Football with aerodynamic lace
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A football comprising:
- a body; and
a lace associated with the body, wherein the lace has a length associated with a longitudinal axis of the body and a width, the length being longer than the width;
wherein the length of the lace extends across the longitudinal axis at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis;
wherein the lace has a center and two ends along the length, and wherein the width of the lace tapers from the center to the two ends;
wherein the lace is configured to enhance an aerodynamic performance of the football; and
wherein the lace comprises a plurality of spaced-apart formations, and wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart formations comprises an elongated formation having a length extending perpendicular to the length of the lace.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.
43 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A football comprising:
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a body; and a lace associated with the body, wherein the lace has a length associated with a longitudinal axis of the body and a width, the length being longer than the width; wherein the length of the lace extends across the longitudinal axis at an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis; wherein the lace has a center and two ends along the length, and wherein the width of the lace tapers from the center to the two ends; wherein the lace is configured to enhance an aerodynamic performance of the football; and wherein the lace comprises a plurality of spaced-apart formations, and wherein each of the plurality of spaced-apart formations comprises an elongated formation having a length extending perpendicular to the length of the lace. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12)
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9. A football comprising:
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a body defining a longitudinal axis; a molded lace element associated with the body; a lace axis defined along a center of the molded lace element between the furthest ends of the molded lace element; wherein the molded lace element includes a plurality of elongated spaced-apart formations, and wherein each of the plurality of elongated spaced-apart formations has a length extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body; wherein the lace axis of the molded lace element is oblique to the longitudinal axis of the body, such that the lace axis is orientated at a first angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the body; wherein the plurality of elongated spaced-apart formations form a plurality of interstitial spaces between the plurality of elongated spaced-apart formations, and wherein the body is visible in the plurality of interstitial spaces; and wherein the molded lace element is configured to enhance an aerodynamic performance of the football. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification