U.S. patent application number 10/173531 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-18 for tetherable wind indicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to PREMIER KITES. Invention is credited to Deale, Valentine B., Lim, Albert.
Application Number | 20030230230 10/173531 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29733371 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030230230 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lim, Albert ; et
al. |
December 18, 2003 |
Tetherable wind indicator
Abstract
A tetherable wind indicator is disclosed. The wind indicator
includes a hollow body with an inlet opening therethrough, the
inlet opening defining an inlet area, the inlet area being smaller
than the hollow body's greatest cross-sectional area, the inlet
opening permitting wind to enter the hollow body. At least one
tether extends from the hollow body. At least one vent is disposed
through the hollow body. The vent is oriented to direct wind
exiting from the hollow body such that the hollow body rotates when
the wind passes therethrough.
Inventors: |
Lim, Albert; (Arlington,
VA) ; Deale, Valentine B.; (Kensington, MD) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY WINTHROP, LLP
P.O. BOX 10500
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Assignee: |
PREMIER KITES
Hyattsville
MD
|
Family ID: |
29733371 |
Appl. No.: |
10/173531 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
116/264 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63H 33/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
116/264 |
International
Class: |
A63H 029/10 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. a tetherable wind indicator, comprising: a hollow body with an
inlet opening therethrough, the inlet opening defining an inlet
area, the inlet area being smaller than the hollow body's greatest
cross-sectional area, the inlet opening permitting wind to enter
the hollow body; at least one tether extending from the hollow
body; and at least one vent through the hollow body, the at least
one vent being oriented to direct wind exiting from the hollow body
such that the hollow body rotates when the wind passes
therethrough.
2. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 1, wherein: the hollow
body has a shape selected from a group comprising spherical,
ellipsoidal, polyhedral, and asymmetrical.
3. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 1, wherein: the hollow
body is shaped to appear as one selected from a group comprising a
baseball, a soccer ball, a basketball, a golf ball, a tennis ball,
a football, a volleyball, a beach ball, a pool ball, a bowling
ball, a globe of the Earth, a planet, a celestial body, a light
bulb, a bowling pin, and a hot air balloon.
4. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 1, further comprising: a
swivel connected to the at least one tether to connect the tether
to a support structure.
5. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 1, wherein: the at least
one tether comprises a plurality of tethers extending from the
hollow body at locations adjacent the inlet opening.
6. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 1, wherein: the at least
one vent comprises a plurality of exit openings through the hollow
body, and the exit openings each are covered by a flap that directs
the wind so that the hollow body rotates when the wind exits from
the hollow body.
7. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 6, further comprising: a
mesh extending over each of the exit openings.
8. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 1, wherein: the at least
one vent comprises a plurality of jets extending outwardly from the
hollow body, and the jets direct the wind so that the hollow body
rotates when the wind exits from the hollow body.
9. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 2, wherein: the hollow
body comprises a plurality of sections connected together to define
a sphere, and at least one of the sections covers the at least one
vent to direct the wind exiting from the hollow body such that the
hollow body rotates when the wind passes therethrough.
10. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 2, wherein: the
plurality of sections are one of at least hexagonally and
pentagonally shaped.
11. A wind indicator, comprising: a support; a pivotable connector
mounted on the support; a swivel connected to the pivotable
connector; a hollow body with an inlet opening therethrough, the
inlet opening defining an inlet area, the inlet area being smaller
than the hollow body's greatest cross-sectional area, the inlet
opening permitting wind to enter the hollow body; at least one
tether extending from the hollow body to the swivel; and at least
one vent through the hollow body, the at least one vent being
oriented to direct wind exiting from the hollow body such that the
hollow body rotates when the wind passes therethrough.
12. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein: the hollow body has a
shape selected from a group comprising spherical, ellipsoidal,
polyhedral, and asymmetrical.
13. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein: the hollow body is
shaped to appear as one selected from a group comprising a
baseball, a soccer ball, a basketball, a golf ball, a tennis ball,
a football, a volleyball, a beach ball, a pool ball, a bowling
ball, a globe of the Earth, a planet, a celestial body, a light
bulb, a bowling pin, and a hot air balloon.
14. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein: the at least one
tether comprises a plurality of tethers extending from the hollow
body at locations adjacent the inlet opening.
15. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein: the at least one vent
comprises a plurality of exit openings through the hollow body, and
the exit openings each are covered by a flap that directs the wind
so that the hollow body rotates when the wind exits from the hollow
body.
16. The tetherable wind indicator of claim 15, further comprising:
a mesh extending over each of the exit openings.
17. The wind indicator of claim 1 1, wherein: the at least one vent
comprises a plurality of jets extending outwardly from the hollow
body, and the jets direct the wind so that the hollow body rotates
when the wind exits from the hollow body.
18. The wind indicator of claim 12, wherein: the hollow body
comprises a plurality of sections connected together to define a
sphere, and at least one of the sections covers the at least one
vent to direct the wind exiting from the hollow body such that the
hollow body rotates when the wind passes therethrough.
19. The wind indicator of claim 12, wherein: the plurality of
sections are one of at least hexagonally and pentagonally
shaped.
20. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein: the support is a
telescoping pole.
21. The wind indicator of claim 20, wherein the telescoping pole
further comprises: a hook extendable from the top of the
telescoping pole, wherein the hook is adapted to connect to the
swivel to retain the hollow body on the telescoping pole.
22. The wind indicator of claim 21, wherein the hook comprises: a
bar pivotally extending at a transverse angle to the telescoping
pole.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention concerns the construction of a wind
indicator. More particularly, the present invention concerns a wind
indicator, which may be tethered to a support. Even more
specifically, the body of the wind indicator is constructed so that
the body rotates upon capturing a passing breeze.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The prior art is replete with various examples of wind
indicators. Some are entirely utilitarian and lack substantially
any ornamental features. Others are designed to include one or more
distinguishing ornamental features.
[0005] As for wind indicators that lack substantially any
ornamental features, the common windsock that is found at most (if
not all) airports to indicate the direction in which the wind is
blowing is one example. While windsocks provide an excellent
indication of wind direction, they offer nothing from an ornamental
standpoint.
[0006] Other wind indicators, while also functional, are designed
with a more decorative platform in mind. Examples of wind
indicators of this type include weather vanes, such as the type
commonly disposed on barns and farm structures.
[0007] A recent trend suggests that decorative wind indicators are
becoming increasingly popular as lawn or garden ornaments. In
response to this demand, several manufacturers are designing and
producing a variety of wind indicators for public consumption.
[0008] One example of a common type of wind indicator, also
referred to as an "aerial toy," is shown and described in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,624,648 ("the '648 patent"). The '648 patent describes a
rotary aerial toy, which is essentially a decorative windsock. The
aerial toy is a modification of previously-known aerial toys with a
basket shape (a hemispherical shape) that are designed to catch and
rotate in a passing breeze. Prior art basket-shaped aerial toys
typically are composed of several cloth or cloth-like sections
secured to one another in such a manner that the basket rotates in
a passing breeze. (The '648 patent at col. 1, lines 18-23.)
[0009] The '648 patent describes a decorative flexible sleeve, much
like an airport wind sock, that is designed to rotate like prior
art basket-type wind indicators. (The '648 patent at col. 1, lines
24-32.) In particular, the aerial toy described in the '648 patent
shows and describes a wind sleeve 11, which is tapered from its
head end to its tail end. (The '648 patent at col. 2, lines 48-50;
FIG. 1.) The sleeve 11 is equipped with a bridle 13 having a swivel
clip 14 by which the sleeve 11 is mounted to a stick. (The '648
patent at col. 2, lines 50-53; FIG. 1.) At its head end 15, the
sleeve 11 has a mouth 17 permitting entry of air into the sleeve
11. (The '648 patent at col. 2, lines 54-55; FIG. 1.) The tail end
18 of the sleeve 11 has an opening permitting air to exit the
sleeve. (The '648 patent at col. 2, lines 55-56.) The tail end 18
also includes streamers 19, if desired. (The '648 patent at col. 2,
lines 55-56; FIG. 1.)
