ADJUSTABLE BUNTING

Abstract

An ornamental bunting comprising a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side and further having a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme, and a header portion formed along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric for adjustably and reversibly forming a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to decorative accessories, and more particularly, to an ornamental adjustable bunting formed from a length of fabric.

Ornamental bunting formed from a length of fabric folded to form a plurality of pleats is well known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,037, assigned to the same assignee herein, discloses an example of such an ornamental bunting which includes a length of fabric folded to form a plurality of pleats, with each of the pleats having an aperture therethrough and a ring-shaped member passing through all of the apertures to maintain the end of the length of fabric in a gathered condition such that when the length of fabric is allowed to spread, the bunting has a semi-circular fan-like shape. The bunting disclosed in the '037 patent may be made in a variety of sizes by varying the width of the length of fabric.

Conventional fan-shaped bunting, such as the one disclosed in the '037 patent, is typically used as ornamentation on a building structure or a portion of the building, such as a porch or as a ceiling border. However, when such bunting is used for decorating a length of a structure, several bunting pieces horizontally aligned with one another are often required in order to decorate the entire length of the structure. In addition, the size of the bunting pieces has to be selected so as to provide sufficient coverage of the entire length of the structure.

Another bunting configuration that does not have the length limitation of aforementioned fan-shaped bunting, is a bunting formed from an extended length of fabric. Pleating of these buntings has typically required complex and time consuming folding and stitching operations, therefore making manufacture of pleated bunting expensive. Moreover, the pleats in such buntings cannot be adjusted to achieve a particular look as desired by a user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a versatile ornamental bunting that can be used in an unfolded or unpleated form and can be easily pleated by the user.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an ornamental bunting in which the pleating can be adjusted by the user to achieve a variety of effects.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide a method of using the ornamental bunting to pleat the bunting and to create adjoining fan-shaped sections.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other objectives are realized in an ornamental bunting comprising a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side and including a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme, and a header portion formed along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric for adjustably and reversibly forming a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric. In certain embodiments, the header portion is formed as a header band joined with the length of fabric such that the header band is joined to a side, preferably a rear side, of the length of fabric along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric. In some embodiments, the symbolic color scheme includes a red region, a white region and one of a blue region and a blue region with a plurality of white-colored stars.

The ornamental bunting further includes at least one cord member threaded through the header portion at predetermined intervals along the length of the header portion. The plurality of pleats in the length of fabric can be formed by pulling the cord member(s) in relation to the header portion and the frequency and number of the pleats can be adjusted by the amount of pulling of the cord member(s). In particular, the cord member is threaded through the header portion forming threaded sections, in which the cord member is threaded through the thickness of the header portion, alternating with interval sections, in which the cord member extends along an outer side of the header portion. In certain embodiments in which the header portion is formed as a header band joined with the length of fabric, the header band comprises a flexible tape member and the at least one cord member is threaded through the flexible tape member at predetermined intervals along the length of the flexible member.

A method of forming an adjustable ornamental bunting is also described. The method includes the steps of providing a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side and including a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme, and a header portion along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric, the header portion being adapted to adjustably and reversibly form a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric. The method further includes providing at least one cord member threaded through the header portion at predetermined intervals along the length of the header portion. The method further comprises a step of forming of the plurality of pleats by pulling the cord member(s) relative to the header portion and adjusting the number and frequency of the pleats by adjusting the amount of the pulling.

In certain embodiments, the header portion is formed as a header band joined with the length of fabric and the method in such embodiments further comprises joining the header band to a side, preferably the rear side, of the length of fabric along the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric. In such embodiments, the header band includes the flexible tape member, wherein the at least one cord member is threaded through the flexible tape member at predetermined intervals.

In certain embodiments, the method further comprises dividing the length of fabric into a plurality of sections along the length of the fabric and the plurality of pleats are formed in each section of the plurality of sections. The method also comprises securing the cord member(s) pulled when forming the plurality of pleats so as to prevent unfolding of the pleats by tying the cord member(s) or using a securing member to secure the position of the cord member(s) relative to the header portion.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises forming a plurality of fan-shaped sections in the bunting by gathering a hanging fabric portion of the length of fabric at the end of each pleated section and securing the hanging fabric at a predetermined location to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric using a second securing member. The predetermined location is at a point of the hanging fabric, optionally in a lower third portion of the hanging fabric, and the securing member is optionally a safety pin.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a back schematic view of an adjustable bunting in an ungathered state;

