U.S. patent application number 11/637507 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for flag football uniform.
Invention is credited to Jack R. Baun, Detlev F. Smith.
Application Number | 20080139345 11/637507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39498812 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080139345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baun; Jack R. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2008 |
Flag football uniform
Abstract
A flag football uniform comprising a shoulder supported portion
selected from the group consisting of: (a) at least one strap, (b)
a vest, and (c) a jersey; a waist portion, said shoulder supported
portion being either secured to or formed substantially integrally
with said waist portion; a plurality of flags securement locations
defined on said waist portion; and a plurality of flags for
selective attachment to said flag receipts.
Inventors: |
Baun; Jack R.; (Medina,
OH) ; Smith; Detlev F.; (Fairlawn, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WEGMAN, HESSLER & VANDERBURG
6055 ROCKSIDE WOODS BOULEVARD, SUITE 200
CLEVELAND
OH
44131
US
|
Family ID: |
39498812 |
Appl. No.: |
11/637507 |
Filed: |
December 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/502 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 67/00 20130101;
A63B 2243/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/502 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A flag football uniform comprising: a shoulder supported portion
selected from the group consisting of: (a) at least one strap, (b)
a vest, and (c) a shirt; a waist portion, said shoulder supported
portion being either secured to or formed substantially integrally
with said waist portion; a plurality of flags receipts defined on
said waist portion; and a plurality of flags for selective
attachment to said flag receipts.
2. The flag football uniform of claim 1, wherein said shoulder
supported portion is a left shoulder strap adapted to be supported
by a left shoulder and a right shoulder strap adapted to be
supported by a right shoulder when the uniform is worn by an
individual.
3. The flag football uniform as in claim 2, wherein said waist
portion is a band of fabric secured to said left and right shoulder
straps adapted to be wrapped around a waist when the uniform is
worn by an individual.
4. The flag football uniform of claim 3, wherein said band of
fabric is broken by a selectable securement means for selectively
releasing the band of fabric from being wrapped around a waist.
5. The flag football uniform of claim 4, wherein the selectable
securement means is selected from the group consisting of velcro,
buckles, snaps, buttons, magnets, and releaseable adhesives.
6. The flag football uniform of claim 1, wherein said plurality of
flags are selectively attached to said flag receipts through
hook-and-loop fasteners.
7. The flag football uniform of claim 1, wherein said shoulder
supported portion is a vest, and said waist portion is integral
with said vest and is defined by that area of the vest adjacent a
bottom edge of the vest.
8. The flag football uniform of claim 7, wherein one of said
plurality of flag receipts is located proximate a left hip bone,
another of said plurality of flag receipts is located proximate a
right hip bone, and another of said plurality of flag receipts is
located proximate a back bone of an individual wearing the flag
football uniform.
9. The flag football uniform of claim 7, wherein said vest has team
identifying indicia.
10. The flag football uniform of claim 7, wherein said vest is
selectively provided in various sizes selected to fit appropriately
sized individuals such that said plurality of flag receipts are
located proximate that individuals waistline.
11. The flag football uniform of claim 10, further comprising
padding secured to the vest.
12. The flag football uniform of claim 11, wherein said padding is
fitted into padding sleeves provided on a shoulder portion of said
vest.
13. The flag football uniform of claim 1, wherein said shoulder
supported portion is a shirt, and said waist portion is integral
with said shirt and is defined by that area of said shirt adjacent
a bottom edge of said shirt.
14. The flag football uniform of claim 13, wherein one of said
plurality of flag receipts is located proximate a left hip bone,
another of said plurality of flag receipts is located proximate a
right hip bone, and another of said plurality of flag receipts is
located proximate a back bone of an individual wearing the flag
football uniform.
15. The flag football uniform of claim 13, wherein said shirt has
team identifying indicia.
16. The flag football uniform of claim 13, wherein said vest is
selectively provided in various sizes selected to fit appropriately
sized individuals such that said plurality of flag receipts are
located proximate that individuals waistline.
17. The flag football uniform of claim 13, further comprising
padding secured to the shirt.
18. The flag football uniform of claim 11, wherein said padding is
fitted into padding sleeves provided on a shoulder portion of said
shirt.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally resides in the art of sports
equipment, and, more particularly, relates to a flag football
uniform.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flag football is a popular sport that is played by
substantially the same rules as is American-style football, except
for the fact that, in flag football, there is no tackling. Instead,
all players wear one or more "flags" that, when removed from a ball
carrier, indicate that the ball carrier is down (i.e., tackled),
thereby signifying the end of that play. The flags are typically
narrow strips of nylon or other fabric that are removably secured
to belts worn by the players. These strips of fabric move as the
players run and, therefore, can be difficult to grab and remove
from the belt. Thus, flag football, while not being as aggressive
as tackle football, provides challenges not faced in games of
"touch" football, wherein a ball carrier is tackled, and a play is
over, simply by touching the ball carrier.
