Scout arrow point hangers and systems

Abstract

An arrow point hanger includes an elongated, flexible panel comprised of a woven material and having a front face extending between a first end and an opposing second end. A retention flap is connected to the first end of the panel. One or more arrow point badges are connected to the front face of the panel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/508,611, filed Oct. 3, 2003, which is incorporated herein by specific reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to arrow point hangers and rank holders which can be used with uniforms of the Cub Scout program.

2. The Relevant Technology

The Cub Scouts is a program for young boys ages 7-10 to help teach them certain skills and traits. Members of the Cub Scouts advance through the ranks of Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf and Bear. The ranks of Wolf and Bear are achieved by passing off specific requirements. A corresponding badge is received for each of the four ranks. The rank badges have traditionally been sewn onto the left breast pocket of the Scout uniform. An arrow point is a small badge that represents accomplishment of a specific number of elective requirements under a given rank. A Scout can typically earn up to nine arrow points for each Wolf and Bear badge. Traditionally, arrow points are sewn onto the Scout uniform under the respective Wolf and Bear rank badges for which they are earned.

The person responsible for securing the arrow points on the uniform has to spend time sewing them onto the uniform or expend money at a dry cleaners to have the arrow points sewn on. Often, time constraints prevent arrow points from being sewn on in a timely manner.

When the uniform gets dirty, which happens regularly when you are dealing with 7-10 year old boys, the shirt must be washed. This results in puckering of the badges and arrow points sewn on the uniform. This in turn requires extensive ironing to make the uniform look sharp and not sloppy.

When the uniform is passed on to another Scout, which often occurs, the arrow points must be removed and then sewn back on as they are earned. This is again a time consuming process.

Some of the above problems have been resolved through the creation of a plastic rank holder. The plastic rank holder was intended to hold the Wolf, Bear and other rank badges that can be earned by the Scout. The plastic rank holder hangs from the button on the left breast pocket of the uniform.

The plastic rank holder eliminates the need for sewing on the rank badges. Furthermore, the plastic rank holder can be removed before cleaning the uniform. Finally, when the uniform is passed on, the rank badges can simply be removed from the plastic rank holder or the next owner can purchase a new plastic rank holder.

The plastic rank holder, however, provides no solution for the arrow points earned for the Wolf or Bear rank badges. That is, the arrows still have to be sewn onto the shirt under the plastic rank holder. As a result, all the above stated problems still apply with regard to the arrow points. In fact, the plastic rank holder creates additional problems.

For example, as mentioned above, the plastic rank holder hangs on the button of the left breast pocket of the uniform. As a result, the rank badges hang down several inches below the left breast pocket where the rank badges were traditionally sewn. As the arrow paints are still sewn on the shirt, the plastic rank holder tends to cover up the arrow points. Although the arrow points can be sewn several inches lower on the shirt, since the young boys in Cub Scouts are typically rather short, this sometimes results in the arrows being tucked into their pants. This results in a sloppy rather than sharp look.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, the plastic rank holder hangs on the button of the left breast pocket of the uniform. The arrow points, on the other hand, are stationary as a result of being stitched onto the uniform. Since the plastic rank holder hangs, it moves from side to side. This results in the arrow points and the rank badges often being misaligned. Once again the uniform has a sloppy rather than sharp appearance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope.

FIG. 1 is a elevated front view of a rank holder;

FIG. 2 is an elevated back view of the rank holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevated front view of an arrow point hanger;

FIG. 4 is an elevated back view of the arrow point hanger shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevated side view of the arrow point hanger shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective back view of the arrow point hanger shown in FIG. 3 being connected to the rank holder shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the assembled arrow point hanger and rank holder shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevated front view of an alternative embodiments of an arrow point hanger having a single flap attachment mechanism; and

