US20030144094A1

US20030144094A1 - Sports item cover and methods using the same

Info

Publication number: US20030144094A1
Application number: US10/059,715
Authority: US
Inventors: Gino Picciolini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-29
Filing date: 2002-01-29
Publication date: 2003-07-31

Abstract

The present invention provides a removable sports item cover, preferably a ball or puck cover, and methods using the sports item cover that greatly facilitate the process of obtaining a autograph on the sports item at a sporting event. The ball cover can include a writing instrument attachment for removably securing a writing instrument such as a pen to the cover. The ball cover can include an autograph opening that allows the ball to be autographed without removing the cover. Therefore, the ball cover allows a fan to conveniently pass a sports item for signature to an athlete, along with an attached writing instrument, thereby facilitating the autograph process. The ball cover can also include a lanyard attachment that allows the ball to be worn around a fan's neck.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to autographs, more specifically to ball covers and methods of obtaining an autograph.

2. Background Information

Many sports fans obtain autographs of athletes at sporting events. This typically involves waiting in a crowd and attempting to gain the attention of an athlete, in order to get his/her autograph on a ball or a puck. In many cases, the crowd is separated from the professional athlete by a barrier such as a wall that surrounds the playing area. Therefore, it is usually challenging to carry a ball and a writing instrument through the crowd, and to pass them to the athlete to obtain the autograph. Furthermore, it is challenging to obtain the ball and the writing instrument back from the athlete over the barrier and through the crowd. Therefore, there is a need for a device or method to facilitate the exchange of a sports item and writing instrument between a fan and an athlete.

Furthermore, a need exists for a device and method that facilitate obtaining an autograph at a sporting event, without compromising the quality of the sports item being autographed for example by gluing an attachment means to a ball. Such a device and/or method would help promote fan enthusiasm and interest in sporting events and athletes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets these needs and makes it much easier to obtain an autograph of a person, such as an athlete, on a sports item, such as a ball, at an event, such as a sporting event. The invention facilitates the exchange of a sports item and writing instrument between a fan and an athlete without damaging the ball for example by affixing a writing instrument attachment means to the ball. That is the sports item, typically a ball or a puck which is autographed remains in an unmodified form except for autographs that are placed on it, yet the present invention makes it convenient to attach a writing instrument, such as a pen, to the ball in such a manner that the pen can be removed from the ball very simply and without damaging the ball. Furthermore, the present invention actually protects the sports item from damage and provides a fan the ability to direct an athlete to the precise location on the ball for autographing. In addition, the placement of the ball cover allows the fan to specify where the autograph will be located on the sports item, while protecting existing autographs on the sports item. Finally, certain embodiments of the present invention help to assure that a sports item is not lost at an event, and provide a fan the opportunity to freely use their hands to squeeze through a crowd and to get the attention of an athlete, and to sit through the event without having to worry about losing an autographed sports item. In summary, the present invention makes it much more convenient to obtain an autograph of a ball at a sporting event.

The present invention provides a removable sports item cover, preferably a ball or puck cover, and methods using the sports item cover, that greatly facilitate the process of obtaining an autograph on the sports item at a sporting event. The ball cover includes a writing instrument attachment for securing a writing instrument such as a pen to the cover, such that the writing instrument can be detached or removed from the writing instrument attachment. Therefore, the ball cover allows a fan to conveniently pass a sports item for signature to an athlete, along with an attached writing instrument, thereby facilitating the autograph process. The ball cover can also include a lanyard attachment that allows the ball to be worn around a fan's neck.

The ball cover of the present invention will be valuable to sports teams to attract fans to their games by being provided as a give-away. Additionally, the ball cover of the present invention will be valuable to companies as give-away perks to customers or potential customers.

In one aspect, the present invention is an autograph kit that includes:

a) a ball;

b) a ball cover with a writing instrument attachment and an autograph opening, wherein the ball cover removably covers the ball; and

c) a writing instrument that is removably connected to the ball by the writing instrument attachment of the ball cover.

The autograph kit can include a lanyard in certain preferred embodiments.

In another aspect, the present invention is a ball and ball cover combination, wherein the ball cover rotatably covers the ball, and wherein the ball cover includes a writing instrument attachment. In certain preferred embodiments, the ball cover includes an autograph opening that provides access to the ball. In certain preferred embodiments, the writing instrument attachment is a loop to which a writing instrument is removably secured. The ball in certain preferred embodiments is a baseball.

