COMBINATION NOISE MAKING AND MESSAGE BEARING DEVICE

Abstract

A noise maker device made from paper board and formed into a series of Japanese fan-folds is provided. The device preferably includes a pair of hand holding slots for use in displaying a message on the device when released from its collected condition or configuration. The device preferably includes a mechanism also formed from the paperboard sheet for mechanically interlocking one end to facilitate holding the device together with the fan folds in one hand and outwardly diverging sets of fan folds. The device can be used as a noise maker by slapping the flat end of the fan folds into the other, open hand. Alternatively, the device can be released or opened up to reveal a set of messages on the substantially flat surface of the fan folds. A pair of opposed, parallel, centered and near to the edge hand hold slots are provided to facilitate the spreading of the device into its message providing condition. The device can be sold flat or partially folded into a set of pleats and housed in a box, formed from remaining panels which, after said box is opened, form additional pleats.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of noise making devices used, for example, in connection with sporting events. Fans attending basketball games, football games, baseball, hockey often want to make noise, either individually or collectively. This is especially true when large “home” crowds are trying to express their support for the home team or to distract and/or confuse the visiting team. A public address system often encourages such concerted noise-making action by the fans and it is often effective at causing the visiting team to become unnerved whether at shooting a foul shot in a basketball game, jumping off sides or prior to the “snap” at a football game, etc. This delights the home crowd and can even provide an advantage to the home team (the so called “extra man” on the field, all toward the desired goal of having fun and even possibly effecting the game so as to result in winning the game. Thus, the present invention relates to providing fans at large games, stadiums, arenas, ballparks, etc. with a simple, hand-held device which when used properly generates a relatively large noise with a simple hand motion. The device is lightweight, easy to use, easy and inexpensive to manufacture and can also be subsidized in cost by being ad advertising medium. If many devices are distributed to the fans at a game and they act in unison, the noise is significant and the effect dramatic.

The present invention also relates to providing a noise-making device which is intended to also allow the bearer to display a desired message. The message can be pre-printed onto the device by the manufacturer/seller, can be advertising pre-sold by the manufacturer and provided by a third party (where the cost of the device is thus wholly or partly subsidized by the advertiser) or a message can be provided by the purchaser/user by simply writing on the device with markers, paint, etc., to the front and/or rear flat surface of the device. Thus, the same device which is useful for making noise can serve to provide the background or “canvas” for a message to be displayed at a game or event. Of course, the message can be directed toward the players of the team(s) being observed, toward the opposite side of the arena, for viewing on television, and, just as easily, can be a message of pure commercial advertising. The message can be individualized or can be a component of a message when two or more noise-making devices are provided with integrated messages. In any event, the device is at first a noise making device activated by hand motion and yet can also be a message bearer and/or an advertising medium.

The present invention is capable of being sold as a memento of attendance at an event, even a valuable souvenir. For example, one side of the device can be provided with the team's logos, colors, even an advertising message and the other side can be initially blank. If one or a set of markers are provided, the original blank side can serve as a billboard for one's own message or the device can be an autographable surface so that the user can obtain signatures of “famous” people at the event or playing in the game. In this manner, the device can have after-use value and can be a valuable keepsake.

Also, the device can be provided with simple flashing lights, powered by batteries, either printed onto the surface of the device or attached thereto. The device can also become a portable message provider to the extent that the flat surface, like current electronic books, e.g., Kindle, have the capability to display alphanumeric symbols, words, graphics and messages. Furthermore, the device can carry, on one side or on any of the flaps/surfaces making up the fan folded device, graphics for how to create the device from a flat, original device, how to use the device, etc. The graphics can also relate to the game/event, to any topic, e.g., better nutrition, a message, e.g., “Its fun to Read,”; to statistics, can display a scorecard, etc. Also, without limiting the extent and range of the message to be carried on the device, it is also within the scope of the present invention for it to carry a scratch off foil thus uncovering a unique number which encourages the purchaser to enter his/her name and information onto a website to determine if they have won a prize or money. In this manner, the device is a “boomerang” piece of advertising, encouraging the user to provide identifying information onto a website which is valuable to the website owner. These and other concepts can be employed in connection with the present invention.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention. The environment within which the device is expected to have its greatest commercial application is at large sporting events, although, of course, there are other venues and usages which will allow the same to be useful for the intended usages of the device, whether as a noise maker, as a message provider and/or as a toy, too.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Noise makers have been available and in use for a long time. They can range from whistles, horns, megaphones, air horns, to castanets, musical triangles, accordions, horns, flutes, even to inflatable sausage-shaped balloons which are clapped together, etc. These and other noise making devices have been employed for making noise at sporting events. The present invention is similar in that an action is required to activate it and thus produce the desired sound. However, within the confines of a sport's stadium, arena, and/or field, it is desired to provide to the fan/participant an inexpensive, easy to use, easy to operate, hand-activated noise making device. Thus, the present invention is within the field of hand-operated noise makers. The device can be an inexpensive souvenir of the event (Super Bowl, for example); a simple give-away, supported in whole or in part by third-party advertising; a team-based souvenir, or just a noise-making/message bearing device which can be purchased on-site or off-site.

