Patent ID: 6155197
Filing Date: 2000-12-05
Classification: G09F

Abstract:
A retractable flag unit, comprising:a tubular housing having proximal and distal ends, a side wall and a longitudinal axis extending between said proximal and distal ends of said housing;said distal end of said housing having an opening into said housing;an elongate rod having opposite proximal and distal ends, a longitudinal axis extending between said proximal and distal ends of said rod;said proximal end of said rod being extended into said housing, said distal end of said rod being outwardly extended through said opening of said distal end of said housing;a back plate being disposed in said housing and coupled to said proximal end of said rod;said housing having a longitudinal slot through said side wall of said housing;a slide plate being disposed in said housing adjacent said longitudinal slot and being coupled to said back plate;said slide plate having opposite proximal and distal edges, said proximal edge of said slide plate abutting and being coupled to said back plate;a thumb slide having a slide extent extending through said longitudinal slot of said housing into said housing;said slide extent being coupled to said slide plate;a flag being coupled to said rod adjacent said distal end of said rod; andsaid rod having a spaced apart plurality of constrictions adjacent said distal end of said rod, said rod comprising a resiliently flexible material whereby said rod resiliently folds at each of said constrictions.