Patent Application
20200058240
This invention relates to flagpole security. More specifically, this invention relates to a security system for flagpoles, a flagpole security kit, a flag for an outrigger flagpole assembly or kit, as well as a method for securing flags to flagpoles.
The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.
A common type of flagpole known to the Applicant is the so-called outrigger flagpole. This type of flagpole is typically attached, cantilever-style, to the outside wall of a house or other form of building.
The flagpole is used to display flags and other insignia. However, a problem with these systems is that flag or insignia theft may occur, given the relatively low height at which these systems are displayed.
The present invention was conceived with this shortcoming in mind.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an outrigger flagpole assembly comprising:
a wall-mountable bracket;
a flagstaff for displaying a flag, the flagstaff attachable in cantilever fashion at one end thereof to the wall-mountable bracket; and
a security formation for releasably locking a flag to be displayed to the flagstaff or to the wall-mountable bracket.
As used herein, the term “flag” may refer to any piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol, as a signalling device, or as a decoration. As used herein, the general parts of a flag are: canton (the upper inner section of the flag); field or ground (the entire flag except the canton and the field and hoist ends); fly end (the furthest edge from the hoist end); and hoist end (the edge used to attach the flag to the hoist).
By “flagstaff” is meant any pole, flagpole, flagmast, stanchion, or staff that can be used to support, hoist, and/or deploy a flag.
The wall-mountable bracket may include one or more connection points for connecting the flagstaff to the bracket.
A first connection point may be proximal a wall to which the bracket is to be mounted. A second connection point may be distal from the wall to which the bracket is to be mounted.
The first connection point may be in the form of an aperture for receiving a pivot or pin that allows the flagstaff to be pivoted relative to the wall, thereby to allow for an angle of the flagstaff to be adjusted to a desired angle relative to the wall.
The pivot or pin may include at least one security formation that may be used to securely and releasably fasten the pin to the wall-mounted bracket, thereby to prevent unauthorised removal of the flagstaff from the wall-mounted bracket.
The flagstaff may have a first end for engaging with the wall-mounted bracket and a second, free, end for engaging with the end of the flag distal from the wall.
The flagstaff may, in one embodiment of the invention, have a track or channel disposed within, and extending at least partially along the length of, the flagstaff. In another embodiment, the flagstaff may have a track or channel disposed upon, and extending at least partially along, an outer surface of the flagstaff, typically an operative, lower surface of the flagstaff.
The track may serve to receive and hold the flag when hoisted.
The flag may be attached to the track using an elongate track-engaging member. The track-engaging member may engage with the track or channel associated with the flagstaff to attach the flag to the flagstaff.
As such, in the case of an internal track within the flagstaff, the track-engaging member may be dimensioned to be receivable within the track.
In the case of an external track disposed upon an outer surface of the flagstaff, the track-engaging member may be dimensioned to be closely associated with, and mountable to, the track.
The track-engaging member may, in one embodiment, be a rigid, or semi-rigid, elongate member, which is attached to the hoist end of the flag.
In one embodiment of the invention, the track-engaging member may be in the form of an elongate, rigid pin.
In another embodiment of the invention, the track-engaging member may be any elongate member that provides a slight interference fit internal to the track associated with the flagstaff.
In another embodiment, the track-engaging member may cooperate with the track along a longitudinal axis thereof, external to the flagstaff.
The flagpole assembly of the invention may have a pulley associated therewith to aid the hoisting, retraction or deployment of the flag. The pulley may assist with the sliding insertion or removal of the track-engaging member associated with the flag.
As such, the flag may be mounted to the flagstaff by inserting one end of the track pin into the track, over which the flag may be slid once the flagstaff has been attached to the wall, and the flagstaff has been adjusted to a desired flagstaff angle.
Adjustment of the flagstaff angle may be accomplished by varying the arc defined between the flagstaff and the wall to which the flagstaff is mounted via the wall-mountable bracket. As such, the wall-mountable bracket may have adjustment means for adjusting the angle of the flagstaff. This may be in the form of toothed, ratcheted, infinitely adjustable friction plates, or by having pre-formed holes in the wall mountable brackets, separate from the mounting pins, through which a retaining pin or lock may be inserted to lock the flagstaff into position, as desired.
As such, the second connection point may be in the form of co-axial apertures that may be used to lock the flagstaff in place once a desired angle has been selected. The flagstaff may be locked in place to the wall-mounted bracket using a releasable detent. The detent may be in the form of a pin that passes through the second connection point, i.e. through the co-axial apertures.
