Football with Blanket Inside

Abstract

A toy product comprising a soft, plush football having a removable blanket contained therein such that the football, when stuffed with a blanket, is approximately the same size, shape, and weight as a real football, and is therefore, capable of being used as a typical football, but safer for children. At a picnic, or “tailgate,” the football can be unzipped to reveal the blanket, which can be used to keep the user warm and protected from the elements, The football of the present invention has been designed so that the blanket functions, in part, much as air would function in an actual football—to occupy the interior space of the football so that it is aerodynamic and can be used to play the game or toss the ball back and forth. The invention described herein may also be used as a novelty item or promotional product.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/111,973, entitled “Football with Blanket Inside Novelty,” filed Feb. 4, 2015, which application is incorporated in its entirety here by this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a product comprising a plush football having a blanket contained therein. The football, when stuffed with a blanket, is intended to be sized substantially the same, and weigh substantially the same, as a real football such that it is capable of being tossed about and played with like a typical football. In addition, if a user of the football is attending an event such as a picnic, or “tailgating” at a live sporting event, the football can be unzipped to reveal the blanket, which can be used to keep the user warm at a picnic or sporting event or the like.

BACKGROUND

American football is a hugely popular sport both in the United States and abroad. From a very early age, many children in the United States become involved in pee-wee football leagues, Pop Warner leagues, high school football, and the like. Those who do not participate in organized football may “play” football in other ways, such as tossing a football back and forth, playing informal games of “touch” football or flag football, and the like.

While organized football at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels use footballs having standardized sizes and weights and made of particular materials (e.g., leather “pigskin”), to make the game accessible to a wider audience, footballs are made in many different sizes and weights, and of different materials (e.g., rubber, plastic, or spongy Nerf material), Thus, children and adults of all ages and abilities can enjoy tossing a football or playing football in a setting less formal than children's leagues, high school football, college football, etc.

In the United States, football, particularly college and professional football is big business. Aside from the millions of persons who attend college and professional football games each year in person, there is a huge market of football accessories, clothing, and memorabilia for fans—hats, shirts, jerseys, jackets, and sweatshirts to name a few. Virtually any type of article associated with the game of football can be emblazoned with a name of a team and/or a team's logo, and sold to fans as memorabilia, collectibles, or for regular use, The invention described herein can be similarly used.

In the United States, there is also a large “promotional products” market—i.e., products that can be given out by a company for branding and promotional purposes. The list of products that can be used for promotional purposes is virtually endless. If a company hosts a golf tournament for example, it can give out golf towels with the company's name and logo printed on the towel. For many years, pharmaceutical companies used pens as promotional products. Other companies give away, folders organized with pockets for business cards, a sleeve for a tablet of paper, and a slot for pen.

Taking advantage of the popularity of American football, and the need for products that can be used for promoting one's company, using a football as a promotional product has the potential to be very popular.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a toy comprising a soft, plush football having a blanket contained therein. The football, when stuffed with a blanket, is approximately the same size, shape, and weight as a real football, and it is therefore, capable of being used, for example, by children or in family settings, to play football (e.g., in the backyard or the park) or to merely toss a football back and forth for pure enjoyment.

In addition, the present invention comprising a soft, plush football having a blanket contained therein may be used as a blanket to keep a person or persons warm. For example, if a person is at a picnic, or “tailgating” at a live sporting event, the football can be unzipped to reveal the blanket, which can be used to keep the user warm.

In one embodiment, the blanket may be completely removed from the inside of the football. In another embodiment, the blanket may be removed from the inside of the football except for a portion of one edge of the blanket that remains attached via stitching, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or the like, to an inside portion of the football.

