Abstract:
A disposable flag is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the flag includes at least one sheet that defines a channel and at least one wing. At least one perforation is disposed across a length of the flag. A user may tear the perforation to separate a first flag from a second flag.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present application relates to a disposable flag. In particular, the application relates to a disposable flag or pennant configured to slide over a post or course marker. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Flags, pennants, and banners are commonly used at events such as parties, sporting events, retail sales events, political rallies and elections, and other such short term events. In one known application, flags are used as course markers for motorcycle races, bicycle races, running races, car races, etc. Such flags serve a primary purpose of identifying the boundaries of the course, but may also serve a secondary purpose of providing information, such as advertising information. 
         [0003]    Reusable prior art flags and markers have been designed to have substantial resistance to distortion. Such flags are suited for long-term or repeated use, but incur storage costs when not in use. Disposable flags are also known in the prior art. Such flags are typically tied, stapled, nailed, bolted, or otherwise affixed to a permanent structure. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    The accompanying drawings, together with the detailed description provided below, describe exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention. Like elements are identified with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and the proportion of certain elements may be exaggerated for the purpose of illustration. 
           [0005]      FIGS. 1A-1C  are front plan views of exemplary embodiments of a plurality of disposable flags; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of one embodiment of a flag; 
           [0007]      FIGS. 3A-3E  are top plan views of exemplary embodiments of assemblies for a disposable flag; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a front plan view of one embodiment of a course marker having a disposable flag and a post; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a course marker having a disposable flag and a post; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 6A-6C  are front plan views of alternative embodiments of a plurality of disposable flags; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a flag; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 8A-8C  are top plan views of exemplary embodiments of an assemblies for a disposable flag; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a course marker having a disposable flag and a post; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  is a front plan view of an alternative embodiment of a course marker having a disposable flag and a post; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is one embodiment of a roll of a plurality of disposable flags; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is one embodiment of a stack of a plurality of disposable flags. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a front plan view of a plurality of disposable flags  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of disposable flags  100  are defined by a first elongated edge  110   a,  a second elongated edge  110   b,  and a plurality of perforations  120 . Each perforation  120  extends substantially perpendicularly from the first elongated edge  110   a  to the second elongated edge  110   b.  The plurality of perforations  120  define a first flag  130   1 , a second flag  130   2 , . . . , and an n th  flag  130   n . In the illustrated embodiment, each flag  130  is approximately rectangular and has a width that is greater than the length. In one known embodiment, each flag has a width of about 10 inches to about 12 inches and a length of about 8.5 inches to about 10 inches. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the length of each flag is greater than the width. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), each flag has a non-rectangular, polygonal shape. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), each flag has a round shape. 
         [0018]    It should be understood that selected perforations  120  may be torn to make disposable flags of a desired length. For example, in one embodiment, the disposable flag may include only a first flag  130   1 . In an alternative embodiment, the disposable flag may include a first flag  130   1  and a second flag  130   2 . In other embodiments, the disposable flag may have three or more flags. 
         [0019]    With continued reference to  FIG. 1A , each of the plurality of flags  100  includes a left wing portion  140 L, a right wing portion  140 R, and a channel portion  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the channel portion  150  is located in an approximately central position with respect to the first and second elongated edges  110   a,    110   b.  In alternative embodiments, the channel portion is off-center. 
         [0020]    Each flag  130  further includes indicia  160 . The indicia  160  includes at least one of text or graphics. In one embodiment, the indicia is affixed to a decal, a sticker, or other such adhesive member that is applied to at least one side of each flag  130 . In an alternative embodiment, the indicia  160  is printed directly on at least one side of each flag  130 . In one embodiment, the indicia  160  is the same on each flag. In an alternative embodiment, the indicia  160  varies. 
         [0021]    In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1B , the indicia  160  is only disposed on certain flags  130 . Here, the indicia  160  is disposed on every second flag. It should be understood that the indicia  160  may be disposed on the plurality of flags  100  in any pattern. 