[0003] As mentioned, the flag football prior art is replete with
what will be termed herein "flag belts," wherein one or more flags
are releasably secured to a belt to be worn by each of the players.
Flag belts are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,304,403; 4,651,989;
5,451,046; 5,456,462; 5,802,608; 5,938,549; and 6,241,631.
[0004] While these flag belts are popular, they have a number of
shortcomings that can be improved upon. Flag belts are worn at the
waist, and the flags are typically secured directly to the belt. As
a result, a player's shirt can, if untucked, hide the flag and make
it more difficult to remove the flag from the belt. A player can
also tuck the belt into his or her waistline to make the flag
difficult to remove (though this would, to some extent, be
cheating). Whether a shirt falls over the flags or the flags are
tucked into a waistline, readjustment for proper positioning takes
time away from the game. Some flag belts use buckles, and the rigid
buckle structure can hurt a player. Buckles are also somewhat
difficult and slow to adjust, and the excess length of belt
extending through the buckle usually must be wrapped around the
taut length of belt about the waist.
[0005] Belts also provide little information about the teams to
which the players belong. Beyond making the flags a different color
for different teams, there is little that can be done with simple
flag belts to distinguish teams. This can make it more difficult
for the players to identify the individuals belonging to their
team. Thus, there is a need in the art for a flag football uniform
providing increased functionality over the flag belts of the prior
art and providing better team identification for the opposed teams
in a game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention provides a flag football uniform. The uniform
includes a shoulder supported portion selected from the group
consisting of: (a) at least one strap, (b) a vest, and (c) a shirt.
A waist portion is either secured to or formed substantially
integrally with the shoulder supported portion. A plurality of flag
receipts are provided on the waist portion, and a plurality of
flags are provided for selective attachment to the flag
receipts.
[0007] The uniform is preferably provided in multiple sizes to
locate the waist portion directly at the waist of the player
wearing the uniform. This is different from most clothing, which
extends to an appreciable length below the waist line. Because
sizing the uniforms in this manner, it is more difficult for a
player to tuck flags under his or her belt or the waist of their
pants, thus making it more difficult to cheat in this manner.
Additionally, by supporting the waist portion with a strap or by
providing it as part of a vest or shirt, it is less likely that a
shirt will be placed over the uniform, covering up the flags, as
experienced with the prior art flag belt embodiments. The uniforms
herein also lend themselves to having team-identifying indicia more
so than the flag belts of the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a first embodiment
of a flag football uniform in accordance with this invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view of a second embodiment
of this invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a general perspective view of a third embodiment;
and
[0011] FIG. 4 is a close up of the interaction of a flag and flag
receipt, particularly through hook-and-loop type fasteners.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0012] Three particular embodiments for a flag football uniform in
accordance with this invention are shown herein. The specific
embodiments are to provide guidance for practicing the present
invention, and the invention is not necessarily limited to or by
any particular embodiment disclosed. The first embodiment is shown
in FIG. 1 and designated by the numeral 10. The second embodiment
is shown in FIG. 2 and designed by the numeral 110. The third
embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 and designated by the numeral 210.
Like parts between the different embodiments receive like numerals,
although increased by 100 for the second embodiment, and increased
by 200 for the third embodiment. The first embodiment, uniform 10,
is first disclosed.
[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1, uniform 10 is a strap-styled
uniform wherein a shoulder supported portion thereof is designated
by the numeral 12 and takes the form of two straps 14. While it
should be appreciated that shoulder support portion 12 can be
provided in the form of one strap, the support provided is
typically better with two straps and a rear cross support strap 15
keeping them associated. The shoulder supported portion 12 defined
by straps 14 extends in a suspender-like fashion from waist portion
16. Thus, straps 14 can be secured over an individual's shoulders
to place waist portion 16 about the individual's waistline or in
close proximity thereto. Straps 14 may be adjustable, as generally
designated at buckle 18, thus permitting for easy adjustment of the
distance to which waist portion 16 extends from the
shoulder-supported portion of straps 14. This adjustment will
permit an individual to place waist portion 16 directly at their
waist, as is preferred in accordance with the rules of flag
football. Although it is possible to drop uniform 10 over one's
head to place straps 14 over the shoulders and locate waist portion
16 at the waistline, waist portion 16 can optionally have
selectable securement means 20 for permitting an individual to
selectively release the band of fabric defining waist portion 16
from being wrapped around their waist. The selectable securement
means could be selected from hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles,
snaps, buttons, magnets, releaseable adhesives, and the like.
Hook-and-loop fasteners, because they are relatively soft, are
preferred. Also, by providing a large area of hook-and-loop fabric
material at the area of connection for waist portion 16, waist
portion 16 can be comfortably fit to various waist sizes. Waist
portion 16 is also preferably elastic in order to squeeze slightly
against a player's waist line when worn.
[0014] A plurality of flag receipts are shown and designated by the
numerals 22a, 22b and 22c. A plurality of flags 24a, 24b, 24c are
provided for selectively securement to the flag receipts 22a, 22b,
22c. It should be appreciated that each flag is interchangeable
with each flag receipt, though, in order to properly identify
elements of uniform 10 with separate numerals, letter designations
have been provided. It will be appreciated that any number of flags
and flag receipts can be employed, and the flag receipts can be
placed virtually anywhere along the waist portion 16. However, in
accordance with particularly preferred embodiments, flag 24a would
attach to flag receipt 22a positioned such that flag 24a would be
located proximate a right hip bone when uniform 10 is worn.
Similarly, flag receipt 22b is positioned on waist portion 16 such
that, when uniform 10 is worn, flag 24b secured to flag receipt 22b
will be located proximate a left hip bone of the individual wearing
the uniform 10. Finally, flag receipt 22c is preferably located
proximate the individual's back bone or tail bone when uniform 10
is worn. Although these locations are preferred, it should be
appreciated that, in accordance with other embodiments, the flags
may be placed proximate the locations just disclosed, preferably
within a 5 inch radius of those locations, more preferably within a
3 inch radius of those locations, and more preferably within 1.5
inch radius of those locations. This holds true for additional
embodiments disclosed herein. The flags 24a-c and the flag receipts
22a-c include complimentary fastener means that interact to
releasably hold flags 24a-c at their respective flag receipts
22a-c. The fastener means could be selected from hook-and-loop
fasteners, buckles, snaps, buttons, magnets, releaseable adhesives,
and the like. Hook-and-loop fasteners are preferred because they
are relatively soft and provide an acceptable gripping force
against release. In the particular embodiment shown, flags 24a-c
have loops 26 and receipts 22a-c have hooks 28 (FIG. 4).
[0015] With reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that uniform 110 is
a vest-style uniform wherein a shoulder supported portion thereof
is designated by the numeral 112 and is provided by the upper
portion of a vest 114. In this embodiment, shoulder supported
portion 112 is preferably formed integrally with waist portion 116,
it being appreciated that a typical vest provides both
shoulder-supported portions and portions located proximate the
wearer's waist (i.e., a waist portion). Although shoulder supported
portion 112 and waist portion 116 are identified and should be
considered as separate elements, it should be appreciated that they
can be provided in an integral fabric member, such as here, wherein
they are provided in a single vest 114. It should be appreciated
that waist portion 116 is integral with vest 114, and is defined by
that area of vest 114 adjacent bottom edge 117 of vest 114.
[0016] Vest 114 is to be secured over an individual's shoulders to
place waist portion 116 about the individual's waistline or in
close proximity thereto. Although vest 114 may be made adjustable
in length, it is preferred to provide vests 114 in various
acceptable sizes, such as the small (S), medium (M), large (L) and
extra large (XL) sizes generally employed for other articles of
clothing. Other functionally similar size designations, such as
numerical size designations, could be employed. These sizes are
well established for dimensioning articles of clothing so as to fit
properly on various body types. General size designations are
followed, but are slightly altered such that the waist portion 116
is positioned right at the waist line. This is distinguishable from
general clothing arts, wherein vests often extend well below the
waist line. Thus, the general cut of the flag football uniform
vests in accordance with this invention are distinguishable from
typical vests worn as part of a clothing ensemble; they are
intended to have bottom edges substantially aligned with the waist
line of those wearing them. A player will choose a vest sized to
satisfy this requirement as best as possible.
