Multi-functional and modular flag post device

Abstract

A versatile and secure flag post system designed for attachment to vehicle hitches, home exteriors, or ground staking is disclosed. The device includes an adjustable level hitch with a bottom side welded coupling, interconnected threaded pipes, and additional couplings facilitating secure attachment. The system also includes attachment loops for flag attachment, small pin tubular lock cylinders for enhanced security, and an ornamental top piece. The system offers various configurations, including a truck bed rack for carrying items or mounting tents, and a building mount with LED plasma cut brackets for visual appeal. The ground stake version provides a stable anchor with large stakes and API couplings. The mountable version uses durable metal clamps for attaching to solid structures.

Claims

1. A combined ball hitch and flag post device comprising: an adjustable level hitch having a hitch receiving portion and an adjustable height ball receiving portion; a bottom side coupling; a plurality of threaded pipes; a plurality of couplings; a plurality of loops; and a plurality of shackles; wherein said adjustable level hitch selectively attachable to a vehicle hitch receiver; wherein said bottom side coupling secured to said hitch receiving portion for securing said plurality of threaded pipes to the vehicle; wherein said plurality of threaded pipes having outer threading for securing to said plurality of couplings; wherein said plurality of couplings threadable onto said plurality of threaded pipes for assembling a flag post; wherein one of said plurality of shackles passing respectively through one of said plurality of loops; wherein a bottom one of said plurality of threaded pipes having a first eyelet and wherein said bottom side coupling having a second eyelet; and further wherein said first eyelet and said second eyelet threadable therethrough with a padlock for securing said flag post to said adjustable level hitch.

2. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 1, wherein said padlock secures said flag post by locking said bottom one of said plurality of threaded pipes to said hitch receiving portion.

3. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 2, wherein said plurality of loops are welded rope loops.

4. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of pin tubular lock cylinders, wherein each of said plurality of pin tubular lock cylinders locks said plurality of couplings and said plurality of threaded pipes.

5. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 4, wherein each of said plurality of welded rope loops fastened to a corresponding one of said plurality of threaded pipes.

6. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 5, wherein said plurality of shackles are selected from the group consisting of an anchor shackle and a threaded carabiner.

7. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of welded rope loops positioned below a corresponding one of said plurality of couplings on each of said plurality of threaded pipes.

8. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 7, wherein said plurality of shackles having attachment points for securing grommets of a flag.

9. A combined ball hitch and flag post device comprising: an adjustable level hitch having a hitch receiving portion and an adjustable height ball receiving portion; a bottom side coupling; a plurality of threaded pipes; a plurality of couplings; a plurality of loops; a plurality of shackles; and a LED light wherein said adjustable level hitch selectively attachable to a vehicle hitch receiver; wherein said bottom side coupling secured to said hitch receiving portion for securing said plurality of threaded pipes to the vehicle; wherein said plurality of threaded pipes having outer threading for securing to said plurality of couplings; wherein said plurality of couplings threadable onto said plurality of threaded pipes for assembling a flag post; wherein one of said plurality of shackles passing respectively through one of said plurality of loops; wherein each of said plurality of loops fastened to a corresponding said plurality of threaded pipes; wherein said plurality of shackles are selected from the group consisting of an anchor shackle and a threaded carabiner; wherein each of said plurality of loops positioned below a corresponding one of said plurality of couplings on each of said plurality of threaded pipes; wherein said plurality of shackles having attachment points for securing grommets of a flag; wherein said plurality of threaded pipes having a plurality of cutouts; and further wherein said plurality of threaded pipes having said LED light contained inside said plurality of threaded pipes for illumination of said plurality of cutouts.

10. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 9, wherein said plurality of loops are welded rope loops.

11. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of pin tubular lock cylinders, wherein each of said plurality of pin tubular lock cylinders locks said plurality of couplings and said plurality of threaded pipes.

12. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 9, wherein a bottom one of said plurality of threaded pipes having a first eyelet and wherein said bottom side coupling having a second eyelet, and further wherein said first eyelet and said second eyelet threadable therethrough with a padlock for securing said flag post to said adjustable level hitch.

13. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 12, wherein said padlock secures said flag post by locking said bottom one of said plurality of threaded pipes to said hitch receiving portion.

14. The combined ball hitch and flag post device of claim 9, wherein said LED light having a dual-ended adapter for plugging into a vehicle's trailer lights plug.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver flag post of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver flag post of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure;

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of truck bed rack of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of installed truck bed rack with the flag post device of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the flag post device of the present invention for buildings in accordance with the disclosed structure;

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a version of the flag post to stake in the ground in accordance with the disclosed structure;

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a version of the flag post designed to be mounted to solid structures or posts in accordance with the disclosed structure; and

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a version of the flag post designed to be mounted to a gate in accordance with the disclosed structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

(10) The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

(11) As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a versatile flag post system that can be attached to a vehicle's ball hitch or mounted on various structures. There is also a long felt need in the art for a durable and secure flag post that can withstand outdoor conditions without frequent maintenance or replacement. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a flag post system that is easy to install and does not require multiple tools, making it user-friendly for vehicle owners and homeowners alike. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a multifunctional flag post that can be customized and extended for various uses, including displaying multiple flags and other accessories. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a flag post system that provides additional security features to prevent theft and ensure stability during use. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a flag post system that offers a simple, convenient, and effective method of flying flags on vehicles, at home, or staked in the ground.

(12) The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a mountable flag post device. The flag post device comprises a plurality of metal clamps for mounting the flag post to solid structures or posts, each clamp made of durable aluminum and designed to withstand high winds, each clamp including a pair of apertures adapted to receive fasteners for securing the flag post, the flag post mountable to various structures such as gates, fences, or other solid surfaces, the flag post comprising interconnected threaded pipes and black API couplings, and a plurality of welded rope loops for attaching flags via anchor shackles and pin tubular lock cylinders.

(13) Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

(14) Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver flag post of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. The vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver flag post 100 of the present invention is designed as an improved ball hitch and flag post that attaches to the vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver. More specifically, the device 100 enables users to customize the look of the hitch and display a flag and other accessories. The combined ball hitch and flag post device 100 includes an adjustable level hitch 102 which is adapted to be detachably attached to a vehicle. The adjustable level hitch 102 having a hitch receiving portion 103 and an adjustable height ball receiving portion 105. A pin 107 enables securement of the hitch receiving portion 103 to the adjustable height ball receiving portion 105. A bottom side welded black API coupling 104 is secured to the adjustable level hitch 102 of the vehicle. The bottom side welded black API coupling 104 is preferably welded or fastened securely to an aperture 109 in the hitch receiving portion 103 to provide a stable foundation for the flag post.

(15) The flag post 106 includes a plurality of threaded pipes 108a-d wherein the threaded pipes are interconnected, with each pipe being inner-threaded to attach to the next pipe above thereon. The additional couplings 110a-d facilitate outer threading for securing the pipes 108a-d together. Two eye holes 112, 114 are positioned a few inches apart on the bottom black API coupling 104. The eye holes 112, 114 are designed to align when the bottom pipe 108d is turned, enabling a large master lock 116 to be threaded through both eye holes 112, 114. The eye holes 112, 114 secure the threaded pipe 108d, preventing the bottom pipe 108d from being unthreaded while the vehicle is in motion or from being stolen.

(16) The padlock or large master lock 116 secures the flag post 106 by locking the flag post eye hole 112 to the hitch coupling eye hole 114, providing a security measure to prevent theft of the flag post 106. For providing security to the upper couplings 110a-c, the device 100 includes a plurality of small pin tubular lock cylinders 118 wherein each small pin tubular lock cylinder locks the coupling and corresponding pipes and is opened using tubular key 120. The post 106 cannot be disassembled without the key 120, thereby providing an additional security layer including securing the ornament at the top of the post.

(17) The device 100 includes a plurality of welded rope loops 122a-d. Each loop 122a-d is fastened to a corresponding pipe 108a-d respectively and each loop enables an anchor shackle 124 to be passed therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, each loop is positioned below a corresponding coupling on the threaded pipe, the loops provide attachment points for securing flags. Each anchor shackle 124 is designed to hold the grommets of flags and one anchor shackle corresponding to each loop 122a-d is disposed. An optional tubular lock cylinder (not shown) can be disposed within the anchor shackle secures the flags in place.

(18) FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver flag post of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the hitch flag post 200 is a versatile and secure flag display system designed for attachment to a vehicle hitch or home exterior. The device 200 includes a plurality of black API couplings 202, each coupling 202 is preferably a bottom side welded black API coupling. Each coupling 202 is preferably welded to the top of a inch threaded pipe 204 and each pipe 204 is about 12 inches in length. The length of each pipe 204 can be extended using an extender pipe (not shown).

(19) A waterproof LED light 206 is disposed into the center 208 of the hitch coupling 210 and is adapted to illuminate the plasma cutouts. The LED light 206 is preferably attached to the vehicle's trailer lights plug using a dual-ended adapter. The device 200 includes a pair of eye holes 212, 214 to enable a padlock 216 to loop through and lock both ends of the bottom pipe to the base of the hitch 210. The padlock 216 is used to lock the flag post to the hitch coupling 210.

(20) A plurality of welded rope loops 218 are disposed on the threaded pipes 204 and each is adapted for attaching or receiving an anchor shackle 220. The anchor shackle 220 holds the grommets of the flag 222. A plurality of lock cylinders 224 are adapted to secure the inch couplings 202 to the pipes 204. Preferably, four PTLCs are used to lock two 24 pipes and two 12 pipe coupling ends together, preventing the post from disassembly without a key.

(21) A plurality of letter plasma cutouts 226 are disposed in the threaded pipes 204 and the LED light illuminates through the plasma cutouts enabling customization with team names or logos cut out in the post. The flag 222 can be attached using the anchor shackle pin tubular lock cylinders. An ornamental top piece 228 featuring a male threading on the bottom thereof is threaded for aesthetics of the modular flag display system 100. The flag post device 200 can include attachment of multiple flags using threaded carabiners, decorative accessories, and additional posts can be used to display additional flags.

