Device For Attachment To An Elongated Support Extending From A Vehicle

Abstract

A device for attachment to an elongated support extending from a vehicle for indicating the location of the vehicle and for serving as an advertising medium, includes a rigid portion visible from all directions and a variety of types of elements for gripping the external surface of the support to secure the device thereto.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for attachment to elongated supports extending from vehicles, such as motor vehicle radio antennas, for indicating the location of the vehicle and for serving as an advertising device.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The vast number of motor vehicles on today's streets and highways has resulted in large crowded parking areas in which it has become increasingly difficult to locate one's vehicle after it has been parked. Similarly, it is very difficult to locate a particular vehicle in heavy traffic. The recognition of this condition has led others to devise various means for indicating the location of motor vehicles. One expedient has been the provision of shafts or poles attachable to a vehicle window, hood, or roof, with an easily visible article such as a sphere or pennant attached thereto. Such devices are taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,036,545 (Legg), 3,136,289 (Johnson), and 3,320,920 (Lusebrink). Despite the utility of such devices, they suffer from various disadvantages. They require the provision of the shaft or pole as well as the attached article, thereby increasing the expense of the device. They add an extension to the vehicle in addition to the radio antenna and thus tend to be unsightly. In addition, they require sturdy means for attaching them to the vehicle to prevent them from becoming detached therefrom.

Others have recognized the opportunity to utilize the radio antenna common to most modern vehicles, for attaching an indicating device thereto, and to thereby avoid the aforementioned shortcomings. For example, flag holders are known for securing a limp flag to the vehicle. Of course, on a calm day, such a flag would be difficult to see. U.S. Pats. Nos. 3,075,492 (Winfrey) and 3,280,790 (Booth) disclose rigid devices attachable to radio antennas which do not suffer from the above deficiency. The device described in Winfrey is attached to an antenna by means of a pair of axially aligned clips, and can slide down the antenna and out of sight. Booth on the other hand teaches a rigid planar flag having aligned clip elements and a circular receiving pocket for accommodating the enlarged head of an antenna for securing the flag thereto. The latter devices also suffer from serious disadvantages. Since they are planar, they are only easily observable from directions generally normal to their planar surfaces, and are difficult to see when viewed from all other directions. Only a single edge portion of the device taught by Booth engages the antenna head, so that a slight deflection of this edge portion would render this means for preventing the flag from sliding down the antenna inoperative. Moreover, such devices are secured to the antenna by means of tabs or clips which grip the antenna by sheer resilient strength, thus restricting the selection of materials with which the device can be constructed to those which are strong and have good spring qualities; in other words, primarily sheet metal. As a result, such devices are relatively heavy, difficult to install, and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for attachment to a vehicle radio antenna which avoids the disadvantages of previously known devices.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a device for attachment to an elongated support extending from a vehicle which is easily visible from all directions, which device is adapted to indicate the location of the vehicle and/or to carry an advertising or other message.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a radio antenna attachment which firmly secures the device to the antenna without relying solely on the strength of the manufacturing material, whereby the attachment can be constructed of light and inexpensive materials.

A further object is to provide a device of the aforementioned type which is engageable with the end of a radio antenna and which cannot slide down the antenna.

Still another object is the provision of such a device which is easily yet firmly attachable to motor vehicle radio antennas of different sizes.

Yet a further object is to provide a vehicle radio antenna attachment which is economical to manufacture and easy to use.

Other objects will become apparent from the description to follow and from the appended claims.

As mentioned above, the increasing number of motor vehicles has created a need for devices for indicating the location of such vehicles in crowded areas such as parking lots and heavy traffic, for denoting vehicles forming parts of groups such as funeral processions, for locating vehicles covered with snow, and for serving as distress signals. Moreover, the millions of motor vehicles in use today present an opportunity for effectively bringing advertising messages to the public. Accordingly, the present invention provides a device for attachment to a radio antenna which is easily observable from all angles, and which can be economically fabricated from one or two pieces.

According to a preferred embodiment, a device is provided comprising a nonplanar rigid main portion defined by one or more curved surfaces or a plurality of transverse flat surfaces, and means for attaching the device to an antenna. In some preferred embodiments, the attaching means comprises one or more abutment surfaces engageable with the antenna end section to prevent the device from slipping down the antenna. The preferred embodiments incorporate various means for gripping the periphery of the antenna for securing the device thereto. In some embodiments, ribs are provided for adding strength and rigidity to the device. The device can incorporate resilient blades or vanes for flexing in the wind to attract attention, and the resilient material can be used to increase the engagement of the antenna gripping means with the antenna. By means of the novel and nonobvious structures of the various embodiments, the invention can be manufactured with light, inexpensive materials such as plastic sheet stock.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description to follow the from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description to follow, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, shown in position for attachment to a radio antenna;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the invention incorporating a vertical strengthening rib, and is shown in perspective in position for attachment to an antenna;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively a partial perspective view and a sectional view through the line 6--6 in FIG. 5 of an embodiment of the invention incorporating strengthening ribs;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are respectively a perspective and a sectional view through line 8--8 of a further embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of still another embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 10 is a section through the line 10--10 in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a pictorial of an embodiment of the invention incorporating a spring as an attaching means, the latter element being shown in position for insertion in the device, and FIG. 12 is a section through the line 12--12 in FIG. 11 with the spring in its inserted position;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 14 is a section through the line 14--14 in FIG. 13;

FIGS. 15 and 16 are partial pictorial and plan views, respectively, of an embodiment of the invention using a serrated wedge as an adjusting means, the latter element being shown in position for attachment in the device in FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention using an adhesive as an attaching means; and

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of a flag holder according to the invention in position for attachment to a radio antenna.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be noted with reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention described below, that the basic criteria of the invention are met; namely, the device can be made easily and inexpensively, it is easily visible from all directions transverse to the antenna to which it is attached, and it can easily yet firmly be secured to the antenna.

Referring to FIG. 1, a device 1 according to the invention is positioned to be secured to a motor vehicle radio antenna A, the latter including an end section E having an enlarged spherical configuration as shown, and a longitudinal axis 0--0. These antenna designations will be adhered to throughout the description to follow. Device 1 includes a main portion comprising a nonplanar rigid portion 3 comprising a pair of vanes or blades 4 having outwardly curved configurations. Vanes 4 converge as shown, and are deformed to define a prismatic section 5 having a width slightly less than the diameter of antenna A to which device 1 is to be attached. A vertical rib 7 is provided along the length of device 1 and adjacent section 5 for strengthening the device. Rib 7 terminates at its upper end in a hook 9 which defines on its interior edge a generally semicircular abutting surface 11 having a diameter generally commensurate with the diameter of end section E. Device 1 can be made from a thermoplastic material and should be resilient, as many of such materials are. The device is attached to antenna A by simply moving it as indicated by the arrows into engagement with antenna A, and by then exerting force on the device so that the converging portions of vanes 4 deflect to permit antenna A to slide between the resilient walls defining section 5. With antenna A thus received, the resilient walls of section 5 grip the antenna tightly by virtue of the smaller dimension of section 5 and because of the resiliency of the material. Abutment surface 11 engages end section E and prevents device 1 from sliding down the antenna.

As noted above, rigid portion 3 is of a curved configuration, and is therefore nonplanar (a plane being flat and two dimensional). The curved configuration renders the external surfaces defined by portion 3 (or vanes 4) visible from all directions transverse to longitudinal axis 0--0. Therefore, an advertising message 13 can advantageously be carried and displayed on the device. Along the same vein, device 1 can be configured in the shape of a trade mark or other desired shape as shown. The provision of bright colors, iridescent pigments, and the like will render device 1 readily noticeable. Moreover, the resiliency of vanes 4 renders them movable; and they tend to fold together when the vehicle is in motion, thereby reducing their air resistance. By virtue of the foregoing expedients, device 1 is highly useful and effective for indicating the location of the vehicle to which the device is attached.

Device 1 can be manufactured from a single piece, appropriately folded and cut as shown.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, a device 21 includes a thin, rigid planar main portion 23, a hook 25 defining an abutment surface 27 for engaging end section E, and a plurality of aligned attaching elements 29. Each of attaching elements 29 are folded so that adjacent elements define a receptacle having a square cross section, the width thereof being less than the diameter of antenna A. The device is preferably molded from a resilient plastic, and when attached to antenna A, is secured to the antenna by virtue of the opposing interior surfaces of elements 29. Thus, elements 29 resiliently engage antenna A in a manner such that the rigidity built into the device is utilized in securing it to the antenna. It can be seen that hook 25 engages end section E from the same side of the antenna that main portion 23 occupies (whereas in FIG. 1, hook 9 engages the end section from the opposite side of the main portion of the device). As already mentioned, device 21 is preferably constructed of a resilient plastic (although sheet metal could be used at greater expense), and is preferably manufactured from a single piece of material.

