Flag pole anchor

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60/432,587 filed Dec. 11, 2002 and entitled FLAG POLE ANCHOR.

[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.

[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.

[0020] The above features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description in which:

[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] FIG. 2A shows an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor and associated cap;

[0023] FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a flag pole anchor with an insignia formed thereon;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor and a cap associated therewith;

[0025] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of a flag pole anchor and a device for securing the flag pole therein;

[0026] FIG. 5 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;

[0027] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a flag pole anchor with a locking cap;

[0028] FIG. 7 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;

[0029] FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a still another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;

[0030] FIG. 9 shows an alternate embodiment of a flag pole anchor;

[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] FIG. 11 shows yet another embodiment of a flag pole anchor;

[0033] FIG. 12A shows still another embodiment of a flag pole anchor with an adjustable attachment;

[0034] FIG. 12B shows an attachment for mating with the adjustable attachment;

[0035] FIG. 13A shows an alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 13B shows another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 14A shows yet another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 14B shows the flag pole anchor of FIG. 14 inserted into the ground;

[0039] FIG. 15A shows another embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 16A shows still another embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 16B shows a back side of the flag pole anchor of FIG. 16A;

[0042] FIG. 16C shows another embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 17 shows yet another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 18 shows still another alternative embodiment of flag pole anchor in accordance with the present invention; and

[0045] FIG. 19 shows three flag pole anchors in accordance with the present invention mounted relative to a monument.

[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 26a and 26b. The caps 26a and 26b 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 26a and 26b differ in that cap 26a is configured to be tightened with a standard flat-head screw driver, while cap 26B 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] 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] 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 264a 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] 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] 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 338a 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 338a 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.