Football having raised ribs
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A football for use by a passer applying a hand grip thereto, said football comprising:
- an oblate spheroidal body having a football shape and defining a convex outer surface and generally pointed ends and a major axis; and
a plurality of spaced-apart rib members extending outwardly from said outer surface forming spiral curves about said major axis,said rib members defining generally peaked portions above said convex surface and unequal surfaces extending from said peaked portions to said convex surface to form nonsymmetrical cross-sections to produce different aerodynamic effects in each spin direction about said major axis and different grip characteristics when held in a passer'"'"'s hand from alternative sides.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A football-shaped game ball is formed of a resilient foam material and defines an oblate spheroidal outer surface having generally pointed ends. A plurality of rib portions extend outwardly from the outer surface and define nonsymmetrical cross-sections. In the preferred embodiment shown, the rib portions define generally saw-tooth shaped cross-sections which may be gripped in either of two gripping manners and which provide differing alternative aerodynamic characteristics depending upon the direction of spin imposed upon the football.
-
Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A football for use by a passer applying a hand grip thereto, said football comprising:
-
an oblate spheroidal body having a football shape and defining a convex outer surface and generally pointed ends and a major axis; and a plurality of spaced-apart rib members extending outwardly from said outer surface forming spiral curves about said major axis, said rib members defining generally peaked portions above said convex surface and unequal surfaces extending from said peaked portions to said convex surface to form nonsymmetrical cross-sections to produce different aerodynamic effects in each spin direction about said major axis and different grip characteristics when held in a passer'"'"'s hand from alternative sides. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A football comprising:
-
a body defining an oblate spheroid having a constant radius convex outer surface, pointed ends and a major axis extending therethrough; and a plurality of helical rib members extending outwardly from said outer surface and defining nonsymmetrical cross-sections including first and second unequal area oppositely angled gripping surfaces forming a gripping ridge therebetween. - View Dependent Claims (12)
-
Specification