A device 101 is shown in FIG. 3, providing a further embodiment of the invention. Device 101 includes a main portion having a pair of outwardly extending curved vanes 103 each of which defines a hook 105 for engaging end section E as shown. Disposed alternately along the juncture of vanes 103 are bands 109 and inwardly extending ears 107 formed by bends 113. The distance between the interior surface of bands 109 and the line defined by aligned edges 111 of the ears 107 is less than the diameter of antenna A. When device 101 is attached to antenna A, edges 111 render ears 107 relatively rigid, and thus cooperate with bands 109 to draw the antenna-engaging surfaces of the device into close contact with the antenna. Device 101 is preferably manufactured from a low yield-strength material.

A device 41 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 4, and includes a nonplanar main portion comprising outwardly extending, curved rigid vanes 43. Vanes 43 are joined in a manner to form a vertical strengthening rib 45 and a groove 46, defined by rearwardly extending inclined portions 47 and having a longitudinal axis B--B. Aligned pairs of ears 49 extend forwardly relative to groove 46, each ear having forwardly extending inclined surfaces 53 which cooperate with inclined portions 47 to define a channel for receiving antenna A. This channel is arranged to have a width (i.e., the dimension between the planes defining portions 47 and surfaces 53) sufficient to accommodate the diameter of antenna A. The upper end of rib 45 and the adjoining upper end sections of vanes 43 define hooks 55 and 57, respectively, the interior surfaces of which are disposed to accommodate end section E of the antenna. Device 41, or at least the elements for attaching the device to the antenna, is made of a resilient material so that when the device is urged against antenna A as indicated by the arrows, ears 49 deflect, enabling antenna A to snap into the channel described above. It can be seen that antenna A is engaged at locations symmetrically disposed around it, that the design of the device is such that attachment is not effected by the sheer resilient strength of the material, and that the device is readily visible from all directions. Moreover, the device can be made from a single piece of inexpensive plastic material. Device 41 is particularly adapted to rotate in the wind about antenna A, and to thereby draw attention thereto. Accordingly, vanes 43 are contoured to increase their wind catching ability, and the device is balanced about its axis of rotation to assure dynamic stability.

The device 61 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to that described with reference to FIG. 4, and accordingly includes a rigid portion comprising curved vanes, a plurality of retaining elements, and strengthening ribs, and is adapted to rotate about an antenna. Thus, a rigid portion 62 includes a pair of curved, outwardly extending curved vanes 63. At the upper junction of the latter elements, a pocket 67 for receiving antenna end section E is defined, pocket 67 including side and bottom wall surfaces 69 and 71, respectively, and tapered abutment surfaces 74 defined in a horizontal hook or rib 73 for engaging end section E. A groove 65 with a longitudinal axis D--D extends from the base of pocket 67 to the lower edge of device 61 and is adapted to receive antenna A therein. A set of gripping elements 75 are provided on opposite sides of a portion of groove 65, and comprise projections 76 having lugs 77 extending towards and partly overlapping the groove. Gripping elements 75 thus act as resilient gripping fingers, which owing to their structure and to the resilient material of which they are composed, retain antenna A in groove 65. By virtue of the structure of vanes 63 and the manner in which the antenna is gripped, device 61 tends to rotate about the antenna in response to the impact of air movement thereon. A plurality of horizontal ribs 79 are provided across part of device 61 behind groove 65 for adding to the strength and rigidity of the device. It will be noted that the device is readily and easily observable, and as in the preceding embodiment, is balanced for dynamic stability. Device 61 can advantageously be molded or otherwise fabricated as a single plastic element.

A further embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8, wherein a device 81 has a main portion including a pair of transverse planar vanes 83, and a vertical rib 85 extending along the opposite side of a groove 86 defined at the intersection of the vanes. A hook 87 is provided at the upper end of rib 85, hook 87 defining an abutment surface 89 for engaging antenna end section E. Alternatively, a hook 87' could be provided for reducing the height of device 81 to prevent it from extending over end section E when attached to the antenna. In order to secure device 81 to antenna A, a set of retaining fingers 91, 93 are formed from each of vanes 83 for resiliently engaging antenna A and drawing the intersecting interior surfaces of vanes 83 into frictional contact therewith, as indicated in FIG. 8. Device 81 is desirably made in a two-piece mold from an inexpensive plastic material exhibiting resilient characteristics. As in other embodiments, device 81 is easily visible from all directions, and is easily attached to an antenna by simply aligning the device with the antenna and pushing it against the latter.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a device 115 is shown which is particularly adapted to catch the wind and rotate therewith. Accordingly, a main portion comprises a set of four outwardly extending flat vanes 114 (the set including two pairs of parallel vanes, each pair being perpendicular to the other) which are provided tangential to a central cylinder 124 and disposed symmetrically thereabout. A set of horizontal webs or ribs 116 add rigidity to the vanes. A set of axially disposed, segmental flanges 117-122 extend radially inwardly in an axially staggered relationship from the interior wall of cylinder 124. The unsupported end sections of the flanges overlap as shown in FIG. 10, and are contoured in an arcuate manner to cooperatively define a circle 123 for securing the device to an antenna. In order to install device 115 on an antenna (reference being made to FIG. 10), antenna end section E is guided first between flanges 120, 122, and 118 (flanges 122 and 118 being at same level) and thence past flanges 119 and 121 (both at another level) and finally into engagement with upper flange 117, the latter element functioning as a hook with an interior surface for abutting against end section E. The vertical distance between flange 117 and flanges 119 and 121 limit vertical movement of device when installed. Device 115 has a relatively large, easily visible exterior surface, adapted for rotation and dynamically balanced therefor, and can conveniently be fabricated from a thermoplastic material in a two-part mold.