FIG. 9 is an elevated front view of an alternative embodiments of an arrow point hanger having an integral retention flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is one embodiment of a rank holder 10 used for holding rank badges. Rank holder 10 has a substantially diamond shaped body 12 having a first side 14, a second side 15, a third side 16 and a fourth side 17. A rounded head 20 projects from body 12 so as to intersect with sides 14 and 17. Rank holder 10 is typically comprised of a front sheet 22 and an opposing back sheet 24 that are each comprised of a flexible, transparent plastic material. Sheets 22 and 24 are seamed together around a perimeter edge 18 of rank holder 10. Furthermore, a first seam line 26 and an intersecting second seam line 28 bond together sheets 22 and 24 and have a substantially X-shaped configuration. Specifically, first seam line 26 extends centrally from first side 14 to third side 16 while second seam line 28 extends centrally from second side 15 to fourth side 17.

As a result of the perimeter seam and seam lines 26 and 28, front sheet 22 and back sheet 24 of rank holder 10 bound four discrete, generally diamond shaped pockets which include a first pocket 30, second pocket 31, third pocket 32, and fourth pocket 33. As depicted in FIG. 2, slits 36-39 are formed through back sheet 24 over pockets 30-33, respectively, so as to provide access to each of pockets 30-33. Specifically, the slits 36-39 are used to position rank badges within pockets 30-33. For example, a rank badge 42 is shown disposed within first pocket 30. Rank badge 42 has a diamond shaped configuration and is typically comprised of a woven fabric material. However, other materials can also be used. Similar shaped rank badges can also be positioned within the other pockets 31-33. For examples, badges such as the Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf and Bear as used by the Cub Scouts program can be positioned within pockets 30-33.

In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided for securing rank holder 10 to a shirt. By way of example and not by limitation, a slit 44 is formed through rounded head 20 such that rank holder 10 can be selectively hung on a uniform by passing a breast pocket button through slit 44. In this regard slit 44 comprises a button hole. In alternative embodiments, means for connecting rank holder 10 to a shirt can comprise Velcro, safety pin, pocket clip, clasp, clamp, hook, button, pin, or the like that secures rank holder 10 to a shirt button, a shirt pocket, or to the body of the shirt.

It is appreciated that rank holder 10 can come in a variety of different configurations and can be made from a variety of different materials. For example, rank holder 10 can be made from a single sheet of plastic having discrete pockets stitched, seamed, glued or otherwise secured to the back thereof. In yet other embodiments, rank holder 10 can be made from a single sheet of material such as cloth, plastic, leather, or any other material, wherein the rank badges are secured on the front face thereof such as by Velcro, adhesive, stitching clasps, snaps, safety pins, clamps, or any other form of fastener. It is also appreciated that rank holder 10 can be made from a single sheet of plastic that is folded over and seamed or can be made from three of more sheets of plastic that are seemed together. For example, back sheet 24 can be comprised of four discrete sections wherein slits 36-39 are formed as a result of spaces between the sections. In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that rank holder 10 can be made of two or more different materials, one or more of which may or may not be transparent.

Depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 is one embodiment of an arrow point hanger 50 which incorporates features of the present invention and can be used in association rank holder 10. Arrow point hanger 50 comprises an elongated panel 52 having a front face 54 and an opposing back face 56 that each extend between a first end 58 an opposing second end 60. In one embodiment, panel 52 is comprised of a flexible material such as Grosgrain ribbon. In alternative embodiments, panel 52 can be constructed from other flexible materials such as vinyl, leather, various impregnated or laminated fibrous materials, fabrics, ribbon, plastic sheets, various plasticized materials, cardboard, paper, combinations of different materials and other similar materials. In one embodiment panel 52 can be made of a material where for a length of two inches, the material has substantially no compressive strength along its longitudinal axis. In alternative embodiments, panel 52 can be made of a stiffer material that has an axial compressive strength. For example, panel 52 can also be comprised of a substantially stiff or rigid material.

Panel 52 can come in a variety of different lengths, widths and thicknesses. For example, in one embodiment panel 52 has a width typically in a range between about 0.5 inches to about 2 inches, a length typically in a range between about 2 inches to about 7 inches, and a thickness less than about {fraction (1/8)} inch. Other dimension can also be used. As will be discussed below in greater detail, different panels 52 can be constructed in a variety of different lengths to accommodate any number of arrow point badges.

