Abstract:
A flag pole anchor is used for holding a flag pole. The flag pole anchor is particularly beneficial in that it allows a flag to be displayed in association with a headstone or monument while causing little or no interference with cemetery ground crews and the like.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/432,587 filed Dec. 11, 2002 and entitled FLAG POLE ANCHOR. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a flag pole anchor. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flag pole anchor which may be used at cemeteries and the like for mounting flag poles and other types of poles adjacent to a headstone or other structure.  
           [0004]    2. State of the Art  
           [0005]    There are many ways in which societies memorialize those who have passed away. One common mechanism is the formation of cemeteries wherein the deceased is buried and a headstone or other memorial is placed so as to commemorate the final resting place of the deceased. Headstones which are commonly used vary significantly in shape and dimension. In many cemeteries crosses are used as headstones. Other cemeteries utilize other sorts of monuments which extend above ground. Still other cemeteries have requirements which prohibit the headstone from extending above the level of the ground or grass.  
           [0006]    As part of the efforts to memorialize those who have passed on, it is often also customary to place memorabilia adjacent the headstone. The most common form of memorabilia, other than flowers, is the use of flags to designate those who served time in the military or who otherwise died in defense of country or performing official duties.  
           [0007]    Another relatively recent method for memorializing individuals is the use of the windsock or pinwheel. The windsock is mounted on a pole which is placed adjacent to the headstone. The windsock typically will include a picture of the decedent performing some favorite activity and/or some scene indicative of a favorite hobby, pet, etc. of the decedent.  
           [0008]    Regardless of whether the item placed adjacent the headstone is a flag or a windsock (hereinafter collectively referred to as a flag or flag pole) there remains a challenge of placing the flag adjacent the headstone for the long term. Typically, such flags are simply inserted into the soil proximate the headstone. While it is common for such flags to be placed in the grass adjacent a headstone over Memorial Day, the flags must typically be removed within a week or so of the holiday to avoid interference with ground crews cutting the grass or otherwise maintaining the cemetery.  
           [0009]    Recognizing the similar problem associated with leaving flowers in a vase adjacent the headstone, some high-end headstones have vases built therein. The vases can be inverted when not in use to avoid being filled with water. Such vases, however, will not hold a flag pole out of the way of grounds crews.  
           [0010]    To date, the only viable options for securing a flag adjacent a headstone has been to stick the flag pole in the ground or to drill a hole into the headstone. However, forming a hole in the headstone or the concrete around the headstone leaves an opening which through the freeze and thaw cycles of winter can cause damage to the headstone and or concrete.  
           [0011]    Additionally, in some situations, it is difficult to drill into the headstone or concrete when it is already placed in the ground. Furthermore, some may object to the appearance of the headstone once it has been drilled to form a hole.  
           [0012]    Thus, there is a need for an improved flag pole anchor which can be formed in the headstone or concrete, or independent of the headstone or concrete so as to secure a flag while causing minimal inconvenience to ground crews maintaining the cemetery.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    The present invention provides a flag pole anchor which creates minimum interference for ground crews and the like. The present invention also provides a flag pole anchor which is generally inexpensive and relatively easy to use. The present invention further provides a flag pole anchor which does not require alteration of the headstone in order to properly affix the flag pole anchor.  
           [0014]    The flag pole anchor of the present invention is configured to hold a flag pole adjacent to or in a tombstone without the flag pole anchor interfering with the work of ground crews.  
           [0015]    In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the flag pole anchor is formed by an insert which is placed into a hole in the headstone or concrete surrounding the tombstone.  
           [0016]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the flag pole anchor includes a cap to prevent the anchor from filling with water when a flag pole is not placed therein.  
           [0017]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the flag pole anchor is slotted or otherwise contoured to inhibit the rotation of the flag pole.  
           [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the flag pole anchor is slotted to lock a cap thereon.  
