US20030230230A1

US20030230230A1 - Tetherable wind indicator

Info

Publication number: US20030230230A1
Application number: US10/173,531
Authority: US
Inventors: Albert Lim; Valentine Deale
Original assignee: PREMIER KITES
Current assignee: PREMIER KITES
Priority date: 2002-06-18
Filing date: 2002-06-18
Publication date: 2003-12-18

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Related Art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.

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

Accordingly, one aspect of the invention is to provide a wind indicator that is shaped differently from the common windsock or basket.

Another aspect of the invention is to provide a wind indicator that spins upon application of a passing breeze.

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.

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.

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.

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

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: [0019]
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; [0020]
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; [0021]
FIG. 3 is an enlarged detail of one of the vents incorporated into the wind indicator illustrated in FIG. 1; [0022]
FIG. 4 is an enlarged detail of one of the air jets incorporated into the body of the wind indicator illustrated in FIG. 2; [0023]
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; [0024]
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; [0025]
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; [0026]
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; [0027]
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; [0028]
FIG. 10 is a side view of the generic embodiment of the present invention show tethered to a first embodiment of a ground stake; [0029]
FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the top of the ground stake illustrated in FIG. 10; [0030]
FIG. 12 is a side view of a second embodiment of a ground stake for use with the wind indicator of the present invention; [0031]
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 [0032]
FIG. 14 is a side view of a fourth embodiment of a ground stake for use with the wind indicator of the present invention.[0033]

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A first exemplary embodiment of the tetherable wind indicator of the invention is generally designated [0034] 10 in FIG. 1. The tetherable wind indicator 10 takes the shape of a soccer ball.
While a soccer ball is illustrated in FIG. 1, as other illustrated embodiments suggest, the [0035] 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.
The [0036] 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.
The [0037] 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.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the [0038] 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™ 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.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, since the [0039] 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.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the [0040] 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.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the [0041] 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.
With respect to one possible construction of the [0042] 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.
Throughout the figures, the [0043] 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.
FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention, which is a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and which is designated [0044] 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.
The [0045] 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.
FIG. 3 illustrates in detail the construction of the [0046] 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.
The [0047] 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.
FIG. 5 illustrates a third embodiment of the wind indicator of the invention, which is designated [0048] 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.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the [0049] 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.
FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the [0050] 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.
The [0051] 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.
FIG. 7 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the wind indicator. In this embodiment, the [0052] 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.
FIG. 8 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the [0053] 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.
FIG. 9 is a partial cross-section of the [0054] 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.
The [0055] 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=π·(x/2)². The maximum diameter y defines a maximum area b, where b=π·(y/2)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.
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. [0056]
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. [0057]
FIG. 10 illustrates the [0058] 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.
As illustrated in FIG. 10, the [0059] 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.
As illustrated in enlarged detail in FIG. 11, the [0060] 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.
The [0061] 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.
In the illustrated embodiment, the [0062] 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.
FIG. 12 illustrates a second embodiment of the [0063] 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.
FIG. 13 illustrates a third embodiment of the [0064] 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.
FIG. 14 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the ground stake [0065] 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.
A [0066] 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.
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. [0067]

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;

at least one tether extending from the hollow body to the swivel; and

12. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein:

13. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein:

14. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein:

15. The wind indicator of claim 11, wherein:

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:

18. The wind indicator of claim 12, wherein:

19. The wind indicator of claim 12, wherein:

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.