Patent ID: 8152664
Filing Date: 2012-04-10
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A football having a longitudinal axis extending between opposite ends, of circular cross-section with a minimum diameter at each of the ends, the diameter of the circular cross-section increasing gradually to a maximum diameter midway between the ends, said football comprising: an inflatable bladder having an outer skin; an exterior panel overlaying and bonded to said bladder except at an exposed portion of said outer skin; wherein the exposed portion includes a grip area that is thicker than a thickness of a remaining portion of the outer skin; wherein said grip area is at least flush with said exterior panel; wherein at least a portion of said grip area is textured; wherein said exposed portion is contoured to curve along said football in an S-shape; and wherein said exposed portion is widest at a first one of the longitudinal opposite ends and narrowest at a second one of the opposite ends with a smoothly contoured transition between the first one and the second one of the opposite ends.