Abstract: Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles include a rechargeable traction battery. An automated vehicle charging system is configured to charge the traction battery with minimal operator intervention. The vehicle charging system includes at least one tire pad including a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged at known locations of the tire pad and outputting signals having a magnitude indicative of a pressure applied by a tire at the known locations. The vehicle charging system also includes at least one controller programmed to receive the signals and control movement of a transmit coil according to a position of the tire on the tire pad that is derived from the signals. The known locations may be generally equally spaced or unevenly spaced across the tire pad. The tire pad may include a tire stop to limit motion of the tire in one direction.

Abstract: An illuminated support mount for a vehicle flag may include a base, a power input jack disposed outwardly of the base, a mast connected to the base, and a light source disposed within the mast and electrically connected to the power input jack.

Abstract: The present invention is a banner support assembly for mounting to poles of any surface or shape. The banner support assembly includes a plurality of pole brackets abutting the outer surface of the pole which are demountably secured at preselected intervals around the pole with at least one band clamp received through band slots defined in each pole bracket. A ring is slideably received within a channel defined in each of the pole brackets such that the ring is free to rotate around the pole about a longitudinal axis of the pole.

Abstract: An improved tiltable stool comprises a seat, a body structure, and a base. The base comprises an annular elastic base member having a downwardly convex outer surface and a downwardly concave inner surface. Deformation of the annular elastic base causes a stabilizing force which pushes the tiltable stool towards a normal position when the tiltable stool or chair is tilted out of the normal position. The stabilizing force increases with the weight of a user and provides a consistent dynamic seating experience for users of different weights. An upper section of the annular elastic base is substantially cylindrical and firmly connected to the base structure. The downwardly convex outer surface of a lower section of the annular elastic base member rests on the floor. A contact area between the annular elastic base member and the floor is substantially ring-shaped, and grows outwardly with an increasing weight placed on the seat.

Abstract: The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is configured for use with a vehicle. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is removably attached to a window of the vehicle. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is an optical signaling device that is attached to the vehicle for the purpose of visually locating the position of the vehicle. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device is remotely controlled in a manner that allows for the identification of a specific vehicle within parking lot. The window-hanging vehicle-locating device comprises a clip, a telescopic pole, a flag, a lamp, a remote interface circuit, and a user control. The flag and the lamp attach to the telescopic pole. The telescopic pole and the remote interface circuit attach to the clip. The clip attaches the window-hanging vehicle-locating device to the superior edge of the window. The user control remotely controls the operation of the window-hanging vehicle-locating device.

Abstract: A double-sided sublimated article and method for producing the same is provided. The article may be a golf flag and is made up of a single piece of a three layer twill weaving fabric. The fabric is woven such that horizontal threads are visible and a vertical thread is not visible. Each side of the article may be simultaneously sublimated with an ultraviolet resistant ink to produce a double-sided sublimated article having images on each side in a correct orientation.

Abstract: I disclose a frameless display apparatus for flat or essentially flat artwork. The apparatus comprises a transparent envelope with flaps to fold around the edges of the flat artwork. Four perpendicular pairs of rods meet at a hub to create a T-shaped cross brace. Clips on the terminal ends of each pair of rods couple to the edges of the enclosed artwork to stabilize the artwork from twisting in place. The artwork and cross brace rest directly in a wall mount, or spaced forward of the wall with one or more interlocking forward extension elements.

Abstract: A center of gravity adjustable twirling device detachably attaches to a fabric-article at a peripheral attachment point or a central attachment point, and enables rotation of fabric-article, causing the fabric-article to unfurl and twirl at a rate and style dependent on the center of gravity formed from varying attachment points on the fabric-article. A rod forms the central axis of the device. A textured outer sleeve encapsulates the rod and enables secure grasping of the device. A first axis positions in the outer sleeve, fixedly attaching to a first rod end. A fastening mechanism at a sleeve distal end of the sleeve serves to retain the fabric article. The fastening mechanism rotates freely about the first axis while retaining the fabric-article. The rotating fastening mechanism and the stationary first axis form a rotational relationship with low friction coefficient. A second axis pins a strap to the second rod end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of energy generation. More specifically, it concerns a capture device and method which replaces and improves upon blades typically used for harnessing wind or water for power generation. The capture device is capable of efficient operation in a range of environmental conditions.