The detent may include at least one security formation that may be used to securely, releasably fasten the detent to the wall-mounted bracket.
In one embodiment, the flag track-engaging member may have a securing or locking formation associated therewith for securing or locking the flag to the flagstaff or track. As such, the track or flagstaff may have a complementary securing formation associated therewith to which the flag and/or track-engaging member may be secured. Securing of the two securing formations to one another may be accomplished by locking them in place using a lock or other form of user-removable fastening or locking mechanism, or another form of tamper-proof fastening or locking system.
In one embodiment, the flagstaff securing formation may be provided at, or towards, an end of the flagstaff, proximal the wall-mountable bracket. In another embodiment, the flagstaff securing formation may be provided at, or towards, the second end of the flagstaff, i.e. distal from the wall-mountable bracket. In a further embodiment, the securing mechanism may be provided more centrally disposed upon the flagstaff, typically a flag-width distance away from the free end of the flagstaff.
Accordingly, for a particular application, the track-engaging member may be shaped and dimensioned to be capable of engaging with, and being locked or secured to, the corresponding one or more locking formations on the flagstaff. As such, the track-engaging member (or flag) may include at least one security formation that may be used to securely, releasably lock a flag to be displayed to the flagstaff, thereby to prevent unauthorised removal of the flag.
Advantageously, the flagstaff may be sectioned so that the flagstaff may be transported in compact, sectioned form to a desired area where it is to be deployed at full length. As such, the flagstaff may be provided with internally or externally co-operating engaging means for allowing the disassembly or assembly of the flagstaff. The locking or securing formations provided on the flagstaff may conveniently also be used to further secure or lock the flagstaff sections in place once constructed.
The bracket may be affixed to the wall by fasteners, typically in the form of screws, plugs, or rawl bolts or the like. Advantageously, the bracket may have one or more shielded apertures for receiving the fasteners, the shielded apertures being positioned such that, in use, they are shielded by the proximal end of the flagstaff, thereby decreasing the possibility that the flagpole assembly may be removed from the wall.
In one embodiment of the invention, an elongated locking formation (or “blank”) is provided which is slotted or shunted into a complementarily-shaped channel or slot, such that the locking formation abuts (or nearly abuts) a proximal end of the flag pin or guide. Additionally, the distal end of the channel is blind. In this way, the distal end of the flag pin or guide abuts (or nearly abuts) the blind end of the channel on one end thereof, while being locked in place by the blank at the other end thereof. When the flagstaff is locked into position, the blank is held securely in place within the bracket, while also preventing unauthorised removal of the flag pin.
In an embodiment of the invention, the flagpole assembly includes an illuminator configured to operatively illuminate a flag locked to the flagstaff.
In an embodiment, the illuminator comprises a housing shaped and configured for operative fitment about at least a portion of the flagstaff in order the illuminate the flag, in use.
In an embodiment, the housing of the illuminator comprises a U-shaped channel dimensioned to operatively receive a portion of the flagstaff therein.
Typically, the illuminator comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). In an embodiment, the LEDS are arranged along a length of the housing. In another embodiment, the LEDs are incorporated into the flagstaff and/or the bracket.
In an embodiment, the illuminator includes a solar cell, an electrochemical cell and an ambient light sensor and/or a timer configured to activate the LEDs which are energised via the electrochemical cell, which is further configured to be charged by the solar cell.
In an embodiment, the illuminator includes an electrical connector for operative connection to an existing power grid for energising the LEDs, in use.
According to another aspect of the invention, there if provided a kit for an outrigger flagpole assembly, the kit comprising:
a wall-mountable bracket;
a flagstaff for displaying a flag, the flagstaff attachable in cantilever fashion at one end thereof to the wall-mountable bracket; and
a security formation associated with the flagstaff for releasably locking a flag to be displayed to the flagstaff or to the wall-mountable bracket.
According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of displaying a flag on an outrigger flagpole assembly, the method including the steps of providing the outrigger flagpole assembly or kit of the invention, selecting a desired flag to be raised, deploying the flag on the flagpole, and locking the flag in place using one or more of the security formations of the outrigger flagpole assembly.
A still further aspect of the invention provides a flag for an outrigger flagpole assembly or kit of the invention, the flag including a track-engaging member shaped and dimensioned to be closely associated with a track of a flagstaff of the assembly or kit of the invention, the track-engaging member including a securing formation for securing the flag and/or track-engaging member to the flagstaff of the flagpole assembly or kit.
The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.
