US20070129158A1 - Springpole recreational apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A type of backyard or playground recreational equipment usable indoors or outdoors. The present invention provides a bent springpole that functions much like the naturally-occurring feature that has been a recreational favorite of children for centuries, a low-hanging tree limb. The springpole provides the vertical bouncing motion of a tree limb, as well as a 360 degree rotational motion. Children and adolescents are able to bound, bounce, and run in a limited amount of space. The pole can be equipped with padding in whimsical shapes, a seat, and steps.

Description

• This application claims priority fromprovisional application 60/674,886 filed Apr. 26, 2005. The present invention relates to the field of recreational equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Exercise devices from which users may suspend themselves are not new. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,837,641, Hanson describes an exercise device consisting of a bent, rotateable swing bar. For its vertical motion, Hansen's bar depends on a fixed angle between the bar and vertical, thus subjecting a user to the risk of collision with the bar at its highest position as illustrated by the phantom configuration ofuser28′andbar14′ inFIG. 12 of the '641 patent The present invention utilizes a vertical support and a spring steel pole to enable a user to achieve vertical motion throughout a 360 degree rotation without risk of the hazards associated with collision with a rigid bar.
• For support, Hansen's device depends entirely on astake32 driven into the ground at an angle (see the '641 patent,column 2, lines 13-21). The present invention provides support means inherently more resistant to the various forces and torques that will inevitably be imposed on such recreational devices.
• Hansen states that one of his objectives is to provide a bar the rotation of which is damped by immersion in a damping medium (see the '641 patent, column 1, lines 39-47). Hansen furthermore includes damping means in all six claims. The present invention dispenses with the inconvenience, inconsistency, deterioration, and expense of Hansen's damping media with reliance on the mechanical friction inherent in the simple relative motion between two concentric cylinders.
• In U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,480,274 and 3,246,893, Boggild describes a gymnastic device consisting of an anchored fiberglass pole (see the '274 patent,column 2, lines 35-38, and the '893 patent,column 2, lines 53-60, wherein Boggild teaches away from a steel pole). Because of the brittle nature of fiberglass, Boggild goes to great length to describe a complicated dual-support mounting scheme that depends on unpredictable and notoriously short-lived elastomers (see '274 patent,column 2, lines 64-66 andcolumn 3,line 10 throughcolumn 4, line 20). The spring steel pole of the present invention preferred embodiment obviates such expensive assemblies and provides longer life than the Boggild device. Also, because fiberglass is highly susceptible to abrasion and splintering, Boggild requires that a thin vinyl sheath be glued to his pole (see the '274 patent,column 4, lines 21-26). The present invention does not require the extra manufacturing complication, expense, and wear problems associated with a sheath.
• Because Boggild's poles are not intended to rotate (see the '274 patent,column 3, lines 14-23, and the '893 patent,column 3, lines 49-50), a user is limited in recreational options, or, if a user forces the pole to bend around a circle, the user's grip on the pole must be constantly changing to compensate for the dangerous tendency of the pole to twist against the imposed torque and dislodge itself from the user's hands. The present invention eliminates this unpleasantly limiting safety hazard.
• Moreover, all six of Boggild's '274 claims limit his device to include “a damping means fixed to said pole” (see the '274 patent,column 6,line 20 and subsequent dependent claims). The present invention dispenses with the manufacturing complications and expense of Boggild's damping means.
• In the '893 patent, Boggild limits his claims to spaced-apart bearing surfaces. No such bearings are required by the present invention. Also, Boggild's devices, because they are built on a straight, vertically mounted pole, suffer from the same safety hazard inherent in the Hanson design, i.e. the probability of user collision with the pole during use.
• Therefore, for all the abovementioned reasons, current art does not contain all the features claimed by the present invention. The present invention offers enhanced usefulness, longer life, and less expense than the prior art The present invention also presents fewer safety hazards than the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• In all the accompanying drawings like features are labeled with like identifying numbers.
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of one feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective drawing of the feature depicted inFIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing of an alternate embodiment of the feature depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of one feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a frontal view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the alternate embodiment depicted inFIG. 6.
• FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a side view of one embodiment of one feature of the present invention.
