Tangle-free flag

Abstract

A tangle free flag or banner that includes an anti-furling ballast system. The system is segmented and flexible, stitched into and sewn through the fly hem, featuring a compact design with ballast material packets of predetermined size and weight. Stitching and heat seals create a weighted-keel effect that balances expected flag-flying properties with anti-furling forces that prevent a flag from being tangled around a flagpole.

Claims

1. A self-righting flag with an anti-furling ballast system, comprising: a ballast belt, where the ballast belt is comprised of ballast packets, where the ballast packets are filled with fine quartz sand, where the sand is packed within each packet, the ballast packets forming a segmented configuration in the ballast belt, where the segmentation forms hinges at predetermined locations along a fly hem, where the ballast belt is disposed inside the fly hem of a flag's field fabric to create a segmented configuration in the fly hem, where the ballast packets are sewn to be securely disposed at predetermined locations within the fly hem, the flag further comprising an outer envelope that surrounds the ballast packets, where the outer envelope is comprised of a fusible non-woven spunbond fabric.

2. The flag of claim 1, where the fly hem is sewn with four rows of double needle lock stitching across the entire length of the fly hem, and where the stitching penetrates the ballast packets.

3. The flag of claim 2, where the four rows of double needle lock stitching further limit movement of the ballast packets within the fly hem and further preclude a pocket or a compartment of loose ballast material from forming within the fly hem.

4. The flag of claim 1, where granules of the quartz sand are of a fine sieve size, and where the outer envelope is further comprised of heat-fused seams at distal ends of the ballast packets.

5. The flag of claim 4, where a stitching is joined to the heat-fused seams at distal ends of the ballast packets to create at least one flexible pleat in the fly hem.

6. The flag of claim 1, wherein the sand is washed and screened and of a uniform particle size corresponding to between 30 and 70 sieve size.

7. The flag of claim 1, where ballast packets are joined to each other to form the belt that is disposed within the fly hem.

8. The flag of claim 1, where the ballast system forms a weighted keel for the flag.

9. The flag of claim 1, where the outer envelope is comprised of a tear-resistant non-woven fabric.

10. A self-righting flag, comprising: a flexible ballast system in a fly hem, where the system includes ballast packets containing ballast material, where the ballast material is compressed into ballast packets and not loosely arranged in a pocket or compartment, and where the ballast packets are co-joined together in a belt-like configuration, an outer envelope surrounding the ballast packets, where the envelope is comprised of a fusible, non-woven spunbond fabric, where the outer envelope is further comprised of heat-fused seams aligned with opposing ends of the ballast packets.

11. The flag of claim 10, where the heat-fused seams surround the distal edges of the ballast packets.

12. The flag of claim 10, where the ballast packets are shaped like rectangular ravioli.

13. The flag of claim 10, wherein the flag manifests natural flying characteristics by responding to a range of wind forces by fluttering, waving, and ruffling.

14. The flag of claim 10, wherein the flag manifests an unaltered appearance compared to a conventional flag without a ballast belt.

15. A ballast system for a self-righting flag, comprising: an arrangement of hinges disposed within a ballasted fly hem, the hinges comprised of cojoined distal ends of a series of ballast packets, the ballast packets and hinges forming a ballast belt that has been securely disposed within the ballasted fly hem through stitching, and the hinges being formed by a series of heat-created seams.

16. The ballast system of claim 15, where the flag is a United States flag, and the heat-created seams join the ballast packets to generate twelve hinges between the packets.

17. The ballast system of claim 15, where the flag is a United States flag, and where all ballast packets are disposed within the boundaries of horizontal stripes, and where heat-created pleats occur at the seams of the stripes.

18. The ballast system of claim 15, where the flag is a United States flag, and where the length of each ballast packet corresponds to the width of each stripe in the ballasted fly hem.

19. The ballast system of claim 15, where the flag is a United States flag, where a pleat is formed at the location where stitching joining the stripes overlays at least one heat-created seam in the ballast system, and where the stitching penetrates at least one ballast packet.

20. The ballast system of claim 15, where an outer envelope surrounds the ballast packets, the outer envelope being comprised of nonwoven spunbond fabric, where the fabric is selected from the group of a polyolefin resin and a polyolefin polymer, but not a combination of both, where the fabric's weight can range from 30 to 50 grams per square meter.

