Adaptive Golf Ball Markings for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept relates to specialized golf balls with overlap markings tailored for specific operational environments, such as high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, low-light environments, or high-altitude settings.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a method for printing overlap markings on a golf ball. However, the patent did not address the limitations of using such golf balls in unique operational environments. The present inventive concept addresses this limitation by adapting the overlap markings for specific niche markets, providing golf balls with enhanced performance, visibility, and security in these environments.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept encompasses four main variations: (1) a golf ball with overlap markings including a hidden security feature for high-security environments; (2) a method for printing markings on a golf ball for disaster relief efforts, using a relief pattern designed to withstand extreme weather conditions; (3) a system for printing customized markings on golf balls for use in extreme weather conditions, featuring a printing device adapted to operate in a wide temperature range and a specialized coating to enhance durability; and (4) a golf ball with overlap markings designed for low-light environments, incorporating a luminescent material to enhance visibility. Additionally, a method for creating personalized golf balls for high-altitude environments is disclosed, which includes a customized design to compensate for the effects of high altitude on ball flight.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept introduces novel overlap markings and printing methods tailored for specific niche markets, which are not obvious from the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the overlap markings and printing methods to address the unique challenges and requirements of these environments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include using different materials, such as glow-in-the-dark or reflective materials, for the overlap markings. Additionally, the printing methods could be modified to accommodate different golf ball sizes, shapes, or surfaces. Other variations may involve integrating sensors or other technologies into the golf ball to enhance its performance or functionality in specific environments.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in niche markets, such as high-security golf courses, disaster relief organizations, and extreme weather sports events. The market for specialized golf balls is growing, and the inventive concept is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering unique value propositions for specific operational environments.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A63 | A63B45/02 |
| A | A63 | A63B37/0022 |
| B | B41 | B41M1/40 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Golf ball manufacturing and printing technologies, specifically involving surface marking techniques, pad printing methods, and specialized golf ball design for specific environmental conditions
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in golf ball manufacturing, printing technologies, surface decoration techniques, and materials science, typically holding a degree in mechanical engineering or materials engineering with 3-5 years of specialized experience in sports equipment production
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the source patent's fundamental technique of overlap printing can be readily extended to specialized environments by modifying marking materials, printing techniques, and surface treatments. The PTD's variations represent predictable applications of known pad printing methods to solve specific technical challenges in niche market segments. The core printing methodology remains substantially unchanged, with modifications being straightforward design adaptations within the ordinary skill of a golf ball manufacturing engineer.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,847 |
|---|---|
| Title | Golf ball having overlap markings |
| Assignee(s) | Acushnet Company |