[0010] The sleeve 11 is provided with several airchutes 71 that
cause the sleeve 11 to rotate in a direction opposite to that shown
in FIG. 1. (The '648 patent at col. 3, line 62 to col. 4, line 4;
also at col. 4, lines 54-64.) The swivel clip 14 permits the sleeve
11 to rotate when the sleeve 11 is subjected to the passage of
wind. (The '648 patent at col. 2, lines 56-59.) The sleeve 11 is
connected to the swivel 14 via a bridle 13 made of several strings
or strips. (The '648 patent at col. 2, lines 50-53; FIGS. 1, 5, 8,
and 10.)
[0011] The aerial toy described in the '648 patent is typical of
the type of wind indicator prevalent in the prior art. A desire,
however, has developed for wind indicators with a shape unlike that
of the common windsock or traditional hemispherical basket.
[0012] In particular, an interest has developed for wind indicators
that have a spherical shape or a shape unlike that previously made
available. To date, however, there have been no wind indicators
developed to satisfy this interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is to provide a
wind indicator that is shaped differently from the common windsock
or basket.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a wind
indicator that spins upon application of a passing breeze.
[0015] Still another aspect of the invention is to provide a
tetherable wind indicator with a hollow body having an inlet
opening therethrough. The inlet opening defines an inlet area,
which is smaller than the hollow body's greatest cross-sectional
area. The inlet opening permits wind to enter the hollow body. At
least one tether extends from the hollow body. In addition, at
least one vent is disposed through the hollow body. The at least
one vent is oriented to direct wind exiting from the hollow body
such that the hollow body rotates when the wind passes
therethrough.
[0016] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a wind
indicator where the hollow body has a shape that is, for example,
spherical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, and asymmetrical.
[0017] One further aspect of the invention is to provide a
tetherable wind indicator where the hollow body appears, for
example, as a baseball, a soccer ball, a basketball, a golf ball, a
tennis ball, a football, a volleyball, a beach ball, a pool ball, a
bowling ball, a globe of the Earth, a planet, a celestial body, a
light bulb, a bowling pin, and a hot air balloon.
[0018] The invention is not intended to be limited only to the
aspect described above. These are merely illustrative of the broad
scope of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be made
apparent by the description that follows.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The figures of the present invention appended hereto are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. To the
contrary, the figures are intended to illustrate one or more
possible embodiments of the present invention, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the wind
indicator of the present invention where the body of the wind
indicator takes the shape of a soccer ball and the vents are
incorporated as flaps into the body;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment of the present
invention where the body of the wind indictor is the same as that
for FIG. 1, but where the vents have been replaced by air jets at
selected locations around the periphery of the body;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of one of the vents
incorporated into the wind indicator illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of one of the air jets
incorporated into the body of the wind indicator illustrated in
FIG. 2;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a third embodiment of the wind indicator of the
present invention where the body of the wind indicator takes the
shape of a beach ball and the vents are incorporated as flaps into
the body of the beach ball;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the present
invention where the body of the wind indicator takes the shape of a
football and the vents are incorporated as flaps into the body of
the football;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of a fifth embodiment of the present
invention where the body of the wind indicator takes the shape of a
bowling pin and the vents are incorporated as flaps into the body
of the bowling pin;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of the present
invention where the body of the wind indicator takes the shape of
an octahedron and the vents are incorporated as flaps into the body
of the octahedron;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a cut-away side view of an embodiment of the
present invention illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the air pattern
through the body and one of the vents of the wind indicator;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a side view of the generic embodiment of the
present invention show tethered to a first embodiment of a ground
stake;
[0030] FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the top of the ground
stake illustrated in FIG. 10;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of a ground
stake for use with the wind indicator of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a side view of a third embodiment of a ground
stake for use with the wind indicator of the present invention;
and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a ground
stake for use with the wind indicator of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0034] A first exemplary embodiment of the tetherable wind
indicator of the invention is generally designated 10 in FIG. 1.
The tetherable wind indicator 10 takes the shape of a soccer
ball.
