Golf Inventions, Patents, and Technology via The IP Golf Guy (aka The Golf Patent Attorney)

Golf Grip of the Future

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-02-03T05:00:00Z

Check out the golf grip disclosed in a patent that issued this week as USPN 8,105,179 titled “Golf Club Having Improved Handle Configuration.”

The patent describes the invention as:

An apparatus and method for an improved handle configuration are disclosed. The apparatus and method include an upper handle secured to a shaft that has a longitudinal axis and a lower handle secured to the shaft opposite the upper handle at a location spaced from the upper handle along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The upper handle and lower handles each have grip portion that extends at an angle substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and that is spaced apart from the shaft in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper handle and lower handle are secured to the shaft at an end of the shaft opposite a device configured to contact an object when the shaft is swung.

That actually might work with my swing since the left elbow position during follow-through looks familiar, but I am working on it.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Grip Patent Lawyer

Will Flip-Face Putters Become the Next Rage?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-02-02T05:00:00Z

A little over one year ago I posted about a flip-face putter that I thought would sell. A lot of people at GolfWRX do not seem to agree. I suspect that will change if Phil puts this putter in play.

At least Odyssey, and now Nike, seem to agree with me. In fact this week Nike had a patent application publish that has a lot of similarities to the putter I covered in THIS prior post. The Nike patent application published as US Pub. No. 20120028732 titled “Putter Heads And Putters Having Adjustable, Multi-Sided Ball Striking Face Insert.” The application describes the invention as:

Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads, may include a putter body and an adjustable ball striking face insert forming at least a portion of the ball striking face and contained within the putter body. The insert may have a plurality of sides, each of the sides having different performance characteristics to permit customization of the putter. In some examples, the adjustable ball striking face insert may be rotatably mounted within the putter head. Additionally or alternatively, the insert may be removably mounted within the putter head. In some arrangements, the insert may be finely adjustable to alter the loft angle of the putter head.

It will be interesting to see if Nike’s design makes it to the market.

Dave Dawsey - Monitoring Golf Putter Inventions

PS – check out additional putter patents HERE

What Does it Take to Put the Meanest Grooves on a Club Face?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-02-01T05:00:00Z

A ceramic face of course. This week Callaway had a patent issue directed to a ceramic club face. Interestingly, it originates from another application filed with a nonpublication request, which I have written about in the past here and here, leading one to believe that they did not want the competition knowing about this research project until a patent actually issued. This seems to be a trend.

The patent issued as USPN 8,105,180 titled “Iron-Type Golf Club Head with Groove Profile in Ceramic Face,” which describes the invention as:

The present invention provides a method of manufacture and design such that very small detail features can be produced within the groove profile on an iron or wedge. The advantage in being able to do this is that spin will be enhanced for a variety of shot types and conditions when striking a golf ball with cover composed of a urethane-based material.

The patent explains:

Scoreline designs generally have a cross-section geometry that includes two edges, two side walls and a bottom. The side walls are at a predetermined angle from a vertical line. Usually, each wall has more than one section and those sections are straight or curved. Alternatively, the scoreline design is a "V" shape, in which case there is no bottom other than a vertex or fillet radius.

Iron-type golf clubs having scorelines with sharp edges and relatively vertical side walls are advantageous to golfers since such sharp edged grooves allow golfers to induce higher levels of spin on a ball struck with such an iron-type golf club having sharp edged grooves. Iron-type golf clubs without sharp edged grooves or essentially vertical side walls will induce less spin when impacting a golf ball, especially higher-lofted (40 degrees +) golf clubs.

Backspin is the primary mechanism by which a golfer can control a golf ball upon landing after being struck. Backspin is especially important for short shots where proximity to the hole is of greater consequence to the golfer. High lofted clubs (50 degrees to 75 degrees) have grooves designs which are meant to interact with the surface of a golf ball at impact and remove debris from the contacting surface in order to increase friction and thereby impart more spin on the ball.

Existing materials and processes are not amenable to precision control of groove profile. Forging, casting and machining of metals all have practical limitations with regard to the feature size that can be accurately and consistently replicated in mass production. Features on the order of 0.001 inch or less within the groove (as opposed to on the land on the land between grooves) are not suitable for existing methods of manufacture using conventional materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, aluminum and the like.

The Rules of Golf as interpreted by the United States Golf Association ("USGA") have constrained the types of scoreline patterns that may be used on golf clubs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to accomplish a method of manufacture and design such that very small detail features can be produced within the groove profile on an iron or wedge. The advantage in being able to do this is that spin will be enhanced for a variety of shot types and conditions when striking a golf ball with cover composed of a urethane-based material.

The present invention consists of small features on the outermost edge of a groove. The features are formed in a ceramic material, most preferentially made via injection molding using a fine particulate ceramic formulation to enhance replication of fine details. The small features consist of micro-edges which will increase engagement with the ball during impact, causing increased spin on the ball. The features are precision machined in a negative tool surface and the ceramic material is formed against the tool surface.

An object of the present invention is a novel groove profile in a ceramic face insert intended to enhance backspin.

One aspect of the present invention is an iron-type golf club head having a body having a face insert composed of a ceramic material and a plurality of grooves located on the face insert having micro-edges.

So, “micro-edges” may be the buzz word of the future!

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Attorney

Verizon Eyes Golfers

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-29T05:00:00Z

Would a phone’s unique golf-specific capabilities influence your selection of cell phone service provider? It probably would for me, which is exactly the hope of Verizon. This week they had a patent application publish as US Pub. No. 20120023152 titled “Methods and Systems for Providing Location-Based Interactive Golf Content for Display by a Mobile Device,” which describes the invention as:

An exemplary method includes an interactive golf content computing system detecting a geographic location of a mobile device associated with a golfer while the golfer is playing a golf hole, selecting interactive golf content associated with one or more other golfers who played the golf hole previous to the playing of the golf hole by the golfer in accordance with the detected geographic location, and providing the selected interactive golf content for display by the mobile device. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.

The application goes on to explain a few possibilities…

[0025] In some examples, interactive golf content management facility 106 may select updated interactive golf content for display by a mobile device associated with a golfer in response to a detection by location tracking facility 102 of an updated geographic location of the mobile device. For example, location tracking facility 102 may detect a movement by a golfer to another position while playing a golf hole (e.g., walking or riding from a first shot location to a second shot location). Interactive golf content management facility 106 may select updated interactive golf content in accordance with the updated geographic location and provide the selected updated interactive golf content for display by the mobile device.

[0026] In some examples, interactive golf content management facility 106 may determine that the golfer has finished playing a golf hole and moved on to playing a new golf hole. The determination may be made in response to input provided by the golfer and/or in any other manner as may serve a particular implementation. In response to the determination, interactive golf content management facility 106 may select new interactive golf content associated with the new golf hole for display by the mobile device in accordance with a detected geographic location of the mobile device while the golfer is playing the new golf hole.