It is desirable and even important in providing such devices that they be capable of making a desired noise when and for the desired length of time and that a cadence be capable of being kept, like a cheer, not mere random noise (as the latter can be blocked out by the “visiting” team). It is also desirable to be able to activate the noise making aspect of the device without using one's mouth. These desired factors thus eliminate whole categories of noise making devices as being desirable. The user wants something inexpensive, lightweight, easy to operate, capable of keeping a beat or cadence, small, and not operable by using one's mouth. The user might want to be able to make the desired noise and in addition might also want to shout encouragement to the team, to talk to his/her adjacent seat mate, or to merely make some noise in a simple manner, i.e., by using a simple hand motion. The present invention fulfills the desired characteristics and is a noise making device which is activated by simple hand motion.

The present invention, to be useful as a noise making device and a message bearer for sale, give-away and/or use at sporting events must be an attractive item for a concessionaire to display and offer for sale. It must be simple to make for the manufacturer, to customize for events and teams, and inexpensive for sale (since it will likely be either a give-away, supported by advertising, or an inexpensive souvenir, displaying, for example, the team's colors, logo, a phrase, etc.). It is desirably compact for ease of carrying and for storing many at the concessionaire's place of sale. Such a device must be instinctively able to be used as a noise maker—meaning that no extensive set of instructions or learning curve is required to understand how to use the device. Rather, it should be easy to use and one obtaining the same should quickly understand how to use the item to make noise. These characteristics limit the range of acceptable articles for use as a noise maker at a sporting event. Furthermore, in this connection, a noise maker which is useful for this intended purpose is one which provides noise without external power being provided, i.e., without batteries and without being operated by the user's mouth. The present invention satisfies the desired characteristics of a noise-maker device which can also be a message bearing device. It is lightweight, easy to use, inexpensive, and capable of being customized.

Among the prior art noise makers which have been used in stadiums and sold by concessionaires are the inflatable sausage shaped balloons. A user will first inflate them (sold in pairs) and then, when and if desired, the two sausages are clapped together to provoke a noise. This however, requires two such devices and two hands in controlled operation. It is considered desirable to provide a noise-making device which is instantly useful (without the need to first inflate the same) and which is activated by simply having only one hand holding the device and slapping or clapping it into the other open hand of the user. The sausage shaped balloons, as mentioned, require inflation for use and then require the dexterity of having one sausage shaped balloon held in one hand slapped against another such balloon held in the other hand. This dexterity is hard for young children and, in addition, occupies both hands with holding a device. The present invention, as will be described, is a single hand-held device which is activated, i.e., produces its noise, by holding the device at its end and slapping the other end into the open other hand of the user. Thus, only one hand is needed to be in constant contact with the device. The noise produced by the present invention is activated without the user's mouth (unlike the plastic air horns) leaving the user/fan free to talk or verbally shout while at the same time producing the repetitive noise. Furthermore, the present invention produces the sound without any external power supply.

Air horns have been used in the past and have been sold by concessionaires. They are, however, difficult to coordinate by adjacent seats/users and some require the user's mouth and lungs. Sustained noise is not really practical by a user since substantial effort is required to blow air through the horn to produce the noise. They have, however, been provided for use in stadia, arenas, ball field environments, etc. There have also been provided hand-operated air horns of the type also used as emergency locators or signaling devices for scuba divers and boats. These, too, are extremely loud and often the duration of the “blast” is difficult to control. Neither the mouth nor hand-operated air horns are easy to coordinate in sustained rhythm since a group of users cannot accurately and simultaneously easily blast their air horns. The present invention, in contrast, provides a noise making device which is easily activated and can provide an easy to follow, rhythmic cadence. It can be used to produce noise in a “beat” and can be easily ceased in unison, even by a large crowd.

As mentioned, air horns have also been sold at games. Generally, these are long plastic toy like devices. They, however, require the use of the operator's mouth and lungs and thus do not allow the user to simultaneously make noise and verbally shout encouragement. The present invention allows for both making noise in a simple manner, to do so in accordance with a beat or rhythm and also allows the user to talk, shout and yell encouragement.

Concessionaires at games, whether the games are staged at arenas, ball fields, stadia, etc. have sold a variety of devices. These need to be inexpensive, lightweight, easy to display and use. Many of the items sold by concessionaires carry the teams' colors, logos, some relevant message related to the anticipated game, etc. The present invention is a noise maker, as will be described, but, in addition, it carries some visible message and can be an item suitable for purchase as a souvenir. Alternatively, the present invention can be a gift provided by the team's owner (or subsidized by an advertiser) to encourage fans to come to the event. Often these devices are supported by third party advertising. Thus, the present invention satisfies another desired goal of noise making devices in that they are inexpensive and easily can be distributed as noise makers and, yet, can also have a visible message thereon, whether team related, an independent message, a self-serving advertising message or a combination of those messages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a noise maker, a simple hand-held device for selectively making noise by holding the device in one hand and repeatedly slapping it into the other, an open hand. Physically, the present invention resembles a Japanese-style fan for movement of air to cool one's self. However, those fans are generally of limited paper strength and small size. The present invention is a piece of substantially stiff paperboard which is folded, like a Japanese fan, held together on one end (either by a mechanical interlock of one portion of the device into another or by a simple rubber band) and thus, with the collected end of the noise maker in one hand, the fanned out portion, when slapped into the open, other hand of the device will produce a significant noise, an air clap. Many spectators, acting in unison, doing the same repetitive motion to a rhythmic beat by the clapping of the face of the fanned-out end into an open hand will produce a significant noise. Thus, the present invention is a lightweight, easy to manufacture, inexpensive, one-hand operated noise maker. The noise is generated by slapping or clapping the face of the end of fanned paperboard into the hand.

The present invention, when the collected end of the fan-like noise making device is uncollected, i.e., released (by releasing the mechanical interlock or removal of the rubber band) provides two large surface areas for advertising and/or messages. The message can be related to the team or an aspect of the game, as for example, the phrase, “GO NETS”, or the well-known two icons of the rebus for the term “DEFENSE.” The team's names, the team's mascot, an associated phrase, an advertising picture, name, logo, etc. can be printed by the seller or manufacturer onto the two sides of the uncollected device. Thus, either on command (by the overhead scoreboard or by prompt by the announcer) or when merely desired by the spectator using the device, the device can be uncollected on its otherwise collected end and thus “released” and the message displayed at the game to the television cameras, to fans sitting in seats on the other side of the stadium or arena, etc. Thus, the present invention provides at two relatively large and flat surfaces with messages or advertising capable of being printed thereon. This makes the noise making device extremely suitable for sale at arenas and stadia (or ballparks) in that an advertiser may desire to underwrite the cost of manufacturing and/or distribution of the device in exchange for access to the printable surface for display of its goods or services. In a preferred embodiment, the advertiser may display its name, logo, and/or a message in one section or on one side of the large, flat surface, or adjacent to the team's name, colors, logo, etc. with the other side of the device being provided with a suitable message, team related logo, colors, name, etc. which can be desirably and selectively shown to the crowd, to the television audience, etc.

Also, one or both of the large flat (although comprised of undulating surfaces of the device) areas can be adorned with a small segment of a large overall message to be selectively displayed to the crowd or to the television audience. The small segment, when displayed with other small segments of adjacent noise-making devices when they are uncollected on one end, can display a large message or picture which is not appreciated until the entire set of devices are opened up to expose the messages or pictures. The crowd or audience is usually quite amused by the visual effect.

