Flag hoisting apparatus

Abstract

 An objective of the present device is to maintain a flag, when hoisted, irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not as well as to improve the appearance of the flag when hoisted.
To achieve the objective, compressed air is transmitted from a compressor to exhaust holes positioned next to the flag. Alternatively, propellers mounted adjacent to the flag and driven by a battery or electric motor provide the necessary air currents to keep the flag flying in the absence of wind.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Device]

[Field of Industrial Applications]

[0001] The present device relates to flag hoisting apparatus, and more particularly relates to flag hoisting apparatus used to hoist a flat at a tip of a rod-like member.

[Prior Art]

[0002] A flag is generally made of cloth or paper and is hoisted at a tip of a rod-like member generally called pole, and sometimes the flag may have such a function as decoration, signal, sign, symbol, or others.

[0003] For instance, as a sign to display a nation, there exist, in addition to a national flag, an emperor flag, a king flag, a sovereign flag, a government flag, a standard, and a naval ensign or a merchant ship flag for marine use.

[0004] Particular name is assigned to each section of the national flag as described above, and a side of a national flag closer to a pole is called hoist, while a side opposite to the hoist is called fly, and a flag with a fly having a form of swallow tail is called tailor flag.

[0005] Most of national flags as described above are rectangular, and the aspect ratio is generally 2:3 or 1:2.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] In hoisting apparatus for a conventional type of flag, a pulley is provided at a tip of a rod-like member, a string is set over the pulley, upper and lower sections of the flag are connected to the string, and the flag is pulled up to the tip of the rod-like member by pulling down the string.

[0007] When a flag is hoisted, however, if there is no wind blowing, the other side of the flag hangs down loosely.

[0008] As a result, a mark shown on the flag is not shown clearly, and the appearance is rather poor, and in addition the flag can not be used conveniently.

[Means for Solving the Problems]

[0009] To solve the problems as described above, the present device provides flag hoisting apparatus used to hoist a flag at a tip of a rod-lie member, having air sending means for sending air so that the flag hoisted at the tip of the rod-like member is maintained in good conditions.

[0010] Also the present device provides flag hoisting apparatus used to hoist a flag at a tip of a rod-like member, having an exhaust section to exhaust compressed air so that the flag is hoisted in good conditions and a compressor communicated to the exhaust section to send compressed air.

[0011] Furthermore the present device provides flag hoisting apparatus used to hoist a flat at a tip of a rod-like member, having a propeller mechanism for sending air so that the flag hosted at the tip of the rod-like member is maintained in good conditions and a drive section connected to the propeller mechanism for driving the propeller mechanism.

[Effect]

[0012] With the device as described above, when a flag is hosted at a tip of a rod-like member, it is possible to send air with the air sending means and maintain the flag in good conditions.

[0013] Also, when a flag is hoisted at a tip of a rod-like member, compressed air is sent from the compressor to the exhaust section and then the compressed air sent from the compressor is exhausted from the exhaust section to the flag, so that the hoisted flag is maintained in good conditions and the appearance of the flag, when hoisted, is improved.

[0014] Also when a flag is hoisted at a tip of a rod-like member, the propeller mechanism is operated by driving the drive section to send air from the propeller mechanism to the flag, so that the hosted flag is maintained in good conditions and the appearance of the flag, when hoisted, is improved.

[Description of the Preferred Embodiments]

[0015] Next description is made for preferred embodiments of the present device with reference to related drawings.

[0016] Fig.1 to Fig.3 show a first embodiment of the present device. Referring to Fig.1 to Fig.3, designated at the reference numeral 2 is a flag, and at 2 a rod-like member such as a pole for outdoor use. At the upper position in one side (left side in Fig.1 and Fig.2) of the flag 2 is provided a first mounting section 6, and at a lower position in the same side (left side in Fig.1 and Fig.2) of the flag 2 is provided a second mounting section 8.

[0017] Also at the tip of the pole 4 is provided a pulley 10 and at base section thereof is provided a compressor 12. Over the pulley 10 is hanged a thin string 14.

[0018] Furthermore an exhaust section 16 for exhausting compressed air to maintain the hosted flag 2 in good conditions is provided and the compressor 12 for sending compressed air is communicated to the exhaust section 16.

[0019] To described more minutely, the both edge sections of the this string 14 are connected, for instance, to the upper and lower sections of the exhaust section 16 respectively so that the exhaust section 16 can be moved along the pole 4 in the vertical direction. At an upper position in the other side (right side in Fig.1 and Fig.2) of the exhaust section is provided a third mounting section 18, and at a lower position in the same side (right side in Fig.1,Fig.2) is provided a fourth mounting section 20. The first mounting section of the flag 2 is connected with a string 22 for mounting to the third mounting section 18, while the second mounting section of the flag 2 is mounted with another string 24 for mounting to the fourth mounting section 20.

