Golf Ball-Inspired Overlap Markings for Diverse Applications
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept leverages the core technology of golf ball overlap markings to create novel solutions for visualizing health metrics, monitoring environmental pollution, authenticating products, creating artistic patterns, and monitoring industrial equipment.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on pad printing multiple markings on golf balls, but its limitations led to the exploration of new applications and use cases. The present inventive concept addresses the need for innovative solutions in various industries by applying the overlap marking technology to entirely different fields.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new claims describe systems and methods that utilize golf ball-inspired overlap markings to achieve specific goals. For instance, the wearable device with an overlap marking enables visual distinction of different health metrics, while the overlap marking container facilitates sample collection for environmental pollution analysis. Similarly, the product authentication system and artistic pattern creation method exploit the overlap marking technique to provide unique solutions. The industrial equipment monitoring system uses the overlap marking to detect performance metrics.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce a paradigm shift by applying the overlap marking technology to diverse industries, demonstrating a non-obvious and innovative step beyond the original patent's golf ball-centric approach.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Other embodiments could include using different types of markings, varying the size and shape of the overlap areas, or integrating the overlap marking technology with other sensing or detection methods. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to various applications.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the healthcare, environmental, product authentication, artistic, and industrial equipment monitoring industries. The target markets include wearable device manufacturers, environmental monitoring agencies, product authentication service providers, artists and designers, and industrial equipment suppliers.
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
Printing and marking technologies, specifically surface marking techniques for three-dimensional objects with complex geometries, encompassing pad printing, industrial marking, and visual identification systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in printing technologies, surface marking techniques, and industrial design, possessing knowledge of multi-color printing methods, registration techniques, and pattern generation across various substrates
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the golf ball marking technique's core principles of controlled ink overlap and multi-pad printing can be systematically translated across different domains by applying the same fundamental marking strategy to alternative substrates and use cases. The source patent's technical framework provides a generalizable method for creating visually distinct and information-rich markings that can be readily adapted to diverse applications beyond golf balls. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of the original marking technique by applying known printing principles to solve specific domain-specific visualization challenges.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,847 |
|---|---|
| Title | Golf ball having overlap markings |
| Assignee(s) | Acushnet Company |