Football apparatus

• US 6,514,164 B1
• Filed: 08/09/2001
• Issued: 02/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert E. Parrett
• Original Assignee: Robert E. Parrett
• Inventors: Parrett, Robert E.
• Primary Examiner(s): WONG, STEVEN B
• Application Number:
  US09/927,279
• Time in Patent Office: 544 Days
• Field of Search: 473/596, 473/599, 473/603, 473/604, 473/605, 473/612, 473/594, 273/DIG.29, 482/49
• US Class Current: 473/603
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2243/0066 Rugby; American football
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/00 Hollow inflatable balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 41/08 Ball covers; Closures therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/00 Training appliances or apparatus for special sports training of parachutists B64D23/00

Abstract

A football for recreational use includes an inner core portion consisting of an air bladder or foam material, which is at least partially surrounded by an internal web of raised threads. This inner core portion and surrounding web are then covered by a thin medial layer of deformable gel material, which is then covered by an external layer/outside covering of soft, pliable material. The web of internal threads surrounding the inner core, combined with the medial gel layer, enable the user'"'"'s fingers and thumb to achieve a superior grip on the football, through the external layer, medial gel layer, and onto the threads, with minimal gripping force.

Claims

1. A football apparatus comprising:

an inner core portion;

an internal web of raised threads at least partially surrounding said inner core portion;

a medial layer of deformable gel material covering said inner core portion and internal web of raised threads; and

an outside covering.

2. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner core portion comprises an air bladder.

3. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said inner core portion comprises a foam core.

4. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said medial layer of deformable gel material comprises silicone gel.

5. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said medial layer of deformable gel material is approximately one-quarter inch thick.

6. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outside covering comprises soft leather.

7. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outside covering comprises rubber.

8. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said outside covering includes laces.

9. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said web of raised threads comprises a symmetric array.

10. The football apparatus of claim 1 wherein said web of raised threads comprises lace material.