Bow Shaped Container for Cheerleading Bow

Abstract

A bow shaped container is configured to retain, carry, and showcase a cheerleading bow. The container has a housing and a lid that hingedly open and close over the bow. The container is rigid to provide protection, and transparent to enable visibility. The generally bow shaped shape of the container is defined by four compartments forming an approximate bow shaped configuration, which approximates the shape of the bow. Each compartment encases a section of the bow. The bow is defined by a generally linear ribbon base that elevates, and a pair of tails that extend at an angle from the ribbon base. Each end of the ribbon base positions in two ribbon compartments. Each tail positions in two tail compartments. The segregated configuration of the compartments; ample height and length provided by the compartments; and relative orientation of the compartments prevents deformations, and enhance visibility for the bow.

Description

BACKGROUND

It is known that a cheerleading outfit is a uniform worn by cheerleading squads usually indicative of the mascot, school, colors of the team or organization they are representing. The uniform can include a sweater, skirt, socks, and athletic shoes. Additionally, a cheerleading bow can form a part of the outfit. Like the other attire, the cheerleading bow forms an attractive accessory indicative of a team color, logo, or mascot. The cheerleading bow can also include various decorative features, such as a metallic sheen, glitter, decorative patterns and colors, and bells.

Typically, the cheerleading bow is a decorative ornament adorned during cheerleading exercises and competitions. The cheerleading bow often attaches to the crown or article of clothing adorned by the cheerleader. The bow can often clip onto the crown, hair, or cheerleading outfit. Generally, the bow is enlarged to highlight the ornamental aspects to an audience that may be distally located. The large size of the bow also enhances the grip for adornment.

The inventor has been a cheerleader in the past, and has also coached cheerleading events. One problem noticed by the inventor is that the cheerleading bow may not have sufficient structural integrity to function, beyond adorning the crown. The bow is chiefly ornamental, and thus is fabricated from a resilient, thin material susceptible to tearing and crumpling, and other deformations. Additionally, glitter, stripes, bells, feathers, and other decorative features on the cheerleading bow fall off relatively easy.

When not in use, the cheerleading bow tended to be stored in large closets. This resulted in large, heavy objects being placed atop the cheerleading bow. The cheerleading bow was also stored in bags and small containers which tended to compress and agitate the cheerleading bow. During transport, the cheerleading bow was haphazardly carried or crushed into a small suitcase. The consequence being a deformed cheerleading bow or missing components to the cheerleading bow.

Another problem encountered was that after a duration, the cheerleading bow tended to become misplaced. The memories of the cheerleading competitions and camaraderie often faded. A permanent, aesthetic display of the cheerleading bow, years after the cheerleading was not available.

The inventor initially created a rigid box to place the cheerleading bow inside. This prevented the cheerleading bow from being crushed. However, the temptation to place other objects into the rigid box was great, resulting in other objects deforming the cheerleading bow. Also, the cheerleading bow was not readily visible from the rigid box.

The inventor then created a smaller, transparent box. This enabled visibility of the cheerleading bow and restricted other objects from being placed inside. However, the tails from the cheerleading bow were often longer than the ribbon base. This resulted in creasing on the tails. Also, the smaller, transparent box was not a very decorative container.

The inventor then designed a bow shaped container with decorative features, including transparency. The bow shaped container opened and closed in a clam shell style. This made opening and closing easy for children. The bow shaped container was also defined by four compartments that each received an end of the ribbon base and the tails. This provided sufficient space that was tailor made for a cheerleading bow. The bow shaped container was also decorative, such that the cheerleading bow could be displayed as a showcase, even many years after the cheerleading events were over.

Cheerleading accessory containers have been used for containing uniforms and accessories in the past, yet none with the present characteristics of the present invention. See Patent numbers: U.S. 20050150782; U.S. 20040255431; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,725.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a transparent, rigid bow shaped container to retain, carry, and showcase a cheerleading bow.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a bow shaped container that is configured to retain, carry, and showcase a cheerleading bow. The generally bow shaped shape of the container is defined by four adjacently positioned compartments that approximate the shape of the bow. Each compartment encases a section of the bow. The bow is defined by a generally linear ribbon base that elevates, and a pair of tails that extend at an angle from the ribbon base. Each end of the ribbon base, and each tail rests in a natural state while in the respective compartment. The segregated configuration of the compartments; ample height and length provided by the compartments; and relative orientation of the compartments prevents deformations, and enhance visibility for the bow.

The four compartments are defined by a pair of ribbon compartments that receive the ribbon base and a pair of tail compartments that receive the pair of tails. The compartments are oriented and sized such that the bow rests in a natural position while in the container, without folding, creasing, compressing, or crumpling the ribbon base or the pair of tails. Because each end of the ribbon base and each tail has a separate compartment, undesirable deformations on the bow are restricted. Additionally, the visibility of the bow is enhanced by the natural positioning of the bow shaped compartments; thus creating a more decorative showcase display. In some embodiments, the compartments are equidistant, with the ribbon compartments being bow shaped and symmetrical to the tail compartments. However, in one alternative embodiment, the tail compartments are longer than the ribbon compartments to compensate for longer tails in the bow.

