Abstract:
A device for maintaining a flag in a desired position, and comprising a position transducer is disclosed. A support mounts the position transducer on a flagstaff. An alarm indicates a deviation in the position of the transducer from the desired position. The alarm has an audio output. The audio output of the alarm optionally indicates the direction of the deviation whereby a user may correct the position of the flag. The position transducer may comprise a central conductive member and a plurality of contacts surrounding that central conductive member. More particularly, the central conductive member may be a conductive ball resting on a concave conductive electrode.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The invention relates to devices and methods for maintaining the alignment of a flag being held by a marcher or a plurality of flags each held by individuals in group of marchers, for example in a parade, within an acceptable range of angles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Many parades involve the carrying of flags or colors by one or a number of individuals, often at the head of a particular unit. Particularly where there are a number of individuals each carrying a flag in relatively close proximity to each other, the appearance of the colors bearers depends upon their holding their respective flags at an angle with an orientation within an acceptable range. Moreover, poles supporting flags in close proximity to each other should be oriented at approximately the same angle and tilted in the same direction. 
         [0003]    Achieving this may be difficult because flag bearers are required to look forward, and are not free to look up at each other&#39;s flags to determine whether the desired alignment has been achieved. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In accordance with the invention, devices and methods are provided for allowing individuals, for example, individuals in a color guard, to precisely control flag orientation and angle. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, different individuals in a color guard are provided with a device for ensuring that all flags held by members of the color guard are held with the same orientation. 
         [0005]    In accordance with the present invention a device for maintaining a flag in a desired position, and comprising a position transducer is provided. A support mounts the position transducer on a flagstaff. An alarm indicates a deviation in the position of the transducer from the desired position. The alarm has an audio output. The audio output of the alarm optionally indicates the direction of the deviation whereby a user may correct the position of the flag. The position transducer may comprise a central conductive member and a plurality of contacts surrounding that central conductive member. More particularly, the central conductive member may be a conductive ball resting on a concave conductive electrode. 
         [0006]    Optionally the central conductive member may be housed in a transparent member whereby its position may be visually determined. 
         [0007]    The position transducer may be secured to the flagstaff by a collar and a ball and socket attachment. 
         [0008]    Optionally, the position transducer has an audio output which may vary in pitch and has bursts which may vary in repetition rate to indicate the position of the flagstaff, in order to allow a user to correct the position of the flag. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The operation of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic perspective view of the inventive position transducing device and alarm; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of a marcher using a flagstaff alignment device in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the inventive position transducer; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIG. 3  in cutaway perspective illustrating the inventive transducer; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIG. 4  illustrating the concavity of the base of the transducer; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a flag with the inventive device properly aligned; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flag with the inventive device tilted forwardly; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flag with the inventive device tilted rearwardly; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a flag with the inventive device tilted rearwardly revealing its inner workings; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a flag with the inventive device tilted forwardly revealing its inner workings; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a flag with the inventive device tilted to the left revealing its inner workings; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic view which illustrates a flag with the inventive device tilted to the right revealing its inner workings; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a schematic block diagram illustrating the electrical circuit of the inventive flag position transducer; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a schematic representation of the location of the components of the inventive transducer; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the orientation of a flag may be adjusted; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a view similar to  FIG. 15  illustrating the flag in a vertical position with the inventive transducer aligned in a manner calculated to assist the flag bearer in maintaining the vertical position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in the vertical position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a position tilted forwardly; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a position tilted rearwardly; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a position tilted to the left; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a position tilted to the right. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an orientation device  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated mounted on a flagstaff  12 . Orientation device  10  comprises a conical transducer housing  14  which houses a mechanism for determining position. The inventive orientation device  10  also includes an alarm circuit housing  16 , which houses circuitry for receiving the output of the mechanism for determining position and providing an appropriate alarm designed to provide guidance to the flag bearer as toward how to put the flagpole into the proper position. Secured to housing  14  is a band  18 . Band  18  is tightly mounted on flagstaff  12 . Band  18  is sufficiently tight so as to grip flagstaff  12  frictionally and maintain its position unless subjected to force. Band  18  may be rotated in the directions indicated by arrows  20  to achieve desired operation, as will be described in detail below. 