• FIG. 10ais a partial cutaway front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 10bis a partial cutaway side view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 10a.
• FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional view of on alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 12 is a partial cross sectional view of on alternate embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of on alternate embodiment of one feature of the present invention.
DEFINITIONS
• The following terms are used in the claims of the patent application as filed and are intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with the requirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words and phrases are to be interpreted as they are preferentially defined in the present Specification, and then in commonly accepted English language dictionaries, handbooks, textbooks, and treatises. All words used in the claims are intended to be used in the customary usage of English language grammar.
• “Concentric” and “concentrically” mean having a common center, regardless of cross sectional shape.
• “Pad” means a mass of material used to minimize or prevent jarring, scraping, or other injury; it may be permanently attached, removeably attached, or integral to hard surfaces; it may be fashioned in any likeness, geometry, and thickness; and it may be rubber, foam, gas pockets, tape, or any other cushioning material.
• “Pole” means a solid or tubular, straight, curved, or coiled, relatively slender elongated member having any cross sectional geometry that may be uniform or variable along the member length; it may be metallic or non-metallic.
• “Spring” means any elastic device that returns to or near to its neutral, unforced configuration after being compressed, extended, bent, twisted, or otherwise disturbed; it may be metallic or non-metallic; it may be formed, extruded, stamped, molded, or otherwise manufactured.
• “Tube” means a conduit the lateral cross section of which is not necessarily round.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The structure and operation of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the following descriptions of various alternatives thereto, and upon reference to the accompanying drawings. The inventor presents herein the best mode for carrying out the present invention in terms of its preferred embodiment, depicted within the aforementioned drawings.
• FIG. 1 shows preferredembodiment90.Steel angle95 is welded toground tube94 and concreted in well11 flush with or slightly higher than theground99. Alternatively,ground tube94 can be made part of a portable but stable base.
• Mast93 is rotatably inserted intoground tube94. Collar92 with its integral welded skirt is slideably and rotatably installed onmast93 at a position just above one of the through holes inmast93. A hardenedsteel pin12 inserted through the selected through hole then provides a stop that preventscollar92 and its integral skirt from sliding downward onmast93. A cap may be fixed on top ofmast93 to prevent rainwater from penetrating the mast and ground tube.
• Pole91 withwelded handle2 covered withpad3 is fixed intopole sleeve83 of mast sleeve assembly80 (seeFIG. 5) with a cold weld epoxy adhesive such as JB Weld 2-part epoxy available at hardware stores, auto parts stores, and home repair outlets. Alternatively,pole91 andpole sleeve83 can be notched and joined with a commonly used Woodruff key such as those available from Wilson Mfg. Co. of Pipestone, Minn. Woodruff keys can be force-fit or welded.
• In the preferred embodiment, handle2 consists of a tube or rod welded perpendicular to the distal end (outboard of mast93) ofpole91, thus forming a “T.” Alternatively, handle2 could be one or more steel loops.Mast sleeve assembly80 consists ofcollar81,mast sleeve84,web82, andpole sleeve83, all of which are steel components welded together.
• Mast sleeve assembly80 and attachedpole91 are slideably and rotatably installed onmast93 at a position just above one of the through holes inmast93. Apin12 inserted through the selected through hole then provides a stop that preventsmast sleeve assembly80 from sliding downward onmast93. If it is desired to positionpole91 in a particular angular location with respect to the vertical axis ofmast93, apin12 can be inserted through matching holes inmast sleeve84 andmast93 and apin12 can be inserted through matching holes inmast93 andground tube94. Thepins12 will prevent rotation ofmast sleeve assembly80 andpole91 aroundmast93 andground tube94.Collars81 and92 provide perches and climbing steps for users.
• Alternatively, if mast portability is not important,ground tube94 is not necessary.Mast93 can be concreted in well11, with or without reinforcingangle95, and rotatability of the mast sleeve assembly is not impaired.
• The height ofpole91 aboveground99 is adjustable. Any of the holes drilled throughmast93 at predetermined intervals can receive apin12, thus allowing a user to independently adjust the height above ground ofcollar92 and pole91 (along with collar81). There are seven pairs of holes (not shown), large enough to receive a ¼ inch rod or pin. The lowest hole pair is 12 inches above grade, and the other six pairs are spaced at 12 inches. Thus, the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1 is capable of seven different heights, one for each of the threehole10 pairs, and one with the skirt ofcollar92 resting on the top ofground tube94 or the ground.