Where panel 52 is formed from ribbon or other woven material that is cut to length, the cut edges can be coated with a conventional fray check. The fray check will stiffen the material and prevent the fabric from fraying. While fray check in one method for preventing fraying, any material or method that prevents fraying of the material can be used. For example, the material can be heat cut to seal the edges. In one embodiment, second end 60 of panel 52 is folded back against back face 52 and hemmed such as with an A-line stitch 62. Panel 52 can also be hemmed by using glue or any other method that would make a clean, even hem. Alternatively, panel 52 need not be hemmed.

In one embodiment of the present invention means are provided for removably connecting arrow point hanger 50 to rank holder 10. By way of example and not by limitation, a retention flap 66 is mounted at first end 58 of panel 52. Retention flap 66 comprises a strip of material having a first end 68 and an opposing second end 70. Each end 68 and 70 is trimmed into a substantially V-shaped configuration that tapers to a point. Although not required, this configuration provides for a precise fit within the diamond shaped pockets 30-33 as discussed below.

Retention flap 66 is centrally secured between opposing ends 68 and 70 to first end 58 of panel 52 so as to form a two-flap attachment mechanism. That is, panel 52 and retention flap 66 combine to form a substantially T-shaped configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein retention flap 66 is free to flex and pivot relative to panel 52. Retention flap 66 and panel 52 can be secured together by stitching, seaming, adhesive, or the like. For example, in one embodiment retention flap 66 and panel 52 are stacked flat in parallel alignment with first end 58 of panel 52 being centrally disposed between opposing ends 68 and 70 of retention flap 66. Retention flap 66 and panel 52 are then sewn together by stitching through retention flap 66 and panel 52 transversely along first end 58 of panel 52. As discussed below in greater detail, this attachment configuration enables panel 52 to naturally lay flush against the uniform and/or rank holder 10 when arrow point hanger 50 is attached to rank holder 10.

Retention flap 66 can be comprised of the same types of materials as discussed above with regard to panel 52. However, retention flap 12 and panel 52 can be made of the same or different materials. In one embodiment, retention flap 66 is comprised of a separate piece of ribbon, such as Grosgrain ribbon, having a width in a range between about 0.5 inches to about of about 1.5 inches and a length in a range between about 1.5 inches to about 2.5 inches. Other dimensions can also be used. Retention flap 66 can be coated with fray check which will stiffen the material and prevent the fabric in retention flap 66 from fraying.

As depicted in FIG. 6, to secure arrow point hanger 50 to rank holder 10, opposing ends 68 and 70 of retention flap 66 are passed through slit 36 and into first pocket 30. Retention flap 66 is laid flat within first pocket 30 so that one face of retention flap 66 is disposed against the back side of rank badge 42 while the opposing side of retention flap 66 is disposed against back sheet 24 of rank holder 10. Panel 52 extends out through slit 36 and, as depicted in FIG. 7, projects below rank holder 10 in alignment with first pocket 30 and rank badge 42. Retention flap 66 provides a secure but selectively removable connection between arrow point hanger 50 and rank holder 10 while ensuring that panel 52 lays flush against the uniform and/or rank holder 10.

It is appreciated that there are a variety of other structures that can be used for removably connecting arrow point hanger 50 to rank holder 10. By way of example and not by limitation, retention flap 66 can have a variety of different sizes and configurations. For example, the opposing ends of retention flap 66 need not be tapered. In another alternative depicted in FIG. 8, in contrast to retention flap 66 forming a two-flap attachment mechanism, a retention flap 72 is mounted on panel 52 that forms a single flap attachment mechanism. Specifically, retention flap 72 has a first end 74 and an opposing tapered second end 76. First end 74 of retention flap 72 is secured to first end 58 of panel 52. In one embodiment, this attachment is achieved by stitching, seaming, adhesive or the like while retention flap 72 and panel 52 are stacked in flat parallel alignment. Again, this configuration helps panel 52 to lay flush against the uniform during use. Retention flap 72 is selectively received within one of pocket pockets 30-33 through a corresponding slit 36-39 so as to removably secure panel 52 to rank holder 10.