FIG. 2 is a back schematic view of the adjustable bunting of FIG. 1 in a partially pleated state;

FIG. 3A is a front schematic view of the adjustable bunting of FIG. 1 in a pleated state and forming fan-shaped sections;

FIG. 3B is a more detailed view of a rear side of section 3B of the adjustable bunting of FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4A shows a flow chart for forming and using the bunting of FIG. 1 having a header portion formed as a top portion of the length of fabric; and

FIG. 4B shows a flow chart for forming and using the bunting of FIG. 1 having a header portion formed as a header band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ornamental adjustable bunting is shown in back view in FIGS. 1-2 and in front view in FIG. 3, and is generally indicated by reference numeral 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, the bunting 10 comprises a substantially rectangular length of fabric 12 having a front side 12a, which is visible when the bunting is displayed, and a rear side 12b, and a header portion 14 formed along a first length-wise edge 12c of the length of fabric 12. The header portion 14 allows a user to adjustably and reversibly form a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric 12.

The length of fabric 12 is formed from brightly colored woven or non-woven material, such as nylon, polyester, cotton, plastic or any other suitable material. The length of fabric 12 includes a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme. The term “symbolic color scheme” is defined and used herein to mean a color scheme symbolizing or having a symbolic value associated with an event, an occasion or an identity (group, entity, team, etc.). In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 1, the length of fabric 12 comprises a color scheme suitable for use as decoration and symbolizing a patriotic occasion, such as the Fourth of July. In particular, the length of fabric includes three length-wise extending regions of contrasting colors, such as a red region 16, a white region 18 and a blue region 20, which are arranged width-wise in sequence. The blue region 20 is the topmost region of the length of fabric, the white region 18 is the central region while the red region 16 is the lowermost region of the length of fabric 12. In certain illustrative embodiments, the blue region 20 may also include a plurality of white-colored stars. The length of fabric 12 may be formed by sewing or otherwise joining together the strips of the respectively colored material. It is understood that the colors of the bunting 10 and the arrangement of the colors are not limited to the color scheme shown and may be varied to achieve a desired decorative appearance.

As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustable bunting includes at least one cord member threaded through the header portion 14 at predetermined intervals along the length of the header portion 14. In some embodiments, the header portion 14 is formed as part of the length of fabric 12 at the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric 12.

In other embodiments, the header portion 14 is formed as a header band member 14 joined with the length of fabric 12 by sewing or otherwise attaching the header band 14 along or near the first length-wise edge 12c of the length of fabric 12. The header band member 14 may be joined to the rear side 12b of the length of fabric so as not to be visible when the bunting is used in decorating. The header band member 14 comprises a flexible tape member 14a formed from a woven or a closely woven material, such as polyester and/or cotton, or polypropylene material, or a suitable non-woven material, such as plastic. In such embodiments, the at least one cord member is threaded through the length of the tape member 14a at predetermined intervals.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the header portion 14 has a width of about 1 inch, and has two cord members 14b1 and 14b2 threading through the header portion 14. In certain embodiments in which the header portion comprises the header band member, the tape member 14a has a width of about 1 inch and the cord members 14b1 and 14b2 thread through the tape member 14a. In such embodiments, a conventional curtain tape is suitable for use as the header band member 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, each cord member 14b1 and 14b2 is threaded through the thickness, or at least a portion of the thickness, of the header portion 14 so as to form threaded sections 15a, in which the cords are threaded through the thickness, or a portion of the thickness, of the header portion 14, alternating with interval sections 15b, in which the cords are not threaded through the header portion 14 and extend along an outer side of the header portion. In the illustrative embodiment shown, the length of the threaded sections is about ½ inch while the interval sections are about 1 inch in length. The width of the header portion will depend on the size and weight of the bunting, while the lengths of the threaded and interval sections will depend on the size and frequency of the pleats desired.

The bunting 10 shown in FIG. 1 is in an unfolded, or unpleated, condition, while FIG. 2 shows the bunting 10 of FIG. 1 with a section of the bunting in a pleated condition. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the bunting 10 is pleated by pulling the cords 14b1, 14b2 relative to the header portion 14, which causes the header portion 14 and the length of fabric 12 to gather so as to form a series of alternating left and right folds. The cords 14b1, 14b2 can be pulled either by their ends at an end of the header portion 14 or by pulling the cords from one of the interval sections of the header portion 14, as shown in FIG. 2. The cords 14b1, 14b2 may then be tied into a knot so as to secure the pleating and to prevent the pleats in the bunting from unfolding. Instead of tying the cords into a knot, a securing member, such as a clip or a similar securing device, may be used to secure the cords' positions.

