Abstract: Autonomous mobile robots having vertical height extension systems for augmented visibility may include a drive mechanism, a lift mechanism, and a vertical height extension including an extension mechanism and a vertical indicator. The vertical height extension may be actively or passively actuated between lowered and raised positions. In addition, the vertical height extension may include a breakaway feature to prevent raising or cause lowering of the vertical indicator in the presence of a payload above the robot. Further, the vertical height extension may include various actuators, emitters, or elements to communicate various attributes of the robot to human associates in proximity, thereby promoting safe, collaborative operations.

Abstract: A flag raising device for raising a flag up a pole using a line that can be conveniently decoupled from the pole includes a top pulley rotatably coupled to a pole proximate a top end of the pole. A line is positioned to define a loop, the line frictionally engaging the top pulley and a bottom pulley and is movable about the loop. A hook is coupled to the pole proximate a bottom end of the pole. An attachment member is coupled to the bottom pulley and securable to the hook. A pair of clips is coupled to the line and is positioned to be configured to raise and lower the flag to a flying position and a servicing position respectively when the line moves about the loop.

Abstract: Utility pole system having a battery storage housing defining a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior volume with an access opening extending through the top portion; a pole with an upper end and a lower end attached to the top portion of the battery storage housing; and means for moving the pole from the first position where the lower end of the pole covers the access opening of the battery housing, and a second position where the lower end exposes the access opening. The utility pole system might also include electrical components powered by a battery provided in the battery storage housing, such battery charged by utility power.

Abstract: A lighting attachment for a flagpole includes at least one reflector that directs light from a light source to illuminate front and rear faces of the flag. In one embodiment, the reflector has at least one concavely dished parabolic surface. In another embodiment, the reflector is held in a sleeve that rotates about the flagpole in response to flag movement. In still another embodiment, a swivel connector is fastened to the top of the flagpole and a lower lighting unit to illuminate a flag is rotatably engaged around the flagpole. In yet another embodiment, a rotatable flag bracket is held in an outer groove of a sleeve of the finial attachment, and a finial globe is illuminated by a light source. The housing for the lighting attachment and/or the finial attachment may include at least one power source, such as solar panels and associated energy accumulators (e.g., batteries).

Abstract: A flag display apparatus includes a frame comprising first and second support legs having upper and lower opposed ends when placed for display. A horizontal support member having a predetermined length can be connected to the upper end of the first and second support legs. A flag or banner having a predetermined length is attached to and supported by the frame. The predetermined length of the horizontal support member is less than the length of the flag or banner so that a portion of the flag or banner extends beyond the first or second support leg thereby providing a first portion of the flag or banner that is unfurled and a second portion of the flag or banner that is at least partially furled in the absence of wind moving across the flag.

Abstract: A flagpole truck system includes a flag pole truck device, including an enclosure body with a blocking protrusion, first and second pulley mounts, first and second halyard apertures, and internally mounted pulley assembly, a mounting stem assembly with first and second pin apertures, first and second blocking pins; a flagpole; a flag; a halyard; and a flag pole finial; such that the flag pole truck device is configurable in a first configuration for external halyard mounting and in a second configuration for partially internal halyard mounting; and such that the flag pole truck device is configurable for free rotation, restricted rotation, and blocked rotation.

Abstract: A fire hydrant marker can include an indicator that signals the location of a fire hydrant when the fire hydrant is obstructed. In some examples, the indicator is attached to the fire hydrant by a base. The base allows the indicator to be pivoted between an indicating position and a folded position, thereby providing enhanced user access to the fire hydrant.