[0017] Although it is possible to drop uniform 110 over one's head
to place vest 114 over the shoulders and locate waist portion 116
at the waistline, vest 114 can optionally have selectable
securement means 120 for permitting an individual to selectively
release the fabric defining vest 114 from being wrapped around
their torso. The selectable securement means could be selected from
hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, buttons, magnets,
releaseable adhesives, and the like. Hook-and-loop fasteners are
preferred because they are relatively soft. Also, by providing a
large area of hook-and-loop fabric material at the areas of
connection for vest 114, vest 114 can be comfortably fit to various
torso sizes.
[0018] A plurality of flag receipts are shown and designated by the
numerals 122a, 122b and 122c. A plurality of flags 124a, 124b, 124c
are provided for selectively securement to said flag receipts 122a,
122b, 122c. It should be appreciated that each flag is
interchangeable with each flag receipt, though, in order to
properly identify elements of uniform 110 with separate numerals,
letter designations have been provided. It will be appreciated that
any number of flags and flag receipts can be employed, and the flag
receipts can be placed virtually anywhere along the waist portion
116. However, in accordance with particularly preferred
embodiments, flag 124a would attach to flag receipt 122a positioned
such that flag 124a would be located proximate a right hip bone
when uniform 110 is worn. Similarly, flag receipt 122b is
positioned on waist portion 116 such that, when uniform 110 is
worn, flag 124b secured to flag receipt 122b will be located
proximate a left hip bone of the individual wearing the uniform
110. Finally, flag receipt 122c is preferably located proximate the
individual's back bone or tail bone when uniform 110 is worn. The
flags 124a-c and the flag receipts 122a-c include complimentary
fastener means that interact to releasably hold flags 124a-c at
their respective flag receipts 122a-c. The fastener means could be
selected from hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, buttons,
magnets, releaseable adhesives, and the like. Hook-and-loop
fasteners, because they are relatively soft and provide an
acceptable gripping force against release, are preferred. In the
particular embodiment shown, flags 124a-c have loops 126 and
receipts 122a-c have hooks 128.
[0019] The strap and vest embodiments are capable of being
economically manufactured and would therefor be perfect candidates
for use in any area where cutting costs would be desirable. It is
believe these embodiments would be very desirable in school
settings where a multitude of students would be using and sharing a
limited number of uniforms possibly for years and years. They also
can be manufactured with the aforementioned selectable securement
means to make them readily adaptable to players of various
sizes.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 3, it can be seen that uniform 210 is
a shirt-style uniform wherein a shoulder supported portion thereof
is designated by the numeral 212 and is provided by the upper
portion of a shirt 214. In this embodiment, shoulder supported
portion 212 is preferably formed integrally with waist portion 216,
it being appreciated that a typical shirt provides both
shoulder-supported portions and portions located proximate the
wearer's waist (i.e., a waist portion). Although shoulder supported
portion 212 and waist portion 216 are identified and should be
considered as separate elements, it should be appreciated that they
can be provided in an integral fabric member, such as here, wherein
they are provided in a single shirt 214. It should be appreciated
that waist portion 216 is integral with shirt 214, and is defined
by that area of shirt 214 adjacent bottom edge 217 of shirt
214.
[0021] Shirt 214 is to be secured over an individual's shoulders to
place waist portion 216 about the individual's waistline or in
close proximity thereto. Shirt 214 is preferably provided in
various acceptable sizes, such as the small (S), medium (M), large
(L) and extra large (XL) sizes generally employed for other
articles of clothing. Other functionally similar size designations,
such as numerical size designations, could be employed. These sizes
are well established for dimensioning articles of clothing so as to
fit properly on various body types. General size designations are
followed, but are slightly altered such that the waist portion 216
is positioned right at the waist line. This is distinguishable from
general clothing arts, wherein vests often extend well below the
waist line. Thus, the general cut of the flag football uniform
shirts in accordance with this invention are distinguishable from
typical shirts worn as part of a clothing ensemble; they are
intended to have bottom edges substantially aligned with the waist
line of those wearing them. A player will choose a shirt sized to
satisfy this requirement as best as possible. Waist portion 216 is
also preferably elastic in order to squeeze slightly against a
player's waist line when worn. This not only provides a nice, sleek
appearance to the uniform, but, functionally, holds the waist
portion against the player and thus resists movement when a flag is
grabbed and removed from the waist portion, i.e., the waist portion
does not pull away from the player's waist when a flag is pulled,
instead, the flag is removed while the waist portion stays near or
against the player's waist. In accordance with one embodiment,
waist portion 216 is provided with a sleeve 221 to receive an
elastic band 223 to hold waist portion 216 snugly against a
player's waist line. The elastic band 223 could alternatively be
provided as a permanently affixed member, or the material forming
shirt 214 could be provided as elastic at the waist area.