21. The ballast system of claim 20, where the weight of the fabric is dependent upon the dimensions of the fly hem being ballasted, and where the weight of the fabric will increase to lend additional strength to the fly hem as the size of the flag to be ballasted increases.

22. The ballast system of claim 15, where outer pleats are formed at the outer surface of the flag's fly hem, the outer pleats being disposed at the locations where heat seals are formed on the ballast belt.

23. A self-righting flag, comprising: a fly hem, the fly hem further comprised of a ballast belt, the ballast belt further comprised of an outer envelope, where the outer envelope is comprised of upper and lower surfaces, where the upper and lower surfaces are comprised of a tear resistant, non-woven spunbond fabric, where four rows of double lock stitching secure the upper and lower surfaces of the outer envelope within the fly hem's field fabric.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will become more apparent when viewed with the following drawings, which detail the following elements:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective of the anti-furling ballast system, a belt-like configuration of segmented and cojoined ballast packets shaped like raviolis filled with fine grain quartz sand.

(3) FIG. 2 is the frontal elevation of an American flag.

(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded frontal cutaway view of three segmented and cojoined ballast packets, shaped like raviolis detailing as sewn into the finished fly hem, with stitching detail and ballast packet details made from the polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric material.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top perspective of the anti-furling ballast system, a belt-like configuration of segmented and cojoined ballast packets shaped like sausage links filled with fine grain quartz sand.

(6) FIG. 5 is the exploded frontal perspective of two segmented and cojoined ballast packets shaped like raviolis detailing the polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric material, sand ballast contained within and the flexible heat-welded joints.

(7) FIG. 6 is a side elevation of a furled flag, wrapped around a horizontally attached flagpole.

(8) FIG. 7 is a frontal elevation of an American flag in the process of falling back or folding back on itself attached to a horizontal flagpole.

(9) FIG. 8 is the frontal elevation of an anti-tangle spinning collar with the spring snap clip connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(10) Referring now to the drawings in detail, and particularly to FIGS. 1-3, thereof, a new and improved anti-furling ballast system, embodying the principals and concepts of the present invention. Specifically, this invention comprises a self-contained, segmented and flexible ballast system FIG. 1 that is designed to be an integral part of any ordinary flag's/banner's fly hem 14 and will prevent it from furling or entanglement when flown on a horizontally mounted flagpole.

(11) The combination of fine grain quartz sand encapsulated in a durable and flexible polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric material adds to the fluidity in the hem for this ballast system. Polypropylene, notably, will enable the ballast system to attain a high degree of fluidity. The definitions of fine, medium and coarse grade sand are known in the art and are as follows in this table:

(12) TABLE-US-00001 Technical data Grade of sand Sieve size Fine 30-70 (.6-.2 mm) Medium 20-50 (.8-.3 mm) Coarse 12-30 (1.7-6 mm)

(13) The fine grain quartz sand will have particle or grain size as determined by what is known as a screen size or sieve size. In most embodiments, the grain size would be of a fine grade, which is 30-70 sieve/screen or (0.6-0.2 mm). Quartz based fine grain sand is commonly referred to as mason sand, which is readily available as a pre-washed and screened material with a particle size range in the 30-70 screen size which makes it a perfect candidate for the ballast material due to its small particle size, its purity and consistency. This material is plentiful and readily available in both bulk retail and wholesale, and currently available for under $30 dollars per ton in 2023. The advantage of having a small grain size results in less airspace between the grains, which affords better packing and ultimately a higher density ballast which equates to a reduced sized ballast packet. The smaller the packet size, the greater the mass, resulting in a less conspicuous ballast belt, which is the a major embodiment of this invention. Put another way, the sand must have particle size that allows it to be compactible to a requisite point, eliminating air spaces to a requisite point, and allows a designer to increase density of the packet and decrease the size of the packet.

(14) This material is readily available and as ballast is as small and as undetectable as possible.

(15) Further reduction in the sieve/screen size past that of mason fine grain quartz sand, would make the grain size too small, and impracticable for use in this invention. A reduction in grain size would result in utilizing a fabric with a much tighter, heavier, and less supple matrix, which would undermine the flexibility of the ballast belt design.