In yet another alternative embodiment the retention flap can be integrally formed with panel 52. For example, depicted in FIG. 9 is an arrow point hanger 80 which includes panel 52 having opposing ends 58 and 60. Integrally projecting from first end 58 is a retention flap 82 that terminates at a tapered end 84. During use, retention flap 82 is simply folded back toward panel 52 and inserted within one of pockets 30-33 of rank holder 10 through a corresponding slit 36-39, thereby removably securing arrow point hanger 80 to rank holder 10. If desired, retention flap 82 can be ironed flat against panel 52 to assist in panel 52 laying flush. It is also appreciated that integrally formed retention flap 82 can be folded back in different configurations and stitched to form a double-flap or single-flap attachment mechanism.

In yet other embodiments, an arrow point hanger can be secured to rank holder 10 by use of a variety of other structures such as a button and button hole, Velcro, clasp, snap, pocket clip, safety pin, or any other type of conventional fastener. Here it is noted that when using such other fasteners, rank holder need not be formed having the structure as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 but can have the alternative designs as discussed above. In still yet other embodiments arrow point hanger 16 can be fixed to the rank holder 50 by stitching, welding, melting, adhesive or the like.

In one embodiment of the present invention means are provided for removably securing an arrow point badge to arrow point hanger 50. By way of example and not by limitation, depicted in FIG. 7 are a plurality of arrow point badges 100 secured to front face 54 of panel 52. Each arrow point badge 100 has a front face 102 and an opposing back face 104. In one embodiment self-adhesive Velcro is used to secure arrow point badges 100 to panel 52. As used in the specification and appended claims “Velcro” is generically referred to as comprising loop material and hook material.

To facilitate attachment of arrow point badges 100, a self-adhesive side of a patch 106 of a loop material or hook material is pressed against back side 104 of arrow point badge 100, thereby securing patch 106 to badge 100. A self-adhesive side of a patch 108 of the other of the loop material or hook material is then pressed against front face 54 of panel 52. Patches 106 and 108 can then be selectively secured together and pulled apart, as with conventional Velcro, so as to removably secure arrow point badge 100 to arrow point hanger 50.

Using the above approach, it is appreciated that any number of arrow point badges 100 can be secured to front face 54 of panel 52 at any desired orientation. For example, from one to nine or more arrow point badges 100 can be secured to arrow point hanger 50. Badges 100 can be selectively and securely positioned on hanger 50 as badges 100 are progressively earned. Furthermore, as arrow point hanger 50 is passed to a new user, badges 100 can be easily removed. In alternative embodiments it is appreciated that the patches of Velcro material can be secured to the arrow point badges 100 using any conventional technique. Likewise enlarged patches, such as strips, of Velcro material can be secured to panel 52 so that more than one arrow point badges 100 can be secured to a single patch. Likewise, panel 52 can be comprised of a Velcro material.

It is also appreciated that there are a variety of other methods that can be used to secure arrow point badges 100 to arrow point hanger 50. For example, snaps, pins, clasps, clips, hook and other conventional fastening structures can be used to removably secure the badges 100 to hangers 50. It is appreciated that these fastening structures can be pre-attached to the badge 100 and/or hanger 50 prior to sale to an end user. In other embodiments, it is appreciated that arrow point badges 100 can be fixed to arrow point hanger 50 such as by stitching or adhesive, including thermal set adhesives which are applied by ironing. Here it is also appreciated that different arrow point hangers 50 can be manufactured with each hanger 50 having a different number of badges 100 secured thereto. The end user can thus simply replace hangers 50 as more badges 100 are earned without the end user having to manually secure the badge 100 to hanger 50.

