Football and Patents
Football is probably the most popular sport in the United States. Not only that, the Super Bowl is probably the most anticipated American sports event. In this week’s blog post, we will be looking at some of the patents that relate to football. From helmets to balls, we’re going to cover it all (okay, not all of it but some of it).
The Football
One patent to cover the ball that is actually used in football is U.S. patent no. 2,182,053 (“‘053 patent”), which is titled play or game ball. One unique feature of the football is its shape. The shape of the ball gives it a different type of aerodynamics from other types of sports ball. The football’s unique shape is disclosed and described in the 053 patent. Moreover, the ball’s stitching is another aspect that is disclosed and described in the ‘053 patent.
To read more about the ‘053 patent, click here.
The Football Helmet
Another recognizable element of football is the football helmet. The football helmet has undergone several changes over the years. One of the predecessors to the modern football helmet is disclosed in U.S. patent no. 1,698,769 (“‘769 patent”). One of the embodiments disclosed in the ‘769 patent consists of a helmet made of leather. This allows protection for the head, but not so much for the face. However, this helmet may have served as the basis for many of the more modern helmets used today. So nonetheless, the helmet disclosed by the ‘769 patent can be considered extremely important for football.
To read more about the ‘769 patent, click here.
Football Pads
Another crucial element for the sport of football would be football pads. The pads provides protection and helps the user sustain less injury after high impact. An early version of football pads were disclosed in U.S. patent no. 1,094,865 (“‘865 patent”). The materials used to make an earlier version of football pads may have been slightly from what is used to make modern football pads. More specifically, the football pads disclosed in the ‘865 patent states that “foundation of the [football pads] is a close fitting sleeved jacket… [t]his is made of essentially non stretching material such as thick khaki or canvas.”
To read more about the ‘865 patent, click here.
What are your thoughts on the football related patents? Leave a comment below to let us know what you think!
Interested in more IP? Here’s a video!
Sign up today!
Does this article interest you? Subscribe to the LoTempio Law email newsletter to receive posts and updates just like this conveniently in your email box!
If you’ve enjoyed this blog post, we have lots more where this came from, including an Inventors Guide Video Series where we help you turn your good idea into a profitable invention, and tons of other great content. Check out our Youtube channel, PatentHome for more!
Simply enter your email address and hit sign up and you’ll get everything, including blog posts like these, conveniently in your email box!
Have any questions? Give us a call at 1-800-866-0039. Consultations are FREE.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. It is only for educational or entertainment purposes only. Please do not use the article or contents of the article without permission. For legal advice and questions, please contact registered Patent Attorney Vincent LoTempio.