In another aspect, the present invention is a sports item cover, preferably a ball or puck cover, that includes a writing instrument attachment. The sports item cover can include, in certain preferred embodiments, an autograph opening that provides access for a writing instrument through the ball cover. In certain preferred embodiments, the writing instrument attachment is a loop to which a writing instrument is removably secured. The sports item can be a baseball, a softball, a football, a basketball, a soccer ball, a golf ball, or a volleyball. The sports item cover can include a lanyard attachment effective for removably securing the sports item cover to a lanyard.

In another aspect the present invention provides a ball cover that includes an autograph opening means for providing access to the ball through the cover, and a writing instrument attachment means for removably securing a writing instrument to the ball cover.

In another aspect the present invention provides a sports hat brim cover that includes an autograph opening means for providing access to the hat brim through the cover, and a writing instrument attachment means for removably securing a writing instrument to the hat brim cover.

In another aspect, the present invention is a method for obtaining an autograph on a ball. The method includes:

a) providing a ball, a ball cover, and a writing instrument, wherein the ball cover rotatably covers the ball, wherein the writing instrument is removably secured to the ball cover holder by a writing instrument attachment, and wherein access to a first location on the ball through the ball cover is provided by an autograph opening in the ball cover;

b) detaching the writing instrument from the ball; and

c) signing the ball at the first location through the autograph opening.

The method can further include reattaching the writing instrument to the ball cover. The method can further include after signing the ball at the first location, rotating the ball cover over the ball to position the autograph opening over a second position on the ball. In these embodiments, the method can further include signing the ball at the second location through the autograph opening.

b) detaching the writing instrument from the ball; and

c) obtaining a signature on the ball at the first location through the autograph opening.

The method can further include reattaching the writing instrument to the ball cover. The method can further include after signing the ball at the first location, rotating the ball cover over the ball to position the autograph opening over a second position on the ball. In these embodiments, the method can further include obtaining a signature on the ball at the second location through the autograph opening.

In another aspect, the present invention is a method for obtaining an autograph on a ball utilizing the ball cover of the invention. The method includes:

a) providing a

ball

100, a ball cover 10, and a writing instrument 200, wherein the ball cover comprises a writing instrument attachment, and an autograph opening;

b) positioning the ball inside the ball cover, thereby providing access to a first location on the ball through the ball cover at the autograph opening;

c) attaching the writing instrument to the ball cover using the writing instrument attachment;

d) removing the writing instrument from the ball cover;

e) signing the ball at the first location through the autograph opening; and

f) reattaching the writing instrument to the ball cover using the writing instrument attachment.

The method can further include removing the ball from the ball cover after reattaching the writing instrument. The method can then further include rotating the ball relative to the ball cover, and reposition the ball inside the ball cover, thereby providing access to a second location on the ball through the autograph opening. The method can then further include removing the writing instrument from the ball cover and signing the ball at the second location through the autograph opening.

The method can further include between the securing step and the removing step, transferring the ball from a first person to a second person to obtain the autograph of the second person.

