Golf ball with moisture exposure indicator
US6878076B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63B2225/60
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A golf ball is provided which changes color or other indicia after exposure to moisture to indicate that the ball may not have predictable flight characteristics which may result in loss of carry and roll. In one embodiment, a microencapsulated dye layer is formed immediately below the final gloss coat, with controlled dye release causing a stained look to the ball after significant exposure to moisture. In another embodiment, the dye or ink is provided in pelletized form for ease of manufacture. In other embodiments, a dye, ink, or chemical is compounded with other materials and introduced into or applied onto the golf balls composite materials in a solid, liquid, or gaseous form. In still other embodiments imprints on the ball are made with a water activated ink which either appears or disappears upon the exposure of the golf ball to moisture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.