To facilitate the alternative usage of the device for noise making and message displaying, the present invention is first provided with a means or mechanism for holding one end in a collected position so that the scored and folded sheet of paperboard is made into and held in its configuration as a Japanese fan. In addition, the device is provided at one or both ends with hand carrying slots. Thus, the user can release or “uncollect” the otherwise collected end and hold the slots with his hands and expand the noise making fan so that it is in its message display condition/configuration. The user, by gripping the hand slots can easily expand the compressed fan to display the message printed on the substantially flat (but comprised of peaks and valleys of the fan folds) paperboard.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,743,432 shows a combined paper head covering and fan. That device is intended to function alternatively as a head covering and a cooling fan and thus is likely sufficiently lightweight that it would be incapable of producing large noise even assuming one were to slap it into the open hand opposed to the hand within which the collected portion of the fan is held. In addition, there is no teaching nor suggestion of providing hand slots for expanding the compressed fan, when desired, into its message bearing condition/configuration. Furthermore, the prior art does not teach nor suggest an integrated mechanical means formed form a single rectangular sheet of paperboard to hold the fan folds together at one end to form a Japanese fan-like device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled noise making device, ready for use as a noise maker;

FIG. 2 is top plan view of the noise maker in its uncollected or released condition, showing one side of the device suitable for having an advertisement or message printed thereon;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of one end on one side of the noise maker device, showing a tab cut therein for use in connection with converting and holding the device from a message bearing condition, into its noise making condition/configuration;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the other end of the device, on the other side as shown in FIG. 3, showing a horizontally extending slit forming a lateral extension and a slit cut therein for use with holding one end of the device (in combination with the tab shown in FIG. 3) into its compressed, noise making condition/configuration;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective and partial view of the end of the noise maker device in its condition/configuration where the end is collected and held together by the mechanical interlock of the tab of FIG. 3 and the lateral extension and slit of FIG. 4, so that the folds formed at that end of the device are collected and the other end of the device, with its undulating folds, flares outwardly;

FIG. 6 is another enlarged, partial and side view of the device showing the rear of the end of the noise maker with the end collected and with the lateral extension wrapped around to the other side, when the device is in its collected condition or configuration for use as a noise making device;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the released device, showing one form of a message printed thereon for display. The score/fold lines are shown and in this Figure the device is stretched to its maximum, i.e., the otherwise undulating set of folds are substantially flattened;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the released device shown in FIG. 7, showing another visual message printed thereon, this one being the well-known rebus for the word, “DEFENSE;”

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device of the invention shown partially folded into a set of pleats prior to its original sale to a consumer;

FIG. 10 is a view of the device formed into a set of folded pleats and then with the free end of the device wrapped around the pleats so that the device is sold in a small box-like configuration. It can then be sold and the box opened. Then, one end can be secured so that the pleats form the fan folded Japanese fan of the noise making configuration; and

FIG. 11 is a view of the device partially formed with pleats, sealed shut with adhesive tape yet showing one end of a marker being pulled out, for ease of illustration of the concept of securing a marker into the box formed of the device itself.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a noise maker 10 in its “collected” configuration or condition ready for making noise. A user will grasp the device at its collected end 12 and slap the fanned-out section 14 against an open hand. This is done by slapping one surface of a first fan fold into the open hand and not by slapping the crests or valleys of the fan folds into the hand. It is important to preserve the integrity of the device and making maximum noise for the flat end, 16, for example, of the end of one of the fan folds or continuous paperboard set of pleats, 18, to be slapped into the open hand of the user. Stated differently, it is intended that the fan or noise maker not be used such that the peaks or crests 20 are slapped into the hand, although doing so is not expected to destroy the device, but, however, the flat end 16 of the end of the fan folds or continuous pleats 18 of the device is thrust into the open hand. The first flap of the first or leading pleat will slap against the user's open hand and create a noise and the following pleats or fan folds then follow (since the folds are obviously connected together) and thus a loud noise is generated. Indeed, the noise effect can either be a sharp clap-like sound or, depending upon the stiffness and lamination provided to the paperboard, the noise can be a ruffle sound. It is believed that the noise is a function of the compression and movement of the air from between the fan folds, as they are compressed by movement through the air and against one another, a function of them hitting into one another as their motion is stopped by the open hand into which the leading fan fold is slapped. Then, each fan fold is in turn stopped from further motion by “running” into its adjacent fan fold. The device can be used with either end 22 or 24 of the device being first thrust into the open end of the user's hand. During use as a noise maker, the user will be holding the collected end 12 in one hand and slapping either the end 22 or 24 into his or her other open hand, with the following fan folds 18 thus slapping against adjacent fan folds. This produces a pleasing, sharp, and controllable noise. The user can do this repetitively and according to verbal or visual prompts by another. When many such noise makers are simultaneously used, the effect is significant and impressive.

