U.S. patent application number 10/904169 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-10 for paper football game piece with sound chip.
Invention is credited to Hodgeman, John D..
Application Number | 20050051961 10/904169 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34228266 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050051961 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hodgeman, John D. |
March 10, 2005 |
PAPER FOOTBALL GAME PIECE WITH SOUND CHIP
Abstract
The present invention provides major improvements with respect
to a paper football game piece. The football may be formed using a
sheet of paper folded into the desired triangular shape. A region
of the paper is printed and embossed to simulate the bumpy texture
inherent of cowhide or pigskin football leather, football laces,
and one or more team logos. The same region may also be impregnated
with a leather fragrance that when scratched may omit a desired
scent such as a football leather scent.
Inventors: |
Hodgeman, John D.; (Boca
Raton, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SNELL & WILMER
ONE ARIZONA CENTER
400 EAST VAN BUREN
PHOENIX
AZ
850040001
|
Family ID: |
34228266 |
Appl. No.: |
10/904169 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10904169 |
Oct 27, 2004 |
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10367309 |
Feb 19, 2003 |
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6743159 |
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60402278 |
Aug 9, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/288 ;
273/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/247 20130101;
A63F 2009/2497 20130101; A63F 2009/0012 20130101; A63F 7/0616
20130101; A63F 7/06 20130101; A63F 2250/021 20130101; A63F
2009/2494 20130101; A63F 2003/00766 20130101; A63H 33/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/288 ;
273/108 |
International
Class: |
A63F 007/07; A63F
003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A football game piece comprising a substantially planar sheet of
material configured to form a multilayered triangle, wherein said
sheet includes features of a football on a portion of at least one
side of the sheet, such that said printing is configured to be
visible on the exterior of the multilayered triangle, said game
piece including at least one of a sound generator and a light
generator.
2. The game piece of claim 1 wherein the sheet of material includes
a plurality of through die cuts, the sheet of material being
foldable.
3. The game piece of claim 1 wherein the sheet of material is
comprised of at least one of paper, plastic, cloth, or
cardboard.
4. The game piece of claim 1 wherein the sheet of material is
detachable from a booklet.
5. The game piece of claim 1 further including at least one of
printing and embossing features of a football which depict at least
one of laces, logos, texture, leather, and patterns.
6. The game piece of claim 1 wherein the sheet is scented.
7. The game piece of claim 1 wherein the sheet is scented with a
fragrance of leather.
8. A condiment packet comprising: a first substantially planar
triangular sheet; a second substantially planar triangular sheet
disposed on the first sheet; a seal formed between the first sheet
and the second sheet at least a portion of which is substantially
along a common periphery; features of a football visible on at
least one of the first and second sheet; and at least one of a
sound generator and a light generator.
9. A condiment packet comprising: a substantially planar
rectangular sheet, folded substantially along a major diagonal,
forming a first right triangle and a second right triangle having a
substantially common hypotenuse; a seal formed between the first
and second triangles at least a portion of which is substantially
along a common periphery; features of a football visible on at
least one of the first or second triangles; and at least one of a
sound generator and a light generator.
10. The condiment packet of claim 9 wherein at least a portion of
at least one sheet is scented with a fragrance.
11. The condiment packet of claim 9 further comprising a surface
with at least one of printing and embossing to accentuate the
visible football features.
12. A matchbook comprising: a rectangular sheet, foldable
substantially along a major diagonal to create a substantially
triangular front cover and a substantially triangular back cover;
printing on at least a portion of at least one cover depicting
features of a football; a match retainer on at least one of the
front and back covers; and at least one of a sound generator and a
light generator.
13. The matchbook of claim 12 further comprising a striking strip
disposed on one side of at least one of the front cover and back
cover.
14. The matchbook of claim 12 wherein the match retainer is a flap
formed by folding a portion of at least one of the front cover and
back cover.
15. The match book of claim 12 wherein the sheet is scented.
16. A method of forming a game piece comprising the steps of:
providing a sheet of material with features of a football on a
portion of at least one side of the sheet; and folding the sheet at
least once to form a right triangle of multiple sheet layers
whereby the printed portion of the sheet is visible on the exterior
of the layered triangle; and providing at least one of a sound
generator and a light generator for one of use or integration with
said game piece.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of tucking
between the layers of the triangle any portion of the sheet
extending beyond the perimeter of the layered triangle.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of folding the sheet
includes forming a right triangle having legs substantially equal
in length to the width of the sheet; folding the sheet over the
triangle along the triangle leg traversing the width of the sheet;
folding the sheet over the right triangle along the hypotenuse of
the triangle; and repeating the last two folding operations to
obtain the desired triangle thickness.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the step of providing the sheet
of material to be folded includes folding the sheet in half
lengthwise at least once, creating a layered sheet, maintaining the
printed portion on the outside of the folded sheet.
20. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of sealing
at least two layers of the sheet together along the periphery of
the layers.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
benefit from and priority to U.S. Non-provisional patent
application Ser. No. 10/367,309, which itself claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/402,278, filed Aug.
9, 2002, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a game piece, and more
particularly, to a triangular shaped game piece for playing paper
football on a flat surface.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] For many years, people have simulated the game of football
by using a variety of objects including, for example, a condiment
(e.g., a packet of sugar), a book of matches, or most notably, an
ordinary sheet of paper folded into a triangular, planar shape and
commonly referred to as a paper football. Any flat surface, usually
a tabletop or a desktop, is suitable for a playing field.
[0004] There are various paper football playing rules that have
been adopted over the years. Generally, however, there are two
players positioned at opposing ends of the playing surface, each
defending an edge or goal line. Usually the winner of a coin toss
kicks off, requiring that he/she use thumb and forefinger to
"thump" the football from his/her goal line in a manner such that
the football rotates, slides and comes to rest on the playing
surface. Once the football is put into play, players take turns
attempting to score a goal. A touchdown is typically scored when a
"thump" results in the football breaking the plane of the opposing
player's goal line without leaving the playing surface. Field goals
and extra points are attempted by positioning the football upright,
usually on one edge, in such a way that it may be propelled by the
"thump". A successful attempt results in the football soaring over
the crossbar and through goal posts simulated by the opposing
player's hands.
[0005] One of the drawbacks to using an ordinary sheet of paper to
simulate a football is that when folded triangularly it tends to be
flat, and the friction created when it slides across the playing
surface inhibits performance. Additionally, since there are various
ways to fold the paper, depending on how it is folded, the
thickness of the football is inconsistent. Another problem is that
after folding the football, the three corners are usually very
sharp making it difficult to position for a kick, and posing a
threat to injure a player obstructing a kick. In addition, removal
of excess paper is typically part of the creation process such that
folding and securely tucking away an amount of paper that, as a
result, forms a desired triangular shape. Since scissors are not
always present when folding a paper football, it is necessary to
tear away the excess paper. To do so is difficult since the folded
paper is multi-ply and must optimally be torn at an angle less than
45 degrees and greater than 15 degrees. Tearing away too much paper
results in the tuck not remaining secure, while not tearing away
enough often leads to an additional tear. Tucking away too much
remaining paper results in the tuck not remaining secure or a
non-uniform bulge on one side of the resultant football. Attempting
an additional tear increases the likelihood of tearing away too
much.
[0006] An exemplary drawback of using a packet of sugar or a book
of matches is that they are rectangular in shape. The present
invention is an improvement upon the paper football game piece and
addresses these drawbacks.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides major improvements with
respect to a paper football game piece. The football may be formed
using a sheet of paper folded into the desired triangular shape. A
region of the paper is printed and embossed to simulate the bumpy
texture inherent of cowhide or pigskin football leather, football
laces, and one or more team logos.
[0008] That same region may also be impregnated with a leather
fragrance that when scratched may omit a desired scent such as a
football leather scent. Cutouts are present in the paper to avoid
or minimize sharp points at the corners when folded. The paper is
folded lengthwise in half and then again to become four ply.
Beginning at one end, a corner of the folded paper is folded over
to create a triangle shape which is substantially a right triangle.
The resultant right triangle is then folded about the leg of the
right triangle toward the top edge of the paper so as to
substantially mirror the first right triangle formed. Again, the
paper is folded, this time approximately around the hypotenuse of
the right triangle formed. Continuing substantially in this manner,
folds are made in sequence; first about the leg of the right
triangle created toward the top edge of the paper, then
substantially about the hypotenuse of the created right triangle,
again about the leg of the created right triangle toward the top
edge of the paper, and finally substantially about the hypotenuse
of the created right triangle resulting in, in one embodiment, a 32
ply right triangle. The remaining paper is substantially tucked
securely into a pocket created from the last fold, thereby
completing the right triangular shaped paper football game
piece.
[0009] The present invention addresses the drawbacks of the prior
art. The raised design of bumps reduces the area of contact with
the playing surface, thereby reducing friction and enhancing slide
performance. Cutouts in the paper eliminate or reduce sharp
corners, thereby enhancing positioning stability for a kick and
reducing the likelihood of injury to an opposing player toward whom
the football is kicked. Cutouts at the ends of fold lines reduce
the clustering of folded material at the ends of fold lines and
provide greater flexibility in aligning the material to be folded.
The die cut contour along the top edge of the paper reduces excess
paper after folding and provides for an optimal tuck to complete
the desired triangular shape. Triangular condiment packets and
matchbooks are better suited for use in playing the game than are
traditional rectangular packets and matchbooks. Printed and
embossed features on the condiment packets and matchbooks are
improvements that further enhance the game.
[0010] A sound generator further enhances the game by simulating
event related sounds and signals (e.g., football fans cheering,
players hitting each other, referee whistles, fight songs,
commercials, etc). The sound generator may be removably or
permanently attached to, integrated with or used with the football
game piece. Alternatively, the sound generator may be included in
or used with associated game pieces such as, for example, goals,
goal posts, or playing fields. Similarly, a light emitting diode or
other light generator may be included for use with the game
piece.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when
considered in connection with the Figures, where like reference
numbers refer to similar elements throughout the Figures, and:
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exemplary planar view of the right triangular
shaped paper football game piece.
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exemplary planar view of the paper football
game piece prior to folding.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exemplary perspective view of the paper
football game piece illustrating the first fold.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exemplary perspective view of the paper
football game piece illustrating the second fold.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exemplary planar view of the paper football
game piece illustrating the third fold.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exemplary planar view of the paper football
game piece illustrating the resultant right triangle created from
the third fold and remaining sequential folds.
[0018] FIG. 7 is an exemplary planar view of the triangular shaped
condiment packet football game piece.
[0019] FIG. 8 is an exemplary perspective view of the condiment
packet assembly.
[0020] FIG. 9 is an exemplary planar view of the triangular shaped
matchbook paper football game piece.
[0021] FIG. 10 is an exemplary planar view of the triangular
matchbook paper football game piece prior to folding.
[0022] FIG. 11 is an exemplary perspective view of the paper
football game piece illustrating fold lines.
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exemplary perspective view of the paper
football game piece illustrating the first three folds.
[0024] FIG. 13 is an exemplary planar view of the paper football
game piece illustrating the fourth fold.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an exemplary planar view of the paper football
game piece illustrating the resultant right triangle created from
the fourth fold and remaining sequential folds.
[0026] FIG. 15 is an exemplary planar view of the right triangular
shaped paper football game piece.
[0027] FIG. 16 is an exemplary top view of an exemplary sound
generator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, an exemplary embodiment of the paper
football game piece 1 is illustrated. The paper football game piece
1 consists of a single sheet of paper 20; however, one skilled in
the art will appreciate that any suitable number of sheets of
paper, suitable types of paper, or other suitable foldable
materials may be used in the present invention. The paper 20 may be
substantially planar and advantageously letter size with an average
thickness of 0.0508 to 0.0889 mm (0.002 to 0.0035 inches). The
paper 20 may have a plurality of die cuts 40 (e.g., through die
cuts) and is contoured along its periphery 42.
[0029] A region, for example region 50, on one side of the paper 20
may include any design, information, pattern and/or the like. The
pattern may be formed by printing, embossing, dying, attaching a
pattern or in any other way known in the art. In one embodiment,
region 50 graphically depicts cowhide or pigskin football leather
52, laces 53, and team logos 54. In addition, the region 50 may be
embossed to accentuate cowhide or pigskin football leather bumps
and laces. The region 50 may also be scented or impregnated with a
fragrance. In one embodiment, scratching the region releases a
football leather scent or any other desired scent. The raised
design of the leather texture and laces in an exemplary embodiment
may be approximately 0.5875 mm (0.0625 inches) in height.
[0030] The football game piece may be formed in any shape, and in
an exemplary embodiment, the piece is formed in a substantially
triangular shape or a substantially right triangular shape. The
following exemplary method shall describe the right triangular
shape embodiment as a best mode. The right triangular shaped paper
football game piece 1 is formed by first folding the paper 20 in
half lengthwise as illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates the
paper 20 being folded in half lengthwise a second time. A series of
folds illustrated in FIG. 6 begins first by turning the printed
region 50 facedown and by folding the bottom right corner 21 of the
folded paper 20 (FIG. 5) over to create a right triangle 22
illustrated in FIG. 6. The resultant right triangle 22 formed is
then folded about the leg 23 of the right triangle 22 toward the
top edge of the paper 20 so as to substantially mirror the first
right triangle 22 formed. Again, the paper 20 is folded, this time
substantially about the hypotenuse 24 of the right triangle formed.
The next fold is made substantially about the leg 25 of the created
right triangle toward the top edge of the paper 20, then
substantially about the hypotenuse 26 of the created right
triangle, again substantially about the leg 27 of the created right
triangle substantially toward the top edge of the paper 20, and
finally substantially about the hypotenuse 28 of the created right
triangle, resulting in a 32 ply right triangle. One skilled in the
art will appreciate that a similar method can be used to create a
different number ply triangle. The remaining paper 30 is
substantially tucked securely into the pocket created from the last
fold 29, thereby completing a right triangular shaped paper
football game piece 1.
[0031] As described above, the present invention provides
significant advantages over a paper football game piece crafted
from an ordinary sheet of paper. The unique raised design of bumps
improves play by significantly reducing friction across the playing
surface and improving performance. The reduction of sharp corners
enhances placekicking stability and reduces the likelihood of
injury to players. The die cut contour along the top edge of the
paper reduces the need to remove excess paper when folding and
provides a substantially uniform and consistent construct.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the paper football game piece 10
of the second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
The paper football game piece 10 consists of a pair of opposed
triangular pieces of paper 200, each of which are substantially
planar and advantageously 0.0254 to 0.0762 mm (0.001 to 0.003
inches) in thickness.
[0033] The paper members 200 are printed on one side to graphically
depict cowhide or pigskin football leather 52, laces 53, and team
logos 54. In addition, the paper members 200 are at least partially
embossed to accentuate cowhide or pigskin football leather bumps
and laces. The raised design of the bumps and laces in an exemplary
embodiment measure approximately 0.762 mm (0.03 inches) in
height.
[0034] The right triangular shaped paper football game piece 10 is
formed by attaching the paper members 200 by substantially sealing
60 along at least a portion of the periphery thereof. The football
game piece 10 is at least partially filled with a condiment 62
causing the central region to bulge outwardly.