[0035] While a soccer ball is illustrated in FIG. 1, as other
illustrated embodiments suggest, the wind indictor 10 of the
present invention is not limited solely to this shape. To the
contrary, the wind indicator of the present invention may take any
suitable generic shape including, for example, spherical,
ellipsoidal, polyhedral, and asymmetrical. In particular, the wind
indicator may take the appearance of, for example, a baseball, a
basketball, a golf ball a tennis ball, a football, a volleyball, a
beach ball, a pool ball, a bowling ball, a globe of the Earth, a
planet, a celestial body, a light bulb, a bowling pin, and a hot
air balloon. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
and as will be made apparent from the detailed description that
follows, the present invention may take any suitable shape in
addition to the limited list provided above.
[0036] The wind indicator 10 includes a body 12 connected to a
swivel 14 by one or more tethers 16. The swivel 14 may be of any
suitable type but, preferably, the swivel freely rotates 360
degrees about its rotation axis, as indicated by arrow 18. In the
embodiment illustrated, the swivel 14 is of the type typically used
to connect a fishing lure to a fishing line. However, as one of
ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate, any other
suitable swivel may be substituted therefor without deviating from
the scope and spirit of the invention. Moreover, it is contemplated
that the swivel 14 may not be capable of rotating 360 degrees.
However, a swivel 14 that permits less than 360 degrees of rotation
is not preferred, because such a swivel will not facilitate desired
rotation of the wind indicator 10 attached thereto.
[0037] The body 12 of the wind indicator 10 has an inlet opening 20
at one end to permit air to flow thereinto, as indicated by arrow
22. The body 12 is also provided with one or more vents 24 along a
peripheral portion thereof to permit the exit of air, as indicated
by arrows 26. As illustrated in greater detail in FIG. 9, the air
enters the wind indicator 10 through the inlet opening 20 and exits
the wind indicator 10 through the vents 24. Since the air is
directed substantially along a tangent to the exterior surface of
the wind indicator 10 when exiting the body 12, the air flow causes
the body 12 to rotate about its rotational axis 28 in the direction
indicated by the two arrows 36.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the body 12 of the
wind indicator 10 is made of a flexible material, which may be
cloth or a cloth-like substance. In the embodiment illustrated, the
body 12 comprises several panels 30, which are sewn together. The
panels in this embodiment are made of a nylon fabric, such as that
used for parachutes, because the fabric is both flexible and
durable. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
however, the panels may be made from any other suitable material.
For example, The fabric may be a weather-resistant woven material
that resists fading when exposed, for long periods of time, to
ultraviolet rays. For example, the fabric may be SolarMax.TM.
fabric, which is the commercial name of a fabric manufactured by E.
I. DuPont de Nemours and Company that resists fading when exposed
to sunlight over a long period of time. Alternatively, while a
woven fabric may be used, it is also contemplated that the panels
30 may be made of a non-woven material such as cellophane, plastic,
or any other suitable material or combinations of materials. For
the panels 30, all that is required is a material (or a combination
of materials) that may be incorporated onto at least a portion of
the body 12 so that the material (or materials) may assist in
catching a passing breeze.
[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 1, since the body 12 of the wind
indicator 10 takes the shape of a soccer ball, the panels 30 are
both pentagonally and hexagonally shaped. This facilitates the
construction of a spherical wind indicator 10 and mimics the
surface appearance of a soccer ball. As would be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, however, the panels 30 may take any
suitable shape for the body 12 of the wind indicator 10 and are not
limited solely to pentagonally and hexagonally shaped panels
30.
[0040] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the vents 24 on the
body 12 have a double-layer construction. Selected panels 30 of the
body 12 form the exterior surface of the vents 24. An interior
panel 32 forms the interior layer of the vents 24. The exit
openings 34 of the vents 24 are formed by the panels 30 themselves.