In the embodiments of the invention described herein, the football has been designed so that the blanket uniquely functions, in part, much as air would function in an actual football—i.e., to fill the interior space of the football and make the outer surface of the football taut so that it is aerodynamic and can be used to play the game or toss the ball back and forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention with the zipper in the closed configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention with the zipper in the open configuration and the blanket in the unattached configuration.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the blanket in the unattached configuration and removed from the football.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention with the zipper in the open configuration and the blanket in the attached configuration.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention with the blanket in the attached configuration and removed from the football.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended figures is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the configuration of the invention described herein in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent components and uses may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

As shown n FIG. 1, the invention described herein comprises an object that is substantially a prolate spheroid 1 (also referred to as a football), and in particular, a prolate spheroid shell defining a major axis M, the prolate spheroid having opposite distal ends 12, 14, and an eccentricity substantially the same as, in other words, approximately equivalent to an American football, such as those used in the National Football League. Thus, the prolate spheroid 1 may have a length from one distal end 12 to the other distal end 14 of approximately 10 inches to approximately 12 inches.

The prolate spheroid shell 1 may have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface defining a cavity, wherein the prolate spheroid shell comprises a pair of edges that defines an opening into the cavity through which a blanket sized to substantially occupy the cavity can be inserted and removed from the prolate spheroid shell 1. When the blanket 47 is stuffed into the cavity, the soft, pliable prolate spheroid shell 1 becomes taut. In addition, the combination of the prolate spheroid shell 1 and the blanket 47 may have a weight that is approximately equivalent to that of a standard football. Therefore, the weight of the prolate spheroid shell 1 and the blanket 47 combined may be approximately 12 to approximately 20 ounces, and preferably approximately 14 to approximately 18 ounces. A fastener may be operatively connected to the pair of edges to close the opening. For example, a zipper, hook and loop fastener, snap button, and the like may be operatively connected to the pair of edges to fasten the pair of edges closed.

As the present embodiment of the invention is intended to mimic an American football, a longitudinal lace 11 may be affixed along at least a portion of the first surface parallel to the major axis M. Preferably, two longitudinal laces 11, 13 may be a fixed along at least a portion of the first surface parallel to the major axis M. In addition, a plurality of transverse cross-laces 15 perpendicular to the one or two longitudinal laces 11, 13 may be provided, each transverse cross-lace 15 intermittently spaced apart along the longitudinal laces 11, 13.

In the preferred embodiment, the first and second surfaces that define the prolate spheroid shell 1 (i.e. the football) may be comprised of a first top panel 3, a second top panel 5, a first bottom panel 7, and a second bottom panel 9 (not shown in FIG. 1). Fewer or more panels can be used to create the prolate spheroid shell 1. Since the prolate spheroid shell 1 is intended to be the equivalent of a football, the panels 3, 7, 9 may be generally lens-shaped panels.

The first top panel 3 and second top panel 5 may be fastened together via laces. For example, at least one first longitudinal lace 11 (e.g., string, rubber, leather, and other similar material having a configuration generally like a shoelace) being affixed along at least a portion of the first top panel 3 at or near the edge of the first top panel 3 closest to where it meets the second top panel 5 via one or more holes in general proximity to the distal ends 12, 14 of the major axis M of the football 1, and at least one second longitudinal lace 13 (or similar object—e.g., string, rubber—having a configuration like a shoelace) being affixed along at least a portion of the second top panel 5 at or near the edge of the second top panel 5 closest to where it meets the first top panel 3 via one or more holes in general proximity to the distal ends 12, 14 of the major axis M of the football 1; and, wherein a plurality of transverse cross-laces 15 perpendicular to and surrounding the first longitudinal lace 11 and second longitudinal lace 13 serve to join first top panel 3 and second top p el 5. The transverse cross-laces 15 may encircle the first and second longitudinal laces through holes (not shown) through which the transverse cross-laces 15 are inserted. Note, relative terminology, such as top and bottom, are not rhea n to be limiting. These terms are used for ease of description only with the top arbitrarily designated as the side having the laces.

The football described herein may further comprise a plurality of stripes 17, 19, 21, 23 located adjacent to the distal ends 12, 14 of the major avis M of the football 1 on the first top panel 3 and second top panel 5. The stripes can be observed in broken lines n FIG. 2. An embodiment in which the stripes are present on the football is similarly contemplated.