[0027] In some examples, interactive golf content management facility 106 may provide weather information associated with a detected geographic location of a mobile device associated with a golfer for display by the mobile device. The weather information may include, but is not limited to, wind information, temperature information, precipitation information, and/or any other type of weather information as may serve a particular implementation. The weather information may be generated and/or acquired in any suitable manner as may serve a particular implementation.

[0028] In some examples, interactive golf content management facility 106 may automatically generate advice for the golfer based on selected interactive golf content. The advice may be provided for presentation by the mobile device. For example, the mobile device may display and/or audibly present the advice. The advice may include any type of advice relevant to playing the golf hole. For example, the advice may include golf club selection advice based on a golf club selection made by one or more other golfers who played the golf hole, aiming advice, hazard warning advice, and/or any other advice as may serve a particular implementation.

[0029] In some examples, interactive golf content management facility 106 may facilitate input by a golfer of interactive golf content associated with the golfer while the golfer is playing the golf hole. For example, interactive golf content management facility 106 may facilitate input by a golfer of social networking content, scoring content, golf club selection content, multimedia content, and/or any other interactive golf content as may serve a particular implementation. The interactive golf content input by the golfer may then be provided for display by one or more other mobile devices associated with one or more other golfers playing the golf hole and/or by a mobile device associated with the golfer when the golfer plays the golf hole again at a future time. Alternatively, the golfer may elect to keep private the interactive golf content that he or she provides.

So, would this speed-up or slow-down play?

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Attorney

What Was that Putter Matt Every Used Two Weeks Ago at the Sony Open?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-28T05:00:00Z

Oh, that’s right, it was the BlackHawk putter. It was a broadcast that probably made a few at Callaway pucker up because they have intended to use the BlackHawk name on clubs for over 2.5 years. In fact, they have applied for registration of five BlackHawk variations since 2009, including FT-BLACKHAWK, X BLACKHAWK, X SERIES BLACKHAWK, BLACKHAWK, and BLACKHAWK X.

Unfortunately all five of those applications eventually went abandoned because they ultimately did not use the mark on products. So what did they do? On Tuesday the 17th after the Sony Open they filed another intent-to-use trademark application for the BLACKHAWK mark.

There have probably been some awkward conversations at Callaway Golf regarding trademark law and Orion Golf will probably be brushing up on their knowledge of trademark law.

David Dawsey – A Golf Trademark Attorney

They Patented What? An Invention That Will Show Any Swing Flaws

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-24T05:00:00Z

Pull out this golf invention at the family dinner and you are sure to make an impression, especially after you ruin a few bottles of wine. The invention in question was issued a patent this month under the title “Method and a Device for Forcibly Expelling a Cork from a Bottle of Champagne or the Like.” So what does this have to do with golf? Well, check out these drawings and think about how confident you are in your golf swing.

The drawings come from USPN 8087217, which describes the invention as:

The method consists in: a) screwing a spherical impact part (16) onto the body of the cork so as to extend it axially; b) orienting and holding the bottle (14) in a predetermined position such that the bottle extends below a reference level (18), the impact part (16) emerging above said level; and c) striking the impact part with a striker surface (22) situated at the end of the arm of a striker accessory (24), e.g. a golf club. This produces a sudden force on the cork of amplitude that is sufficient to forcibly expel the cork solely by the fact of striking against the impact part. The device further comprises a podium (10) defining the reference level (18) and means (30) for orienting and holding the bottle (14) in a predetermined position which may be vertical or inclined.

It would be amazing to witness someone pull off this method of uncorking a bottle without breaking the neck. I bet Daly could do it.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Attorney

The Perfect Sunday Post Combines Golf and Football

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-22T05:00:00Z

You wouldn’t expect a patent application to mix golf and football but one published this week that combines the two for a perfect winter Sunday drinking game. The application published as US Pub. No. 20120010010 titled “Gaming Surface and Game Styled after American Football,” which describes the invention as:

In one embodiment, the present invention is a surface for playing a game based on the rules of American football using a golf putter and golf ball. The playing surface comprises two end zones and a grid representing the yard lines of a football field. A first down putting target is positioned adjacent to each yard line that is a multiple of ten, and a scoring putting target is positioned in each end zone. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for playing the game. Two teams compete against one another and are given alternating offensive possessions. In each offensive possession, the offensive team has four downs to either putt the ball in a first down target, thereby obtaining a new set of four downs, or putt the ball in the scoring target. With each first down achieved, the ball advances closer to the scoring target.

Is it the next cornhole?

Dave Dawsey - Monitoring Game Inventions

PS - click here if you want to see a patent on a "comb over"

Stumped by Another Callaway Design Patent

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-20T05:00:00Z

Ever seen this fairway wood?

The drawings come from a recently issued design patent (USPN D652,095). Looks like a potential new member of the Diablo line.

By the way, I was surprised that no one emailed me to identify the Callaway driver in this prior post, which generally happens within hours.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Lawyer

PS – click here to check out other driver and wood design posts

Finally an Interesting Golf Bag Invention

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-19T05:00:00Z

There is not a lot of patent activity in the field of golf bags compared to every other item that a golfer touches. Not quite as surprising as the lack of protection directed to golf shaft technology, but still surprising. Fortunately this week we get a look at a golf bag invention that isn’t afraid of being a little unusual. The invention is found in a patent application that published today as US Pub. No. 20120012482 titled “Balanced, Separable, Weight-Distributed Golf Bag for Ease of Carrying.” The application describes the invention as:

A golf club bag is formed in two compartments and attached to form essentially an X shape at approximately midpoint on each compartment. The connection point may vary. Shoulder straps attached to each compartment allow the golfer to carry the bag with the weight proportionally distributed on each shoulder and across the back. The bag may also have a detachable connection to allow the bag to be separated to allow a single compartment to be carried or arranged in such a way that is convenient for storage or transit, and a stand that can be repositioned depending on the golf bag configuration.

Check out this innovative golf bag!

Slap a Puma logo on it and young whippersnappers would be all over them.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Bag Patent Attorney

PS – click HERE to check out other posts directed to golf bag designs

Will White Club Heads Still Be Around in 5 Years?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-17T05:00:00Z

Interesting question. In the past I have touched on the trademark wrangling of Cobra and Taylor Made in their quest to own white. The Cobra trademark application has since matured to registration on the Supplemental Register, see the registration here, while the Taylor Made trademark application remains pending. You can refresh your memory by reading the prior post here.

