Marker cone with ground anchor

Abstract

A marker cone and ground anchor for use with sporting events, such as soccer, comprising engagement features that allow the marker cone to attach to the ground anchor for improved stability against wind and other disturbances. A stretchable cord extends from the conical portion of the marker cone and engages with a feature in the ground anchor, thereby allowing the marker cone to remain upright while the cord is engaged and under tension. The engagement features allow the marker cone to be removed and replaced without disturbing the ground anchor, and the compliance of the attachment method does not compromise properties of the marker cone that allow it to move or collapse for safety reasons during impact with a falling person.

1 . A marker cone comprising a unitary conical portion including a narrow tip end spaced from a wider base end and a stretchable cord affixed inside said conical portion, said stretchable cord including an attachment feature for engaging a ground anchor, said stretchable cord being sized such that it is under tension when said base end is in contact with the ground and said stretchable cord is engaged with said ground anchor. 
     
     
         2 . The marker cone according to  claim 1  wherein said conical portion includes intentionally weakened regions or cutouts for the purpose of making the marker cone collapsible. 
     
     
         3 . The marker cone according to  claim 1  wherein said conical portion is made from plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The marker cone according to  claim 3  wherein said plastic is polyethylene. 
     
     
         5 . The marker cone according to  claim 1  wherein said conical portion includes a feature for holding a sign or a training apparatus. 
     
     
         6 . The marker cone according to  claim 1  wherein said conical portion is approximately 9 inches in height with a base diameter of approximately 5 inches and a truncated tip of approximately 1-inch diameter, and wherein said attachment feature is a loop formed in said stretchable cord that is affixed to said truncated tip of said conical portion. 
     
     
         7 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor comprising a marker cone with a stretchable attachment feature and a ground anchor with a complementary receiving feature such that said marker cone is held in contact with the ground when said stretchable attachment feature is connected with said receiving feature. 
     
     
         8 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 7  wherein said stretchable attachment feature comprises an elastic or rubber cord affixed to the inside of said marker cone. 
     
     
         9 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 7  wherein said ground anchor comprises a body portion that is driven into the ground and a head portion that remains above ground. 
     
     
         10 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 9  wherein said head portion of said ground anchor is made from a highly-visible color such as fluorescent orange or fluorescent yellow. 
     
     
         11 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 9  wherein said body portion and said head portion are constructed as a single plastic body. 
     
     
         12 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 11  wherein said plastic is ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or an ABS blend. 
     
     
         13 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 7  wherein said ground anchor comprises a weighted body that remains above ground. 
     
     
         14 . A system of marker cone and ground anchor according to  claim 7  wherein said ground anchor comprises a retention clip for use with artificial turf.