h a l f b a k e r yCompound disinterest.
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Through an odd twist of fate, I found myself playing with a child's kick scooter (This is not a motorized vehicle of any form; some prefer to call them sticks on wheels.) at the waterfront a few weeks ago, as I passed by a series of masts with signal flags on them.
Many seagoing vessels are equipped
with a device known as a "Spreader" atop their mast. This is a small crossbeam, to which four separate flag lines are flown, allowing individuals to "spread" signal flag messages across four points, rather than a single flagpole.
The Scooter Spreader will be a special attachment, with poles extending out of the handles of the scooter, and boasting lines attached to the base of the scooter. To these lines, various signal flag messages can be attached.
This will allow young'uns to get a first hand experience with the one true global language, the "International Code of Signals," and will aid in the recognition of signal flags for any children interested in learning the lore of oceanic life.
Children can then fly individual call signs for their vehicles, and other important messages, scooterist groups can develop yacht-club style pennants, and areas beyond the harbor can enjoy the festive appearance of ship's signal flags adorning the otherwise rather bland and awkward looking scooters being pushed about.
Signal flags can also be used to silently, and continuously broadcast various messages, a useful trait as the children grow older and more surly towards their parents... but even such messages will appear bright and festive thanks to the use of official looking signal flags.
Kick scooter, like Razor
http://en.wikipedia...g/wiki/Kick_scooter
I'm talking about this kind of scooter, with no motor. [ye_river_xiv, Oct 02 2008]
Motor scooter, like Vespa.
http://en.wikipedia...cooter_(motorcycle)
I'm not talking about this kind of scooter. [ye_river_xiv, Oct 02 2008]
Signal Flags
http://en.wikipedia...ritime_signal_flags
Pretty colors, and secret messages, Cool! [ye_river_xiv, Oct 02 2008]
International code of signals
http://en.wikipedia...nal_Code_of_Signals
We likes to call it ICOS, the only global language, ARR! [ye_river_xiv, Oct 02 2008]
The full version
http://www.nga.mil/...UBS/ICOS/pub102.zip
YARR! [MadnessInMyMethod, Oct 02 2008]
[link]
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better to watch the razor like effect of the wires as the child falls and becomes entangled. |
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Also, won't this make steering impossible? |
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You could call it the CheeseSlicer Scooter... catchier name than Razor. |
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TD1N (The closest I could get to something sensible) |
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Ah, the joy of watching old sailors recognizing swear words spelled out in signal flags. Still it is cool as it would force kids to read an old book on how to covertly offend. (+) |
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My favorite used to be the one that signified, "Crew not in control". |
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The subtitle of this should be the title. |
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the 'razor'. now there's a kids toy the chinese could have fun with. |
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//better to watch the razor like effect of the wires as the child falls and becomes entangled.// |
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In my use of the term "lines" for the materials to which the flags would attach, I am following longstanding Naval traditions, whereby "Line" refers to any form of braided, or twisted fibrous material. Landlubbers often refer to similar materials as rope, and I assure you, they are not too likely to cause any form of slicing, as the lengths of narrow metal (Sailors refer to this as "Wire rope") materials you apparently have confused them with would. |
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I assure you that Razor brand scooters are in no way designed to cut as Razor shaving devices can, although both may look sharp from a distance. |
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Nor would the scooter spreader cause difficulty with steering. The amount of steering needed to turn a scooter is generally quite small, and torsion to these lines would be so slight as to be negligible, even if attached directly to the base of the scooter. Those who worry that the mechanical stresses on the lines might damage them are welcome to accept a slightly modified design, in which the lines attach via clamp to the lowest portion of the steering tube. |
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