US20230157425A1

US20230157425A1 - Wrist Flag and Autograph Band

Info

Publication number: US20230157425A1
Application number: US17/990,668
Authority: US
Inventors: James A. Ringenbach; Sheila K. Ringenbach; Calvin J. Ringenbach; Thomas J. Ringenbach; Mason K. Ringenbach
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-11-19
Filing date: 2022-11-19
Publication date: 2023-05-25

Abstract

A wrist tape banner to be worn around the wrist of a user for convenient transportation and easy release and display at sporting events. The tape banner is highly visible in the extended configuration and very compact when rolled up around the wrist. The wrist tape banner can be adjusted to securely fit around any wrist. The wrist tape banner also functions as a writeable surface for receiving autographs.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims priority to provisional patent application entitled “Hey Wave Rally Flag” filed on Nov. 19, 2021, having application number 63/281,400, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

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 a wrist

Description of Related Art

Sports 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 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 of their favorite athletes
Accordingly, there is a need for a 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.

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 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.
In order to provide these aspects and others, the present invention includes 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 connector to the third connector strip when the tape banner is rolled up.
The tape banner is a high quality, comfortable, customizable, preferably 2 inches wide by 26 inches long that conveniently wraps around a wrist forming a stylish one size fits all wristband or wrist tape banner or wrist flag. The tape banner or tape banner flag is reusable, durable, and preferably constructed strong, smooth polyester with dye sublimation printing providing a surface for graphic logo designs and customizable team colors. The tape banner surface also can be used for collecting autographs at sporting events, concerts, and theme parks. The wrist tape banner also 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.
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 tape banner configured in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second side of the tape banner shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein a open area of the tape banner is enclosing the flexible loop;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second side of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 3 where the tape banner is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first side of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 4 when the tape banner is in the extended configuration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 being waved and is attached to a person’s wrist in the extended configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 6 attached to a person’s wrist in the rolled up configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 7 in the rolled up configuration; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tape banner shown in FIGS. 1 - 8 attached to a person’s head.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first side 12 of the wrist tape banner 10 configured in accordance with the present invention. The wrist tape banner 10 includes a tape banner 15 having an inner end 14, an outer end 16, a first side 12, and a second side 18 (FIG. 2 ). 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. An 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 constructed of hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro®. The first, second, and third connector strips 20, 22, 28 construction materials preferably include cloth that is 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 31 and around 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 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 wrist of a person to hold the tape banner 15. 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 material.
It should be noted that in another embodiment, the first connect strip 20 and the second connector strip 22 can be stitching that are permanently sewn together to enclose open area 24 around the flexible loop 30.
A team logo, promotional statement, or other text or design 17 can be included of 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 written texts.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 shown in FIG. 1 . Promotional text or a 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. 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 is configured to be connected to the fourth connector strip 32 when the tape banner 15 is rolled up, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 . A loop area 23 is indicated on FIG. 2 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. 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 wrist of a person. FIG. 3 illustrates the outer end 16 having been inserted through the flexible loop 30 to form 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 perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 wherein the tape banner 15 is 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. A loop 25 is formed by passing the outer end 16 through the flexible loop 30. The first side 18 of the tape banner 15 also can be seen in this perspective view.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 4 in the extended or unrolled configuration. The first side 12 of the tape banner 15 is clearly visible as well as the third strip connector 28 proximate to the outer end 16. Promotional text or design 17 is also illustrated. A portion of the second side 18 of the tape banner 15 on the loop 25 is shown in this perspective view. 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.
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. 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, thus securing the tape banner 15 to the user’s wrist. 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 wrist tape connector 10 can be configured to fit all possible wrist sizes by the using the adjustable third and fourth strip connectors 28 and 32.
When the user wants to deploy and wave the tape banner 15, the user can detach the third connector strip 28 from the fourth connector strip 32 to unwrap and extend the tape banner 15. The loop 25 around a user’s wrist remains in tension from the interference fit of the flexible loop 30.
FIG. 6 illustrates the wrist tape banner 10 shown in FIGS. 1 - 5 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 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 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. In other configurations, the user may create a noose to secure on a belt loop, car rear view mirror, car luggage rack, car antennae, or other items where the tape banner 15 can be displayed. The wrist tape banner 10 also can be hung as a decorative pennant on a wall or on a door knob. In all configurations, wrist tape banner 10 can be used to collect autographs as a keepsake souvenir.
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 illustrated and in the operation may be done by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A wrist tape banner for use at sporting events, comprising:

a tape banner having an inner end, an outer end, a first side, and a second side;

a first connector strip on the first side of the tape banner proximate the inner end of the tape banner;

a second connector strip 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 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 on the first side of the tape banner proximate the outer end of the tape banner; and

a fourth connector strip 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 connector to the third connector strip when the tape banner is rolled up.

2. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, further comprising large promotion text of the first side and the second side of the tape banner.

3. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first connector strip and the second connector strip are connected together, and the flexible loop and enclosed within and around the open space of the tape banner.

4. The wrist tape banner of claim 3, wherein the third connector strip is connected to the fourth connector strip when the tape banner is rolled up.

5. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the tape banner is constructed of material that expands and contracts similar to a rubber band.

6. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth connector strips are constructed of Velcro® fasteners.

7. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth connector strips include hook and loop fasteners.

8. The wrist tape banner of claim 3, wherein the outer end of the tape banner has passed through the flexible loop so as to form a loop including the inner end and the blank space of the tape banner.

9. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the tape banner includes a high visibility color.

10. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the tape banner is coated with polyeurothane for waterproof protection.

11. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first connector strip and the second connector strip are stitching that are to be sewn together.

12. The wrist tape banner of claim 1, wherein the first connector strip and the second connector strip are thread stitching that are to be sewn together.

13. The wrist tape banner of Clam 1, wherein the tape banner is constructed of cloth.

14. The wrist tape banner of Clam 1, wherein the tape banner is constructed of plastic.