The invention is made from a single sheet of paperboard, die cut, scored if needed, creased and then folded into a Japanese fan shape with one end collected together for holding in a hand. A set of pleats or fan folds are thus formed, each comprising a surface at an incline, a peak and a surface extending down from the peak, at a decline, to a valley.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the noise maker 10 can be released, unfurled or uncollected on its one end to display in a more flattened configuration. In this Figure it is apparent that the device, as a consequence of resiliency of the paperboard maintains some of its undulating incline and decline surfaces, separated by peaks or crests and valleys. If the device is fully stretched apart by grasping the ends 22 and 24, the device will be at its maximum width but that is not deemed necessary to display the message, logo, name, etc. which may be printed thereon. The message can be shown to other attendees at the event or to the televised audience. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, both sides can be provided with a message, the teams' colors, logo, an advertisement, and/or a rebus or phrase. One side can be blank for allowing the owner to create his/her own graphic, message, or to collect autographs of attendees of the event. If many devices are converted from their noise maker condition into their message bearing condition or configuration, the same repeated message may be an effective advertisement of the message or, alternatively, the supplier of the devices can preprint many of the devices with different messages or portions of messages, sell or distribute them in a particular order or sequence so that when they are released and unfurled or their bound ends uncollected, a single large message appears (as often occurs in large college football bowl games).

Toward the desired goal of facilitating the release, unfurling or uncollecting of one end of the noise maker, a pair of hand-holding slots 30 and 32 are provided, die cut through the device at and near the ends. Preferably the slots 30 and 32 are parallel to one another, of sufficient size in length and width to accommodate each hand of the user each and located through and extending across the first pleat or fan fold comprising surfaces 34 and 36, the panels that are nearest to the ends 38 and 40 of the fan-folded paperboard device. The slots are generally centered between top and bottom but they may be offset, too. The distance of the slots to the ends of the device is to be small so that the user can place four fingers of each hand through the slot and the palm of the hand is at the end of the device.

The noise maker 10 is preferably made from paper board and die cut to produce the hand hold slots 30 and 32. Preferably, the invention is made from rectangular blanks of paperboard with dimensions, after printing, die cut and finishing of about 26.4375 by 11.75 inches. According to the present preferred embodiment of the present invention, the paper board must be sufficiently strong and stiff so that it will be capable of multiple usages and not become destroyed quickly and, yet, it must be sufficiently lightweight to allow for speed and ease of slapping into the open hand and yet, without hurting the user during use. It has been determined by experimentation that the preferred strength of the paper board for the present purpose, based on ease of manufacture, cost, weight, hand speed, noise generation, comfort, ease of printing thereon, etc. is commercial grade paperboard of at least about a stock weight of 14 Point Cover material. Sound levels can be adjusted by the manufacturer by variances in the lamination of the paperboard and/or by using different stock weights.

Viewing FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, it should be apparent that the unfurled or uncollected noise maker 10 provides two surfaces of large relatively flat areas for carrying any message or displayed advertisement. One side 40 can bear a commercial message while the opposed side 42 can display another visual message. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, each of the sides can actually display two integrated messages. For example, the first side 40, can actually display two distinct messages on its surface with a first message printed on the first parallel inclined sides (say those going uphill from left to right) of the fan folds 14 and a different message printed on the second inclined sides of the fan folds 14, say those going downhill from left to right. This should be understood by those of ordinary skill in that similar messages or pictures have been done for years on inclined surfaces to show multiple pictures, as for example, by the Israeli artist, Yaacov Agam.

Turning one's attention to FIGS. 1 through 6, the mechanism for holding one end of the device in its noise maker condition is shown. This is the collected or furled condition or configuration. This mechanism is preferred in that it integrates into a single piece of paperboard the noise maker and a mechanical means for collecting and holding the one end 12. It is simple to manufacture, effective and does not involve an additional item to be sold. However, for simplicity, cost of manufacturing, etc., it may be desirable to eliminate this feature and have the user merely fold the device into pleats, i.e., the Japanese fan configuration and collect and hold the end of the device by tying the end by string or by wrapping a rubber band around the one collected end.