Interestingly, just one week before Cobra filed their trademark application they filed a design patent application that happened to issue today as USPN D652464. While the Cobra trademark application seemed to be directed to “the color white as applied to the entirety of a golf club excepting the collar and face of the golf club head,” i.e. including the sole, their design patent is geared toward only a relatively generic pear shaped head along with the color of the crown in combination with the color of the shaft and the grip (white or black). White crown, white shaft, white grip = Cobra design patent, but also black crown, black shaft, black grip = Cobra design patent! Say it ain’t so…

The design patent explains:

So, I wonder how many custom club makers are potentially infringing the design patent by assembling a club with a white grip, a custom white shaft, and a R11 head? Even further, ever seen a golf club with a black crown, black shaft, and black grip?

David Dawsey – A Golf IP Protection Attorney

Are Golfers Ready for Virtual Reality on the Golf Course?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-13T05:00:00Z

Just like having to sit by the wall-mounted phone and wait for a call, the days of having to actually look at your GPS unit, or shoot the pin with your laser rangefinder, may be coming to an end. This week an interesting patent application published directed to the use of virtual reality on the golf course.

The patent application published as US Pub. No. 20120007885 titled “System and Method for Viewing Golf Using Virtual Reality,” which describes the invention as:

A system and method for viewing artificial reality (AR) messages on a golf course, where the messages are geo-referenced artificial reality words or symbols to indicate distances, tips, targets or other information to the golfer. Typically, the AR messages are geo-referenced to a fixed location on the golf hole, such as a hazard or green. Using the spectator's chosen location as the viewing origin, an artificial reality message or object is inserted into the golfer's perspective view of the golf hole. Outings and contests can be held even if the matches are separated by hours or days, and outcomes and information published to select groups or individuals.

The application goes on to explain:

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Generally speaking, the device and methods of the present invention enhance a golfer's play and experience by using artificial reality (AR) messages in a perspective view from some golfer's position. The AR messages for example, tell the golfer distance to a feature such as the pin on the green or a hazard the golfer should avoid. The perspective view is from the golfer's position to the feature, with the AR message overlaid a background, giving the golfer better situation awareness for the golfer's shot and club selection.

[0008] In one form, a handheld device for assisting a golfer during the play of a golf hole is provided, and includes a display screen, a GPS receiver for determining the position of the device on said golf hole and a memory storing the location of one or more features of said golf hole. The device also includes a processor operable for comparing said position with the location of a feature to determine a distance and a display operable to show the golfer's perspective view of a background from said position to said feature. Thus, the golfer can view the display of said perspective view of the background with an augmented reality message depicting said distance imposed on the background. In one form, the feature is a location on a green of the golf hole being played and the background is a digital image. In a preferred form, the image is a photo digital image and said device includes a camera for capturing said photo digital image.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method for viewing messages at a golf event in real time comprises determining the position of the golfer on a golf course using a GPS receiver and comparing the positions of one or more features on said golf course with said golfer position. An artificial reality ("AR") message concerning said one or more features at said golf course is rendered in real time allowing viewing of the AR message with the viewpoint from said golfer position. The golfer can selectively change the viewpoint from said golfer position to another position. In a preferred form, the AR message is overlaid a photo image of a background environment, for example from the golfer's position to the green. In one form, the AR message is transmitted to spectators.

[0010] In another embodiment, the method hereof contemplates playing a golf hole using a handheld device accompanying a golfer. In this embodiment, a position of said device on said golf hole is determined using GPS and a comparison is made between the device position with a green location to determine a distance between the device position and green location. The method displays an image of a perspective view of said golf hole from said device position towards said green location and imposes an augmented reality message on said image including said distance and a marker showing approximately the green location.
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[0060] Portable device 220 of FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment in the configuration of glasses or goggles and includes a GPS and patch antenna 232, microprocessor 234, and radio 236. Controls, such as the directional pad 224, are on the side frames (opposite side not shown). Batteries are stored in compartment 242. The displays are transparent LCD's as at 244. Examples of such a device are the MyVue headset made by MicroOptical Corp. of Westwood, Mass. (see, U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,443), Vuzix Wrap 920 AR, 1200 VR, and Tac-Eye LT available from Vuzix Corporation, Rochester, N.Y. A particular benefit of the use of wearable glasses such as the embodiment of FIG. 8 is the ability to incorporate augmented reality messages, e.g. point of interest overlays onto the "real" background. In the golf example, a golfer wearing glasses 220 can see the AR messages and selectively highlight a particular message and additional information relative to that message (e.g. wind used in club selection, next best club selection, status of other golfers rounds, etc.). See, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,002,551; 6,919,867; 7,046,214; 6,945,869; 6,903,752; 6,317,127 (herein incorporated by reference).
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[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 7, advertising or product placements can be inserted as an AR message if desired. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a replay mode where golfer 80 includes an ad message 86 on his shirt back. Additionally, ad message 88 is inserted on the bag 84. Alternatives are possible for the placement of the ads, so the message 86 is geo-referenced to the position of the player 80 using GPS and object recognition. That is, the player 80 has a GPS unit 10 on his body and the ad message 86 is inserted into an AR layer proximate the GPS position using object recognition for final registration with the player's shirt. Bag 84 is identified using object recognition and message 88 is placed on bag 84.

[0109] FIG. 7 also illustrates a product insert into the AR layer. In FIG. 7, car 92 is inserted into the display in the AR layer. On car object 92, ad message 94 is inserted. AR messages 92, 94 can be displayed near the green 82 of FIGS. 3, 4, 5. Such product placement or other AR message can occur at convenient geo-referenced locations on the golf course. Ad messages 86, 88, and 94 as well as product placement 92, can be inserted into the perspective views such as FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 where any digital image is used as the background. See, U.S. Patent Application No. 13152476 (incorporated by reference).

[0110] While a preferred embodiment has been described as using a digital photographic image captured by backside camera 141, other digital images can be used as a background, such as a virtual rendered background or the actual image seen through glasses 220 or stored video or panorama. Particularly, for courses where an artificial reality environment is available, a virtual background may be preferable as it may facilitate replay and sharing of round recreations. In this alternative form, the background environment is preferably an artificial reality 3D model of the golf course as described above. The golfer is represented by an avatar traversing the golf course. Thus, spectators viewing the golf course can track the progress of the golfer along the course from any number of spectator selected viewpoints, including the viewpoint of the golfer, as well as select video feeds from camera 140 or 141.

I would not be surprised if this were commonplace in 10 years.

Dave Dawsey - Keeping an Eye on Golf Technology Breakthroughs

PS – check out interesting driver inventions here

Callaway’s “Secret” Patent Application (Now Patent)

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-10T05:00:00Z

As I have said before, if you are like me blog post titles that say “exclusive” or “secret” just make you roll your eyes and think “give me a break!” So, I am proud to say that after over 5 years of posts this is only the second time I have used such overdramatic language, but there is a reason. If you must know, the first time was for the post titled TaylorMade’s “Secret” Driver Patent Application (Now Patent).

