Football having raised ribs
AssigneeMattel, Inc.
InventorJohn N. Handy
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims12
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.
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.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.