In FIG. 1, while the exit openings 34 are shown displaced from the
seams 36 adjacent thereto, the exit openings may be extended to the
seams 36 (and, therefore, be co-extensive with the seams 36)
without deviating from the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0041] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the vents 24 have a
double-layered construction (the panels 30 and the interior panels
32), which forms an air conduit that directs the air at a tangent
to the exterior surface of the body 12. The construction causes the
air to be directed in the direction of the arrows 26 to provide
sufficient propulsive force to rotate the body 12 of the wind
indicator 10. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
however, the double-layered vents 24 that are illustrated need not
be employed exactly as shown. Instead, those skilled in the art
would appreciate that many different constructions may be used to
accomplish the same purpose. Alternatively, a single-layered
approach may be employed, much in the same way as the vents in the
windsock described in the '648 patent discussed above.
[0042] With respect to one possible construction of the vents 24,
it is contemplated that the panels 30 and interior panels 32 are
sewn together so that they provide a slight billow. In other words,
it is contemplated that the two panels 30, 32 will not lie flat
against one another. When constructed to incorporate a billow, it
is contemplated that the vents 24 will more readily assist in
turning the wind indicator 38, because they are constructed to
create a natural exit for air passing through the wind indicator
38. Alternatively, to assist in creating a billow in the vents, a
mesh or screen material may connect the panel 30 to the interior
panel 32. The mesh or screen material would, therefore, force the
panels 30, 32 apart at the exit opening 34 to establish a billow
between the two panels 30, 32.
[0043] Throughout the figures, the vents 24 are shown positioned
below the equator of the wind indicator 38. Positioning the vents
24 in this manner helps to conceal the location of the vents 24 so
that they do not detract from the visual presentation of the wind
indicator 38. Of course, if positioned on the equator of the wind
indicator 38, the vents 24 are expected to provide the greatest
spinning force. Moreover, the vents 24 could be positioned above
the equator. It is contemplated that the vents 24 may be positioned
at any suitable latitudinal location on the wind indicator 38
without departing from the scope of the present invention. In
addition, in the figures, each of the vents 24 are positioned at
roughly the same latitudinal position on the wind indicator 38. As
part of the present invention, it is contemplated that the vents 24
could be positioned at differing latitudinal positions and
accomplish the same objective to spin the wind indicator. For
example, one or more vents 24 could be positioned above the
equator, leaving the remaining vents to be positioned below the
equator.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the present
invention, which is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and
which is designated 38. In this embodiment, the vents 24 are
eliminated altogether and are replaced by one or more air jets 40.
The air jets 40 are disposed through selective panels 30 and direct
the air exiting the body 12 along a path 42 tangentially to the
surface of the body 12 to rotate the body 12 when catching a
passing breeze. All of the air jets 40, where more than one are
provided, have the same orientation to facilitate rotation of the
wind indicator 38.
[0045] The air jets 40 preferably are constructed of a resilient,
light-weight material. While any suitable material may be used, it
is contemplated that the air jets 40 are made from plastic or
rubber. Of course, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the air jets 40 may be constructed from a woven or non-woven
fabric or the like. In addition, while the remaining embodiments of
the wind indicator of the invention are shown and described as
incorporating vents like vents 24, the air jets 40 may be
substituted for any of the vents described hereinafter.
[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates in detail the construction of the vents
24 that are incorporated into the wind indicator 10 shown in FIG.
1. As discussed, the vents 24 are a double-layered construction.
The exterior surface of each of the vents 24 is formed by one of
the panels 30. An interior panel 32 lies underneath the exterior
panel 30 to form an air conduit so that air exiting from the body
12 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 26, thereby rotating
the body 12 in the direction of arrow 36. As illustrated, the exit
opening 34 of the vent 24 is displaced a predetermined distance
from the seam 44, which demarcates the transition between adjacent
panels 30. As discussed above, however, the exit opening 34 may be
coextensive with the seam 44 without deviating from the scope and
spirit of the present invention.
[0047] The wind indicator 38 illustrated in FIG. 2 is shown in
enlarged detail in FIG. 4. Here, one of the air jets 40 is shown in
greater detail. The air jet 40 extends through one of the panels 30
and has an L-shape to direct the exiting air in the direction of
arrow 42. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
air jet 40 need not be L-shaped. Alternatively, the air jet 40 may
be of ant suitable shape to direct the exiting air at a suitable
angle to the surface of the wind indicator 38. As illustrated, it
is preferred that the air vent 40 direct the exiting air in a
direction substantially tangentially to the surface of the wind
indicator 38 to maximize the turning rate of the wind indicator 38.
