Golf Ball Marking Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present inventive concept adapts the original golf ball marking technology for specialized applications, including high-security needs, disaster relief, extreme weather conditions, high-stakes tournaments, and high-altitude environments.
Background and Problem Solved
The original golf ball marking patent provides a solution for creating overlap markings on golf balls. However, it does not address the specific requirements of niche environments, where unique identifiers, specialized coatings, or customized markings are essential. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by developing golf ball marking systems tailored to these specific needs.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept comprises a range of golf ball marking systems, each designed for a specific niche environment. For high-security environments, the system includes a hidden identifier readable only under ultraviolet light. For disaster relief efforts, the system features a unique identifier corresponding to a specific relief organization. For extreme weather conditions, the system incorporates a hydrophobic coating to prevent ink smudging. For high-stakes tournaments, the system includes a unique identifier readable only by a designated tournament official. For high-altitude environments, the system utilizes specialized ink resistant to fading at high elevations.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel and non-obvious adaptations of the original golf ball marking technology, specifically designed for niche environments. The inventive step lies in the combination of the original overlap marking technology with the unique requirements of each niche environment.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the type of identifier used, the specific coating materials employed, or the customization options available for tournament officials. Additionally, the inventive concept could be extended to other niche environments, such as military operations or environmental monitoring.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including golf, disaster relief, security, and extreme sports. The target market includes golf ball manufacturers, relief organizations, security agencies, and extreme sports 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
Golf ball manufacturing and printing technologies, specifically involving surface marking techniques and specialized printing methods for sports equipment
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in sports equipment manufacturing, pad printing techniques, surface decoration methods, and golf ball design, typically holding a degree in mechanical engineering or materials science 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 golf ball marking technology provides a versatile platform for adapting marking systems to specialized environments. The PTD's variations represent predictable extensions of known pad printing techniques, utilizing standard manufacturing modifications to address specific use case requirements. The core overlap marking technology serves as a foundational technique that can be readily adapted through routine engineering modifications.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,847 |
|---|---|
| Title | Golf ball having overlap markings |
| Assignee(s) | Acushnet Company |