The football described herein may contain one or more logos or insignias 25, 27 (shown in broken lines in e.g., FIGS. 1 and 2) on one or more of the four panels 3, 5, 7, 9, Thus, the invention described herein may be used for advertising, branding, marketing, and promotional purposes such that the football can be given out as a promotional item, or sold as memorabilia or a souvenir at, for example, sporting events.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the football described herein may be made of a soft, pliable material such as cloth, cotton, wool, nylon, polyester, or the like, which forms a plush, blanket-like surface. Preferably, the material is non-elastic. The outer surface of the football is preferably soft and plush like a blanket or soft towel.

The inner portion of the football described herein may be comprised of an interior lining 49 (see FIGS. 6 and 8) fastened to the interior of the football that is generally coextensive with the interior surface of the football, and may be made of a pliable material such as nylon, polyester, or the like. The interior lining 49 preferably comprises a generally smooth, inwardly facing surface in order to facilitate pressing or stuffing blanket into the interior portion of the football. In some embodiments, the interior lining 49 can also be made of more rugged, durable material as well, such as leather, rubber, nylon, and other types of weatherproof material (e.g. waterproof, water repellant, and windproof material, or material treated with waterproofing, water repellant, or wind repellant compounds). In some embodiments, the interior lining 49 may be made of a durable material and the outer surface may be made of a soft, pliable material that is comfortable to the touch. Therefore, if the user wants a soft, pliable surface, for example, to use as a pillow or for young children to play with, then the user can have the soft, pliable surface as the outside surface. On the other hand, if the user wants a durable surface for older children or adults to play with the football, then the user can turn the football 1 inside out to expose the durable interior lining 49 as the outer surface. In other words, the football 1 may be reversible so that the outer surface can become the inner surface and the inner surface can become the outer surface.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom surface of the invention described herein contains a non-separating zipper 35, although other types of suitable fasteners are contemplated as well, such as hook and loop fasteners, buttons, magnets, hooks, and the like. Zipper 35 spans a substantial portion of the major axis M of the underside of the football, and may be located between, or at the junction of, first bottom panel 7 and second bottom panel 9. In other words, zipper 35 may span from substantially one distal end 12 to substantially the opposite distal end 14.

Zipper 35 closes adjacent to zipper reinforcement portion 33 at one end of the longitudinal axis of the underside of the football, and may be located between, or at the junction of, first bottom panel 7 and second bottom panel 9.

In the closed configuration, zipper 35 comprises pull tab 37, slider 39, and chain 41. In the open configuration of zipper 35, a first set of teeth 43 and a second set of teeth 45 are revealed (as shown in FIG. 5). In some embodiments, a second pull tab may be connected to the slider 39 on the opposite side so that the football 1 can be closed if the football 1 is turned inside out and the interior lining 49 becomes the outer surface.

As shown in FIG. 5, when zipper 35 is in the open configuration, blanket 47 is stuffed inside the football, and occupies substantially all of the interior space of football 1.

As shown in FIG. 6, when zipper 35 is in the open configuration, blanket 47, in one embodiment of the invention described herein, can be completely removed from the interior portion of football 1 to serve as a stand alone item. As also shown in FIG. 6, once the blanket is removed, an interior surface or interior lining 49 of football 1 is exposed.

As with the exterior surface of football 1, one or both main surfaces of the blanket may comprise a logo of a sports team, a company, or the like, as shown with logo 51 on a surface of blanket 47. The logo 51 may be printed, embroidered, sewn, or otherwise applied onto blanket 47 in a manner well-known in the art.

The use of the blanket is easily understood. By way of example, if a person attends a picnic, it nay be desirable to toss the football with another person while the football is in the closed configuration with blanket 47 stuffed inside. If, however, the temperature is sufficiently low at the picnic, the blanket can be removed and used to keep a person warm. Football 1 could be used in the same way by a person “tailgating” at a football game.

