Cheering support device and method
A cheering support device for sound generation in association with sporting events, the cheering support device includes a semi-rigid planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, the primary length dimension being longer than the primary width dimension. The planar member includes a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from the base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of the base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to the agitation and a method for using the cheering support device.
The present invention relates broadly to devices and apparatus used by cheerleaders and spectators to express support for a particular team, athlete or both at sporting events. More particularly, the present invention is related to a sound generating cheering support device for sound generation and display and method therefor.
Cheerleaders are a common sight at football and basketball games. It is not uncommon for cheerleaders to use pompoms or other devices that when agitated provide visual stimulus to assist the cheerleaders in the sometimes arduous task of instilling enthusiasm in a crowd of spectators and in the participants. Sound is also a part of a cheerleader's repertoire which may include music and vocal cheers through the use of devices that may provide or enhance sound generation, such as a megaphone.
In the past, certain devices have been devised that can allow cheerleaders and spectators to generate sound in support of the participants in the sporting events including loud ratcheting devices and the aforesaid megaphones. Horns, such as a marine air horn are popular sound generators but may violate stadium or league restrictions.
In addition to sound, other visual stimulus may be provided for spectators and cheerleaders including the aforesaid pompoms which may be formed in different colors and other signs depicting team insignia, colors or both.
There currently exists a need for a device that can present and display team colors and insignia in addition to providing nonobjectionable, controlled sound generation that is easily stored, inexpensive to manufacture and available for use by both cheerleading squads and spectators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an object of the present invention to provide a cheering support device capable of selective sound generation through manual agitation by a user.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a cheering support device that carries indicia, predetermined colors or both for display by a user.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a cheering support device that carries indicia composed of commercial advertising.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a cheering support device that is straightforward and inexpensive to manufacture in bulk, and that provides numerous auxiliary functions.
To those and other collective ends, the present invention includes a cheering support device for sound generation in association with sporting events. The cheering support device includes a semi-rigid planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, the primary length dimension being longer than the primary width dimension. The planar member includes a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from the base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of the base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to the agitation.
The outer perimeter of the planar member may be formed with an irregular configuration. Further, the planar member may be formed from a semi-rigid sheet material disposed around a flexible member, the flexible member carrying indicia for use in aiding cheering with the cheering support device. In addition, the planar member may be formed from a semi-rigid sheet material disposed around a flexible member, the flexible member carrying indicia composed of commercial advertising. The body may also include two planar sides with each side being formed with a predetermined insignia for use in aiding cheering with the cheering support device.
The present invention is also directed to a method for utilizing the cheering support device, preferably at organized sporting events. To that end, a method for supporting cheering at sporting events utilizing a cheering support device includes the steps of:
(a) providing a cheering support device formed as a semi-rigid planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, the primary length dimension being longer than the primary width dimension, the planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from the base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of the base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to the agitation for use as a cheering support device; and
(b) agitating the cheering support device for sound generation in support of ongoing cheering.
The method may also be practiced wherein the step of agitating the cheering support device includes agitating the cheering support device responsive to instructions from a cheerleading squad.
Further, the step of providing a cheering support device may include providing a cheering support device carrying indicia for use in aiding cheering and the method further comprises the step of displaying the cheering support device during agitation thereof.
In addition, the method of the present invention may include the steps of providing cheering support devices to a cheerleading squad, and directing use of the cheering support devices, the directing being conducted by the cheerleading squad. The method may also be characterized by the step of providing cheering support devices carrying indicia composed of commercial advertising.
According to another aspect of the method of the present invention, a method for supporting cheering at sporting events utilizing a cheering support device includes the steps of:
(a) providing a plurality of semi-rigid planar members, each having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, the primary length dimension being longer than the primary width dimension, the planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from the base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of the base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to the agitation for use as a cheering support device, with each cheering support device carrying predetermined interrelated indicia;
(b) providing a storage compartment for the plurality of cheering support devices, the compartment characterized by indexing indicia for identifying each cheering support device carried therein;
(c) removing predetermined cheering support devices from the storage compartment by members of a cheerleading squad;
(d) arranging the cheering support devices in a predetermined manner; and
(e) agitating the cheering support devices for sound generation therefrom in support of ongoing cheering.