           [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the flag pole anchor is configured for positioning adjacent to or on top of the concrete base around the headstone and for being secured in the ground. In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the flag pole anchor is mountable to the face of the headstone and further providing a decorative element to the headstone as well. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]    The above features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description in which:  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a flag pole anchor and a pair of caps which can be used with the flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor and associated cap;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flag pole anchor with an insignia formed thereon;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor and a cap associated therewith;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a flag pole anchor and a device for securing the flag pole therein;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a flag pole anchor with a locking cap;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a still another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 10, shows an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor similar to that in FIG. 9, but with an adjustable attachment mechanism.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 12A shows still another embodiment of a flag pole anchor with an adjustable attachment;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12B shows an attachment for mating with the adjustable attachment;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13A shows an alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 13B shows another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 14A shows yet another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 14B shows the flag pole anchor of FIG. 14 inserted into the ground;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 15A shows another embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 16A shows still another embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 16B shows a back side of the flag pole anchor of FIG. 16A;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 16C shows another embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 17 shows yet another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 18 shows still another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 19 shows three flag pole anchors in accordance with the present invention mounted relative to a monument. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0046]    Reference will now be made to the drawings in which the various elements of the present invention are discussed in a manner to enable one of skill in the art to make and use the invention. It is to be understood that the following description is only exemplary of the principles of the present invention and should not be viewed as limiting the appended claims.  
         [0047]    Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of a flag pole anchor generally indicated at  10 . The flag pole anchor includes a cylindrical shaft  14  with an opening  18  at an upper end  15 . An annular collar  22  encircles the opening  18 . The collar  22  has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the shaft  14 . Also shown in FIG. 1 are two caps  26   a  and  26   b . The caps  26   a  and  26   b  are configured so that threads  30  on the caps mate with threads  34  forming inside the opening  18  in the flag pole anchor  10 . Caps  26   a  and  26   b  differ in that cap  26   a  is configured to be tightened with a standard “flat-head” screw driver, while cap  26 B is configured for being tightened or removed with a standard “Phillips-head” screwdriver. Of course, other types of engagements could be incorporated such as a hexagonally shaped hole for receiving an Allen wrench.  
         [0048]    In use, the flag pole anchor  10  will be nested in a headstone or the concrete surrounding a headstone. When placed in a headstone a hole will typically be drilled into the headstone and then the flag pole anchor  10  will be slid into the hole. Often times, the base or surrounding concrete around a monument or headstone includes one or more holes for receiving a cylindrical metal vase that is configured for receiving flowers. The Flag pole anchor  10  could be sized to fit within the existing metal vase or the hole in which the vase is intended to rest. When placing the anchor  10  inside the vase, the opening  18  may extend completely through the shaft  14 , such that the shaft  14  essentially forms a tube with the size of the opening  18  configured to be slightly larger than the diameter of the flag pole to be inserted therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flag pole anchor could be made of metal, such as brass, bronze, aluminum or other corrosion resistant metal, or of a resilient material such as ABS, PVC or polypropylene plastic or other materials known in the art.  
         [0049]    Turning now to FIG. 2A, there is shown an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  40 , configured in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The flag pole anchor  40  includes a shaft  44  with an open upper end  48  and an annular collar  52 . Again, the collar  52  has a larger diameter than the shaft  44  so that the anchor  40  can be supported by the collar when inserted into an appropriately sized hole. A cap  56  has a square shaped projection  60  which nests in the square shaped opening  48 . Thus, it will be appreciated that while a threaded engagement can be used, the cap can simply slide into place. Additionally, the interior of the shaft  14  or  44  need not be round. Thus it should be appreciated that by using a non-cylindrical void in the shaft, a flag pole can be disposed therein in such a manner that the flag pole will not rotate. This may be important to keep the flag from brushing against the headstone over a prolonged period of time thereby damaging the flag. Because the top surface  57  of the cap  56  comprises a generally flat surface, a desired emblem, insignia or other decorative element may be affixed thereto or integrally formed thereon.  
         [0050]    Likewise, as shown in FIG. 2B, a flag pole anchor  62  is comprised of a square shaped insert tube  63  and an oval-shaped collar  64 . The collar  64  has an opening  65  that is coextensive with the opening in the top of the tube  63 . The opening  65  is positioned at one side of the oval-shaped collar  64  with a design element  66  attached to the top surface  67  of the collar at the other side of the collar  64 .  
         [0051]    Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment of a flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  70 , made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The flag pole anchor  70  includes a cylindrical base portion  74  which is generally hollow for receiving a flag pole. At an upper end  78  an annular collar  82  in formed so as to leave an opening  86 .  