The method can further include, securing the ball cover to a lanyard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the ball cover [0038] 10 of the present invention illustrating rotatable and removable covering of a ball 100, removable attachment of a writing instrument 200, and removable attachment to a lanyard 300.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TIE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a [0039] ball cover 10 with a writing instrument attachment 20 wherein the ball cover 10 is effective for rotatably and/or preferably removably covering a ball 100. The ball cover in certain preferred embodiments includes an autograph opening 30. The ball cover can be provided along with a writing instrument 200 that can be removably connected to the writing instrument attachment 20 of the ball cover 10.
The ball cover and optionally, the writing instrument may be included in an autograph kit. The kit can include other items such as a [0040] ball 10, the lanyard 300, and directions for using and/or maintaining the ball cover.
The [0041] sports item cover 10 can be made of virtually any material that is used to cover physical objects. The material can be, for example, nylon, canvas, cotton, burlap, felt, plastic, neoprene, etc. The ball cover is typically slightly larger than the ball that it is intended to cover. The ball cover can include an inner layer that is the same material as, or different than, an outer layer. For example, the inner layer can be a material that resists scratching the ball or smudging autographs on the ball, such as felt, whereas the outer layer can be a material that is resistant to environmental conditions, such as leather or plastic. Preferably, the material used for the cover is not hard and has some elasticity.
The [0042] sports item cover 10, also referred to herein as a ball cover or puck cover, preferably is constructed such that a ball can be positioned inside the cover, and can be removed from the cover. As known by one of ordinary skill in the art, many designs can be used to accomplish this. The present invention is not intended to be limited by any specific design for removably positioning a ball under the ball cover. For example, the cover can have a slit that can be opened and closed, for example using a zipper or Velcro® straps. As another example, the slit can be an expandable opening at the top of the cover that is resilient and recluses when force is not applied to open it, or can be closed by means of a string.
In certain embodiments, the present invention is a puck cover with a [0043] writing instrument attachment 20. These embodiments can include an autograph opening on the puck cover.
The [0044] writing instrument attachment 20 can be a writing instrument attachment means for removably securing a writing instrument to a ball or puck. The writing instrument attachment 20 and writing instrument attachment means, for example, can include a small portion of material that resists deformation sufficiently to provide an attachment site for a securing clip as is commonly present on a writing instrument. As another example, the writing instrument attachment 20 can be a small loop or a small cylinder, and can be the same or different material from the rest of the ball cover. In certain preferred embodiments, the writing instrument can be secured to the writing instrument attachment, and detached from the writing instrument attachment. The writing instrument attachment, for example, can be an elastic cable, such as a rubber cable, that is helically arranged and attaches the writing instrument to the sports item cover. These embodiments the writing instrument can be pulled away from the point of attachment of the writing instrument attachment to the sports item cover, for example to be used to autograph the ball. The elastic cable then pulls the writing instrument back towards the sports item cover after the writing instrument is no longer pulled away from the sports item cover.
One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the size of the autograph opening can vary considerably, while still effectively providing access to the ball and sufficient space for an autograph, yet not compromising the integrity of the cover. Furthermore, the size of the autograph opening can vary depending on the sports item being covered, with larger items accommodating larger autograph openings. In embodiments where the sports item is a baseball, the autograph opening can be for example, a rectangle with a height of about one-half inch, and a length of about one and one-half inches, or a one inch diameter circular/oval opening. [0045]
The sports item of the present invention is typically a [0046] ball 100 or a hockey puck. The ball 100 can be any sports ball including, for example, a baseball, a soft ball, a football, a basketball, a soccer ball, golf ball, or a volleyball. In certain preferred embodiments, the ball is a baseball. The sports item can also include a hat brim, or virtually any other sports item that can be transported to a sporting event or sports memorabilia show, autographed, and covered.
The ball cover [0047] 10, the writing instrument 200, and/or the ball 10 can include a logo of a favorite team.
The ball cover and optionally writing instrument, can be provided along with a [0048] lanyard 300. The lanyard 300 can be removably secured to the ball cover 10 by a lanyard attachment 40. As is known in the art, a lanyard 300 is an item that facilitates the removable attachment of an item such as the ball cover of the present invention, around the neck of a person. As is known, the lanyard 300 is placed around a neck like a necklace, and can have a first attachment member that attaches to a second attachment member on an item. For example, either or both the first and the second attachment member can be a hook or other mechanism, as is known. Lanyards are popularly used to hold keys, and are readily available at sporting goods stores. Embodiments of the present invention that include lanyards or their use provide a first person, referred to herein as a fan, with the ability to use both hands while trying to work through a crowd and/or get the attention of an athlete. Additionally, lanyards provide a fan with the ability to comfortably sit through an event without losing the sports item, and proudly display the sports item, wearing it around the fan's neck or drape from a belt hook on the pant waist.
The ball cover can include a plurality of autograph openings rather than a single autograph opening. This has the advantage of providing an autograph opening to a number of individuals without requiring rotation of the ball cover relative to the ball. [0049]
The autograph opening can be covered by a flap or a removable cover. The flap or cover can be made of material that is similar to that which is used for the remainder of the ball cover. Such flap or removable cover when in place can rest slightly above the ball cover to avoid damaging the autograph on the ball. Furthermore, the flap or removable cover can be secured to the ball cover by any means known in the art for securing flaps such as, for example, Velcro straps or buttons. [0050]
In another aspect the present invention provides a sports hat brim cover that includes an autograph opening means for providing access to the hat brim through the cover, and a writing instrument attachment means for removably securing a writing instrument to the hat brim cover. [0051]
In another aspect, the present invention is a method for obtaining an autograph on a [0052] ball 100 utilizing the ball cover 10 of the invention. The method includes:
a) providing a [0053] ball 100, a ball cover 10, and a writing instrument 200, wherein the ball cover 10 comprises a writing instrument attachment 20, and an autograph opening 30;
b) positioning the [0054] ball 100 inside the ball cover 10, thereby providing access to a first location on the ball 100 through the ball cover 10 at the autograph opening;
c) attaching the [0055] writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10 using the writing instrument attachment 20;
d) removing the [0056] writing instrument 200 from the ball cover 10;
e) signing the [0057] ball 100 at the first location through the autograph opening; and
f) reattaching the [0058] writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10 using the writing instrument attachment 20.
The method can further include removing the [0059] ball 100 from the ball cover 10 after reattaching the writing instrument 200. The method can then further include rotating the ball 100 relative to the ball cover 10, and reposition the ball 100 inside the ball cover 10, thereby providing access to a second location on the ball 100 through the autograph opening. The method can then further include removing the writing instrument 200 from the ball cover 10 and signing the ball 100 at the second location through the autograph opening.
The method can further include between the securing step and the removing step, transferring the [0060] ball 100 from a first person to a second person to obtain the autograph of the second person.
The method can further include, securing the ball cover [0061] 10 to a lanyard 300.
The process by which a first person hands or passes a sports item to a second person for an autograph of the second person on the sports item, and the return of the sports item to the fan, is referred to herein as the autograph process. The present invention makes the autograph process much more convenient. [0062]
Thus, to practice the invention in certain preferred embodiments, a fan can obtain a [0063] ball cover 10, a ball 100, and a writing instrument 200. The fan can insert the ball 100 into the ball cover 10 of the present invention, and attach the writing instrument 200 to a writing instrument attachment 20 on the ball cover 10. The fan can then approach the playing surface, for example a baseball field, and hand or relay to a first athlete, the ball 100 enclosed by the ball cover 10 with the writing instrument attached to the ball cover 10. The first athlete then detaches the writing instrument 200 from the ball cover 10 and uses the writing instrument 200 to sign the ball at the first location through the autograph opening in the ball cover 10. Then the first athlete can reattach the writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10 and hands or relays the ball 100 enclosed by the ball cover 10 along with the attached writing instrument 200 back to the fan.
The fan then can remove the [0064] ball 100 from the ball cover 10, and rotate the ball 100 relative to the ball cover 10 before replacing the ball 100 in the ball cover 10, such that the autograph opening is located over a second position on the ball 100. The fan then can then pass the ball 100 encompassed in the ball cover 10 with attached writing instrument 200 to a second athlete who can detach the writing instrument 200 from the ball cover 10, and autograph the ball 100 at the second position. Then the second athlete can reattach the writing instrument 200 to the ball cover 10 and can hand or relay the ball 100 enclosed by the ball cover 10 along with the attached writing instrument 200 back to the fan. At any point in the process, while the ball is in the fan's position, the fan can position it in the ball cover and secure it to a lanyard 300 that is positioned around the fan's neck, thereby securing the ball to the fan in a hand-free manner.
All of the references cited herein are incorporated by reference. Although the invention has been described with reference to the above examples, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims. [0065]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A sports item cover comprising:

a) an autograph opening effective for providing access to a sports item that is enclosed by the sports item cover.

2. The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item is a ball, puck, or hat.

3. The sports item cover of claim 2 further comprising a writing instrument attachment effective for removably securing a writing instrument to the sports item cover.

4. The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item is a baseball, a softball, a football, a basketball, a soccer ball, or a volleyball.

5. The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item is a baseball.

6. The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the sports item cover further comprises a lanyard attachment effective for removably securing the sports item cover to a lanyard.

7. The sports item cover of claim 1, wherein the autograph opening is one of a series of autograph openings.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the autograph opening is one of a series of autograph openings.

9. An autograph kit comprising:

a) a ball;

b) a ball cover having a writing instrument attachment and an autograph opening, wherein the ball cover removably covers the ball; and

c) a writing instrument.

10. The autograph kit of claim 9, wherein the ball cover further comprises a lanyard attachment, and wherein the kit further comprises a lanyard.

11. The autograph kit of claim 9, wherein the ball is a softball, a football, a basketball, a soccer ball, or a volleyball

12. The autograph kit of claim 9, wherein the ball is a baseball.

13. A method for obtaining an autograph on a ball comprising:

a) providing a ball, a ball cover, and a writing instrument, wherein the ball cover comprises a writing instrument attachment, and an autograph opening;

d) removing the writing instrument from the ball cover;

e) signing the ball at the first location through the autograph opening; and

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising removing the ball from the ball cover after reattaching the writing instrument.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating the ball relative to the ball cover, and repositioning the ball inside the ball cover, thereby providing access to a second location on the ball through the autograph opening.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising removing the writing instrument from the ball cover and signing the ball at the second location through the autograph opening.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising between the securing step and the removing step, transferring the ball from a first person to a second person to obtain the autograph of the second person on the ball.

18. The method of claim 13, further comprising securing the ball cover to a lanyard.