As a regular reader of the Golf-Patents blog I am sure you know that US utility patent applications are published 18 months after they are filed, which is generally when we get to see behind the doors of the R&D departments. Of course an applicant can request that the USPTO publish an application early, or request that an application not be published at all. It is very rare in the world of golf IP to see either request.

This morning, as with every Tuesday morning, I was browsing through the new golf patents that issued for the week and came across a Callaway patent illustrating an invention that did not look familiar. Yes, I am getting older, but I should have remembered this design from when the application was published. Fortunately, I am not getting forgetful; I just happened upon one of the rare situations in which the applicant (Callaway) specifically requested that the patent application not be published. So, now you see why I used the overdramatic “secret” language in the title; because until today the design was secret.

The patent issued as USPN 8,092,319 titled “Iron-Type Golf Club Head with Reduced Face Area Below the Scorelines,” which describes the invention as:

The present invention provides a novel solution to imparting backspin on high lofted golf clubs. The present invention seeks to define a class of scoreline patterns that result in a higher density of scorelines along the bottom perimeter of an iron face. This in turn, results in increased spin on a golf ball when struck low on the face.

It goes on to explain:

Scoreline designs generally have a cross-section geometry that includes two edges, two side walls and a bottom. The side walls are at a predetermined angle from a vertical line. Usually, each wall has more than one section and those sections are straight or curved. Alternatively, the scoreline design is a "V" shape, in which case there is no bottom other than a vertex or fillet radius.

Iron-type golf clubs having scorelines with sharp edges and relatively vertical side walls are advantageous to golfers since such sharp edged grooves allow golfers to induce higher levels of spin on a ball struck with such an iron-type golf club having sharp edged grooves. Iron-type golf clubs without sharp edged grooves or essentially vertical side walls will induce less spin when impacting a golf ball, especially higher-lofted (40 degrees+) golf clubs.

Backspin is the primary mechanism by which a golfer can control a golf ball upon landing after being struck. Backspin is especially important for short shots where proximity to the hole is of greater consequence to the golfer. High lofted clubs (50 degrees to 75 degrees) have grooves designs which are meant to interact with the surface of a golf ball at impact and remove debris from the contacting surface in order to increase friction and thereby impart more spin on the ball.

Prior irons have scoreline patterns wherein the amount of face area below the bottom scoreline at any position across the face is excessive. This is the result of prior irons having scoreline patterns where the individual scorelines, or grooves, are generally co-linear, or parallel and spaced apart by at least 0.075''. However, since the bottom of an iron face is generally curved, the scorelines are often offset upward from the bottom of the face, perhaps being minimally close to the bottom at one point but substantially further away from the bottom at most points. This leaves a substantial portion of the face near the bottom perimeter with a reduced density of scorelines. Since this portion of the face tends to be hit most often by golfers, the relative scarcity of scorelines in this area can have an adverse effect on the spin imparted to the ball.

The Rules of Golf as interpreted by the United States Golf Association ("USGA") have constrained the types of scoreline patterns that may be used on golf clubs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel solution to imparting backspin on high lofted golf clubs. The present invention seeks to define a class of scoreline patterns that result in a higher density of scorelines along the bottom perimeter of an iron face. This in turn, results in increased spin on a golf ball when struck low on the face.

The present invention maximizes the number of grooves in contact with a golf ball during an impact. The novel scoreline pattern is based on a higher density of scorelines along the bottom perimeter of an iron-type golf club face.

One aspect of the present invention is an iron-type golf club head having a body and a face. The face has a plurality of scorelines thereon. The plurality of scorelines comprises a plurality of columns of scorelines. Each of the plurality of columns of scorelines offset from an adjacent column of scorelines. Parallel scorelines within a column of scorelines have a parallel spacing greater than 0.075 inch.

Another aspect of the present invention is an iron-type golf club head having a body and a face. The face has a plurality of scorelines thereon. The face having an amount of face area less than 0.12 square inches between the bottom scorelines and the bottom perimeter of the face.

Why all the secrecy? They didn’t want a competitor to beat them to the punch of course! So, will we ever see a Callaway iron with a face that looks like the one above?

On a side note, kudos for Callaway finally making their website user friendly. They even have a cool “iron selector” application, although I could never get it to suggest I use the RAZR X Muscleback Irons, which is probably a polite way of saying “don’t think about it unless you have a PGA tour card.”

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Attorney

PS – click here to check out other driver and wood design posts

Bringing Adjustability to the Golf Ball

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-06T05:00:00Z

Golf-Patents previously covered a Nike golf ball that required cooking instructions to tailor the ball to a golfer’s game or weather conditions. I commented that it sounded like a pain in the neck. Well, perhaps this is the golf ball fitting of the future. This week DuPont, not a company you generally think about when shopping for golf balls, had a patent issue directed to a “phase transition golf ball and method of use.” The patent issued as USPN 8088026 and describes their golf ball invention as:

A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days.

No offense but golf takes long enough; there is no way I am going to prepare for a round by cooking my balls for “hours or days.” Let’s hear them out. The patent goes on to explain:

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a golf ball whose physical properties, and, consequently, whose performance can be tailored to the skills or preferences of an individual player. Preferably, the means of tailoring the properties is convenient, straightforward, and accessible to the typical golfer.

Heating or cooling a golf ball is one approach to tailoring golf ball performance that meets these criteria. The relationship between the temperature of a traditional golf ball and its performance has long been recognized. In fact, most golfers are aware that heating or cooling traditional golf balls to temperatures no more extreme than those that might be achieved by a change in the weather can have a significant effect on the golf balls' performance properties.

Briefly, when a golf ball is fabricated with traditional polymeric materials, a decrease in temperature leads to increased stiffness. This is a simple thermal effect, which is not necessarily caused by a glass transition or any other phase change. Perhaps the best known example of this phenomenon is the temperature-induced hardening of the O-ring seals used on the space shuttle Challenger, which the late Professor Richard Feynman illustrated so dramatically by immersing a sample of the polymeric O-ring material in a glass of ice water.

Significantly, the changes in physical properties that are caused by simple thermal effects at cooler temperatures result in deleterious effects on the performance of the traditional golf ball. It is well known, for example, that increased stiffness causes the golfer to have a less favorable feeling of the golf ball's responsiveness and its connection with the club. Increased stiffness also results in less control of the spin of the traditional golf ball, when it rebounds from the face of the golf club.

