BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally hand-held banners, and more particularly, to banners and autograph materials that can attach to the wrist or head.
Description of Related Art
Sport stadiums provide fans the opportunity to cheer on their teams with promotional items and souvenirs such as rally towels, foam fingers, pom poms, and inflatable noise makers. These items often are large and cumbersome to store or carry, especially since bags are no longer permitted in many stadiums. Cheap promotional items are often left behind littering the stands and streets. Fans desire flags and banners to cheer on their team and even be able to get autographs from their favorite athletes.
Accordingly, there is a need for promotional products for fans to cheer on their sports teams that are easy to carry, compact, highly visible, and not overly expensive. It also would be desirable for the same promotional products to provide a surface to receive autographs of athletes or display custom text.
ASPECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
One aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner for sporting events that can be easily transported.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner for sporting events that is highly visible but compact when stored.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner for sporting events that can be easily transported on the wrist or head and easily deployed for display when in use.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a flag or banner that can be attached and waved on a person's wrist.
An additional aspect of the present invention is to provide a banner for sporting events that provides a writing surface for autographs or custom text.
In order to achieve these aspects and others, the present invention provides a flag or tape banner with an inner end, an outer end, a first side, and a second side. A first connector strip is located on the first side of the tape banner proximate to the inner end of the tape banner. A second connector strip is located on the first side of the tape banner proximate to the first connector strip so as to provide an open space on the first side of the tape banner between the first connector strip and the second connector strip. A flexible loop is located and sized to go around the tape banner within the open space, wherein the first connector strip and the second connector strip are to be connected together so as to enclose the flexible loop within the open space. A third connector strip is located on the first side of the tape banner proximate the outer end of the tape banner. A fourth connector strip is located on the second side of the tape banner proximate a middle location of the tape banner between the inner end and the outer end of the tape banner, wherein the fourth connector strip is configured to connect to the third connector strip when the tape banner is rolled up. In an alternative embodiment, a buckle can be used in place of the flexible loop.
The tape banner preferably is constructed of flexible, high quality, comfortable material. The tape banner preferably is approximately two inches wide by twenty-six inches long that conveniently wraps around the wrist or head of a user forming a stylish, one-size fits-all headband, wristband, wrist tape banner, or wrist flag. The tape banner or flexible tape banner flag is reusable, durable, and preferably constructed of strong, smooth polyester with dye sublimation printing providing a surface for graphic logo designs, QR codes, and customizable team colors. The tape banner surface also can be used for writing personal text or collecting autographs at sporting events, concerts, and theme parks. The wrist tape banner further can be used at political rallies and other causes, not just athletic arenas or autographs from athletes. The tape banner can even be used to display pins, such as Disney® or trading pins.
The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed invention and specific embodiments as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention, and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first side of the flexible tape banner and flexible loop configured in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first side of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 1 wherein an open area of the flexible tape banner is enclosing the flexible loop;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the open area of the flexible tape banner is enclosing the flexible loop;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the second side of the flexible tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the first side of the flexible tape banner and buckle configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of the first side of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 5 wherein an open area of the flexible tape banner is enclosing a portion of the buckle;
FIG. 7 is a further embodiment of the present invention wherein the buckle includes a releasable connector to attach the buckle to the inner end of the flexible tape banner;
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the first side of the flexible tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the outer end of the flexible tape banner has passed through the flexible loop, the first side of the tape banner is facing within the inner loop, and the flexible tape banner is in the extended configuration;
FIG. 8b is another perspective view of the second side of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 8a wherein the outer end of the flexible tape banner has passed through the flexible loop, the first side of the flexible tape banner is facing within the inner loop, and the flexible tape banner is in the extended configuration;
FIG. 9a is a perspective view of the first and second sides of the flexible tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the outer end of the flexible tape banner has passed through the flexible loop, the second side of the tape banner is facing within the inner loop, and the flexible tape banner is in the semi-rolled reverse wrap configuration;
FIG. 9b is a perspective view of the first and second sides of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 9a wherein the outer end of the flexible tape banner has passed through the flexible loop, the second side of the of the flexible tape banner is facing within the inner loop, and the flexible tape banner is in the semi-rolled reverse wrap configuration;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the flexible tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the flexible tape banner is attached to a person's wrist in the extended configuration;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 10 wherein the flexible tape banner is attached to a person's wrist in the rolled-up configuration;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the flexible tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the rolled-up configuration;
FIG. 13a is a perspective view of the flexible tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the flexible tape banner is wrapped around person's head and the second side of the flexible tape banner is facing outward;
FIG. 13b is a perspective view of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 13a wherein the flexible tape banner is wrapped around person's head and the first side of the flexible tape banner is facing outward;
FIG. 14a is a side view of an accessory tab strip that includes releasable connectors on opposing sides;
FIG. 14b is a top view of the tab strip shown in FIG. 14a;
FIG. 14c is a bottom view of the tab strip shown in FIGS. 14a-14b; and
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the flexible tape banner shown in FIG. 12 wherein the accessory tab strip is included.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first side 12 of a wrist tape banner 10 configured in accordance with the present invention. The wrist tape banner 10 includes a preferably flexible tape banner 15 having an inner end 14, an outer end 16, a first side 12, and a second side 18 (FIG. 4). A first connector strip 20 is connected to the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 proximate to the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15. A second connector strip 22 is connected to the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 proximate to the first connector strip 20. The second connector strip 22 is on the side of the first connector strip 20 opposing the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15. An open space 24 on the tape banner 15 is located between the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22. A second open space 26 also is located between the inner end 14 and the first connector strip 20. A third connector strip 28 is located on the first side 12 proximate the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15.
