Patents by Inventor Robert K. Hughes, Sr.

Robert K. Hughes, Sr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20120115630
    Abstract: Prongs of a divot repair tool that is secured to a golf club are repeatedly inserted into the turf and removed from the turf surrounding a ball mark to repair the turf without requiring the user to bend over. The divot repair tool includes a base portion having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a top, and a bottom opposite the top. At least one prong extends from the first end. A vertical portion extends from the base and is substantially perpendicular to the base. A magnet is secured within the base portion to secure the divot repair tool to the golf club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, SR.
  • Publication number: 20100189497
    Abstract: A stiffening element located within a flexible hinge on a roadway marker for increasing the stiffness of the hinge and resiliency of the roadway marker. The stiffening element provides more spring to return the roadway marker back to a substantially erect position after being deflected, for example, by a vehicle. The stiffening element can be a formed from a hard material such as PVC and can have the shape of a ball, cylinder, puck, oblong, or other suitable shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, SR.
  • Patent number: 6732673
    Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In one version of the anchor system, a V-shaped configuration folded along two longitudinal side axes and one lower lateral axis. This version has front and rear plates, and the rear plate has and combines with two flanges to define a narrow pocket that receives the post. The post is secured in the pocket by deforming the pocket with punches. The anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Hughes, Sr., Robert K. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6604485
    Abstract: An anchor system for flexible marker posts comprises an anchor that receives a post before the anchor is driven into the ground. In a first embodiment, a flat, rectangular plate of mild steel is folded into a U-shape with parallel upper and lower plates. The lower end of a post is placed within the anchor, and the anchor is driven into the earth with a bladed driver, the anchor bending into a V-shape along an axis defined by the blade of the driver. The anchor retains the post with friction, and the anchor is retained in the earth by mechanical interference and friction. Additional embodiments include plates that are pre-bent into a V-shape, tabs for maintaining separation of the plates, and a one-piece anchor having a V-shaped lower portion and coplanar, horizontal, upper surfaces connected to the upper edges of the lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Hughes, Sr., Robert K. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6109820
    Abstract: A flexible marker assembly and base for traffic control markers or other purposes. The flexible marker assembly includes a substantially vertical flat marker mounted in a receptacle in a base. A first and second longitudinal arcuate surface is provided on a first and second side of the marker for supporting the flexible marker when the marker is bent, as may occur when the marker is impacted by a vehicle. The flat marker is inserted within a receptacle and is secured to the base by an anchor plate, which is either inserted within the receptacle or positioned below the base to engage the marker. The longitudinal arcuate surfaces have channels formed therein to allow access to fasteners, which connect the marker to an anchor plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5454665
    Abstract: An artificial reef is formed for use in a body of water to provide a habitat for aquatic life. The reef is formed by providing an anchoring structure which is submerged in the body of water. The anchoring structure has a weight sufficient to anchor the artificial reef to the floor of the body of water. Spaced at intervals along the floor of the body of water and attached to the anchoring structure are a plurality of reef assemblies. Each of the reef assemblies is formed from a base which is secured to the anchoring structure. A flexible elastomeric sleeve is coupled to a lower end of a buoyant, elongated member formed from a substantially rigid polymeric material so that the elongated members are held in a general upright position. By providing a plurality of these reef assemblies, an artificial reef is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5452965
    Abstract: An impact resistant marker having a marker base which is adapted to be secured to the ground or other substructure. The marker base has an upward protruding mandrel to which an elastomeric sleeve is mounted at one end, and at the other end to a substantially rigid, elastomeric mounting core. A pair of retaining lugs are integrally formed and protrude laterally outward from the sides of the mounting core. A replaceable tubular marker post having an elongate central opening is provided with a pair of apertures for receiving the retaining lugs when the mounting core is inserted into the central opening of the marker post. The retaining lugs prevent the tubular marker post from being pulled from the mounting core. The flexible element restores the marker post to its original position after it is struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Flexstake, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert K. Hughes, Sr.