The method may also include the steps of providing a plurality of cheering support devices to spectators and directing use of the cheering support devices, the directing being conducted by the cheerleading squad.
In addition, the method may further characterized wherein the step of agitating the cheering support devices by the spectators includes consecutive agitation of the cheering support devices by adjacent groups of spectators resulting in a traveling wave of agitating cheering support devices and the accompanying sound crescendo.
Further, the step of providing cheering support devices may include providing cheering support devices having a first color on a first side thereof and a second color on a second side thereof. The method may also include the step of displaying one of the first side and the second side so as to display one of the first color and the second color under guidance by the cheerleading squad.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for supporting cheering at sporting events utilizing a cheering support device includes the steps of:
(a) providing a first plurality of semi-rigid planar members for use by a cheerleading group, each planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a structure with an outer perimeter, the primary length dimension being longer than the primary width dimension, the planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from the base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of the base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to the agitation for use as a cheering support device;
(b) providing a second plurality of semi-rigid planar members for use by a spectator group, each planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a structure with an outer perimeter, the primary length dimension being longer than the primary width dimension, the planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from the base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of the base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to the agitation for use as a cheering support device;
(c) displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by the cheerleading group for sound generation; and
(d) displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by the spectator group for sound generation.
The method may also be characterized wherein the step of displaying and agitating by the cheerleading group includes displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by the cheerleading group for call sound generation and the step of displaying and agitating by the spectator group includes displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by the spectator group for response sound generation.
The method of the present invention may also further include the step of agitating the cheering support devices by the spectator group includes consecutive agitation of the cheering support devices by adjacent groups of spectators resulting in a traveling wave of agitating cheering support devices and the accompanying sound crescendo.
In addition, the step of providing cheering support devices includes providing cheering support devices having a first color on a first side thereof and a second color on a second side thereof. The method may also further include the step of displaying one of the first side and the second side so as to display one of the first color and the second color by the spectator group under guidance by the cheerleading group.
By the above, the present invention provides a semi-rigid, laminated device that is straightforward and inexpensive to manufacture and provides both sound generation and a visual display that can be easily incorporated into cheering routines and other cheering activities.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Turning now to the drawings and, more particularly to
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In use, the cheering support device 10 proves versatile.
The cheerleaders 32 can instruct or direct the spectators which are illustrated in
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Other features may be realized with the present invention. The device 10 is waterproof and protects from dirt and grit when used as a seat protector by either cheerleaders, spectators or both. It also may be used as a fan to provide heat relief for cheerleaders, spectators or both.
By the above, the present invention provides a versatile device capable of visual and audio stimulation for use by both cheerleading squads and spectators at sporting events. The device is extremely versatile for carrying advertising, displaying team related insignia and colors as well as providing a waterproof barrier for seating and providing a handheld fan which can provide air movement as necessary. Overall, the present cheering support device provides a low cost device of great utility with respect to cheering at sporting events.
It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of a broad utility and application. While the present invention is described in all currently foreseeable embodiments, there may be other, unforeseeable embodiments and adaptations of the present invention, as well as variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, that do not depart from the substance or scope of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A cheering support device for sound generation in association with sporting events, said cheering support device comprising:
- a semi-rigid planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, said primary length dimension being longer than said primary width dimension, said planar member including:
- a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user;
- a distal end, disposed oppositely from said base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of said base; and
- a sound generation portion audibly responsive to said agitation.
2. A cheering support device according to claim 1 wherein said outer perimeter of said planar member is formed with an irregular configuration.
3. A cheering support device according to claim 1 wherein said planar member is formed from a semi-rigid sheet material disposed around a flexible member, said flexible member carrying indicia for use in aiding cheering with said cheering support device.
4. A cheering support device according to claim 1 said planar member is formed from a semi-rigid sheet material disposed around a flexible member, said flexible member carrying indicia composed of commercial advertising.