Abstract: A method of ornamentializing an inflated balloon with a plurality of ribbon strands secured by knotting in the neck of the inflated balloon, and disclosed apparatus for ornamentializing an inflated balloon using a balloon tying station holding a plurality of spools of ribbon for selectively dispensing longitudinally across an extending cantilever to underlie a neck portion of the inflated balloon, which neck portion extends stretchingly around the cantilever and looping over and under for pulling off the cantilever and catching the ribbons to tie the knot and secure the ribbons therein, the ribbons having first and second strands cut to a selected length and secured in the knot. An apparatus for ornamentalizing an inflated balloon for a balloon bouquet is disclosed.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a unique flag pole and flag hoisting system capable of displaying a fully-expanded flag despite the lack of wind, and features two hinge connected rods that attach to the top and side edge of a flag, and utilizes a pulley system to expand and secure the flag in place. The system is adjustable to half-mast or any other height along the flag pole as desired, and offers a simple, convenient, and effective method of displaying any type of flag.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically raising and lowering of at least one flag or pennant comprising at least one flag or pennant, a flagpole, a line and a container. The container has at least two chambers, each chamber has at least one drum. The drum is controlled by at least one motor, a line extending from a first drum via a guide in the top of the flagpole to a second drum.

Abstract: Systems and devices for providing an illuminated flagpole assembly are disclosed. The assembly can include a hoist end member configured to be attached to a flagpole, a fly end member aligned in parallel with and opposite the hoist end member, an upper cross member, and a lower cross member. The upper cross member and lower cross member may each be formed of a respective plurality of links. Each plurality of links may be connected to one or more adjacent links and aligned along a plane. A first link of each of the plurality of links may be connected to the hoist end member and a second link of each of the plurality of links may be connected to the fly end member. Each link of the each of the plurality of links can be configured to swivel with respect to one or more adjacent links.

Abstract: The underground fuel tank indicator flag may comprise a stanchion and a flag. The underground fuel tank indicator flag may mark the location of a filler port where a tanker truck would couple to an underground fuel tank to add fuel to the underground fuel tank. The underground fuel tank indicator flag may convey at least one attribute of the fuel in the underground fuel tank. As non-limiting examples, the attribute may indicate the fuel type, an octane rating, or a fuel blend. The underground fuel tank indicator flag may be resilient such that a vehicle could drive over the stanchion and the stanchion will restore itself to a vertical orientation when the vehicle is moved off of the underground fuel tank indicator flag. In some embodiments, the underground fuel tank indicator flag may utilize multiple colors on the flag and/or a second flag.

Abstract: An aircraft emergency lighting system is disclosed. This emergency lighting system may include interior emergency lighting, interior ambient light sensors, exterior emergency lighting, and exterior ambient light sensors. The interior emergency lighting, the exterior emergency lighting, or both, may be controlled based upon an input of the interior ambient light condition (e.g., using an output from at least one of the interior ambient light sensors) and based upon an input from at least one of the exterior ambient light sensors.

Abstract: A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device includes a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hinge being coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupled to the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hinge is configured to extend and retract the first sign between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in the extended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The safety sign device includes a first flexible arm coupled to the first hinge and having an elongate housing, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing.

Abstract: A shade system for a structure includes a pair of support posts attachable to the structure, a shade panel including a plurality of attachment points around a periphery thereof, and at least one flexible lateral support member secured to the shade panel. The plurality of attachment points includes a fixture pair securable to a fixture of the structure, a post pair securable to the pair of support posts, respectively, and a side pair cooperable with the at least one flexible lateral support member and securable to the structure.

Abstract: The vehicle-locating flag is a signal device. The vehicle-locating flag is configured for use with a vehicle. The vehicle further comprises a door and an electrical system. The vehicle-locating flag attaches to the door of the vehicle. The vehicle-locating flag is configured for use with a fob. The vehicle-locating flag comprises a display structure and a control circuit. The display structure visibly displays the location of the vehicle. The control circuit operates a strobe light that draws attention to the location of the display structure. The control circuit transmits an SMS message containing the location of the vehicle over a commercially provided and publicly available cellular wireless network to a personal data device. The fob transmits a radio frequency signal to initiate the operation of the control circuit.