Abstract: A distress indicia marker is provided for signaling a vehicle emergency situation. The marker includes an indicia flag, at least one vertical post element, and a securing device. The vertical post element provided to support the indicia flag at an upper end, and a number of vertical post may be interconnected. Each post element is formed as a linearly elongated member in which a receiving coupling is formed at an upper end and an attachment nipple is formed at the lower end. The securing device accepts an attachment nipple of a vertical post element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mounting assembly adapted for retrofitting automobile window flags on surfaces other than automobile windows. The device includes a continuous bracket having two opposing ends that are interconnected by a flexible hinge positioned there between. The first opposing end of the continuous bracket is configured to receive and carry a slotted portion of the automobile window flag assembly and the second opposing end of the continuous bracket has a securing member formed thereon that is configured to secure the automobile window flag assembly to the device when the two opposing ends of the continuous bracket are fastened to one another.

Abstract: A marine barrier has a plurality of column modules, each having a vertical column, and an impact net attached to and extending between the column modules. Each of the columns has four buoyant horizontal legs extending from its lower portion. A distal end of each of the legs is attachable to a distal end of a corresponding leg of an adjacent column module to form a series of diamond-shaped supports between the columns to support the columns and the impact net. When the barrier is floating in a body of water and a moving vessel impacts the impact net, the impact net deflects to transfer a force of the impact to one or more of the column modules, which in turn engage the water to transfer the force of the impact to the water, to arrest the motion of the vessel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flag system including a mounting sleeve and a flag. The mounting sleeve is adapted for attachment around a rod, such as a roll bar of an open-top off-road vehicle or an antenna. In one embodiment, the flag is adapted to be releasably fastened to the mounting sleeve. The mounting sleeve includes a section of material adapted for attachment around a rod by means of a zipper secured with hook-and-loop fastener, and a zipper for releasably fastening the flag to the mounting sleeve. The flag includes an ornamental portion, a zipper tape, and a transition strip having a first side coupled to the ornamental portion and a second side coupled to the zipper tape.

Abstract: An intelligent golf course system comprising at least a network comprised of nodes and deployed on a golf course, the golf course comprising a series of holes or playing areas; The golf course system includes a means for determining the physical location of a node on the golf course, a means for tracking a change in a physical location of a node on the golf course, and a portable display unit configured to display information to a user. At least some portion of the network communicates using a wireless communication means and wherein the information at least includes a distance from the display unit to a node on the golf course.

Abstract: A printed material with a sticker integrally includes a sticker and a mounting paper to be attached with the removed sticker. The printed material includes a sheet body that is applied with printing of at least the sticker and the mounting paper, a sticker region that is formed by folding at least a part of the sheet body, and a mounting paper region that is formed in a region other than the sticker region. In the printed material, at least one of the sticker formed in the sticker region is a standing sticker including a standing fold that extends in a transverse direction of the sheet body, and an adhesive part and a non-adhesive part that are formed on a back surface of the sticker to face each other across the standing fold.

Abstract: A golf hole marker, having a self-righting structure, includes a base, a weighting material received in the base, a telescopic pole and a flag. The base includes a top shell and a bottom shell. The bottom shell is substantially spherically curved and receives the weighting material therein. The top shell has a passage to receive a bottom portion of the pole and a protuberance to press down the weighting material for preventing the weighting material from moving within the bottom shell. The weighting material lowers a center of mass of the golf hole marker lower than a center of the spherically curved bottom shell. Preferably, the base is in the shape of a golf ball.

Abstract: The flag holding device is a mounting device that is adapted to receive a flag pole. The flag holding device is inserted into the ground. The flag holding device comprises a post and a sign. The sign is attached to the post. The post is inserted into the ground. The sign is configured to receive and hold a flag pole to which a flag is attached.

