ACTIVITY FLAGGING SYSTEM

Description

BACKGROUND

Where there is an overlap of car traffic and pedestrian activities, flagging is used to provide a safe environment for recreational activities, commercial roadside activities, and emergency services. Pedestrians engaging in recreational activities may also use devices for functions such as score keeping, providing lighting, producing sound, and/or holding equipment. Although separate devices are available that can perform some subset of these functions, there is currently a need for a single versatile device that is configurable to perform whatever function the event or pedestrian activity calls for. In addition, such a device needs to be durable while also being low cost and easily mobile.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems, apparatus, and methods relating to an activity flagging system. In some examples, an activity flagging system may include a base, an elongated mast with accessory attachment points, and a removable accessory configured to attach to the mast. The base may have at least one ground securement aperture and a mast mounting point.

Features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various examples of the present disclosure, or may be combined in yet other examples, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the primary structural elements of an illustrative activity flagging system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of another example of illustrative flagging system, including a plurality of accessories attached to a mast.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of an upper portion of the mast of the flagging system of FIG. 2, with a team flag accessory and a lighting accessory attached.

FIG. 4 is another isometric view of the upper portion of the mast of the flagging system of FIG. 2, with a white board accessory attached.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a lower portion of the mast of the flagging system of FIG. 2, including a base.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of assembling an activity flagging system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects and examples of an activity flagging system having a base, mast, and at least one accessory, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, an activity flagging system in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components may, but are not required to, contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed examples. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

This Detailed Description includes the following sections, which follow immediately below: (1) Overview; (2) Examples, Components, and Alternatives; (3) Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples; (4) Advantages, Features, and Benefits; and (5) Conclusion. The Examples, Components, and Alternatives section is further divided into subsections A and B, each of which is labeled accordingly.

Overview

In general, an activity flagging system may include a base, a vertical mast, and a at least one accessory configured to maintain position on the mast.

The base may be truncated cone-shaped as illustrated in FIG. 2, but may also be formed in any shape that provides stability to the flagging system as a whole, such as a cuboid or pyramid. The base may have a hollow cavity to provide increased portability and allow filling with a conformable material on-site, adding weight and stability. The base may also be a solid formation of a suitable material such as stone, metal, or a durable plastic. Alternatively or in addition, the base may be fastened to the ground to add stability and/or permanence. Ground fastening may be accomplished by apertures in the base positioned for insertion of stakes such that the flagging system could be utilized on grassy location, or purpose placed bolts in concrete locations. The base may be also be provided with wheels allowing the flagging system to be rolled prior to or subsequent to placement. These wheels may preferably be located such that they only contact the ground when the flagging system is manually tipped to the side, allowing mobility only in such a circumstance and maintaining stability in a resting position.

An upright mast may be configured to mount to the base to support a variety of accessories. The mast may include three or more faces, or the mast may be cylindrical. The mast may be any elongated shape configured to both mount to the base as described and to any associated accessories, as shown in FIG. 1.

In some examples, one or more faces of the mast may each have a rail or t-slot, for connection of accessories. Additionally or alternatively, the mast may utilize apertures that accessories friction fit, snap-fit, or screw into by means of one or more threaded fasteners. In one example, the mast may not include any specific fastening structure and accessories may mount by means of a collar that tightens around the mast.

The fastening structure may require mounting at indicated heights, but may also be designed to allow infinitely adjustable height. The mast may be formed of any suitable material that provides attributes needed for use of the system. As an example, the mast may be formed of extruded thermoplastic, additively manufactured, or cast from metal. Additionally, the mast may be formed or coated with a retroreflective material to provide even greater visibility than already afforded by any attached accessories.

Accessories may be utilized with the system to provide additional functionality. One such accessory may be a masthead with at least one lighting element that is mounted at the top of the mast. The lighting elements may be different colours and be used to provide specific indications based on which way the flagging system is facing. This masthead may also include other indicia or devices. In one example, the masthead may include a flag or flag holder indicating an event, an alert, or team. The masthead may also include a solar panel configured to power a lighting unit or speaker, or alternatively, charging ports for users' portable electronics.

Other accessories designed to affix to the mast may include scorekeeping panels, flags, equipment holders, and/or a speaker amplifier as illustrated in FIG. 3, but are not limited to the accessories described herein.

Accessories may be tailored to specific sports. As an example, if the flagging system were intended for use at a golfing event, an attachable golf ball holder could be included and/or may be added to the system. In addition, an accessory could include an electronic or manually operated stroke counter and a hole par indicator. In another example, an accessory could include an electronic penalty card indicator utilized by a referee during a team sports event to make a red/yellow/green/blue card call highly visible to players and spectators.

Accessories such as those of the examples above may additionally include illumination to enhance visibility, for example indicators may light up.

Accessories may be included with purchase of the mast and base, and/or may be sold separately. For instance, a base and mast may be sold separately and consumers may purchase accessories relevant to their activities, such as designated bundles differentiated by a price point or particular sporting usage. The mounting scheme utilized by the mast and accessories may be designed such that accessories can be sold and distributed by independent companies or constructed in a DIY manner, allowing consumers further options and versatility with the activity flagging system.

The following sections describe selected aspects of an exemplary flagging system as well as related systems and/or methods. The examples in these sections are intended for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the entire scope of the present disclosure. Each section may include one or more distinct examples, and/or contextual or related information, function, and/or structure.

EXAMPLES, COMPONENTS, AND ALTERNATIVES

The following sections describe selected aspects of an exemplary activity flagging system as well as related systems and/or methods. The examples in these sections are intended for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the entire scope of the present disclosure. Each section may include one or more distinct examples, and/or contextual or related information, function, and/or structure.