         [0052]    A cap  90  is attached to the annular collar  82  and nestable into a position where it closes the opening  86 . A channel  94  is also provided into which a retaining pin or other securing device can be inserted to prevent removal of a flag or to prevent rotation of the flag if desired. The cap  90  is coupled to the collar  82  with a flexible retaining member  91  which includes a ring portion  92  for insertion and retention in a similarly sized peripheral channel  93  in the collar  82 . The cap  90  includes an insertion portion  95  for being received in and retained within the opening  86 . This may be accomplished by a friction-type fit. The cap  90  and retaining member  91  may be formed from plastic or other flexible and resilient-type material known in the art.  
         [0053]    Turning now to FIG. 4 there is shown yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor generally indicated at  100 . The flag pole anchor  100  includes a base insertion portion  104 , such as a tubular member having a generally square-shaped cross- section. An upper end  108  of the shaft  104  has an opening  109  for receiving a flag pole. A pair of laterally spaced supports  112  are positioned adjacent and on opposite sides of the opening  109 . Holes  116  are formed in each support  112 . The holes  116  are provided for insertion of a pin (not shown) or other retaining device that can be inserted through the holes and through a flag pole, having similarly configured holes, inserted into the opening  109 .  
         [0054]    Similar to other embodiments described herein, the flag pole anchor  100  includes a collar  120  for supporting the anchor within a similarly configured receiving hole in the headstone, base or concrete surrounding the headstone. If a hole is formed in the headstone, the collar  120  prevents the base portion  104  from falling completely into the hole. Likewise, if the flag pole anchor  100  is placed in a hole formed in a cement base, the bottom surface of the collar  120  abuts against the cement base surround the hole to support the anchor  100  relative to the hole. Additionally the collar  120  provides a more finished appearance.  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of a square-type flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  130 , made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The flag pole anchor  130  includes a shaft  134  which has a generally square cross section. At the top of the shaft is a square collar  138  and a decorative crown  142  with an opening  146  therein for receiving a flag pole. The flag pole anchor  130  operates in a similar manner as those discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-4.  
         [0056]    Turning now to FIG. 6 there is shown an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor generally indicated at  150 , in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The flag pole anchor  150  includes a shaft portion  154  with an opening  158  and a collar  162  attached to the top end of the shaft portion  154 . A cap  166  has an insertable portion  170  with a projection  174  extending therefrom. Disposed in the shaft portion  154  is a channel  178  into which the projection  174  can be inserted and slid. The pin engages the channel in order to retain the cap  166  relative to the shaft portion  154 . The channel  178  includes a retaining portion  179  in which the projection  174  can be inserted by following the path of the channel into the retaining portion  179  for locking the cap  166  to the channel  178 . Likewise a flag pole may be provided with a similarly configured projection for engaging the channel  178  and for locking the flag pole relative to the channel  178  by following the channel into the retaining portion  179  of the channel  178 .  
         [0057]    Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor generally indicated at  180 . Flag pole anchor  180  includes a shaft  184  with an opening  188  at one end. A collar  192  is disposed about the opening  188 . Extending into the opening  188  of the shaft  184  are a pair of longitudinally extending channels  196  which can be used to receive locking pins  197  similar to that shown and describe in FIG. 6.  
         [0058]    The channels  196  are each positioned on opposite sides of the opening  188 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  210 . The flag pole anchor  210  includes a square-tube base portion  214  defining an opening  218  longitudinally extending within the base portion  214  and coextensive therewith. The base portion  214  is mounted to a collar  222  at its top end  223  as by welding or other methods known in the art. The collar  222  includes an outer edge  223  that defines a bottom side recess  224  provided to add height to the collar  223  without having top provide a collar of such thickness. An alternate to an open bottom  225 , the base portion  214  includes a drain  228  proximate the distal end  226 . Additionally, an abutment member  232 , such as a nut welded to the inside of the opening  218 , may be provided proximate the distal end  226  to prevent the flag pole from extending through the opening  218 . Likewise, a nut  233  may be welded to the outside of the base portion  214  over a hole (not visible) which extends into the opening  218  at the position of the nut  233 . A threaded bolt threaded into the nut  233  could act as a set screw to retain the flag pole relative to the base portion  214 .  
         [0060]    Turning now to FIG. 9 there is shown an alternate embodiment of the invention. Rather than requiring a hole to be formed or drilled into the headstone or the concrete around the headstone, the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is configured for disposal above a concrete base, generally indicated in fragment by dashed lines  240 . The base has an upper portion  258  which is configured to extend onto the concrete base  240  and a lower, spike portion  260  which is configured for extending into the ground. Preferably the upper portion  258  is sufficiently wide that a users foot can be placed on the upper portion  258  of the base  254  adjacent to the shaft  264  to press the spike portion  260  into the ground.  