Abstract: A support device for a display includes a support assembly, a rotating assembly, and a fixing assembly. The support assembly includes a base, a plug defined on the base, a support rod coupled to the base, and a first conducting line received in the support rod, and connected to the plug. The rotating assembly includes a connecting member coupled to the support rod, a rotating shaft connected to the connecting member, and a second conducting line received in the rotating shaft. The second conducting line is electrically connected to the first conducting line by the connecting member. The fixing assembly includes a fixing block fastened to the rotating shaft away from the base, a conducting block assembled to the fixing block and electrically connected to the second conducting line, and a rotating member rotationally connected to the fixing block.

Abstract: A streetlight mounting system can mount a streetlight pole to a street side surface, such as a slab of concrete or a sidewalk. The system can comprise a base that attaches on one end to the street side surface and on the other end to the streetlight pole. The base can comprise an enclosure having an opening and an associated door for providing access to an interior space of the enclosure. A hinge system can open and shut the door. When the door is shut, the hinge system can be contained within the interior space and thus hidden from view. When the door is open, the hinge system can elevate the door relative to the opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to an air flow device and system for evaluating fabric integrity and cyclic stress of a media banner, and a method of simulating prolonged wind exposure on a media banner. The device can comprise a duct having an exit opening with an opening area of 100 to 250 in2; a blower in fluid communication with the duct, the blower and the duct adapted to generate an ambient air speed at the exit opening of 35 mph or more, wherein the exit opening is positioned at least 2 feet from the blower; and a programming panel electrically coupled with the blower and adapted to program and cycle operation times and air speeds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rear bicycle light having a socket to be fastened on the frame of the bicycle, a lighting unit being received in said socket, and a luminous body for emitting the light emitted to the surroundings by the lighting unit during operation. According to the invention, the luminous body is an optical fiber emitting the light emitted by the lighting unit during through at least part of the peripheral surface thereof operation to the surroundings.

Abstract: A car flag support which attaches to the upper edge of a car window is provided. The flag support defining an angle of about 22.5 degrees before the flag support post and the window brace portion of the support. The angle, dimensions and reinforcement regions allow the flag support to be used with window visors which extend along the upper window edge of a vehicle window.

Abstract: A portable and modular foundation that can be utilized to support a monopole includes a central hub and a plurality of legs. A proximal end of each leg is removably attached to the central hub. A plurality of floor panels extends from proximate the hub to a perimeter of the foundation and define a substantially uninterrupted floor. With the plurality of floor panels attached to the legs, the foundation can optionally be buried where the soil or other material is positioned on top of the floor panels to provide the necessary ballast to allow the foundation to retain a monopole with a piece of equipment in an elevated position. Alternatively, if the foundation is to be utilized above ground, a plurality of wall panels can be attached to the floor panels and the legs with braces to retain the wall panels in a substantially vertical position. The plurality of wall panels forms a substantially continuous wall about a perimeter of foundation such that ballast can be placed therein.

Abstract: A telescoping handle including a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes that are nested within each other and dimensioned to provide a gap between each adjacent pair of nested tubes. At least one shim is secured to the outer circumferential surface of one end of at least one of the tubes. The shim has a thickness sufficient to fill the gap between the adjacent pair of tubes whereby the shim is flush against the inner surface of the adjacent hollow tube. The other end of an adjacent tube has a tapered portion which has an inner circumferential surface that is flush against the outer circumferential surface of the adjacent telescoping tube.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle-mounted banner assembly is provided, comprising a banner panel defining two opposing and at least semi-rigid surfaces, the surfaces comprising at least a leading edge; a banner mast comprising a base portion and a flanged portion, the flanged portion comprising an angled leading edge and a trailing slot, the trailing slot being configured to selectively engage at least the leading edge; and a base assembly having a first portion configured for attachment to a vehicle and a second portion configured to attachment relative to the base portion. The base portion is elongate and has a base longitudinal axis about which the banner mast and the banner panel pivot; and the flanged portion of the banner mast extends away from the base portion and has a flange longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle relative to the base longitudinal axis. A method of mounting the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An attachment and method of use is described for securing flags, banners and the like to flag poles. The attachment includes a ring having a rotatable pin which fits within a conventional flag grommet. A ring retainer is used to maintain the ring at a selected location along the flag pole. In order for the attachment to work with flag poles having different diameters, a ring retainer spacer and ring spacer are available for easy use during assembly. The attachment allows ease in repositioning the flag along the pole as desired.