• Changing the height ofcollar81 or92 requires alignment of the mounting holes in the collar with the mating mounting holes in the mast. This task can be simplified by the use of square tubing to form the collars and the sections of the mast that accommodate the collars. Collars would be made of square tubing larger than the mast section square tubing. Plastic inserts could be pressed or otherwise attached to the insides of the collars, thus filling the gaps between the collar and mast tubes, and protecting the surface finish of the mast. Mast rotatability would be preserved by using a cylindrical section of the mast inside the ground tube.
• In the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 1ground tube94 is 3½inch diameter schedule40 steel pipe,24 inches long.Mast93 is 3inch diameter schedule40 steel pipe, 7 feet long.Collars81 and92 are 12¼ inch discs of 3/16 inch steel plate with 4 inch diameter center holes. The skirt welded tocollar92 is a 3½inch diameter schedule40 steel pipe.Mast sleeve84 is a 4 inch long section of 3½inch diameter schedule40 steel pipe.Pole sleeve83 is a 6 inch long section of 1¼ inch extra-extra-heavy steel pipe.Web82 is a triangular section of 3/16 inch steel plate cut to form a 70 degree angle at the intersection ofpole sleeve83 andmast sleeve84. The pole and mast sleeve intersection angle can be custom-fabricated to suit the user.
• Pole91 is a 7 foot long section of ⅞ inch diameter 5160 spring steel. Spring steel is commonly understood to be the category of steel alloy from which leaf, rod, bar, and wire springs can be manufactured. The alloy can be displaced from an unforced or neutral configuration or position by a force, and unless the resulting stress exceeds the alloy's elastic limit or yield point, the stored energy in the alloy due to the displacement causes the alloy to return to its unforced configuration. The pole is manufactured by Coiling Technologies, 7777 Wright Road, Houston, Tex. 77041.
• The pole, mast, mast sleeve assembly, and collars are primed and powder coated with commonly understood processes. The ground tube is primed. Alternatively, some or all parts can be painted with industrial grade low maintenance paint.
• FIG. 2 depicts the preferred embodiment ofpad3, with protruding handle2 (see alsoFIG. 1), installed onpole91 of the present invention.FIG. 3 is a cutaway drawing that shows howfoam pad3 completely encapsulates the hard surfaces ofhandle2 and handlehub18. In the present invention preferred embodiment, handle2 is a 0.5 inch diameter steel rod 13½ inches long inserted through holes drilled in the sidewalls and on a diameter ofhandle hub18 and welded to handlehub18, which is a 1¼ inchdiameter steel pipe 3 inches long. Asteel disc17 is welded to the open end ofhandle hub18 that accommodateshandle2.
• Pad3 is then molded ontohandle2 and handlehub18 in any moldable shape, size, and color.Disc17 and a cylindrical slide in the pad mold oppositedisc17 prevent the entrance of foam, other molding materials, and debris intohandle hub18 during the molding operation. The mold slide also formscylindrical tunnel19 for receipt of one end ofpole91 subsequent to the mold operation. In the preferred embodiment,pad3 is foam molded approximately ⅜ inches thick all around handle2, except for the ends ofhandle2 where the thickness is approximately 1½ inches. The foam is molded approximately 1½ inches thick all around handlehub18. The hub section ofpad3 is therefore a cylinder with an approximate diameter of 4½ inches with bulbous ends (seeFIG. 2) that make the overall length of the hub section ofpad3 approximately 5 inches. The pad material of the preferred embodiment is FMS 7134 Self Skinning Polyurethane Foam prepared and molded by Foam Molders & Specialties, 20004 State Road, Cerritos, Calif. 90703.
• FIG. 3 shows that the end ofcylindrical handle hub18 opposite fromhandle2 is left open and exposed in the pad molding operation. The resultant cylindrical cavity inpad3, beginning withfoam tunnel19 and terminatinginside handle hub18, provides for receipt of the distal end ofpole91. The tip of the distal end ofpole91 has a diametrical groove or notch (not shown) just large enough to accommodatehandle2. Withhandle2 nested in the pole end groove, it will not torque itself away from the pole during use.
• The first approximately 5 inches of the distal end of the preferred embodiment ⅞inch diameter pole91 are left bare, while the adjacent approximately 24 inches of the pole distal end are wrapped with 2 inch doublesided tape that is subsequently coated with HF-100 Grip Activator. The tape and activator are generally used for wrapping golf club handles, and are available at golf equipment and pro shops. A ¼ inch thick foam grip sleeve available from Gripworks of Arnold, Mo. (stock no. 072264, FEX tubing 0.812-0.175-26.0-30.0-CPE/EPDM) is inserted over the tape while the activator is still damp and slick. For a larger pole, 15/16 inch diameter for example, a thinner grip sleeve might be required.
• The approximate 5 inches of bare pole end, including the notched tip of the pole, are cleaned, dried, and coated with an approximate ⅛ inch thick layer of a cold weld epoxy adhesive such as JB Weld 2-part epoxy available at hardware stores, auto parts stores, and home repair outlets. Quickly enough to prevent the epoxy from prematurely curing, the distal end ofpole91 is press fit into the opening inpad3 until it bottoms out inhandle hub18 withhandle2 nested in the pole tip notch. After the epoxy cures according to manufacturer's specifications, handle2,pad3, andpole91 become an integral assembly.
• Alternatively,hub18 and the distal end ofpole91 can be notched with transverse half-round grooves that align whenpole91 is bottomed out insidehub18.Handle2 can then be fitted into the aligned grooves and welded to the hub groove, thus causinghandle2 andhub18 to be permanently attached to each other.Handle2 then acts as a Woodruff key to prevent a user from pulling the hub and handle off ofpole91.
