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

Are PING Players Ready for “The Turbulator”?

2013-05-07T05:00:00Z

Turbulator; we don’t need no stinking turbulator! Well, unless golfers believe that it will help them add a few yards to their drives. Check out the PING driver design found in a patent application that published last week.

The drawing comes from US Pub. No. 20130109494 titled “Golf Club Heads with Turbulators and Methods to Manufacture Golf Club Heads with Turbulators.” The application goes on to explain:

[0031] An example of a turbulator 300 is shown in FIG. 4. The turbulator 300 energizes the boundary layer on the crown 110 by generating turbulence in the boundary layer. The turbulator 300 is located on the crown 110 at a constant or variable distance 301 downstream of the leading edge 112 and may extend from the hosel 114 or the heel end 104 to the toe and 106. The turbulator 300 provides a plurality of projected surfaces in discrete or continuous form on the surface of the crown 110 at a height (not showing FIGS. 4-8, but generally shown with reference number 201 in FIG. 3). When the air flowing over the crown 110 encounters the projected surfaces of the turbulator 300, the air trips and becomes turbulent inside the boundary layer to energize the boundary layer.
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[0057] FIG. 29 shows a schematic view based on actual airflow visualization experiments of airflow over the club head 100 without turbulators, and FIG. 30 shows a schematic view based on actual airflow visualization experiments of airflow over the same club head with the turbulators 400. In FIG. 29, the streamlines representing airflow approach the club had 100 and are diverted over the club face toward the leading edge. The streamlines traverse over the leading edge 112 and flow over the crown 110. However, the airflow becomes detached from the crown 110 at the separation region 120, and creates a turbulent wake 122 over a substantial section of the crown 110. This turbulent wake 122 increases the drag thereby reducing the speed of the club head 100. Referring to FIG. 30, the ridges 401-408 are positioned downstream of the leading edge 112 and upstream of the separation region 120 of FIG. 29. Accordingly, the flow remains attached on a substantial portion of the crown 110 as is shown by the streamlines in FIG. 30. Therefore, the separation region 120 is moved farther aft on the crown 110.
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[0063] As shown in Table 1, when the club head 100 has an orientation angle of greater than 60.degree., the aerodynamic drag force on the club head 100 is reduced for the club head 100 having the turbulator 300 or the turbulators 400. The reduction in drag is much greater for an orientation angle of 90 degrees. Referring to FIG. 31, which is a graphical representation of the data in Table 1, the noted reduction in drag for orientation angles of greater than 60 degrees is visually shown. Furthermore, the turbulator 400 (including one or more ridges 401-408) is shown to reduce the drag force on the club head 100 more than the turbulator 300.

[0064] Table 2 shows measured values of lift expressed in lbs for different orientation angles of the club head. When the club head 100 has an orientation angle of greater than 60 degrees, the lift generated by the club head does not drop as sharply for the club head 100 having the turbulator 300 or the turbulators 400 as compared to the club head 100 without any turbulators. Referring to FIG. 32, which is a graphical representation of the data in Table 2, the noted drop in lift for the club head 100 without any turbulators is visually shown. The noted drop in lift is due to the higher pressure differential caused by the earlier boundary layer separation on the crown for the club head 100 without any turbulators as compared to the club head 100 having turbulator 300 or turbulators 400. Thus, Tables 1 and 2 and FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate the adverse effects of early boundary layer separation on the crown for a golf club head without any turbulators and the effects of delaying the boundary layer separation on drag forces exerted on a golf club head.

[0065] FIGS. 33 and 34 graphically show measured ball speed and club head speed for a golf club head without any turbulators and a golf club head having the turbulators 400. FIG. 33 shows that ball speed is higher when the golf club head includes the turbulators 400. This increase in ball speed is due to the higher club head speed as shown in FIG. 34 due to the turbulators 400 delaying boundary layer separation on the crown, thereby reducing drag forces on the club head.

While I wouldn’t even notice the turbulators, I wonder what PING purists would say.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Attorney

Possible Sighting of the New PING i25 Irons (or Anser, Ladies, Juniors,...)

2013-05-01T05:00:00Z

Since the sole thickness and topline thickness are a close match to the i25, I am going to guess that this is either the new i25 irons or Anser irons. The cavity design appears more consistent with the i-series of irons. What do you think?

The drawings come from USPN D681143, which was just applied for on December 19th.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Attorney

Let the Speculation Begin; Is This the New PING S-series Iron?

2013-04-30T15:00:00Z

Could it be? I would bet on YES. Check out these irons!

The drawings come from USPN D680,603; which was just applied for on December 19th.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Patent Lawyer

PING’s New Driving Iron

2013-04-30T05:00:00Z

Perhaps. Check out the club head found in a design patent that issued today.

The drawings come from USPN D681,142; filed on November 19, 2012 and issued today.

I suspect there is a market for these types of clubs, especially since I have been itching to pull the trigger and buy a driving hybrid.

Dave Dawsey - The Eyes of the Golf Industry

Nike Golf Covert Driver Designs that Didn’t Make the Cut (or may be the next generation)

2013-04-25T05:00:00Z

Golf equipment companies come up with a lot of club head designs in the process of developing one commercial product, majority of which golfers never get to see. Fortunately their patent applications often reveal some of the hidden gems that for one reason or another did not survive the process, or may be a glimpse of a future generation product. Check out these Covert driver designs!

My favorite is:

Which one would you have brought to the market?

Dave Dawsey - The Eyes of the Golf Industry

MOI Was the Buzz Word for Driver Marketing a Few Years Ago; Will it become a Golf Ball Buzz Word?

2013-04-22T05:00:00Z

Three years ago I wrote about an interesting variable MOI driver design disclosed in a Karsten (aka PING) patent application (read about it here); but this week I want to examine what Acushnet has in mind for a variable MOI golf ball. Yep, you read that correctly, a variable MOI golf ball!

An Acushnet patent application recently published as US Pub. No. 20130090187 titled “Variable Moment of Inertia Golf Ball,” which describes the invention as:

A golf ball having a core that includes an aqueous solution contained by a boundary layer with a solid center suspended in the solution to modify the moment of inertia of the golf ball. The aqueous solution can be thixotropic, or rheopectic, or dilatant, or pseudoplastic in nature and the center formulated to simulate the specific gravity of the solution.

Get past all the words that most of us can’t pronounce let alone spell and there is some interesting disclosure in the application. For instance….

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Generally, golf balls have been classified as solid balls or wound balls. Solid balls are generally classified as two, three, or four piece balls. Two piece balls are comprised of a solid polymeric core and cover. These balls are generally easy to manufacture, but are regarded as having limited playing characteristics. Three and four piece balls are comprised of a solid or liquid filled center surrounded by tensioned elastomeric material and a cover. Three and four piece balls generally have a good "click" and "feel" when struck by a golf club, but are more difficult to manufacture than two piece balls.

[0003] The prior art is comprised of various golf balls that have been designed to provide optimal playing characteristics. These characteristics are generally the initial velocity and spin of the golf ball, which can be optimized for various players. For instance, certain players prefer to play a ball that has a high spin rate for playability. Other players prefer to play a ball that has a low spin rate to maximize distance. The ideal ball has low spin when struck with the driver and high spin when landing on the green.

[0004] The prior art is also comprised of various liquid filled golf balls. Wound golf balls have been made with liquid centers for many years. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,568,513 and 1,904,012 are directed to wound golf balls with liquid filled centers. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,150,906 and 5,480,155, are directed to a hollow spherical shell of a polymeric material which is filled with a liquid or unitary, non-cellular material that is a liquid when introduced into the shell. The shell is disclosed as being the outer cover or an inner layer with the outer cover formed to the external surface thereof. The shell varies in thickness from about 0.060 to 0.410 inches in thickness.