         [0061]    The base can be formed from a variety of materials. However, it is preferred that it be made of durable plastic or metal. This allows the lower, spike portion  260  to be repeatedly driven into the ground. Ribs  268  can be formed on the lower, spike portion  260  to provide added support to prevent bending and durability.  
         [0062]    Mounted on the base  250  is a flag pole stand in the form of shaft  264 . The shaft  264  is sufficiently long to receive a flag pole and maintain it in an erect orientation, but not so long as to be unnecessarily visible. By using the flag pole anchor  250 , a flag pole can be positioned on or adjacent to a head stone within a matter of seconds. Unlike sticking the flag in the ground adjacent the headstone, however, the flag pole anchor holds the flag pole securely in place and provides virtually no interference to ground crews of the cemetery. Thus, the flag pole anchor  250  can be left in place for a prolonged period of time if desired. This is in contrast to the current practice of the grounds crews removing and disposing of flags which are placed in the dirt within a week due to maintenance concerns. Furthermore, by placing the flag on the head stone or immediately adjacent thereto, the risk that a visitor to the cemetery might accidentally trip on the flag or knock it over is reduced.  
         [0063]    Turning now to FIG. 10, there is shown yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  250 ′. The flag pole anchor  250 ′ is substantially the same as the flag pole anchor  254  shown in FIG. 9 and is numbered accordingly. The only difference is that the shaft  264 ′ shown in FIG. 10 is formed from two pieces. The shaft base  264   a  is attached to the base  254  at one end and has an attachment mechanism  272 , such as threads, at the other end. The attachment mechanism allows for an adaptor shaft (shown and discussed in additional detail with respect to FIG. 12). The adaptor shaft can be any of several different configurations, each receiving a different size or shaped flag pole. Thus, a common base  254  can be used with a variety of different flag poles, thereby reducing the number of bases which a cemetery, scout troop. etc. must have.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  300 . The flag pole anchor  300  includes a base portion  304  and a shaft portion  308 . The base portion  304  includes an upper portion  312  and a lower, spike portion  316 . Rather than using parallel ribs, the lower, spike portion  316  of FIG. 11 uses a single, serrated rib  320  to both provide support and to resist the lower, spike portion from being inadvertently removed from the ground. As with the previous two embodiments, the flag pole anchor  300  extends over the bottom of the headstone so that it does not interfere with ground crews and/or visitors to the cemetery.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIGS. 12A and 12B show yet another embodiment of the invention. The flag pole anchor, generally indicated at  330  includes a base portion  334  and a shaft portion  338 . The base portion  334  has a upper portion  344  configured to extend above the base of a headstone, and a lower, spike portion  348  which nests in the ground. The lower, spike portion  348  can also be provided with a rib  352  both for durability and to prevent inadvertent removal of the flag pole anchor  330 .  
         [0066]    The shaft portion  338  forms a stand for receiving a flag pole. As shown in detail in FIG. 12B, the upper end of the shaft base  338   a  is provided with an attachment mechanism. While shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B as being threads  360  which made with threads  362  on a shaft adaptor, any other attachment mechanism can be used. The shaft base  338   a  enables the shaft adaptor  364  to be connected to the base  334  of the flag pole anchor. The shaft adaptor  364  can be configured to hold any of numerous different flag poles. Thus, the shaft can have one of any number of diameters or can be made to receive a flag pole having a particular cross-sectional shape.  
         [0067]    Turning now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, there are shown a pair of alternate configurations for a flag pole mount. The flag pole mount  400 , shown in FIG. 13A, includes an upper tube  402 , a flange  404 , and a spike  408 , which is configured for being nested in the ground. The flange  404  is configured to a facilitate placement of the spike  408  in the ground by providing extensions  407  and  409  that can be forced by the foot of a user to press the spike  408  into the ground.  
         [0068]    Another flag pole anchor  412  shown in FIG. 13B includes an adaptor  416  attached to a flange  420  and a spike  424  attached a flange  420 , and a spike  424  attached to the bottom side of the flange  420 .  