• FIG. 4 illustrates one of many possible variations ofpad3. The variation illustrated gives the user the option of sitting onpad3 as well as gripping and hanging fromhandle2.
• FIG. 6 illustrates one of manypossible alternatives100 to the present invention preferredembodiment90. Curved pole1 with welded “T” handle2 covered withpad3 is rotateably inserted into the inner diameter ofcylindrical support tube4 that is part of a support tube assembly made oftubes4,6, and9,collars5,7, and8, androd14. As in the preferred embodiment, handle2 can have many configurations other than the “T” design.Support tube4 is welded to cylindricalsupport tube collar5 that is in turn welded to cylindricalintermediate tube6.Intermediate tube6 is welded to cylindricalintermediate tube collar7, which is welded to cylindricalintermediate tube skirt8.
• Intermediate tube collar7 andintermediate tube skirt8 are concentric tointermediate tube6 and do not block the inner diameter ofintermediate tube6.Intermediate tube6 is therefore able to receivecylindrical ground tube9, the outer diameter of which is slightly smaller than the inner diameter ofintermediate tube6.
• If it is desired to position pole1 in a particular angular location with respect to the vertical axis of the support tube assembly, pin12 inserted through matching holes insupport tube4 and pole1, and retained byclip13, can be used.Pin12 will prevent rotation of pole1.
• Collars5 and7 provide perches and climbing steps for users.Ground tube9 can be set in aconcrete well11 in theground99 or made part of a portable but stable base.
• The height of pole1 aboveground99 is adjustable. Any of theholes10 throughground tube9 can receive ahardened steel rod14 that is slightly shorter than the inside diameter ofintermediate tube skirt8.FIG. 7 shows that withrod14 centered inground tube9 through ahole10,intermediate tube6, complete with attachedcollars7 and8, can be slideably lowered ontoground tube9 until the underside of intermediate tube collar7 (welded to intermediate tube6) rests onrod14 with intermediate tube skirt8 (welded to intermediate tube collar7) shieldingrod14 from accidental user access. Withcollar7 resting onrod14,rod14 is captured; its length prevents its movement beyond the inner diameter ofintermediate tube skirt8. Thusrod14 cannot accidentally be vibrated out ofhole10 and can only be removed whenintermediate tube6 is raised high enough forrod14 toclear tube skirt8. A sufficientlylong pin12 that can be retained with aclip13 can be used as an alternative torod14.
• In the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 6ground tube9 is 1½inch diameter schedule80 steel pipe, 5 feet long with 2 feet below grade. There are three pairs ofholes10, large enough to receive a 7/16 inch rod or pin. The lowest hole pair is 12 inches above grade, and the other two pairs are spaced at 12 inches. Thus, the alternate embodiment ofFIG. 6 is capable of four different heights, one for each of the threehole 10 pairs, and one withintermediate tube skirt8 resting on the ground.
• Intermediate tube skirt8 is a 2 inch long section of 8 inch diameter steel pipe.Intermediate tube collar7 is a 9 inch diameter disc cut from ⅛ inch thick steel plate, and has a center hole the diameter of which is between the inner and outer diameters ofintermediate tube6 that is a 3 foot section of 2inch diameter schedule80 steel pipe.Support tube collar5 is a 9 inch diameter disc cut from ⅛ inch thick steel plate.Support tube4 is a 6 inch section of 1¼ inch diameter extra-extra-heavy grade steel pipe.
• Pole1 is ⅞ inch diameter 5160 spring steel. It is manufactured by Coiling Technologies, 7777 Wright Road, Houston, Tex. 77041. A seven foot long piece is bent in a hot oil bath to an angle between 90 and 140 degrees, beginning at a point approximately 12 inches from one end. The bend radius is 4 feet. The pole is primed and powder coated with commonly understood processes.
• FIG. 8 illustrates one of many possible alternatives to the present invention preferred embodiment. Inapparatus200, curved pole1, the same or a similar pole as described as part of thealternate embodiment100, is utilized in a support tube assembly different from that of thealternate embodiment100. Cylindricalsteel ground tube70 is concreted in theground99 or made part of a portable but stable base.Cylindrical steel standpipe60 provides rigid support forcylindrical steel couplings20,30,40, and50, all of which are capable of rotation around the center axis ofstandpipe60. Curved pole1 is capable of rotation insidecoupling30. Collars can be attached totubes20 and40 to provide perches and climbing steps for users similar tocollars5 and7 of the alternate embodiment100 (FIG. 6). None of the components ofFIG. 8 are drawn to any particular scale, and they can all be scaled to accommodate various desired poles and users. For example,standpipe60 andcouplings20,30,40, and50 can be manufactured in various heights, thus presenting the opportunity for users of different heights to use the same apparatus with the change of one or more parts of the support tube assembly.
• FIG. 9 illustrates one of many possible alternatives to the present invention preferred embodiment. Inassembly21, the two sections ofpipe22 and23 coupled with coiledspring24 simulate the spring action ofspring steel pole91 of the preferred embodiment.Sections22 and23 may be steel or composite, solid or tubular, and are inserted inside the ends ofspring24 with a press fit sufficient to preclude loosening during use. The size ofsections22 and23 andspring24, and the depth of insertion of the sections intospring24 are determined by the size of the intended users and the desired amount of pole flexure.
