, the outer member wall 21 (and optionally the inner member wall 27) has a wall area based on the wall height 25 and a wall length 29 of the outer member wall 21 as generally depicted and referenced in FIG. 25. In other words, the product of the wall height 25 and the wall length 29 equates to a wall area of the outer member wall 21. In some embodiments, the portion 26 of the inter-leg surfaces 19 has a portion area based on the projection height 28 and a portion length 30 (FIG. 13) of the portion 26. In some embodiments, the portion length 30 is lesser than the overall length 130 of the shaping sleeve 16 as generally depicted and referenced in FIG. 19. In some embodiments, the wall area is greater than the portion area.

[0320] In some embodiments, the removable ground anchor device 10 is anchored in the stratum 100 having a space 119 (FIG. 13) external to the removable ground anchor device 10 and outside the space 109 internal the removable ground anchor device 10 extending intermediate the wall portions 37 in which the removable ground anchor device 10 is buried. The inner member wall 27 has an inner wall area in contact with the stratum 100 within the space 109. When the cable 13 is removed from the tube 12, stress forces 103 may be directed into the space 109. The stratum 100 in which the reinforcement wall 20 is positioned as affixed along the portion 26 of the shaping sleeve 16, with the relatively greater stratum contact surface area as compared to the portion area, operates to impose relatively greater resistance to the stress forces 103 as at counter forces 133 thereby maintaining static balance or equilibrium within the space 109 for eliminating rifts 104 therewithin as comparatively depicted in FIG. 8 versus FIG. 13.

[0321] The greater surface contact area provided by the reinforcement member 20 along with its planar configuration opposing the direction of stress forces 103 operates to spread, redirect, and shift counter forces 133 reducing the likelihood of rift 104 formation at least within the space 109. In this regard, it is noted that radiused structures directed into a stratum 100, as for example the inter-leg surfaces of the shaping sleeve 16, form something of a “cutting edge” that may be directed into the stratum 100 within the space 109 as directed by the stress forces 103. The plate-like structure of the reinforcement member 20 effectively eliminates this “cutting edge” structure and effectively resists or counters the stress forces 103 to provide a more stable static equilibrium at the anchor site.

[0322] According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter a ground anchor kit for use in a tensile load application within a load-bearing stratum is contemplated. The ground anchor kit 200 according to the presently disclosed subject matter is basically depicted and referenced in FIG. 18 and comprises a shaping sleeve 16 and a reinforcement member 20 substantially as earlier described. The shaping sleeve 16 of the ground anchor kit 200 may be provided in an unbent or uncurved form within the ground anchor kit 200 in some embodiments and comprises has opposed sleeve ends 38 and an outer sleeve surface 39. The reinforcement member 20 has a member wall as at outer member wall 21 for affixation to the shaping sleeve 16 at least along a portion 26 of the outer sleeve surface 39. When the shaping sleeve 16 is bent or curved into a U-shaped sleeve configuration, a portion of the outer sleeve surface 39 becomes an inter-leg surface 19 in some embodiments. In other words, each sleeve leg 17 positions a respective interleg surface 19 in spaced relation to one another, in some embodiments.

[0323] The ground anchor kit 200 enables the user to outfit a removable ground anchor 11 substantially as earlier described for use therewith, which removable ground anchor 11 comprises a tube as at 12 and at least one cable as at 13. As earlier described, the tube 12 functions to removably sheath the cable 13. The shaping sleeve 16 is mountable on the tube 12 and in this regard comprises an inner sleeve diameter as at 120 in FIG. 20. The inner sleeve diameter 120 of the shaping sleeve 16 is sized and shaped to receive the outer tube diameter 106 of the tube 12. The tube 12 is thus telescopically receivable within the shaping sleeve 16 in some embodiments. Further, the tube 12 and the shaping sleeve 16 are bendable or curvable in some embodiments. Further, in some applications the shaping sleeve 16 and the tube 12 are together bendable to form the U-shaped sleeve portion 23 and the U-shaped tube portion 14.

[0324] The tube 12 is bendable so as to form the U-shaped tube portion 14 with two straight tube portions 15 extending proximally therefrom. The shaping sleeve 16 is bendable so as to form the U-shaped sleeve portion 23 and the two sleeve legs 17 extending proximally therefrom. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 16 is circumscribable about the U- shaped tube portion 14 and comprises two legs 17 extending from a distal end 42 (FIG. 16) of the U-shaped sleeve portion 23. Each leg 17 positions a respective inter-leg surface 19 in spaced relation to one another. In some embodiments, the two legs 17 extend proximally from the distal end 42 of the bent or circumscribed shaping sleeve 16 in parallel relation to one another defining the space 107 along the portion plane 108.

[0325] According to another aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor assembly as at 60 in FIG. 17. The removable ground anchor assembly 60 according to the presently disclosed subject matter may be said to comprise a tube 12 and a shaping sleeve 16 substantially as earlier described. The tube 12 is configured to removably sheath at least one cable 13 therein, and the shaping sleeve 16 is mounted on the tube 12. The removable ground anchor device according to this aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter comprises the reinforcement member 20 substantially as earlier described.

[0326] It will be recalled that the reinforcement member 20 has a member wall as at outer member wall 21 affixable to the shaping sleeve 12 at least along the portion 26 of the shaping sleeve 16. The member wall has a wall height 25 at least not less than a projection height 28 of a projection 50 of the portion 26 on a plane 111 defined by the member wall as at 21. Further, the reinforcement member 20 may comprise a member material having at least the same tensile strength than that of a sleeve material from which the shaping sleeve 16 is made. In some embodiments, the reinforcement member 20 may comprise a member material having a greater tensile strength of that of a sleeve material from which the shaping sleeve 16 is made.

[0327] Moreover, it is noted that the reinforcement member 20 is shown to have a generally rectangular surface area as shown in FIG. 18 and is bendable to form a U-shape, as shown in FIG. 28. It is appreciated that the reinforcement member 20 may be formed in any suitable shape, such as with a curved area, a non-flat surface and / or with rounded edge and with any suitable dimension, namely height 25, length 29 and thickness 140 (FIG. 15). The reinforcement member 20 may comprise a single unit, as shown herein , and it is appreciated that the reinforcement member 20 may comprise two or more units affixed to the shaping sleeve 16 at a part or at all of the inter-leg surfaces 19 or portion 26.

[0328] As prefaced above the presently disclosed subject matter further contemplates certain methods of assembling a removable ground anchor device as at 10 on a removable ground anchor 11. The presently disclosed subject matter contemplates at least two such methods. In a first aspect of the methodology, the removable ground anchor 11 may be said to comprise a curvable tube 12 for sheathing at least one cable 13 therein. It will be recalled the shaping sleeve 16 is bendable or curvable. Accordingly, a first method of assembly is based on a curvable shaping sleeve 16 having opposed sleeve ends 38 and an outer sleeve surface 39 as generally further depicted in FIGS. 21 - 24.

[0329] The shaping sleeve 16 may be bent or curved by holding a center sleeve portion 61 fixed as at fixing vector 125 and imparting forces as at arrows 126 into the opposed sleeve ends 38 directed opposite the fixing vector 125. The otherwise linearly extending shaping sleeve 16 as depicted in FIG. 20 may thereby be bent or curved as at curved arrows 127 into a U-shaped configuration as generally depicted in FIG. 21 for providing the U-shaped sleeve portion 23 at the distal end 42 and the two legs 17 extending proximally therefrom toward the proximal end 18 in parallel relation to one another in some embodiments. The tube 12 may be similarly bent or curved. Accordingly, the shaping sleeve 16 may be installed on the tube 12 in a number of alternative methods. The shaping sleeve 16 may be installed on the tube 12 by providing a curvable reinforcement member 20 having a member wall as at outer member wall 21, and performing one of the following sequences. The method may comprise the step of firstly curving the tube 12 and the shaping sleeve 16 to a U-shaped configuration. If the curvable reinforcement member 20 is provided uncurved, then curving the reinforcement member 20 to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration. The curved member wall may then be affixed to the curved shaping sleeve 16 along at least a portion 26 of the sleeve surface 39. Alternatively, the curvable reinforcement member 20 may be provided when uncurved or in a substantially linear configuration as generally depicted in FIGS. 25 - 27.

[0330] Referencing FIG. 25, the reinforcement member 20 may be bent or curved by holding a center wall portion 62 fixed as at fixing vector 125 and imparting forces as at arrows 126 into the opposed member ends 63 directed opposite the fixing vector 125. The otherwise linearly extending reinforcement member 20 as depicted in FIGS. 25 - 27 may thereby be bent or curved as at curved arrows 127 into a U-shaped wall configuration as generally depicted in FIGS. 28 and 29 for providing the U-shaped wall portion 36 and opposed wall portions 37 extending proximally therefrom in parallel relation to one another in some embodiments. The member wall may then be affixed to the shaping sleeve 16 along at least a portion 26 of the sleeve surface 39 when the shaping sleeve 16 is uncurved, and subsequently the tube 12, the shaping sleeve 16, and the reinforcement member 20 may be together curved or bent into a U-shaped configuration.

[0331] In a second aspect of the methodology according to the presently disclosed subject matter the removable ground anchor 11 may be said to comprise a curvable tube 12 for sheathing at least one cable 13 therein. The curvable shaping sleeve 16 has opposed sleeve ends 38 and a sleeve surface 39. The shaping sleeve 16 may be installed on the tube 12 such that the method comprises the steps of providing a curvable reinforcement member 20 having a member wall as at outer member wall 21. The tube 12 and the shaping sleeve 16 may be curved to a U-shaped configuration substantially as earlier described. The reinforcement member 20 may then be curved to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration if the curvable reinforcement member 20 is provided uncurved, and the member wall may be mounted to the shaping sleeve 16 along at least a portion 26 of the sleeve surface 39.

[0332] The affixing or mounting process may be performed in one of the following sequences. According to a first alternative process, the reinforcement member 20 may be affixed to the shaping sleeve 16 along the portion 26 after curving the tube 12 and the shaping sleeve 16 and after curving the reinforcement member 20, if the curvable reinforcement member 20 is provided uncurved. In some embodiments the sequence of the first process may include: the shaping sleeve 16 is provided installed on the tube 12 uncurved. Thereafter the shaping sleeve 16 and the tube 12 are curved. Thereafter the reinforcement member 20 is curved and then affixed to the curved shaping sleeve 16 and the tube 12.

[0333] According to a second alternative process, the reinforcement member 20 may be affixed to the shaping sleeve 16 along the portion 26 prior to curving the tube 12 and the shaping sleeve 16 and before performing curving of the tube 12, the shaping sleeve 16 and before curving the reinforcement member 20 if the curvable reinforcement member 20 is provided uncurved. In some embodiments the sequence of the second process may include: the shaping sleeve 16 is provided installed on the tube 12 uncurvl7ed. Prior to curving the shaping sleeve 16 and the tube 12, the uncurved reinforcement member 20 is affixed to the uncurved shaping sleeve 16 and the tube 12. Thereafter the reinforcement member 20 and the shaping sleeve 16 and the tube 12 and curved together.

[0334] In the first and second aspect of the methodology the affixation of the reinforcement member 20 may be performed in any suitable manner for joining the reinforcement member 20 and the shaping sleeve 16, such as by welding, spot welding, use of adhesives, soldering and the like.

[0335] In some embodiments, the U-shaped wall portion 36 of reinforcement member 20 has a curvature with a diameter KI, as shown at Fig. 11, for example, and the inter-leg surface 19 has a length K2 that is greater than KI. In some embodiments, the length K2 is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the U-shaped wall portion 36, and in other embodiments, at least two times greater. In some embodiments, the length K2 of the inter-leg surface 19 may be greater than the diameter KI of the U-shaped wall portion 36 by a variety of ratios beyond those expressly mentioned above. While exemplary ratios such as 1.5 times or two times the diameter KI are described, it is to be understood that greater or lesser ratios are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the ratio of K2 to KI may be in the range of 1.2 to 3.5, including subranges such as 1.5-2.5, 2.0-3.0, or 2.25-3.5. In some embodiments, K2 may be selected to maximize lateral distribution of tensile or compressive forces, enhance planar surface contact, or ensure compatibility with adjacent reinforcement structures.

[0336] The presently disclosed subject matter generally provides a removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor. In some embodiments, the removable ground anchor comprises a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, wherein the tube is formed with a curved portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom. The removable ground anchor device comprises a shaping sleeve mountable on and circumscribable about the curved portion at a sleeve curved portion. The shaping sleeve comprises two legs extending from the sleeve curved portion, each leg having an inter-leg surface at which an inter-leg surface faces the other inter-leg surface.

[0337] At least a portion of one of the inter-leg surfaces is flat.

[0338] The term “flat” is intended to include surfaces that are planar in form, namely, surfaces having zero or substantially zero curvature along their principal directions. Geometrically, a flat surface may be defined as having a radius of curvature that approximates infinity, meaning that the surface lies in a single plane without deviation in curvature either longitudinally or transversely. Minor manufacturing tolerances or surface irregularities that do not result in functional curvature are still considered consistent with a flat surface. A surface that includes only minor manufacturing deviations or non-functional tolerance-based curvature may still be considered “flat” within the scope of this definition. The flat surface may be arranged to contact a stratum or to face inward or outward in the anchor system, depending on the intended load-distribution behavior. In some embodiments, the flat surface is used to resist localized stress caused during cable tension or retraction from the ground anchor during removal thereof or insertion therein.

[0339] According to the present example shown in Figs. 31 Aand 3 IB, a removable ground anchor device 202 is provided for use with a removable ground anchor. Fig. 31 A shows the removable ground anchor device 202 and Fig. 3 IB shows the removable ground anchor device 202 inserted on a tube 212. The removable ground anchor comprises the tube 212 for sheathing at least one cable 214 therein, where the tube 212 is formed with a curved portion and two straight portions 216 projecting therefrom. The removable ground anchor device 202 comprises a shaping sleeve 220 mountable on and circumscribable about the curved portion of the tube (shown for example as 23 in Fig. 17) at a sleeve curved portion 222. The shaping sleeve 220 comprises two legs 224 extending from the sleeve curved portion 222, each leg 224 having an inter-leg surface 228, at which an inter-leg surface faces the other inter-leg surface. At least a portion of one of the inter-leg surfaces 228 is flat.

[0340] In some embodiments, at least one of the legs has at least one additional surface adjacent the inter-leg surface, at least a portion of the additional surface being flat. In some embodiments, at least one of the legs has a surface parallel to the inter-leg surface, and at least a portion of the parallel surface is flat. In some embodiments, the sleeve curved portion has a U-shape comprising at least a semi-circular arc. In some embodiments, the sleeve curved portion has a curvature with a diameter KI, and the inter-leg surface has a length K2 that is greater than KI . In some embodiments, the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion. In some embodiments, the length K2 is at least two times the diameter KI. In some embodiments, the leg has a longitudinal axis and at least one of the legs has a cross-sectional profile, taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, formed in a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the entire sleeve including the sleeve curved portion has a cross-sectional profile that is rectangular. In some embodiments, the material of the shaping sleeve is more rigid than the material of the tube. In some embodiments, the material of the shaping sleeve is formed of a deformable material operative to retain its curved shape of the sleeve curved portion after being bent.

[0341] According to the present example shown in Figs. 31 A and 3 IB and 3 ID, at least one of the legs 224 has at least one additional surface 236 adjacent the inter-leg surface 228, at least a portion of the additional surface 236 being flat. In some embodiments, the leg 224 includes a surface 238 parallel to the inter-leg surface 228, at least a portion of the parallel surface 238 being flat. In some embodiments, the sleeve curved portion 222 has a U-shape comprising at least a semi-circular arc.

[0342] In some embodiments, the sleeve curved portion 222 has a curvature with a diameter KI, and the inter-leg surface 228 has a length K2 that is greater than KI. In some embodiments, the length K2 is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion 222, and in other embodiments, at least two times greater.

[0343] In some embodiments, the length K2 of the inter-leg surface 228 may be greater than the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion 222 by a variety of ratios beyond those expressly mentioned above. While exemplary ratios such as 1.5 times or two times the diameter KI are described, it is to be understood that greater or lesser ratios are contemplated and fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the ratio of K2 to KI may be in the range of 1.2 to 3.5, including subranges such as 1.5-2.5, 2.0-3.0, or 2.25-3.5. In some embodiments, K2 may be selected to maximize lateral distribution of tensile or compressive forces, enhance planar surface contact, or ensure compatibility with adjacent reinforcement structures.

[0344] In some embodiments, each leg 224 has a longitudinal axis X0, and at least one of the legs 224 has a cross-sectional profile 240, taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X0, the cross-sectional profile 240 formed in a rectangular shape, as seen in Figs. 3 IB and 3 ID. In some embodiments, the entire shaping sleeve 220, including the sleeve curved portion 222, has a rectangular cross-sectional profile.

[0345] In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 220 defines an internal housing having the rectangular cross-sectional profile configured to receive and accommodate a plurality of tubes therein. The internal housing is dimensioned such that multiple tubes, for example two or more tubes 212, may be inserted into the sleeve in a side-by-side or stacked arrangement, as shown in Fig. 31C. The rectangular shape of the cross-section facilitates a compact packing geometry, allowing the tubes to be positioned with minimal spacing therebetween. This configuration reduces the amount of unused or dead space within the interior volume of the shaping sleeve 220 and enhances the structural efficiency of the assembly.

[0346] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional profile 240 of the shaping sleeve 220, including the legs 224 and the sleeve curved portion 222, may be formed with a shape other than the rectangular configuration and adopt alternative geometric shapes. For example, the profile may be formed with rounded corners, filleted edges, or partially curved surfaces while maintaining generally flat central regions along the inter-leg surfaces. In some embodiments, the profile may be trapezoidal, elliptical, or comprise a hybrid geometry in which one or more surfaces are curved while others are planar. Such configurations may be advantageous for specific ground conditions, stress distribution profiles, or compatibility with reinforcement assemblies.

[0347] The other surfaces of the leg 224, including a parallel surface 238 and an adjacent surface 236, may be formed with varying geometries, such that the profile of the shaping sleeve 220 is not flat, namely curved or at least a portion thereof. The parallel surface 238 may be flat, curved, or partially rounded for example. Similarly, the adjacent surface 236 may be flat or arcuate. These surrounding surfaces contribute to the structural rigidity of the leg 224 but are not necessarily planar, as shown in Fig. 3 ID showing a partially curved profile 250.

[0348] In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 220 is made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the tube 212. In some embodiments, the shaping sleeve 220 is formed of a deformable material operative to retain its curved shape of the sleeve curved portion 222 after being bent.

[0349] As described with reference to Figs. 1-30, a reinforcement member was affixed to a shaping sleeve of circular transverse cross-section to provide a planar contact area facing the stratum, thereby mitigating the formation of rifts or stress-induced fractures in the ground during cable removal. In the present configuration, the shaping sleeve itself is formed such that the inter-leg surfaces 228 are flat. These flat inter-leg surfaces 228 present a similarly enlarged stratum contact area oriented to resist inward stresses acting through the space between the legs, as described with reference to the reinforcement member.

[0350] In some embodiments, the removable ground anchor device 202 may be combined with a reinforcement member 20 of Figs 1-30, wherein the reinforcement member 20 comprises a member wall affixable to the shaping sleeve 220 at least along a portion of the flat inter-leg surface 228. The reinforcement member 20 may be formed of a member material having a greater tensile strength than that of the sleeve material forming the shaping sleeve 220 and may be fixed to the flat inter-leg surface 228 in any suitable manner, including welding, adhesive bonding, clamping, mechanical fastening, or other joining methods. In such embodiments, the combination of the inherent flatness of the inter-leg surface 228 with the added structural rigidity of the reinforcement member 20 provides enhanced resistance to stress forces acting within the stratum space, further mitigating the risk of rift formation or material displacement during cable retraction.

[0351] The presently disclosed subject matter generally provides a system for manufacturing a ground anchor includes at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly comprising a sleeved portion, in which the sleeve surrounds the tube, and a protruding portion, in which the tube extends beyond the sleeve.

[0352] The tube, sleeve and ground anchors may be any one of the tubes and sleeves described herein with reference to Figs. 1-3 ID or any other assembly comprising a tube and a sleeve-like element inserted thereon. In some embodiments, the system for manufacturing a ground anchor may also include bending the reinforcement member 20 of Figs 1-30.

[0353] The system may include a machine comprising components operative to perform steps for manufacturing a ground anchor. The system may be fully automatic or partially automatic and partially manual namely activated by a human, or fully controlled by human. When the system is automatic or semi-automatic is may comprise a controller with processing circuitry.

[0354] The system in some embodiments may include an insertion arrangement operative to move at least one of the tube and the sleeve relative to each other to form the sleeved tubular assembly. The system in some embodiments may include a bending unit operative to apply a force at a bending location on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved tubular assembly. The bending operation causes at least a part of the protruding portion to flail, forming a flailing portion.

[0355] The system in some embodiments may include a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface is operable to direct the flailing portion along a predetermined path during bending. The guiding arrangement may constrain the flailing portion in the vertical, horizontal, and / or latitudinal directions to control its spatial motion and prevent uncontrolled flailing.

[0356] The system in some embodiments may include a transporting arrangement operative to transport the bent sleeved tubular assembly from the bending location to another location, such as a downstream handling location or processing station.

[0357] The system comprises a controller comprising processing circuitry is provided for controlling at least the insertion arrangement and the bending unit, and in some embodiments also the guiding and transporting arrangements. The system may operate in a coordinated sequence, such that the tube is advanced through the sleeve, the assembly is bent to shape, the flailing portion is constrained and guided, and the completed bent anchor is transported for cutting or further operations. In some embodiments, the controller may be programmed to coordinate with sensors that detect the presence of the sleeve or the tube distal end. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be loaded into position via a rotating or sliding mechanical guide.

[0358] The system may include any combination of the insertion arrangement, bending unit, guiding arrangement, and transporting arrangement. In some embodiments, the system includes all of these components, allowing the system to perform the entire manufacturing process — from forming a sleeved tubular assembly, in which a sleeve is inserted on a tube, to bending the sleeved tubular assembly to form a bent sleeved tubular assembly, guiding a flailing portion during the bending, and transporting the bent sleeved tubular assembly to another location.

[0359] In other embodiments, only the bending unit and guiding arrangement are included. This configuration is suitable when the sleeved tubular assembly is provided to the system, and the system is to perform the bending operation and guide the flailing portion resulting from the bending of the protruding portion of the tube.

[0360] In some embodiments, the system includes the bending unit and the transporting arrangement, without a guiding arrangement or insertion arrangement, for applications in which the sleeved tubular assembly is preassembled and the flailing motion is not expected to require constraint, but the bent sleeved tubular assembly needs to be moved to a subsequent station or location.

[0361] In other embodiments, the system includes the insertion arrangement and bending unit, for example where the sleeve is inserted on the tube within the system, but where the guiding or transporting of the bent sleeved tubular assembly absent.

[0362] In other embodiments, the system may include the insertion arrangement and guiding arrangement, without bending.

[0363] The system is thus configurable to include any two or more of the insertion arrangement, bending unit, guiding arrangement, and transporting arrangement, depending on whether the tube and sleeve are supplied separately or as a sleeved tubular assembly, and on whether the output is a bent sleeved tubular assembly or another structure.

[0364] In some embodiments, the system may comprise the following components and operational steps, it being appreciated that some components may be omitted or added and the operational stages may be omitted or added and their sequence may be altered.

[0365] In the exemplary embodiment of the system 300 shown in Figs. 32A-32E, the system 300 includes an insertion arrangement 310, a bending unit 320 and a controller 322, as shown in Fig. 32A. The controller, comprising processing circuitry, may be configured to control the operation of the insertion arrangement 310 and the bending unit 320.

[0366] As seen in Fig. 32B, the insertion arrangement 310 is positioned to receive the tube 302 and direct it toward the sleeve 306, which may be disposed at a sleeve dispensing location 342. A distal end 330 of the tube 302 is advanced into the input end 332 of the sleeve 306 for forming the sleeved tubular assembly 312. The tube 302 is advanced along its longitudinal axis XI by the insertion arrangement 310. The sleeve 306 is positioned with its longitudinal axis X2 aligned at the sleeve dispensing location 342. As the tube progresses through the lumen 304 of the sleeve, it protrudes from the sleeve output end 336, defining the protruding portion 410 of the sleeved tubular assembly 312.

