FLAGPOLE

Abstract

 Flagpole (1) comprising two or more tubes (2), which are detachably couplable to one another, wherein in the area of a provided coupling of two said tubes (2), the tube end (3, 4) of one of the two said tubes (2) is of tapered construction or is expanded, so that the tubes (2) are couplable to one another by sliding of the tube ends (3, 4) one into the other, and wherein the outer surface of one tube end (3) comprises one or more grooves (5) and the inner surface of the other tube end (4) comprises one or more projections (6) corresponding to these one or more grooves (5), or vice versa.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a flagpole comprising two or more tubes, which are detachably couplable to one another in the area of their tube ends, wherein in the area of a provided coupling of two said tubes, the tube end of one of the two said tubes is of tapered construction or is expanded, so that the tubes are couplable to one another by sliding of the tube ends one into the other, and so that, in the coupled state of the tubes, the outer surface of one tube end is enclosed by the inner surface of the other tube end.

[0002] The present invention relates, in particular, to a flagpole having a certain curvature or flexure. Such flagpoles are often used for advertising purposes. The hem of the flag is then fastened to such a flagpole, whereby the flag also displays a certain curvature or flexure. A specific type of such flagpoles/flags was originally used on the beach, as a result of which they are often denoted by the English term 'beach flag'. Nowadays, however, use is no longer limited to the beach.

[0003] During specific events, such as, inter alia, festivals, performances, sporting events, during elections or in temporary actions, etc., there is a need for flags for promotional purposes. Flags are also often used for promotional purposes in shops, sales outlets, public buildings or on the beach. Sometimes it is wished that these flags, together with their flagpole to which they are fastened, are easily placeable and removable again. When they are no longer needed in the short term or longer, they must also be able to be easily and compactly stored. It is also important for a flagpole to be quickly and compactly deliverable. Normally, the flagpole is hence constructed of two or more tubes which can be detachably coupled to one another, so that the flagpole is convertible between at least two states, i.e. a usage state, in which the tubes are connected to one another and a flag is fastenable to the flagpole, and a more compact state, in which the tubes are not connected to one another. During use of the flag, the flagpole is in its usage state and the tubes are connected to one another. The flag is then fastened to the flagpole. When the flag has to be taken back off, and there is thus no more need for a flagpole, then the tubes can be easily detached from one another so that the flagpole is compactly stackable.

[0004] Since the flagpole can be brought into a more compact state, it is also easy to transport these flagpoles to the desired location.

[0005] These flagpoles are thus extremely suitable for use in temporary actions and events and, if necessary, can be easily transported to the following location where a flag is needed. These flags can also however be used for longer periods, for example during summertime on the beach, or they can also be used permanently. The drawback of these flagpoles is, however, that the tubes are heavily prone to wear in the area of their mutual couplings. This stems from the fact that, during use of the flagpoles, the coupled together tubes rotate slightly relative to one another, whereby friction is generated between the coupled together tubes. As a result, the tube ends, and any other tube components, become worn. An additional drawback of this mutual rotation is that, as a result of the friction, fragments of tube also end up on the flag which is fastened to the flagpole. Certainly if it is a case of a flag having a closed hem, wherein the hem is placed around the tubes of the flagpole, stains hereby arise on the flag in the area of the connections of the tubes. If the tubes are, for example, aluminium tubes, black stains arise on the flag, this as a result of soot formation during the rubbing together of the aluminium tubes. These stains are difficult to remove and will thus ensure that a flag is usable for only a limited time. The flagpole must also be regularly replaced, since it is heavily prone to wear during usage thereof.

[0006] In order to prevent mutual rotation of the coupled together tubes, in the flagpole represented in WO2010/150184 use is made of inserts in the area of the coupling of two tubes. However, this is a complex solution for preventing mutual rotation, which solution ensures, moreover, that transition from the compact state to the usage state takes a lot of time.

[0007] Consequently, an object of the invention is to produce a flagpole which can be brought into a more compact state, in which the flagpole, during use thereof, is less prone to wear, there is no depositing of stains on the flag which is connected thereto, and wherein the transition between the more compact state and the usage state can take place quickly and easily.