• FIGS. 10aand10billustrate one of manypossible alternatives300 to the present invention preferredembodiment90. Inapparatus300,lower tube section25,pole33,pivot wheel29,cable36,piston37, stop26, and commonly understoodcompression spring39 simulate the spring action ofspring steel pole91 of the preferred embodiment.Lower tube section25 can be set in a concrete well in the ground or made part of a portable but stable base.
• InFIGS. 10aand10bcompression spring39 is fully extended, pushingpiston37 to its lowest position insidelower tube section25. The force exerted byspring39 in its fully extended position is sufficient to raisepole33 to its highest position, wheretab35 onbracket28 butts against a similar tab (not shown) onbracket32. The extension ofspring39 raisespole33 by means ofcable36 that is led through a center hole inpiston37 and captured withcrimp38. Asspring39 pushes againststop26 attached to the top oflower tube section25,piston37 is forced down, away fromstop26. The top end ofcable36 is attached topulley29 and causespulley29 to turn onaxle31 supported bybrackets28 attached tolower tube section25. Becausebrackets32 are attached topole33 and toaxle31, rotation ofpulley29 raisespole33. A user pulling on the distal end ofpole33, the end farthest away fromlower tube section25, compressesspring39, thus obtaining the same spring sensation experienced by a user of the spring steel pole of the preferred embodiment.
• FIG. 11 illustrates one of many possible alternatives to the present invention preferred embodiment. Inapparatus400 thelower tube section42,pole43,bushings44 and45, and a commonly understoodtorsion spring41 with first and second arms simulate the spring action ofspring steel pole91 of the preferred embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1.Lower tube section42 can be set in a concrete well in the ground or made part of a portable but stable base.Bushing45 is fixed insidelower tube section42, and the first arm ofspring41 is capable of rotation insidebushing45. Alternatively, the first arm ofspring41 is fixed to the center cavity ofbushing45, andbushing45 is capable of rotation insidelower tube section42. The second arm ofspring41 is fixed inside the center cavity ofbushing44, which is fixed inside one end ofpole43.
• FIG. 12 illustrates one of many possible alternatives to the present invention preferred embodiment. Inapparatus500,lower tube section42,bushing45, andpoles46 and47 simulate the spring action ofspring steel pole91 of the preferred embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1.Pole46 is constructed of cylindrical spring steel identical or similar to the spring steel used forpole91 of preferredembodiment90.Pole46 is welded or otherwise attached topole47, which is constructed of a material less expensive than spring steel. Alternatively,pole46 can be constructed of flat spring steel.Lower tube section42 can be set in a concrete well in the ground or made part of a portable but stable base.Bushing45 is fixed insidelower tube section42, andpole46 is capable of rotation insidebushing45. Alternatively,pole46 is fixed to the center cavity ofbushing45, andbushing45 is capable of rotation insidelower tube section42.
• FIG. 13 illustrates one of many possible variations of the present invention preferred embodiment. Any of the ground tubes, ground support tubes, or lower tube sections described as part of the preferred embodiment or its alternatives can be set in concrete. Alternatively those components can be removeably held in a portable but stable base such as that illustrated inFIG. 13. Hollow watertight moldedABS plastic base51 contains acentral well53 the interior of which has no communication with the interior ofbase51.Water filling base51 throughsealable port54 will not entercentral well53, which is capable of receiving any of the ground support tubes or lower tube sections described as part of the present invention preferred embodiment or its alternatives.Base51 can be sized so that its weight, when filled with water, will provide stability sufficient for the size of the user of the present invention.Drain port56 is a valve or cap through which water can be drained.
• Alternatively,base51 can be manufactured using many materials other than ABS, and it can be manufactured with aport54 large enough to accept sand, gravel, or other materials capable of providing the desired stability. Alternatively, for ease of transport and setup,base51 can be manufactured as multiple interlocking sections, each having its own fill and drain ports. Alternatively,base51 can be manufactured as a solid, thereby negating the need for filling.Flange52, integral withbase51, has several slots through which stakes, lag screws, or bolts may be inserted for attachment ofbase51 to various ground or floor materials.
• It will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the relevant art having the benefit of this disclosure that the present invention provides an apparatus for recreational and fitness use. It is understood that the forms of the invention shown and described in the detailed description and the drawings are to be taken merely as presently preferred examples and that the invention is limited only by the language of the claims. The drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed. While the present invention has been described in terms of one preferred embodiment and several alternatives thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that form and detail modifications can be made to those embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (32)