Abstract: A guardrail post includes a post body, a first sleeve secured to the post body, a locking mechanism, a second sleeve, a slider, a first fastener, a limiting seal cover, and a first hanging rod. The locking mechanism includes a locking tube, a locking sleeve, and four clamping pieces. The second sleeve extends into the locking sleeve. The slider slidably is received in the second sleeve. The limiting seal cover is positioned on the second sleeve. The first hanging rod extends into the limiting seal cover. The locking tube extends into the first sleeve and defines four first through holes, the locking sleeve is sleeved on the locking tube. The four clamping pieces are respectively positioned in the four first through holes, the locking sleeve resists the four clamping pieces inwardly. The first fastener rotatably connects the locking tube with the first hanging rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for relaying data. An exemplary device includes a relay module comprising: a mast having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a cavity; an antenna disposed within the cavity; and a mounting device coupled to the mast and engageable with a utility structure.

Abstract: A flag-blowing flagpole assembly creates the appearance that a flag is blowing in a breeze while also emitting audible sounds. The assembly includes a pole and a flag coupled to the pole. A motor is positioned within an interior of the pole. A plurality of fan blades is coupled to the motor. The fan blades are mechanically coupled to the motor wherein actuation of the motor causes the fan blades to rotate such that the fan blades direct a flow of air into the interior of the pole. A plurality of outlet holes is positioned in the pole. The flag is positionable adjacent the outlet holes wherein the outlet holes permit the air generated from the fan blades to flow from the interior of the pole through the outlet holes onto the flag.

Abstract: A jersey hanger assembly is described. The jersey hanger assembly allows homes, businesses, schools, or other buildings to display an athletic jersey as a symbol of team pride or of support for an athletic team or an individual player on the team. The jersey hanger assembly includes a bracket member. The bracket member includes a receiving member. The jersey hanger assembly includes a pole with first and second opposing ends. The second pole end is insertable into the receiving member. The pole has a curved shape between the first and second opposing ends. A jersey flag for hanging on the jersey hanger is described. The jersey flag is material of a fabric cut or shaped to resemble an athletic jersey. The material includes a team logo or insignia. A sleeve or an open seam in positioned in the upper portion of the jersey flag to receive the pole.

Abstract: A signalling device for divers (3) has, along a shoulder strap (4) for compressed air bottles, a clip (12) which is pivotably attached in the shoulder region to the shoulder strap (4) and is detachably connected at the other free end to the shoulder strap (4) by means of a closure (13, 13?). The closure (13, 13?) can be opened manually or opens automatically when an alarm is triggered, for example when a limiting value which is set on a diving computer is exceeded. The clip (12) then floats above the shoulder in the manner of a torch which is held upright, especially since the clip (12) has a signal light (14) as an all-round light at the free end. An antenna (21) of an ultrasonic transmitter (20) can be provided on the clip (12), and if appropriate also a GPS transmitter (22) or transponder which makes it easier to locate the diver (3) above the water.

Abstract: This stabilizer is a simple counterbalanced horizontal member that attached to a flag and is hoisted and lowered like a regular flag requiring no modifications to any external component, such as the flagpole. The flag remains fully unfurled and extended regardless of wind conditions, including indoors. It is simple to set up and use.