In some embodiments, the container has a housing having a substantially bow shape. The housing is defined by an open end and a closed end. The open end receives the cheerleading bow, and the closed end forms a base surface for the container to rest on. The housing also includes an opposing lid that matches the shape of the open end of the housing. The lid attaches to the housing and pivots between an open and a closed position relative to the housing. The housing and the lid are hinged one to the other at a rear end by a hinge, integral with the housing and lid, in such a way that the lid can move with a snap action relative to the housing between a closed position of the container and an open position of the container.

One objective of the present invention is to retain a cheerleading bow in a protective and decorative bow shaped container.

Another objective is to provide a bow shape to the container for functional and decorative purposes.

Another objective is to help prevent deformation of the bow while positioned inside the pair of ribbon compartments and the pair of tail compartments.

Another objective is to have a container that forms a decorative showcase to preserve the memory of the bow in pristine condition.

Another objective is to maintain the natural state and structural integrity of the ribbon base and the pair of tails during storage.

Yet another objective is to enable visibility of the bow while the container is in a closed position.

Yet another objective is to provide hinging means for enabling facilitated movement between an open position and a closed position of the container.

Yet another objective is to provide a lip and ridge that frictionally snap together to enable secure locking means between the housing and the lid.

Yet another objective is to have at least partially transparent container.

Yet another objective is to provide at least one peg in the housing for securing the bow.

Yet another objective is to provide a handle for carrying the container.

Yet another objective is to provide a label and/or a decorative design that is visible from the container.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention showing an exemplary cheerleading bow positioned proximal to an exemplary bow shaped container in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bow shaped container in a closed position;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of the bow shaped container, where FIG. 3A illustrates an open position, and FIG. 3B illustrates a closed position; and

FIGS. 4A and 4B are elevated side views of the bow shaped container, where FIG. 4A illustrates an open position, and FIG. 4B illustrates a closed position.

DESCRIPTION

One embodiment, referenced in FIGS. 1-4B, illustrates a bow shaped container 100 configured to retain, carry, and showcase a cheerleading bow 200. The container 100 is defined by a housing 101 and a lid 109 that hingedly open and close over the bow 200. The housing 101 and the lid 109 have a pair of ribbon compartments 104 and a pair of tail compartments 106 that contain respective section of the bow 200. The segregated configuration of the compartments 104, 106; ample height and length provided by the compartments 104, 106; and relative orientation of the compartments 104, 106 prevents deformations, and enhance visibility for the bow 200.

As referenced in FIG. 1, the container 100 is sufficiently rigid to form a protective barrier over the bow 200; yet also decorative and transparent to provide a showcase display of the bow 200. The housing 101 is defined by an open end 102 and a closed end 103. The open end 102 receives the bow 200, and the closed end 103 forms a base surface for the container 100 to rest on. The housing 101 also includes an opposing lid 109 that matches the shape of the open end 102 of the housing 101. The lid 109 is movable relative to the housing 101 between a closed position of the container 100 and an open position of the container 100. The open end 102 of the housing 101 and the lid 109 join mouth to mouth to form a mating engagement. The housing 101 and the lid 109 are at least partially transparent to enable visibility of the bow 200 from a closed position, such as in a showcase display. In one embodiment, housing 101 and the lid 109 are approximately 1½ ″ thick in the closed position, which is sufficient height to enclose the bow 200 without crushing. Though thicker embodiments for the housing 101 and the lid 109 are possible to create sufficient space for the bow 200. Suitable materials for the housing 101 and the lid 109 may include, without limitation, a rigid polymer, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, fiberglass, and glass.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the generally bow shaped shape of the container 100 is defined by a pair of ribbon compartments 104 on a rear end of the housing 101 and the lid 109. The container 100 is also defined by a pair of tail compartments 106 on a front end of the container 100. The ribbon and tail compartments 104, 106 join at a junction 108 to form a substantially bow shaped configuration, which approximates the shape of the bow 200. The bow shaped shape of the compartments 104, 106 is oriented and dimensioned to prevent deformation and enhance visibility of the bow 200.

As referenced in FIG. 1, the bow 200 is a decorative ornament adorned during cheerleading exercises and competitions. The bow 200 attaches to the crown, hair, or cheerleading outfit. The bow 200 may include various decorative features, such as a metallic sheen, glitter, decorative patterns and colors, and bells. Generally, the bow 200 is enlarged to highlight the ornamental aspects to an audience that may be distally located. The large size of the bow 200 also enhances the grip for adornment. The bow 200 may not have sufficient structural integrity to function, beyond adorning the crown; and thus the container 100 provides a protective barrier for storage and portability when the bow 200 is not in use.