[0008] This object is achieved by providing a flagpole comprising two or more tubes, which are detachably couplable to one another in the area of their tube ends, wherein in the area of a provided coupling of two said tubes, the tube end of one of the two said tubes is of tapered construction or is expanded, so that the tubes are couplable to one another by sliding of the tube ends one into the other, and so that, in the coupled state of the tubes, the outer surface of one tube end is enclosed by the inner surface of the other tube end, wherein the outer surface of the said one tube end comprises one or more grooves and the inner surface of the said other tube end comprises one or more projections corresponding to these one or more grooves, or vice versa, so that, in the coupled state of the tubes, these tubes are virtually non-twistable relative to one another.

[0009] Thus the flagpole is here a flagpole which can assume at least two states, namely a usage state, in which the two or more tubes are connected to one another, so that a flag is fastenable thereto, and a more compact state, in which the two or more tubes are detached from one another and are in this way compactly stackable and easily transportable. Such flagpoles are suitable for temporary use and are also suitable for more protracted use.

[0010] By a tube end of tapered construction is meant that the diameter of that tube end is smaller than the diameter of that portion of the same tube which is next to that tube end. Tapering thus signifies that a tube with a specific outside diameter has in the area of at least one of its ends a narrower tube portion. A tube having a tapered tube end is often denoted by the term tapered tube. By a tube end which is expanded is meant that the diameter of that tube end is greater than the diameter of that portion of the same tube which is next to that tube end.

[0011] Further preferably, the outside diameter of the said one tube end virtually conforms to the inside diameter of the said other tube end, so that one tube end fits precisely into the other tube end. The outer surface of one tube end is then enclosed by the inner surface of the other tube end in the coupled state of the tubes. The outer surface of a tube is that surface which is on the outside of the tube. The inner surface of a tube is that surface of the tube which is on the inside of the tube. In a tube, the outer surface of this tube thus encloses the inner surface of this tube. The grooves of the outer surface form notches in the outer surface, whilst the projections of the inner surface form projecting components with respect to the inner surface or, conversely, the projections of the outer surface form projecting components with respect to the outer surface, whilst the grooves of the inner surface form notches in the inner surface. The projections then slide into the grooves during the coupling together of the tubes.

[0012] Through the presence of the one or more grooves and the corresponding one or more projections, it is ensured that the coupled together tubes cannot twist or can twist little relative to one another. The projections proceed namely to engage in the grooves, whereby the tubes cannot mutually twist/rotate or can twist/rotate little relative to one another about a rotational axis which extends according to the longitudinal direction of the coupled tubes in the area of their coupled tube ends. As a result, no or little friction is possible between the tubes in the area of their mutual couplings, whereby, there too, there is little or no wearing of the tubes. Hence, in the area of the tube ends, no fragments of the tube ends will come loose during use of the flagpole. There is thus little risk that a flag fastened to such a flagpole will get dirtied by the flagpole. It is thereby perfectly possible to make use of aluminium tubes, for example, which are known to create black soot deposits when they are rubbed against one another. Aluminium tubes are strong tubes having a limited weight, whereby these are very suitable, moreover are suitable for flagpoles which often have to be moved.

[0013] During sliding of the said tube ends one into another, the one or more grooves are slid over the one or more projections until the outer surface of the first tube end is at least partially enclosed by the inner surface of the second tube end. Preferably, virtually the complete outer surface of the first tube end is enclosed by the inner surface of the second tube end. In this way, a strong connection is then obtained between the two tubes. Even in fierce wind, the flagpole, during use thereof, will not break in the area of the said coupling.

[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the two said tubes is of tapered construction. The flagpole then preferably comprises no tubes of which one of the two ends is expanded. If only tapered tubes, or only a combination of tapered tubes and tubes of uniform diameter over the entire length, are employed, in the area of the coupling of the tubes there are no projecting components. This is because the tapered tube end can be constructed such that it fits precisely into the tube end of the tube to which it is coupled, without this tube end of the other tube having to differ in diameter from the part situated next to it. In other words, the joined together tubes then form a virtually smooth surface. It is easier to fit a flag with a hem over a smooth flagpole. This is certainly the case if a closed hem is utilized. If the flagpole comprises only 2 tubes, only one of the two tubes to be coupled has to be a tapered tube. If the flagpole comprises 3 or more tubes, however, then it can be that a tube which is coupled to a tapered tube is also itself of tapered construction, so that this tube is then couplable to yet another tube.

[0015] In the alternative embodiment, at least one of the two said tubes is expanded in the area of a tube end. In the area of the coupling of these two tubes, the expanded tube end will thus always project somewhat with respect to that portion of the tube which is next to the expanded tube end. The flagpole does not here have a smooth surface, but there is a small bump in the area of the said coupling of the tubes.