         [0022]    In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the indicia  160  is larger than a single flag  130  and extends multiple flags  130 . Here, each indicia  160  is disposed across two flags  130 . In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the indicia extends across three or more flags. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a flag  130 . The flag includes a left wing portion  140 L, a right wing portion  140 R, and a channel portion  150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the channel portion  150  is configured to slide over a post or other such structure, and is substantially the same length as the left wing portion  140 L and the right wing portion  140 R. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the left wing portion  140 L and the right wing portion  140 R are substantially longer than the channel portion  150 . In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the left wing portion  140 L is longer than the right wing portion  140 R. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), the right wing portion  140 R is longer than the left wing portion  140 L. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3A  illustrates one embodiment of an assembly  300 a for a disposable flag. The assembly  300   a  includes a front sheet  310   a  having a front left portion  315 L, a front channel wall portion  315 C, and a front right portion  315 R. The assembly  300   a  further includes a back sheet  320   a  having a back left portion  325 L, a back channel wall portion  325 C, a back right portion  325 R, and a shape corresponding to the shape of the front sheet  310   a.  In this embodiment, each of the sheets  310   a,    320   a  have a thickness of about 1 mil (0.001 inches) to about 30 mils (0.03 inches) and are constructed of fabric, paper, a polymeric material such as polypropylene, or other such flexible materials. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sheets are thicker and more rigid. 
         [0025]    In the illustrated embodiment, the front left portion  315 L of the front sheet  310   a  is aligned with the back left portion  325 L of the back sheet  320   a  and joined by an adhesive, a heat seal, or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. Similarly, the front right portion  315 R of the front sheet  310   a  is aligned with the back right portion  325 R of the back sheet  320   a  and joined by an adhesive, by a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. It should be understood that these steps may be performed concurrently, or consecutively in any order. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an assembly  300   b  for a disposable flag. In this embodiment, the assembly  300   b  includes a front sheet  310   b  having a front left portion  315 L and a front channel wall portion  315 C. The assembly  300   b  further includes a back sheet  320   b  having a back channel wall portion  325 C, a back right portion  325 R, and a shape corresponding to the shape of the front sheet  310   b.  The front and back sheets  310   b,    320   b  have a similar thickness and material as the front and back sheets  310   a,    320   a  described above with respect to  FIG. 3A . 
         [0027]    In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the front channel wall portion  315 C of the front sheet  310   b  is aligned with the back sheet  320   b  at a location where the back channel wall portion  325 C meets the back right portion  325 R. The front and back sheets  310   b,    320   b  are then joined at this location by an adhesive, a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. Similarly, the end of the back channel wall portion  325 C of the back sheet  320   b  is aligned with the front sheet  310   b  at the location where the front left portion  315 L meets the front channel wall portion  315 C. The front and back sheets  310   b,    320   b  are then joined at this location by an adhesive, by a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. It should be understood that these steps may be performed concurrently, or consecutively in any order. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3C  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an assembly  300   c  for a disposable flag. In this embodiment, the assembly  300   c  includes a front sheet  310   c  having only a front channel wall portion  315 C. The assembly  300   c  further includes a back sheet  320   c  having a back left portion  325 L, a back channel wall portion  325 C, and a back right portion  325 R. The front and back sheets  310   c,    320   c  have a similar thickness and material as the front and back sheets  310   a,    320   a  described above with respect to  FIG. 3A . 
         [0029]    In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the front channel wall portion  315 C of the front sheet  310   c  is aligned with the back channel wall portion  325 C of the back sheet  320   b.  The front and back sheets  310   b,    320   b  are then joined at this location by an adhesive, a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. It should be understood that these steps may be performed concurrently, or consecutively in any order. 
         [0030]      FIG. 3D  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an assembly  300   d  for a disposable flag. In this embodiment, the assembly  300   d  includes a front sheet  310   d  and a back sheet  320   d . This embodiment is similar to the assembly  300   c  illustrated in  FIG. 3C , except the back sheet  320   d  has no discernable wing portions or channel wall portions. The front and back sheets  310   d ,  320   d  have a similar thickness and material as the front and back sheets  310   a,    320   a  described above with respect to  FIG. 3A . 
         [0031]    In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the front channel wall portion  315 C of the front sheet  310   d  is aligned with the back sheet  320   b.  The front and back sheets  310   d,    320   d  are then joined at by an adhesive, a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. It should be understood that these steps may be performed concurrently, or consecutively in any order. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3E  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an assembly  300   e  for a disposable flag. In this embodiment, the assembly  300   e  includes a single sheet  310   e  having a front right portion  315 R, a front channel wall portion  315 C, a front left portion  315 L, a back left portion  325 L, a back channel wall portion  325 C, and a back right portion  325 R. The single sheet  310   e  has a similar thickness and material as the front and back sheets  310   a,    320   a  described above with respect to  FIG. 3A . 