[0005] The Rules of Golf as approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA), include the following rules that relate to golf ball construction:

[0006] a. Weight: The weight of the ball shall not be greater than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.92 gm).

[0007] b. Size: The diameter of the ball shall be not less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm). This specification will be satisfied if, under its own weight, a ball falls through a 1.680 inches diameter ring gauge in fewer than 25 out of 100 randomly selected positions, the test being carried out at a temperature of 23+/-1.degree. C.

[0008] c. Spherical Symmetry: The ball must not be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties which differ from those of a spherically symmetrical ball.

[0009] d. Initial Velocity: The velocity of the ball shall not be greater than 250 feet (76.2 m) per second when measured on apparatus approved by the United States Golf Association. A maximum tolerance of 2% will be allowed. The temperature of the ball when tested will be 23+/-1.degree. C.

[0010] e. Overall Distance Standard (ODS): A brand of golf ball, when tested on apparatus approved by the USGA on the outdoor range at the USGA Headquarters under the conditions set forth in the Overall Distance Standard for golf balls on file with the USGA, shall not cover an average distance in carry and roll exceeding 280 yards (256 m) plus a tolerance of 6%.

[0011] The flight of a golf ball is determined by many factors, but only three factors that are typically controlled by the golfer. By impacting the ball with a golf club, the golfer typically controls the speed of the golf ball, the launch angle and the spin rate. The launch angle sets the initial trajectory of the golf ball's flight. The speed and spin of the ball give the ball lift which will define the ball's overall flight path along with the weight and drag of the golf ball. Where the ball stops after being struck by a golf club depends greatly on the weather and the landing surface the ball contacts.

[0012] Many golfers have what is termed a "low swing speed." This means that the club head speed at impact is relatively slow when compared to a professional golfer. Typically, when driving a golf ball the average professional golf ball speed is approximately 234 ft/s (160 mph). A person having a low swing speed typically drives the ball at a speed less than 176 ft/s (120 mph). Upwards of thirty percent of all golfers today have swing speeds that produce drives of less than 210 yards. A person with a low swing speed has a low ball speed. His or her ball does not fly very far because of the lack of speed and lift. No matter what a golfer's swing speed, every innovative idea seeks to reduce a golf ball's downrange spin, while enhancing spin once the ball lands on the green. The present invention seeks to achieve this by modifying the golf ball's moment of inertia/radius of gyration.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Referring to the drawing, a ball 10 includes a core 12 and a cover 14. The golf ball's moment of inertia/radius of gyration is modified by the core 12 having a mechanically decoupled center 16 suspended in a thin layer of an aqueous solution 18 contained within a boundary layer 20. The center 16 may be formulated to match the specific gravity of the aqueous boundary layer 18, therein minimizing any settlement of the center 16 within its liquid suspension. It is anticipated that the aqueous solution is non-Newtonian and can be selected from: thixotropic, wherein the apparent viscosity decreases with the duration that it is put under stress; or rheopectic, wherein the apparent viscosity increases with the duration of stress. Both of these are time-dependent viscosities. Examples of rheopectic materials can be some lubricants or whipped cream. Examples of thixotropic materials would be clays, some drilling muds, and many paints. The non-Newtonian materials could also be selected from those materials in which the viscosities are independent of time such as dilatant materials (shear thickening), wherein the apparent viscosity decreases with the duration of the stress, or pseudoplastic (shear thinning) wherein the viscosity decreases with increased stress. Examples of dilatant materials are suspensions of corn starch, or sand in water, clay, gypsum paste, nano-cellulose, while examples of pseudoplastic materials are paper pulp in a water solution, latex paint, ice, blood, or surfactant/soap mixtures. While it is the intent for the invention to partner the center 16 with a non-wound construction, it is to be appreciated that this center construction may be applied to any golf ball in the prior art.