As shown in FIG. 7, second embodiment of the invention described herein comprises a football 101 having substantially the same elements and properties as the previously described embodiment regarding football 1. For example, as shown in football 101 may comprise a first bottom panel 107, a second bottom panel 109, zipper reinforcement portion 133, a first set of teeth 143, and a second set of teeth 145. Distal ends 112, 114 of the major axis M of the football 101 are also shown.

Not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but present in the invention shown and described related to football 101 are first top panel, second top panel 105, a first longitudinal lace, a second longitudinal lace, a plurality of transverse cross-laces, a plurality of stripes (a portion of stripe 123 is shown in FIG. 8), logos or insignias, zipper, and chain, all of which are disposed and arranged as described above with respect to football 1.

It should be understood that the properties of the elements of the second embodiment of the invention described herein related to football 101, even if not explicitly shown or described, are the same as for those described above related to the first embodiment of the invention described herein related to football 1.

In the second embodiment of the invention described herein, however, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, blanket 147 (which in the closed configuration of football 101 occupies substantially all of the interior space of football 101), is not completely removable from the interior of football 101. Rather, at least a portion of one end of blanket 147 (referred to as attachment edge 153) is affixed to a portion of interior surface 149 via sewing, gluing, or the like, or detachably connected to a portion of the interior surface 149 via zipper, fastener snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, or the like. This arrangement, while functionally similar to the first embodiment of the invention described above, has the advantage of possibly avoiding loss of the football should the items be completely separated.

This invention is contemplated, in part, to be used by children, and children have a propensity to lose things. Thus, in the second embodiment of the invention described herein, wherein football 101 and blanket 147 are attached together, the likelihood of the football portion of the invention being lost is reduced.

As shown in FIG. 8, when blanket 147 is removed from the interior of football 101, the blanket can be fully extended and used as a blanket even though a portion of one side of blanket 147 remains attached to football 101 (at attachment edge 153 (see FIG. 7)).

Also as shown in FIG. 8, one or both main surfaces of blanket 147 may comprise a logo of a sports team, a company, or the like, as shown with logo 151 on a surface of blanket 147. The logo 151 may be printed, embroidered, sewn, or otherwise applied onto blanket 147 in a manner well-known in the art.

One potential use of the second embodiment of the invention described herein could be, in the event of precipitation, to use football 101 (with blanket 147 removed from the interior) as a head covering or hood, with blanket 147 being wrap-able around a user's body.

In some embodiments of the invention described herein, the interior lining 49 or 149 of football 1 or 101 may be made of a weatherproof material. The blanket 47 or 147 can also have one or both sides lined with weatherproof material. Thus, if the blanket 147 is attached to the football 101, and the football 101 is used as a hood, the weatherproof surface can be exposed exteriorly and the soft, plush side disposed interiorly to the user's head. The blanket 147 can also have a weatherproof lining on one side, preferably the same side as that of the interior lining 149 of the football 101 so that if the football 101 is used as a head covering h the interior lining 49 exposed, the weatherproof lining of the blanket 147 is also exposed to the exterior thereby creating a hooded cape with a weatherproof exterior.

In the context of the embodiments of the invention described herein, blanket 47 (or 147) serves multiple purposes, including: (1) when stuffed into the interior of the football, it is a substitute for air that would typically be used to inflate a football (either directly or through an air bladder) so as to provide weight, shape, and rigidity to the football, and it thus occupies the open space in the interior portion of the football; (2) when separated from the football, it provides warmth; and, (3) when separated from the football, it provides a shield from precipitation (and the evacuated football can serve as a head covering as well).