Abstract: A tower for a pipe laying system comprises a frame with a leg to support the frame, and a winch support integrally formed with the leg. The winch support is able to receive and support a winch and/or winch components. The winch support can be formed in a lower portion of the tower leg.

Abstract: Utility pole system having a battery storage housing defining a top portion, a bottom portion, and an interior volume with an access opening extending through the top portion; a pole with an upper end and a lower end attached to the top portion of the battery storage housing; and means for moving the pole from the first position where the lower end of the pole covers the access opening of the battery housing, and a second position where the lower end exposes the access opening. The utility pole system might also include electrical components powered by a battery provided in the battery storage housing, such battery charged by utility power.

Abstract: A collapsible wig stand. The collapsible wig stand includes a base having a wire thereon. The wire is coiled about an axis perpendicular to the base and can move between an extended position and a collapsed position. A shroud is affixed to a perimeter of the base about the wire, wherein the shroud is designed to mimic the appearance of a human head, such that a wig can be placed thereon.

Abstract: A modular sign including a spacer assembly affixed to graphic panels is provided. The modular sign is movable between a knock-down configuration and an erected configuration. In the knock-down configuration, the spacer assembly lays flat on a back surface of the graphic panels. In the erected configuration, the spacer assembly is positioned behind the graphic panels so as to provide a support structure for the graphic panels while simultaneously being at least partially concealed by the graphic panels. The modular sign is moved from the knock-down configuration to the erected configuration by rotating the graphic panels up and away from a flat surface and is secured in the erected configuration by inserting a key flap into a keyhole. Once the modular sign is in the erected configuration, it can be installed onto a tube and/or another support structure, such as a register sign.

Abstract: A flexible display device and a mobile terminal are provided. The flexible display device includes: a flexible display panel; two reels, each of two ends of the flexible display panel is coupled to the reel; two housings, each of the housings is used to respectively sleeve the reel and each of the housings includes an opening which allows the flexible display panel to go through; a telescope support member includes two ends respectively coupled to the side wall of each of the housings; the flexible display panel is able to be rolled up and the telescope support member is to be shortened when the two housings move towards each other, the flexible display panel is able to be extended and the telescope support member is to be lengthened and the distance between the two housings is limited within the dimension of the telescope support when the two housings move away from each other.

Abstract: Provided is an outrigger flagpole assembly (10) which comprises a wall-mountable bracket (12), a flagstaff (14) for displaying a flag (20), and a security device or locking formation (14.2) for releasably locking a flag (20) to be displayed to the flagstaff (14) or to the wall-mountable bracket (12). In general, the flagstaff (14) is attached at one end (14.1) thereof to the wall-mountable bracket (12), with a free end (14.2) of the flagstaff (14) extending away from a wall (18) to which the bracket (12) is mounted.

Abstract: A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device includes a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hinge being coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupled to the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hinge is configured to extend and retract the first sign between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in the extended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The safety sign device includes a first flexible arm coupled to the first hinge and having an elongate housing, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing.

Abstract: According to at least one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for retaining and stabilizing archery equipment, such as a bow, includes a first portion configured for attachment to a bow and a second portion configured for attachment to the first portion, the second portion having a distal tip opposite the first portion and configured for insertion into the ground or a stand wherein the device is structured to retain the bow above the ground without the bow touching the ground. In certain embodiments, the device further includes an adjustment element, the adjustment element structured to reversibly and adjustably connect the first portion to the second portion and an attachment mechanism structured to reversibly and adjustably attach the device to the bow, where the adjustment mechanism and the adjustment element are disposed in a first slot and a second slot of the first portion and the second portion, respectively.

Abstract: A rotary auger support stand for holding objects such as decoys above the ground. The auger support stand includes at least one rod of longitudinal support member or shaft. The rotary auger anchor comprises a helical coil for screwing that end of the stake into the ground. handle means such as an S-shaped handle provides a crank handle for rotatably screwing the anchor into the ground or at least two opposing legs extend perpendicular from and between the shaft and auger forming a base. The distal end of opposing legs are bent upward perpendicular from the ground or bent upward and inwardly at an acute angle toward the shaft forming handles for rotating the auger into the ground. The transverse legs extending from the elongated support pole provides a base bearing against the ground for increased lateral support. The top distal end of the shaft includes means for supporting an object.

