DEVICES FOR DEMONSTRATING SUPPORT

Abstract

A device for demonstrating support or enthusiasm comprising a strip adapted to be wrapped around a person's wrist with fasteners, such as mating pieces of hook and loop fasteners (Velcro) carried at either end of the strip to secure it, in use, around the user's wrist and an array of flexible, finger-like extensions protruding from one side of the strip when the device is worn. The extensions are preferably in bright colors, solid and multi-colored, and in some cases fluorescent. The colors can be matched to the distinctive colors of a team. The extensions are preferably formed by molding, for example, injection molding a plastic resin material, such as a polymer, for example silicone or other resin.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to an improved device for demonstrating support or enthusiasm, for example of a sports team. It can also be used for team building, family gatherings, concerts and to welcome our military heroes back home.

BACKGROUND

It is well-known that pom-poms are frequently used at sporting events to demonstrate enthusiasm or support. The disadvantage of pom-poms is that they have to be carried, can easily be lost and prevent the users from doing other things with their hands.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides an improved device for demonstrating support or enthusiasm comprising a strip adapted to be wrapped around a person's wrist with fasteners, such as mating pieces of hook and loop fasteners (for example, Velcro material), carried at either end of the strip to secure it, in use, around the user's wrist and an array of flexible, finger-like extensions protruding from one side of the strip when the device is worn.

The extensions are preferably in bright colors, solid and multi-colored, and in some cases fluorescent. The colors can be matched to the distinctive colors of a team. The extensions are preferably formed by molding, for example, injection molding a plastic material, such as a polymer, for example silicone or other resin.

An important advantage of the device is that it leaves the hand of the wearer free.

The device is designed for the sports fan to be used to cheer and show support for their sports heroes. The hands-free use is what separates it from other products on the market.

While wearing this item, you have the freedom to use your hands for whatever you choose while effortlessly still cheering for the team. Whether that choice is fist-pumping, high-fiving, clapping your hands, eating a hot dog, drinking a beverage or even eating popcorn, the device is the perfect complement to the fan who really gets involved in sports.

No need to place it on the floor or seat next to you or worry that it is overly cumbersome or obstructive. It fits securely on your wrist. And let's not forget what happens when the moment comes and the whole stadium erupts into a burst of energy and starts doing “The Wave.” You do not want to be the person who is left out.

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with references to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of several of the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 in the condition which they would be in when worn.

FIGS. 4 through 7 are perspective views of further embodiments of the invention in use.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of part of the device shown in FIG. 8, in use on a wearer's wrist.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As seen in FIGS. 1 through 7, the Wave Cuff™ device in this embodiment comprises a rectangular strip 11 of fabric approximately 22.86 cm by 10.16 cm (9 inches by 4 inches). The fabric is preferably webbing with foam, for example, neoprene and the strip 11 provides an adjustable comfort fit neoprene band.

At its ends, the strip 11 has two pieces 13 of hook and loop fasteners (Velcro material) secured to the strip 11, for example by stitching, arranged with their engaging surfaces 15 on opposite sides of the strip 11 so that when the strip 11 is wrapped around a user's wrist, the engaging surfaces 15 of the pieces 13 come into contact and secure the device on the wrist. It will be appreciated that other known fastening devices, such as buttons, snaps, hooks and eyes could be used.

A molded array of plastic, flexible, finger-like extensions or tentacles 17 extending from a base 19 is secured, for example by stitching, to one surface of the strip 11. The extensions 17 are approximately 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) long, approximately 0.3175 cm (⅛ inch) in diameter, and, preferably are tapered to provide pointed distal ends. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, there are five rows of extensions 17, each row comprising thirteen extensions 17. It will be appreciated that a number of rows other than five could be used depending on the size of the device. The extensions 17 in adjacent rows are shown aligned in FIG. 1, but could be offset from each other in other examples of the invention, as seen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 1 also shows an optional piece of material 21 that may be used to cover the stitching securing the tentacles array to the strip 11 to improve the aesthetic appeal of the product.

Turning now to FIGS. 8 through 13, an alternative form of the Wave Cuff™ device is shown. FIGS. 8 through 10 show the molded plastic array of extensions or tentacles 17 extending from a base 19. In this form, there are tentacles arranged in 13 off-set rows of eight and seven.

Referring to FIG. 11, the overall length of the device is about 33 cm (13 inches) and the width of the center portion is about 14 cm (5.5 inches). The extensions or tentacles 17 are at least about 8.3 cm (3.25 inches) long.

Fasteners (not shown) for detachably securing the ends of the strip together are provided on the other side of the strip 11.

The tentacles 17 are made by injunction molding, using various resin materials, such as tpe, tpr, silicone, and the like.

FIG. 12 shows the injunction molded portion of the device comprising the tentacles 17 extending from the base 19. In other versions of the device, the number and arrangement of the tentacles 17 can be different.

FIG. 13 shows the device of FIG. 11 in use on a wearer's wrist.

Claims

1. A device for demonstrating support or enthusiasm comprising a strip adapted to be wrapped around a person's wrist with fasteners at either end of the strip to secure it, in use, around the user's wrist and an array of flexible, finger-like extensions protruding from one side of the strip when the device is worn.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the fasteners are mating pieces of hook and loop fasteners.

3. A device according to claim 1 wherein the extensions are in bright colors

4. A device according to claim 3 wherein the extensions are multi-colored

5. A device according to claim 1 wherein the extensions are formed by molding.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the molding is injection molding of a resin material.

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the resin material is a polymer resin.

8. A device according to claim 1 wherein the extensions are approximately 8.25 cm long.

9. A device according to claim 1 wherein the strip has a wider central portion at which the extensions are disposed and narrow end portions that carry the fasteners.