Abstract: A motorized flag raising and lowering device which comprises a flag pole being hollow and having a storage compartment therein with a side exit port. A pulley is on an upper end of the flag pole and a drive wheel is in a lower end of the flag pole. A continuous halyard extends about the pulley and the drive wheel through the flag pole and out of the side exit port. A flag is connected to the halyard. A reversible motor assembly is mounted to the flag pole and connected to the drive wheel. A mechanism is for operating the reversible motor assembly, whereby when the reversible motor assembly is activated by the operating mechanism the flag can be lowered into the storage compartment within the flag pole, while the flag can also be raised from the storage compartment and out of the exit port for display.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a pole assembly having a tubular base, a tubular upper mast of smaller diameter, and a cladding. An end of the upper mast is inserted within an end of the base and a portion of the base overlaps the upper mast and is fastened thereto, with the cladding surrounding the base. The sealing arrangement comprises a transition ring and a seal assembly. The transition ring surrounds a portion of the base, upper mast and cladding. The transition ring having an internal downwardly facing surface, and the seal assembly is disposed within said transition ring to seal between the external surface of the upper mast and the transition ring. The seal assembly comprising a sealing plate and a seal disposed between the downwardly facing surface and the sealing plate, and the sealing action of the seal assembly is actuated by the sealing plate squeezing said seal.

Abstract: A relay and a method of assembling a relay are provided. The relay comprising: a relay switch configured to operate in a first switch mode and a second switch mode; a flag structure for indicating an operative status of the relay switch, the flag structure capable of being orientated in a first position for indicating the relay switch being in the first switch mode and in a second position for indicating the relay switch being in the second switch mode; a card structure coupled to the flag structure for changing the orientation of the flag structure from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position; and a base plate coupled to the flag structure and the card structure, the base plate comprising an open ended slot for allowing part of the flag structure to be received therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a marine signaling device are disclosed. A flag coupled to a top section of a telescoping shaft includes a folding arm pivotally coupled to the top section that folds upward to gather the flag into alignment with the telescoping shaft. A housing couples to a boat and supports the shaft in the display configuration and receives the shaft in the storage configuration. As the shaft is retracted, the folding arm contacts an upper surface of the housing and gathers the flag into alignment with the shaft. A motor automatically extends/retracts the shaft based on detected tension on a tow rope mount of the boat or a tow rope coupled to the boat. A tension switch detects tension and activates the motor based on the detected tension. The tension switch may include arms that rotate in response to tension to activate a limit switch.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a flag system including a mounting sleeve and a flag. The mounting sleeve is adapted for attachment around a rod, such as a roll bar of an open-top off-road vehicle or an antenna. In one embodiment, the flag is adapted to be releasably fastened to the mounting sleeve. The mounting sleeve includes a section of material adapted for attachment around a rod by means of a zipper secured with hook-and-loop fastener, and a zipper for releasably fastening the flag to the mounting sleeve. The flag includes an ornamental portion, a zipper tape, and a transition strip having a first side coupled to the ornamental portion and a second side coupled to the zipper tape.

Abstract: A hollow metal flagpole has apertures spaced along the length thereof. Light fixtures and reflectors are inserted inside the pole to direct light outward through the apertures. The pole is intended to be supported horizontally, or nearly horizontally, with the apertures directed downwardly to thereby illuminate a suspended flag.

Abstract: A flag system having a modular construction is disclosed that includes a plurality of inserts and a plurality of flags. The flags are insertable through channels in the inserts and are able to rotate therein. The inserts are then slid into the open ends of channels in a channeled base that is fixed to a wall or other solid structure.