(16) The fabric that will encapsulate the fine grain quartz sand is a nonwoven spunbond material comprised of polypropylene. The nonwoven spunbond material must be as lightweight and as flexible as possible. The intended purpose of this material is to encapsulate the fine grain quartz sand ballast, providing a durable, tear-resistant, light weight and hydrophobic outer skin. This feature enables the ballast packet to be formed into a belt so that it can easily be handled and then inserted into the fold of an unfinished fly hem before the final sewing operation takes place. Polypropylene benefits from superior abrasion resistance, ability to form heat created seams, and its natural ability to shed water, creating a superior material when compared to spunbonded polyester.

(17) Embodiments using polypropylene, have superior abrasion resistance, its ability easily form welded seams and its natural ability to shed water. Polypropylene is an all-round superior material when compared to the other nonwoven spunbonded fabric options.

(18) Embodiments with a spunbond fabric will benefit from nonwoven attributes over the much heavier woven rip-stop fabrics. Spunbond nonwoven fabrics can be found in grades where the material is very thin, flexible, supple, light in weight, and tear resistant due to its nonwoven matrix. Polypropylene spunbond has properties of a requisite melting point, tear resistance, and being sufficiently hydrophobic. As such, nonwoven spunbond polypropylene lends itself quite readily to be treated with many commercially available coatings which are performance specific and designed to achieve a desired result in a cost-effective manner. This material can be obtained with a hydrophobic coating, on the exterior side, which would make the exterior of the ballast packets water resistant. Manganese doped Zinc Oxide (Mn/ZnO) and polystyrene (PS) would provide a suitable film that resists water infiltration. This coating would deter water infiltration into the ballast packets, thus keeping the fine quartz sand dry, granular, free of clumping, and supple.

(19) Another coating would be an anti-abrasion coating which would be applied to the interior facing surface of the nonwoven spunbond polypropylene material. This would be the side of the material which would form the interior of the packets. Tungsten Disulfide could be used as an anti-abrasive coating. By coating the interior side of the material with such a coating would ensure that the abrasive character of the fine quartz sand would be neutralized. Ensuring that the ballast belt packs will not degrade due to any internal forces of friction and ensuring that the ballast belt system would outlast the serviceable life of the flag itself.

(20) A nonwoven material was specifically chosen over a woven type of fabric. Woven fabrics when cut are particularly problematic for this application. When cut, the selvage edge indicative of woven fabrics has a propensity to produce loose threads, and worse; the weave itself can start to loosen and begin to unravel. This shortcoming presents a situation where holes or voids would be created, causing the fine quartz sand to escape. Furthermore, a woven fabric would create an undue problem when it comes time to slit the ballast material to the specified dimension being sought. Using a woven fabric with a granular packaging machine in order to achieve these results would be problematic. Conversely, nonwoven spunbond polypropylene is not a weave at all. It is produced by being shot out of a dye, where the fibers are blown and matted together under heat and pressure. This process forms the material into one contiguous sheet of nonwoven mat, where each fiber has been bonded onto itself during its manufacture. Nonwoven spunbond is devoid of any woven matrix and will not create any loose threads or fibers when slit for production, since there is no weave that can unravel. Cutting or slitting nonwoven spunbond, is analogous to cutting a sheet of paper with a razor blade, creating sharp clean edges that can readily be folded one upon another and heat-melted resulting in crisp and sturdy heat welded seams.

(21) This material yields itself to be easily formed into packages or packets without requiring any type of glue to seal the peripheral edges packages. The granular packaging machine applies heat that induces the fabric to melt, forming a seal. This eliminates unneeded materials from being added to the four edges surrounding the packets for formation. This application makes for strong welded seams during the packaging process eliminating glues and additional manufacturing operations, reducing time and associated costs.

(22) This is accomplished by using a granular packaging machine, often referred to as a stick packing machine. This apparatus can employ a process of applying heat to the folded over material creating seams that are very strong, flat and compressed as a result of melting the spunbond polypropylene in order to form the seal. This spunbonded polypropylene has a relatively low melting point of ?170-190? degrees C. or ?338-374? degrees F. in order to create the seam.