[0020] Also a hose mounting convex section 26 is provided on the bottom surface of the exhaust section 16, and in this hose mounting convex section is provided a through hole section 30 penetrating from a space 28 inside the exhaust section 16 to the outside.

[0021] Furthermore, at a position in the other side of the exhaust section 16 are provided a plurality of, for instance, 7 exhaust holes 32 each oriented in almost the vertical direction against the pole 4. The exhaust hole sections 32 are provided at an approximately equal space and a diameter of each exhaust hole 32 becomes gradually smaller from the upper position to the lower position in the other side of the exhaust section 16.

[0022] In addition, the hose mounting convex section of the exhaust section 16 and the compressor 12 are communicated to each other with a hose 34.

[0023] Next description is made for effects of the apparatus.

[0024] When hoisting the flag 2, the first mounting section 6 of the flag 2 is mounted with the string 22 for mounting to the third mounting section 18 of the exhaust section 16, the second mounting section of the flag 2 is mounted with the string 24 for mounting to the fourth mounting section 20 of the exhaust section 16, the exhaust section and the flag 2 are pulled up to the tip of the pole 4 with the string 14, and compressed air is sent from the compressor 12 to the exhaust section 16.The compressed air sent from the compressor 12 is exhausted from the exhaust hole sections 32 of the exhaust section to the flag 2.

[0025] With this configuration, it is possible to always maintain the hoisted flag 2 in good conditions and improve appearance of the flag 2 irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, which is useful in practical use.

[0026] Also by maintaining the hoisted flag 2 in good conditions irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, it is possible for the flag to fully play its role as a sign or a symbol.

[0027] Furthermore as the exhaust hole sections 32 are provided at an approximately equal space with a diameter of each exhaust hole gradually becoming smaller from the upper position to the lower position in the other side of the exhaust section 16, a lot of air can be exhausted to the upper section of the flag 2, as indicaetd by the alternate long and short dash line in Fig.2, which insures flapping of the flag 2.

[0028] Fig.4 is a drawing illustrating a second embodiment of the present device. In this second embodiment, the same reference numbers are assigned to sections having the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0029] A feature of the second embodiment is that exhaust hole sections 44 formed on a pole 42 are used as exhaust sections.

[0030] Namely an air path 46 extending to the axis of the pole 42 is provided in the pole 42 and communicated to a compressor, and, for instance, 4 exhaust hole sections 44 each communicating the air path 46 to the outside are provided at the tip section of the pole 42. The exhaust hole sections 44 are provided at an approximately equal space and oriented to the other side of the pole 42 (right side in Fig.4), in other words in almost the vertical direction against the pole 42.

[0031] Because of this feature, flag hoisting apparatus making use of compressed air sent from a compressor can be built easily, which is economically advantageous because the production cost can be reduced.

[0032] Also like in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to maintain the hoisted flag 2 in good conditions irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not and the appearance of the flag, when hoisted, can be improved, which is useful in practical use.

[0033] Furthermore because the flag 2 is maintained, when hoisted, in good conditions irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, the flag 2 can fully play its role as a sign or a symbol.

[0034] Fig.8 and Fig.9 are drawings illustrating a third embodiment of the present device. Referring to Fig.8 and Fig.9, designated at the reference numeral 42 is a flag, and 44 a rod-like member such as, for instance, a pole for outdoor use. At an upper position in one side (left side in Fig.9) of the flag 42 is provided a first mounting section 46, and at a lower position in the same side (left side in Fig.9) of the flag 2 is provided a second mounting section 48.

[0035] Also at a tip of the pole 44 is provided a pulley 50, and a string 52 is hanged over this pulley 52.

[0036] Furthermore, a propeller mechanism 54 for sending air as air sending means for hoisting the flag 42 at the tip of the pole 44 in good conditions is provided, and a drive section 56 for driving the propeller mechanism 54 is provided in and connected to the propeller mechanism 54.

[0037] To describe more minutely, two edge sections of the string 52 are connected to upper and lower sections of a propeller mechanism accommodating section 58 for accommodating the propeller mechanism 54 respectively so that the section 58 can move long the pole 54 in the vertical direction. At an upper position in the other side (right side in Fig.8) of the accommodating section 58 is provided a third mounting section 60, and at a lower position in the same side (right side in Fig.9) of the accommodating section 58 is provided a fourth mounting section 62. To the third mounting section 60 is mounted the first mounting section 46 of the flag 42 with a string 64 for mounting, and to the fourth mounting section 62 is mounted the first mounting section 48 of the flag 48 with another string 66 for mounting.