[0022] A plurality of flag receipts are shown and designated by the
numerals 222a, 222b and 222c. A plurality of flags 224a, 224b, 224c
are provided for selectively securement to said flag receipts 222a,
222b, 222c. It should be appreciated that each flag is
interchangeable with each flag receipt, though, in order to
properly identify elements of uniform 210 with separate numerals,
letter designations have been provided. It will be appreciated that
any number of flags and flag receipts can be employed, and the flag
receipts can be placed virtually anywhere along the waist portion
216. However, in accordance with particularly preferred
embodiments, flag 224a would attach to flag receipt 222a positioned
such that flag 224a would be located proximate a right hip bone
when uniform 210 is worn. Similarly, flag receipt 222b is
positioned on waist portion 216 such that, when uniform 210 is
worn, flag 224b secured to flag receipt 222b will be located
proximate a left hip bone of the individual wearing the uniform
210. Finally, flag receipt 222c is preferably located proximate the
individual's back bone or tail bone when uniform 210 is worn. The
flags 224a-c and the flag receipts 222a-c include complimentary
fastener means that interact to releasably hold flags 224a-c at
their respective flag receipts 222a-c. The fastener means could be
selected from hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, snaps, buttons,
magnets, releaseable adhesives, and the like. Hook-and-loop
fasteners, because they are relatively soft and provide an
acceptable gripping force against release, are preferred. In the
particular embodiment shown, flags 224a-c have loops 226 and
receipts 222a-c have hooks 228.
[0023] In optional embodiments, padding can be used, which would
better protect players from injury and would permit players to be
more aggressive in a game. Padding is shown at padding 130 in FIG.
2, and at padding 230 in FIG. 3. These paddings 130, 230 fit in
respective padding sleeves 132, 232 at the shoulder supported
portions 112, 212 of their respective embodiments.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 4, it can be seen that each
embodiment herein can benefit from the inclusion of reinforcement
fabric 33 at the location of the flag receipts (flag receipt 22b
being shown). The numerals from FIG. 1 are employed (i.e., between
0 and 100), but it should be appreciated that this concept applies
to all embodiments. The reinforcement fabric will help provide
structural integrity at the locations that receive a relatively
large amount of stress from the flags constantly being forcefully
removed from the flag receipts.
[0025] By providing flag football uniforms that locate flags at
flag receipts positioned at the waistline, and ultimately
supporting those flag receipts with a shoulder supported portion of
the uniform, the players will find it difficult to purposefully
position their flags where they will be difficult to grab and
remove. For instance, it will be difficult for a player to tuck the
flags into a the waistline of his or her pants. Additionally, the
various embodiments shown here can be worn either over a shirt or
can replace a shirt, such that it will be difficult for a player's
shirt to be made to hang over the flags. In preferred embodiments,
and as a result of providing multiple sizes for the uniforms
herein, buckles need not be employed for size adjustment, thus
increasing comfort and decreasing a chance for minor injuries. This
is particularly true with the vest and shirt embodiments. The
uniform embodiments herein are also readily capable of being
designed with team-identifying indicia on them, as represented in
FIG. 3 by the number "07" shown thereon as a player's number. The
straps, vests and shirts can be made in various team colors, as are
jerseys in professional sports. The flags can preferably receive
numbers as well, to match the number on the strap, vest or shirt to
which they belong. This will permit better identification of just
which player lost a flag during a given play and where that player
lost it.
[0026] It should also be appreciated that the term "shirt" herein
is used broadly and would cover jerseys. Indeed a jersey type nylon
material is preferred for the shirt embodiment of FIG. 3. Jerseys
in accordance with this invention will be shaped more to fit the
general human body, and not to fit over large professional style
football pads, though they will, in preferred embodiments have
padding sleeves for receiving moderate padding, which would
preferably be cushioning foam padding.
[0027] Each one of the embodiments disclosed might need to be
washed. To help protect the preferred hook and loop fastener areas
at the waist portion, wash patches, such as those identified in
FIG. 3 at numeral 234 can be provided to fit over the flag receipts
during washing.
[0028] In light of the foregoing, it should thus be evident that
the process of the present invention, providing flag football
uniforms, substantially improves the art. In accordance with the
patent statutes, only the preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been described in detail. The present invention is
not to be limited thereto or thereby. Rather, the scope of the
invention shall include all modifications and variations that fall
within the scope of the attached claims.
* * * * *