The mechanical end-holding mechanism provided by the present invention is integrated into the device and can be made during manufacture, a product of further die cutting, perforation and scoring/folding. According to this embodiment of the invention, one end 40 of the device is provided with a small pair of parallel, longitudinal slits extending in the direction of the planar faces of the folds. The slits 50 and 52 define between them a tab 54 (see FIG. 5). The slits only extend for about ¾ of an inch and thus provide a tab about ¾ of an inch in length, extending from an edge of the end fan fold.

On the opposite end 38 of the device 10 is a lateral extension 60 (bent back in FIG. 4 for ease of illustration). Lateral extension 60 is formed by a sidewise slit 62 extending across one entire planar surface of a first fan fold of the device, extending from end 38 and across one sloped surface of the first fan on that side of the device. It has a fold or crease line which extends from the first such fold or crease line for the first fan fold. The lateral extension 60 is also provided with a slit 70 defining an end tab 72. Slit 70 extends from the top of the lateral extension 60 towards the edge of the device, i.e., it extends in the opposite direction to the slits 50 and 52 of the tab 54 located on the other end of the device. The tab of the lateral extension preferably passes through about ½ of the height of the lateral extension towards the edge.

In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a scored and preferably perforated line extends across one panel of the first pleat. It is provided with a scored slit, partially extending from the top of the perforation and toward the bottom edge of the panel (but not to the bottom edge). The panel of the pleat or fan fold at the opposite end is provided with a slit which extends from the bottom edge up a slight distance. When the device is folded into pleats and that one end collected together, the tab defined by the perforation is bent back and around the other rear edges of the adjacent pleats. Then the slit of the first panel is slid upwardly into the slit of the last panel of the pleat on the opposite end. This, then, locks the collected end together.

In use, after the noise maker 10 is printed and then die cut, as indicated, it can be folded into a set of pleats or a Japanese fan-shaped noise maker by collecting the fan folds on the end with the tab 54 and lateral extension 60 into a compressed condition. Then that end can be tied together or gathered and held by a rubber band. Alternatively, the lateral extension is bent back and wrapped around the collected folds, in a direction toward the tab 54 and the slit 70 is slid into the slit 50 or 52, with tab 72 being located behind the tab 54, i.e., the tab of the lateral extension will slide vertically by the tab 54. This mechanically interlocks the device and holds that end of the noise maker 10 into its noise making condition and configuration. Of course, other mechanical “locking” mechanisms for maintaining the fan-fold condition for noise making can be employed, whether of the type which are made from the paperboard (thus considered integrated) or of the type which are added to the fan-folded device (like the rubber band). In either event, the mechanical locking mechanism is intended to allow for use of the device as a noise maker and alternatively as a message bearer.

When desired to unfurl, release or uncollect the device, to produce the advertising image on one or the other side of the relatively flattened device, the user can easily untie the string, if provided, remove the rubber band, if provided, or merely remove the tab 72 from the slot 52 and the ends 38 and 40 will no longer be compressed, collected nor held together. Then, the user can expand the device by pulling apart and holding the handholding slots 30 and 32 to spread the device apart for display of the messages on one or the other side.

Of course, it should be appreciated that the device can be easily and quickly, alternatively used as a noise making device and a message displaying device. When used as the noise maker device, as mentioned, the user will grasp the collected and held together end 12 (whether mechanically interlocked as just described or by tying with string or a rubber band) and slap the flat end of either end of the device into the open hand. When used as a message bearing and delivering device, the device is preferably released and the ends separated by use of the hand holding slots. Of course, a message can be displayed even if the device is in its noise making condition/configuration.

Other options can be provided to the noise making device, too, as, for example, using glow in the dark printing ink for the message; using black-light sensitive inks and background/paperboard; soft touch, etc. Also, there are many avenues to pursue increased marketing and ad revenue by a manufacturer/distributor of the device. The device can be a component of a scratch off and win promotion, where purchasers are directed to websites for coupons and other product offers, based on the revealed message hidden behind a covering foil which is obtained upon purchase and scratching of the foil. An SMS/Text Messaging option can also be provided to the printed information on the device, encouraging purchasers to send a text message to win a prize or to “opt-in” to a promotion. A coupon can be printed onto a portion of the device, say, for example, the inside of the hand slot, which can be scored and perforated so that the buyer can remove the same and present the coupon for a discount or free merchandise. The device can have a pre-printed message on one side and blank on the other and thus sold along with markers to allow the purchaser to decorate the originally blank side. Decals can be provided, too for decorating the fan, along with adhesive lettering and logos/icons/pictures. These and other advertising and marketing ideas can be employed with the present invention.