[0367] In some embodiments, the sleeve 306 is formed from a material that is more rigid than the tube 302. The tube 302 may house one or more cables, as illustrated in Fig. 3 IB. In certain embodiments, the system 300 is configured to insert multiple tubes into the lumen of the sleeve. Although the sleeves shown in Figs. 32-36G have a circular cross- sectional profile, it will be appreciated that sleeves with a least partially non-circular profiles may also be used in the system 300.

[0368] In some embodiments, the insertion arrangement 310 may comprise a tube feeder 338 operated by an actuator 340 operative to advance the tube 302 through the sleeve 306. The actuator 340 may comprise a single or plurality of motors and / or further deriving mechanisms such as gears, belts and the like. In some embodiments, the tube feeder may comprise a port and / or support brackets and can be connected to a tube reel releasing a length of the tube into the tube feeder in accordance with commends provided by the controller.

[0369] Fig. 32C shows the sleeved tubular assembly 312, with the tube 302 inserted through the sleeve 306 such that the tube extends beyond both the input end 332 and output end 336 of the sleeve. The sleeved tubular assembly 312 comprises a sleeved portion 408, where the sleeve 306 is inserted on the tube 302, and a protruding portion 410 extending outward from the sleeve from both ends, as seen in Fig. 33A. The bending unit 320 is positioned to engage the sleeved portion yet it is appreciated that the bending unit may bend the tube away from the sleeve as well.

[0370] The bending operation is performed by applying a force on the sleeved portion, such as by a pulling mechanism for pulling the sleeved portion, a pushing mechanism, a sliding press, a cam-driven actuator, a rotary arm applying a lateral force, or a hydraulic or pneumatic piston configured to deform the sleeved portion along a predetermined path. In the example shown in Fig. 32C, the force is applied by a pressing member 384, which presses upon the sleeve at a corresponding sleeve contact surface 382. The pressing member 384 is movable along a predetermined path P. In Fig. 32D, the bending unit 320 applies a force to the sleeved portion to form a bent sleeved tubular assembly. The bending causes at least a part of the protruding portion 410 of the tube to flail outward, resulting in a flailing portion 426. As seen in Fig. 32D, the flailing portion 426 may be part of the protruding tube 410 protruding from the sleeve output end 336, yet in some embodiments, the flailing portion 426 may be part of the protruding tube 410 protruding from the sleeve input end 332 or from both.

[0371] As seen in Fig. 32E, the bending has been completed resulting in a bent sleeved tubular assembly.

[0372] In the exemplary embodiment of the system 300 shown in Figs. 33A-33B, the system 300 includes a bending unit 320, a guiding arrangement 420 and a controller 322, as shown in Fig. 33A. The controller, comprising processing circuitry, may be configured for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit.

[0373] The system is shown in a configuration where the sleeved tubular assembly 312 is provided to the system in an assembled state. The bending unit 320 and the guiding arrangement 420 are included. The guiding arrangement comprises at least one surface 422, which is operative to direct the flailing portion 426 along a predetermined path at least during the bending operation. The guiding arrangement is configured to constrain and / or to guide the flailing portion 426 in one or more directions defined by the vertical axis Yl, horizontal axis Y2, and latitudinal axis Y3. This provides spatial control of the flailing portion 426 and minimizes uncontrolled movement during the bending process.

[0374] Fig. 33B further illustrates the operation of the guiding arrangement 420 guiding the flailing portion 426. A single or plurality of surfaces 422 are positioned to define boundaries within which the flailing portion moves during bending. As seen in Fig. 33B, the bending has been completed resulting in a bent sleeved tubular assembly.

[0375] In the exemplary embodiment of the system 300 shown in Figs. 34A-34C, the system 300 includes a bending unit 320, a transporting arrangement 424 and a controller 322. The controller, comprising processing circuitry, may be configured for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit.

[0376] The bending is performed at a bending location. The transporting arrangement is operable for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location. In some embodiments the bending location may constitute a base 432 or may include the base 432 or may be part of the base 432, at which at least the bending is performed or any one of the manufacturing operations. The other location is away from the base 432 may be operable for further processing and handling the bent sleeved tubular assembly.

[0377] The bent sleeved tubular assembly 312 following bending thereof by the bending unit 320. The transporting arrangement 424 transports the bent sleeved tubular assembly 312 from the bending location, as shown in Fig. 34B, to another location, exterior to the bending location.

[0378] Fig. 35 illustrates the system 300 comprising the insertion arrangement 310, bending unit 320, guiding arrangement 420, and transporting arrangement 424.

[0379] Figs. 36A-36G show an exemplary embodiment of a system 300. Figs. 37-39 show elements of the system of Figs. 36A-36G.

[0380] Fig. 36A illustrates the system 300 prior to commencing the operation of the system 300. In the example of Figs. 36A-G, the system comprises the insertion arrangement 310, bending unit 320, guiding arrangement 420, and transporting arrangement 424.

[0381] The tube has a longitudinal axis and is configured such that a distal end of the tube exits a tube feeder at a sleeve dispensing location. At this sleeve dispensing location, a sleeve is positioned with its input end aligned for insertion onto the distal end of the tube. The controller is operative to position the sleeve at the sleeve dispensing location prior to advancement of the tube distal end to that location.

[0382] The sleeve dispensing location may include a spatial position where the sleeve is held in readiness for receiving the tube.

[0383] According to the present example and as shown in 36 A, the system comprises a tube 330 arranged along a longitudinal axis XI and configured such that a distal end 330 exits the tube feeder 338 at a sleeve dispensing location 342 from a sleeve magazine.

[0384] At the sleeve dispensing location 342, a sleeve 332 is positioned with its input end aligned for insertion onto the distal end 330 of the tube. A controller 322 is operative to position the sleeve 332 at the sleeve dispensing location 342 prior to the advancement of the tube distal end 330 to the same location. The tube feeder 338 guides the tube 330 through its longitudinal path, and the controller 322 manages the synchronization between sleeve positioning and tube advancement to ensure the sleeve 332 is received at the appropriate point of the tube 330.

[0385] In some embodiments, a sleeve magazine comprises a sleeve stacking chamber and a sleeve ejecting mechanism operable to eject a sleeve from the stacking chamber to a sleeve dispensing location. The sleeve ejecting mechanism is configured to engage a lowermost sleeve initially resting at the bottom of a vertical stack within the sleeve stacking chamber and apply a force to displace it to the sleeve dispensing location. The mechanism includes a pusher that engages the side of the sleeve, though in some embodiments the ejecting mechanism may include pneumatic jets, mechanical vibrators, or vacuum-actuated elements or any other ejecting mechanism. The controller may be operative to activate the sleeve ejecting mechanism to eject the sleeve to the sleeve dispensing location prior to advancement of the tube distal end.

[0386] In some embodiments, the insertion arrangement may comprise a limiter positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location to inhibit displacement of the sleeve from the sleeve dispensing location prior to insertion of the sleeve on the tube. The limiter is adapted to retain the sleeve in a position where its longitudinal axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tube. In some embodiments, the limiter comprises at least one stop wall positioned laterally away from the sleeve stacking chamber and above the sleeve dispensing location, preventing the sleeve from rolling or drifting out of position.

[0387] According to the present example and as shown in Fig. 36A and Fig. 36B, the system comprises a sleeve magazine 360 including a sleeve stacking chamber 366 and a sleeve ejecting mechanism 368 operable to cause a sleeve 306 to be ejected from the sleeve stacking chamber 366 to a sleeve dispensing location 342. The sleeve 306 initially rests at the bottom of a vertical stack within the sleeve stacking chamber 366. Upon actuation, the sleeve ejecting mechanism 368, which comprises a pusher, engages the side of the lowermost sleeve 306 and applies a force to displace it outward from the sleeve stacking chamber 366 to the sleeve dispensing location 342. The controller 322 is operative to activate the sleeve ejecting mechanism 368 for ejecting the sleeve 306 from the sleeve stacking chamber 366 to the sleeve dispensing location 342 prior to the advancement of the tube distal end 330. The insertion arrangement 310 comprises a limiter 370, which is positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location 342 and is adapted to retain the sleeve 306 in place until insertion occurs. The limiter 370 ensures alignment of the longitudinal axis XI of the tube with the longitudinal axis X2 of the sleeve 306. The limiter 370 comprises at least one stop wall that is positioned laterally away from the stacking chamber 366 and vertically above the sleeve dispensing location 342 to prevent the sleeve 306 from rolling or drifting away.

[0388] In some embodiments, the controller may be operative to terminate advancement of the tube through the sleeve when an available tube length for forming the sleeved tube assembly extends approximately twice the length extending between a midsection of the sleeve and the tube distal end. Midsection includes a region substantially equidistant from the sleeve’s input and output ends. The available tube length includes the length of tube that extends downstream beyond the sleeve, which is suitable for forming or using the sleeved assembly. The term “approximately” in this context refers to a proportional range, such that the available tube length lies between 1 and 3 times the length from the sleeve midsection to the distal end of the tube. In some embodiments, the controller may terminate the advancement at a ratio between 0.5 and 4 times that length.

[0389] According to the present example, the controller 322 is operative to terminate the advancement of the tube 302 through the sleeve 306 when the available tube length for forming the sleeved tube assembly extends approximately twice the length extending between a midsection (M) of the sleeve 306 and the tube distal end 330. The midsection (M) is centrally located between the sleeve input and output ends. The controller 322 is configured to halt further advancement once this available length reaches approximately two times the sleeve-to-distal-end segment.

[0390] In some embodiments, the bending unit includes a contact surface configured to contact the sleeve at a corresponding sleeve contact surface, though is it appreciated that the contact surface is configured to contact the tube. A pressing member operative to press the sleeve for bending. The pressing member causes the contact surface to exert pressure on the sleeve, resulting in bending. In some embodiments, the pressing member may be a hydraulic jack; however, alternative actuators such as pneumatic pistons, servo-driven plungers, or cam-driven linkages may be used. The bending may be performed not only by pressing but also by alternative means such as rolling, pulling along a curved guide, or insertion into a bending die.

[0391] The contact surface may be part of the pressing member, engaged therewith or may be integrated into the pressing member itself, such as a jaw or clamp. In some embodiments, the contact surface comprises a clamp that engages the corresponding sleeve contact surface and presses it via the pressing member.

[0392] The controller may be operative to cause the bending unit to initiate bending of the sleeve after the termination of tube advancement. However, the operational order may vary. In some embodiments, the sleeve may be bent prior to insertion on the tube, followed by tube advancement into the lumen of the bent sleeve.

[0393] While the described configuration illustrates U-shaped bending, alternative bend geometries such as J-shaped, helical, or S-shaped configurations are also contemplated.

[0394] In some embodiments, the pressing member is movable along a predetermined path by a movement mechanism during bending. The predetermined path may assume an arcuate trajectory or other paths suitable for achieving the desired bending. The movement mechanism may include cables, articulated arms, or rails that guide the pressing member along the path. The pressing member's movement path is shown for illustration purposes in the drawings and may be implemented in various forms depending on spatial or functional constraints.

[0395] According to the present example and as shown in Fig. 36B, the system comprises a bending unit 320 including a contact surface 380 which is positioned to contact the sleeve 306 on the tubular sleeve assembly at a corresponding sleeve contact surface 382. The bending unit 320 further comprises a pressing member 384 that is operative to press the sleeve 306 via the contact surface 380, causing it to bend. The pressing member 384 may include a hydraulic jack, although other implementations such as pneumatic actuators, servo-driven devices, or mechanical linkages are also contemplated. The contact surface 380 may be located along the protruding tube sections or may form part of a clamping element integrated into a front face of the pressing member 384. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 380 includes a clamp that securely engages the sleeve contact surface 382, and the pressing member 384 actuates to deform the sleeve 306 at that sleeve contact surface 382.

[0396] The controller 322 is operative, to terminate the advancement of the tube 302 and subsequently activate the bending unit 320 to bend the sleeve 306. However, in alternative sequences, the sleeve 306 may be bent prior to insertion on the tube 302, and the tube may then be inserted through the lumen 304 of the already-bent sleeve 306. While a U-shaped configuration is shown, other bending configurations are possible, including J-shaped, helical, and S-shaped sleeves. The pressing member 384 is movable along the predetermined path P by a movement mechanism 386 during the bending operation. The path P corresponds to the trajectory followed by the sleeved tubular assembly and may comprise an arcuate segment or any shape enabling effective bending. The movement mechanism 386 may include a cable system, an articulated arm, or a rail fixed to the base 432 or to the pressing member 384. The movement mechanism 386 is depicted at Fig. 32D only for clarity. As shown in Fig. 36B, the predetermined path P along which the pressing member 384 travels includes at least a portion of an arcuate configuration to facilitate the bending of the tubular sleeved assembly.