It is appreciated that the various alternatives as discussed above can be mixed and matched to form yet other alternative embodiments. Furthermore, each of the above discussed embodiments of the present invention provide unique benefits. Such benefits may differ between the different embodiments. In general, some of the benefits achieved by some of the different designs include the ability to easily attach and remove the arrow point hanger from the rank holder and easily attach and remove arrow point badges from the arrow point hanger. As a result, the arrow point badges can be quickly and timely added to a uniform for display or removed for washing of the uniform or transferring to a new user. Furthermore, because the arrow point badges are connected to the rank holder as opposed to being sewn onto the uniform, the arrow point badges are aligned with the rank badge while avoiding the problem of the arrow point badges being so low that they are obscured within the pants of the user.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. An arrow point hanger comprising:

an elongated, flexible panel comprised of a woven material and having a front face extending between a first end and an opposing second end;

a retention flap attached to the first end of the panel; and

means for removably securing an arrow point badge to the front face of the panel.

2. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1, wherein the panel has a width in a range between 0.5 inches to about 2 inches and a length in a range between about 2 inches to about 7 inches.

3. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention flap has a first end and an opposing second end, the retention flap being attached to the first end of the panel at a location between the first end and the second end of the retention flap.

4. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 3, wherein the first end and the opposing second end of the retention flap are each taper.

5. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention flap has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the retention flap being connected to the first end of the panel.

6. An arrow point as recited in claim 1, wherein the retention flap has a width that is smaller than a width of the panel.

7. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for removably securing the arrow point badge to the front face of the panel comprises a patch of a loop material or hook material connected to the front face of the panel.

8. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 8, wherein the patch of the loop material or hook material is connected to the front face of the panel by an adhesive.

9. An arrow point hanger as recited in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of arrow point badges secured to the front face of the panel.

10. A wearable award system comprising:

a rank holder comprising: a substantially flat, diamond shaped body, the body having a plurality of pockets formed thereon, each pocket being configured to receive a rank badge; and means for removably connecting the body of the rank holder to a shirt; and

a first arrow point hanger having a front face extending between a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the arrow point hanger being connected to the rank holder so as to project away from a first pocket selected from the plurality of pockets of the rank holder.

11. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, wherein the means for removably connecting the body of the rank holder to a shirt comprises a head formed on the body of the rank holder, a button hole being formed on the head.

12. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, wherein the body is comprised of one or more transparent plastic sheets.

13. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, wherein the first arrow point hanger is removably connected to the rank holder.

14. A wearable award system as recited in claim 13, wherein a portion of the first arrow point hanger is disposed within the first pocket.

15. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, wherein the first arrow point hanger is comprised of a flexible, woven material.

16. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, further comprising a first arrow point badge connected to the front face of the first arrow point hanger.

17. A wearable award system as recited in claim 16, wherein the first arrow point badge is removably connected to the front face of the first arrow point hanger by loop and hook material.

18. A wearable award system as recited in claim 10, further comprising a second arrow point hanger connected to the rank holder so as to project away from a second pocket selected from the plurality of pockets of the rank holder, the second arrow point hanger being disposed in substantially parallel alignment with the first arrow point hanger.

19. A method comprising the acts of:

removably attaching a first arrow point hanger to a rank holder having a first rank badge removably mounted thereto, the first arrow point hanger being connected to the rank holder so as to project below the rank badge; and

connecting a first arrow point badge to a front face of the first arrow point hanger.

20. A method as recited in claim 19, wherein the act of connecting the first arrow point badge can be performed before or after the act of attaching the first arrow point hanger.

21. A method as recited in claim 19, wherein the act of attaching the first arrow point hanger comprises inserting a portion of the first arrow point hanger within a first pocket of the rank holder, the first rank badge being disposed within the first pocket.

22. A method as recited in claim 19, further comprising attaching a second arrow point hanger to the rank holder, the second arrow point hanger being disposed in substantially parallel alignment with the first arrow point hanger.

23. A method as recited in claim 19, further comprising removably securing the rank holder to a shirt of a user.