The first, second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28 preferably are releasable connectors, such as hook and loop fasteners, like Velcro®. The first, second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28 construction materials preferably include alternating cloth or hooks that are securely sewn or glued onto the taper banner 15. The first and second connector strips 20, 22 preferably extend perpendicular to the tape banner 15. The third connector strip 28 preferably extends parallel to the tape banner 15.
A flexible loop 30 is sized to go over the tape banner 15 around the open space 24 between the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22. In accordance with the present invention, the connector strips 20, 22 are configured to be connected together as a hook and loop combination (Velcro®) to enclose the flexible loop 30 within the open area 24 of the tape banner 15. (See FIG. 3). The outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 can then be inserted though the flexible loop 30 to form a loop 25 (FIG. 3) that is to go around the head or wrist of a person to display or hold the tape banner 15. The outer end 16 may be inserted through the flexible loop 30 from either first side 12 or the second side 18 of the flexible tape banner to form a loop 25, so that either the first side 12 or the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 is facing inward or toward the center of the formed loop 25. The flexible loop 30 preferably is constructed of expandable and contractible material, similar to a rubber band. While the loop 30 may be rigid, it is preferable to be constructed of flexible expanding and retracting material.
It should be noted that in another embodiment, the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22 can be stitching that are permanently sewn together to enclose the open area 24 around the flexible loop 30, or even glued together.
A team logo, promotional statement, QR code, or other printed or hand written text or graphic design 17 can be included on the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 to be highly visible to observers. The tape banner 15 preferable is constructed of a highly visible color to be seen by observers. Additionally, the tape banner 15 preferably is constructed of a flexible material that is suitable for being written upon with an ink marker. This enables the tape banner 15 to provide a surface area for receiving autographs or other hand written texts. Additionally, a self-contained battery-operated light source, such as a flasher, or an audible noise maker 29 can be attached to the tape banner 15.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first side 12 of the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIG. 1 wherein the loop 30 has been enclosed by the tape banner 15 at location 24 by connecting together releasable connectors 20 and 22. An illustration of this process of enclosing the loop 30 by the tape banner 15 at location 24 is shown in FIG. 3. The inner end 14, outer end 16, text 17, and releasable connector 28 also are illustrated.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tape banner 15 is shown with the flexible loop 30 around the open area 24 and the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15 to form a loop 25 that is designed to go around the head or wrist of a person. FIG. 3 illustrates the outer end 16 having been inserted through the flexible loop 30 so that the second side 18 is facing inward or towards the center of the loop 25. In the alternative, the outer end 16 can be inserted through the flexible loop 30 so that the first side 12 is facing inward or towards the center of the loop 25.
In accordance with the present invention, the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22 are shown to be enclosing the flexible loop 30 within the open area 24 of the tape banner 15, and wherein the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22 are about to be connected together to enclose the flexible loop 30. Both the first side 12 and the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 are visible in the perspective view of FIG. 3. The open space 26 adjacent to the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15 also is illustrated.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 shown in FIG. 1. Promotional or hand written text, QR codes, or a graphic design 19 is included on the second side 18, similar to the text or design 17 on the first side 12 of the tape banner 15. It should be noted that both the first side 12 and the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 can be written upon or include highly visible text. A light source or noise maker 29 also can be included on the second side 18. The illumination and/or audio device 29 can be attached to the tape banner 15 by glue, stitching, or other known attachment methods. The illumination device also may be programmable to create a choreographed light show at events. The illumination device is preferably encapsulated in foam and is light weight and tamper resistant.
A fourth connector strip 32 is located on the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 approximately in the middle of the tape banner 15 between the inner end 14 and the outer end 16. Similar to the first, second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28, the fourth connector strip 32 preferably is constructed of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®. The fourth connector strip 32 construction material preferably includes cloth that is securely sewn or glued onto the second side 18 of the taper banner 15. The fourth connector strip 32 preferably extends parallel to the tape banner 15.