(22) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of truck bed rack of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the truck bed 300 is a versatile accessory designed for trucks for both everyday use and camping trips. The truck bed rack 300 when fully assembled can carry long items such as pipes, steel, or wood. The truck bed rack 300 can also be used to mount a pop-up tent for camping trips. The rack can be removed from the truck and placed on level ground for use in camping or as a table frame.

(23) More specifically, the rack 300 includes a bottom side welded black API coupling 302 welded to the bottom center of the adjustable level hitch 304. A plurality of other couplings 306 function as joints for attaching additional 24 threaded pipes 308 in various configurations. Couplings 306 are also used on the ends of 12 threaded pipes 310 for forming a frame for the rack 300. A pair of eye holes 312, 314 are aligned flat and horizontally to each other, enabling a padlock 316 to loop through and lock both eye holes 312, 314 into the base padlock 316. This secures the female end couplings 312, 314 and the threaded end 318 of the (24 inch) pipe together.

(24) A plurality of welded rope loops are disposed and each is adapted for attaching or receiving an anchor shackle for connecting to the grommets of flags as described earlier in the disclosure. A plurality of threaded pipe tees 320 are threaded and one of the threaded pipe tee connects 12 and 24 threaded pipes on top of the post 322. Each threaded pipe tee 320 also connects the 24 threaded pipe vertically and horizontally on the GHP full truck bed rack 300. A plurality of Black Threaded Nipples 324 are threaded on both sides in opposite directions to connect the threaded pipe tees together, integrating the flag post 322 with the truck bed rack 300.

(25) Four black API 90 degree couplings 306 as described earlier are disposed at the corners of the rack 300, connecting to each 24 threaded pipe to form the corners of the rack. A spare tire mount carrier 326 features a bolt pin 328 for easy attachment and detachment of the mount 326 and is designed to minimize rattling by bracing up and outwards. A spare tire 330 is also mounted and tied down using three lug nuts provided with the spare tire mount carrier.

(26) Referring now to FIG. 4, a ladder 328 can be used when the bed 300 is in the installed position wherein the post 322 does not obstruct the use of the ladder 332. The bed 300 can be used for personal use and for carrying luggage items as well.

(27) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the secure and versatile flag mounting assembly of the present invention for buildings in accordance with the disclosed structure. A bracket mount 502 having LED plasma cut bracket 504 is designed to be positioned on wall of a building. The LED plasma cut 504 provides visual appeal and the back spacers ensure the mount 502 is securely fixed to the building. A Black API Coupling 506 and Glock Pistol 508 with Adjustable Pole Bracket 510 is included in the post device 500. The Glock Pistol design 508 is integrated with the coupling 506 and the coupling 506 is inserted and welded within the barrel of the Glock 508.

(28) A flag post 512 is included in the modular flag display system 500 and can include a plurality of threaded pipes 514. Preferably, two 24 threaded pipes and one 12 pipe are used for the post 512. Welded rope loops 516 are disposed below each Black API Coupling for secure attachment of flags. The flag 518 is attached using anchor shackle pin tubular lock cylinders as described in other embodiments of the present invention.

(29) The bracket mount 502 provides stability and resistance to high winds and the device 500 can also be threaded onto a ball hitch, enabling for adjustable flag positioning. The design and installation process of the device 100 are user-friendly, enabling consumers to update their flag poles on their property without professional assistance.

(30) FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a version of the flag post to stake in the ground in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the flag post 600 includes a pair of large stakes 602, 604. The large stakes 602, 604 are driven into the ground, providing a secure anchor point. At least one Bottom Side Welded Black API Coupling 606 is used for enabling attachment of one or more 24 threaded pipes 608. The threaded pipes 608 together form the flag post 610. The flag 612 can be securely attached to the flag post 610 using anchor shackle pin tubular lock cylinders (as described in other embodiments). The pins lock through the grommets of the flag, ensuring the flag stays attached even in windy conditions. It is to be appreciated that all references to inch pipes and couplers is for an exemplary dimension of an internal diameter of the pipes and couplers. Other exemplary pipe and coupler diameters can range from inch to 1 inch.

(31) FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a version of the secure and versatile flag mounting assembly designed to be mounted to solid structures or posts in accordance with the disclosed structure. In the present embodiment, the flag post device 700 includes a plurality of metal clamps 702 which are used to mount the flag post to solid structures or posts. The clamps are made of durable aluminum and are designed to withstand high winds. Each clamp includes a pair of apertures 704, 706 which are adapted to receive a fastener each to fasten the clamp and to secure the flag post. The flag post 700 can also be mounted to a gate 708 of a farm using the clamps 702 as illustrated in FIG. 8.

(32) Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein secure and versatile flag mounting assembly, modular flag display system, vehicle or trailer ball hitch receiver flag post, flag post device, and flag post are interchangeable and refer to the modular flag post system 100 of the present invention.

(33) Notwithstanding the forgoing, the modular flag post system 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the modular flag post system 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the modular flag post system 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the modular flag post system 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the modular flag post system 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

(34) Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

(35) What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.