1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to delineator poles and more specifically to a self-aligning pivotable delineator pole that may be used for delineating boundaries in different applications.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
The prior art includes many different types of delineator poles. Some uses of delineator poles include slalom gates, hazard markers, parking lot boundaries, signposts and field markers. Stationary and self-aligning delineator poles are commonly used in competition sports, such as equestrian games (skilled horse riding). The object of the equestrian games is to move through a set of delineator poles without contacting them. Normally, a delineator pole struck by a horse or the rider will knock it over; requiring someone to right the delineator pole. Use of a self-aligning delineator pole will not require someone to reset the knocked-over delineator pole. If a top of the self-aligning delineator pole is struck by a horse or a rider, thereof will deflect.
Some self-aligning delineator poles include U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,873 to Laehy et al., which discloses a pivotable delineator post. The Laehy patent includes a delineator pole that pivots when a force is applied thereto and returns to its original position upon release of the force. U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,438 to Berutti discloses a delineator pole, more particularly for skiing race courses, having a pivotable arrangement. U.S. Pat. No. 4,588,324 to Goellner discloses a slalom pole. The Goellner patent includes a pole which is adapted to be supported in the ground and a lower part to be placed in the ground and an upper part extending upwardly above the ground.
Accordingly, there is a clearly felt need in the art for a self-aligning pivotable delineator pole, which may be used for delineating boundaries for equestrian games, slalom gates, hazard markers, parking lot boundaries, signposts, field markers or any other appropriate application.