Moreover, when a golf ball is fabricated with traditional materials, the property changes are essentially simultaneous with the material's temperature change. That is, the performance change due to heating or cooling is realized approximately contemporaneously with the change in the golf ball's temperature. For this reason, during cold weather it is considered necessary by some to carry the traditional golf ball in a heating device throughout the round of golf, in order to maintain a relatively more favorable performance. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,771, issued to Mariano et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,411, issued to Rockenfeller et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,229,132, issued to Knetter.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to develop a golf ball whose properties can be adjusted to individual preferences by easy and convenient means, for example by heating. It would also be advantageous for the property change to persist over a period of time that is greater than or equal to the average duration of a golf game, and to be robust in the face of ambient temperature changes that adversely affect the traditional golf ball's performance, so that golfers need not be burdened, on or off the course, with the added expense and superfluous clutter of golf ball heating devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention provides a phase transition golf ball that comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer, or a blend of an organic acid or a salt of an organic acid with an ethylene acid copolymer or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. One or more performance properties of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or stiffness, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved using common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days. Thus, no additional equipment, such as a golf ball heating device, is necessary in order to maintain the performance adjustment throughout one or more rounds of golf.
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Alternatively, the extent of the phase transition, and therefore the extent of the customization, may take the weather conditions into account. For example, a golfer planning to play on an extremely warm day may wish to effect less of a disruption of the secondary crystal structure by heating the ball to a lower temperature, knowing that the golf ball will also be softened somewhat by equilibrating to the ambient temperature. Complementarily, a golfer planning to play on a particularly cold day may wish to effect more of a disruption of the secondary crystal structure by preheating the ball to a higher temperature, knowing that the golf ball will also be hardened somewhat by equilibrating to the ambient temperature.

Parenthetically, it is noted that the properties of traditional golf ball materials, such as polybutadiene rubbers, may be customizable via simple thermal effects. Even so, their performance is generally not affected to the same extent as that of a phase transition material. Stated alternatively, the range of compression, e.g., that may be attained by changing the temperature of the polybutadiene is much narrower than the range of compression that may be attained by partially or completely disrupting the secondary crystal structure of an acid copolymer or ionomer.
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In one embodiment, the present invention provides a golf ball comprising a phase transition material and a susceptor. The suitable and preferred phase transition materials for use in this embodiment are as set forth above. The term "susceptor", as used herein, refers to any material that is capable of transforming energy, which may be in the form of radiation or a field, into thermal energy. As used herein, the term "susceptor" does not include organic acids or materials that are known to have been used in golf balls as fillers and in amounts that are typical of fillers. The energy sought to be converted to heat is typically radiofrequency (RF) or high frequency (HF) energy. Typical RF power supplies for susceptor heating provide power in a range of from about 1 to about 20 kW.

Preferred susceptors include, without limitation, microwave susceptors and induction susceptors. Suitable microwave susceptors include metals, inorganic compounds such as silicon carbide, and the like. Suitable induction susceptors also include metals such as molybdenum, stainless steel, niobium, aluminum, silicon carbide, graphite and other conductive materials, in addition to ceramic flakes, including flakes of ferromagnetic ceramics, for example. For convenience, susceptors may be added to the phase transition materials via conventional methods, such as pre-extrusion melt mixing. To promote uniformity of distribution of the susceptor throughout the golf ball, or throughout the desired portion of the golf ball, it is preferable that the susceptors be in the form of small particles, such as powders or flakes, for example.

In some embodiments of the phase transition golf ball, the phase transition material may comprise the microwave susceptor or induction susceptor. Alternatively, the phase transition material may comprise at least a portion of the microwave susceptor or the induction susceptor, or the phase transition material and the microwave susceptor or induction susceptor may be located in different parts of the golf ball. For example, the phase transition material may be located in the core, and the microwave susceptor or induction susceptor may be located in an intermediate layer or mantle. When the susceptor(s) ands the phase transition material are not located in the same portion of the golf ball, the susceptor(s) increase the efficiency of the heating of the portion of the golf ball in which they reside. The temperature of the portion in which the phase transition material resides is raised by conduction of the heat to the phase transition material from the susceptor-enhanced portion of the golf ball.

Advantageously, including a susceptor in a phase transition golf ball may increase the speed or efficiency with which the temperature of the phase transition golf ball is raised to the desired level. For example, many polymers have relatively low heat transfer coefficients. Therefore, a relatively long period of time may be required to achieve a uniform depth profile of temperature throughout a polymer sample that is about the size of a golf ball. It may therefore be advantageous to include a susceptor in the core of a phase transition golf ball. The exterior of this phase transition golf ball may be heated via conduction or convention, and the core may be heated via electromagnetic energy, to achieve, in a relatively shorter time, a uniform depth profile of temperature throughout the phase transition golf ball. In this connection, it is apparent that susceptor heating may be used independently of or in conjunction with other forms of heating, such as conductive or convective heating. It is further apparent that over heating the phase transition golf ball, by any method, could lead to undesirable degradation of performance properties and deformation, for example through partial or complete melting of the golf ball.

Further provided are methods of using phase transition golf balls. In one embodiment, an off-the-shelf golf ball can be customized to various pre-determined compressions by applying heat. For example, the golf ball can be heated to a specific temperature in a microwave for a certain number of seconds to achieve a certain compression level. By changing the heating time to adjust the final temperature, one can customize the compression level. The compression level may be measured with an Atti compression gauge, for example. The compression level can be related to golfer handicap level, swing speed, outside temperatures, etc. Therefore, a golfer will have the ability to customize off-the-shelf golf balls to match his or her individual skill level or temperature conditions of play by heating the golf ball and playing the golf ball within the extended time after thermally treating the balls. In addition, the golf ball may be reheated many times and still continue to allow customization of the compression level.

Further, in this preferred embodiment, the performance properties of the ball may be adjusted to a desired compression range based on individual preferences. Alternatively, the performance properties of the ball may be adjusted to correlate with one or more of the parameters that are used to specify the design of a custom-fitted set of golf clubs, including, without limitation, gender, age, height, arm length, hand size, wrist-to-floor distance, club length, handicap, swing speed, swing tempo, swing trajectory, loft, lie, grip, swing weight, driver distance (carry and roll), ball flight pattern, and choice of club at 150 yard marker. Other parameters to which the customizable golf ball performance properties may be correlated include weather conditions, for example.
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As a footnote, in the past golf balls were imprinted with the value of their compression. Moreover, golf balls with one of only two compression ratings, 90 or 100, were available. By custom, "average" golfers were encouraged to play with the golf balls that had the lower compression rating, and "proficient" golfers used the balls with the higher rating. (According to a competing theory, however, less skilled golfers were encouraged to use golf balls of higher stiffness, to minimize hook or slice shots, and more skilled golfers were encouraged to use softer golf balls, for better control. Whence, no doubt, the predominating effect of idiosyncratic preferences.)

In certain embodiments, however, the present invention overcomes the disadvantages resulting from these limited choices and from the stereotypical, if inconsistent, implications of those choices. Using the golf balls and methods described herein, two golfers may select identical golf balls, with identical manufacturer's markings, and each may alter the performance properties of his or her ball to suit him or herself. In addition, the altered performance properties are not apparent from the appearance of the ball. Thus, the performance properties may also be concealed from other players.
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After this conditioning, the Atti compression of each sphere was measured with an Atti Compression Gauge, which measures resistance to deformation. Each measurement was replicated twice, so that every data point in the Figures represents the average of nine measurements.

Each conditioned sphere was heated in an oven for at least 24 h at either 120.degree. F. (48.9.degree. C.), 135.degree. F. (57.2.degree. C.) or 149.degree. F. (65.0.degree. C.), with the exception of Examples 5 through 8, for which the spheres were heated to 120.degree. F. (48.9.degree. C.) only. This length of time is believed to be sufficient to guarantee that the entire ball has reached the target temperature. The Atti compression and coefficient of resilience of each heated sphere was then re-measured, by the methods identified above, immediately upon removal from the oven and at intervals of about 1, 2, 4, 24, 72, and 168 hours after removal from the oven. The results of these measurements are tabulated in Table 2. The data obtained for Examples 1 through 5 and the Comparative Example are displayed in FIGS. 1 through 6, in which the horizontal dashed lines represent the value of the Atti compression prior to the oven treatment.
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Referring now to FIG. 1, the data depicted therein demonstrate that the compression of the phase change material of Example 1 is affected strongly by the heat treatment. This graph of compression vs. time shows a rapid stiffness increase in the first few hours immediately after removal from the oven. This is the thermal effect caused by cooling the ball to room temperature. After the ball has reached room temperature, the stiffness stabilizes at a level that is significantly lower than the baseline level. This stable lower level of compression is due to the phase transition induced by the heat treatment. FIG. 1 shows that the effects of the phase transition persist for a significant period of time, here specifically at least one week.

Moreover, the compression of the sphere that was heated at 149.degree. F. (65.0.degree. C.) was lower than that of the sphere that was heated at 120.degree. F. (48.9.degree. C.) at every measurement interval for which both spheres were measured. Also, the average of the compression measurements of the sphere that was heated at 149.degree. F. (65.0.degree. C.) was lower than the average of the compression measurements of the sphere that was heated at 120.degree. F. (48.9.degree. C.).

Thus, in customizing the properties of a golf ball that contains a significant amount of the phase change material of Example 1, the extent of the change in compression is a function of the temperature at which the ball is heated. Conversely, being aware of the relationship between the compression and the temperature at which the ball is heated, a golfer may select a treatment temperature for the ball that is appropriate to achieve the compression that is desired.

Likewise, the data depicted in the graphs of FIGS. 2 and 3 also demonstrate that the compression of the phase change material of Example 2 is decreased markedly by the heat treatment, and that the properties return more rapidly towards their baseline in the first 1 to 2 hours after heating, due to thermal effects, than they do afterwards, when the effects on the performance properties are determined in large part by the phase transition. The presence of the BaSO.sub.4 filler in the phase transition material of Example 3 appears to affect the absolute values of the compressions more strongly than it affects the shape of the compression vs. time curves.

Interesting concept but I am as dedicated golfer as they come and that sounds like a huge hassle to me! Just one hacker’s opinion.

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Ball Technology

PS – click HERE to read more posts about golf ball inventions

A New Callaway Golf Ball?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-04T05:00:00Z

Trademark office records indicate that Callaway plans to launch a new golf ball called the PARADOX. That is a great name in light of the traditional boring golf ball names.

David Dawsey – A Trademark Application Attorney

Year in Review

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2012-01-02T05:00:00Z

Five years are now in the books and I am looking forward to a sixth! Boy how time flies. You can check out the first real Golf-Patents blog entry HERE. Hopefully the Golf-Patents blog has provided golfers with a better understanding of just how important intellectual property is to the golf industry.

As always... I like to hear from readers regarding the topics and content that they enjoy most, so don't hesitate to email me your thoughts.

The following were the most viewed entries in 2011.

Another Unusual Hosel Design from Callaway; Are They Onto Something, or Searching for a Miracle

The New Look of Callaway Drivers?

The Wealthiest Golfers Recognize the Importance of Building and Protecting Their Brand – Take a Look at The Shark’s Trademark Portfolio

The Adjustable Sole Plate (ASP) Patent

Court Sides with Callaway in ProV1 Dispute Regarding Breach of Contract Issue

Just What Every Golfer Needs in Their Arsenal

Will This Nike Putter Make it to the Market?

Now this is a Nike Golf Invention that I Could Use

This Putter Invention Would Sell

Nike Golf’s New Tiger Ball? It Has Teeth

David Dawsey - The IP Golf Guy

A Grip for All You Cold Weather Golfers

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2011-12-30T17:00:00Z

I have been playing a lot of cold weather golf recently and have to admit that heated grips sound pretty nice, yet entirely impractical. Regardless, I recently came across a patent covering just such an invention and you can decide why we haven’t seen them on the market.

The patent issued in 2004 as USPN 6,756,573 titled “Heated Golf Club Grip,” which describes the invention as:

A heating system for warming and drying the grip of a golf club includes an electric heating element and a first electrical connector for the grip, and a second electrical connector and a power supply for the golf bag. The first electrical connector and the second electrical connector electrically engage when the golf club is inserted into the golf bag, thereby energizing the electric heating element.

Check out this energizing golf bag.

Good idea, just not something that would sell.

Dave Dawsey - Monitoring Golf Grip Patents

PS – You can check out more golf grip inventions HERE

Discussion of the America Invents Act on the Small Business Advocate® Radio Program

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2011-12-30T05:00:00Z

I was honored to be a guest on the nationally syndicated Small Business Advocate® radio show this morning. Jim Blasingame and I discussed the America Invents Act and the implications for small businesses. Enacted on September 16, 2011, the America Invents Act is the most significant revamping of United States patent law in the last 50 years.

Feel free to listen to the interview HERE.

David Dawsey – The Small Business Patent Attorney

Genius, Genius but Impossible to Pull Off, or Just Plain Wacky?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2011-12-29T05:00:00Z

Today a Nike Golf patent application published that seems like such a good idea, albeit one that sounds much easier to say than actually do, that I am left wondering whether it has previously been done. You may recall a prior post regarding a Nike application directed to a golf club having hydrophobic and hydrophilic portions; well this week they have taken the hydrophilic concept to golf balls in US Pub. No. 20110319197 titled “Golf Ball with Hydrophilic Coating Layer.” The application explains:

This disclosure provides a golf ball having a coating layer made from a hydrophilic water-swellable material. The hydrophilic water-swellable material undergoes a physical change from a dry state to a wet state upon exposure to water. The wet state may be associated with shallower dimple depths, and the coating layer being softer, than the dry state. The use of such a coating layer may allow the golf ball to compensate for the negative effects of wet weather conditions. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a golf ball.