Abstract: There is provided a flag assembly for mitigating against flag entanglement. The flag assembly comprises a flagpole assembly, the flagpole assembly having a fixed portion for fastening to a mount; a rotating coupling fastened to the fixed portion; and a rotating portion fastened to the rotating coupling such that the rotating coupling is able to rotate with respect to the fixed portion in use and a flag fastened to the rotating portion such that, in use, the fixed portion remains static while the rotating portion is able to rotate through 360 degrees under multidirectional wind force so as to mitigating against the entanglement of the flag about the flagpole assembly; wherein the rotating portion comprises an axial slot configured to allow the fastening of a portion of the flag to an interior of the rotating portion.

Abstract: The invention describes a modular display assembly that may be coupled with a pole or other structure or surface, and secured at an elevated position to be more easily viewed by potential consumers. The assembly may be modular in nature allowing it to support and display one or more customized advertising or marketing displays such as signs, flags and/or helium-free balloons as well as various support apparatus for the same.

Abstract: A garment generally includes a badge that can accessible from an interior of the garment and visible from an exterior of the garment. The garment includes a flap portion formed from a portion of the garment. The flap portion is folded over to form an edge that defines at least a portion of a hole formed in the garment. The garment also includes a generally transparent badge holder having a pocket operable to receive the badge. A fastener attaches the badge holder to the interior of the garment. The badge holder is attached to an interior surface of the garment so that the hole in the garment is disposed on a surface of the badge holder that is opposite the pocket.

Abstract: An extension arm connected to a panel of a safety sign is moveable between a first position extending laterally of the panel a distance at least equal to the maximum width of the panel and a second position. In one embodiment the arm is an assembly held to a handhold of the safety sign. In some embodiments the arm is hinged for folding in the manner of a carpenter's rule. In some embodiments the arm is rotatable between an operative laterally extending, generally horizontal, position and a stowed position. In other embodiments, an A-frame safety sign has a removable arm attached to it, the removable arm when attached being movable to a position extending outward a distance at least equal to the maximum width of the panel.

Abstract: A retractable warning sign having a timer, comprising: an elongated housing having a longitudinal slot, a distal end, and a proximal end; a retractable strap wound around a spool assembly and housed inside said elongated housing that extends and retracts through said longitudinal slot; a timer connected to said spool assembly to set a retraction time for said retractable strap; a hinge assembly coupled to said proximal end of said elongated housing to provide a translational movement for said elongated housing, and an attachment mechanism to attach said elongated housing on a wall or a ceiling or a window.

Abstract: A shoe based bowling apparatus that includes: a bracket member having a concave shape to receive therein and remain in contact with at least one third of a circumference of a bowling ball; and a tongue member including a first end bent upward at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from a center portion thereof, the first end extending from a center of the bracket member, and a second end bent upward at an angle sufficient to rest along a length of a tongue of a shoe while the first end remains extending away from a surface in which the shoes rests, the second end being connected to a front end of the shoe.

Abstract: A clip or flexible handles extension facilitate simultaneous retention and operation of a bronchoscope and associated bronchoscopic tools held in one hand to allow operation by a single practitioner. Also provided is an adapter for the connection port of the working channel of a bronchoscope which performs both sealing and tool-locking functions. Also disclosed is a guide sheath arrangement with a reduced flexibility proximal portion to facilitate insertion of tools into the guide sheath.