[0016] Preferably, the one or more grooves of a said tube end of a said tube extend according to the longitudinal direction of this tube, in the area of the said tube end. The corresponding projections then also, of course, extend according to this longitudinal direction. For each groove there can be, for example, one continuous projection, which extends according to the said longitudinal direction, or there can be a plurality of projections per groove, which together extend according to this longitudinal direction. It is easy to slide grooves over the projections if the grooves and projections extend according to the said longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is indicated in terms of the tube end, since specific ones of the tubes can have a certain curvature/flexure in order then to be able to form such a flagpole with a certain flexure. Specific components of these specific tubes then extend in another direction.

[0017] The said tube ends are preferably constructed virtually straight. In this way, virtually the complete other tube end can easily slide over the one tube end. It is namely very easy to slide straight parts into one another.

[0018] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the said one tube end comprises a movable knob, wherein the knob can assume at least two positions, i.e. a first position, which extends past the outer surface of that one tube end, and a second position, which extends virtually within the dimensions of that one tube end, and wherein the said other tube end comprises a fixing opening through which the knob is located in the coupled state of the tubes. In the coupled state of the tubes, the knob extends past the outer surface of one tube end, through the fixing opening. The knob is then enclosed by the fixing opening, whereby the position of the knob, and thus of the tube comprising the one tube end, is additionally fixed. As a result, twisting/rotation of the two coupled tubes is additionally prevented. Since the knob is located through the fixing opening in the coupled state, the sliding of the tubes back out of one another is also prevented. When it is then wished to slide the coupled tubes back out of one another, or if it is wished to couple the two tubes to one another, the knob needs to be easily moved, so that it enters into its position extending within the dimensions of one tube end. The knob then extends no further out than the outer surface of that one tube end, whereby the knob is not located in the fixing opening and the tubes are displaceable relative to one another. The knob and corresponding fixing opening thus ensure simple coupling and decoupling of the tubes and thus also ensure additional fixing of the tubes in the coupled state.

[0019] Further preferably, the said one tube end comprises a spring which is connected to the knob, so that the knob is movable between its at least two positions by tensioning and slackening of the spring. Preferably, the spring is in its slackened state when the knob extends past the outer surface of one tube end. It is then simply necessary to press in the knob, and thus tension the spring, when it is wished to bring the knob into the position extending within the dimensions of one tube end. When no pressure is applied to the knob, this will then always extend past the outer surface of one tube end. In the coupled state of the tubes, the spring will thus ensure that the knob is located through the fixing opening during use of the flagpole. When it is wished to release the coupled tubes, it is simply necessary to press the knob and displace the tubes relative to one another. This is very simple. Since the coupled tubes are not or little prone to twisting/rotation relative to one another, the spring will not or almost not be axially or radially loaded during use of the flagpole, whereby the spring does not quickly wear out. Preferably, the spring and the knob are produced as one whole. It is herewith indicated that the spring and the knob are produced together as a single component, whereby the spring is thus fixedly connected to the knob and the spring thus merges into the knob. Thus the spring and the knob can be produced from one piece of metal, such as stainless steel. Such knobs with springs are very strong, since they are produced from one whole.

[0020] The spring is preferably a compression spring. These are easily operable springs which can be easily produced in many measurements and strengths. This compression spring is further preferably made of stainless steel. If the compression spring and the knob are produced from one whole, the compression spring with knob can be formed from one portion of stainless spring steel. Stainless spring steel is a material which is little prone to wear. In this way, the flagpole can be assembled many times over by coupling the tubes one to another, and disassembled again by detaching the coupled tubes one from another without lessening the quality of coupling of the tubes, and thus without lessening the quality of the flagpole in the usage state. Such a flagpole is thus very suitable for temporary events, temporary actions, etc. There will also be little wearing of the compression spring with knob during use of the flagpole, whereby this flagpole is also extremely suitable for long-term use.

[0021] Preferably, the one or more grooves are bar-shaped and the one or more projections are bar-shaped projections corresponding to these grooves. It is then a question of a sort of tongue and groove connection. As a result of this specific form of grooves and projections, a strong fixing of the coupled tubes, which prevents rotation/twisting, is obtained. Moreover, it is easy to produce tubes having bar-shaped projections and bar-shaped grooves.

