Abstract:
A sound generating device for being removably securable to or directly about a person&#39;s hand or finger for producing sound when the hand is reciprocally moved. The device includes a sound generating portion secured or securable to an attachment portion, where the attachment portion is securable to or directly about the hand or finger. Preferably, the sound is percussive caused by components of the device striking each other upon rapid and repeated reciprocal hand movement. The device is light in weight, does not require striking the hand or finger or other portion of the body, and is shaped and contoured to conform to hand shape, and preferably includes an adjustable attachment portion to adapt to differing sizes and shapes of hands and fingers; the device also may be modular, wherein the attachment portion may comprise a plurality of differing sizes of mounting structures for the same sound generating portion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/241,536 filed Sep. 11, 2009. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This relates to the field of novelties and more particularly to devices for generating sound and noise. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is historically evident that popular events such as sporting or celebratory events attract large numbers of spectators, or fans, who enjoy being entertained thereby and also who enjoy displaying their enthusiasm and exuberance such as by cheering, yelling and roaring at times, in encouragement and support of certain teams or individual participants and, upon occasion, in opposition to certain others. Occasionally, such displays including the use of noise-making devices such as airhorns. 
         [0004]    It is desired to provide devices that are easily manually activatable to produce certain noises or sounds. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Briefly, the present invention is a hand-mountable or finger-mountable device to produce sound, that is easily mounted onto or directly about the hand or a finger and is easily removable therefrom, or on a glove or mitten worn on the hand, but is not limited thereto. The device includes a sound generating portion and an attachment portion. Preferably, the sound is a percussive sound generated upon shaking of the device or moving and stopping it quickly, and can include clacking, clapping or rattling, for example, but is not limited thereto. The sound can be quite loud for a small, light-weight device especially when a plurality of such devices are activated simultaneously by numerous spectators. Also, preferably, the device is light in weight and not bulky nor cumbersome, does not require striking the hand or body, has hand- or finger-adjacent surfaces that are contoured to conform therewith, and has no sharp edges or corners, thus being ergonomic in design. Further, the device is adapted to accommodate hands and fingers of differing sizes and shapes. The device is easily used merely by rapid, reciprocal hand or finger movement like clapping or waving, thus taking advantage of body movement associated with displays of spectator exuberance to supplement the human voice. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, the device of the present invention is a rattle including a hollow container within which are loose, relatively dense subcomponents such as steel shot, stones or the like, that strike the container walls when the device is shaken quickly. The device further includes an attachment section for securing the device to a person&#39;s hand, such as the back of the hand or the several fingers, or even to the back of a glove or mitten worn on the hand, such that when the hand is reciprocally shaken rapidly and repeatedly, the device perforce moves quickly and generates a rattling sound. 
         [0007]    In a second embodiment, the device of the present invention is a clacker including a plurality of sections movable with respect to each other, which generate a clacking or clapping sound when each section is moved to strike an adjacent section. The sections may be, for example, relatively planar plates or paddles secured together at first ends thereof while extending to second or free ends, such that the plates may pivot about the secured together ends and strike each other when the device is shaken. The clacker includes an attachment section adapted to be mounted to a selected finger of a hand, or to the back of the hand, but is not limited thereto, and when the hand is reciprocally shaken rapidly and repeatedly, the device perforce moves quickly and generates a clacking or clapping sound. The sound generating portion may be modular and be accompanied by a plurality of attachment portions of varying sizes, or by an adjustable strap. 