That’s right, get the ball wet and the dimples become shallower and the ball becomes softer!

The application goes on to explain:

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of golf balls. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a golf ball having a coating layer that is hydrophilic in such a manner as to cause the coating layer to swell.
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[0005] Dimple depth, in particular, can significantly affect the aerodynamics of the golf ball's flight. As is generally known, shallower dimples tends to result in the golf ball rising higher during flight. Conversely, the deeper the golf ball dimples, the lower the golf ball's flight. It is believed that these tendencies are caused by decreased lift due to greater turbulence of the air inside deeper dimples, although many different aerodynamic phenomenon likely come into play.

[0006] Similarly, the hardness of the golf ball's outer layer(s) can also significantly affect a golf ball's play characteristics. Generally, a golf ball with a harder cover layer will achieve reduced spin, but will achieve greater distances. A golf ball with a harder cover layer will therefore be better for drives, but more difficult to control on shorter shots. On the other hand, a golf ball with a softer cover will generally experience more spin and therefore be easier to control and stop on the green, but will lack distance off the tee.

[0007] Consequently, a golfer may desire to use a golf ball having different dimple depths or different cover layer hardness, depending on a variety of factors. For example, weather conditions or the golfer's athletic abilities may affect whether shallow dimples or deeper dimples, or a harder cover layer or a softer cover layer, will better achieve the desired play characteristics.

[0008] In particular, wet play conditions due to rainy weather can significantly affect a golf ball's play characteristics. During wet weather, the presence of water on the surface of the golf ball decreases friction between the golf club face and the golf ball. This decreased friction causes the golf ball to experience a lower trajectory flight path, and also decreases spin on the ball. This decreased spin reduces the amount of control the golfer has over the golf ball's flight path and landing conditions. Wet weather conditions therefore present specific challenges to achieving optimal golf ball play characteristics.
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[0031] Dimple 102 has a first dimple depth 202 in the top portion of FIG. 2. The top portion of FIG. 2 will generally be referred to as "the dry state" to denote the state of ball 100 before exposure to moisture levels sufficient to trigger absorption by ball 100. First dimple depth 202 is defined as the distance between first dimple bottom surface 210 and line 208. First dimple depth 202 as shown is measured at the center 200 of the dimple. However, the phrase "dimple depth" as used in the present disclosure need not necessary be measured at center 200 of dimple 102, but may generally be understood as the distance between the top 208 of dimple 102 and the bottom surface 210 of dimple 102 at any particular point, or (for example) as an average of this distance across dimple 102.

[0032] As shown in the lower portion of FIG. 2, coating layer 110 is configured to be capable of undergoing a physical change. The bottom portion of FIG. 2 will generally be referred to as "the wet state" to denote the state of ball 100 after exposure to moisture for a sufficient length of time so as to allow coating layer to absorb moisture. In the embodiment shown, the physical change is an expansion, such that coating layer 110 expands as it changes from the dry state to the wet state. The expansion causes the shape of the coating layer to change in various ways. For example, land portions 112 of the coating layer 110 expand from dry state thickness 206 to wet state thickness 224, the difference between these thicknesses being distance 226. Land portions 112 of coating layer 110 therefore have a wet state topmost surface 214. Furthermore, dimple portion 114 of coating layer 110 expands from dry state thickness 204 to wet state thickness 220, the difference between these thicknesses being distance 222. Dimple portion 114 of coating layer 110 therefore has a new wet state surface 216.

[0033] In the particular embodiment shown, the land portions 112 and the dimple portion 114 of coating layer 110 have the same linear swelling ratio. The linear swelling ratio, also referred to in the art as the linear swelling rate, is the ratio of the change in thickness to the original thickness, namely the ratio of distance 226 to distance 206, and the ratio of distance 222 to distance 204. In other embodiments, discussed below, the linear swelling ratios of the land portions and the dimple portion may be different.

[0034] More specifically, in particular embodiments, the expansion that occurs when the golf ball transitions from the dry state to the wet state may cause the dimple depth to change. In other words, the dry state may be associated with first dimple depth 202 while the wet state may be associated with a second dimple depth 218. Second dimple depth 218 is measured between wet state topmost land surface and wet state dimple bottom surface 216. Generally, second dimple depth 218 may be any dimple depth that is different from first dimple depth 202. However, in the particular embodiment shown, second dimple depth 218 is less than first dimple depth 202. In certain embodiments, second dimple depth 218 may be less than first dimple depth 202 by a specific percentage. For example, second dimple depth 218 may be 75% or less than dimple depth 202, or second dimple depth 218 may be 50% or less than first dimple depth 202, or second dimple depth 218 may be 33% or less than first dimple depth 202.

[0035] In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the change in dimple depth between the dry state and the wet state is caused by the difference in thickness of the land area portions 112 and the dimple portion 114 of the coating layer 110, even though the linear expansion ratio is the same in these two areas. In other words, the greater thickness 204 of the dimple portion 114 of coating layer 110 as compared to thickness 206 in the land portions 112 causes the distance 222 swelled in the dimple to be larger than the distance 226 swelled on the land.

[0036] With reference back to FIG. 1, the changes in dimple 102 shown in FIG. 2 may occur with respect to one or more of the plurality of dimples across the entirety of golf ball 100. In certain embodiments, fewer than all of the plurality of dimples may be configured to undergo a physical change from a dry state to a wet state. For example, a certain subset of the plurality of dimples arranged in a desired pattern may be configured to so change. Such a pattern may be, for example, spherically symmetric or non-spherically symmetric. Certain symmetric patterns of the dimples configured to change may meet United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) standards for regulation play golf balls. Specifically, a golf ball may include a pattern of dimples configured to change, such that the pattern of changeable dimples causes the golf ball to meet U.S.G.A. rules Section 7.3 standards for symmetry.

[0037] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, all of the plurality of dimples 102 may be configured to undergo a physical change from a dry state to a wet state. In other words, all of the dimples 102 on golf ball 100 may have the same first dimple depth 202 prior to any change in coating layer 110. Consequently, after a change in coating layer 110, all of the dimples 102 may have the same second dimple depth 218. The change in the dimples therefore may take place uniformly across all of the plurality of dimples.