(23) A suitable weight for this polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric should exhibit a tight enough weave in order to retain the quartz sand of a sieve rating of 70 or finer, while still retaining the greatest suppleness and flexibility as possible. A preferable weight for this material could range anywhere from 30-50 GSM (grams per square meter).

(24) The formation of packets may take the form of a flattened segmented design, akin to placing pillow-like square raviolis next to each other forming a chain. These raviolis constitute packets. The packets, like segmented pillows, should be comprised of the ballast matter being substantially compressed, compact, and not free flowing within the packet, or segmented section, to provide sufficient weight as the ballast must act like a keel, but also be flexible as previously noted to allow the flag to fly freely. Embodiments also include a round design like that of breakfast sausage links attached to one another, where the contents are comprised of the ballast matter being substantially compressed, compact, and not free flowing within the section.

(25) Since the packets are manufactured using this technique, the ballast belts being produced would be particularly flexible at the heat-welded seam partitions, and not nearly as flexible for the packets themselves. However, since sand is a fluid material, the packet itself would not be rigid and would provide additional flexibility. In embodiments, the combination of fine grain quartz sand encapsulated in a durable and flexible nonwoven spunbonded polypropylene fabric will provide fluidity to this ballast system.

(26) Another embodiment concerns the final product's overall appearance. It is well understood that altering the iconic appearance of chosen flags, for example the American flag, will result in commercial failure. Embodiments that employ a ballast that is as inconspicuous as possible are preferred. The flag's ability to fly while under sail in blustery conditions is often most important to flag and banner owners, and its characteristic drape in low level and no level wind conditions is of equal importance to these flag and banner owners.

(27) In another embodiment, the ballast belt is designed to be so fashioned that it would be applicable in a commercial manufacturing environment. The packeted belt would be of a contiguous design to aid the seamster or seamstress as the ballast belt is placed inside the fold of the unfinished fly hem. As the rough-cut edge of the unfinished flag's field is folded over and tucked inside, the sewing of the fly hem can commence as if it wasn't there.

(28) Regarding this procedure: a traditional technique of folding over of the rough-cut edge of the fly hem requires dexterity from the hands of a proficient seamster or seamstress. As contemplated, the placing of the ballast belt into the unfinished fly hem enables the individual to tuck that hard to manage rough edge up an under the ballast belt in one smooth a rolling motion. The rough edge can now be pinned under the fly hem by means of the ballast belt, thereby holding the edge down for a much faster and simpler sewing operation that the operator would normally encounter when applying the final stitching runs to an ordinary un-ballasted fly hem.

(29) To complete the fly hem in some embodiments, four to five separate runs of stitching may be applied across the fly hem's entire length. With a singular belt configuration, consisting of one packet per stripe, the seamstress is able to apply the stitching as if the fly hem operation were devoid of the belt. Another embodiment of this invention makes the placement and the stitching in of the ballast belt as simplified as possible in order for a seamster or seamstress, or machine, to complete this operation. An abundance of consideration for the seamstress with regard to time and effort to complete this operation is of consideration since they might be compensated on a per piece basis.

(30) The following has been witnessed and is yet a further embodiment of this invention. As the lift created by the wind that is supporting a flag which incorporates a ballasted fly hem suddenly drops out, the flag will brush against the horizontal flagpole that lies beneath it. In virtually every circumstance, the flag that incorporates a ballasted fly hem will be pulled back to earth and will land on the windward side of the pole, much like a pendulum that swings back to its point of origin. In a more extreme and rarified case, the flag might occasionally reach a flight orientation of nearly ?180 degrees above the pole to which it has been connected. In that case when the supporting lift drops out, the flag will suddenly be pulled earthward exhibiting a strong propensity to fall upon the pole beneath. Should a ballasted flag fall upon the pole, two separate and beneficial elements are brought to bear on this situation. Firstly, the flag is immediately pulled free from the pole due to the forces of gravity acting upon the fly hem's concentrated mass pulling it earthward. This is so, because in the case of a 3?5 all weather nylon flag, the fly hem has ?5.5 ounces of evenly dispersed mass along the extreme edge of the distal hem, whereby allowing gravity to act upon that particular part of the flags structure. Secondly, after landing on the pole, the aluminum poles low friction coefficient which is approximately ?? 1.4 in conjunction with the low friction coefficient of the nylon fabric which is approximately ?? 0.4 creates a concomitant condition where the nylon flag with a weighted fly hem will immediately slink off the horizontally mounted flagpole like a slithering snake slinking off a greased pole.

(31) One embodiment of the invention has a belt-like ballast system as shown in the overhead elevation presented in FIG. 1. This ballast system is sewn into the flag's fly hem 14, and is designed to prevent any/all ordinary and unballasted flags FIG. 2 & FIG. 3, from furling 62 on a substantially horizontally attached flagpole 66 & 73.

(32) The embodiment of this anti-furling ballast system FIG. 1, comprises a segmented belt-like configuration 2, comprising of a plurality of packets that resemble raviolis 6, that are filled with fine quartz sand ballast 5, where all four perimeters of the packet[s] 3, have been formed and heat-welded shut by an operation performed by a granular packaging machine. These packets comprising the packet belt are cojoined by a heat-welded seam[s] 7, that attaches one packet to another and gives the belt-like ballast system FIG. 1, its flexibility. The fine quartz sand ballast 5, contained within each individual packet is fairly compacted and does not lend itself to a high degree of flexibility. The flexibility of the system is intentionally and specifically derived from the cojoining heat-welded seams 7 that join the individual packets together created by the polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric material 51 & 56.

(33) A point of hyperflexion may be created in the flag's fly hem where the double stitching on the medial and lateral sides of each stripe converges with the corresponding heat-welded seam formed by the adjacent cojoined ballast belt packets, creating a pleat with a swinging hinge effect, permitting each interior stripe two points of super flexation.

(34) Another embodiment is based upon this ballast's design features, independent of the granular makeup of the quartz sand ballast 5 & 47, contained within the individual packet[s] FIGS. 3 & 5. This segmented belt-like ballast system FIG. 1 is filled with a fine grade, quartz sand 5, which is 30-70 sieve or (0.6-0.2 mm), having a specific gravity of ?2.66, whereas the flag's nylon fabric's specific gravity is ?1.13, resulting in a ballast to fabric ratio of greater than >2.4:1. The fabric to ballast ratio is a key contributing factor which enables this invention to accomplish its function as described.

(35) The flexibility of the system is intentionally and specifically derived from the cojoining heat-welded seams 7 that join the individual packets together 51 & 56.

(36) Another embodiment is based upon this ballast's design features, independent of the granular makeup of the fine quartz sand ballast 5 & 47, contained within the individual packet[s] FIGS. 3 & 5. This segmented belt-like ballast system FIG. 1 is filled with fine quartz sand 5, which has a specific gravity of ?2.66, whereas the flag's nylon fabric's specific gravity is ?1.13, resulting in a ballast to fabric ratio of greater than 2.4:1. The fabric to ballast ratio is a key contributing factor which enables this invention to accomplish its function as described. This range provide a balance to allow for a flag-waving effects but also allow for requisite self-righting properties. Flag composition and flag size will dictate the appropriate fabric to ballast ratio.

(37) Yet, another embodiment of the segmented ballast belt FIG. 1 of the fly hem, is to lend flexibility to flag's fly hem 14 itself. The ballasted flag's fly hem FIG. 3 must allow the ballasted flag the freedom to dance upon the wind and exhibit a natural drape when hanging in no-wind or low-wind conditions. The amount of ballast applied should be as minimal as possible, so as not to draw attention to the improvement. When the various ballast material[s] were being evaluated, it was of paramount importance to identify a ballast component that exhibited the highest possible specific gravity and lowest associated material cost. Furthermore, safety, potential harm to people and to the environment were of major focus, notwithstanding, the chosen material had to be as inert and non-oxidative as possible in order to eliminate any possible staining of the flag itself, or the pavement below.

(38) The final selection for the most suitable ballast material that met the overall requirements was a fine grade quartz sand of 30-70 sieve or (0.6-0.2 mm), having a specific gravity of ?2.66 5 & 47.

(39) FIG. 4, provides an overhead detail of, yet another embodiment of quartz sand filled 47, segmented packets resembling sausage links 48. These packets are co-joined by a heat-welded seam which the granular packaging machine is capable of forming a belt-like configuration of packets 41, together which features a very durable and water resistant heat-welded seam formed by melting the nonwoven spunbond material that circumnavigates each separate ballast packet 43, thereby making each packet 45, a self-containing ballast component.

(40) The final selection for the most suitable ballast material that met the overall requirements was fine quartz sand 5 & 47.

(41) FIG. 4, provides an overhead detail of, yet another embodiment of quartz sand filled 47, segmented packets resembling sausage links 48. These packets are co-joined by a heat-welded seam which forms a belt-like configuration of packets 41, together which features a very durable and water-resistant heat-welded seam that circumnavigates each separate ballast packet 43, thereby making each packet 45, a self-containing ballast component.

(42) FIG. 5, provides an overhead detail of another embodiment of quartz-sand filled (or alternatively filled) packets 53 & 38. The ballast belt may be comprised of thirteen separate packets 53 & 38, for an example of the American flag one ballast packet per stripe 16. Each ballast packet's dimensions would correspond to the specific flag being ballasted and would be tailored accordingly. In the case of a 3?5 all weather Nylon flag, the stipes measure approximately 2.5 inches wide and the fly hem on that particular flag would be approximately ?1 wide. It has already been determined that a flag with these specifications would require approximately ?5.5 ounces or ?246.68 grams of fine grade quartz sand in order to ballast a flag of this dimension and material composition. Each packet for an American flag of this particular specification would require each packet to contain approximately ?0.42 ounces or ?11.84 grams of fine grain quartz sand per packet 53. The dimensions of each packet would be approximately less than 0.75 wide by less than approximately 2.50 in length. In total there would be one contiguous belt which would consist of 13 packets with a nominal thickness of approximately less than ? or less than 3.175 mm 55.

(43) A further embodiment contemplates the manufacturing process of a ballasted flag with its finished fly hem as depicted in the exploded view of FIG. 3. As referenced, the prior art teaches away from a finished fly hem of the type that embodies the construction technique as comprised in 35. The finished fly hem incorporated in the American flag 14, consists of 4 to 5 rows of stitching 33, which run the entire length of the fly hem 14, in order to not only close the hem, but in order to finish this unique hem. Additionally, each one of the 13 stripes 16, that terminates in the finished fly hem 14, has two parallel rows of stitching that run down either side of each stripe 17 & 36. Each one of the individual stripes, is cojoined to each adjacent stripe with two parallel rows of stitching 17 & 36. The stitching pattern embodied in the fly hem 14 & 35 of the American flag precludes the formation of any pocket like structure, making it an impossibility to fabricate such a pocket. The prior art teaches that a pocket located in the distal hem of a flag must first be constructed in order to hold the various weighted materials placed therein. The formation and use of a pocket that contains the weight is an integral embodiment of the previous art as taught.

(44) The sewing techniques employed in the construction of an American flag, most specifically the two parallel rows 17 & 36 and the 4 to 5 rows of stitching 33 that run parallel along the entire length of the fly hem 14 & 35, would preclude the formation of any pocket configuration in the fly hem FIG. 2-3. Therefore, it would not be feasible to either place or pump any of those referenced weighted materials as previously cited into a completed fly hem of an American flag FIG. 2-3, since its intricate cross stitching 33 & 36 would make the construction of a pocket impractical or unworkable.

(45) Another key embodiment is that manufacturing process already in place, would remain virtually unchanged, eliminating any unnecessary new operations for the seamstress. The already long-established manufacturing process would also remain intact, since adding the pre-manufactured ballast belt system of FIG. 1 into the unfinished fly hem would not cause disruption, but conversely, aid in the final process of closing the fly hem shut. The already long-established manufacturing process would also remain intact, since adding the pre-manufactured ballast belt system of FIG. 1 into the unfinished fly hem would cause little disruption. By comparison, the addition of an artificial pocket as referred to in the prior art, would cause an inordinate problem since the intricate stitching pattern of FIG. 3 would have to be completely done away with.

(46) This pre-made ballast system packet 31 & 38 would completely eliminate the mess and disorganization that loose sand, or any type of loose ballast would create in a manufacturing environment. Additionally, the time-tested stitching pattern 33 & 36 would not be altered in order to accommodate this improvement.

(47) Another embodiment is to synergistically innovate within the framework of the long-established flag makers sewing techniques that are already in place, further ensuring that the ballast feature being added will become an integral part of the flag's finished fly hem. This system makes certain that both the flexibility of the finished flags fly hem 14 & FIG. 3 and that the individual ballast packets 31 & 38 will get locked into the fly hem 14 & 35.

(48) Therefore, the embodiments of this ballast system will eliminate any possibility of the fine quartz sand ballast 37 leaking, shifting or gathering at either end of the fly hem, as would happen in an un-baffled open pocket design as the prior art teaches.

(49) A further embodiment FIG. 5, as to the belt-like like ballast system of FIG. 1 & FIG. 4, the ballast material would be self-contained within individual packets 53, and the entire ballast system would be placed into the unfinished fly hem, folded over during the final stages of the manufacturing process and then sewn shut. As further contemplated, the belt-like ballast system of FIG. 1 & FIG. 4 would be of an acceptable size and would conform to the nominal dimensions of what would fit within the standard dimensions of the finished fly hem 14, of the flag being constructed FIG. 2. The seamstress operator would go about their final step in finishing the fly hem, with the ballast belt in place. Each ballast packet would have a maximum thickness of less than approximately ? or less than 3.175 mm 55. The nonwoven spunbond polypropylene fabric material 38, envelope 32 & 57 that encases the quartz sand 5 & 47, would be constructed of a very thin-spun material as shown in 32 & 57, that would be easily pierced by the sewing machines needle, yet remain perfectly intact due to the materials high tear strength and the durable heat-welded seam 56 employed to seal the perimeter of the packets. The needle of the sewing machine would easily pass through each individual ballast packet 32, since the quartz sand material 37 contained within those packets are not so compressed as to inhibit the needle's performance during the closing of the fly hem.

(50) FIG. 6 All flag's, have a propensity to furl 62 attributed to their light weight and low mass that is equally distributed throughout its structure 18. Flag entanglement or wrapping itself around a flagpole 65 can be attributed to many factors. Most commonly, a sudden gust of wind can blow the flag onto its pole 66, or the flag's unballasted fly hem 68 when flying aloft can attain an attitude of approximately ?180? degrees 71, above a horizontally erected flagpole 73, where it will then fall earthward due to a lack of lift and will land upon the horizontal pole to which it has been attached.

(51) FIG. 7 is a frontal elevation of an American flag 75 & 18, and is an example of what flag looks like when a flag 75 has reached a top-flight orientation under full sail at ?180? degrees 71, above a horizontally erected flagpole 73. The flag is in the process of falling back 72, or folding back on itself 70, a causal effect of the lift dropping out. The flag is attached to the horizontally affixed flagpole 73, by the halyard 13 where the upper and lower grommets 19a & 19b are connected by a spring snap clip 81, which is then attached to an anti-tangle spinning collar 83 and locked onto the pole by a set screw 85.

(52) Once the lift created by the wind abates, the flag 75, begins its fall earthward. The flag is under the control of two separate forces; gravity and the mechanical connection FIG. 8, that is exerted upon flag connected to the pole 73 and is invariably pulled onto it and furl 62, and remain there due to its weightless nature. The weightless flag is controlled by the fickle nature of the wind. All of these factors acting in unison with the flag's attachment to the flagpole creates a predictable furling 62 outcome. This situation happens more times than not, when an unballasted fly hem 68, falls onto the flagpole or when an unballasted fly hem 76 under full sail reaches topflight of approximately ?180? degrees 71, above a horizontal flagpole 73, to which it has been attached.

(53) Thus, there has been shown a unique Tangle Free Flag, which can easily and cost effectively be manufactured by utilizing readily available materials and machines without disrupting the commonly accepted manufacturing processes already in place within the flag making industry. Thus, there has been shown a unique Tangle Free Flag, which can easily and cost effectively be manufactured, because its construction conforms with commonly accepted manufacturing processes within the flag making industry. This tangle free flag can be flown on any and all existing flagpoles without any modification to either pole or flag. It can be flown with confidence in any and all-weather conditions, with or without the aid of any external anti-furling spinning collars and will not furl.