[0397] In some embodiments, the bending unit comprises a roller formed with a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve. In some examples, the roller may include a sheeve which, accommodates the sleeve during bending. In some embodiments, the roller is positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location, such that during insertion of the tube through the lumen of the sleeve, the sleeve is aligned with the roller and may be pressed into the receiving portion by a pressing member. The roller may comprise an axle configured to allow the roller to revolve around it, optionally during bending and under the application of force. The receiving portion of the roller may include a continuous arcuate portion with a continuous arcuate-shaped periphery, which constitutes a part of a circle. The roller further includes a discontinuous arcuate portion that interrupts the continuity of the circular arc. The continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints that meet corresponding endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

[0398] In some embodiments, the continuous arcuate portion spans approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller. The remaining 90 degrees are formed by the discontinuous arcuate portion. The arcuate-shaped periphery may in other examples extend between 45 to 315 degrees, and subranges thereof, with the complementary range attributed to the discontinuous arcuate portion. The continuous arcuate portion has a surface forming a smooth continuous arc, and in some embodiments the roller may be shaped as an ellipse, which inherently comprises a continuous arcuate portion forming an arc of a circle and a discontinuous arcuate portion forming the remaining surface. The discontinuous arcuate portion may have a tangent vector at its interface with the continuous arcuate portion that is discontinuous from the continuously varying tangent vector of the arcuate surface, thereby producing an angular or directional deviation. In some embodiments, the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion, and in further embodiments, the truncated portion is planar. The term “planar” refers to a surface that substantially lies within a single geometric plane and is generally free of intentional curvature. Minor manufacturing imperfections such as waviness or surface roughness may be tolerated, provided they do not materially affect the intended planar nature of the surface. The central axis of the roller is located at the position of the axle.

[0399] According to the present example and as shown in Fig. 36A through Fig. 36G and specifically in Fig. 37, the bending unit 320 comprises a roller 390 having a receiving portion 392 configured to receive at least a portion of the sleeve 306, as shown in Fig. 36C in the window enlargement A. The roller 390 may include a sheeve which supports the sleeve 306 during the bending operation. In an embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 36A, the roller 390 is positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location 342. This positioning allows the sleeve 306 to align with the roller 390 during insertion of the tube 302 into the lumen 304 of the sleeve 306. The pressing member 384 is adapted to press the sleeve 306 into the receiving portion 392 of the roller 390 for bending. The roller 390 comprises an axle 394 defining a central axis and configured to allow the roller 390 to revolve around it, including under force applied during the bending of the sleeved tubular assembly. The receiving portion 392 comprises a continuous arcuate portion 396 having a continuous arcuate-shaped periphery, which forms part of a circular arc. The roller 390 further includes a discontinuous arcuate portion 398 that interrupts the continuity of the circular arc. As shown in Fig. 37, the continuous arcuate portion 396 has two endpoints 400 which meet corresponding endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion 398. In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous arcuate portion 396 spans approximately 270 degrees about the central axis of the roller 390, with the discontinuous arcuate portion 398 occupying the complementary angular range. In other embodiments, the continuous arcuate portion 396 may extend between 45 and 315 degrees, and subranges thereof, with the remaining arc being defined by the discontinuous arcuate portion 398. The discontinuous arcuate portion 398 may include an abrupt angular or directional deviation where it meets the continuous portion, characterized by a discontinuity in the tangent vector at the interface. In some embodiments, the roller 390 may take an elliptical form, wherein a continuous arcuate portion 396 corresponds to an arc of an ellipse and the discontinuous arcuate portion 398 corresponds to the remainder. In a further embodiment, the discontinuous arcuate portion 398 comprises a truncated portion. In yet a further embodiment, this truncated portion is planar. The planar portion refers to a wall or surface lying substantially in a single geometric plane, having an effectively infinite radius of curvature in its idealized form. Minor surface imperfections are permissible as long as they do not materially interfere with the planar function of the wall. The central axis about which the roller 390 revolves is defined by the location of the axle 394.

[0400] In some embodiments, the controller is is operative to cause the bending unit to bend the tubed sleeved assembly by positioning the sleeve output end at a distance DI to the sleeve input end, the distance DI being smaller than a diameter D2 of the roller. This configuration may cause the sleeve to conform to the curvature of the roller and facilitates the bending geometry. In some embodiments, this bending operation is controlled so that the sleeve wraps around the roller in a configuration shorter than its diameter, creating a compressed curve. Upon completion of the bending operation, the controller is operative to apply a releasing force to disengage the bent tubular sleeved assembly from the roller. The minimum force required to release the assembly is reduced by the presence of a discontinuous arcuate portion on the roller, which interrupts the continuity of the roller surface and assists in releasing the sleeve. The discontinuous arcuate portion may be part of the transporting arrangement that transitions the sleeve from its bent state to the next stage of handling. In an exemplary embodiment, absent the discontinuous arcuate portion, the releasing force required would be greater, due to increased contact between the sleeve and the continuous roller surface. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the roller is formed with a continuous arcuate portion.

[0401] According to the present example and as shown in Fig. 36C, the controller 322 is operative to actuate the bending unit 320 such that the sleeve output end 336 is positioned at a distance DI from the sleeve input end 332, where distance DI is smaller than the diameter D2 of the roller 390, as shown at window A. This positioning forces the sleeve 306 to conform to a curvature smaller than that defined by the diameter D2 of the roller 390, thus ensuring effective bending of the tubular sleeved assembly. As shown in the drawing, this causes the sleeve 306 to adopt a compacted curved configuration about the roller 390. Upon termination of the bending operation, and as illustrated in Fig. 36E, the controller 322 is further operative to apply a releasing force F to disengage the bent tubular sleeved assembly from the roller 390. The minimum force F required to perform the release is smaller than the force that would be necessary in the absence of the discontinuous arcuate portion 398.

[0402] In some embodiments, the guiding arrangement guides a flailing portion of the tube at least during bending along a predetermined path, such that the flailing portion traverses a smaller area than it would in the absence of the guiding arrangement. The guiding arrangement is positioned to interfere with the free flailing of the flailing portion, thereby constraining and directing its movement. In some embodiments, the flailing portion corresponds to a flexible tube segment extending beyond a constrained bending location. When the system includes a tube protruding portion having a distal side and a proximal side, the flailing portion is directed along a spatially-varying bending area defined between those sides. A guided bending area refers to the area traversed when the flailing portion is directed by the guiding arrangement, whereas an unguided bending area refers to the area traversed in the absence of such guidance. The guided bending area is smaller than the unguided one. Spatially -varying bending area includes the area between the tube protruding portion distal side and proximal side which changes as these sides move relative to each other at least during bending. The guiding arrangement comprises at least one surface that defines at least part of the predetermined path and enables the flailing portion to slide along it. The surface may include active elements controlled by the system controller, or passive elements not under controller command. In some embodiments, the active elements may include actuated gates, movable surfaces, or rollers, and passive elements may include fixed walls, curved tracks, or low-friction linings.

[0403] According to the present example, the guiding arrangement 420 guides the flailing portion 426 of the tube at least during bending along a predetermined path (P), so that the flailing portion 426 traverses a smaller area than it would have without the guiding arrangement 420. The guiding arrangement 420 is positioned to interfere with the flailing movement of the flailing portion 426, thereby directing it along a constrained path. A tube protruding portion 410, includes a distal side 430 and a proximal side 434. During bending, the flailing portion 426 moves over a spatially-varying bending area defined between the distal side 430 and the proximal side 434. This area varies as the distal and proximal sides move relative to one another. When the guiding arrangement 420 directs the flailing portion 426, the bending occurs over a guided bending area. In contrast, when the flailing portion 426 is unrestrained, it bends across a broader unguided bending area. The guided bending area is smaller than the unguided one, due to the spatial constraint imposed by the guiding arrangement 420. At least one surface 422 of the guiding arrangement defines part of the predetermined path (P) and allows the flailing portion 426 to slide along it.

[0404] The system has a spatial coordinate system comprising a vertical axis Y1 orthogonal to the base of the system, and mutually orthogonal horizontal Y2 and latitudinal Y3 axes. At least one surface comprises one or more spatial boundaries for the flailing portion of the tube as it traverses the predetermined path. The surface may define a vertical boundary along the vertical axis, a horizontal boundary along the horizontal axis, and a latitudinal boundary along the latitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the predetermined path traverses a base, which serves as the vertical boundary. The system further includes a barrier wall protruding from the base that forms the horizontal and / or latitudinal boundary of the flailing portion’s movement.

[0405] The guiding surface may additionally include recessed guide members formed with a recess dimensioned to partially enclose the flailing portion and retain its position along the predetermined path, preventing outward deviation relative to the base. The flailing portion extends along the tube protruding portion distal side, and the recessed guide member is located closer to the barrier wall than to the tube protruding portion proximal side, in relation to the latitudinal and horizontal axes. The recessed guide member may be formed a sheave, which is stationary and functions as a passive or fixed guide wheel. In some embodiments, the recessed guide member is positioned in greater proximity to the barrier wall than to the proximal side of the tube protruding portion. The guiding surface may also comprise at least one elevated barrier extending above the base and acting as a horizontal and / or latitudinal boundary. The elevated barrier may include a shaft, which in some configurations is supported by the recessed guide member.

[0406] According to the present example and as illustrated in Fig. 33A, the system defines a spatial coordinate system comprising a vertical axis Y1 orthogonal to the base of the system, and mutually orthogonal horizontal Y2 and latitudinal Y3 axes. The guiding surface 422 is operative to comprise one or more boundaries for the flailing portion 426 along the predetermined path P. These boundaries include a vertical boundary aligned with axis Yl, a horizontal boundary along axis Y2, and a latitudinal boundary along axis Y3. The predetermined path P traverses the base 432, which serves as the vertical boundary surface of the flailing portion 426 during movement. A barrier wall 436, which protrudes from the base 432, is configured to define either or both of the horizontal and latitudinal boundaries of the flailing portion 426.

[0407] As shown in Fig. 36C, the guiding surface 422 further comprises one or more recessed guide members 440, each formed with a recess 444 dimensioned to partially enclose the flailing portion 426 and maintain it along the predetermined path. The recess 444 constrains the flailing portion 426 and prevents it from protruding outward beyond the base 432. The flailing portion 426 extends along the tube protruding portion distal side 430, and the recessed guide member 440 is located in closer proximity — relative to at least one of the latitudinal axis Y3 or horizontal axis Y2 — to the barrier wall 436 than to the tube protruding portion proximal side 434. In one embodiment, the recessed guide member 440 is formed as a sheave, acting as a passive and stationary fixed guide wheel. The recessed guide member 440 is shown to be positioned closer to the barrier wall 436 than to the tube protruding portion proximal side 434, though any location may be contemplated. As illustrated in Fig. 36D, the guiding surface 422 may also include at least one elevated barrier 450 extending above the base 432 and operative as a horizontal and / or latitudinal boundary of the flailing portion 426. The elevated barrier 450 comprises a shaft, and in one embodiment the shaft is supported by the recessed guide member 440, providing a stable and spatially defined channel for the flailing portion 426 during guided bending or movement along the predetermined path.

[0408] In some embodiments the at least one guiding surface includes a selectively clamping unit configured to selectively secure a segment of the flailing portion to the surface. The selectively clamping unit comprises a first and second clamping surface positioned with a selectively variable gap therebetween for clamping the segment of the flailing portion in the gap. The first and second clamping surfaces are movable relative to each other between a clamping position, in which the gap is less than a diameter of the segment of the flailing portion, and a release position, in which the gap exceeds the diameter. An actuator is operative to move one or both of the first and second surfaces between the clamping and release positions. In some embodiments, the first clamping surface comprises a wheel having a circumferential clamping face, and the second clamping surface comprises a roller assembly positioned adjacent to the wheel to define the gap. In some embodiments, the roller assembly includes at least one rotatable roller mounted on a rigid support structure. In some embodiments, the wheel and roller assembly are movable relative to each other to transition between the clamping and release positions. In some embodiments, the roller assembly is displaceable relative to the wheel by an actuator configured to move the roller assembly between said positions. In some embodiments the actuator comprises a hydraulic jack which is integrated with the roller assembly. In alternative embodiments, the wheel may be movable and the roller assembly fixed, or both elements may be actuated in coordination.

