Patent Publication Number: US-2021192993-A1

Title: Retractable flag enclosure apparatus

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/951,719, filed on Dec. 20, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/978,583, filed on Feb. 19, 2020, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     This disclosure generally relates to flags. More particularly, the disclosure relates to an apparatus for enclosing a flag. 
     2. General Background 
     Flags are a common form of expression utilized for a variety of purposes. For example, some people adorn their homes, or attend public gatherings, with a flag representative of their home country; others may do the same with a flag representative of their favorite sports team. All-in-all, a flag can be a great source of pride and inspiration. 
     However, flags are typically subject to significant wear-and-tear, often leading to frequent replacement. For example, one typical configuration for holding a flag is a flag pole, which is typically adhered to the exterior of a dwelling, or in close proximity thereto (e.g., in a front yard). However, the flag pole configuration is quite susceptible to inclement weather: rain, snow, and wind can easily damage the flag that is being held by the flag pole configuration. For instance, tears in flags are not uncommon after a storm. And even if the flag does not tear during inclement weather, at a minimum, it is quite likely to get dirty. Furthermore, the flag is likely to get tangled around the flag pole, leading users to having to deal with the inconvenience of detangling the flag. Additionally, the flag pole, itself, is often fabricated from a metal that is prone to rust, which can lead to breakage of the flag pole. 
     To avoid the pitfalls of keeping a flag pole all year round, many users opt for taking the flag down during the fall or winter seasons, or at the onset of inclement weather. The flag will typically be folded and stored away, where it is further prone to aggregating dirt. Furthermore, such maintenance of flags is an added inconvenience for most users. 
     Finally, a configuration such as a flag pole holder is limited in its applicability, given that it is intended to hold a flag in a fixed position. For example, a typical flag pole holder is adhered to the exterior of a dwelling (e.g., via a fastener such as a screw, bolt, etc.), thereby restricting movement of the flag pole and flag. A user could remove the flag pole from the flag pole holder, but travelling in such a manner has a probability of leading to a tangled flag—just more inconvenience to the user. 
     Accordingly, current flag holding configurations are inadequate for storage and durability. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a retractable flag enclosure apparatus has an enclosure shell that has an aperture. The retractable flag enclosure apparatus also has a knob operably attached to a top end of the enclosure shell. Additionally, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus has a primary dowel and a secondary dowel. Furthermore, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus has flag with a first end adhered to the primary dowel. The flag and the primary dowel are positioned within the enclosure shell such that a portion of the flag is retracted through the aperture via motion applied to the knob and a portion of the flag is pulled through the aperture. Also, the flag has a second end that is adhered to the secondary dowel such that the secondary dowel is positioned on the exterior of the aperture and prevented from entering the enclosure shell. 
     In another embodiment, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus has a spring roller. Accordingly, the flag and the primary dowel are positioned within the enclosure shell such that a portion of the flag is retracted through the aperture via the spring roller and a portion of the flag is pulled through the aperture. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above-mentioned features of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a disassembly of a retractable flag enclosure apparatus. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates the primary dowel along with the rolled up flag being positioned within the enclosure shell. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates the end of the flag, which is not attached to the primary dowel, being pulled through the aperture. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates the secondary dowel being positioned at one end of the flag. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a portion of the flag being stitched over the secondary dowel. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a front perspective view of the knob as it is about to engage the cap. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side perspective view of the knob illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates the detachable handle being attached to the bushing core through the bushing casing. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an expanded view of the detachable handle being attached to the enclosure shell. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates the user pulling the flag, via the secondary dowel enclosure, from the enclosure shell. 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates the user twisting the knob to retract the flag within the enclosure shell. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus being vertically hung from a vehicle. 
         FIG. 9A  illustrates a socket within a cap. 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates the cap being positioned on the spring roller. 
         FIG. 9C  illustrates the retractable flag enclosure apparatus with the spring roller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A retractable flag enclosure apparatus is provided for enclosing a flag. Having the versatility of being portable, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus allows a user to bring a flag to various locations in a manner that protects the flag both from inclement weather and entanglement. Via various enclosure mechanisms, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus allows for a flag to withdrawn into the retractable flag enclosure apparatus to avoid the wear-and-tear of typical flag holder configurations that allow for full exposure of the flag. Furthermore, a stitched dowel within the flag prevents the flag from wrapping around the retractable flag enclosure apparatus. Finally, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus has one or more connection mechanisms that allow the retractable flag enclosure apparatus to be hung in a static position, horizontally or vertically, from a variety of structures (e.g., dwellings, automobiles, etc.). 