         [0032]    As can be seen with reference to  FIG. 2 , a flag bearer  22  typically holds flag staff  12  using one arm  24 , or alternatively two arms. Typically, the flag bearer  22  is assisted in this task by a flag supporting belt  26 , which incorporates a support cup  28  which precedes the bottom end of flagstaff  12 , thus helping to support the flag without the unduly rapid onset of fatigue in the arms. 
         [0033]    In connection with this, it is noted that fatigue may be caused by a variety of factors. For example, the weight of a flagstaff  12  and a flag  28  may be substantial. In addition, substantial winds may result in applying relatively large forces to a flag. Some idea of the force involved may be understood when it is considered that fabric having an area not much larger than many flags is sufficient to function as a sail in a small sailboat or windsurfing apparatus. Moreover, as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , such force is exerted at the end of a relatively large moment arm which functions as a lever, multiplying the perceived force by perhaps a factor of three or four, depending upon the configuration of the flag and flagstaff involved. 
         [0034]    In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that when the flag is oriented at the proper angular position, device  10  will emit no noise. However, in the event of deviation of flagstaff  12  from the proper angular position, the angular orientation of device  10  will vary with movement, by way of change in roll, pitch and/or yaw. Such deviation is detected by device  10  and an alarm is sounded. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the alarm will vary in a manner which will indicate to the flag bearer the proper corrective action to be taken to restore the desired angular position of the flag and flagstaff. 
         [0035]    For example, if the flag is leaning forward from the desired position, device  10  may emit a high-pitched tone. Alternatively, if the flag is leaning backward from the desired position, device  10  may emit a low pitched tone. In the event that the flag is leaning to the left, device  10  may emit a series of clicks at a relatively rapid rate. In the event that the flag is leaning to the right, device  10  may emit a series of clicks at a relatively slow rate. 
         [0036]    In similar fashion, if, in addition to leaning left or right, the flag is also leaning forwardly or backwardly, the clicks can be replaced by beeps, with high-pitched beeps indicating a forward lean and low pitched beeps indicating a backward lean. Thus, by listening to the frequency of the tone, if any, and the rapidity of the clicks or beeps, the flag bearer is instructed on how to right the flag to the proper position. 
         [0037]    While a number of mechanisms may be employed to detect changes in orientation, one such mechanism is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , transducer housing  14  includes a floor  30  and a floor electrical contact  32 . A plurality of sidewall electrical contacts  36  are positioned at equal intervals along the inner wall of transducer housing  14 . In accordance with the preferred embodiment, sixteen such sidewall contacts  36  are provided, although fewer numbers of contacts, for example four or eight, will function well as will larger numbers of contacts. Floor  30  and electrical contact  32  are both concave. 
         [0038]    Transducer housing  14  also houses a conducting ball  38  as may be seen most clearly in  FIG. 4 . When flagstaff  12  is properly aligned, ball  38  rests in the middle of electrical contact  32 . Because contact  32  is concave, when the flagstaff is in the proper position, ball  38  tends to roll into the center of contact  32 . This may be most easily understood from  FIG. 5 . 
         [0039]    As is illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 , varying the angular orientation of flagstaff  12  will cause ball  38  to change position. 
         [0040]    However, if the flag is subjected to angular displacement from the desired position, ball  38  will tend to roll toward the inner sidewall of conical housing  14  in the direction which indicates the direction of the deviation and with a displacement which indicates the magnitude of that deviation. For example, if flagstaff  12  is pulled rearwardly, ball  38  will move to the position illustrated in  FIG. 9 . On the other hand, if flagstaff  12  is pulled forwardly, ball  38  will move to the position illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Likewise, if flagstaff  12  is pulled to the left, ball  38  will move to the position illustrated in  FIG. 11 , while, if flagstaff  12  is pulled to the right, ball  38  will move to the position illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0041]    When flagstaff  12  is pulled rearwardly, ball  38  moves into contact with electrical contact  36   a , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Because ball  38  is resting on electrical contact  32  and contacting electrical contact  36   a , it completes an electrical circuit between these two electrodes, thus resulting in detection of the position of ball  38 . Thus, application of a voltage present on, for example, contact  32  to contact  36   a  indicates a rearward tilt in the angular position of flagstaff  12 . 