5. A cheering support device according to claim 1 wherein said body includes two planar sides with each side being formed with a predetermined insignia for use in aiding cheering with said cheering support device.
6. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events utilizing a cheering support device comprising the steps of:
- providing a cheering support device formed as a semi-rigid planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, said primary length dimension being longer than said primary width dimension, said planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from said base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of said base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to said agitation for use as a cheering support device; and
- agitating said cheering support device for sound generation in support of ongoing cheering.
7. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 6 wherein said step of agitating said cheering support device includes agitating said cheering support device responsive to instructions from a cheerleading squad.
8. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 6 and wherein said step of providing a cheering support device includes providing a cheering support device carrying indicia for use in aiding cheering and the method further comprises the step of displaying said cheering support device during agitation thereof.
9. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 6 and further comprising the steps of providing cheering support devices to a cheerleading squad, and directing use of said cheering support devices, said directing being conducted by said cheerleading squad.
10. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 6 and further comprising the step of providing cheering support devices carrying indicia composed of commercial advertising.
11. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events utilizing a cheering support device comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of semi-rigid planar members, each having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a body with an outer perimeter, said primary length dimension being longer than said primary width dimension, said planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from said base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of said base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to said agitation for use as a cheering support device, with each cheering support device carrying predetermined interrelated indicia;
- providing a storage compartment for said plurality of cheering support devices, said compartment characterized by indexing indicia for identifying each cheering support device carried therein;
- removing predetermined cheering support devices from said storage compartment by members of a cheerleading squad;
- arranging said cheering support devices in a predetermined manner; and
- agitating said cheering support devices for sound generation therefrom in support of ongoing cheering.
12. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 11 and further comprising the steps of providing a plurality of cheering support devices to spectators and directing use of said cheering support devices, said directing being conducted by said cheerleading squad.
13. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 12 and further comprising the step of agitating said cheering support devices by the spectators includes consecutive agitation of said cheering support devices by adjacent groups of spectators resulting in a traveling wave of agitating cheering support devices and the accompanying sound crescendo.
14. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 11 wherein said step of providing cheering support devices includes providing cheering support devices having a first color on a first side thereof and a second color on a second side thereof.
15. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 14 and further comprising the step of displaying one of said first side and said second side so as to display one of said first color and said second color under guidance by said cheerleading squad.
16. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events utilizing a cheering support device comprising the steps of:
- providing a first plurality of semi-rigid planar members for use by a cheerleading group, each planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a structure with an outer perimeter, said primary length dimension being longer than said primary width dimension, said planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from said base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of said base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to said agitation for use as a cheering support device;
- providing a second plurality of semi-rigid planar members for use by a spectator group, each planar member having a primary length dimension and a primary width dimension defining a structure with an outer perimeter, said primary length dimension being longer than said primary width dimension, said planar member including a base for gripping and agitation thereof by a user; a distal end, disposed oppositely from said base for movement though an arc resulting from agitation of said base; and a sound generation portion audibly responsive to said agitation for use as a cheering support device;
- displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by said cheerleading group for sound generation; and
- displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by said spectator group for sound generation.
17. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 16 wherein said step of displaying and agitating by the cheerleading group includes displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by said cheerleading group for call sound generation and said step of displaying and agitating by the spectator group includes displaying and agitating predetermined cheering support devices by said spectator group for response sound generation.
18. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 16 and further comprising the step of agitating said cheering support devices by the spectator group includes consecutive agitation of said cheering support devices by adjacent groups of spectators resulting in a traveling wave of agitating cheering support devices and the accompanying sound crescendo.
19. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 16 wherein said step of providing cheering support devices includes providing cheering support devices having a first color on a first side thereof and a second color on a second side thereof.
20. A method for supporting cheering at sporting events according to claim 19 and further comprising the step of displaying one of said first side and said second side so as to display one of said first color and said second color by said spectator group under guidance by said cheerleading group.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 17, 2005
Publication Date: May 3, 2007
Inventors: Sharalee Scanlon (Lexington, KY), Steve Broderson (Versailles, KY)
Application Number: 11/252,133
International Classification: A42B 1/24 (20060101);