         [0008]    The device of the present invention also leaves the hands and fingers substantially free for the wearer to grasp other items, and does not substantially encumber the wearer. Furthermore, the device of the present invention can be adapted to commemorate a particular sport or sports team or celebratory event such as by including a decal or illustration or embossment of a team logo or a design associated with the sport or a specific team, or be presented in team or celebratory event colors, or even be ornamentally shaped to support a particular sport or a specific team or celebratory event. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0010]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are isometric views of a first embodiment of noise-making device of the present invention having an attachment strap; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are bottom and side views, respectively, of the device of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a part section isometric view similar to  FIG. 1  of the device of  FIGS. 1 to 4  and illustrating the interior of the device; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectioned elevation view of the device of  FIGS. 1 to 5 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the device of  FIGS. 1 to 6  having a solid attachment section; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are isometric views of a third embodiment of noise-making device of the present invention, adapted to be securable to a finger; 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of the device of  FIGS. 8 and 9  from below thereof; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 11 and 12  are elevation and bottom views of the device of  FIGS. 8 to 11 ; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are left and right elevation views of the device of  FIGS. 8 to 12 ; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 15 and 16  are top and sectioned elevation views of the top paddle of the device of  FIGS. 8 to 14 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 17  is an enlarged view of the latching arrangement of the device of  FIGS. 8 to 16 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 18  is an alternate embodiment of the device of  FIGS. 8 to 17 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 19  is a fifth embodiment of the device, similar to those of  FIGS. 8 to 18 ; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 20 to 22  are a plan view, longitudinal section view and a cross-sectional view of the center paddle of the device of  FIG. 19 ; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 23  is a plan view of a strap utilized with the device of  FIGS. 1 to 6  and  FIGS. 19 to 22 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. The terms and expressions used herein, and the embodiments illustrated below, are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These terms, expressions and embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention. 
         [0026]      FIGS. 1 to 7  illustrate a first basic type of hand-mountable sound generating device of the present invention, where the device is mountable onto or directly about a hand (not shown) to be disposed along the back of the hand or the fingers.  FIGS. 8 to 23  are illustrative of a second basic type of sound generating device where the device is mountable onto or directly about a selected finger (not shown), again to be disposed along the back of the finger. Either basic type may optionally include an auxiliary attachment section such as a wrist strap. 
         [0027]    In  FIGS. 1 to 6 , device  10  includes a sound generating portion  20  and an attachment portion  60 . Sound generating portion  20  includes a hollow container section  22  within which are disposed one or preferably more subcomponents  24  ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) that are loose within the interior cavity  26  of container section  22 . Being loose, subcomponents  24  will move relative to the container and strike the inside surface of container section  22  producing a sound or noise, whenever the sound generating portion  20  is shaken, or moved quickly and stopped. Container section  22  can preferably be sufficiently long to extend transversely the width of a hand, and can have a hand-engaging surface  28  that is contoured to generally complement the backs of the fingers when mounted on a hand, by having defined thereinto four upward extending indents  30  defined orthogonal to the length of the container. 
         [0028]    Hollow container section  22  can comprise an upper body half  32  and a lower body half  34  that are firmly affixed to each other upon assembly such as by being bonded, or being fused or welded. Upper and lower body halves  32 , 34  can easily be molded from plastic material that is not brittle and has high strength properties so as not to be breakable. Subcomponents  24  preferably are dense, solid members such as steel shot; alternatively, marbles or stones or ceramic pellets can suffice, although plastic pellets would produce noise that is less loud. Their size may vary but preferably subcomponents are substantially smaller than the interior cavity  26  but large enough to make a sharp sound when striking the inside surface of container  22  when the device is shaken. 