[0021] By being suspended within the aqueous solution and being a solid mass the center 16 helps to create a stronger effect on the shift of moment of inertia (MOI), as a greater effort is required to bring the entire mass of the solid mass from rest to rotational motion.

Interesting for sure, but would such a ball be “conforming”?

David Dawsey – The Golf Invention Attorney

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

Guess Who Plans to Launch a JAILBIRD Line of Products

2013-04-21T05:00:00Z

A recent trademark application filed by Callaway Golf indicates that they plan to use the JAILBIRD trademark in association with golf clubs, golf bags, and head covers for golf clubs. What is the likelihood we will see a JAILBIRD line of clubs? My prediction: 10%.

David Dawsey – A Golfing Trademark Lawyer

This is One Way to Prove to Your Golfing Partners that You are a Playa!

2013-04-20T05:00:00Z

It takes a certain mojo to pull off the use of this golf invention. Perhaps Charles Barkley could do it, but few others need try.

The drawings come from a patent application that published this week as US Pub. No 20130092572 titled “Gaddie.” The application describes the invention as:

A golf caddie device is disclosed that is designed for carrying golf equipment. The golf caddie device comprises a support rod having a spike and an ergonomically shaped handle. The golf caddie device also comprises a ball holder, a first cylinder comprising up to five openings for retaining golf clubs, and a second cylinder comprising up to five openings for retaining golf club shafts. Golf clubs are inserted into the golf caddie device by inserting the shaft part of the golf club through one of the first cylinder openings and into one of the openings of the second cylinder, thus, retaining the golf clubs within the golf caddie device.

Golfers are crazy!

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Golf Inventions

The Masters Golf Tourney and Intellectual Property

2013-04-12T05:00:00Z

Hard to believe it is already that time of year; specifically the time of year that I recycle prior posts about the Masters golf tournament and intellectual property.

Check out my 2007 post "One More Reason to Admire Augusta National – The Trademark Portfolio", which illustrates there are some pretty smart people who know how to capitalize on Augusta's fame.

Additionally, can you guess "Which 3 Masters Champions are also Patent Holders?" HERE is an update regarding a utility patent issued in September to one of the winners.

Lastly, if you think the green coats are serious about cell phones on the course, just imagine what they would do if you didn't respect their intellectual property (see "Augusta National Throws the Book at Game Maker").

Enjoy.

David Dawsey - The IP Golf Guy

Is Golf Ready for a "Thermoreactive Face"?

2013-04-05T05:00:00Z

Guess which golf equipment company filed a patent application directed to a "thermoreactive face." The answer is at the bottom of this post. The patent application published as US Pub. No. 20130085012 titled "Golf Club Head or Other Ball Striking Device with Thermoreactive Face," which describes the invention as:

A ball striking device, such as a golf club, includes a head that includes a face having a ball striking surface configured for striking a ball and a body connected to the face and extending rearward from the face. The face has an area of highest response located proximate a center of the ball striking surface. The face is formed of a first material and a second material that forms at least a portion of the area of highest response. The second material has a thermal modulus response that is different from a thermal modulus response of the first material.

The application goes on to explain:

[0065] In general, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a head 102 that has a face 112 that is at least partially formed of a material with a thermally variable modulus, meaning that the elastic modulus of the material changes based on temperature. An impact between the face 112 and the ball 106 generates an amount of heat, at least some of which is absorbed by the face 112, changing the temperature of the face 112 at least in an area proximate the impact. The material may have a thermally-variable modulus that causes the modulus to change to a significant degree due to the heat absorbed by the face 112 during impact. In one embodiment, the energy of an impact of a ball on the face 112 is between 10-100 Joules, and the resultant temperature rise of the face may be between 0.1 degrees C and 5 degrees C, depending on materials, swing speed, and other conditions. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an impact zone 125 between the ball 106 and the face 112, which causes the face 112 to deform within the impact zone 125 and generates heat that is absorbed by the portions of the face 112 within the impact zone 125. It is understood that the impact zone 125 shown in FIGS. 2-3 corresponds to an impact at or around the area of highest response 127 of the face 112, which, in a driver-type club head 102, is typically at or around the geometric center of the face 112. FIG. 3 illustrates deformation of the face 112 caused by the impact. It is understood that the degree of deformation of the face 112 in FIG. 3 may be exaggerated for the purposes of showing detail. In one embodiment, the modulus of at least part of the area of the face 112 local to the impact zone 125 may change at least 10% due to heat and pressure generated by an impact of the ball 106 on the ball striking surface 110 at a particular swing speed during impact, as described below. In another embodiment, the modulus may change up to 50% at high swing speeds.

[0066] As one example, a material with a thermally variable modulus can produce an increased "trampoline" effect and increased response (i.e. energy and/or velocity transfer) during impact. In such an example, the heat that is generated during impact can reduce the modulus of the material in the impact zone 125 to make the local material more flexible, while the surrounding material remains relatively stiffer. This creates an impact structure similar to an edge-supported trampoline, having a flexible center suspended by a stiff perimeter, leading to increased trampoline effect and/or increased contact time, and thus increased energy transfer. FIG. 3 illustrates such an impact. In one embodiment, the heat generated by the ball 106 during impact may change the modulus of the areas of the face 112 local to the impact zone 125 so that the modulus is at least 10% different relative to areas of the face 112 that are spaced away from the impact zone 125. Additionally, the amount of modulus change can be customized to the swing speed of a golfer, because impacts at greater velocity produce more heat. For example, for a golfer with a lower swing speed, a material may be selected such that the modulus of the areas of the face 112 local to the impact is at least 10% lower than at ambient conditions (i.e. room temperature) due to heat generated at swing speeds of 90 to 130 ft/s. In another example, for a golfer with a higher swing speed, a material may be selected such that the modulus of the areas of the face 112 local to the impact is at least 20% lower due to heat generated at swing speeds of at least 155 ft/s or at least 160 ft/s. FIG. 3A illustrates how the moduli of several different materials change based on temperature (which is indicative of swing speed), and a material can be selected for a particular swing speed accordingly. Material A in FIG. 3A represents one example of a material that can utilize heat generated during impact to produce a flexible impact zone 125 and a stiff surrounding area, resulting in an increased trampoline effect at many different swing speeds. Further customization is possible.

[0067] As another example, a material with a thermally variable modulus can produce increased face flexibility at a wider range of swing speeds. For example, many golf clubs are designed based on performance at a typical professional golfer swing speed of 160 ft/s. The COR (coefficient of restitution) test is performed at this swing speed, and many existing club heads 102 offer optimal performance at or around this swing speed. However, the faces 112 of such club heads 102 may have less flexibility, and consequently less deformation and trampoline effect, at lower swing speeds. A material with a thermally variable modulus can be selected to provide a decreased modulus due to heat produced at a lower swing speeds such as 90 to 130 ft/s, allowing for more flexibility at such swing speeds. Additionally, the material may be selected to provide a decreased modulus at such lower swing speeds, with little to no further decrease in modulus at higher swing speeds, as seen in the graph in FIG. 3A. For example, a material may experience a decrease in modulus of at least 20% due to heat generated at lower swing speeds of 90 to 130 ft/s, while having a further change in modulus of no more than 5% at a higher swing speed of 160 ft/s. The material may also have a modulus at ambient conditions that is at least 20% greater than the modulus at the range of lower swing speeds. As similarly described above, FIG. 3A illustrates how the moduli of several different materials change based on temperature (which is indicative of swing speed), and a material can be selected for a particular swing speed accordingly. Materials A and B in FIG. 3A represent examples of materials with a thermally variable modulus that can be effective for lower swing speeds, and Material C in FIG. 3A represents one example of a material with a thermally variable modulus that can be effective for higher swing speeds. Further customization is possible.

[0068] Below are described several different general and specific embodiments for creating a face having a thermally variable modulus response in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Generally, such embodiments may utilize a single material having a selected thermal modulus response, or multiple materials having different thermal modulus responses.

[0069] In one embodiment, a head 102 as shown in FIGS. 2-3 may have a face 112 made of a single material that produces a thermal modulus response as described above, such as to produce increased trampoline effect at any swing speed, or to produce greater flexibility at a particular swing speed. Such a single-material face 112 can produce increased trampoline effect and/or greater flexibility around the impact zone 125 for impacts on nearly any portion of the face 112, and not only in the area of highest response 127 of the face 112. This single material of the face 112 can be a metal, ceramic, composite, or other material, including a layered composite material. A layered or laminate composite may contain a plurality of alternating layers of materials having different moduli, such as a titanium-carbon fiber composite layered structure (e.g. TiGr) or an aluminum-fiberglass composite layered structure (e.g. GLARE). Other layered structures are usable with the face 112, for example: titanium over an elastomer or carbon-fiber composite over a foam. Such composites need not be symmetrical. In another embodiment, the head 102 may include at least a portion that is formed of one or more different materials than the supporting structure of the face 112, which second material may be located at or around the area of highest response 127 of the face 112, or at another location. As shown in FIGS. 4-7 and discussed below, such different materials may be provided in the form of an insert connected to the face 112.

[0070] In one embodiment, the thermal modulus response of a material used in the face 112 may be affected by a molecular phase change in the material, due to heat generated during impact of a ball on the ball striking surface. In other words, the material may be formed in a first molecular phase at ambient conditions, and the heat generated by an impact of a ball 106 on the ball striking surface 110 may be sufficient to change the molecular phase of a material to a second molecular phase. The second molecular phase may have a different modulus and/or a different thermal modulus response than the first molecular phase. It is understood that the material may change back to the first molecular phase after impact, and that a molecular phase change of the material may be effected in part by the pressure resulting from an impact, in addition to the resulting heat.

[0071] At least a portion of the face 112 may be formed of such a phase-change material, and in one embodiment, at least a portion of the area of highest response 127 of the face 112 is formed of the phase-change material. Additionally, the phase-change material may be incorporated into an insert that is connected to the face 112, such as the inserts 230, 330, 430 of FIGS. 4-7, described below. As similarly described above, the thermal modulus response provided by a phase-change material can be used to produce increased trampoline effect at any swing speed, or to produce greater flexibility at a particular swing speed, among other effects. In one embodiment, heat generated by an impact of a golf ball on the ball striking surface at about 90 to 130 ft/s (or at about 90 ft/s or more) is sufficient to cause a portion of the material local to the impact zone 125 to change to a second molecular phase with a different modulus. It is understood that a swing at a different swing speed may also cause the material to be formed in the second molecular phase. For example, in one embodiment, the material is formed in the second molecular phase as a result of the impact of the golf ball on the ball striking surface at about 90 to 130 ft/s (or at about 90 ft/s or more) and is also formed in the second molecular phase as a result of the impact of the golf ball on the ball striking surface at about 160 ft/s. In other embodiments, materials that undergo phase changes at different heat levels can be used to customize the material to a particular swing speed.

