Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Golf Ball Printing with Overlap Markings

Publication ID: 24-11857847_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Golf Ball Printing with Overlap Markings,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857847_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857847_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,847.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept introduces a system and method for printing overlap markings on golf balls, enhancing visual appeal, alignment aids, and customization options while minimizing ink waste.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for golf balls with overlap markings had limitations in terms of visual appeal, alignment aid effectiveness, and customization options. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a system and method that enables the creation of unique visual effects, improved alignment aids, and personalized overlap markings.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The system consists of multiple printing pads with interchangeable etching patterns, a digital design interface, and a controller that coordinates the printing process. The method involves applying different inks to the printing pads, printing the inks in a staggered pattern to create overlap printed areas with unique visual effects, and aligning the overlap areas with the sweet spot of the golf ball. The system and method enable customization options, reduce ink waste, and improve the overall appearance and functionality of the golf ball.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the concept of using multiple printing pads with interchangeable etching patterns, a digital design interface, and a controller to create unique overlap printed areas with improved visual appeal and alignment aids. This is a non-obvious improvement over the original patent, which did not contemplate these features.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of printing pads, inks, or etching patterns to create varying visual effects. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with other types of balls or sporting equipment.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the golf industry, particularly among professional and amateur golfers seeking to improve their game with customized, high-performance golf balls. The market for customized golf balls is growing, and this inventive concept is well-positioned to capture a significant share of that market.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A63 A63B45/02
A A63 A63B37/0022
B B41 B41M1/40

Field of Art

Golf ball manufacturing and printing technologies, specifically surface marking techniques involving pad printing and multi-color/multi-layer marking systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A skilled practitioner with expertise in industrial printing techniques, golf ball manufacturing processes, surface decoration methods, and precision marking technologies with knowledge of ink application, pad printing, and surface registration techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's proposed variations represent predictable extensions of the source patent's core printing methodology by introducing additional control mechanisms, design interfaces, and strategic ink application techniques that naturally evolve from existing golf ball marking technologies.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Printing markings on golf ball surfaces using multiple printing pads
PTD Variation
Adding a digital design interface and controller to coordinate printing pad interactions
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating digital control systems with existing mechanical printing processes is a known technique for improving precision and customization in manufacturing environments
Source Patent Element
Linear markings extending around a golf ball's circumference
PTD Variation
Creating overlap printed areas aligned with the golf ball's sweet spot
Obviousness Reasoning
Strategically positioning printed markings relative to specific ball regions represents a predictable design optimization within golf ball manufacturing
Source Patent Element
Printing stamps with varying ink densities
PTD Variation
Using multiple ink colors and staggered printing patterns to create unique visual effects
Obviousness Reasoning
Experimenting with ink application techniques to enhance visual aesthetics is an obvious design choice for skilled practitioners seeking product differentiation
Source Patent Element
Single-pad printing methodology
PTD Variation
Implementing multiple printing pads with interchangeable etching patterns
Obviousness Reasoning
Expanding printing capabilities through modular pad design represents a straightforward technological progression using known manufacturing techniques
Source Patent Element
Basic golf ball marking processes
PTD Variation
Developing a system for reducing ink waste through coordinated printing strategies
Obviousness Reasoning
Optimizing material usage and reducing manufacturing waste are standard engineering improvements predictable to those skilled in the art
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857847 and the disclosed technical variations, a person having ordinary skill in golf ball manufacturing would find the proposed printing system and method obvious, as the PTD represents a logical combination of known techniques and predictable design optimizations within the field of golf ball surface marking technologies.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,847
TitleGolf ball having overlap markings
Assignee(s)Acushnet Company