Adaptive Golf Ball Markings for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857847_0004_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Adaptive Golf Ball Markings for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857847_0004_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857847_0004_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

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

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

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

Source Patent Element
Method of printing multiple stamps with overlap areas on a golf ball surface
PTD Variation
Incorporating luminescent materials into overlap markings for low-light environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding luminescent materials to existing printing techniques is a predictable design variation using known phosphorescent or photoluminescent compounds, representing a simple substitution of known materials with expected results
Source Patent Element
Linear markings extending around a golf ball's circumference
PTD Variation
Creating customized markings for high-altitude environments to compensate for flight characteristics
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying surface markings to address environmental performance is a standard design optimization technique within the ordinary skill of sports equipment engineers
Source Patent Element
Pad printing technique with variable ink density in transition areas
PTD Variation
Integrating hidden security features detectable under specific lighting conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Utilizing existing printing techniques to embed specialized visual features represents a predictable application of known pad printing methodologies
Source Patent Element
Printing method for applying markings to golf ball surfaces
PTD Variation
Developing printing systems adapted for extreme temperature ranges
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending printing equipment's operational parameters is a standard engineering approach to addressing environmental constraints, representing a routine design modification
Source Patent Element
Multiple stamp printing with overlapping areas
PTD Variation
Creating specialized coatings to enhance marking durability in wet and windy conditions
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying protective coatings to printed surfaces is a known technique in manufacturing, representing a predictable solution to environmental durability challenges
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857847 and the disclosed variations, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious through routine design modifications, material substitutions, and predictable extensions of existing golf ball printing technologies. The published technical disclosure demonstrates that the claimed variations represent straightforward adaptations within the ordinary capabilities of skilled practitioners in golf ball manufacturing and surface decoration technologies.

Original Patent Information

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