Method and apparatus for indicating rotational speed of footballs

Abstract

Indicia on the surface of a football (for the American variety of the sport) are provided to provide visual means for assessing the spin speed of the football when thrown in a desired manner. In one embodiment, the indicia comprise a circumferential indicator ring consisting of a plurality of alternatingly-colored segments, the indicator ring being aligned with the desired direction of spin of the football. The segments are preferably selected to be of contrasting colors, and the width of the segments is selected such that the indicator ring appears to an observer to be a single, mixed color provided the football is spinning about its axis at at least a predetermined frequency. In another embodiment, the indicia comprise two or more circumferential indicator rings at least one of which comprising a plurality of alternatingly-colored segments. The respective segment widths on one or more rings may be selected such that the mixed color of one ring, and hence the spin speed of the football, can be assessed relative to the color or mixed color of another ring.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to footballs having a generally prolate spheroid shape, and more particularly relates to indicating the rotational speed of a thrown football by means of a visual indicator.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In the American, Canadian, and Australian varieties of the game of football, as well as in the game of rugby, a ball having a generally prolate spheroid shape is used. (Australian footballs and rugby footballs tend to have more rounded ends than American and Canadian footballs. As used herein, the term “football” shall be understood to refer to any ball having a generally prolate spheroid shape, regardless of the particular sport for which it is intended). To produce a smooth and efficient trajectory, a football is preferably thrown such that it rotates or spins about its long axis (i.e., the axis through the ball's pointed ends). This spin is understood to generate forces that minimize wobbling of the ball, leadi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a football having a two-color indicator ring as disclosed herein provides a means for both beginning and advanced quarterbacks to consistently evaluate spin speed and thereby assess his / her progress in developing passing skills.

Problems solved by technology

In general, throwing a football accurately and efficiently is not an easily learned skill.

Heretofore, there have not been shown any practical means of indicating or measuring the spin speed of a thrown football.

More specifically, it is believed by the inventors that the prior art provides no practical methods for one to measure a football's spin speed or to evaluate progress one has made in achieving desired levels of spin on a football.

However, it is believed that this is typically done primarily or exclusively for ornamental or cosmetic reasons, and not to provide information about a desired spin speed.

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