However, if it is desired to have a slow turning wind indicator 38,
angling the air jet 40 to a suitable degree will facilitate slower
spinning. As illustrated, the air vent 40 is attached to the panel
30 via a flange 46 so that the vent is secured to the body 12 of
the wind indicator 38. As would be appreciated by those skilled in
the art, however, the air vent 40 may be attached to the panel 30
by any alternate, suitable attachment means.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the wind indicator
of the invention, which is designated 48. This embodiment, like the
ones illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, is generally spherical in shape. The
body 50 of the wind indicator 48 is composed of several panels 52
connected to one another via seams 54 that run longitudinally to
the rotational axis 56 of the wind indicator 48. One or more vents
58 are disposed in relation to the panels 52 so that air entering
the inlet opening 60 of the wind indicator (in the direction of
arrow 62) is redirected tangentially along the surface of the wind
indicator 48 so that the body 50 will rotate. The exit air flows
through the exit openings 62 in the direction of the arrows 64. So
directed, the air causes the body 50 to rotate around the
rotational axis 66 of the body 50 in the direction of the arrows
68.
[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the vents 58 also have a double
layer construction, just like the vents 24 in the previous two
embodiments. The exterior surfaces of the vents 58 are formed by
the panels 52. The interior of the vents are formed by interior
panels 70 that include openings 72 so that the air may pass from
the interior of the body 50 through the exit openings 62. The
interior panels 70 are stitched to the exterior panels 52 along
seams 74. Of course, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the interior panels 70 need not be stitched to the exterior
panels 52. To the contrary, the interior panels 72 may be
constructed so that they extend partially along (or wholly along)
the interior surfaces of the panels 52. So constructed, the
interior panels 72 may be stitched along the seams 54 along with
the panels 52. Regardless of the exact attachment pattern, vents 58
should direct the air through the exit openings 62 so that the body
50 rotates in the direction of the arrows 68.
[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the wind indicator
76 of the invention. In this embodiment, the wind indicator 76 is
generally ellipsoid in shape and is constructed to appear like a
football. The wind indicator 76 has a body 78 with an inlet opening
80. As in the previous embodiments, the body 78 is connected to a
swivel 14 via one or more tethers 16 so that the body may rotate
about its rotational axis 82 in the direction of the arrows 84.
[0051] The body 78 is constructed from one or more panels 86
stitched together in a longitudinal direction along the seams 88.
One or more of the panels 86 is provided with a vent 90 having a
double-layered construction, as in the previous examples. The vents
have exit openings 92 to direct wind from the interior of the body
78 at a tangent to the exterior of the body 78 in the direction of
the arrows 94. As in the previous examples, this construction
facilitates rotation of the body 78 in the direction of the arrows
84.
[0052] FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the wind indicator.
In this embodiment, the wind indicator 92 has a generally
asymmetrical shape and is constructed to appear like a bowling pin.
The wind indicator 92 has a body 94 constructed of one or more
panels 96 sewn together at seams 98. The body 94 has an inlet
opening 100 that permits air to enter in the direction of arrow
102. One or more vents 104, with exit openings 106, direct air from
the interior of the body 94 in a tangential direction to the
surface of the body 94 (in the direction of arrows 108). This air
flow pattern causes the body 94 to rotate about its rotational axis
110 in the direction indicated by arrow 112. The vents 104 have a
double-layered construction as in the previous embodiments.
[0053] FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the wind indicator
114 of the invention. Here, the wind indicator 114 has a polyhedral
shape. The wind indicator 114 is constructed from a plurality of
panels 116 connected together at seams 118. One or more vents 120
are disposed about the peripheral surface of the wind indicator
114. The vents 120 direct air that enters through the inlet opening
122 through exits openings 124 along a tangent to the surface of
the body 126. This construction permits the body 126 to rotate
around its rotational axis 128 as indicated by the arrows 130. As
before, the body 124 is connected to a swivel 14 via one or more
tethers 16.
[0054] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of the wind indicator 48
illustrated in FIG. 5. The body 50 has been partially
cross-sectioned to illustrate one possible air flow pattern within
the body 50. As illustrated, the inlet air flows in the direction
of arrow 22. After passing through the inlet opening 60, the air
flows initially through the body, along the longitudinal axis 56,
in the direction of the arrow 128. Since the body 50 is essentially
a closed body (no exit hole along the longitudinal axis 56 at the
end opposite to the inlet opening 60), the air flow immediately is
diverted as indicated by arrow 130. Part of the air flow is
retained in the body 50 to inflate the body 50, as indicated by the
side arrows 132, 134. A third portion of the air flow continues
toward the bottom portion 136 of the body 50 as indicated by the
arrow 138. That portion of the air flow is redirected as it
approaches the bottom portion 136 of the body 50 as indicated by
the arrow 140. The air then exits the body 50 through the vents 58
in the direction indicated by the arrow 64. Since the air exiting
the body 50 is directed along a tangent to the surface of the body
50, the air flow causes the body 50 to rotate around its rotational
axis 56 in the direction of the arrows 68. The rotational direction
68 is opposite to the direction of the air flow 64 exiting the
vents 58.
[0055] The inlet opening 60 on the body 50 of the wind indicator 48
is shown with a diameter x. Since the body 50 of the wind indicator
48 is generally spherical, however, there is a maximum diameter y,
which is defined at the equator of the body 50. The inlet diameter
x defines an inlet area a, where a=.pi..multidot.(x/2).sup.2. The
maximum diameter y defines a maximum area b, where
b=.pi..multidot.(y/2).sup.2. Since the inlet diameter x is smaller
than the maximum diameter y, the inlet area a is smaller than the
maximum area b. In other words, a<b.
[0056] The relationship of the inlet area a to the maximum area y
is specific to the present invention. In each of the embodiments
shown and described herein, the inlet area is smaller than a
maximum cross-sectional area for the body of the wind
indicator.
[0057] This construction differs considerably from prior art
rotating wind indicators and aerial toys (such as the '648 patent
and hemispherical baskets) where the inlet area is the largest area
for the body of the wind indicator. The embodiments of this
invention also differ from the prior art in that the bodies of the
wind indicators are essentially closed bodies, because they do not
have exit openings along the longitudinal axes opposite to the
inlet openings, like conventional windsocks. While the prior art
does include windsocks in the shape of fish, for example, where an
interior dimension may be greater than the inlet opening, these
wind indicators are not meant to rotate upon application of a
passing breeze.
[0058] FIG. 10 illustrates the wind indicator 48 tethered to a
first embodiment of a ground stake 142 according to the invention.
The ground stake 142 includes a ground-penetrating tip 144 at its
lowest-most end. The ground penetrating tip 144 is designed to be
inserted into the ground 146. Since the ground-penetrating tip has
a broad top 148, the ground-penetrating tip 144 may be pushed into
the ground, for example, by a person stepping on the broad top 148
and pressing the ground-penetrating tip 144 into the ground 146
with his or her foot. To facilitate insertion into the ground 146,
the ground-penetrating tip 144 is provided with a pointed end 150.
To discourage rotation of the ground-penetrating tip 144 once
inserted into the ground 146, the ground-penetrating tip may be
provided with a ground-engaging projection or tooth 152. While it
is contemplated that the tooth 152 will prevent rotation of the
ground-penetrating tip 144 once inserted into the ground 146, the
tooth may function as a tie-off for devices such as banners, etc.,
that may be attached to the ground stake 142. In other words, the
tooth 152 may have multiple functions.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the support stake 154 for the
wind indicator 48 includes three separate segments 156, 158, and
160. The lower stake section 156 inserts into the
ground-penetrating tip 144. The lower stake section 156 includes a
connector 162 at its upper end. The connector 162 facilitates
connection of the middle stake section 158 to the lower stake
section 156, since both the lower stake section 156 and the middle
stake section 158 have the same outside diameter. The connector 162
may be attached, via an adhesive, crimping, or other suitable
means, to either the lower stake section 156 or the middle stake
section 158. The upper stake section 160 inserts into the top of
the middle stake section 158. In the illustrated embodiment, the
upper stake section 160 has a smaller diameter than either of the
lower or middle stake sections 156, 158. The present invention is
not limited to the support stake 154 having three segments. To the
contrary, it is contemplated that the support stake could have a
fewer number of sections or a greater number without deviating from
the scope and spirit of the invention.