In some embodiments, the bow 200 may be defined by a generally linear ribbon base 202 that elevates, and a pair of tails 204 that extend at an angle from the ribbon base 202. The ribbon base 202 rises to form a resilient composition. The pair of tails 204 extend at various lengths. In some embodiments, each tail 204 is longer than the ribbon base 202 by a 2:1 ratio. However, the lengths may also be approximately equal, or possibly having the ribbon base 202 longer than the pair of tails 204. Each end of the ribbon base 202, and each tail 204 rests in a natural state while in the respective compartment 104, 106. This relaxed positioning protects the structural integrity of the bow 200, and enables visibility from all angles of the bow 200.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the pair of ribbon compartments 104 and the pair of tail compartments 106 join at a junction 108 to form the bow shape, which is oriented and dimensioned to prevent deformation and enhance visibility of the bow 200. Each compartment 104, 106 receives and encapsulates a respective end of the ribbon base 202 and the tails 204. Because each end of the ribbon base 202 and each tail 204 has a separate compartment 104, 106, undesirable deformations on the bow 200 are restricted. The compartments 104, 106 are oriented and sized such that each end of the ribbon base 202 and each tail 204 rests in a natural position while in the respective compartment 104, 106, without folding, creasing, compressing, or crumpling. Additionally, the visibility of the bow 200 is enhanced by the natural positioning in the bow shaped orientation of the compartments 104, 106; thus creating a more decorative showcase display.

In some embodiments, the compartments 104, 106 are equidistant, with the ribbon compartments 104 being bow shaped and symmetrical to the tail compartments 106. However, in one alternative embodiment, the pair of tail compartments 106 are longer than the pair of ribbon compartments 104 to compensate for longer tails 204 in the bow 200. In one embodiment, the tail compartments 106 form an approximate 45° angle from the front end, and the ribbon compartments 104 form an approximate 45° angle from the rear end.

In one embodiment, the container 100 forms a substantially square perimeter shape having approximately, 9½″×9½″ dimensions. However, when the pair of tail compartments 106 are longer than the pair of ribbon compartments 104, the housing 101 and the lid 109 form an approximate rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the housing 101 and the lid 109 can be sized larger or smaller, depending on the size of the bow 200. In this manner, the container 100 can be configured into a wide variety of sizes to accommodate the full spectrum of bow sizes. The flexible sizing encourages additional commercial benefits.

For example, as a cheerleader grows, the size of the bow 200 generally increases. The cheerleader will require multiple containers 100 to contain the progressively larger bows 200. It is significant to note that the delicate fabrication of the bow 200 restrict placing more than one bow 200 in each container 100. Also, the nostalgic need to relive cheerleading memories are conducive to maintain the structural integrity of the bow 200 in a pristine condition. Furthermore, the container 100 is at least partially transparent to enable visibility of the bow 200 while in the closed position. The container 100 can also have various colors and decorative features that correlate to a specific cheerleading bow 200.

As referenced in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the front end of the housing 101 and the lid 109 has a locking mechanism 112 to lock the container 100 into a closed position. The rear end of housing 101 and the lid integrates the hinge 110 to form a pivoting axis. The locking mechanism 112 is designed to be relatively simple to open and close in consideration of the fact that children often participate in cheerleading, and therefore may be apt to use the container 100. The locking mechanism 112 may include, without limitation, a lip and a ridge that engage to form a snap action lock in the closed position, a pair of ridges that frictionally engage to snap between the open and closed positions, magnets, buttons, zippers, and snap buttons. In some embodiments, the container 100 has a handle for carrying and manipulation. In other embodiments, the container 100 displays a label and/or an ornamental design.

While the inventor's above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope, but rather as an exemplification of several preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the number of bows 200 in each container 100 could be increased by providing multiple layers within the container. Accordingly, the scope should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A bow shaped container that preserves the structural integrity of a cheerleading bow, the bow shaped container comprises:

a bow shaped housing having an open and a closed end, the housing has a pair of ribbon compartments and a pair of tail compartments, the ribbon compartments are adjacent to each other and the tail compartments are adjacent to each other, each ribbon compartment is also adjacent to each tail compartment, all compartments join at a central junction so that the housing is bow shaped; and

a lid that matches the shape of the open end of the housing that attaches to the bow shaped housing and that pivots between an open and a closed position relative to the bow shaped housing.

2. The container of claim 2, further comprising an integral hinge that attaches the lid and the bow shaped housing.

3. The container of claim 3, further comprising a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a snap action lock that forms when the lid is placed in the closed position in relation to the bow shaped housing.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the bow shaped container length is approximately 9.5 inches and its width is 9.5 inches.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the bow shaped container has a height of at least 3 inches.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the pair of ribbon compartments and the pair of tail compartments have the same dimensions.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the pair of tail compartments are longer than the pair of ribbon compartments.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the bow shaped container is at least partially transparent.