Flag mounting device

A device for preventing a flag from wrapping around a flagpole. The flag is mounted to at least one device that is positioned on the flagpole. The flag has one edge affixed to a rod, which is therein connected on opposing ends to rotatory of the invention. The rotatory have a capability of 360 degrees of free rotation. Each rotator is positioned and supported on the flagpole by opposing stabilizers, which support and position the rotators in a suspended relationship with the flagpole, thereby allowing them to rotate while maintaining a proper flying flag.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a flag support and mounting device, and more specifically, to a device for preventing a flag from wrapping and becoming entangled around a flagpole. The device allows for free rotation about the flagpole.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

It is well known that flags, when blown by variable gusty winds, will occasionally wrap themselves around the flagpole to which they are mounted. Thus entangled, the flag cannot be unfurled by the next breeze and is thus rendered relatively useless. This problem is particularly acute with flagpoles that extend at an angle with the vertical.

The use of flag unfurlers is known in the prior art. More specifically, flag unfurlers heretofore devised and utilized for the purpose of maintaining a flag in an untangled state, are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations. This is notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,167 issued to Burroughs teaches of a device for preventing a flag from wrapping around a flagpole.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,368,783 to Schillinger, U.S. Pat. No. 2,799,240 to Andrews, U.S. Pat. No. 1,306,915 to Klamroth, U.S. Pat. No. 3,706,297 to Voorhees, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,809,930 issued to Brooks, all discuss means and devices to prevent fowling of the flags about the pole and also to allow the flags to freely rotate about the flagpole.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved flagpole rotation device that can be used for allowing a flag to freely rotate around a flagpole following the wind direction. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, in view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device that will minimize the possibility of a flag becoming entangled with a flagpole while at the same time maintaining a natural appearance of the flag.

The present invention provides for a mounting device comprising of a rotator and a stabilizer to be rotationally mounted to a flagpole with the rotator having a portion for holding the flag.

An embodiment of the invention utilizes a rod passing through a sleeve in the flag, and then mounting the device to the sleeve/rod in such a manner that the flag will fly freely yet not become furled.

Another embodiment of the invention has the rotator having means to attach clips to the rod/flag sleeve whereby the flag will not be subject to unnecessary sagging.

Another embodiment of the invention provides for the rotator to have friction-fitting attachment means for fastening the flag directly to the rotator.

Another object of the invention is to incorporate plastic strips and/or plastic segments to the flag for the purposes of adding weight which functions in straightening the flag and also preventing furling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, toFIGS. 1-3thereof, a new and improved flagpole mounting device, embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention. Specifically the invention includes a flag mounting device generally designated by the reference number10, and will be described herein.

It is to be noted inFIGS. 1-3that to properly maintain a flag14on a flagpole20requires a pair of the devices10. Each device10comprises several components that collectively work to provide a new and improved flagpole rotation, wherein a flag14is free to rotate around a flagpole20following the wind direction without unwanted furling. In its broadest context, each device10may be comprised of a rotator11, an upper stabilizer12and a lower stabilizer13. The stabilizers12and13are removably connected to the flagpole20and serve to support and provide a seat for the rotator11. The flagpole20is normally round, but could be of other shapes that could require manufacturing changes, but within the scope and principles of the invention. The flagpole20is normally made of aluminum, wood or fiberglass, however the material of the flagpole20is not an important variable for the operation of the present invention.

The rotator11is capable of being rotated freely through 360° and has means for connecting the flag14to the flagpole20. An extended portion15of the rotator11has a rod opening16defined therein for receiving a rod17. For flags having a built-in sleeve18(seeFIG. 4) the rod17extends through the sleeve18, wherein it is attached to the flag14to provide strength as well as to assist the flag14to maintain a natural and attractive display appearance. The rotator11includes an aperture19, generally in the center of it, for the passage of the flagpole20and partially circular flanges, a first flange22that is part of the first stabilizer12, and a second flange23, which extends from the second stabilizer13. The flanges22and23are adapted to isolate the rotator11from contact with the flagpole20, whereby the rotator11rotates freely about the flanges22and23. Both stabilizers12and13may include screws26that can be hand tightened to secure and maintain their position on the flagpole20. The lower stabilizer13also may include a countersunk rotation resistance screw27that is provided for controlling the degree and speed of rotation.

The extended portion15of the rotator11serves as a point of contact to the rod17, which can be either fixed or adjustable. The rod17inherently provides a measure of weight that helps keep the flag flying in proper fashion. The rod17may be adjustable for small flags and short flagpoles. The fixed length rod would be preferred for larger flags because of the necessary knowledge of what stresses would be incurred for various size flags. Rods17can be steel, aluminum, wood, or other materials conducive to the purpose.FIG. 1shows the use of two rotation devices10but it is appreciated that additional units can be used, more preferably in the center, in the case of a very large flag. The rod17not only supports the flag14, but maintains its path of rotation about the pole without deflection.

The flag14may have additional securing means such as that shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, wherein a plurality of clips21are illustrated. These clips21provide a measure of control as well as to prevent the flag14from sagging. It is to be appreciated that the rotators11may have a plurality of rod openings16wherein a plurality of flags may be supported and flown. Also, the rotator11could be affixed with friction free casters in lieu of the invention presented above, but the increased cost would be substantial.

FIG. 6describes an alternative embodiment, whereby the extended portion15of the rotator11includes a bolt28attached therein. The bolt28may accommodate flags that do not have a sleeve18but which could accommodate a rod17and be used in conjunction with hooks, loops and other means for fastening the flag14. Also shown inFIG. 6, are a pair of friction locks29that may firmly affix the stabilizers12and13to recesses30that are defined in the flagpole20

An embodiment depicted inFIG. 7, attaches a flag14by friction fitting within a slit35and securing with a clamp31. This would be especially advantageous for affixing flags that neither have holes for attaching hooks or loops to aid in their attachment to the flagpole, nor have a sleeve18in which a rod17can run through.

InFIGS. 8 and 9, an embodiment is shown for affixing a flag14that has a rod17passing through holes in the flag14and a one-piece rotator32without a rod opening16in the extended portion15. In this embodiment, a plurality of snaps33are used to attach the flag14to the extended portion15, by embracing the rod17and firmly holding it in place. The plurality of snaps33each have a pair of tightening members34to hold the snaps33in position.FIG. 9is a top view of the one-piece rotator32as shown along line A—A.

Shown inFIG. 1are plastic strips, a continuous strip24and segmented pieces25. These strips24and25not only add weight that helps avoid furling, but they also keep the flag in a proper flying position.