[0038] Also a propeller mechanism mounting concave section 68 is provided in the accommodating section 58, and in this concave section 68 are provided , for instance, two units of propeller mechanism 54-1 and 54-1 are provided. First and second drive sections 56-1 and 56-2 are connected to the first and second propeller mechanisms 54-1 and 54-2 respectively. The first and second drive sections 56-1 and 56-2 are connected to a battery 70 which is a power source.

[0039] Now description is made for effects of the embodiment.

[0040] When hoisting the flag 42, the first mounting section 46 of the flag 42 is mounted to the third mounting section 60 of the propeller mechanism accommodating section 58 with the string 64 for mounting, and at the same time the second mounting section 48 of the flag 2 is mounted to the fourth mounting section 62 of the accommodating sections 58 with the other string 66 for mounting, and the accommodating section 58 and the flag 42 are pulled up to the tip of the pole 44 with the string 54.

[0041] An electric current flows from the battery 70 to the first and second drive sections 56-1 and 56-2 respectively, thus the first and second drive sections 56-1 and 56-2 beng driven, and because the first and second drive sections 56-1 and 56-2 are driven, the first and second propeller mechanisms 54-1 and 54-2 are operated. The propeller mechanism 58 sends air to the flag 42.

[0042] With this configuration, it is possible to maintain the flag 42, when hoisted, in good conditions irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not as well as to improve the appearance of the hoisted flag 42, which is useful in practical use.

[0043] Also because the flag 42 is maintained in good conditions, when hoisted, irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, the flag can fully play its role as a sign or a symbol.

[0044] Furthermore because the first and second propeller mechanism are provided in the propeller mechanism accommodating section 58, a quantity of exhausted air is exhausted to the upper section of the flag 42, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in Fig.8, which insures flapping of the flag 42.

[0045] Fig.10 is a drawing illustrating a fourth embodiment of the present device. In this fourth embodiment, the same signs are assigned to sections having the same functions as in the third embodiment described above.

[0046] A feature of the fourth embodiment is that a propeller mechanism 84 is fixed at the outer peripheral position of the pole 44.

[0047] Namely a drive section 82 is buried in the tip section of the pole 44, and a propeller mechanism 84 is fixed to the drive section 82. The propeller mechanism 84 is oriented to the side of flag 42.

[0048] The first and second mounting sections 46 and 48 of the flag 42 are mounted to the string 52 with the strings 60 and 62 for mounting respectively.

[0049] Also the drive section 82 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) and a switch section (not shown) each provided at a base position of the pole 44 with an electric cord provided inside the pole 44.

[0050] For this reason, it is possible to easily stop operation of the drive section 82, when wind is blowing, by stopping operation of the drive section 82 with the switch section (not shown), which is advantageous because electric charges can be reduced.

[0051] Also like in the third embodiment described above, the flag 42 can be maintained, when hoisted ,in good conditions irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not and also the appearance of the flag 42, when hoisted, can be improved, which is useful in practical use.

[0052] Furthermore because the flag 42 can always be maintained in good conditions, when hoisted, irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, the flag can fully play its role as a sign or a symbol.

[0053] Fig.11 is a drawing illustrating a fifth embodiment of the present device.

[0054] A feature of the fifth embodiment is that the propeller mechanism 84 is fixed inside the pole 4.

[0055] Namely, an accommodating space section 92 in which, for instance, two units of propeller mechanism, i.e., the first and second propeller mechanisms 84-1 and 84-2 and two drive sections, i.e., first and second drive sections 82-1 and 82-2 are accommodated, at an upper position (in Fig.4) of the acommodating space section 92 is provided a first mounting convex section 94, and at a lower position (in Fig.11) thereof is provided a second mounting convex section 96.

[0056] To the first mounting convex section 94 is mounted a first drive section 82-1, and to the first drive section 82-1 is mounted the first propeller mechanism 84-1. Similarly to the second mounting convex section 96 is mounted the second drive section 82-2, and to the second drive section 82-2 is mounted the second propeller mechanism 84-2. The first and second propeller mechanism 84-1 and 84-2 are oriented to the flag 42.

[0057] Also the first and second drive sections 82-1 and 82-2 are electrically connected to a power source (not shown) and a switch section (not shown) provided at a base section of the pole 44 with first and second electric cords 86-1 and 86-2.