Abstract: A retractable flagpole assembly includes a retractable flagpole, a top pivot holder rotatably capped on the top rod of the retractable flagpole and provided with a hanging lug for securing an inner top end of a flag, an end block spaced below the lower pivot holder and provided with a hanging lug for securing an inner bottom end of the flag, a link coupled between the top pivot holder and the end block, and a lower pivot holder rotatably sleeved onto the retractable flagpole and axially movable along the link and lockable to the end block.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle-mounted banner assembly is provided, comprising a banner panel defining two opposing and at least semi-rigid surfaces, the surfaces comprising at least a leading edge; a banner mast comprising a base portion and a flanged portion, the flanged portion comprising an angled leading edge and a trailing slot, the trailing slot being configured to selectively engage at least the leading edge; and a base assembly having a first portion configured for attachment to a vehicle and a second portion configured to attachment relative to the base portion. The base portion is elongate and has a base longitudinal axis about which the banner mast and the banner panel pivot; and the flanged portion of the banner mast extends away from the base portion and has a flange longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle relative to the base longitudinal axis. A method of mounting the assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A dual arm sign includes an upstanding panel stretched between resilient arms.

Abstract: Disclosed is a combination mounting and storing device for a vehicle safety flag that is used to mark an oversized load. The device includes a hollow cylindrical housing having an interior volume and a bobbin disposed therein. The bobbin includes a reel that is adapted to retract and extend an elongated cord that is attached to the vehicle safety flag. The device further includes a magnet that allows a user to removably mount the device onto the inside of a truck bed or trunk. When the device is in use, the cord is extended outward so as to allow a user to secure the safety flag onto the extreme rear of the projecting load. The device can be mounted to the rear of the vehicle when transporting an oversized load and can be easily stored in a glove compartment when it is not in use.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for deploying and supporting a flexible object (7). The apparatus comprises an elongate support (3) comprising a longitudinal first guide (4), an elongate flexible member (5) longitudinally slidable relative to the first guide (4), a first connector (9), connected to the flexible elongate member (5) and adapted to be attached to the flexible object (7), a longitudinal second guide 6, and at least one sliding connector (9, 11, 13); (106, 111, 113; 209, 211, 213), longitudinally slidable relative to the second guide (6) and adapted to be attached to the flexible object (7). The flexible elongate member (5) is adapted to be pushed along the first guide (4) via an externally applied longitudinal force, transferred as a compressive internal force along the flexible member (5), to move the flexible object (7) from a first position to a deployed position.

Abstract: A magnetic flag includes a piece of flexible material having a first edge and a second edge and at least one magnet located near the first edge of the piece of flexible material. The second edge is unattached to the object. The at least one magnet is attachable to an object to removably secure the piece of flexible material to the object.

Abstract: A device, system and method are configured to attach a printed display and a flag therewith to a fence, rail and the like. The disclosure includes a flat stock substrate defining a point of insertion for a free-end of a mast of the flag. Two cutout arms form an I beam cross-section with the substrate and extend backward from the substrate by twisting and hang perpendicularly on a top rail or a side of the fence, the cutout arms each configured at an elbow thereof to wrap around a portion of the fence and down over a side thereof. Two cutout legs extend backward from the substrate by twisting in an upward arc perpendicular to the fence rail and join with the mast through an end of each leg triangulated between the extended cutout arms. Multiple substrates and printed displays may be ganged on a single mast.

Abstract: A three-dimensional, panoramic diver down flag visible having increased visibility is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a diver down flag includes a first indicator and a second indicator positioned obliquely to the first indicator. A separation member is disposed between the first and the second indicator, the separation member configured to maintain an angular separation between the first and the second indicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device designed for use by spectators at athletic events wherein a spectator may signal his agreement or disagreement with an official's call by releasing a flag into the air, which flag is tethered to the user's wrist or clothing and therefore retrievable.

Abstract: A flag made with a space inside for illuminating with light from an illuminated flagpole and made to capture the light to prevent light pollution, thus creating a highly visible night-time flag.

Abstract: A flag assembly comprises a flag body with a holding end region and a strip shaped holder which is attached to the holding end region of the flag. The strip shaped holder is an elongated strip of material with a plurality of spaced magnet elements substantially embedded in the strip. The magnets are located close to the surface or flush with the surface of the holder at one end of the holder and are intended to be placed against the metallic surface to hold the flag body, for example, to an outer surface of a vehicle and maintain it attached even with if the vehicle travels at speeds as high as 70, 80 or even 100 miles per hour.