[0038] In addition to the changes discussed above, coating layer 110 may undergo other physical changes when transitioning from the dry state to the wet state. For example, coating layer 110 may change hardness. The dry state may be associated with coating layer 110 having a first hardness, while the wet state may be associated with coating layer 110 having a second hardness. The first hardness and the second hardness may generally be of any hardness value commonly associated with golf ball outer layers, for example about 40 to about 80 on the Shore D scale. The first hardness and the second hardness may be different hardness values. In particular embodiments, the second hardness is softer (i.e. less hard) then the first hardness. In some embodiments, the second hardness is at least five units on the Shore D scale softer than the first hardness. In other embodiments, the second hardness is at least 10 units on the Shore D scale softer than the first hardness.

[0039] Coating layer 110 may be comprised of a hydrophilic water-swellable material. A hydrophilic water-swellable material may be any material that includes polar charges on the molecules therein capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water, and absorbs water so as to physically change dimension by swelling. The hydrophilic water-swellable material undergoes a physical change from the dry state to the wet state upon exposure to water. The nature of the hydrophilic water-swellable material is discussed in further detail below.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a golf ball 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. Golf ball 300 includes a coating layer 310 overlapping at least a dimple 302 portion of cover layer 108, and overlapping at least one land area 304 portion of cover layer 108. In this embodiment, land portion 312 of coating layer 310 comprises a first hydrophilic water-swellable material, and dimple portion 314 of coating layer 310 comprises a second hydrophilic water-swellable material. As shown in the top portion of FIG. 3, the thickness of coating layer 310 is constant throughout the dimple portion 314 and land portion 312 when in the dry state. Namely, thickness 404 (as measured between top surface 412 of cover layer 108 in dimple 302 and dry state dimple bottom surface 410) is the same as thickness 406 (as measured between top surface 428 of cover layer 108 in land area 304 and line 408). This contrasts with the embodiment of FIG. 2 wherein these portions have different thicknesses in the dry state (as well as in the wet state), as discussed above.

[0041] The embodiment of FIG. 3 allows for the use of two different materials having different linear swelling ratios. Namely, first hydrophilic water-swellable material 312 has a first linear swelling ratio, and second hydrophilic water-swellable material 314 has a second linear swelling ratio that is different from the first linear swelling ratio. In particular embodiments, the second linear swelling ratio is greater than the first linear swelling ratio.

[0042] Accordingly, when golf ball 300 transitions to the wet state, dimple portion 314 of coating layer 310 may swell a larger distance than land portions 312 swell. Specifically, dimple portion 314 swells from thickness 404 in the dry state to thickness 420 in the wet state. The difference between thickness 404 and thickness 420 is distance 422, as shown. On the other hand, land portions 312 swell from thickness 406 in the dry state to thickness 424 in the wet state. The difference between thickness 406 and thickness 424 is distance 426. In the particular embodiment shown, distance 422 may be larger than distance 426. The linear swelling ratio of dimple portion 314 is thus the ratio of distance 422 to distance 404, which is much larger than the linear swelling ratio of land portion 312 as defined by the ratio of distance 426 to distance 406. Therefore, dimple 302 has a first dimple depth 402 (as measured between dry state dimple bottom surface 410 and line 408 at dimple center 400) when in the dry state, and a second dimple depth 418 (as measured between wet state dimple bottom surface 416 and line 414, at center of dimple 400) when in the wet state. In the embodiment shown, second dimple depth 418 may be less than first dimple depth 402.
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[0062] FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show how golf balls in accordance with the present disclosure may be used to compensate for wet weather conditions. Although not wishing to be bound by any particular usage or effect, the change in dimple depth and hardness from the dry state to the wet state may generally allow golf ball 100 to compensate for the effects of wet weather conditions that would otherwise disadvantage conventional golf balls. Specifically, during wet weather, water on a conventional golf ball may decrease the amount of friction between a golf club face and the golf ball during a shot, cause a golf ball to experience a lower trajectory flight path and reduced spin.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows a golfer 1000 golfing in fair (i.e., normal, or non-wet) weather conditions. Under these conditions, golf ball 100 is in the dry state, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, golf ball 100 has a first dimple depth and coating layer 110 has a first hardness value. Golf ball 100 follows flight path 1006 toward the tee 1004, achieving a maximum vertical distance of 1010. For comparison, conventional golf ball 1016 is shown following a substantially similar flight path 1008. Conventional golf ball 1016 has the same general aerodynamic properties, such as dimple depth and cover layer hardness, as golf ball 100 in the dry state.

[0064] FIG. 8 shows golfer 1000 golfing in wet-weather conditions. Specifically, rain 1014 wets golf ball 100 and golf ball 1016, as well as the green 1002. As a result of being exposed to water in the form of rain 1014, golf ball 100 undergoes a physical change from the dry state to the wet state (as shown in FIG. 1). The wet state of golf ball 100 has a second dimple depth that may be smaller than the first dimple depth, and has a second hardness that may be softer than the first hardness. As a result of the wet weather conditions, conventional golf ball 1016 experiences reduced friction between its cover layer and the golf club face during the shot. Therefore, conventional golf ball 1016 first experiences a flight path trajectory 1018 having a lower maximum height 1012. Conventional golf ball 1016 also experiences reduced spin, resulting in poor control of the shot upon landing.

[0065] In contrast, golf ball 100 in the wet state compensates for the reduced friction by having a reduced dimple depth and a softer outermost layer. The reduced dimple depth causes golf ball 100 to experience a flight path 1006 that is otherwise higher than the reduced friction would otherwise cause it to have. Furthermore, the softer outermost layer causes golf ball 100 to experience more spin than the reduced friction would otherwise cause, resulting in golf ball 100 having better control upon landing. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides golf balls which may be used equally well in both fair weather conditions and wet weather conditions.

OK, so here are my great ideas…(drum roll please)... apply the same principle to the sole of shoes so that the traction capability increases during wet weather, or how about a golf grip with projections that expand a bit when wet to increase the wet weather playability. Just send me a check for $1 million and you can launch either of the products.

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Ball Inventions

PS – click HERE to read about a spin indicating golf ball that changes colors

Think Nike May Take Issue With This Golf Tee?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2011-12-28T05:00:00Z

Check out this golf tee design patent.

The drawings come from USPN D651266 titled “Golf Tee,” which issued yesterday. I don’t think we will see this in Golf Galaxy anytime soon.

Dave Dawsey - Monitoring Golf Tee Inventions

PS – check out other golf tee inventions HERE

Can You Identify This Callaway Driver?

David Dawsey PE Esq — 2011-12-27T05:00:00Z

As usual, I would love to say there is a fabulous prize if you can correctly identify this driver, but there is not. Just the satisfaction of knowing you are a bigger golf geek than me. Good luck.

These drawings come from an application that was filed in April and issued today as USPN D651269 titled "Golf Club Head." Generally when I can't easily identify such a club it ends up being a woman's club or part of a junior set, but not this time. The side profile and high rear-edge are unlike traditional Callaway drivers. New product?

Dave Dawsey - Monitoring Golf Inventions