In accordance with the present invention, the third connector strip 28 on the first side 12 of the flexible tape banner 15 is configured to be connected to the fourth connector strip 32 when the tape banner 15 is rolled up, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. A loop area 23 is indicated in FIG. 4 to illustrate approximately where the flexible loop 30 goes around when the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 is formed into a loop as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a wrist tape banner 11 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The wrist tape banner 11 is similar to the wrist tape banner 10 of FIG. 1, except the flexible loop 30 is replaced with a slotted buckle 33. The slotted buckle 33 preferably is constructed of a flexible canvas, but can be constructed of vinyl, plastic, leather, polyester, or other high strength, flexible material. The buckle includes two slots 34 and 35. The first slot 33 is adjacent to a first end 31 of the buckle, and the second slot 35 is adjacent to the second end 37 of the buckle 33. As shown in FIG. 6, the second slot or opening 35 of the buckle 33 is for inserting the inner end 14 of the tape banner 11 to the open space 24, and the enclosing the second end 37 of the buckle 33 by connecting the first and second connector strips 20 and 22, similar to the open loop 30 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The first slot or opening 34 has width similar to the tape banner 15, thus enabling the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 to slide through the slot 34 and form a loop, similar to the loop 25 formed with the loop 30 as shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment 11, wherein the first slot 35 of the buckle 33 is not included, and a releasable connector 41, such as hook and loop connectors, is directly glued, stitched, or otherwise attached to the buckle 33. The releasable connector 41 is then attached to the releasable connector strips 20 and/or 24 on the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15 to form the loop 25 (FIG. 3). This embodiment enables the buckle 33 to be released from the inner end 14 of the tape banner 15 should the tape banner 15 be forcibly pulled away from the wearer. This embodiment provides a safety mechanism to protect the wrist flag wearer from injury. Texts and a light source/noise maker 29 also can be included on the first side 12 or second side 18 in this embodiment.
FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 15 wherein the tape banner 15 is in the extended or unrolled configuration. The loop 25 has been formed by slipping the outer end 16 through the loop 30. The third connector strip 28 on the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 is clearly shown, and well as the text or promotional design 17. The flexible loop 30 is shown surrounding the open area 24 and the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15. In this configuration, the loop 25 is formed by passing the outer end 16 through the flexible loop 30. The first side 12 of the tape banner 15 is facing inward of the loop 25.
FIG. 8b is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 15 shown in FIG. 8a from the opposite angle in the extended or unrolled configuration. The fourth connector strip 32 on the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 is clearly shown, and well as the text or promotional design 19. An edge of the third connector strip 28 can just be seen on the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15. The flexible loop 30 is shown surrounding the open area 24 and the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15. In this configuration, the loop 25 is formed by passing the outer end 16 through the flexible loop 30. The first side 12 of the tape banner 15 also can be seen facing inward towards the center of the loop 25.
After the flexible loop 30 is enclosed within the open space 24 by connecting the first connector strip 20 and the second connector strip 22 together, the loop 25 is formed by pulling the outer end 16 with the third connector strip 28 of the tape banner 15 through the elastic or flexible loop 30 on the opposite end of the tape banner 15 and continuing to pull until the outer end 16 until the tape banner 15 makes a loop 25 that is configured to fit around a person's wrist or head. A user pulls the loose or outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 until the loop 25 is secure or tight around the user's wrist or head, thus securing the tape banner 15 to the user. The user can then wrap the loose part 27 including the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15 around the user's wrist, preferably about two rotations, and then connecting the third connector strip 28 to the fourth connector strip 32 to secure the loose part 27 of the tape banner 15 around the user's wrist. The user creates a wristband by securing the third connector strip 28 to the fourth connector strip 32. The tape banner 10 can be configured to fit all possible wrist sizes by the using the adjustable third and fourth strip connectors 28 and 32, respectively.
When the user wants to deploy and wave the tape banner 15, the user can detach the third releasable connector strip 28 from the fourth releasable connector strip 32 to unwrap and extend the tape banner 15. The loop 25 around a user's head or wrist remains in tension from the interference fit of the flexible loop 30.
FIG. 9a is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 15 wherein the tape banner 15 is in the extended or unrolled configuration, but the loop 25 has been formed in reverse direction to FIG. 8a by slipping the outer end 16 through the loop 30 so that the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 faces inward towards the center of the loop 25. The third connector strip 28 on the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 is clearly shown, well as the text or promotional design 17. The flexible loop 30 is shown surrounding the open area 24 and the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15. In this configuration, the loop 25 is formed by passing the outer end 16 through the flexible loop 30 so that the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 faces inward towards the center of the formed loop 25.