[0035] In a third embodiment of the present invention (FIGS. 9 and
10), the paper football game piece 100 is a triangular shaped
cardboard book of matches 110. One side is printed to depict
cowhide or pigskin football leather 52, laces 53, and team logos
54. In addition, the printed side is at least partially embossed to
accentuate cowhide or pigskin leather bumps and laces. The raised
design of the bumps and laces in the exemplary embodiment measure
approximately 0.762 mm (0.03 inches) in height. The paper football
game piece 100 of the present invention is constructed by folding
the cardboard cover substantially diagonally and substantially
inwardly in two places about opposing hypotenuses 112 and 114, so
as to create opposing right triangles and finally by substantially
tucking the edge 116 beneath the striking strip 118.
[0036] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the
football game piece 1000 consists of a single sheet of paper or any
other suitable material 2000 removed from a bound booklet (e.g.,
magazine or periodical) or any other device which may contain a
sheet of paper. The paper 2000 is substantially planar and
advantageously 0.0508 to 0.0889 mm (0.002 to 0.0035 inches) in
thickness. A printed region 500 on at least one side of the paper
2000 may graphically depict cowhide or pigskin football leather 52,
laces 53, and/or team logos 54. The right triangular shaped paper
football 1000 is formed by first folding the paper 2000 in half
lengthwise illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 12 illustrates the paper
2000 being at least partially pleated lengthwise with the printed
region 50 facing upward. A series of folds illustrated in FIG. 13
begins first turning the printed region 500 facedown and by folding
a corner 221 of the folded paper 2000 (FIG. 13) over to create a
right triangle 222 illustrated in FIG. 14. The resultant right
triangle formed is then folded substantially about the leg 223 of
the right triangle toward the top edge of the paper 2000 so as to
mirror the first right triangle formed. Again, the paper 2000 is
folded, this time substantially about the hypotenuse 224 of the
right triangle formed. The next fold is made substantially about
the leg 225 of the created right triangle toward the top edge of
the paper 2000, then substantially about the hypotenuse 226 of the
created right triangle, again substantially about the leg 227 of
the created right triangle toward the top edge of the paper 2000,
and finally substantially about the hypotenuse 228 of the created
right triangle, resulting in a 32 ply right triangle. The paper
2000 is then torn or cut at, for example, an approximately 35
degree angle 232 and the remaining paper 230 is folded
substantially about the leg 229 of the created 32 ply triangle and
tucked securely into the pocket created from the last fold 229,
thereby completing a right triangular shaped paper football game
piece 1000.
[0037] In another exemplary embodiment, paper football 1000 may
include a sound making chip 90 like that shown in FIG. 16 or any
other sound generator to simulate event related sounds or signals.
The sounds may be activated at certain predetermined time
intervals, random time intervals, during certain events (e.g.,
touchdowns, kickoffs, etc), upon manual activation, in response to
voice commands or utterances, or upon the player hitting the
football, chip or any other part of the game with the player's
finger or other device for kicking the football piece. The sounds
from the chip may include, for example, football fans cheering,
players hitting each other, referee whistles, fight songs,
commercials, statistics or any other desired sound or
communication. The chip may include pre-existing sounds or voices
(e.g., national anthem, voices of favorite players or announcers of
favorite teams) or be configured to allow the players to program
custom sounds or voices. As shown in FIG. 16, the exemplary sound
chip may include a PCB 91, a buzzer 92 and a melody chip 93 and may
be powered by a battery 94 or any other suitable power source
(e.g., solar, etc).
[0038] In another embodiment, football 1000 may include a light
emitting diode that flashes in response to an impact to game piece
1000 or any of the initiators discussed above for the sound chip.
Diode may be battery or solar powered or may be kinetically powered
like some popular flashing sneaker designs.
[0039] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been
described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will
be appreciated that various modifications and changes can be made
without departing from the scope of the present invention. The
specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative
manner, rather than a restrictive one, and all such modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of present
invention.
[0040] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments. No
element described herein is required for the practice of the
invention unless expressly described as "iessential" or
"critical."
* * * * *