         [0042]    Similarly, when flagstaff  12  is pulled forwardly, ball  38  moves toward contact  36   b  as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Likewise, if flagstaff  12  is pulled to the left, ball  38  will move to the position illustrated in  FIG. 8 , bearing against electrical contact  36   c , which when it receives voltage from ball  38  indicates tilting of the flag to the left. From the above discussion, it will be understood that if another electrode is actuated, other orientations of flagpole  12  will be indicated. For example, contact of ball  38  with electrode  36   d  would indicate tilting forwardly and to the left. 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the translation of individual electrode actuations into an audio cue to be interpreted by the flag bearer is achieved by a circuit  40  illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Actuations of voltage on an electrode is detected by detector  42  which, in turn, drives a tone generator  44  to produce the desired audio signal, for example the clicks, and beeps of various pitch as outlined above. The signal is then sent to amplifier  46  which drives a loudspeaker  48 . 
         [0044]    As can be seen in  FIG. 14 , control circuit  40  is contained within housing  16 . Housing  16  also houses loudspeaker  48  and a power supply, such as battery  50 . 
         [0045]    In accordance with the method of the present invention, because of the fixed position of cup  28 , use of a cup is desirable but not required. Nevertheless, the combination of the cup and the inventive position detecting device is particularly advantageous. 
         [0046]    It is also contemplated in accordance with the invention that an orientation device  10 , such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1-14  (which has a particular flagstaff orientation associated with it), may be replaced with a device  110  capable of accommodating a range of flagstaff orientations. 
         [0047]    With reference to  FIG. 15 , this is achieved through the use of a joint  152  comprising a ball  154  and socket  156  which allows orientation with three angular degrees of freedom, namely, roll, pitch and yaw. 
         [0048]    When it is desired to use an adjustable device as in  FIG. 15 , the flagstaff  112  is positioned at the desired angular orientation and device  110  is oriented until no sound is heard. The same may be assisted by making conical housing  114  transparent. This enables one to see ball  138  and position it in the middle of floor contact  132 . Transparency can be achieved by making conical housing  114  from a transparent material such as plastic, or by incorporating a great number of holes in an otherwise opaque housing, for example, forming a screen or a cage. By way of example, a number of pie shaped holes may be incorporated in the housing, with the cone being defined by a plurality of struts, each with an end at the apex of the cone and having its other end at the base of the cone 
         [0049]    For example, if a flag is oriented in the vertical position as illustrated in  FIG. 16 , collar  118  may be rotated in the direction of arrows  120  and ball  154  moved with respect to socket  156  until ball  138  is in the center of floor contact  132 . 
         [0050]    Still yet another possibility for an angular position transducer in accordance with the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 17-21 . Generally, the transducer  210  is arranged in a pendulum fashion, with a conductive pendulum bob  238  connected by a conductive string  260 . A voltage is applied to string  260  and this is conducted to bob  238 , which in turn implies voltage to contact electrodes  236  effecting operation substantially similar to that of the transducers illustrated in  FIGS. 1-16 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 17  shows the transducer  210  in the upright or vertical position.  FIG. 18  shows the transducer  210  on a flagpole tilted forwardly in position.  FIG. 19  shows the transducer  210  on a flagpole tilted rearwardly.  FIG. 20  shows the transducer  210  on a flagpole tilted to the right.  FIG. 21  shows the transducer  210  on a flagpole tilted to the left. 
         [0052]    While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been described in this specification, and several alternatives thereto have also been described, modifications to the disclosed embodiments, and other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a malleable member or liquid conductor such as mercury or water may be substituted for the ball and socket arrangement of  FIG. 16  a pendulum may be replaced by a quantity of conductive liquid with a wire (which takes the place of the conductive wire supporting the pendulum) or plurality of wires extending into it, for example at different points in the liquid. Likewise, the pendulum arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 17-21  may be achieved using a springy pendulum line  260 . Such modifications are within the scope of the invention as limited and defined only by the appended claims.