         [0069]    In yet another flag pole anchor  430  illustrated in FIG. 14A, the flag pole anchor  430  includes a flange  434  defining an opening  438 , the flange  434  coupled to a tubular spike  442 . The spike  442  is provided with a drain hole  446  to allow water that may gather within the spike  442  to drain therefrom. As shown in FIG. 14B, when inserted into the ground  447 , the spike  442  is inserted into the ground  447  until the flange  434  contacts the ground  447 . A flag pole  449  is then inserted into the opening  438  in the flange  434  and a least partially into the spike  442 .  
         [0070]    Turning now to FIG. 15, there is shown an alternate configuration wherein a flag pole anchor  450  includes a mounting plate  451  having a plurality of support rings  452 ,  453  and  454 . Each support ring  452 ,  453  and  454  define an inner aperture for receiving a flag pole  455 . The top two support rings  452  and  453  provide lateral support for the flag pole  455  while the bottom support ring  454  provides longitudinal support to hold the bottom of the flag pole  455  relative to the plate  451 . The plate  451  can be mounted to a headstone or other surface by using an adhesive, double-sided tape or by bolting or other means of fastening known in the art, such as use of an epoxy resin, drilling and lagging, drilling and pinning, mortar, silicone, sand blasting a recess and adhesively attaching therein. The face or top surface  456  of the plate  451  may be decorated with, for example an emblem  457  to display, for example a military branch or other desired insignia.  
         [0071]    Likewise, FIGS. 16A and 16B shows an alternate embodiment of the flag mounting bracket  460  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The bracket  460  includes a base plate  461  with a pair of mounting members  462  and  463  depending therefrom. The mounting members  462  and  463  are tabs that may be mounted to the plate  461  in a mortis and tendon manner or integrally formed with the base plate  462  as with an injection molding process when forming the components from plastic. The mounting members  462  and  463  include apertures  464  and  465 , respectively, for receiving a flag pole therethrough. An abutment member or tab  466  is positioned below the bottom mounting member  463  for abutting the bottom end of the flag pole and therefore providing longitudinal support for the flag pole. Because the top surface  467  of the base plate  461  is generally flat, a decorative decal  468  can be applied over the entire surface to add a decorative element to any object to which the mounting bracket  460  is attached.  
         [0072]    As shown in FIG. 16B, an adhesive strip  470  is applied to the back surface  471  of the base plate  461  for mounting the base plate  461  to a surface. The adhesive strip  470  may comprise a strip of double-sided tape.  
         [0073]    As shown in FIG. 16C, it is further contemplated that a design element, such as an insignia  472  may be integrally formed in the base plate  474  such that the insignia  472  is raised above the top surface  476  of the base plate  474 . With metals, for example, the insignia  472  may be cast into the top surface  476  or molded thereon when using plastics.  
         [0074]    As shown in FIG. 17, other types of mounting brackets for mounting to a flat surface such as the face of a monument are also contemplated. A mounting bracket  500  is comprised of a base plate  502  to which a pole support structure  504  is attached. The support structure  504  is comprised of a top ring  506 , a middle ring  507 , and a bottom retaining portion  508 . The top and middle rings  506  and  507  allow the flag pole to be inserted therethrough and the bottom retaining portion  508  abuts against and maintains the bottom of the flag pole. A drain  510  is provided in the bottom retaining portion  508  to allow water to drain therefrom as needed. In the top ring  506  is a hole  512  that is configured for receiving a flag pole retaining member, such as retaining member  514  comprised of a tack. The retaining member prevents vertical movement of the flag pole relative to the bracket  500 . Other types of retaining members included clips  514  and  516 , pins  518  and twist tie  520 .  
         [0075]    As shown in FIG. 18, the pole retaining member  530  may comprise a cylindrical tube-like member having a configuration similar to that of a test tube. The retaining member  530  includes a drain  532  for allowing water collected in the tube to drain therefrom. The base plate  534  is provided with a pair of holes  536  and  537 , one proximate the top and one proximate the bottom for attachment to a surface as by bolting through the holes  536  and  537 .  
         [0076]    As shown in FIG. 19, flag poles  600 ,  602  and  604  may be mounted relative to a monument  610  in various manners in accordance with the principles of the present invention, each of which is mounted in such a manner so as to prevent or at least minimize interference with ground crews or cemetery visitors.  
         [0077]    Thus there is disclosed an improved flag pole anchor. Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications which can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications.