US20230381680A1

US20230381680A1 - Sound-making device for cheering

Info

Publication number: US20230381680A1
Application number: US18/232,566
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Hunn; Cheryl Hunn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-10-15
Filing date: 2023-08-10
Publication date: 2023-11-30

Abstract

The invention is a noise-making device for sports venues, cheering venues and the like that provides a body and a head attached to the body. The device can be mechanically or electronically activated for both light and sound. The head of the device can take many different forms but is universally applied to the body.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/071,614 dated Oct. 15, 2020.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Celebration of sport and various like activities is ancient. From the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, crowds have gathered to celebrate organized competition and have done so loudly and enthusiastically.
Devices of various types and kinds have existed throughout time to amplify the cheering, positively or negatively, of fans in sporting arenas, political venues and the like. These devices have often been home-made and one-offs not suitable for mass production.
In modern times, sports of all kinds draw many thousands of fans to outdoor, open air and enclosed venues. It is common for sports like American football, basketball, international soccer, cricket and others to draw fans in the dozens of thousands and sometimes in one hundred thousand in one event or more. In such cases, fans' ability to influence the outcome of games can be pronounced and welcomed. Fans themselves make noise naturally but can also enhance their noise-making ability by use of a device of one kind or another, many of which are known.
These devices, however, fail to provide interchangeability, for example, the ability to use one device for a child's team, a college team and a pro team. They also fail to provide a diverse ability by which noise can be made, whether mechanically rendered, electronically rendered or some combination thereof.
What is therefore needed and provided herein is a noise-making device that provides both the interchangeability and diversity of use currently lacking in modern, known noise-making devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides, A noise-making device for use at sporting events, comprises a head or head portion. The head can be in the form of a particular team mascot, player, brand and the like. The noise-making device also contains a body upon which the head sits and from which may be releasable from the head. The body contains a hollow volume that can be filled with a number of items. For example, noise making items are positioned within the volume of the body. In use, the noise making items are activated and produce sound when a user engages the noise-making device. Also, noise making items may be positioned within the volume of the body and/or the head portion.
For instance, the noise-making device sounds when it is activated by a user shaking it. Such shaking can be either vigorous or mild, depending upon how the noise-making device is configured to respond. This embodiment describes a noise-making device using mechanical noise making items specifically configured (or naturally configured) to make noise when shaken within the body of the noise-making device.
In another embodiment herein, the noise-making device comprises electronic noisemaking means. Such electronic noise-making means may be in addition to mechanical noise making items as recounted hereinabove, or electronic noise-making means may be the only provided noise maker for the noise-making device. Such design is entirely within the design choice of a manufacturer.
In practice, the noise-making device is activated when the electronic noise-making means are engaged, usually by a switch of one sort or another, being well known in the art. Alternatively, sound from the electronic noise-making means of the noise-making device is activated by a user shaking the device vigorously or mildly.
As noted hereinabove, the head of the noise-making device is detachable from the body thereof. Also, the head is interchangeable. There is a connector between the head and the body of the noise-making device that allows universal fit between multiple kinds of heads to the body.
In a preferred embodiment herein, light elements are integral to the body of the noise-making device. The light elements may also be resident within the head of the noise-making device. When the head is connected to the body, the lights can be activated. In such instance, the connection of the head to the body completes a circuit.
The completion of the circuit activates one or more sound features of the noise-making device. Also, the completion of the circuit activates one or more light features of the noise-making device. The noise-making device further comprises one or more replaceable batteries for powering the noise-making device. In addition, or alternatively, the noise-making device comprises one or more self-charging means for powering the noise making device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which will become more apparent as the description proceeds, are described in the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a planar side view of the noise-making device herein;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the noise-making device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3A is a front view of one embodiment of a head herein;

FIG. 3B is a front view of another embodiment of a head herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred adapter embodiment herein;