         [0033]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet  310   e  is folded such that the front left portion  315 L is aligned with the back left portion  325 L. The two portions are then joined by an adhesive, a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. Similarly, the front right portion  315 R is aligned with the back light portion  325 R and joined by an adhesive, by a heat seal, or by or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. It should be understood that these steps may be performed concurrently, or consecutively in any order. 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a course marker  400  having a post P and a disposable flag consisting of a single flag  130 . The disposable flag is created by tearing a single flag  130  from a plurality of flags  100  at a perforation  120 . 
         [0035]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4 , the post P may be a permanent structure or a temporary, movable structure. The dimensions of the channel portion  150  of the disposable flag correspond to the dimensions of the post P such that the channel portion  150  the disposable flag is configured to slide over the post P. The disposable flag is oriented on the post P such that the indicia  160  is visible and the left wing portion  140 L and the right wing portion  140 R extend from opposite sides of the post P. 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a course marker  500  having a post P and a disposable flag consisting of multiple flags. In the illustrated embodiment, the disposable flag consists of a first flag  130   1  and a second flag  130   2 . The disposable flag is created by tearing the first and second flags  130   1 ,  130   2  from a plurality of flags  100  at a perforation  120 . In alternative embodiments (not shown), the disposable flag includes three or more flags. 
         [0037]    With continued reference to  FIG. 5 , the post P may be a permanent structure or a temporary, movable structure. The dimensions of the channel portion  150  of the disposable flag correspond to the dimensions of the post P such that the channel portion  150  the disposable flag is configured to slide over the post P. The disposable flag is oriented on the post P such that the indicia  160  is visible and the left wing portion  140 L and the right wing portion  140 R extend from opposite sides of the post P. 
         [0038]    With attention now to  FIG. 6A , an alternative embodiment of a plurality of disposable flags  600  is illustrated. In this embodiment, the plurality of disposable flags  600  are defined by a first elongated edge  610   a,  a second elongated edge  610   b,  and a plurality of perforations  620 . Each perforation  620  extends substantially perpendicularly from the first elongated edge  610   a  to the second elongated edge  610   b.  The plurality of perforations  620  define a first flag  630   1 , a second flag  630   2 , . . . , and an n th  flag  630   n . In the illustrated embodiment, each flag  630  is approximately rectangular and has a width that is greater than the length. In one known embodiment, each flag has a width of about 10 inches to about 12 inches and a length of about 8.5 inches to about 10 inches. In alternative embodiments (not shown) the length of each flag is greater than the width. In another alternative embodiment (not shown), each flag has a non-rectangular, polygonal shape. In yet another alternative embodiment (not shown), each flag has a round shape. 
         [0039]    It should be understood that selected perforations  620  may be torn to make disposable flags of a desired length. For example, in one embodiment, the disposable flag may include only a first flag  630   1 . In an alternative embodiment, the disposable flag may include a first flag  630   1  and a second flag  630   2 . In other embodiments, the disposable flag may have any three or more portions. 
         [0040]    With continued reference to  FIG. 6A , each of the plurality of flags  600  includes a wing portion  640  and a channel portion  650 . In the illustrated embodiment, the channel portion  650  is located on the left side of the plurality of disposable flags  600 . In alternative embodiments, the channel portion is located on the right side of the plurality of disposable flags  600 . 
         [0041]    Each flag  630  further includes indicia  660 . The indicia  660  includes at least one of text or graphics. In one embodiment, the indicia is affixed to a decal, a sticker, or other such adhesive member that is applied to at least one side of each flag  630 . In an alternative embodiment, the indicia  660  is printed directly on at least one side of each flag  630 . In one embodiment, the indicia  660  is the same on each flag. In an alternative embodiment, the indicia  660  varies. 
         [0042]    In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 6B , the indicia  660  is only disposed on certain flags  630 . Here, the indicia  660  is disposed on every second flag. It should be understood that the indicia  660  may be disposed on the plurality of flags  100  in any pattern. 
         [0043]    In another alternative embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 6C , the indicia  660  is larger than a single flag  630  and extends multiple flags  630 . Here, each indicia  660  is disposed across two flags  630 . In other alternative embodiments (not shown), the indicia extends across three or more flags. 