[0058] The inner diameter of the accommodating space section 92 is smaller than the outer diameter of the pole 4, and the maximum length of a propeller in the first and second propeller mechanisms 84-1 and 84-2 is smaller than the inner diameter of, for instance, the accommodating space section 92.

[0059] Because of this configuration, the first and second drive sections 82-1,82-2 and the first and second propeller mechanisms 84-1,84-2 can be accommodated inside the accommodating space section 92 in the pole 44, and the appearance of the pole 4 can be maintained in good conditions, which is useful in practical use.

[0060] Also like in the first and fourth embodiments described above, the flag 42 can be maintained in good conditions, when hoisted, irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, so that the appearance of the flag 42, when hoisted, can be improved, which is useful in practical use.

[0061] Furthermore as the flag 42 in good conditions, when hoisted, can be maintained in good conditions, the flag 42 can fully play its role as a sign or a symbol.

[0062] Fig.12 to Fig.14 are drawings each illustrating a sixth embodiment of the present device.

[0063] A feature of the sixth embodiment is that a propeller mechanism 84 is mounted to the pole 44 so that said mechanism can move in the vertical direction along the pole 44.

[0064] Namely a pulley 102 for a drive section, which is separate from the pulley 50 used for hoisting the flag 42, is provided on the pole 44, and also a groove section 104 extending from the base edge of the pole 44 to the tip side thereof in which an engagement section 108 is engaged is provided. A string 106 for a drive section is hanged over the pulley 102 for the drive section.

[0065] Also the propeller mechanism 84 is mounted on a surface of the drive section 82 in the side of the flag 42 (right side in Fig,12), and the engagement section 108 is provided on a surface of the drive section 82 in the side of the pole 44 (left side in Fig.12). The drive section 82 is electrically connected to a power source (not shown) and a switch section (not shown) at a base section of the pole 44 with an electric cord 86.

[0066] Furthermore, two edges of the string 106 for the drive section are mounted to an upper position and a lower position of the engagement section 108 respectively so that the drive section 82 and the propeller mechanism 84 can move in the vertical direction along the pole 44.

[0067] Because of this configuration, when the flag 42 is hoisted or hanged at halfmast, it is possible to freely adjust height of the drive section 82 and the propeller mechanism 84 as well as to freely control connection between the drive section 82 and the propeller mechanism 84 according to whether natural wind is blowing or not, which is useful in practical use.

[0068] Also like in the embodiments 3 to 5 described above, the flag 42 can always be maintained in good conditions, when hoisted irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, and the appearance of the flag 24, when hoisted, can be improved, which is useful in practical use.

[0069] Furthermore as the flag 42 can always be maintained in good conditions, when hoisted, irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, the flag 42 can fully play its role as a sign or a symbol.

[0070] It should be noted that the present device is not limited to the first to six embodiments described above, and that many variations are allowable.

[0071] For instance, in the second embodiment described above, the exhaust hole sections 44 each communicating the air path 46 to the outside are provided only at the tip of the pole 42, but as shown in Fig.5, 4 exhaust hole sections 44 may be provided at the tip of the hole 42 with other 4 exhaust hole sections 44 provided at an approximately half way of the pole 42 and a cover section 48 which can move in the axial direction of the pole 42 may be provided on the pole 42 for use.

[0072] With this configuration, when the flag 2 is hoisted, the exhaust hole section 44 located at an approximately half way of the pole 42 can be covered by the cover section 48, and when the flag 42 is hanged at halfmast, the exhaust hole section 44 at the tip of the pole 42 can be covered by the cover section 48, which improves operability of the hoisting apparatus for the flag 2, which is useful in practical use.

[0073] Also in the first embodiment described above, the pole 4 for outdoor use and the flag 2 are used, but a minimized pole 52 as well as a minimized flag 54 for indoor use can be used as shown in Fig.6.

[0074] Furthermore in order to change an exhausting direction of compressed air freely at any time, a motor 62 for rotating the pole 4 can be provided, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in Fig.1.

[0075] In addition, in the first and second embodiments described above, the exhaust hole sections are oriented in almost the vertical direction against a pole, but the exhaust hole sections may be inclined against the pole so that compressed air is exhausted from the lower section to the diagonally upper section.

[0076] Also in the first embodiment described above, two edges of the string 14 are mounted to the upper and lower positions of the exhaust section 16 respectively and the exhaust section 16 and the flag 2 are moved to the tip of the pole 4 when the string 114 is pulled down, but as shown in Fig.7, the hose 34 may be used like and in place of the string 34 so that the exhaust section 16 and the flag 2 are moved to the base edge section of the pole 4 by the hose 34.