[0082] The device 540 may also be controllable by the user of the ball striking device 500. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, the ball striking device 500 includes an actuator 544 in communication with the device 540, configured to activate the device 540 to change the temperature of the face 512. As shown in FIG. 10, the actuator 544 is located on the shaft 504 of the ball striking device 500, and may be located within or proximate to the grip 505, in order to provide a convenient and accessible location for the user. The actuator 544 may include a button, a switch, or other such device. In one example, the actuator 544 may include a toggle switch to set the device 540 in a specific mode of operation, such as an ON/OFF switch, a HEAT/COOL switch, a HEAT/COOL/OFF switch, or other such switch. In another example, the actuator may include a button that causes the device 540 to activate when pressed and deactivate when released or pressed again. Further different types of actuators 544 may be used in other embodiments. Additionally, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the actuator 544 is in wireless communication with the device 540, using wireless antennae 546 on the actuator 544 and the device 540. Such wireless communication can be accomplished by any means, including RF signals, infrared or other optical signals, etc. In another embodiment, the actuator 544 and the device 540 may communicate in another manner, such as by wired connection. In a further embodiment, the actuator 544 may be an integrated part of the device 540 itself In yet another embodiment, the device 540 may be automatically activated, such as by using an accelerometer to determine when a swing of the ball striking device 500 has begun.

[0083] FIGS. 11-12 illustrate a ball striking device 600 in the form of a golf iron, in accordance with at least some examples of this invention. Many common components between the ball striking device 100 of FIGS. 1-3 and the ball striking device 600 of FIGS. 11-12 are referred to using similar reference numerals in the description that follows, using the "600" series of reference numerals. The ball striking device 600 includes a shaft 604 and a golf club head 602 attached to the shaft 604. The golf club head 602 of FIG. 4 may be representative of any iron or hybrid type golf club head in accordance with examples of the present invention.

Pretty cool concept but will it ever make its way into a real Nike Golf product.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf IP Lawyer

PS – Check out more “Would it Work?” posts HERE

Would it Work? A Floating Ball Within a Sphere Within a Club Head

2013-04-03T05:00:00Z

How many yards would you gain with this driver? More appropriately, “would it work?”

The drawings come from USPN 6,443,855 titled “Head of a Golf Club,” which describes the invention as:

A head of golf club having a hollow body with a first semi-phere integrally formed therein and a filling line integrally formed between the first semi-sphere and the bottom of the body portion, a face welded on a front end the body, a float received between the first semi-sphere and a second semi-sphere which is combined with the first semi-sphere by welding, and a casing welded on a back end of the body portion, whereby the center of mass of the golf club is self-optimizing, and the structure of the golf club head is simple and firm.

The patent goes on to explain:

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a head of a golf club in accordance with the present invention is composed of a hollow body (10) with a first semi-sphere (11) integrally formed therein and a face (12) welded on a front end of the body (10), a float (20) received between the first semi-sphere (11) and a second semi-sphere (21) which is welded to the first semi-sphere (11), and a casing (30) securely welded on a back end of the body (10).

Now referring to FIG. 3, a space between the float (20) and the combined first and second semi-spheres (11, 21) is filled with a liquid (40). As best seen in FIGS. 4 to 6, a filling line (13) is formed between the first semi-sphere (11) and the bottom of the body portion (10). The filling line (13) defines a threaded hole with a narrow neck portion at an end communicating with the space of the combined first and second semi-spheres (11, 21), and an opposite end communicating with the exterior of the club head. The neck portion has a concave outer face. A steel ball (14) has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the threaded hole and greater than the narrow neck portion. After the liquid (40) is poured in the space between the two semi-spheres (11, 21) and the float (20), the steel ball (14) is placed into the filling line (13) and mates with the concave outer face of the neck portion, and then a screw (15) is threadingly engaged with the threaded hole of the filling line (13) to retain the steel ball (14) in position, whereby the threaded hole of the filling line (13) is sealed.

As the specific gravity of the float (20) is far higher than that of the liquid (40), the float (20) always floats at a high level, and the liquid (40) is always low, so that the center of mass of the head of the golf club is lower. As the liquid is fluid, the center of mass of the golf club is changeable and always occurs at the lowest possible point.

