Patent ID: 8579742
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
1. A football having a generally prolate spheroidal shape and opposing first and second ends, the football comprising: a bladder; a cover disposed over the bladder, the cover formed of at least one cover panel, the cover defining, at least in part, a first set of channels extending generally longitudinally from at or near the first end of the football to at or near the second end of the football, the cover having an outer surface and including a plurality of outwardly projecting ridges configured to facilitate grasping and throwing of the football, the height of the ridge being greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 10 mm; and a lacing, the football including an upper central region positioned between first and second upper end regions, and a lower central region positioned between first and second lower end regions, the lacing coupled to the upper central region of the football, the plurality of ridges extending over the upper central region, the first and second upper end regions, and the first and second lower end of the football, the lower central region of the football being formed without the plurality of ridges, the lacing having a first length and the lower central region having a second length that is generally equal to the first length.