Turning attention to FIG. 9, one sees the device of FIGS. 7 and 8 partially folded into the set of pleats. FIG. 9, however, is intended to show the device as partially folded by the manufacturer prior to sale. While labor intensive to pre form the device into the set of pleats, it may be desirable for storage and presentation purposes to sell the device in a box shape, as shown in FIG. 10. In this manner, a marker 80 or set of markers can be contained within the box, formed from the device itself. As seen in FIG. 10, the pleats are preformed and then the last three panels are wrapped around the folded pleats to form a box-like container of pleats, form the remaining panels of the pleats. Then, the free end is secured, by taping 82 or other adhesive, to the peak of a pleat, thus forming the box-like device for sale, shown in FIG. 10. When purchased, the adhesive 82 is removed, the marker 80 removed, and the device, partially formed is completed, i.e., all pleats are formed and the end collected and mechanically secured by the integrated tab and slits mechanical interengagement.

One can see in FIGS. 10 and 11 that one or more marker(s) can be located between the inside of the box and the pleats located therein. This allows the device to contain the markers for use on the device, whether for making a message, graphic or for obtaining autographs.

It is believed that the above description when read in connection with the Figures of the drawings provides a full, complete, and easy to understand appreciation of the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the field. The inventor has described how to make, how to use, and the currently best known version or embodiment of the invention. The invention is described herein but the scope of protection is that provided by the attached claims, as understood and interpreted by review of the specification and as allowed by the Courts of the United States, whether based on their literal words or by resort to the well-known Doctrine of Equivalents, it being the clear desire of the inventor and owner to obtain the broadest protection to which they are entitled.

Claims

1. A noise maker comprising:

a. A set of fan folds forming a Japanese fan-like device, collected at one end, made from a paperboard product of sufficient weight to allow repeated slapping of the same into an open hand when said collected end is held by the other hand and

b. Said fan folds when released displaying at least one substantially planar surface with a message thereon.

2. A noise maker as claimed in claim 1 made from a single sheet of paperboard and further comprising an integrated mechanical means for holding said collected end of said fan folds together while allowing said other end to be in an outwardly flared condition.

3. A noise maker as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mechanical means comprises a set of integrated slits and defined tabs on opposite ends for selective coupling and release.

4. A noise maker as claimed in claim 1 further comprising at least one hand holding slot cut into the paperboard product.

5. A noise maker as claimed in claim 1 made from paperboard of at least 48 pounds.

6. A noise maker as claimed in claim 1 made from paperboard of about 250 pounds.

7. A noise maker as claimed in claim 4 wherein said slots are located near to the edges of said device.

8. A noise maker as claimed in claim 4 wherein two opposed hand holding slots are provided.

9. A noise maker as claimed in claim 8 wherein said hand holding slots are substantially parallel to one another.

10. A noise maker as claimed in claim 8 wherein said hand holding slots are located at about the center between the top and bottom of said device when released.

11. A noise maker as claimed in claim 9 wherein said hand holding slots are located at about the center between the top and bottom of said device when released.

12. A noise maker as claimed in claim 8 wherein said hand holding slots are cut into said device near to the edges thereof.

13. A noise maker and billboard-like device comprising a set of paperboard pleats, selectively gathered at their ends.

14. A noise maker as claimed in claim 13, further comprising one or more hand slots therein.

15. A noise maker as claimed in claim 13 wherein said device further comprises an integrated paperboard mechanism for holding said ends.

16. A noise maker as claimed in claim 13 wherein said device is provided with a pre-printed message on one side.

17. A noise maker as claimed in claimed 16 wherein said other side of the device is blank.

18. A noise maker as claimed in claim 13 wherein three panels of said pleats form an exterior box.

19. A noise maker as claimed in claim 18 further comprising a marker.

20. A noise maker as claimed in claim 13 wherein said noise is a ruffled sound when a flat panel of a first of said pleats is slapped against an open hand.