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 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    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 
       [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    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&#39;s leagues, high school football, college football, etc. 
         [0005]    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&#39;s logo, and sold to fans as memorabilia, collectibles, or for regular use, The invention described herein can be similarly used. 
         [0006]    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&#39;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. 
         [0007]    Taking advantage of the popularity of American football, and the need for products that can be used for promoting one&#39;s company, using a football as a promotional product has the potential to be very popular. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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. 
         [0011]    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 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  shows a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the present invention with the zipper in the closed configuration. 
           [0016]      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. 
           [0017]      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. 
           [0018]      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. 
           [0019]      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 
       [0020]    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. 
         [0021]    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. 
         [0022]    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. 
         [0023]    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 . 
         [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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. 
         [0026]    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. 
         [0027]    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. 
         [0028]    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. 
         [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    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 . 
         [0031]    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 . 
         [0032]    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. 
         [0033]    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 . 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]    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. 
         [0036]    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. 
         [0037]    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. 
         [0038]    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 . 
         [0039]    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 . 
         [0040]    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. 
         [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    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 )). 
         [0043]    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. 
         [0044]    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&#39;s body. 
         [0045]    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&#39;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. 
         [0046]    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). 
         [0047]    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&#39;s sports team, company, or the like. 
         [0048]    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.