[0077] Furthermore in the fifth embodiment described above, the accommodating space section 92 is provided only at the tip of the pole 44 with the first and second drive sections 82-1, 82-2 and the first and second propeller mechanisms 84-1,84-2 accommodated in the accommodating space section 92, but as shown in Fig.15, the first and second accommodating space sections 92-1 and 92-2 may be provided at the tip and halfway of the pole 44 respectively with the first drive section 82-1 and the first propeller mechanism 84-1 mounted in the first mounting convex section 94 of the first accommodating space section 92-1, as well as with the second drive section 82-2 and the second propeller mechanism 84-2 mounted in the second mounting convex section 96 of the second accommodating space section 92-2.

[0078] With this configuration, when the flag 42 is hoisted, air can be sent to the flag 42 by the first propeller mechanism 84-1, and when the flag 42 is hanged at halfmast, air can be sent to the flag 42 by the second propeller mechanism 84-2, which can improve operability of the hoisting apparatus for the flag 42 and is useful in practical use.

[0079] In addition, in the third embodiment described above, a pole and a flag for outdoor use are used, but also a minimized pole and a minimized flag for indoor use can be used.

[0080] Also a motor 112 for rotating the pole 44 may be provided and used, as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in Fig.9, to change the direction in which compressed air is exhausted freely at any time.

[Effect of the Device]

[0081] As described in detail above, by providing air sending means for sending air to maintain state of a flag to be hoisted at a tip of a rod-like member in good conditions according to the present device, it is possible to send air with the air ending means, irrespective of wind is blowing or not, for maintaining a hosted flag in good conditions, so that the appearance of the flag, when hoisted, can be improved.

[0082] Also by providing an exhaust section for exhausting compressed air to maintain the hoisted state of a flag in good conditions and also providing in the exhaust section a compressor for sending compressed air and communicated to said exhaust section according to the present device, it is possible to maintain the hoisted state of the flag irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, which can improve the appearance of the flag, when hoisted, and is useful in practical use.

[0083] Furthermore by providing a propeller mechanism for sending air to maintain the hoisted state of a flag to be hoisted on a rod-like member and also providing a drive section communicated to the propeller mechanism for the propeller mechanism in said propeller mechanism, it is possible to always maintain the hoisted state of the flag irrespective of whether wind is blowing or not, which can improve the appearance of the flag, when hoisted, and is useful in practical use.

[Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0084] 

Fig.1 is a schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a first embodiment the present device;

Fig.2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus;

Fig.3 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus;

Fig.4 is an enlarged cross sectional view of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a second embodiment of the present device;

Fig.5 is an enlarged cross sectional view of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating another embodiment of the present device;

Fig.6 is a schematic diagram of flag hoisting device demonstrating a different embodiment of the present device;

Fig.7 is a schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a further different embodiment of the present embodiment;

Fig.8 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a third embodiment of the present device;

Fig.9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus;

Fig.10 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a fourth embodiment of the present device;

Fig.11 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a fifth embodiment of the present device;

Fig.12 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a sixth embodiment of the present device;

Fig.13 is a schematic cross sectional view illustrating flag hoisting apparatus;

Fig.14 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus; and

Fig.15 is an enlarged schematic diagram of flag hoisting apparatus demonstrating a still further different embodiment of the present device.

[Description of Reference Numerals]

[0085] 

2,42

Flag

4,44

Pole for outdoor use

6,46

First mounting section

8,48

Second mounting section

10,50

Pulley

12

Compressor

14

String

16

Exhaust section

18

Third mounting section

20

Fourth mounting section

28

Space section

32

Exhaust hole section

34

Hose

52

String

54

Propeller mechanism

56

Drive section

58

Propeller mechanism accommodating section

60

Third mounting section

62

Fourth mounting section

64

String for mounting

66

Another string for mounting

68

Propeller mechanism mounting concave section

70

Battery

Claims

1. Flag hoisting apparatus used to hoist a flag at a tip of a rod-like member, wherein wind supply means for hoisting the flat at the tip of the rod-like member in a good state is provided.

2. Flag hoisting apparatus used to hoist a flag at a tip of a rod-like member, wherein an exhaust section to exhaust compressed air is provided for the purpose to maintain the good flag hoisting sate described above and also a compressor to supply compressed air to this exhaust section is provided and communicated thereto.

3. Flag hoisting apparatus used to host a flag at a tip of a rod-like member, wherein a propeller mechanism to send wind for maintaining the flag hoisted at the tip of the rod-like member in a good state is provided and a drive section to dive the propeller mechanism is provided in and connected to the drive section.

Drawing