If the bunting 10 has a substantial length, it may be desired to pull and secure the cords 14b1, 14b2 in several locations along the length of the header portion 14 so as to achieve uniform pleating along the length of the fabric. In such cases, the pleats can be formed in sections along the length of the header portion 14. As shown in FIG. 2, each section is formed by placing a fastening member 17, such as a pin, through a pre-selected threaded section of the header portion 12 located at an end of the section so as to define the end of the section. The cords in an interval section which is adjacent to or near the pre-selected threaded section in which the fastening member 17 is placed are then pulled relative to the header portion so as to pleat the fabric in the section. The amount of pleating, such as the number and frequency, or density, of the pleats in the bunting can be adjusted by pulling or loosening the cords to achieve a desired effect. When sufficient gathering or pleating of the fabric is achieved, the position of the cords is secured by tying the cords into a knot or by applying a suitable securing member, such as a clip.

The pleated bunting 10 as shown in FIG. 2 can also be used to form a plurality of fan-shaped sections. FIG. 3A shows a front view of the bunting 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 having a plurality of fan-shaped sections 10a which create a draping appearance of the bunting. This configuration of the bunting can be used in place of a plurality of conventional fan-shaped bunting pieces to decorate a length of a structure, thus eliminating the requirements of multiple fan-shaped bunting pieces and selection of the appropriate size of the bunting pieces so as to cover the entire length of the structure.

Each fan-shaped section 10a in the bunting is formed by gathering hanging fabric portion, which includes the length of fabric hanging under the header portion 14, at each end of the section and securing the hanging fabric portion at or adjacent the first length-wise edge 12c of the length of fabric. A securing member 22, such as a safety pin, is used for securing the gathered fabric portion at or adjacent the first length-wise edge 12c of the length of fabric 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the hanging fabric portion is gathered at each end of the fan-shaped section 10a by joining the hanging fabric portion at a pre-selected point to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge 12c of the length of fabric using the securing member 22. The pre-selected point at which the hanging fabric portion is selected such that a draping effect is created when the hanging fabric portion is joined to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge. In some illustrative examples, the pre-selected point may be located in the lower portion, and optionally in the lower third portion, of the hanging fabric.

FIG. 3B shows in more detail the gathering and securing of the hanging fabric portion to form the fan-shaped section 10a. In the illustrative example of FIG. 3B, the pre-selected point at which the hanging fabric portion is joined with the fabric near the first length-wise edge 12c is between the central region, i.e. the white region 18, and the lowermost region, i.e., the red region 16, of the length of fabric. However, it is understood that the pre-selected point may be located anywhere in the hanging fabric portion so that a desired draping effect is created when the hanging fabric portion is joined with the fabric near the length-wise edge 12c. The securing member 22 is used to secure the hanging fabric portion at the pre-selected point to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge 12c. In this way, a draping effect is created between the two gathered ends forming the fan-shaped section 10a. In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, by securing the hanging fabric at the pre-selected point that is above the lower-most edge of the length of fabric, such as the point between the red region 16 and the white region 18, a decorative pleat 24 is formed between the fan-shaped sections 10a by the remaining hanging fabric portion that is not gathered.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the bunting 10 may be divided into a plurality of sections to form a plurality of fan-shaped sections 10a. However, it is understood, that the bunting 10 may form only one fan-shaped section 10a. It is also understood that the pre-selected point at which the hanging fabric is gathered and secured to the first length-wise edge 12c of the length of fabric 12 may be varied so as to achieve a desired decorative effect.

An illustrative method for forming the pleated bunting with fan-shaped sections as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will now be described. The steps for performing the method wherein the header portion of the adjustable bunting is formed as a top portion of the length of fabric are illustrated in the chart of FIG. 4A. The steps for performing the method in which the header portion of the adjustable bunting is formed as a header band are illustrated in the chart of FIG. 4B.

As shown in FIG. 4A, in a first step S1 of the method, a length of fabric having a desired length and width and a header portion formed along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric are provided. As discussed herein above with respect to FIGS. 1-3B, the length of fabric comprises a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme. For example, a patriotic color scheme of the length of fabric may include a red region 16, a white region 18 and a blue region 20, which are joined together width-wise in sequence by sewing or any other suitable method.