Abstract: A safety sign device is for a vehicle. The safety sign device includes a first sign having proximal and distal end, a first hinge being coupled to the proximal end of the first sign, the first hinge being coupled to a side of the vehicle, and a second sign being coupled to the side of the vehicle and being substantially parallel to the side of the vehicle. The first hinge is configured to extend and retract the first sign between a retracted position and an extended position. The first and second signs may be transverse to each other in the extended position, and may be flat against the side of the vehicle in the retracted position. The safety sign device includes a first flexible arm coupled to the first hinge and having an elongate housing, and visual indicators carried by the elongate housing.

Abstract: The personal hygiene and wiping tool is a cleaning tool. The personal hygiene and wiping tool is adapted for use with a person. The personal hygiene and wiping tool is configured for use with toilet paper. The personal hygiene and wiping tool extends in a telescopic fashion. The personal hygiene and wiping tool is designed to capture and hold in place toilet paper. The personal hygiene and wiping tool is used to extend the reach of the user such that the toilet paper can be brought to hard to reach body locations that may otherwise be difficult to clean adequately. The personal hygiene and wiping tool comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are attached in a telescopic manner.

Abstract: A swinging banner display having a tube handle that doubles as a container for the banner when not being displayed. The banner is attached to a rod which is rotatably attached to the tube handle. The tube handle is sized to fit within a hand but large enough to hold the banner, shaft and disc when the banner is furled. A rotatable disc inside the tube handle has a knob on the perimeter that engages with ribs on the inside of the tube handle to make a rattling noise when the banner is rotated.

Abstract: An antenna mounting device is provided for a motor vehicle. That antenna mounting device includes a body having a first mounting end with a first cross section and a second mounting end with a second, different cross section. In addition, the antenna mounting device includes an antenna anchor point carried on the body and adapted to receive and hold an antenna. The two mounting sections allow versatility in mounting the antenna mounting device in different structures carried on the motor vehicle including, for example, a stake pocket and a trailer hitch receiver.

Abstract: A modified fence post and a method for modifying the fence post include modifying the fence post to accommodate an object, including placing a guide around a fence post to locate the center of first surface of a fence post. Based on locating the center, the method include drilling a hole in a portion of the designated center of the fence post using a hole saw. The method includes inserting a spacer with an opening in the center of the spacer into the resultant hole and inserting an object into the spacer.

Abstract: A target includes a sheet of a material, the sheet includes an uprange-facing surface, a downrange-facing surface, an upper end, a lower end, and opposed sides each formed with an origami structure. Each origami structure is a partially cut-out and foldable structure formed in the material of the sheet being foldable from an unfolded condition to a folded condition. Each origami structure is flattened in a direction toward the downrange-facing surface of the sheet, when in the unfolded condition, and forms a sleeve structure deployed rearwardly from the downrange-facing surface of the sheet that is adapted to receive a support pole therein for retaining the sheet to the support pole, when in the folded condition.

Abstract: An emergency rescue locator for locating persons and pets in the water is provided. The emergency rescue locator comprises a life jacket having a front side and a rear side and a locating system mounted to the life jacket. The locating system comprises an inflatable pole having a first end and a second end and an inflating mechanism in fluid communication with the first end of the pole. Upon the locating system becoming immersed in the water, the inflating mechanism instantly and automatically activates to inflate the pole causing the second end of the pole to be positioned at a point above a water surface. The locating system immediately and continuously pinpoints the persons' or pets' location until rescued.

Abstract: A housing includes a head, a head mount, and a bracket. The head includes a midsection, a rod extending from the midsection, and a connection member extending in an opposite direction therefrom. A bore extends through the length of the midsection, the rod, and the connection member. The head mount comprises a hollow receiving member open at a first end and has a bottom face at a second end. The bracket includes first and second bracket sections. A top face of the first section is fixed to the bottom face of the hollow receiving member. In a use position, an inside face of the first bracket section is positioned against a first side of a surface, and an inside face of the second bracket section is positioned against a second opposing side of the surface. The first and second bracket sections are secured together using mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A location marker is disclosed, apt for use at work sites, crime scenes, sporting events, or as a traffic control or warning device. The location marker consists of a body having and at least one upright and a base supporting the upright from below, the upright being provided with an alerting feature to alert an observer or intended recipient about a message the alerting feature intends to convey; the body including biasing means configured to urge the upright into an erect orientation after being momentarily knocked over such that the alerting feature is almost always displayed, with the upright in the erect configuration.