A. Illustrative Activity Flagging System

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, this section describes an illustrative activity flagging system 100. System 100 is an example of an activity flagging system as described above.

The depicted flagging system 100 consists of a base 102, a mast 106, a masthead 110, and a variety of accessories. Although not limited to the depicted accessories or those described herein, the following examples are depicted: a children at play sign 114, a flexible phone/tablet holder 116, a basketball holder 118, a digital scoreboard 120, a phone audio echo chamber 122, a team flag 124, and a writeable whiteboard 126.

Base 102 is a truncated cone shape with a mounting point 104 on the top of the base for mast 106 to attach to. The base is hollow and filled with a material such as water or sand, providing a stabilizing weighted base to support the rest of attached system 100. For further stability, apertures 132 down through base 102 are provided to allow ground securement in multiple positions along lateral axis 126, with bolts or other fastening methods.

Mast 106 is configured to mount to the top of base 102. In the depiction in FIGS. 2-5, the mast includes four faces. Each face has a rail, or t-slot 108 running the entire length of the mast, allowing accessories to mount along any position of the mast. The width of each rail is a substantial portion of the face, providing a larger area for accessories to attach to and make it easier for users to line up accessories in the slot.

Each t-slot 108 is open at the top and bottom of mast 106, allowing accessories to be inserted or removed from either end and also maximize the possible range of positioning. The top of the mast has a planar surface 130 that the t-slots open to, the top providing a shape allowing a masthead 110 to fit on. The mast has a longitudinal axis 124 that is transverse to axis 126, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

A variety of accessories are depicted in FIGS. 2-4. Masthead 110 includes circular lighting elements 112 on each of four side faces. The illustrative masthead depicts red and yellow lighting elements. The other depicted accessories are configured to mount on mast 106 by engaging one or more of t-slots 108 of the mast. Backing 128 of such accessories is shaped to complement a t-slot of the mast, similarly to a t-slot nut. The backings of the accessories are further structured such that when slid into position in t-slot 108, the weight of the accessory provides enough friction against the t-slot to allow the accessory to maintain a user selected position.

B. Illustrative Method

This section describes steps of an illustrative method for utilizing an activity flagging system; see FIG. 6. Aspects of already described flagging systems may be utilized in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, reference may be made to components and systems that may be used in carrying out each step. These references are for illustration, and are not intended to limit the possible ways of carrying out any particular step of the method.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed in an illustrative method, and may not recite the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of the method are described below and depicted in FIG. 6, the steps need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

At step 140, a base 102 is prepared at a location required for use. Preparation may include filling a hollow cavity with a conformable material to increase weight and lower the center of gravity of the flagging system. Preparation may also include utilizing described apertures 132 of the base to fasten the base to a location.

At step 142, a mast 106 is attached to a mounting point 104 of the base.

At step 144, at least one accessory is attached to the mast. Attachment is done by sliding backing 128 of the accessory into slot 60 from the top 130 of the mast.

At step 146, a masthead 110 is fitted to the top of the mast.

Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples

This section describes additional aspects and features of an activity flagging system, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and/or with disclosure from elsewhere in this application, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing without limitation examples of some of the suitable combinations.

A0. An activity flagging system, comprising:

• • a truncated cone-shaped base with an axis running between a top face and a bottom face,
  • an elongate cuboid mast, and
  • a cube-shaped masthead containing a plurality of lighting elements.

A1. The system of paragraph A0, wherein the base contains a hollow cavity and has an opening from an outer surface of the base to the cavity.

A2. The system of paragraph A0, wherein the base contains a plurality of apertures running parallel to the axis.

A3. The system of paragraph A0, wherein the base includes a mounting point on the top face for supporting the mast.

A4. The system of paragraph A0, wherein each of four long faces of the mast include a t-slot running the length of the mast.

A5. The system of paragraph A0, wherein the mast is formed of an extruded thermoplastic.

A6. The system of paragraph A0, wherein the masthead has a lower face with structured depressions configured to fit securely on a top end of the mast.

A7. The system of paragraph A6, wherein each of four side faces includes a circular lighting element.

A8. The system of paragraph A7, wherein the four lighting elements utilize different colours to indicate unique states to users.

A9. The system of paragraph A4, wherein each t-slot extends a substantial portion of the width of the face.

A10. The system of paragraph A4, wherein each t-slot is open at both ends.

B0. A method of utilizing an activity flagging system, comprising:

• • filling a base with a weighted material,
  • fastening a mast vertically to the base,
  • fitting a masthead at a top end of the mast within specific indents configured to secure the masthead,
  • fitting a variety of accessories along formed t-slots of the mast such that the shear force of the accessories against the t-slot at rest prevents movement.

B1. The method of paragraph B0, wherein the weighted material filling the base can be any pourable material capable of filling a cavity of the base.

B2. The method of paragraph B0, wherein fasteners are threaded through apertures in the base, extending into the ground.

B3. The method of paragraph B0, wherein supporting the accessories to reduce shear force allows the accessories to be slid to a desired height.

Advantages, Features, and Benefits

The different examples of the activity flagging system described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for alerting bystanders of means ongoing activities with a highly configurable and stable flagging system. For example, illustrative examples described herein allow a variety of accessories to be utilized based on the activity being performed and the users' needs.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein allow a user to perform concurrent functions with a single system.

No known system or device can perform these functions, particularly in sports-based settings. Thus, the illustrative examples described herein are particularly useful for both people engaged in an activity and passersby. However, not all examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

Conclusion

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific examples thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only. The subject matter of the disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein. The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed in applications claiming priority from this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, also are regarded as included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.