1. An apparatus comprising:

a tubular mast permanently mounted in the ground;

a mast sleeve assembly comprising a tubular mast sleeve and a tubular pole sleeve fixed at a predetermined angle to said mast sleeve, said mast sleeve assembly being slideably and substantially concentrically mounted at a predetermined location on said mast, and capable of rotation about said mast; and

a pole having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of said pole having a first diameter substantially concentrically inserted into said pole sleeve, said pole being capable of repetitive bending displacement from an unforced configuration under the influence of a force imposed near said distal end of said pole, and said pole being capable of repetitive return to said unforced configuration.

2. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said mast sleeve assembly further comprises a planar collar substantially concentric with and perpendicular to said mast sleeve.

3. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more handles near said distal end of said pole.

4. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more pads near said distal end of said pole.

5. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more pads between said proximate and distal ends of said pole.

6. An apparatus as inclaim 1 further comprising one or more collars slideably and substantially concentrically mounted on said mast at a predetermined location.

7. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said mast is removeably, rotatably, and substantially concentrically inserted into a substantially vertical ground tube, said ground tube being permanently mounted in the ground.

8. An apparatus as inclaim 7 wherein said ground tube is mounted on a portable base.

9. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said mast sleeve assembly further comprises a means of being locked in a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to said mast.

10. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said mast is further comprised of one or more pads.

11. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more springs.

12. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pole is comprised of at least one hinged joint and at least one compression spring.

13. An apparatus as inclaim 1 wherein said pole is comprised of at least one substantially straight section and at least one curved section.

14. An apparatus comprising:

a tubular mast removeably, rotatably, and substantially concentrically inserted into a substantially vertical ground tube, said ground tube being permanently mounted in the ground;

a mast sleeve assembly comprising a tubular mast sleeve, a planar collar substantially concentric with and perpendicular to said mast sleeve, and a tubular pole sleeve fixed at a predetermined angle to said mast sleeve, said mast sleeve assembly being slideably, rotatably, and substantially concentrically mounted at a predetermined location on said mast and having a means of being locked in a predetermined rotational orientation with respect to said mast;

a pole having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of said pole having a first diameter substantially concentrically inserted into said pole sleeve, said pole being capable of repetitive bending displacement from an unforced configuration under the influence of a force imposed near said distal end of said pole, said pole being capable of repetitive return to said unforced configuration, and said pole being further comprised of one or more handles near said distal end of said pole and one or more pads near said distal end of said pole; and

one or more collars slideably and substantially concentrically mounted on said mast at a predetermined location.