     In one embodiment, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus is manually retractable. For example, a user may manually twist a knob to retract the flag into the retractable flag enclosure apparatus. In other words, the user may manually roll up the flag into the retractable flag enclosure apparatus. In another embodiment, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus is automatically retractable. For example, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus may have an integrated spring roller device that, upon a pulling movement of the flag performed by the user, automatically retracts the flag into the retractable flag enclosure apparatus. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a disassembly of a retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100 . In particular, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  may have an enclosure shell  170 , in which a flag  102  is positioned for pull and retraction. (The flag  102  is illustrated without any emblems for illustrative purposes. However, a variety of emblems representing various entities (e.g., nations, cities, towns, villages, sports teams, organizations, corporations, etc.) may be integrated within, or attached to, the flag  102 .) 
     Given varying dimensions of flags, the enclosure shell  170  may be customized to the particular dimensions of the flag  102 . For example, if the height of the flag  102  is twelve inches (measured as the flag is intended to be displayed), then the enclosure shell  170  may be fourteen inches in length to accommodate the height of the flag  102 , and allow for additional room for other componentry. (This example is not intended to be limiting, given that flags of varying heights may be utilized. Also, varying degrees of additional space in the enclosure shell  170  may be necessary to accommodate for componentry of varying sizes.) The enclosure shell  170  may be constructed from various materials (e.g., polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), plastic, metal, bamboo, fiberglass, etc.), which may allow for customization to the size of the flag  102 . For instance, the enclosure shell  170  may be a PVC pipe, which may be cut lengthwise to accommodate the size of the flag  102 . (Various tools, such as a table saw, skill saw, or PVC cutters may be used to perform the cutting of the enclosure shell  170 .) The use of a material such as PVC is one example of a rust-proof material that provides added protection for the flag  102 . Alternatively, a particular enclosure shell  170  that accommodates a particular flag  102 , without any cutting, may be selected for use with the flag  102 . In essence, the enclosure shell  170  may be a tube in which the flag  102  is positioned for pull and retraction. Also, the enclosure shell  170  may be selected to have a particular diameter (e.g., one inch) to accommodate the flag  102  when fully rolled up. Furthermore, the flag  102 , itself, may be manufactured from various materials (e.g., fabric, plastic, etc.) that are capable of being rolled up for enclosure within the enclosure shell  170 . 
     Additionally, to ensure a snug, yet ample, retraction and release of the flag  102 , an aperture  172  (e.g., slit) may be formed within the enclosure shell  170 . For example, a cutting implement (e.g., table saw, skill saw, or PVC cutters) may be utilized to cut the aperture  172  within the enclosure shell  170 . The aperture  172  may be opened more with additional tools (e.g., a multi-tool) to provide a further opening for the pull and retraction of the flag  102 . Furthermore, the inner portions of the aperture  172  may be smoothed (e.g., sanded with sand paper) to avoid the flag  102  from getting caught on any snags (e.g., rough edges), which could lead to tears, when pulled or retracted from the enclosure shell  170 . Moreover, the enclosure shell  170  may be sanded to allow for paint to adhere better to it. 
     In order to position, the flag  102 , whether in retracted or released form, within the enclosure shell  170 , a primary dowel  110  is utilized. (The term “dowel” is used herein to connote a rod, which may be geometrically-shaped (e.g., cylindrically-shaped). It may be constructed from various materials, such as wood, bamboo, plastic, or metal.) In one embodiment, one end of the flag  102  (e.g., the left side of the flag  102 ) has a flag sleeve  104  through which the primary dowel  110  may be positioned. In an alternative embodiment, the primary dowel  110  may be attached to the flag  102  via an adherent (e.g., glue, staples, stitching, etc.). Once adhered to one end of the flag  102 , the flag  102  may be rolled around the primary dowel  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 2A  for subsequent placement within the enclosure shell  170 . The primary dowel  110  may have a diameter (e.g., three-eighths of an inch) to allow for the flag  102  to fit within the enclosure shell  170  when rolled up. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , the primary dowel  110  may be threaded with a threading  112  to allow for positioning of a nut  116  (e.g., hex nut) and a washer  114  thereon. (A threading tool may be utilized to obtain the threading  112 .) Furthermore, the enclosure shell  170  may have two openings, one on each end. After the flag  102  is rolled up on the primary dowel  110 , the flag  102  along with the primary dowel  110  may be positioned within the enclosure shell  170 . (Prior to such positioning, a push stick may be utilized to clean debris out of the enclosure shell  170 .) 