[0022] The one or more grooves of a said tube end extend preferably over virtually the full length of the tube end, and the one or more projections of a said tube end extend preferably over virtually the full length of the tube end. In this way, the grooves and the projections over the entire length of the tube ends, prevent twisting/rotation of the tubes. With the aid of such a large contact surface, the chance of mutual rotation/twisting of the coupled tubes is very small.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the tubes are made of aluminium. This is a very strong and light material. The strength is necessary to obtain a sufficiently strong flagpole. And the lightness of the material ensures that the flagpole is easily transportable.

[0024] In a specific embodiment, at least one of the tubes has a certain curvature or flexure. As a result, the flagpole will also display in the usage state a certain curvature or flexure.

[0025] The present invention is now explained in greater depth on the basis of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a flagpole according to the present invention. This description aims to provide solely illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particularities of this flagpole, and can thus in no way be interpreted as limiting the field of application of the invention or of the patent rights claimed in the claims.

[0026] In this detailed description, reference is made by means of reference numerals to the appended drawings, wherein in

• Figure 1 a perspective representation of a flagpole is rendered in the usage state, in which the various tubes are coupled to one another;
• Figure 2 a perspective representation of a detail reproduction is rendered of two tubes, which are couplable to one another, in the area of the provided coupling when they are not coupled together;
• Figure 3 is a perspective representation of the detail reproduction represented in Figure 2.

[0027] In Figure 1, a flagpole (1) according to the invention is represented. This flagpole (1) comprises 3 tubes (2). Of course, other embodiments having 2 tubes or embodiments having more than 3 tubes are also possible.

[0028] In Figure 1, the flagpole (1) is represented in its usage state. That is to say that the tubes (2) are coupled to one another in the area of their tube ends (3, 4) and a hemmed flag is fastenable to the flagpole (1). Viewed from the bottom, the flagpole (1) comprises a bottommost tube (2), which is coupled to an intermediate tube (2), which in turn is coupled to a topmost tube (2). The bottommost tube (2) and the intermediate tube (2) are here constructed as straight tubes (2). The topmost tube (2) contains a few bends, whereby the flagpole (1) displays a certain flexure/curvature. The flag is fastenable to the flagpole (1) by placement of the hem over the tubes (2) of the flagpole (1). The shape of the flag is matched to the curvature of the flagpole (1).

[0029] In the usage state of the flagpole (1), the tubes (2) must be firmly anchored to one another. It is namely undesirable for the tubes (2) to rotate relative to one another during use of the flagpole (1), i.e. to rotate about a rotational axis which extends according to the longitudinal direction of the tubes (2) in the area of their coupling. This said rotation would namely ensure that the tubes (2) and the tube components, in the area of the coupling of the tubes (2), would become worn. The life of the flagpole (1) would hereby be limited. Normally, the tubes (2) are made of aluminium. When aluminium parts rotate counter to one another and thus rub against one another, a black deposit, denoted by the term "rust", is formed. This deposit could cause stains on the flag which is fastened to the flagpole (1). This is, of course, undesirable.

[0030] In order to prevent mutual rotation of the tubes (2), the tubes (2) are connected to one another in a specific manner. The tubes (2) are connected to one another in the area of their tube ends (3, 4). In the case of two coupled together tubes (2), the tube end (3) of the first tube (2), which is intended to be lower than the second tube (2) in the usage state, is of tapered construction, so that the tube end (3) of the first tube (2) fits virtually precisely into the tube end (4) of the second tube (2). Furthermore, the outside diameter of that tube end (4) of the second tube (2) is virtually equal to the outside diameter of that portion of the first tube (2) which is next to the said tube end (3) of this first tube (2). In this way, the first tube (2) can be slid into the second tube (2) and the final outside diameter of the two coupled tubes (2) is virtually equal in the area of the coupling.

[0031] The tube end (3) of the first tube (2) further comprises uninterrupted bar-shaped grooves (5), which extend according to the longitudinal direction of the first tube (2), in the area of the said tube end (3) of the first tube (2). The tube end (4) of the second tube (2) comprises for each bar-shaped groove (5) a corresponding uninterrupted bar-shaped projection (6), wherein the grooves (5) are slidable over the projections (6) during the coupling together of the tubes (2). As a result of these grooves (5), and projections (6), which extend according to the longitudinal direction of the tubes (2) in the area of the said tube ends (3, 4), coupled tubes (2) are prevented from subsequently rotating relative to one another about a rotational axis which extends according to the said longitudinal direction.