15. An apparatus comprising a curved first pole having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of said pole having a first diameter substantially concentrically inserted into a substantially vertical support tube assembly such that some part of said pole near its said proximate end is substantially vertical when said pole is in an unforced configuration, said pole being capable of rotation inside said support tube assembly while simultaneously being capable of repetitive bending displacement from said unforced configuration under the influence of a force imposed near said distal end of said pole, said pole being capable of repetitive return to said unforced configuration, and part of said support tube assembly being permanently mounted in the ground.

16. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more handles substantially perpendicular to said pole near said distal end of said pole.

17. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more pads near said distal end of said pole.

18. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more pads between said proximate and distal ends of said pole.

19. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said support tube assembly is further comprised of one or more protrusions substantially perpendicular to said support tube assembly.

20. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said pole is further comprised of one or more springs.

21. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said pole is comprised of at least one hinged joint and at least one compression spring.

22. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said pole is comprised of at least one substantially straight section and at least one curved section.

23. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said support tube assembly is supported by a portable base.

24. An apparatus as inclaim 15 further comprising one or more bushings capable of being received by said support tube assembly and capable of providing for replacement of said first pole with a second pole having a proximate end diameter different from that of said first diameter of said first pole.

25. An apparatus as inclaim 15 wherein said support tube assembly has a means of temporarily locking said pole in a selected rotational orientation.

26. An apparatus comprising:

a curved first pole having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of said pole having a first diameter substantially concentrically inserted into a substantially vertical support tube assembly such that some part of said pole near its said proximate end is substantially vertical when said pole is in an unforced configuration, said pole being capable of rotation inside said support tube assembly while simultaneously being capable of repetitive bending displacement from said unforced configuration under the influence of a force imposed near said distal end of said pole, said pole being capable of repetitive return to said unforced configuration, and part of said support tube assembly being permanently mounted in the ground;

one or more handles substantially perpendicular to said pole near said distal end of said pole;

one or more pads near said distal end of said pole;

one or more protrusions fixed to and substantially perpendicular to said support tube assembly; and

a means of temporarily locking said pole in a selected rotational orientation.

27. An apparatus as inclaim 15 further comprising a support tube assembly comprising a substantially fixed ground tube, an intermediate tube that receives said ground tube, and a support tube fixed to said intermediate tube so that the longitudinal axes of said ground, intermediate, and support tubes are substantially collinear, and said support tube rotatably receives said proximate end of said pole.

28. An apparatus as inclaim 27 wherein said support tube assembly is further comprised of one or more protrusions substantially perpendicular to said support tube assembly.

29. An apparatus as inclaim 27 wherein said support tube assembly is further comprised of one or more pads.

30. An apparatus as inclaim 15 further comprising a support tube assembly comprising a substantially fixed ground tube, an intermediate tube having a first end that slideably receives said ground tube, and a support tube fixed to a second end of said intermediate tube so that the longitudinal axes of said ground, intermediate, and support tubes are substantially collinear, and said support tube rotatably receiving said proximate end of said pole, and said intermediate tube having a means for removeable attachment to said ground tube at various locations.

31. An apparatus as inclaim 30 wherein said first end of said intermediate tube further comprises a collar that partially shields said removeable attachment means from user access.

32. An apparatus comprising a curved pole having a proximate end and a distal end, said proximate end of said pole being substantially concentrically inserted into a substantially vertical support tube assembly such that some part of said pole near its said proximate end is substantially vertical when said pole is in an unforced configuration, said pole being capable of repetitive bending displacement from said unforced configuration under the influence of a force imposed near said distal end of said pole, said pole being capable of repetitive return to said unforced position, said pole further comprising, near said distal end of said pole, one or more handles substantially perpendicular to said pole and one or more pads, said support tube assembly comprising a substantially fixed ground tube, an intermediate tube having a first end capable of slideably receiving said ground tube, and a support tube fixed to a second end of said intermediate tube so that the longitudinal axes of said ground, intermediate, and support tubes are substantially collinear, said support tube being capable of rotatably receiving said proximate end of said pole, said intermediate tube having a means for removeable attachment to said ground tube at various locations, and said first end of said intermediate tube further comprising a collar capable of partially shielding said removeable attachment means from user access.

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