With reference now to
In the embodiment shown in
The flagstaff 14 includes a security device or locking formation 14.2 for releasably locking a flag 20 (shown in dotted lines for sake of clarity) to be displayed to the flagstaff 14 or to the wall-mountable bracket 12.
The wall-mountable bracket includes a base plate 12.1 and a cradle 12.2. The cradle 12.2 includes connection points 12.3 for connecting the flagstaff 14 to the bracket 12, and further apertures (or connection points) 12.4 slightly spaced from the connection points 12.3 and base plate 12.1.
The first connection points 12.2 (also referred to herein as pivot holes) are used to connect the flagstaff 14 to the base 12 using a pivot pin 22. It is conceivable that any type of pivot arrangement may be used to pivotally mount the flagstaff 14 to the base 12. The pivot holes 12.3 and pivot pin 22 arrangement allows the flagstaff to be pivoted relative to the wall, thereby to allow for the angle of the flagstaff to be adjusted to a desired angle relative to the wall 18. This may also be accomplished in another embodiment by using friction plates or any other suitable arrangement for varying the angle between the flagstaff 14 and the wall 18.
The pivot or pin 22 is locked in place through aperture 12.3 with a padlock 26 (key or coded), or other locking means. The flagstaff 14 is angled to a desired angle and then locked in place using pin 24 through aperture 12.4 using clip 28. Instead of a clip, a padlock may be used. This is done to prevent unauthorised removal of the flagstaff 14 from the wall-mounted bracket 12.
The flagstaff 14, in one embodiment of the invention (not shown), has a track or channel disposed within, and extending at least partially along the length of, the flagstaff. The embodiment shown in
In the case of an internal track, i.e. a track recessed within the flagstaff 14 (not shown), the track-engaging member 20.1 is dimensioned to be receivable within the track 14.3.
The track-engaging member 20.1 is typically a rigid or semi-rigid, elongate member or pin, which is dimensioned to be closely associated with the track 14.3.
In another embodiment of the invention wherein use is made of a channel or track (best illustrated in
As such, the flag 20 may be mounted to the flagstaff 14 by inserting one end of the track pin (i.e. the track-engaging member) 20.1 into the track 14.3. The flag 20 is first slid over the track pin 20.1 which is then inserted into or locked to the flagstaff 14.
Returning to
In one embodiment, the flag track-engaging member (i.e. pin) 20.1 has a securable locking formation 20.2 associated therewith for securing or locking the flag 20 to the flagstaff 14 itself or to the track 14.3. In another embodiment, shown in
In the embodiments shown in
In the embodiment shown in
Another embodiment of the invention, shown in
The flagpole assembly of the invention, in certain embodiments, has a pulley associated therewith to aid the retraction or deployment of the flag (not shown).
Referring now to
In the current example, the illuminator 38 comprises a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 44, which are arranged along a length of the housing 40. In other embodiments, the LEDs 44 may be incorporated directly into the flagstaff 14 and/or the bracket 12. The illuminator 38 also includes at least one solar cell 42, or a plurality of solar cells to form at least one solar panel, as is known in the art. The illuminator 38 further typically includes an electrochemical cell (not shown) and an ambient light sensor and/or a timer (not shown) which is configured to activate the LEDs 44 which are, in turn, energised via the electrochemical cell or battery. The battery is further configured to be charged by the solar cells 42, as is known in the art. In another embodiment, as shown in
The invention extends further to a kit comprising a wall-mountable bracket 12, a flagstaff 14 for displaying a flag 20, with the flagstaff 14 attachable in cantilever fashion at one end thereof to the wall-mountable bracket 12, and a security formation 14.4 associated with the flagstaff 14 for releasably locking the flag 20 to be displayed to the flagstaff 14 or, in certain embodiments (not shown), directly to the wall-mountable bracket 12. As may be seen in
According to a still further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of displaying an outrigger flag on an outrigger flagpole assembly, the method including the steps of providing the outrigger flagpole assembly or kit of the invention, selecting a desired flag to be raised, deploying the flag on the flagpole, and locking the flag in place using one or more of the security formations of the outrigger flagpole assembly.
A still further aspect of the invention provides a flag for an outrigger flagpole assembly or kit of the invention, the flag including a track-engaging member shaped and dimensioned to be closely associated with a track of a flagstaff of the assembly or kit of the invention, the track-engaging member including a securing formation for securing the flag and/or track-engaging member to the flagstaff of the flagpole assembly or kit.
Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.
The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
It is to be appreciated that reference to “one example” or “an example” of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.
Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.
Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017900500 | Feb 2017 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2018/050110 | 2/13/2018 | WO | 00 |