[0409] According to the present example and with reference to Figs. 36A through 36E and in enlargement window B in Figs. 36C and 36D and Fig. 38, the system includes a guiding surface 422 incorporating a selectively clamping unit 462 configured to secure a segment of the flailing portion. The clamping unit 462 includes a first clamping surface in the form of a wheel 470 having a circumferential clamping face 472, and a second clamping surface in the form of a roller assembly 474 positioned adjacent to the wheel 470, thereby defining a gap G therebetween. The roller assembly 474 includes a rotatable roller 476 mounted on a rigid support structure 478. The rotatable roller 476 is schematically depicted in Fig. 36C and a pair thereof are further shown in Fig. 38. The gap G between the clamping face 472 and the roller 476 is variable. As shown in Fig. 36C, in the clamping position the gap G is smaller than the diameter D3 of the segment of the flailing portion, thereby securely gripping the segment. In the release position, shown in Fig. 36E, the gap G exceeds D3, allowing the segment of the flailing portion to be removed. Transition between these positions is achieved by actuator 482, which displaces the roller assembly 474 relative to the wheel 470, as illustrated in Fig. 38. In other examples, the actuator may instead act on the wheel 470 or simultaneously move both clamping components.

[0410] In some embodiments, the system comprises a ramp configured to guide a flailing portion of a segment along a predetermined path toward a vertical boundary positioned above a base. In some embodiments, the ramp is operative in systems that include a selectively clamping unit, such as a wheel and roller assembly. With or without the selectively clamping unit, the ramp is operative to direct the movement of the flailing portion in a controlled manner. In some embodiments, the ramp comprises a planar inclined surface extending from the base toward the wheel of the clamping unit. The ramp is positioned and angled to provide a smooth transition and guidance of the segment’s flailing portion toward its intended clamping or alignment point. In some embodiments, the ramp assists in aligning or stabilizing the segment prior to or during engagement by the clamping mechanism. In alternative embodiments, the ramp may be curved or stepped.

[0411] According to the present example and with reference to Figs. 36C-36G, the system further includes a ramp 490 positioned adjacent to the base 432 and operative to guide the flailing portion 426 of a segment along the predetermined path (P). The path leads toward a vertical boundary provided above the base 432, where the segment is to be aligned and possibly secured. The ramp 490 comprises a planar inclined surface extending upward from the base 432 in the vertical direction of the wheel 470 of the clamping unit 462. As illustrated in Fig. 36C, the flailing portion 426 initially rests near or below the base 432 and, is directed upward along the planar surface of ramp 490. This guides it smoothly and predictably toward the wheel 470 and into the gap G formed between the clamping face 472 and roller 476 (see Fig. 36D), allowing the clamping unit to engage and secure it. The positioning and angle of the ramp are designed to minimize uncontrolled movement and to ensure repeatable, stable alignment with the clamping interface. It is notes that system 300 may comprise the ramp yet it is just shown in Figs. 36C-36G for clarity.

[0412] In some embodiments, at least one of the insertion unit, bending unit, guiding arrangement, or transporting arrangement includes a trigger switch configured to commence or terminate an action performed by at least one of said component (e.g. insertion unit, bending unit, guiding arrangement, and / or transporting arrangement)

[0413] In some embodiments, the trigger switch is engaged with a selectively clamping unit and, when activated, causes an actuator to move the clamping unit into the clamping position. In some embodiments, the trigger switch is activated by a pressing member at the commencement or termination of the bending operation, and in response causes the pressing member to return to its pre-bending position. The trigger may also actuate release of the flailing portion by causing retraction of the roller to open the gap between clamping components. In some embodiments, a controller is operative to terminate the bending operation upon engagement of the trigger switch by the pressing member or the clamping unit and subsequently cause the pressing member to return to its initial position.

[0414] In some embodiments, the transporting arrangement includes an advancing unit configured to selectively advance the segment from the clamping unit to another location. In some embodiments, the advancing unit comprises a tube feeder operated by an actuator to push the linear portion of the tube, thereby causing the advancement of the flailing portion from the clamping unit. In some embodiments, the wheel of the clamping unit is mounted on an axle and rotates as the segment advances. The system further comprises a surface including a tube receiving enclosure having a receiving chamber for receiving at least a portion of a sleeved tube assembly prior to bending. In some embodiments, the tube receiving enclosure includes at least one wall configured as a horizontal or latitudinal boundary, or both. In some embodiments, the wall extends transversely relative to a base. In some embodiments, the receiving enclosure is movable in the horizontal and / or latitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the wall is operative to move the flailing portion in the horizontal or latitudinal direction along the predetermined path during bending. In certain examples, components may serve more than one function; for example, a guiding arrangement may also form part of the transporting unit, and the selectively clamping unit may also serve as part of both.

[0415] According to the present example and with reference to Figs. 36A-36G and as shown in Figs. 32C and 36E, the system includes a trigger switch 500 integrated with at least one of the insertion unit 310, bending unit 320, guiding arrangement 420, or transporting arrangement 424. The trigger switch 500 is associated in this example with the selectively clamping unit 462, and is configured to activate the actuator that moves the clamping unit 462 into its clamping position. As the pressing member 384 commences the bending along the predetermined path P, it contacts the trigger switch 500. This engagement causes the controller to terminate the bending operation and initiate return of the pressing member 384 toward its initial position. The trigger switch 500 also activates the release of the flailing portion 426 by causing the roller 476 of the roller assembly 474 to retract, thereby increasing the gap Gand disengaging the segment from the wheel 470. The system further includes an advancing unit 464 within the transporting arrangement 424, which includes a tube feeder 338 actuated by actuator 340. The tube feeder 338 advances the linear portion 428 of the tube, thereby causing the flailing portion 426 to be fed forward through the clamping unit 462 and toward a tube receiving enclosure 510. As the flailing portion 426 advances, it contacts the clamping face 472 of the wheel 470, which is mounted on axle 480 (Fig. 38), causing the wheel to rotate about its axis and aiding the forward movement via frictional engagement.

[0416] The system further includes a guiding surface 422 with a tube receiving enclosure 510 defining a receiving chamber 512, configured to receive a portion of the sleeved tube assembly after sleeving and before bending. As shown in Fig. 39, the enclosure 510 includes at least one wall 514, which may form a horizontal or latitudinal boundary, or both. In this example, the wall 514 extends transversely relative to the base 432 and is further operative to move the flailing portion 426 horizontally and / or latitudinally during bending, thus guiding the flailing portion 426 along the path P. The receiving enclosure 510 in this embodiment is movable in both the horizontal and latitudinal directions to facilitate precise alignment and controlled delivery of the segment.

[0417] Notably, the enclosure 510 and the clamping unit 462 serve dual functions, forming part of both the guiding arrangement 420 and the transporting arrangement 424. It is noted that other elements in the system may be operative to function in a plurality of the system components.

[0418] In some embodiments the flailing portion extends from the output end and a linear portion extending from the input end. A tube receiving enclosure is provided, having a longitudinal axis and being positioned, during at least one stage of manufacturing, in a first position in which its longitudinal axis is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tube at the linear portion. In some embodiments, the receiving enclosure is operative to receive the flailing portion in this first position. The enclosure is movable between the first position and a second position, in which it is longitudinally misaligned relative to the linear portion. In some embodiments, the enclosure is operative to guide or move the flailing portion along a predetermined path during bending, during transporting, or following bending. The order and timing of movement between the first and second positions may vary.

[0419] In some embodiments the system may further include a cutter unit for cutting the protruding portion to a predetermined length. The cutter unit comprises a blade aligned with the longitudinal axes of the tube and enclosure during cutting, and is configured to operate between a cutting mode and an idle mode. In some embodiments, the cutter unit moves vertically, with the blade contacting and cutting the tube in the cutting mode. The enclosure may have a tunnel-shaped geometry with an arched upper wall and a pair of lateral sidewalls forming a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is dimensioned to guide the flailing portion without substantial deformation and allow motion along a curved path. A longitudinal groove or channel may be provided to stabilize the flailing portion during movement. An actuator may move the receiving enclosure between positions. In some embodiments, a recess is formed in the base beneath the enclosure’s second position. The enclosure is movable to expose the recess, enabling the cut tube to fall through to a downstream handling station. The system may also comprise the transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location, such as a downstream station for further processing.

[0420] According to the present example and with reference to Figs. 36A-36G and Fig. 39, the system includes a sleeve having an input end 332 and an output end 336. The protruding portion 410 comprises a flailing portion 426 protruding from the output end 336, and a linear portion 428 extending from the input end 332. A tube receiving enclosure 510 is provided, having a longitudinal axis X3. In the first position JI (Fig. 36B), the axis X3 is aligned with the longitudinal axis XI of the linear portion 428 of the tube. In this position, the enclosure 510 receives the flailing portion 426. The enclosure 510 is movable between the first position JI and a second position J2 (Fig. 36C), in which the enclosure is misaligned relative to the tube axis. During bending, the enclosure 510 guides the flailing portion 426 toward the selectively clamping unit 462. As shown in Figs. 36F and 36G, the enclosure 510 is operative to move the flailing portion 426 between these positions both during transporting and after bending, in accordance with the path P. In some embodiments, the movement order may vary depending on the stage of manufacturing.

[0421] The system includes a cutter unit 520 (Figs. 36E-36F) with a blade 522 aligned with axes XI, X2, and X3 during cutting. The cutter unit 520 operates in a cutting mode when cutting the tube and in an idle mode when not cutting. In the cutting mode (Fig. 36F), the blade 522 moves downward and cuts both the linear portion 428 and the flailing portion 426. In the idle mode, the cutter is positioned upward.

[0422] The tube receiving enclosure 510 has a tunnel-shaped geometry with an arched upper wall 530 and a pair of lateral sidewalls 514 forming the receiving chamber 512. The chamber 512 is dimensioned to guide the flailing portion 426 along an arc-shaped path without substantial deformation. A groove or channel 540 aligned with the axis X3 stabilizes the flailing portion 426 during operations such as insertion, bending, guiding, or transporting. The enclosure 510 is moved between its positions by an actuator 550. A recess 554 is formed in the base 432 and is located beneath the enclosure 510 when it is in the second position (Fig. 36F). The enclosure is movable to expose the recess 554, allowing the cut sleeved tube assembly to fall through the recess to a downstream handling station. The system further includes a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly 312 from the bending location to another location for further processing, for example, as part of a ground anchor manufacturing process.

[0423] In some embodiments, the tube receiving enclosure is formed with a tunnel-shaped geometry comprising an arched upper wall. The enclosure further comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls extending downward from the arched upper wall to form a receiving chamber. The receiving chamber is dimensioned to guide the flailing portion of the tube without substantial deformation, allowing guided movement along a curved or arc-shaped predetermined path. In some embodiments, the tube receiving enclosure also includes a longitudinally aligned channel or groove configured to stabilize the flailing portion during various stages of manufacturing, including insertion, bending, guiding, or transporting. In some embodiments, the tube receiving enclosure is actuated by an actuator operative to move the enclosure between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the enclosure is located above a recess formed in the base. In some embodiments, the enclosure is movable from the second position to the first position to expose the recess. Following the completion of a cutting operation, the enclosure is operable to move away from the recess, allowing the cut sleeved tube assembly to fall through the recess to a downstream handling station for further processing. In some embodiments the tube receiving enclosure may be formed with other geometries, such as a strip or any form for receiving the tube therein.

[0424] According to the present example and with reference to Figs. 36A- 36G, and 39, the tube receiving enclosure 510 is formed with a tunnel-shaped geometry defined by an arched upper wall 530 and a pair of lateral sidewalls 514 extending downward from the arched wall. These walls form a receiving chamber 512 configured to guide the flailing portion 426 of the tube during movement. The chamber 512 is dimensioned such that it supports and guides the flailing portion 426 along a curved or arc-shaped path. A longitudinal channel or groove 540 is provided within the enclosure 510, aligned along axis X3, and configured to stabilize the flailing portion 426 during manufacturing movements including insertion into the enclosure, bending along a predetermined path, guiding toward a clamping location, and transporting toward a downstream position. The enclosure 510 is operated by an actuator 550 (Fig. 36F), which moves the enclosure between a first position JI and a second position J2, as described earlier. When in the second position J2, the enclosure 510 is positioned above a recess 554 formed in the base 432. The enclosure 510 is movable between this second position and the first position in which the enclosure is displaced from above the recess 554. After a cutting operation, e.g., when the cutter unit 520 severs the linear portion 428 and flailing portion 426, the enclosure 510 is operable to move from the second position, thereby exposing the recess 554 and allowing the cut sleeved tube assembly to drop into a downstream handling station. This downstream station may be configured for further processing of the bent sleeved tube assembly, such as integration into a ground anchor or similar product.

[0425] While various inventive examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means, materials, or structure for performing the function, obtaining the results, or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be for example only and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims, equivalents thereto, and any claims supported by the present disclosure, inventive examples may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, composition, kit, method, and step, described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps, if such features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps, are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure. Examples disclosed herein may also be combined with one or more features, functionality, or materials, as well as complete systems, devices or methods, to yield yet other examples and inventions. Moreover, some examples, may be distinguishable from the prior art by specifically lacking one and / or another feature disclosed in the particular prior art reference(s); i.e., claims to some examples may be distinguishable from the prior art by including one or more negative limitations.

[0426] Also, as noted, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, examples may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative examples.

[0427] Any and all references to publications or other documents, including but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, webpages, books, etc., presented anywhere in the present application, are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Moreover, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0428] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0429] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one example, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another example, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another example, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0430] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0431] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a nonlimiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0432] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0433] Although various example embodiments have been described in detail herein, however, in view of the present disclosure many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the concepts of present disclosure. Accordingly, any such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, while the disclosure herein contains many specific combinations, these specific combinations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or of any of the appended claims, but are provided as a description pertinent to one or more specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. Any described features from the various embodiments disclosed may be employed in combination with other disclosed embodiments. In addition, other embodiments of the present disclosure may also be devised which he within the scopes of the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0434] This disclosure provides various examples, embodiments, and features which, unless expressly stated or which would be mutually exclusive, should be understood to be combinable with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. ssystem for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve , comprising: an insertion arrangement operative to move at least one of the tube and the sleeve relative to each other for forming a sleeved tubular assembly of the sleeve and the tube, in which the tube is inserted through the lumen of the sleeve; a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved tubular assembly for bending the sleeved tubular assembly; and a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of the insertion arrangement and the bending unit.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the tube is arranged to be insertable at its distal end into an input end of the sleeve, and the sleeve input end is opposite a sleeve output end.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the insertion arrangement comprises a tube feeder operated by an actuator to advance the tube through the sleeve.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the tube feeder comprises an insertion conduit and the actuator comprises a motor.

5. The system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the tube has a longitudinal axis and is arranged for the tube distal end to exit the tube feeder at a sleeve dispensing location where the sleeve input end is positioned for insertion on the tube at the tube distal end.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the controller is operative to position the sleeve at the sleeve dispensing location prior to the advancement of the tube distal end to the sleeve dispensing location.

7. The system according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the sleeve is dispensed to the sleeve dispensing location from a sleeve magazine.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the sleeve magazine comprises a sleeve stacking chamber and a sleeve ejecting mechanism operable to cause the sleeve to be ejected from the sleeve stacking chamber to the sleeve dispensing location.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the controller is operative to activate the sleeve ejecting mechanism for ejecting the sleeve therefrom to the sleeve dispensing location prior to the advancement of the tube distal end to the sleeve dispensing location.

10. The system according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the insertion arrangement comprises a limiter , positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location so as to inhibit the location of the sleeve to the sleeve dispensing location prior to insertion of the sleeve on the tube.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the limiter comprises at least one stop wall.

12. The system according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the controller is operative to terminate the advancement of the tube through the sleeve when an available tube length for forming the sleeved tube assembly extends approximately twice a length extending between a midsection of the sleeve to the tube distal end.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bending unit comprises: a contact surface which contacts the sleeve on the tubular sleeve assembly at a corresponding sleeve contact surface ; and a pressing member operative to press the sleeve for bending thereof.

14. The system according to claim 13 wherein the contact surface comprises a clamp for clamping the corresponding sleeve contact surface and pressing the sleeve thereat by the pressing member.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is operative to cause the bending unit to commence said bending of the sleeve after said termination of advancement of the tube though the sleeve.

16. The system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the pressing member is movable along a predetermined path by a moving mechanism at least when bending the tubular sleeved assembly.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the predetermined path comprises at least a part of an arcuate configuration.

18. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the bending unit comprises a roller formed with a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve.

19. The system according to claim 18 when dependent on claim 5, wherein the roller is positioned at least partially at the sleeve dispensing location.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the roller comprises an axle configured for allowing the roller to revolve thereabout, optionally upon application of said force while bending the sleeved tubular assembly.

21. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate-shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate- shape of the receiving portion.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints , which meet two endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the continuous arcuate portion extends over an angular span of approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller.

24. The system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the truncated portion is planar.

26. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 25 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the controller is operative to cause the bending unit to bend the tubed sleeved assembly by positioning the sleeve output end at a distance to the sleeve input end smaller than a diameter of the roller.

1. The system according to claim 26, wherein the controller is operative to apply a releasing force to release the bent tubular sleeved assembly from the roller upon termination of said bending, wherein a minimal releasing force required for said release is smaller than a releasing force required for said release absent the discontinuous arcuate portion.

28. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein at least one of the insertion arrangement and the bending unit comprises a trigger switch operative to terminate an action or commence an action, or both, performed by the insertion arrangement or the bending unit.

29. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the sleeved tube assembly of at least one tube inserted through a lumen of a sleeve, has a sleeved portion , in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, and a protruding portion , in which the tube protrudes from the sleeve, comprising: the bending unit is operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion, said bending causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion ; a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface operable for directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending; andthe controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit.

30. The system according claim 29, wherein the guiding arrangement guides the flailing portion at least during bending along the predetermined path to traverse a smaller area than the flailing portion would have traversed, absent the guiding arrangement.

31. The system according to any one of claims 29 or 30, wherein the guiding arrangement is positioned to interfere with the flailing of the flailing portion.

32. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein a tube protruding portion distal side , during bending, is traversable along said predetermined path over a spatially -varying bending area extending between the tube protruding portion distal side and a tube protruding portion proximal side , a guided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed during bending when said flailing portion is directed by said guiding arrangement ;and an unguided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed when said flailing portion is not directed by said guiding arrangement , the guided bending area being smaller than the unguided bending area.

33. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the at least one surface defines at least a part of the predetermined path and allows sliding of the flailing portion therealong.

34. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the at least one surface is a surface comprising any one or both of an active element, which is controlled by the controller , and a passive element, which is not controlled by the controller.

35. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the system has a vertical axis orthogonal to the ground and a horizonal axis and a latitudinal axis mutually orthogonal to each other and to the vertical axis , the least one surface is operative to define any one or more of: a vertical boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the vertical direction along the vertical axis ;a horizontal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the horizontal direction along the horizontal axis ; a latitudinal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the latitudinal direction along the latitudinal axis.

36. The system according to claim 35, wherein the predetermined path traverses a base which constitutes at least the vertical boundary.

37. The system according to claim 36, wherein the least one surface comprises a barrier wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary, the barrier wall protrudes from the base.

38. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the least one surface comprises one or more recessed guide members formed with a recess dimensioned to partially enclose the flailing portion and maintain the flailing portion position along the predetermined path.

39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the one or more recessed guide members is formed as a sheeve.

40. The system according to any one of claim 36 and claims 37 to 39 when dependent on claim 36, wherein the least one surface comprises at least one elevated barrier extending above the base and being operative as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

41. The system according to claim 40, wherein the at least one elevated barrier comprises a shaft.

42. The system according to claim 41 when dependent from claim 38, wherein the shaft is supported by the recessed guide member.

43. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 42, wherein the least one surface comprises a selectively clamping unit operative to selectively secure a segment of the flailing portion thereto.

44. The system according to claim 43, wherein the selectively clamping unit comprises a first and second clamping surface positioned with a selectively variable gap therebetween for clamping the segment of the flailing portion in the gap.

45. The system according to claim 44, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other between a clamping position, in which the gap between the surfaces is less than a diameter of the segment of the flailing portion, and a release position, in which the gap exceeds the diameter of the segment of the flailing portion.

46. The system according to claim 45, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other by an actuator operative to move one or both of the first and second surfaces between the clamping and release positions.

47. The system according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the first clamping surface of the selectively clamping unit comprises a wheel having a circumferential clamping face , and the second clamping surface comprises a roller assembly positioned adjacent to the wheel to define the gap therebetween.

48. The system according to claim 47, wherein the roller assembly comprises at least one rotatable roller mounted on a rigid support structure.

49. The system according to any one of claims 47 or 48, when dependent on claim 45, wherein the wheel and the roller assembly are movable relative to each other between the clamping position and the release position.

50. The system according to claim 49, wherein the roller assembly is displaceable relative to the wheel by an actuator operative to move the roller assembly between the clamping position and the release position.

51. The system according to any one of claims 36 and 37 to 50 when dependent on claim 36, further comprising a ramp operative to guide the flailing portion along the predetermined path towards the latitudinal boundary positioned above the base.

52. The system according to claim 51 when dependent on claim 47, wherein the ramp comprises a planar inclined surface extending from the base upwards.

53. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 52 wherein at least one of the bending unit and the guiding arrangement comprises a trigger switch operative to terminate an action or commence an action, or both, performed by at least one of the bending unit and the guiding arrangement.

54. The system according to claim 53 when dependent on claim 43, wherein the trigger switch is engaged at least with of the selectively clamping unit and is operative, when triggered, to facilitate activation of the actuator to move the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

55. The system according to claim 53 or 54 when dependent on claim 43, wherein the trigger switch is operative to activate the actuator to move one or both of the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

56. The system according to claim 55 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the controller is operative to terminate the bending of the bending unit upon engagement of the trigger switch by any one of the pressing member and the selectively clamping unit.

57. The system according to claim 56, wherein the pressing member commences the bending at an initial position and the controller is operative to cause the movement of the pressing member , following the termination of the bending, towards the initial position.

58. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 57, wherein the bending unit is operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion at a bending location; a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location; anda controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit.

59. The system according to claim 58, wherein the transporting arrangement comprises an advancing unit operative to selectively cause the advancing of at least the segment of the flailing portion from the selectively clamping unit towards said another location.

60. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 59, wherein the at least one surface comprises a tube receiving enclosure having a receiving chamber for receiving at least a portion of the sleeved tube assembly.

61. The system according to claim 60 when dependent from claim 35, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises at least one wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

62. The system according to claim 61 when dependent from claim 36, wherein the at least one wall extends transversely relative to the base.

63. The system according to any one of claims 60 to 62 when dependent from claim 36, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction.

64. The system according to claim 63 when dependent from claim 36, wherein the at least one wall is operative to move the flailing portion in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction, along the predetermined path at least during said bending.

65. The system according to any one of claims 60 to 64, wherein the sleeve has an input end and an opposite sleeve output end the protruding portion comprises the flailing portion protruding from the output end of the sleeve and a linear portion protruding from the input end of the sleeve, the tube receiving enclosure has a longitudinal axis and is positioned, at some time during said manufacturing, at a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the tube receiving enclosure is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tube at the linear portion.

66. The system according to claim 65, wherein the tube receiving enclosure at the first position in operative to receive the flailing portion.

67. The system according to claim 65 or 66, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the first position and a second position , in which the tube receiving enclosure is longitudinally misaligned with the linear portion at least along axis relative to axis.

68. The system according to claim 67, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least during any one of said bending and said transporting.

69. The system according to claim 68, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least following said bending.

70. The system according to any one of claims 29 to 69, further comprising a cutter unit for cutting the protruding portion at a predetermined length for manufacturing the bent sleeved tube assembly.

71. The system according to any one of claims 60 to 70, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is formed with a tunnel-shaped geometry comprising an arched upper wall.

72. The system according to any one of claims 60 to 71, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls extending downward from the arched upper wall to form the receiving chamber.

73. The system of any one of claims 60 to 72, wherein the tube receiving enclosure further comprises a channel or groove aligned with the longitudinal axis , and adapted to stabilize the flailing portion during movement during manufacturing.