In addition to the foregoing purposes and uses of the invention described herein, the invention described herein nay also serve as a promotional product, novelty item, or gift. As described above, the exterior surface of the football may comprise a logo of a sports team or company. Similarly, the blanket may also comprise a logo of a sports team or company. Accordingly, whether offered as a promotional item by a team at a sporting event to fans in attendance, or given out by a company to potential sales representatives, customers, distributors, partners, etc., the invention described herein provides a useful, fun, relatively low-cost means of promoting one's sports team, company, or the like.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by this detailed description, but by the claims and the equivalents to the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A toy, comprising:

a. a prolate spheroid shell defining a major axis, the prolate spheroid shell having opposite distal ends and an eccentricity substantially equivalent to that of an American football, the prolate spheroid shell having a first top panel, a second top panel, a first bottom panel, and a second bottom panel, connected together to define a cavity, the first top panel and second top panel laced together via a first longitudinal lace being affixed along at least a portion of the first top panel, and a second longitudinal lace being affixed along at least a portion of the second top panel and adjacent to the first longitudinal lace, wherein a plurality of transverse cross-laces perpendicular to the first longitudinal lace and the second longitudinal lace serve to join the first top panel and the second top panel, wherein the first and second top panels and the first and second bottom panels define an outer surface and an interior surface opposite the outer surface, the outer surface comprising a soft, pliable material, and the interior surface comprising an interior lining fastened to the interior surface and generally, coextensive with the interior surface, the interior lining comprising a pliable material;

b. a zipper spanning substantially from one distal end to the opposite distal end and connecting the first bottom panel to the second bottom panel; and

c. a blanket sized to substantially occupy the cavity defined by the first and second top panels and the first and second bottom panels.

2. The by of claim 1, wherein when the blanket is stuffed inside the cavity, the toy looks substantially similar to and weighs substantially the same as a standard American football.

3. The toy of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of one end of the blanket is connected to a portion of the interior surface.

4. The toy of claim 3, wherein the blanket is detachably connected to a portion of the interior surface.

5. The toy of claim 4, wherein the interior surface of the prolate spheroid shell comprises a weatherproof material.

6. The toy of claim 5, wherein one side of the blanket comprises a second weatherproof material.

7. A toy, comprising:

a. a prolate spheroid shell having opposite distal ends and an eccentricity substantially equivalent to that of an American football that defines a major axis, the prolate spheroid shell having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface defining a cavity, wherein the prolate spheroid shell comprises a pair of edges that define an opening into the cavity;

b. a fastener operatively connected to the pair of edges to close the opening;

c. a longitudinal lace affixed along at least a portion of the first surface;

d. a plurality of transverse cross-laces perpendicular to the longitudinal lace each transverse cross-lace intermittently spaced apart along the longitudinal lace; and

e. a blanket sized to substantially occupy the cavity defined by the second surface sufficiently to cause the soft, pliable material to be taut.

8. The toy of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of one end of the blanket is connected to a portion of the second surface.

9. The toy of claim 7, Therein the blanket is detachably connected to a portion of the second surface.

10. The toy of claim 7, wherein the second surface of the prolate spheroid shell comprises a weatherproof material.

11. The toy of claim 7, wherein the first surface comprises a soft, pliable material.

12. The toy of claim 11, wherein the soft, pliable material is non-elastic.

13. The toy of claim 7, wherein one side of the blanket comprises a second weatherproof material.

14. The by of claim 7, wherein when the blanket is stuffed inside the cavity, the toy looks substantially similar to and weighs substantially the same as a standard American football.

15. A method for manufacturing a toy in the shape of a football defining a cavity configured to receive a blanket, comprising:

a. connecting a plurality of lens-shaped panels to form a prolate spheroid-shaped shell having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface defines a cavity two lens-shaped panels define an opening to provide access to the cavity; and

b. providing a blanket sized to be stuffed into the cavity, wherein when the blanket is stuffed inside the prolate spheroid-shaped shell, the prolate spheroid-shaped shell looks substantially similar to, and weighs substantially the same as, a standard American football.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting a portion of the blanket to a portion of the prolate spheroid-shaped shell adjacent to the opening.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising connecting a portion of the blanket to a portion of the prolate spheroid-shaped shell adjacent to the opening with a detachable fastener.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the interior surface comprises a lining.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the lining is weatherproof.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein one side of the blanket is weatherproof.