[0060] As illustrated in enlarged detail in FIG. 11, the upper
stake section 160 is fitted with a pivot 164 that freely rotates
around the upper portion 160 of the ground stake 142 as indicated
by the arrow 166. To permit the greatest degree of freedom, the
pivot 164 rotates 360 degrees around the upper stake section 160
and may move in either rotational direction. Accordingly,
regardless of the wind direction, the wind indicator 48 may move
around the ground stake 142 to maximize its ability to capture the
passing breeze.
[0061] The upper stake section 160 includes a lower stop 168 and an
upper stop 170 that sandwich the pivot 164 therebetween. The upper
and lower stops 168, 170 are attached to the upper stake section
160 via an adhesive, crimping, a weld, or other suitable means so
that the upper and lower stops 168, 170 hold the pivot 164 in place
on the upper stake section 160.
[0062] In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot 164 takes the shape
of an inverted Y. The first leg 172 of the pivot is hollow so that
it can accommodate the upper stake section 160 therein. The second
leg 174 of the pivot may or may not be hollow. The second leg 174
includes a hole 176 therethrough so that the swivel 14 may be
attached thereto.
[0063] FIG. 12 illustrates a second embodiment of the ground stake
178 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the ground
stake includes four stake sections 180, 182, 184, 186 that
telescopically engage one another. The top of the upper stake
section 186 includes an eyelet 188 so that the swivel 14 may be
connected thereto.
[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates a third embodiment of the ground stake
190. Here, the ground stake 190 includes at least three sections
192, 194, 196 that are telescopically connected to one another.
This embodiment differs from the previous embodiment in that the
sections 192, 194 are larger in diameter than those in the previous
embodiment. Moreover, the sections 192, 194 are fitted with end
caps 198, 200 into which the adjacent sections 194, 196 are
telescopically inserted. The upper stake section 196 is provided
with an eyelet so that a swivel 14 may be attached thereto.
[0065] FIG. 14 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the ground stake
204. In this embodiment, a mid-section 206 and an upper section 208
of the ground stake 204 are illustrated. The mid-section 206
telescopically engages lower ground stake sections (not
illustrated) as in the previous embodiment. The upper section 208
engages the mid-section 206 through an end cap 210. To retain the
upper section 208 within the mid-section 206, a first plug 212 is
positioned beneath the end cap 210. A second or retaining plug 214
is attached to the upper section 208 at a position beneath the
first plug 212 to hold the upper section 208 in a
longitudinally-fixed position with respect to the end cap 210. The
upper section 208, however, is permitted to rotate within the
mid-section 206.
[0066] A transverse section 216 is attached at the upper end of the
upper section 208. First and second transverse pins 218, 220 extend
outwardly from the transverse section 216. A first eyelet 222 is
disposed at the end of the first transverse pin 218. A second
eyelet 224 is disposed at the end of the second transverse pin 220.
In the embodiment illustrated, the first transverse pin 218 extends
a lesser distance from the transverse section 216 than the second
transverse pin 220. Both eyelets 222, 224 are provided for
attachment of wind indicators thereon.
[0067] The embodiments of the present invention that are discussed
above are intended to be exemplary of the scope of the present
invention. Under no circumstances is the discussion of the
particular embodiments intended to limit the scope of the
invention, as embodied on the claims appended hereto. It is likely
that there are those skilled in the art who will appreciate several
variations of the embodiments described above. These alternatives
are intended to be a part of the invention, just as if they had
been described herein.
* * * * *