         [0044]      FIG. 7  illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a flag  630 . The flag  630  includes a wing portion  640  and a channel portion  650 . In the illustrated embodiment, the channel portion  650  is configured to slide over a post or other such structure, and has a shorter length than the wing portion  640 . In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the wing portion  640  and the channel portion  650  are substantially the same length. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8A  illustrates one embodiment of an assembly  800   a  for a disposable flag. The assembly  800   a  includes a front sheet  810   a  having a front channel wall portion  815 C, and a front right portion  815 R. The assembly  800   a  further includes a back sheet  820   a  having a back channel wall portion  825 C, a back right portion  825 R, and a shape corresponding to the shape of the front sheet  810   a.  In this embodiment, each of the sheets  810   a,    820   a  have a thickness of about 1 mil (0.001 inches) to about 30 mils (0.03 inches) and are constructed of fabric, paper, a polymeric material such as polypropylene, or other such flexible materials. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sheets are thicker and more rigid. 
         [0046]    In the illustrated embodiment, the front channel wall portion  815 C of the front sheet  810   a  is aligned with the back channel wall portion  825 C of the back sheet  820   a  and the ends are joined by an adhesive, a heat seal, or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. Similarly, the front right portion  815 R of the front sheet  810   a  is aligned with the back right portion  825 R of the back sheet  820   a  and joined by an adhesive, by a heat seal, or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. It should be understood that these steps may be performed concurrently, or consecutively in any order. 
         [0047]      FIG. 8B  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an assembly  800   b  for a disposable flag. In this embodiment, the assembly  800   b  includes a single sheet  810   b  having a front right portion  815 R, a front channel wall portion  815 C, a back channel wall portion  825 C, and a back right portion  825 R. The sheets  810   b  has a similar thickness and construction as the front and back sheets  310   a,    310   b  described above with respect to  FIG. 8A . 
         [0048]    In the illustrated embodiment, the single sheet  810   b  is folded such that the front channel wall portion  815 C is aligned with the back channel wall portion  825 C and the front right portion  815 R is aligned with the back right portion  825 R. The front right portion  815 R is then joined to the back right portion  825 R by an adhesive, by a heat seal, or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. 
         [0049]      FIG. 8C  illustrates an alternative embodiment of an assembly  800   c  for a disposable flag. In this embodiment, the assembly  800   c  includes a single sheet  810   c  having a front right portion  815 R, a front channel wall portion  815 C, and a back channel wall portion  825 C. The single sheet  820   c  has a similar thickness and construction as the front and back sheets  810   a ,  810   b  described above with respect to  FIG. 8A . 
         [0050]    In the illustrated embodiment, the sheet  810   c  is folded such that the end of the back channel wall portion  825 C is aligned at the location where the front right portion  815 R meets the front channel wall portion  815 C. The end of the back channel wall portion  825 C is then joined to the sheet  810   c  at this location by an adhesive, by a heat seal, or by staples, stitches, or other known attachment means. 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a course marker  900  having a post P and a disposable flag consisting of a single flag  630 . The disposable flag is created by tearing a single flag  630  from a plurality of flags  600  at a perforation  620 . 
         [0052]    With continued reference to  FIG. 9 , the post P may be a permanent structure or a temporary, movable structure. The dimensions of the channel portion  650  of the disposable flag correspond to the dimensions of the post P such that the channel portion  650  the disposable flag is configured to slide over the post P. The disposable flag is oriented on the post P such that the indicia  660  is visible and the wing portion  640  extends from the post P. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10  illustrates an alternative embodiment of a course marker  1000  having a post P and a disposable flag consisting of multiple flags. In the illustrated embodiment, the disposable flag consists of a first flag  630   1  and a second flag  630   2 . The disposable flag is created by tearing the first and second flags  630   1 ,  630   2  from a plurality of flags  600  at a perforation  620 . In alternative embodiments (not shown), the disposable flag includes three or more flags. 
         [0054]    With continued reference to  FIG. 10 , the post P may be a permanent structure or a temporary, movable structure. The dimensions of the channel portion  650  of the disposable flag correspond to the dimensions of the post P such that the channel portion  650  the disposable flag is configured to slide over the post P. The disposable flag is oriented on the post P such that the indicia  660  is visible and the wing portion  640  extends from the post P. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11  illustrates one embodiment of a roll of disposable flags  1100 . In this embodiment, the disposable flags are sufficiently thin and flexible to be stored in a roll  1100 . Such a configuration allows for easy transport and storage of unused flags. In this embodiment, flags having a central channel are illustrated. In alternative embodiments, the flags may have an off-center channel or a channel disposed on the right or left side. 
         [0056]      FIG. 12  illustrates one embodiment of a stack of disposable flags  1200 . Stacking the flags in this manner allows for easy transport and storage of unused flags. In this embodiment, flags having a central channel are illustrated. In alternative embodiments, the flags may have an off-center channel or a channel disposed on the right or left side. 
         [0057]    While the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.