Although the previous embodiments have preferably consisted of a single member, the invention can advantageously be practiced with devices incorporating a plurality of components. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a device 131 includes a main member 133 and a retaining spring 135 for securing the device to antenna A. Member 133 includes oppositely outwardly extending curved vanes 137 which are provided with readily observable markings 139. Vanes 137 meet at a creased section defining a groove 141, the latter being delimited by surfaces defined by intersecting transverse planes and adapted to receive antenna A therein. The sections of vanes 137 adjacent groove 141 are generally coplanar, and a pair of axially disposed ears 143, 145 are folded normal to the planar sections at the upper and lower portions of the vanes, respectively. Ears 143, 145 respectively define at their interior sections axially aligned rectangular openings 147 and 149, the openings in turn having adjacent thereto similarly aligned notches 151 and 153, respectively. Notches 151 and 153 are located opposite groove 141, and openings 147 and 149 are symmetrically disposed about the plane through the vertical axis of groove 141 and normal to the coplanar sections of vanes 137. A pair of opposed lands 154 are positioned intermediate ears 143 and 145 and adjacent to groove 141, and have outer surfaces 155 located forward of vanes 137.

Spring 135 comprises a resilient material contoured as shown, and having a hook or cap 157 and a pair of opposed edge notches 159 formed in the upper part thereof.

The method of installing device 131 on the antenna is indicated in FIG. 11. The device is initially positioned over end section E, and the latter is received through openings 147 and 149, and antenna A is then seated in groove 141. Thereafter, as indicated by the arrows, spring 135 is urged through openings 147 and 149 adjacent antenna A until the underside of cap 157 abuts against antenna section E, at which time notches 159 receive the edge walls 161 of notch 151. Referring to FIG. 12, it may be seen that when spring 135 is fully inserted in the openings of member 133, the inwardly bent portion 163 of the spring forcibly engages the outer faces 155 of lands 154, and is slightly spaced from the external surface of the received antenna. In opposition to the foregoing force on lands 154, the outwardly bent portions 164 and 167 of spring 135 which are engaged with the inner walls of notches 151 and 153, exert a force on the latter walls away from the surface 155 of lands 154. As a result of the various forces thus created, spring 135 is firmly seated in the main member 133. Vertical movement of main member 133 is limited by the upper edge portion 168 of groove 141 and the lower surface of cap 157.

The preceding embodiment of the invention offers several desirable features. The transverse walls defining groove 141 add strength and rigidity to the device. The device can be adjusted to accommodate many sizes of antennas by simply bending lands 154 inwardly or outwardly. The device can easily be removed from antenna A by pressing the upper end of spring 135 towards the antenna to disengage notches 159 in the spring from edge walls 161 of notches 151, and withdrawing the spring from openings 147 and 149. Then, member 133 can simply be lifted from the antenna. A set of triangular strengthening walls 165 can be provided between ear 145 and the vanes if desired, depending primarily on the strength of the manufacturing material and the stresses exerted in the device during use. As in previous embodiments, vanes 137 are adapted to catch the wind and cause the device to rotate.

A related embodiment utilizing a spring for securing a device of the foregoing types to an antenna is shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. There, a device 170 is shown comprising a set of vanes 172 having defined therebetween a V groove 174, a vertical rib 176 spanning the height of the device, spring retaining members 178, 180, and 182, horizontal strengthening ribs 184, and spring 186. Spring 186 has a convex configuration, and bulges at its central portion when installed on the device. Retaining member 180 includes a pair of opposed ears 181 behind which the high point of spring 186 is adapted to be seated. The bent end sections 188 and 190 of spring 186 are adapted to engage the outwardly facing inclined surfaces of members 178 and 182 which are provided at opposite ends of groove 174, members 178 and 182 each comprising a pair of elements on opposite sides of the groove. It can be seen that spring 186 acts to constrain antenna A within the confines of groove 174. A plurality of horizontal notches 192 are defined in the inclined outer surface of lower spring retaining members 182. The spacing between upper and lower ends of spring 186 and the walls defining groove 174 is increased as the lower end of spring 186 is seated in ascending pairs of notches. A hook 196 is defined by the upper portion of rib 176 for engaging end section E to prevent the device from slipping down the antenna.

Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a device 200 includes a set of radially extending vanes 201 which are easily visible from all directions, and a central portion comprising a generally tubular member 202 with a central axis C--C and having a wedge "removed" therefrom to define a channel 206 having a trapezoidal cross section. As indicated in FIG. 16, wedge 204 (being larger than the wedge "missing" from member 202) is insertable into channel 206 to expand the channel and increase the interior size of tubular member 202, whereby antennas of various diameters can be accommodated. The resiliency of the walls defining member 202 provide the force for gripping the wedge 204, and vertical interlocking serrations 210 and 212 on the wedge-defining walls of tubular member 202 and the wedge 204, respectively, serve to retain the wedge in the device. Ribs 205 on wedge 204 and grooves 203 in tubular member 202 cooperate to prevent the wedge from moving vertically. Vanes 201 are provided at their inner, upper regions with hooks 214 for engaging antenna end section E to prevent device 200 from slipping down the antenna. As indicated in FIG. 16, vanes 201' can be of a curved configuration to enhance their ability to effect the rotation of the device about antenna A.

In another embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 17, a device 220 includes outwardly extending, resilient vanes 222 having formed therebetween a groove 224 for receiving a length of antenna. Device 220 is preferably formed from a single, thin plastic sheet such as vinyl. The central portion 226 of the device is covered with a pressure sensitive adhesive for attaching the device to the antenna. Thus, device 220 is adapted to be installed on an antenna by fitting a section of the antenna in groove 224, and folding the parts of adhesive covered portion 226 on opposite sides of groove 224 against each other. A plurality of cutouts 228 can be provided along the sides of groove 224 to facilitate the tight wrapping of the device about an antenna. Preferably, the pressure sensitive adhesive is initially covered with release paper to aid in the storage and handling of the device prior to its installation, and to prevent the premature drying of the adhesive. When the device is installed on an antenna, the ends 230 of vanes 222 flare out slightly, but they converge when wind blows past the vanes, whereby the air resistance of the device is reduced.

Another embodiment of the invention is incorporated in the flag retaining clip 240 shown in FIG. 18. Clip 240 comprises a folded, thin sheet of metal or plastic adapted to engage and grip a portion of a flag F wound about an antenna A, and is attached to an antenna in engagement with a flag as indicated by the arrows. Clip 240 includes inwardly folded, and inwardly biased, tabs 241 having serrations 243 which grip the portion of flag F in contact with antenna A, and which hold both the flag and the device securely on the antenna. A pair of parallel hooks 252 restrains the clip against sliding down antenna A. It should be noted that, as in the previous embodiments, the strength and rigidity of the device are increased by the manner in which the clip is formed.

It can be appreciated that the present invention has provided a highly advantageous and useful device for attachment to an elongated support such as a radio antenna. Devices according to the invention make efficient use of the materials of which they are made, and as a result can be made with a minimum number of elements and from light, inexpensive materials. These attachments are easily adaptable to manufacture by modern, high production techniques and equipment, especially those related to plastic molding and forming. The present invention represents a significant and refined engineering achievement, and a significant advancement over the prior art.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A device for attachment to an antenna, the antenna terminating in a free end section, said device comprising:

a set of integrally formed, resilient vanes adapted to be deflected by air currents;

a vertically extending portion attached to said vanes for gripping the antenna, said portion having an entrance for receiving the antenna in a lateral direction;

means defining a bearing surface for engaging the free end section of the antenna to prevent said device from sliding down the antenna, said means being connected to said vanes when said device is attached to an antenna; and

a vertically extending reinforcing member disposed adjacent to said gripping portion for adding rigidity to said device.

2. A device according to claim 1 and further including a retaining spring for urging said gripping portion against the antenna; and

means for operatively holding said spring on said device.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein said entrance to said gripping portion has a trapezoidal cross section and said device further includes a wedgelike element insertable into said entrance for deforming said gripping portion to accommodate antennas of different sizes.

4. A device according to claim 1 and further comprising a horizontally extending rib disposed in transverse relation to said gripping portion, for adding rigidity to said device.

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein said vanes have a curved configuration.