74. The system of any one of claims 65 and 66 to 74 when dependent on claim 65, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operated by an actuator operative to move the tube receiving enclosure between at least the first position and the second position.

75. The system according to claim 74 when dependent on claim 36, wherein the base comprises a recess formed therein and being located beneath the tube receiving enclosure when the tube receiving enclosure is at the second position.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the second position in which it is over the recess , and the first position in which the tube receiving enclosure is displaced from the recess to expose the recess.

77. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including a sleeved tube assembly of at least one tube inserted through a lumen of a sleeve, having a sleeved portion , in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, and a protruding portion , in which the tube protrudes from the sleeve, comprising: a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion, said bending causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion ; a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface operable for directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending; a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit; and optionally, said bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion at a bending location; and optionally a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location.

78. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including a sleeved tube assembly of at least one tube inserted through a lumen of a sleeve, having a sleeved portion , in which the sleeve is inserted on the tube, comprising:a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved portion for bending the sleeved portion at a bending location; a transporting arrangement for transporting the bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location; and a controller comprising processing circuitry for controlling the operation of at least the bending unit; and optionally said bending unit causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion ; and optionally a guiding arrangement comprising at least one surface operable for directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending.

79. The system according to claim 77 or 78, wherein the tube is arranged to be insertable at its distal end into an input end of the sleeve, and the sleeve input end is opposite a sleeve output end.

80. The system according to claim 79, wherein the tube protruding portion comprises a distal side extending from the sleeve output end to the tube distal end and a proximal side extending from the sleeve input end towards a tube proximal end.

81. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 80, wherein the bending unit comprises: a contact surface which contacts the sleeve on the tubular sleeve assembly at a corresponding sleeve contact surface ; and a pressing member operative to press the sleeve for bending thereof.

82. The system according to claim 81, wherein the corresponding sleeve contact surface is positioned at greater proximity to the sleeve output end than to the sleeve input end.

83. The system according to claim 81 or 82, wherein the contact surface comprises a clamp for clamping the corresponding sleeve contact surface and pressing the sleeve thereat by the pressing member.

84. The system according to any one of claims 81 to 83, wherein the pressing member is movable along the predetermined path by a moving mechanism at least when bending the tubular sleeved assembly.

85. The system according to claim 84, wherein the predetermined path comprises at least a part of an arcuate configuration.

86. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 85, wherein the bending unit comprises a roller formed with a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve.

87. The system according to claim 86, wherein the roller comprises an axle configured for allowing the roller to revolve thereabout, optionally upon application of said force while bending the sleeved tubular assembly.

88. The system according to any one of claims 86 to 87, wherein the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate-shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate-shape of the receiving portion.

89. The system according to claim 88, wherein the continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints, which meet two endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

90. The system according to claim 89, wherein the continuous arcuate portion extends over an angular span of approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller.

91. The system according to any one of claims 88 to 90, wherein the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion.

92. The system according to claim 91, wherein the truncated portion is flat.

93. The system according to any one of claims 86 to 92 when dependent on claim 31, wherein the controller is operative to cause the bending unit to bend the tubed sleeved assembly by positioning the sleeve output end at a distance smaller to the sleeve input end than a diameter of the roller.

94. The system according to claim 79, wherein the controller is operative to apply a releasing force to release the bent tubular sleeved assembly from the roller upon termination of said bending, wherein a minimal releasing force required for said release is smaller than a releasing force required for said release absent the discontinuous arcuate portion.

95. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 94, wherein the guiding arrangement guides the flailing portion at least during bending along the predetermined path to traverse a smaller area than the flailing portion would have traversed, absent the guiding arrangement.

96. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 95, wherein the guiding arrangement is positioned to interfere with the flailing of the flailing portion.

97. The system according to any one of claims 80 and claims 81 to 96 when dependent on claim 80, wherein the tube protruding portion distal side , during bending, is traversable along said predetermined path over a spatially -varying bending area extending between the tube protruding portion distal side and the tube protruding portion proximal side , a guided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed during bending when said flailing portion is directed by said guiding arrangement ;and an unguided bending area constitutes the bending area traversed when said flailing portion is not directed by said guiding arrangement , the guided bending area being smaller than the unguided bending area.

98. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 97, wherein the at least one surface defines at least a part of the predetermined path and allows sliding of the flailing portion therealong.

99. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 98, wherein the at least one surface is a surface comprising any one or both of an active element, which is controlled by the controller , and a passive element, which is not controlled by the controller.

100. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 99, wherein the system has a vertical axis orthogonal to the ground and a horizonal axis and a latitudinal axis mutually orthogonal to each other and to the vertical axis , the least one surface is operative to define any one or more of: a vertical boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the vertical direction along the vertical axis ; a horizontal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the horizontal direction along the horizontal axis ; a latitudinal boundary of the flailing portion along the predetermined path in the latitudinal direction along the latitudinal axis.

101. The system according to claim 100, wherein the predetermined path traverses a base which constitutes at least the vertical boundary.

102. The system according to claim 101, wherein the least one surface comprises a barrier wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary, the barrier wall protrudes from the base.

103. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 102, wherein the least one surface comprises one or more recessed guide members formed with a recess dimensioned to partially enclose the flailing portion and maintain the flailing portion position along the predetermined path.

104. The system according to claim 103, wherein the one or more recessed guide members is formed as a sheeve.

105. The system according to any one of claims 103 to 104 when dependent from claim 102, wherein the one or more recessed guide members are positioned at a greater proximity to the barrier wall than to the tube protruding portion proximal side.

106. The system according to any one of claim 100 and claims 101 to 105 when dependent on claim 100, wherein the least one surface comprises at least one elevated barrier extending above the base and being operative as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

107. The system according to claim 106, wherein the at least one elevated barrier comprises a shaft.

108. The system according to claim 107 when dependent from claim 105, wherein the shaft is supported by the recessed guide member.

109. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 108, wherein the least one surface comprises a selectively clamping unit operative to selectively secure said segment of the flailing portion thereto.

110. The system according to claim 109, wherein the selectively clamping unit comprises a first and second clamping surface positioned with a selectively variable gap therebetween for clamping the segment of the flailing portion in the gap.

111. The system according to claim 110, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other between a clamping position, in which the gap between the surfaces is less than a diameter of the segment of the flailing portion, and a release position, in which the gap exceeds the diameter of the segment of the flailing portion.

112. The system according to claim 111, wherein the first and second clamping surfaces are operable to be movable relative to each other by an actuator operative to move one or both of the first and second surfaces between the clamping and release positions.

113. The system according to any one of claims 110 to 112, wherein the first clamping surface of the selectively clamping unit comprises a wheel having a circumferential clamping face , and the second clamping surface comprises a roller assembly positioned adjacent to the wheel to define the5 gap therebetween.

114. The system according to claim 113, wherein the roller assembly comprises at least one rotatable roller mounted on a rigid support structure.10 115. The system according to any one of claims 113 or 114, when dependent on claim 111, wherein the wheel and the roller assembly are movable relative to each other between the clamping position and the release position116. The system according to claim 115, wherein the roller assembly is displaceable relative to 15 the wheel by an actuator operative to move the roller assembly between the clamping position and the release position.

117. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 116 when dependent from claim 101, further comprising a ramp operative to guide the flailing portion along the predetermined path20 towards the latitudinal boundary positioned above the base.

118. The system according to claim 117 when dependent on claim 113, wherein the ramp comprises a planar inclined surface extending from the base towards the wheel.25119. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 118, wherein at least one of the bending unit , the guiding arrangement and the transporting arrangement comprises a trigger switch operative to terminate an action or commence an action, or both, performed by at least one of the bending unit ,the guiding arrangement and the transporting arrangement.30 120. The system according to claim 119 when dependent on claim 109, wherein the trigger switch is engaged at least with of the selectively clamping unit and is operative, when triggered, to facilitate activation of the actuator to move the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

121. The system according to claim 119 or 120 when dependent on claim 81, wherein the trigger switch is operative, when triggered by the pressing member , to activate the actuator to move one or both of the selectively clamping unit to the clamping position.

122. The system according to any one of claims 119 to 121, wherein the controller is operative to terminate the bending of the bending unit upon engagement of the trigger switch by any one of the pressing member and the selectively clamping unit.

123. The system according to claim 122, wherein the pressing member commences the bending at an initial position and the controller is operative to cause the movement of the pressing member , following the termination of the bending, towards the initial position.

124. The system according to claim 123, wherein the transporting arrangement comprises an advancing unit operative to selectively cause the advancing of at least the segment of the flailing portion from the selectively clamping unit towards said another location.

125. The system according to claim 124, wherein the advancing unit comprises a tube feeder operated by the actuator to advance the linear portion therefrom , thereby causing the advancement of the segment of the flailing portion from the selectively clamping unit.

126. The system according to claim 125 when dependent from claim 113, wherein the wheel is mounted on an axle and is operative to rotate about its axis during said advancement of the segment of the flailing portion.

127. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 126, wherein the at least one surface comprises a tube receiving enclosure having a receiving chamber for receiving at least a portion of the sleeved tube assembly.

128. The system according to claim 127 when dependent from claim 100, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises at least one wall configured as any one or both of the horizontal boundary and the latitudinal boundary.

129. The system according to claim 128 when dependent from claim 101, wherein the at least one wall extends transversely relative to the base.

130. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 129 when dependent from claim 100, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction.

131. The system according to claim 130, wherein the at least one wall is operative to move the flailing portion in any one or both of the horizontal direction and the latitudinal direction, along the predetermined path at least during said bending.

132. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 131, wherein the sleeve has an input end and an opposite sleeve output end the protruding portion comprises the flailing portion protruding from the output end of the sleeve and a linear portion protruding from the input end of the sleeve, the tube receiving enclosure has a longitudinal axis and is positioned, at some time during said manufacturing, at a first position in which the longitudinal axis of the tube receiving enclosure is aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tube at the linear portion.

133. The system according to claim 132, wherein the tube receiving enclosure at the first position in operative to receive the flailing portion.

134. The system according to claim 132 or 133, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the first position and a second position , in which the tube receiving enclosure is longitudinally misaligned with the linear portion at least along axis relative to axis.

135. The system according to claim 134, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least during said bending.

136. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 135, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, at least during said transporting.

137. The system according to claim 136, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operative to move the flailing portion between the first position and the second position, along the predetermined path at least following said bending.

138. The system according to any one of claims 77 to 137, further comprising a cutter unit for cutting the protruding portion at a predetermined length for manufacturing the bent sleeved tube assembly.

139. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 138, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is formed with a tunnel-shaped geometry comprising an arched upper wall.

140. The system according to any one of claims 127 to 139, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls extending downward from the arched upper wall to form the receiving chamber.In spec: the receiving chamber is dimensioned to guide the flailing portion without substantial deformation thereof, allowing guided motion along a curved or arc-shaped predetermined path.

141. The system of any one of claims 127 to 140, wherein the tube receiving enclosure further comprises a channel or groove aligned with the longitudinal axis , and adapted to stabilize the flailing portion during movement during manufacturing.I l l142. The system of any one of claims 132 and 133 to 141 when dependent on claim 132, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is operated by an actuator operative to move the tube receiving enclosure between at least the first position and the second position.

143. The system according to claim 142 when dependent on claim 101 , the base comprises a recess formed therein and being located beneath the tube receiving enclosure when the tube receiving enclosure is at the second position.

144. The system of claim 143, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between the second position in which it is over the recess , and the first position in which the tube receiving enclosure is displaced from the recess to expose the recess.

145. The system of claim 144 when dependent on claim 138, wherein the enclosure is operative to move following completion of said cutting, thereby enabling the cut sleeved tube assembly to fall through the recess to a downstream handling station.

146. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve , comprising: a bending unit operative to apply a force on the sleeved tubular assembly for bending the sleeved tubular assembly and comprising a roller comprising a receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the sleeve, the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate- shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate-shape of the receiving portion.

147. The system according to claim 146, wherein the roller comprises an axle configured for allowing the roller to revolve thereabout, optionally upon application of said force while bending the sleeved tubular assembly.

148. The system according to any one of claims 146 and 147, wherein the receiving portion is shaped with a continuous arcuate portion having a continuous arcuate-shape periphery being a part of a circle, the roller further comprising a discontinuous arcuate portion being other than the continuous arcuate portion and having a periphery which interrupts the continuity of the arcuate - shape of the receiving portion.