     To maintain the positioning of the primary dowel  110 , along with the rolled up flag  102 , within the enclosure shell  170 , various components may be utilized to close off the ends of the enclosure shell  170 . For example, a cap  130  may be positioned at a top end of the enclosure shell  170 . An aperture  172  may be positioned through the cap  130  to allow access to the washer  114  and nut  116 . The cap  130  may be adhered to the top end of the enclosure shell  170  via an adherent (e.g., glue). Furthermore, a knob  140  may be positioned on top of the cap  130  to engage the washer  114  and nut  116 . For instance, the knob  140  may have a socket  142  that may engage the washer  114  and nut  116 . As a result of such engagement, a turn of the knob  140  results in a turn of the primary dowel  110 , allowing for unrolling or rolling of the flag  102 . Other turning mechanisms besides the knob  140  may be used in place of the knob  140 . 
     With respect to the opposite end of the enclosure shell  170 , a coupling  150  may be attached thereto (e.g., via an adherent such as glue). Furthermore, a bushing  160  may be inserted into the bottom end of the coupling  150 . The bushing  160  allows the enclosure shell  170  to be connected to a detachable handle  180 . (The bushing  160  is just one example of a connector that may be utilized to connect the detachable handle  180  to the enclosure shell  170 ; for example, the detachable handle  180  could potentially be directly connected to a coupling  150  that is configured to receive the detachable handle  180 .) In one embodiment, the bushing  160  has a bushing casing  162 , a bushing core  164 , and a bushing washer  166 , illustrated in  FIG. 5A ; all of which may be utilized for connection to the detachable handle  180 . 
     In contrast with previous flag pole holding configurations, the detachable handle  180  allows for convenient portability of the flag  102 . A user could just as easily attach the enclosure shell  170  with the flag  102 , via the detachable handle  180 , as take it to a sporting event for grasping with one or more hands to hold or wave the flag  102 . Upon completing usage of the flag  102 , the user can easily remove the detachable handle  180  from the enclosure shell  170  to allow for light and convenient transportation. For example, some vehicles may not be able to accommodate the full length of the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100 , but may be able to do so if the detachable handle  180  is detached from the enclosure shell  170 . 
     Additionally, one or more connection mechanisms  190  (e.g., hooks) may be adhered to the enclosure shell  170 . The one or more connection mechanisms  190  allow for convenient hanging of the enclosure shell  170  from various structures (e.g., buildings, vehicles, etc.). 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  illustrate assembly of the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 2A  illustrates the primary dowel  110  along with the rolled up flag  102  being positioned within the enclosure shell  170 . Furthermore,  FIG. 2B  illustrates the end of the flag, which is not attached to the primary dowel  110 , being pulled through the aperture  172 . A secondary dowel  120  may then be adhered to this other end of the flag  102 . In one embodiment, this other end of the flag  102  is rolled, or folded, slightly around the secondary dowel  120  enough to allow for that portion of the flag  102  to be stitched around the secondary dowel  120 . In another embodiment, another type of adherent (e.g., glue) may be utilized to adhere the secondary dowel  120  to the flag  102 . 
     Optionally, one or more stoppers  122  (e.g., rubber caps) may be positioned over the ends of the secondary dowel  120  to prevent, or minimize, tearing of the flag  102  that may result from rough edges of the secondary dowel  120  contacting the flag  102 . 