         [0029]    Attachment region  60  can comprise a strap (see  FIG. 23 ), and is preferably of adjustable length to accommodate different sizes of hands. Preferably, attachment region  60  comprises two strap portions  62 , 64  such as of VELCRO® (trademark of Velcro Industries B.V., Curacao, Netherlands Antilles) and be of sufficient length for portions  62 , 64  to overlap for an extended distance to self-secure to each other. The two strap portions, as is shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , may be one continuous integral strap, where a first end  66  is easily affixed to a strap-connecting loop  40  of container  22  and where the strap length is passed through a second strap-connecting loop  42  at the opposite end of the container; strap portion  64  is doubled back over strap portion  62  that extends between the two loops  40 , 42  and about the hand (not shown), for the hooks on one surface  68  to engage loops on the opposing strap surface  70  ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0030]    The strap may also comprise two separate lengths (not shown) where the first strap ends of the two lengths can easily be affixed to container  22  by being fastened to strap-connecting loops  40 , 42  of the container at the ends thereof, while the free strap portions overlap to be firmly attached to each other after being wrapped about the hand. As an additional matter, a cord or strap  90  can be affixed to the device for securing the device to a wrist when the device is not mounted to the hand or fingers. Alternatively, a buckle (not shown) may be used to adjust the strap length, whether the strap comprises one continuous length or two separate lengths. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  illustrates an alternate embodiment of hand-mountable noise-making device  110 , with a sound generating portion  120  and an attachment portion  160 . In device  110 , attachment portion  160  comprises a handle graspable by the fingers of a hand (not shown), the handle being integral with the container  122 . Attachment portion  160  preferably includes a grippable portion that is shaped to conform to the fingers through indents  130 ; however, as shown, it is not adjustable in length. As with device  10  of  FIGS. 1 to 6 , a cord or strap  90  may also be used to secure device  110  to a wrist when device  110  is not being hand-held. 
         [0032]    An embodiment of a second basic type of noise-making device  210  is shown in  FIGS. 8 to 17 , and having a sound generating portion  220  and an attachment portion  260 . Attachment portion  260  is seen to be a ring having a C-shape through which a finger (not shown) is insertable so that the device is moved when the finger is moved. Preferably, two legs  262  are flexible to facilitate being mounted to and removed from a finger, and can adapt to a limited range of finger sizes. When mounted, sound generating portion  220  would extend from the attachment portion to be adjacent the back of the finger to which it is mounted. 
         [0033]    Sound generating portion  220  comprises at least two paddles relatively movable together and apart (see  FIG. 8 ), and, as shown in  FIGS. 8 to 17 , preferably comprises three paddles: a center paddle  222  and upper  224  and lower  226  paddles that move relative to center paddle  222  and strike it to generate a clapping or clacking sound when the device is waved rapidly and reciprocally. 
         [0034]    Center paddle  222  includes a striking section or widened paddle portion  230  from which extends an elongated connecting section  232  that is affixable to attachment portion  260 . Elongated connection section  232  is insertable into slot  264  of attachment portion  260 . As seen best in  FIG. 8 , the free end of elongated connection section  232  comprises a pair of latch arms  266  that include respective latch projections  268  that latch to attachment portion  260  beyond the far end of slot  264  when elongated connection section  232  is fully inserted through slot  264 . 
         [0035]    Upper and lower, or outer, paddles  224 , 226  each have a striking section or widened paddle portion  234  and a foreshortened connecting section  236  extending therefrom. Preferably, the widened paddle portions are generally round. The two connecting sections  236  are secured to elongated connecting section  232  of center paddle  222  at paddle interconnection region  228  in a manner permitting relative reciprocating movement with respect to center paddle  222  when device  210  is waved or shaken rapidly and repeatedly. Preferably, the mode of connection is by a strong elastic band  240  that extends through small side grooves  242  of connection sections  232 , 236 , 236 , as best seen in  FIG. 8 . Also, preferably, transverse grooves  243  are provided in outwardly facing surfaces of connection sections  236  of outer paddles  224 , 226  for seating of elastic band  240 , as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . 
         [0036]    To assure movement of the upper and lower, or outer, paddles  224 , 226  with respect to center paddle  222 , the interior surfaces  238  of the foreshortened connection sections of the outer paddles are tapered to be at an angle with the planar surfaces  244  of the outer paddles immediately adjacent to interconnection region  228  that face center paddle  222 . The angle may be about 165° such that when surfaces  238  rest against elongated connection section  232  of center paddle  222 , interior surfaces  244  of the outer paddles are preferably at an angle α of about 15° with respect to the plane of the surfaces of center paddle  222  when the paddles are at rest (see  FIGS. 11 and 16 ). At this angle, when the upper and lower paddles then “rock” about the center paddle at the fulcrum, sufficient distance exists between the widened outer paddle portions  234  and widened center paddle portion  230  that a clapping or clacking sound is generated upon the striking between the widened paddle portions  230 , 234 . The actual angle may be more or less than 15° and still be within the scope of the present invention. Also, the widened center paddle portion  230  may extend farther than the paddle portions  234  of the outer paddles. 