149. The system according to claim 148, wherein the continuous arcuate portion has two endpoints , which meet two endpoints of the discontinuous arcuate portion.

150. The system according to claim 149, wherein the continuous arcuate portion extends over an angular span of approximately 270 degrees about a central axis of the roller.

151. The system according to claim 150, wherein the discontinuous arcuate portion comprises a truncated portion.

152. The system according to claim 151, wherein the truncated portion is planar.

153. A system for manufacturing a ground anchor including at least one tube insertable through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly, the system comprising: any one or more of a guiding arrangement and a transporting arrangement comprising a tube receiving enclosure configured to receive at least a portion of the sleeved tubular assembly, wherein the tube receiving enclosure defines a chamber for receiving a flailing portion of the tube and comprises at least one lateral wall and a groove configured to receive the flailing portion of the tube.

154. The system of claim 153, wherein the groove is shaped and dimensioned to retain the flailing portion in a predetermined position during or after bending of the sleeved tubular assembly.

155. The system of claim 153 or 154, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is movable between a first position aligned with a bending location and a second position aligned with a downstream location.

156. The system of claim 155, wherein the tube receiving enclosure is configured to transport the flailing portion from the bending location to the downstream location along a guided path.

157. The system of any one of claims 153 to 156, wherein the tube receiving enclosure comprises a recess configured to release at least a portion of the sleeved tubular assembly to a handling station.

158. The system of claim 157, wherein the recess is located at a downstream region of the tube receiving enclosure and configured to allow gravitational or mechanically assisted release of the flailing portion or a segment thereof.

159. The system of any one of claims 153 to 158, further comprising a controller comprising processing circuitry configured to control the movement of the tube receiving enclosure between the first position and the second position.

160. A method for manufacturing a ground anchor, the method comprising: optionally inserting at least one tube through a lumen of a sleeve to form a sleeved tubular assembly comprising the tube and the sleeve; applying a force to the sleeved tubular assembly to bend the sleeved tubular assembly at a bending location; and controlling the insertion of the tube through the sleeve and the bending of the sleeved tubular assembly using processing circuitry of a controller; optionally said bending causing at least a part of the protruding portion to flail forming a flailing portion and said bending being performed at a bending location; optionally directing said flailing portion of the protruding portion along a predetermined path at least during said bending; and optionally transporting a bent sleeved tube assembly from the bending location to another location exterior to the bending location.

161. A removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, said tube being formed with a curved portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom, the removable ground anchor device comprising: a shaping sleeve mountable on and circumscribable about the curved portion at a sleeve curved portion , said shaping sleeve comprising two legs extending from the sleeve curved portion, each leg having an inter-leg surface at which an inter-leg surface faces the other inter-leg surface, wherein at least a portion of one of the inter-leg surfaces is flat.

162. The removable ground anchor device of claim 161, wherein the at least one of the legs has at least one additional surface adjacent the inter-leg surface, at least a portion of the at least one additional surface is flat.

163. The removable ground anchor device of claim 161 or 162, wherein the at least one of the legs has a surface parallel to the inter-leg surface, at least a portion of the at least one parallel surface is flat.

164. The removable ground anchor device of any one of claims 161 to 163, wherein the sleeve curved portion has a U-shape comprising at least a semi-circular arc.

165. The removable ground anchor device of any one of claims 161 to 164, wherein the sleeve curved portion has a curvature with a diameter KI, and the inter-leg surface has a length K2 that is greater than KI.

166. The removable ground anchor device of claim 165, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion.

167. The removable ground anchor device of claim 165, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least two times the diameter KI of the sleeve curved portion.

168. The removable ground anchor device of any one of claims 161 to 167, wherein at least one leg has a longitudinal axis and at least the leg has a cross-sectional profile , taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis , the cross-sectional profile formed in a rectangular shape.

169. The removable ground anchor device of claim 168, wherein the shaping sleeve defines an internal housing having a rectangular cross-sectional profile configured to receive and house a plurality of tubes therein, the rectangular shape operative to arrange the plurality of tubes in a compact configuration that minimizes unused volume within the housing.

170. The removable ground anchor device of any one of claims 161 to 169, wherein the material of the shaping sleeve is more rigid than the material of the tube.

171. The removable ground anchor device of any one of claims 161 to 170, wherein the material of the shaping sleeve is formed of a deformable material operative to retain its curved shape of the sleeve curved portion after being bent.

172. A removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, said tube being formed with a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom, the removable ground anchor device comprising: a shaping sleeve mountable on and circumscribable about the U-shaped portion, said shaping sleeve comprising two legs extending from a distal end thereof, each leg having an inter-leg surface having a space therebetween; and a reinforcement member having a member wall fixed to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of one of said inter-leg surfaces, wherein the member wall has a wall height at least not less than a projection height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

173. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 172, wherein the U-shaped portion extends along a portion plane, the member wall having a wall radius of curvature and the portion having a portion radius of curvature, said radii of curvature extending transverse to the portion plane.

174. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 173, wherein the wall radius of curvature is greater than the portion radius of curvature.

175. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 173 or 174, wherein the wall radius of curvature approximates an infinite radius of curvature.

176. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 175, wherein the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the member wall is planar at least along said portion.

177. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 176, wherein the wall height is greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

178. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 177, wherein the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

179. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 178, wherein the member wall has a wall area based on said wall height and a wall length of the member wall, the portion of the inter-leg surfaces has a portion area based on said projection height and a portion length of said portion, the wall area being greater than the portion area.

180. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 179, wherein, when the removable ground anchor is anchored in a stratum, said wall area comprises a stratum contact area at a surface of the member wall contacting the stratum which is greater than the portion area.

181. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 179 or 180, wherein the wall length extends at least intermediate the two straight portions such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions.

182. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 181, wherein the opposed wall portions extend parallel to one another.

183. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 179 to 182, wherein the wall length is equal to or greater than the portion length.

184. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 183, wherein the inter-leg surfaces constitute said portion.

185. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 184, wherein a material forming the member is bendable.

186. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 172 to 185, wherein the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

187. A ground anchor kit for use in a tensile load application within a load-bearing stratum, the ground anchor kit comprising: a shaping sleeve, the shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and an outer sleeve surface; and a reinforcement member having a member wall for affixation to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of the outer sleeve surface.

188. The ground anchor kit according to claim 187 for use with a removable ground anchor, the removable ground anchor comprising a tube and at least one cable, the tube for sheathing said cable.

189. The ground anchor kit according to claim 188, wherein the shaping sleeve is mountable on the tube.

190. The ground anchor kit according to claim 189, wherein the tube is bendable so as to form a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom, the shaping sleeve being circumscribable about the U-shaped portion and comprising two legs extending from a distal end thereof, each leg positioning a respective inter-leg surface in spaced relation to one another.

191. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 187 to 190, wherein the member wall has a wall height at least not less than a projection height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

192. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 187 to 191, wherein the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

193. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 187 to 192, wherein a material forming the member is bendable.

194. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 190 and 191 to 193 when dependent on claim 190, wherein the U-shaped portion extends along a portion plane of said shaping sleeve.

195. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 187 to 194, wherein the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the member wall is planar at least along a wall portion thereof.

196. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 192 to 195, when dependent on claim 191, wherein the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

197. The ground anchor kit according to any one of claims 187 to 196, wherein the member wall comprises opposable wall portions, the opposable wall portions being extendable in parallel relation to one another.

198. A removable ground anchor device for use with a removable ground anchor assembly, said removable ground anchor assembly comprising a tube and a shaping sleeve, the tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, the shaping sleeve being mounted on the tube, the removable ground anchor device comprising: a reinforcement member having a member wall affixable to the shaping sleeve at least along a portion of the shaping sleeve, the member wall having a wall height at least not less than a height of a projection of said portion on a wall plane defined by said member wall.

199. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 198, wherein said tube is formed with a U-shaped portion and two straight portions projecting therefrom.

200. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 199, wherein the U-shaped portion extends along a portion plane, the member wall having a wall radius of curvature and the portion having a portion radius of curvature, said radii of curvature extending transverse to the portion plane.

201. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 200, wherein the shaping sleeve is circumscribable about the U-shaped portion, said shaping sleeve comprising two legs proximally extending from a distal end thereof, each leg having an inter-leg surface having a space therebetween.

202. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 200 or 201, wherein the wall radius of curvature is greater than the portion radius of curvature.

203. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 200 to 202, wherein the wall radius of curvature approximates an infinite radius of curvature.

204. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 198 to 203, wherein the shaping sleeve comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the member wall is planar at least along said portion.

205. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 198 to 204, wherein the wall height is greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

206. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 198 to 205, wherein the wall height is at least twofold greater than the projection height of the projection of said portion.

207. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 198 to 206, wherein the member wall has a wall area based on said wall height and a wall length of the member wall, the portion of the inter-leg surface having a portion area based on said projection height and a portion length of said portion, the wall area being greater than the portion area.

208. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 207, wherein, when the removable ground anchor is anchored in a stratum, said wall area comprises a stratum contact area at a surface of the member wall contacting the stratum, which is greater than the portion area.

209. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 207 or 208 when dependent on claim 199, wherein the wall length extends at least intermediate the two straight portions such that the member wall comprises opposed wall portions.

210. The removable ground anchor device according to claim 209, wherein the opposed wall portions extend parallel to one another.

211. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 207 to 210, wherein the wall length is equal to or greater than the portion length.

212. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 198 to 211, wherein the member material is bendable.

213. The removable ground anchor device according to any one of claims 198 to 212, wherein the reinforcement member is of a greater tensile strength than the tensile strength of the shaping sleeve.

214. A method of assembling a removable ground anchor device on a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a curvable tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, and a curvable shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and a sleeve surface, the shaping sleeve being installed on the tube, the method comprising: providing a curvable reinforcement member having a member wall; and performing one of the following sequences: curving the tube and the shaping sleeve to a U-shaped configuration; if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved then curving the reinforcement member to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration; and affixing the curved member wall to the curved shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface; or providing the curvable reinforcement member when uncurved; affixing the member wall to the shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface when shaping sleeve is uncurved; and curving the tube, the shaping sleeve and the reinforcement member to a U-shaped configuration.

215. A method of assembling a removable ground anchor device on a removable ground anchor, said removable ground anchor comprising a curvable tube for sheathing at least one cable therein, and a curvable shaping sleeve having opposed sleeve ends and a sleeve surface, the shaping sleeve being installed on the tube, the method comprising: providing a curvable reinforcement member having a member wall; curving the tube and the shaping sleeve to a U-shaped configuration; curving the reinforcement member to a configuration compatible with the U-shaped configuration if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved; and affixing the member wall to the shaping sleeve along at least a portion of the sleeve surface; said affixing performed in one of the following sequences: after said curving the tube and the shaping sleeve and after said curving the reinforcement member, if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved; and prior to said curving the tube and the shaping sleeve and before performing said curving the tube,the shaping sleeve and said curving the reinforcement member if the curvable reinforcement member is provided uncurved.

216. The method according to claim 214 or 215, further comprising the step of forming the wall height to be at least twofold greater than the projection height.

217. The method according to claim 216, further comprising the step of forming the wall member to have a wall length, the wall length being extendable at least intermediate the two straight portions such that member wall comprises opposed wall portions.

218. The method according to claim 216 or 217, further comprising the step of extending the opposed wall portions in parallel relation to one another.

219. The method according to any one of claims 216 to 218, further comprising the step of forming the wall length to be equal to or greater than a portion length of said portion.

220. The method according to any one of claims 216 to 219, further comprising the step of forming the wall member from a bendable material.

221. The method according to any one of claims 216 to 220, further comprising the step of forming the wall member from a member material having a tensile strength allowing the member material to be bent to a curvature compatible with the U-shaped portion.

222. The removable ground anchor device of any one of claims 172 to 186, wherein the reinforcement member comprises a U-shaped wall portion which has a curvature with a diameter KI, and an inter-leg surface has a length K2 that is greater than KI.

223. The removable ground anchor device of claim 222, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least 1.5 times the diameter KI of the U-shaped wall portion.

224. The removable ground anchor device of claim 224, wherein the length K2 of the inter-leg surface is at least two times the diameter KI of the U-shaped wall portion.

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