As also discussed above, in certain embodiments, the header portion of the bunting is formed as a top portion of the length of fabric along the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric. The other length-wise edge of the fabric, opposite the first length-wise edge is allowed to hang down when the bunting is in use.

In a second step S2 of the method, at least one cord is provided, wherein the at least one cord is threaded along the length of the header portion at predetermined intervals. As discussed above, in the present illustrative embodiment, the header portion has a width of about 1 inch and has two cords threaded therethrough so as to form threaded sections of about ½ inch in length and interval sections of about 1 inch in length. However, it is understood that the length and the configuration of the header portion will vary depending on the size and weight of the length of fabric and the size and frequency of the pleats desired. In an illustrative example described herein, the length of the fabric and of the header portion is about 20 feet.

In a third step S3, the bunting formed in the second step S2 is divided into a plurality of sections along the length of the fabric by measuring out and marking each section with a marker. The marker used in the third step S3 comprises a fastening member, such as a pin or any other suitable fastening member, which is inserted into the header band of the bunting to mark the end of the section. In the bunting of the present illustrative example, which has a length of 20 feet, the bunting is divided into five sections, each section being about 4 feet in length. The marker is inserted at the end of each section into the threaded section that is adjacent the end of the section.

In the next step S4, each section measured out and marked in the third step S3 is pleated by pulling the cords at or near the end of each section marked by the marker until desired amount of pleating of the length of fabric is achieved and until the pleating is uniform throughout the section. As described herein above, and as shown in FIG. 2, the cords can be pulled near the marker placed in the header band from one of the interval sections of the header band, in which the cords are not threaded through the tape member of the band, which causes the length of fabric to gather into a series of alternating left and right folds. The cords in each section are then secured so as to prevent the pleats formed in the fabric from unfolding by tying the cords pulled in each section into a knot or by using a securing device such as a clip.

After pleating each section of the bunting in step S4, the sections of the pleated bunting may be formed into fan-shaped sections in step S5. As described herein above, each fan-shaped section is formed by gathering the hanging fabric at the end of each section and securing the gathered hanging fabric at each end of the section to a location at or adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric. In particular, the hanging fabric is secured at each end of the section by joining a pre-selected point of the hanging fabric with the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric using a securing member. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and as discussed above, the pre-selected point at which the hanging fabric portion is joined with the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge is selected so that a draping effect is created when the hanging fabric portion is joined to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge. In some illustrative examples, the pre-selected point may be located in the lower third portion of the hanging fabric, such as between the central region, i.e., the white region, and the lowermost region, i.e., the red region of the length of fabric, and the securing member may be in the form of a safety pin. In these illustrative examples, the remaining portion of the hanging fabric which is not gathered, e.g. the lower-most portion, forms a decorative pleat between the fan-shaped sections or at the ends of the fan-shaped sections.

After each of the fan-shaped sections is formed in the bunting in step S5, the finished bunting can be installed in step S6 as a decoration on a structure, such as a ceiling border or a porch. It is understood that step S5 is optional and that the pleated bunting formed in step S4 may be installed as a decoration without forming fan-shaped sections. It is also understood that the bunting may be pleated without being first divided into the plurality of sections, particularly if the length of the bunting is relatively small. In any case, the bunting and the method of forming the bunting described above allow for great versatility in decorating a structure.

As mentioned above, the method shown in FIG. 4A is directed to an embodiment of the adjustable bunting in which the header portion is formed as the top portion of the length of fabric. The method of FIG. 4A may be modified so as to form adjustable bunting in which the header portion is formed as a header band which is joined to the length of fabric. Such illustrative method is shown in the chart of FIG. 4B and described herein below.

As shown in FIG. 4B, in a first step S11 of the method a length of fabric having a desired length and width and a header portion in the form of a header band having the same length as the length of fabric are provided. As in FIG. 4A, the length of fabric may comprise a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme. For example, a patriotic color scheme shown in FIGS. 1-3B may include a red region 16, a white region 18 and a blue region 20, which are joined together width-wise in sequence by sewing or any other suitable method. The header band provided in the first step comprises a flexible tape member having the same length as the length of fabric, with at least one cord threaded through the length of the tape member at predetermined intervals. As discussed above, in the present illustrative embodiment, the tape member of the header band has a width of about 1 inch and has two cords threaded therethrough so as to form threaded sections of about ½ inch in length and interval sections of about 1 inch in length. However, it is understood that the length and the configuration of the header band will vary depending on the size and weight of the length of fabric and the size and frequency of the pleats desired. In an illustrative example described herein, the length of the fabric and of the header band is about 20 feet.