     The secondary dowel  120  provides a number of different functionalities. Firstly, it prevents the flag  102  from being completely retracted within the enclosure shell  170 , thereby always allowing the user to grasp a portion of the flag  102  to pull the flag  102  from the enclosure shell  170  for release of the flag  102  from the enclosure shell  170 . Secondly, the secondary dowel  120  prevents entanglement of the flag  102  in its released form. Given the weight of the secondary dowel  120 , the flag  102  is less likely to get twisted. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate an example of the secondary dowel  120  being adhered to the flag  102 . For instance,  FIG. 3A  illustrates the secondary dowel  120  being positioned at one end of the flag  102 . Also,  FIG. 3B  illustrates a portion of the flag  102  being stitched over the secondary dowel  120 . 
     Furthermore,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate expanded views of the knob  140  engaging the cap  130 , which connects to the enclosure shell  170 . In particular,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a front perspective view of the knob  140  as it is about to engage the cap  130 . Furthermore,  FIG. 4B  illustrates a side perspective view of the knob  140  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . 
     Additionally,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  illustrate the detachable handle  180  attaching to the enclosure shell  170 . For example,  FIG. 5A  illustrates the detachable handle  180  being attached to the bushing core  164  through the bushing casing  162 . A washer  166  may be attached to the bushing casing  162 . Further,  FIG. 5B  illustrates an expanded view of the detachable handle  180  being attached to the enclosure shell  170 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The flag  102  is illustrated as being released from the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100 . Furthermore, the connection mechanisms  190  (e.g., hooks, clips, etc.) are illustrated as being attached to the enclosure shell  170  to allow for handing of the assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100 . The connection mechanisms  190  allow for horizontal or vertical hanging of the flag  102 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  illustrate a user  200  operating the assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100 , illustrated in  FIG. 6 . In particular,  FIG. 7A  illustrates the user  200  pulling the flag  102 , via the secondary dowel enclosure  106 , from the enclosure shell  170 . Furthermore,  FIG. 7B  illustrates the user  200  twisting the knob  140  to retract the flag  102  within the enclosure shell  170 . 
     As an example,  FIG. 8  illustrates the assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  being vertically hung from a vehicle  300 . For instance, the connection mechanisms  190  may be connected to one or more receivers (e.g., hooks, clips, fasteners, nails, bolts, points, etc.) positioned on the vehicle  300 , or a rack attached thereto. As another example, the assembled retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  may be hung from a canopy via clips. 
     In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A-9C , a spring-loaded mechanism may be utilized to automatically retract the flag  102  within the enclosure shell  170 . In particular,  FIG. 9A  a socket  404  within a cap  400 .  FIG. 9B  illustrates a spring roller  402 , integrated within the enclosure shell  170 , that engages the socket  404  of the cap  400 . In essence, the spring roller  402  may be spring-loaded to automatically retract the flag  102  within the aperture  172  of the enclosure shell  170  upon the user  200  pulling on the flag  102 . 
     Furthermore, a light  408  may be positioned on the cap  400  to allow the user  200  to light up the flag at night. For instance, an activator  410  (e.g., button, switch, etc.) may activate the lighting mechanism  408  (e.g., light emitting diode (“LED”)). In another embodiment, the lighting mechanism  408  is positioned along the enclosure shell  170 , rather than the cap  400 . As an example, if the user  200  is at a sporting event, the user  200  may emit light toward the flag  102  to illuminate the flag  102  so that it is visible to others at the sporting event. More than one lighting mechanism  408  may be utilized. 
       FIG. 9B  illustrates the cap  400  being positioned on the spring roller  402 . Finally,  FIG. 9C  illustrates the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  with the spring roller  402 . 
     In another embodiment, the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  may be motorized. For example, an activator (e.g., button) may be activated by the user  200  to automatically move, via a motor, the flag  102  in and out of the enclosure shell  170 . 
     In yet another embodiment, a weather strip may be positioned over part, or the entirety, of the aperture  172 . For example, a zipper may be used to open a fabric covering over the aperture  172 . As another example, the weather strip may be a plastic strip that is peeled from the aperture  172 . The weather strip may prevent, or minimize, moisture from contacting the flag  102 , which could damage the flag  102 . 
     Additionally, a strap may be attached to the enclosure shell  170 . Accordingly, the user  200  may easily carry the retractable flag enclosure apparatus  100  when travelling. 
     It is understood that the apparatuses described herein may also be applied in other types of apparatuses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments of the apparatuses described herein may be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the present apparatuses. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present apparatuses may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.