SOUVENIR FLAG PORTFOLIO

Abstract

A portfolio for carrying a souvenir flag that allows the flags to be easily carried and protects the flag from the elements, yet allows the flag to be quickly and conveniently accessed and autographed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein deals with a protective carrying portfolio for flags used to collect autographs. For example, golf flags are often used to collect autographs from notable golfers. However, one will readily appreciate that collectors may desire for other commemorative flags to be autographed by notable individuals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In golf, it is common for fans attending golf matches to have players sign a golf flag with a felt tip pin. However, because golf matches are held outdoors, fans may have to stand in the rain or snow, which exposes a flag with one or more autographs to water, which may blur or otherwise efface the signature(s). Also, it is desirable to have a way to both conveniently carry a flag for long periods of time, and yet be able to access the flag quickly when an autographing opportunity arises.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein allows a collector to conveniently hold a flag protected from the elements, yet allows the flag to be quickly and easily accessed, when the opportunity for collecting a signature arises. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a protective portfolio made of transparent polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which features two sheets. The first sheet is folded into two halves, with one half acting as a flap. The other half of the first sheet has a second sheet affixed (e.g. using high frequency RF welding) to it at its edges. This second sheet features one or more cutouts allowing access to the flag when the flag is inserted between the first and second sheets. The portion of the first sheet acting as a flap covering the exposed parts of the flag can then be secured. A handle attached to the first sheet near the fold permits the portfolio to be conveniently carried until an autographing opportunity arises, at which point the flap can be quickly released and the flag presented to an individual for an autograph without removing it from the portfolio.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention along with a flag and the flat supporting material.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention with the flag seated.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention in the carrying configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to FIGS. 1-5, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or similar language means that particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “in certain embodiments”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. It is noted that, as used in this description, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the souvenir flag portfolio in perspective and top view, respectively. The souvenir flag portfolio is comprised of a single rectilinear sheet 1 that is folded along A-A into two substantially equal half sections 1a, 1b. Half section 1a has a top edge 1c, bottom edge 1d, and free edge 1e. These edges correspond to top edge 1c′, bottom edge 1d′, and free edge 1e′ of half section 1b. Sheet 1 in a preferred embodiment is ideally made of a waterproof, transparent material such as heavy grade clear polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Waterproof, clear transparent material is ideal for sheet 1 because it is contemplated that those using the invention will be standing outdoors on a golf course and therefore exposed to the elements, so this choice of material protects the souvenir flag from rain or snow, yet allows the flag to be readily viewed. Using a clear transparent material also means that the flag can be hung and displayed without removing it from the portfolio. While it will be appreciated that other materials can readily be used, material that will protect a flag from the elements, and permit the flag to be viewed, is preferred.

A second sheet 2, which in most preferred embodiments is made of the same materials described for sheet 1 above, is joined to half section 1b at top edge 1c′, bottom edge 1d′, and free edge 1e′. In a preferred embodiment where PVC material is used, sheet 2 is fused to sheet 1 at the edges by high-frequency RF welding, although other means for joining known to the art may also be used. When thus joined, sheets 1 and 2 define a channel into which a souvenir flag can be slidably inserted, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, sheet 2 contains a cutout section that permits a flag to be readily accessed and signed. At a minimum, the cutout section should overlap three edges of the flag as shown FIGS. 4 and 5 so that the flag will not fall out when the portfolio is held vertically by handle 3. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, this cutout section is a large rectangular shape that leaves material near the edges of the flag extending inwardly for a short distance, which means that most of the flag's surface will be exposed for autographing. However, in other embodiments, the cutout portion can be such that only certain selected portions of the flag are exposed, which would be ideal for certain flags bearing a logo or design that the collector doesn't want overwritten. For example, there could be four rectangular cutouts at the four corners of the flag, so that a design in the middle of the flag remains undisturbed.

Most preferred embodiments of the invention feature a handle 3. In one preferred embodiment, handle 3 is a length of cord whose free ends pass through grommets 4 in half section 1b near the fold and are knotted to prevent the free ends from slipping through the grommets. In the preferred embodiments, half section 1a features a pocket 5 sized to securely hold a writing instrument 5a used to autograph the flag, such as a felt tip pen.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, show how a flag is inserted into the portfolio. As mentioned above, sheets 1 and 2 define a channel into which the flag 7 is inserted. To facilitate the insertion, and also the autographing, of flag 7, backing sheet 8 is present in some embodiments as shown in FIG. 3. Backing sheet 8 in the preferred embodiment is made from stiff cardboard, but can be made of any suitable material known to the art that provides stiffness. Once flag 7 is inserted, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, half section 1a folds along fold line A-A over half section 1b and is secured by securing means 6. In one preferred embodiment, securing means is a snap fastener affixed to sheet 2 in proximity to free edge 1e′ and to the corresponding edge of half section 1a at 1e. However; other preferred embodiments would feature other fasteners known to the art such as hook-and-loop, releasable adhesive, etc. Also, other embodiments may feature fastening means affixed to different portions of sheet 2, such as around its periphery. As shown in FIG. 5, once half section 1a is secured, the portfolio is carried by handle 3. When an autographing opportunity arises, all that the collector needs to do is release fastening means 6, remove writing instrument 5a from pocket 5, and hand it to the individual whose autograph is sought. This individual can then access the flag through the cutouts to autograph the flag. Once finished, the collector puts writing instrument 5 back in pocket 5, secures half section 1a using fastening means 6, and can then move on to seek another autograph from another individual. In this way, numerous autographs can be quickly and easily obtained.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain embodiments, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which have been presented for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims

1. An article for protecting a souvenir flag, comprising:

A first sheet consisting of a transparent, waterproof material, having a first half and a second half defined by a folding edge, each of said first half and said second half having opposing top edges, bottom edges, and free edges;

a second sheet consisting of a transparent, waterproof material, joined to said first sheet at said top, said bottom, and said free edge of said first half, said second sheet having at least one cutout portion;

means for removably fastening said second half to said second sheet; and

a handle;

wherein said first half and said second sheet define a channel capable of receiving a souvenir flag.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. The article of claim 1, additionally comprising a holder for a writing instrument.

5. (canceled)

6. The article of claim 1, additionally comprising a backboard insertable into said channel.

7. An article for protecting a souvenir flag, comprising:

a first sheet consisting of a transparent, waterproof material, having a first half and a second half defined by a folding edge;

a second sheet consisting of a transparent, waterproof material, featuring at least one cutout portion that is joined at its edges to the edges of said first half of said first sheet, wherein said flag is inserted and frictionally secured between said first half of said first sheet and said second sheet, wherein said second half of said first sheet folds over both said first half of said first sheet and said second sheet and is releasably fastened to said second sheet by fastening means; and

a handle joined to said first sheet.

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. The article of claim 7, additionally comprising a holder for a writing instrument.

11. The article of claim 7, additionally comprising a backboard insertable into a channel.