In a second step S12 of the method of FIG. 4B, the header band is secured to the length of fabric either by sewing or by any other suitable means. In some embodiments, the header band is secured to the rear side of the length of fabric along the first length-wise edge so that the header band is not visible when the bunting is used for decoration. The other length-wise edge of the fabric, opposite the first length-wise edge is allowed to hang down when the bunting is in use.

In a third step S13, the bunting formed in the second step S12 is divided into a plurality of sections along the length of the fabric by measuring out and marking each section with a marker. The marker used in the third step S13 may be in the form of a fastening member, such as a pin, which is inserted into the header band of the bunting to mark the end of the section. In the bunting of the present illustrative example, which has a length of 20 feet, the bunting is divided into five sections, each section being about 4 feet in length. The marker is inserted at the end of each section into the threaded section that is adjacent the end of the section.

In the next step S14, each section measured out and marked in the third step S13 is pleated by pulling the cords at or near the end of each section marked by the marker until desired amount of pleating of the length of fabric is achieved and until the pleating is uniform throughout the section. As described herein above, and as shown in FIG. 2, the cords can be pulled near the marker placed in the header band from one of the interval sections of the header band, in which the cords are not threaded through the tape member of the band, which causes the length of fabric to gather into a series of alternating left and right folds. The cords in each section are then secured so as to prevent the pleats formed in the fabric from unfolding by tying the cords pulled in each section into a knot or by using a securing device such as a clip.

After pleating each section of the bunting in step S14, the sections of the pleated bunting may be formed into fan-shaped sections in step S15. As described herein above, each fan-shaped section is formed by gathering the hanging fabric at the end of each section and securing the gathered hanging fabric at each end of the section to a location at or adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric. In particular, the hanging fabric is secured at each end of the section by joining a pre-selected point of the hanging fabric with the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric using a securing member. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and as discussed above, the pre-selected point at which the hanging fabric portion is joined with the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge is selected anywhere in the hanging fabric portion so that a desired draping effect is created when the hanging fabric portion is joined with the fabric near the first length-wise edge. In some illustrative embodiments, the pre-selected point is selected between the central region, i.e., the white region, and the lowermost region, i.e., the red region of the length of fabric, and the securing member is in a form of a safety pin. In such embodiments, the remaining portion of the hanging fabric which is not gathered, e.g. the lower-most portion, forms a decorative pleat between the fan-shaped sections or at the ends of the fan-shaped sections. As discussed herein above, it is understood that the pre-selected point at which the hanging fabric is gathered and secured to the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric may be varied so as to achieve a desired decorative effect.

After each of the fan-shaped sections is formed in the bunting in step S15, the finished bunting can be installed in step S16 as a decoration on a structure, such as a ceiling border or a porch. It is understood that step S15 is optional and that the pleated bunting formed in step S14 may be installed as a decoration without forming fan-shaped sections. It is also understood that the bunting may be pleated without being first divided into the plurality of sections, particularly if the length of the bunting is relatively small. In any case, the bunting and the method of forming the bunting described above allow for great versatility in decorating a structure.

In all cases it is understood that the above-described arrangements are merely illustrative of the many possible specific embodiments which represent applications of the present invention. Numerous and varied other arrangements and various changes to the foregoing article of manufacture can be readily devised in accordance with the principles of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The particularly preferred article of manufacture is thus intended in an illustrative and not limiting sense. The true spirit and scope of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An ornamental bunting, comprising:

a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side and including a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme; and

a header portion formed along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric for adjustably and reversibly forming a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric.

2. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said header portion comprises a header band joined with the length of fabric along said first length-wise edge of the length of fabric.

3. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 2, wherein said header band is joined to the rear side of the length of fabric.

4. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 1, further comprising at least one cord member threaded through said header portion at predetermined intervals along the length of said header portion, wherein the plurality of pleats in the length of fabric are formed by pulling the at least one cord member in relation to said header portion and wherein the number and frequency of pleats is adjusted by an amount of said pulling of the at least one cord member.

5. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 4, wherein said at least one cord member is threaded through said header portion so as to form threaded sections alternating with interval sections, wherein said threaded sections comprise said at least one cord member being threaded through at least a part of the thickness of the header portion and said interval sections comprise said at least one cord member extending along an outer side of the header portion.

6. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 5, wherein a length of the threaded sections is about ½ inch and a length of the interval sections is about 1 inch.

7. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 2, wherein the header band comprises a flexible tape member formed from one of a non-woven and a woven material, including one of cotton fabric, polyester fabric, polypropylene material and plastic material.

8. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 4, wherein said header portion has a width of about 1 inch and comprises two cord members threaded through the header portion and extending parallel to one another.

9. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 1, wherein the length of fabric comprises one of nylon, polyester, cotton and plastic.

10. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 1, wherein said symbolic color scheme comprises a patriotic color scheme, wherein the plurality of length-wise extending regions include a red region, a white region and one of a blue region and a blue region with a plurality of white-colored stars.

11. An ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 2, wherein said header band comprises a flexible tape member and at least one cord member threaded through said flexible tape member at predetermined intervals along the length of said flexible tape member, wherein the plurality of pleats in the length of fabric are formed by pulling the at least one cord member in relation to said flexible tape member and wherein the number and frequency of pleats is adjusted by an amount of said pulling of the at least one cord member.

12. A method of forming an adjustable ornamental bunting, comprising the steps of:

providing a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side and including a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme, and a header portion along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric, said header portion being adapted to adjustably and reversibly form a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric.

13. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 12, wherein said header portion comprises a header band and said method further comprising the step of joining said header band to a side of the length of fabric along said first length-wise edge of the length of fabric.

14. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 13, wherein said header band is joined to the rear side of the length of fabric.

15. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

providing at least one cord member threaded through the header portion at predetermined intervals along the length of the header portion; and

forming a plurality of pleats in at least a portion of the length of fabric by pulling the at least one cord member relative to the header portion and adjusting the number and frequency of the pleats by adjusting the amount of the pulling of the at least one cord member.

16. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 15, further comprising dividing the length of fabric into a plurality of sections along the length of the fabric, wherein said forming the plurality of pleats in at least a portion of the length of fabric comprises forming the plurality of pleats in each section of said plurality of sections by pulling the at least one cord member at or near an end of said section.

17. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 16, further comprising securing said at least one cord member pulled when forming the plurality of pleats so as to prevent unfolding of said pleats, wherein the securing comprises one of tying the at least one cord member and securing the position of the at least one cord member relative to the header portion using a securing member.

18. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 17, further comprising forming a plurality of fan-shaped sections in said bunting by gathering hanging fabric of said bunting at each end of said pleated sections and securing said hanging fabric at a predetermined location to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric using a second securing member.

19. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 18, wherein said predetermined location is at a point in a lower portion of the hanging fabric and said securing member is a safety pin.

20. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 19, wherein said plurality of length-wise extending regions of said length of fabric include an uppermost region, a central region and a lowermost region, and said predetermined location is between said central lengthwise region and said lowermost lengthwise region.

21. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 12, further comprising installing said bunting on a structure.

22. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 12, wherein said symbolic color scheme comprises a patriotic color scheme, wherein the plurality of length-wise extending regions include a red region, a white region and one of a blue region and a blue region with a plurality of white-colored stars.

23. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 13, wherein the header band comprises a flexible tape member and at least one cord member threaded through the flexible tape member at predetermined intervals along the length of the flexible tape member, said method further comprising:

forming a plurality of pleats in at least a portion of the length of fabric by pulling the at least one cord member relative to the flexible tape member and adjusting the number and frequency of the pleats by adjusting the amount of the pulling of the at least one cord member.

24. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting, comprising the steps of:

providing a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side, and a header portion along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric, said header band being adapted to adjustably and reversibly form a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric;

providing at least one cord member threaded through said header portion at predetermined intervals along the length of said header portion;

forming a plurality of pleats in at least a portion of the length of fabric by pulling the at least one cord member relative to the header portion and adjusting the number and frequency of the pleats by adjusting the amount of pulling of the at least one cord member; and

forming at least one fan-shaped section in the bunting by gathering a hanging fabric portion of the bunting at each end of the section and securing the hanging fabric at a predetermined location to the fabric adjacent the first length-wise edge of the length of fabric using a securing member.

25. A method of forming adjustable ornamental bunting in accordance with claim 24, wherein the predetermined location is at a point in a lower portion of the hanging fabric and the securing member is a safety pin.