         [0037]    To further enhance the loudness of the percussive sound thus generated, the surfaces of the center paddle and the outer paddles facing each other preferably have large recesses  246  defined thereinto. Optionally, center paddle  222  may include a hole  248  interconnecting the recesses of both its upper and its lower surfaces. To enhance the robustness of the paddles, a thickened flange  250  preferably is provided about the peripheries of the widened paddle portions  230 , 234 , 234 , which also serves to define the recesses  246 , with the connecting sections  232 , 236  of the paddles each preferably having generally the same height as the thickened flanges  250 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 18  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the second basic type of noise-making device  310 , similar to that of  FIGS. 8 to 17 . Sound generating portion  320  is seen to be a one-piece integral member defining an elongated connection section  322  and a pair of paddles  324  coextending from connection section  322  to define widened paddle portions  326  that are generally round. A slot  328  divides paddles  324 , whereby the paddles are relatively movable when device  310  is shaken, and the widened paddle portions  326  strike each other to generate a clapping or clacking sound as a result. An elastic band  330  is affixable to paddle ends  332  adjacent connection section  322  to provide spring bias to facilitate sound generation; preferably, paddles  324  are formed to diverge at an angle. As with device  210  of  FIGS. 8 to 17 , elastic band  330  is preferably seated within slots (not shown) of paddles  324 . The sound generating portion  320  and the attachment portion  360  are both easily and economically molded from an appropriate plastic material that has high strength and is not brittle, to define a robust, rugged device. 
         [0039]    Attachment portion  360  is seen to be similar to attachment portion  260  of  FIGS. 8 to 17 , having a pair of legs  362  forming a C-shape to be mountable to a finger. A slot  364  receives thereinto an end portion  366  of connection section  322 , and as shown, end portion  366  includes arrays of teeth  368  to provide a force fit with attachment portion  360  when end portion  366  is inserted into slot  364 , although a pair of latch arms (not shown) could be utilized as with device  210  to latch with attachment portion  360 . 
         [0040]    In  FIGS. 19 to 23 , finger-mountable device  410  is similar to device  210  in that it is finger mountable by attachment region  460 , and its sound generating region  420  has three paddles  422 , 424 , 426 . Center paddle  422  includes a widened paddle section  430  and an elongated connecting section  432 , while outer paddles  424 , 426  each have a widened paddle section  434  and a foreshortened connecting section  436 ; outer paddles  424 , 426  are secured to center paddle at connection section  428  by an elastic band  440 . However, attachment region  460  differs from device  210  by providing for a strap  470  secured to end  472  of elongated connecting section  432  of center paddle  422 . 
         [0041]    End  472  includes a pair of laterally protruding wings  474  extending to ends  476 , and a strap-receiving slot  478  is defined in each wing  474 . Strap  470 , as shown in  FIG. 23 , includes an enlarged portion  480  at one end, through which is a slot  482 . To affix the strap to the end  472 , the strap is first inserted through one strap-receiving slot  478 , and then is inserted through strap slot  482 , then is inserted through the remaining strap-receiving slot  478 , whereafter an end length  484  of strap  470  having hooks thereon is doubled back over part of an intermediate strap portion  486  having loops thereon so as to be affixed thereto through the hooks-and-loops system (i.e., VELCRO®) as described with respect to device  10  as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The end and intermediate strap portions may be detached and re-attached for the wearer to secure the device  410  to a finger; the hooks-and-loops arrangement thus define an adjustment mechanism, whereby the device may be utilized with fingers of a wide range of sizes. 
         [0042]    It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.