FIG. 5 is a perspective partial view of the preferred adapter in connection with the noise-making device herein; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a circuit used in the invention herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By the term “noise-making device”, it is meant herein an audible device, a light making device or some combination of the two types of devices into one sound and light making device.
By the term “cheer making device”, it is meant herein the noise-making device as described herein.
By the term “sports venues”, it is meant herein sports venues, cheering venues, outdoor venues, pep rallies, political rallies, indoor sporting events, basketball games, cricket matches, football games, wrestling matches, mixed-martial art matches, martial art tournaments and the like.
The invention herein provides a noise-making device for use at sporting events, celebrations, cheering events and the like comprises a head or head portion. The head can be in the form of a particular team mascot, player, brand and the like. The noise-making device also contains a body upon which the head sits and from which may be releasable from the head. The body contains a hollow volume that can be filled with a number of items. For example, noise making items are positioned within the volume of the body. In use, the noise making items are activated and produce sound when a user engages the noise-making device.
For instance, the noise-making device sounds when it is activated by a user shaking it. Such shaking can be either vigorous or mild, depending upon how the noise-making device is configured to respond. This embodiment describes a noise-making device using mechanical noise making items specifically configured (or naturally configured) to make noise when shaken within the body of the noise-making device.
In another embodiment herein, the noise-making device comprises electronic noisemaking means. Such electronic noise-making means may be in addition to mechanical noise making items as recounted hereinabove, or electronic noise-making means may be the only provided noise maker for the noise-making device. Such design is entirely within the design choice of a manufacturer.
In practice, the noise-making device is activated when the electronic noise-making means are engaged, usually by a switch of one sort or another, being well known in the art. Alternatively, sound from the electronic noise-making means of the noise-making device is activated by a user shaking the device vigorously or mildly.
As noted hereinabove, the head of the noise-making device is detachable from the body thereof. Also, the head is interchangeable. There is a connector between the head and the body of the noise-making device that allows universal fit between multiple kinds of heads to the body.
Sound or light produced from the sound-making device herein may be produced from either the head, the body or both of the sound-making device. The head or body may independently produce sound and/or light or may produce same together in coordination. Such coordination of both light and sound can occur manually by manipulation of a user or by one or more algorithms programmed into the sound-making device. In such instance, a user can select a particular pre-programmed sound and/or light display by which to use the sound-making device.
A central processing unit (CPU) within cheering device 5 (FIG. 1 ) is programmable before its use and programmable during its use. An application residing on a user's cellphone, pad device, laptop or personal computer is useful for programming cheering device 5. Such programming includes but is not limited to programming the lights, programming the sound, programming a digital display module connected (i.e., imbedded into) to cheering device 5, programming vibration of cheering device 5.
The CPU can also be programmed by a third party (i.e., stadium, venue, sports team, and/or any organization with permissions to access, by programming/communication) cheering device 5. The programming is most accessible by a user through a computer application (i.e., an “app”) that enables on demand, customizable functioning by cheering device 5. Such programming can also occur in certain appropriate venues, e.g., a concert, in which use of cheering device 5 is encouraged and designed to be in sync with, for example, a performance at a venue.
In a preferred embodiment herein, light elements are integral to the body of the noise-making device. The light elements may also be resident within the head of the noise-making device. When the head is connected to the body, the lights can be activated. In such instance, the connection of the head to the body completes a circuit.
The completion of the circuit activates one or more sound features of the noise-making device. Also, the completion of the circuit activates one or more light features of the noise-making device. The noise-making device further comprises one or more replaceable batteries for powering the noise-making device. In addition, or alternatively, the noise-making device comprises one or more self-charging means for powering the noise making device.
In some instances, a venue may seek to still or limit the sound of a noise-making device. For such venues, a noise-making device, especially one that is actuated electronically and that has a both light and sound features, can also be equipped with a mute function for both sound and light. For properly equipped venues, some sound-making devices may mute said devices at a properly equipped server instead of asking fans to mute the devices locally.
In another embodiment herein, a venue's noise-making devices may all be connected wirelessly (e.g., by BLUETOOTH®) to a server within the venue. By such connection, a venue can coordinate the noise of each noise-making device so connected. Such coordination can include sound coordination and light coordination. It is conceivable herein that high level coordination of both light and sound can be achieved through programming (i.e., one or more algorithms) housed upon a venue's server whereby such program actuates the sound-making devices herein.
The noise making mechanism includes an adapter that provides additional functionality. The adapter provides 1) A complex internal circuit (programmable chip) for lighting. There are two types of circuits 1) is continuous and the other is intermittent for blinking. Both have the function in the adapter to be turned on and off. In addition, the circuit is powered by a small lithium battery and has a USB connection for charging.
Ideally, the adapter provides multiple kinds of functions. For example, the adapter will play music that corresponds with the venue/event intended. It also attaches to both interchangeable heads and interchangeable handles. For additional functionality, a hook has been added to the top of the head of the prototype. This can be used to free up a user's hands and have the device remain accessible and visible while hanging from a user's neck or waist.
Cheering device 5 may also be equipped with a vibration device activatable either by programming (i.e., by a user, venue or organization) or directly by a user via an actuator on the device, i.e., a button. These vibrators are of the like and kind well known by persons of skill in the art and commonly available.
Cheering device 5 may also be equipped with a digital display activatable either by programming (i.e., by a user, venue or organization) or directly by a user via an actuator on the device, i.e., a button. Digital display devices of the kind contemplated herein are of the like and kind well known by persons of skill in the art and commonly available.
FIG. 1 is a planar side view of noise-making device 10 or cheering device 10 herein. The terms noise-making device 10 and cheering device 10 are interchangeable. As shown are head 15 and body 20 of cheering device 10. Looping string 25 is connected to the bottom of body 20 of cheering device 10.
Head 15 shown in FIG. 1 shows an American football helmet. In practice, heads 15 configured for placement onto body 15 are useful therefor. It is noted that body 15 can be cylindrical or rectangular. In either example, the dimensions of body 15 may vary according to design construction. As shown, body 15 appears to be slender. It may also be made in larger or smaller sizes depending upon design choice and the desires of a particular customer base.
FIG. 2 is a front view of cheering device 10 of FIG. 1 . Head 15 may be affixed to body in a number of ways. First, a male to female interlocking mechanism (not shown) well known by practitioners in the art, exists in which head 15 and body 20 can be connected. Second, a thread mechanism 30 for screwing head 15 onto body 20 is shown by which operation, head 15 is screwed onto body 20.
FIG. 3A is a front view of an alternative embodiment of another head type herein. Shown is head 15 that looks like a basketball. This is exemplary and provides further affirmation that differently shaped heads 15 can be applied to body 20 thereby completing cheering device 10. Similarly, FIG. 3B is a front view of another embodiment of a head herein, particularly the head of BRUTUS®, the mascot of THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY®.
The head 15 variations shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B show how varied heads 15 can be. This also shows applicability of cheering device 10 for nearly every kind of sporting event, fundraiser, and the like. Of course, heads 15 can be created for all levels of sport and play and may even be personalized to individual players. Head 15 and body 20 variations of cheering device 10 are virtually limitless in their style and configuration.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the preferred adapter 35 herein. Noise making mechanism 10 includes adapter 35 that provides additional functionality. Preferably, adapter comprises 1) a complex internal circuit (programmable chip) for lighting, sound, communication, and the like. There are two types of preferred circuits herein: 1) continuous and 2) intermittent. Both circuit types herein comprise on/off functionality.
In practice, the circuit herein is powered by one or more small lithium batteries (not shown) and has a USB connection for charging. Also in practice, adapter 35 can play music that corresponds with the venue/event intended. Adapter 35 can attach to both interchangeable heads and interchangeable handles. For better functionality a hook has been added to the top of the head of the prototype. This can be used to free up the consumers hands and have the prototype still accessible and visible while hanging from the neck. FIG. 6 provides a schematic view of an exemplary circuit contemplated for use herein.
FIG. 5 provides a perspective partial view of the preferred adapter 35 in connection with head 15 and body 20 which is partially show in FIG. 5 . In practice, adapter is attachable to both sections, i.e., head 15 and body 20, though a threaded mechanism that allows adapter 35 to screw onto both head 15 and body 20 at each end thereof. This kind of attachment is well known to persons of skill in the art and forms no actual part of the invention herein. What is also well known by persons of skill in the art are other common means of attachment between two parts, e.g., head 15 and body 20.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A programmable noise-making device for use at sporting events, comprising:

a. A head, said head being choose-able by a user to represent a said user's team aspect;

b. A body connectable and releasable from said head, said body containing a volume, said volume being Tillable;

c. Noise making items positioned within said volume of said body, said noise making items being activated and producing sound when said user activates said noise-making device; and

d. At least one central processing unit (CPU) programmable by a user or a venue.

2. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein said noise-making device is activated by a user shaking said noise-making device.

3. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein further comprising electronic noisemaking means.

4. The noise-making device of claim 3 wherein sound from said noise-making device is activated by activation of said electronic noisemaking means.

5. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein said head is detachable from said body of said noise-making device.

6. The noise-making device of claim 5 wherein said head is interchangeable.

7. The noise-making device of claim 5 wherein multiple kinds of said heads may be attached to said body of said noise-making device.

8. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein light elements are integral to said body of said noise-making device.

9. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein light elements are integral to said body of said noise-making device.

10. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein attachment of said head to said body of said noise-making device completes a circuit.

11. The noise-making device of claim 10 wherein said completion of said circuit activates one or more sound features of said noise-making device.

12. The noise-making device of claim 10 wherein said completion of said circuit activates one or more light features of said noise-making device.

13. The noise-making device of claim 1 further comprising one or more replaceable batteries for powering said noise-making device.

14. The noise-making device of claim 1 further comprising one or more self-charging means for powering said noise making device.

15. The noise-making device of claim 1 wherein said CPU is programmable for light, sound, and vibration.

16. The noise-making device of claim 15 wherein said device further comprises a digital display.

17. The noise-making device of claim 16 wherein said device is programmable by a user or a venue.