[0032] In addition, the tube end (3) of the first tube (2) comprises one element comprising a knob (7) and a compression spring. The knob (7) and the compression spring are here produced together from one portion of stainless spring steel, whereby they form a coherent whole. When the knob (7) is not pressed in, i.e. when the spring is slackened, the spring pushes the knob (7) outwards, whereby the knob (7) extends past the outer surface of the tube end (3) of the first tube (2). The knob (7) can thus be pressed in counter to the spring force, i.e. tensioned such that the knob (7) extends within the dimensions of the said outer edge. That is to say that the knob (7) can be pressed in such that it does not extend past the outer surface of the tube end (3) of the first tube (2). Furthermore, the tube end (4) of the second tube (2) comprises a fixing opening (8), wherein this fixing opening (8) is placed such that this fixing opening (8) is level with the knob (7) when the two tubes (2) are coupled together. When the knob (7) is not then pressed in, the knob (7) will extend through this fixing opening (8) when the two tubes (2) are coupled together. When the knob (7) is in the fixing opening (8), the tubes (2) cannot shift relative to one another, whereby the tubes (2) cannot come loose from one another during use of the flagpole (1).

[0033] In the specific embodiment represented in Figure 1, comprising the bottommost tube (2), the intermediate tube (2) and the topmost tube (2), the bottommost tube (2) comprises at the top the said tapered tube end (3), the bottommost tube end (4) of the intermediate tube (2) is slidable over this tapered tube end (3) of the bottommost tube (2), the topmost tube end (3) of the intermediate tube (2) is of tapered construction, and the bottommost tube end (4) of the topmost tube (2) is slidable over the tapered tube end (3) of the intermediate tube (2). Furthermore, all of the tube ends (3, 4) which effect the coupling between the tubes (2) are of straight construction. The outside diameter of the tubes (2), except for their tapered ends (3), all have virtually the same diameter, so that the flagpole (1) has a smooth surface when it is in its usage state.

[0034] In Figures 2 and 3 is represented the bottommost tube (2) and a bottommost portion of the intermediate tube (2), wherein the bottommost tube (2) and the intermediate tube (2) are not connected to one another. In these figures, the grooves (5) and the knob (7) of the tapered tube end (3) of the bottommost tube (2) are represented clearly, and the projections (6) and the fixing opening (8) of the bottommost tube end (4) of the intermediate tube (2) are also visible.

Claims

1. Flagpole (1) comprising two or more tubes (2), which are detachably couplable to one another in the area of their tube ends (3, 4), wherein in the area of a provided coupling of two said tubes (2), the tube end (3, 4) of one of the two said tubes (2) is of tapered construction or is expanded, so that the tubes (2) are couplable to one another by sliding of the tube ends (3, 4) one into the other, and so that, in the coupled state of the tubes (2), the outer surface of one tube end (3) is enclosed by the inner surface of the other tube end (4), characterized in that the outer surface of the said one tube end (3) comprises one or more grooves (5) and the inner surface of the said other tube end (4) comprises one or more projections (6) corresponding to these one or more grooves (5), or vice versa, so that, in the coupled state of the tubes (2), these tubes (2) are virtually non-twistable relative to one another.

2. Flagpole (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the one or more grooves (5) of a said tube end (3, 4) of a said tube (2) extend according to the longitudinal direction of this tube (2), in the area of the said tube end (3, 4).

3. Flagpole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said tube ends (3, 4) are constructed virtually straight.

4. Flagpole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said one tube end (3) comprises a movable knob (7), wherein the knob (7) can assume at least two positions, i.e. a first position, which extends past the outer surface of that one tube end (3), and a second position, which extends virtually within the dimensions of that one tube end (3), and wherein the said other tube end (4) comprises a fixing opening (8) through which the knob (7) is located in the coupled state of the tubes (2).

5. Flagpole (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said one tube end (3) comprises a spring which is connected to the knob (7), so that the knob (7) is movable between its at least two positions by tensioning and slackening of the spring.

6. Flagpole (1) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the spring is a compression spring.

7. Flagpole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more grooves (5) are bar-shaped and the one or more projections (6) are bar-shaped projections (6) corresponding to these grooves (5).

8. Flagpole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the one or more grooves (5) of a said tube end (3, 4) extend over virtually the full length of the tube end (3, 4), and in that the one or more projections (6) of a said tube end (3, 4) extend over virtually the full length of the tube end (3, 4).

9. Flagpole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubes (2) are made of aluminium.

10. Flagpole (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the tubes has a certain curvature or flexure.

Drawing