FIG. 9b is another perspective view of the wrist tape banner 15 shown in FIG. 9a in a semi-extended or semi-unrolled configuration wherein the loop 25, like in FIG. 9a, has been formed in reverse direction by slipping the outer end 16 through the loop 30 so the second side 18 of the tape banner 18 faces inward towards the center of the loop 25. Portions of both the first side 12 and the second side of the tape banner 15 are visible, as well as the third strip connector 28 and the fourth connector strip 32. Promotional text or design 19 on the second side 18 also is illustrated. The flexible loop 30 also can be seen around the open area 24 and the portion of the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15.
FIG. 10 illustrates the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in the extended configuration. This perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 shows the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 and a portion of the first side 12 in the loop 25 around the wrist 36 of a user. The fourth connector strip 32 is shown. The flexible loop 30 around the portion of the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15 is shown to form a loop 25 around the wrist 36 of a user.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a user wearing the wrist tape banner 10 on the wrist 36 is accordance with the present invention. The tape banner 15 is illustrated in the rolled-up configuration around a user's wrist 36. The second side 18 of the tape banner 15 is shown, and a portion of the first side 12 of the tape banner 15 is shown within the loop 25 formed by the tape banner 15. A portion of the third connector strip 32 is shown as well as the outer end 16 of the tape banner 15.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 in the rolled-up configuration. The first side 12 within the loop 25 and the second side 18 on the outside of the loop 25 of the tape banner 15 are illustrated. The outer end 16 and the third connector strip 32 are shown, as well as the flexible loop 30 around the portion of the loop area 23 of the tape banner 15.
FIG. 13a illustrates another configuration of the present invention wherein a user can create a larger noose or loop 25 to secure the tape banner 15 around their head 38 to be fashioned as a headband. In this configuration the tension from the interference fit of the flexible loop 30 is sufficient to hold the headband in place. This configuration in FIG. 13a shows a formed loop wherein the second side 18 of tape banner on the outside of the head 38 when the loop 25 has been formed in by slipping the outer end 16 through the loop 30. Promotional text or design 19 is also illustrated.
FIG. 13b shows a head band loop wherein the first side 12 of tape banner is facing outward from the head 38 when the loop 25 has been formed in by slipping the outer end 16 through the loop 30. Promotional text or design 17 also is illustrated. In other configurations, the user may create a loop 25 and noose to secure on a hat creating a hat band, on a water bottle or beverage container, on a belt loop, car rear view mirror, car luggage rack, car antennae, or other items where the tape banner 15 can be wrapped and/or displayed. The tape banner 15 also can be hung as a decorative pennant on a wall or on a door knob. In all configurations, wrist tape banner 15 can be used to collect autographs or display trading pins as a keepsake souvenir.
FIGS. 14a, 14b, and 14c illustrate an accessory tab strip 36 that can be connected to releasable connector strip 28 to attach accessories, such as a pen, a light, a tassel, key rings, carabiner clips, or other desired items. FIG. 14a is a side view of the accessory tab strip 36. Opposing sides of the accessory tab strip 36 include releasable connectors. FIG. 14b illustrates the first side 37 of the tab strip 36, and FIG. 14c illustrates the opposing second side 38 of the tab strip 36. An aperture 39 can be included passing though the accessory tab strip 36 for attaching various desired items. The accessory tab strip 36 preferably includes releasable hook and loop fasteners on opposing first and second sides 37 and 38, respectively. The accessory tab strip 36 is designed to connect the releasable connector 28. When the flexible tap banner 15 is in the rolled-up configuration, the accessory tab strip 36 is designed to releasably connect to and between the releasable connector 28 and the third releasable connector 32. The accessory tab connector preferably is constructed of a durable cloth material, so as to be flexible, but strong.
FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the flexible tape banner 15 in the rolled-up configuration, wherein the accessory tab strip 36 has been included. The accessory tab strip 36 is shown to be both connected to and between the third releasable connector strip 28 and the fourth releasable connector strip 32. In an alternative embodiment, the accessory tab strip 36 can be stitched, glued, or otherwise secured to the outer end 18 of the tape banner 15, but able to be releasably connected to the fourth connector strip 32 in the rolled-up configuration of the tape banner 15.
In an alternative embodiment the accessory tab strip 36 can replace the releasable connector 28. In this embodiment, one side 37 of the accessory tab strip 36 does not include a releasable connector, and that side 37 is stitched, glued, or otherwise securely attached to the outer end 18 of the flexible tape banner 15. The other side 38 of the accessory tab strip 36 still does include a releasable connector for attaching the accessory tab strip 36 to the fourth releasable connector 32 in the rolled-up configuration of the tape banner 15, as shown in FIG. 15.
While specific embodiments have been shown and described to point out fundamental and novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the invention both illustrated and in the operation may be done by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Patent Application
20240324735