Abstract: A magnetic emergency roadside assistance flag for a car includes a pole, a flag, and an attachment. The flag is positioned on the pole. The attachment is at a proximal end of the pole. The attachment is configured to connect to the outside of a vehicle.

Abstract: The flag pole is a mast and banner pole assembly that is adapted for use in displaying flags and banners. The flag pole is mounted to the ground through the use of a ground post such that the flag pole can be rotated using the ground post as the center of rotation. This configuration allows the position of the flag or banner to be adjusted in a manner that will control the visibility of the flag or banner. Once the flag or banner is rotated into the desired position, the flag pole can be locked in position. The banner pole is removably attached to the mast. The flag pole further comprises an acute angle which displays the flag or banner at an acute angle relative to a line perpendicular to the ground. The flag pole comprises a mast, a banner pole, a ground post, and an acute angle.

Abstract: A marker for a golf flag having a hub constructed of a flexible, resilient material with a central opening dimensioned to receive and resiliently grip the golf flag. The hub also has an axially extending through slot so that the diameter of the opening can be varied by flexing the hub. A plurality of elongated spokes each have an inner end attached to the hub and an outer end spaced radially outwardly from the hub. A ring is attached to the outer end of the spokes and this ring has a through slot aligned with the hub through slot so that widening of both through slots by flexing the ring simultaneously enlarges the central opening of the hub.

Abstract: A flagpole finial assembly is provided for lighting of a flag suspended from the flagpole. The flagpole finial assembly has cover final half that is supported on a base finial half. The base finial half has a base finial half inner surface and an opposed base finial half outer surface. The base finial half is formed with a LED support wall or a plurality of LED support walls that extend into the base finial half and that define LED recesses. Each LED support wall defines a light opening into which a LED is fitted such the LED extends from the base finial half and is disposed in the LED recess. The LEDs are wired to a power cord that extends through the flagpole and exits the flagpole. The power cord is powered via a power adapter or a solar panel wired to a rechargeable battery pack.

Abstract: An apparatus has a body with a contact surface configured to contact a structure. A support surface is disposed opposite the contact surface. The body defines a slot configured to receive a tension element.

Abstract: A shroud for covering a portion of a utility line, such as the end of a clean out line for an in-ground sewer is encompassed by the present disclosure. The shroud can include a body forming a cavity for enclosing a portion of a utility line and an access port for accessing the utility line. A method for covering a portion of a utility line is also provided.

Abstract: An accessory for cheering in sports or other entertainment and outdoor activities, such as a new and improved arm-ware assembly which can be mounted on an individual's arm and wrist so as not to restrict an individual's hands/arm in cheerleading or similar recreational activities. The armware assembly is made of flexible material and is washable and reusable and is multifunctional.

Abstract: A remote control location assembly for locating a remote control includes a remote control that may be manipulated for remotely controlling an electronic device. A base is provided and the base is positioned on a support surface. A pole is coupled to the base and a flag is coupled to and extends laterally away from the pole. The flag enhances visibility of the base. An adhesive pad is positioned on the base. The adhesive pad adheres to the remote control when the remote control is positioned on the base. In this way the remote control is easily located when the remote control is not being used.

Abstract: A line-handling block permits a soft attachment to perform the functions of securing the block to the boat, hinging the block's cheeks at one end, and locking the cheeks together positively but releaseably at its other end. The soft attachment so arranged, reinforces the block against destructive strain and aligns the block for a fair lead. Increased force on the soft attachment has the desirable effect of engaging it positively about the block to restrain unwanted opening. The block may be 3D-printed in “sparse mode” with a hard-plastic shell having a lightweight honeycomb interior, hence being so light that it floats if dropped overboard.