The invention has the following advantages: 1. the structure of the head of the golf club of present invention is simple and firm, and the production cost is low; 2. the head of the golf club comprises the float (20) received in the combined two semi-sphere (11, 21) with the liquid (40) occupying the space therebetween; whereby the center of mass of the golf club is self-optimizing; and 3. as the head of the golf club is hollow, it strikes the golf ball with a preferred audible "crack".

Who doesn't like a "preferred audible crack?" So, would it work?

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Attorney

PS – Check out more “Would it Work?” posts HERE

A New Breakthrough in Foot Wedge Technology

2013-03-22T05:00:00Z

How long would it take you to kick a golf ball around 9 holes? More importantly, could you do it without ending the round with a distinct limp? A long time, and no! Regardless, it would be fun to try this golf invention at least once.

This latest breakthrough in golf technology is found in a patent application that published this week as US Pub. No. 20130072317 titled “Golf Club Shoe Device,” which describes the invention as:

A golf ball kicking device having hands-free interchangeability of golf club heads comprising a mounting plate secured to the shoe and a retaining member affixed to the mounting plate and having a pivoting lever with a release member in communication with a rear face of a club head. The mounting plate has a magnet and the rear face of the club head is constructed of a magnetic material so as to releasably mount the club head onto the mounting plate. When the club head is secured against the magnet, the club head impacts upon the release member so as to pivot the pivoting lever to a first position. When sufficient force is applied to the pivoting lever, the pivoting lever pivots to a second position thereby directing the release member to impact upon the club head and dislodge the club head from the mounting plate.

The application goes on to explain:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Golf traditionally requires individuals to use a club or other striking implement to propel a golf ball towards a hole. Conventional golf clubs have an elongated shaft on which a club head is positioned. The club head has a face that impacts the ball as the shaft is swung by the golfer. Variations in the face and the shaft can change the parameters of the golf ball travel (e.g., the distance, loft or height, spin, etc.).

[0004] Unfortunately, some people are unable to manipulate a golf club to perform a proper swing of the club and shaft to controllably direct the flight of the golf ball. For example, disabilities, old age, injuries and other factors may prevent certain individuals (such as military veterans or those confined to a wheel chair) from gripping, lifting and/or swinging the club. These factors can foreclose these individuals from participation in the sport altogether. To alleviate these issues, and to allow individuals with certain impairments the ability to enjoy the game of golf, alternatives to the traditional golf club are needed. Indeed, some people may retain sufficient strength and coordination in their legs and feet so as to permit them to kick or otherwise strike a golf ball using their feet. Thus, these individuals may enjoy the experience of golf without the need for clubs.

[0005] As such, there is a need for a device that enables and encourages the enjoyment of the game of golf for individuals who are unable to swing a traditional golf club by providing for a shoe-based device wherein wearers strike the golf ball with their feet. Additionally, there is a need for a device that provides for interchangeability of various striking heads mounted onto the foot. Further, there is a need for striking head interchangeability which is hands-free and is completed solely by using one's feet. The present invention addresses these and other needs.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure describes, in various embodiments, footwear and related implements that permit individuals to propel golf balls via motion of their legs (e.g., kicking motion). In one embodiment, the device comprises a mounting plate having a retaining member disposed on an article of footwear and a club head that is releasably secured to the retaining member. More particularly, examples of the retaining member require little interaction from the end user to remove and replace the club heads on the footwear. In certain embodiments, the retaining member provides an effectively "hands-free" solution in which the end user can remove and secure the club heads onto the mounting plate without (or with very limited) use of the hands.

Looks fun, but it would be more fun playing a round in which the penalty for taking a double-par or worse would be that you had to play the next hole only using your feet.

David Dawsey – Keeping an Eye on Foot Wedge Technology

Place Your Bets, Will We See This Technology in a PING Driver?

2013-03-21T05:00:00Z

As I have said before, PING drivers are known for their classic simple designs. Purists love the designs, but some would suggest they are old-school (ahem, not loaded with technology). Nonetheless, they always seem to perform, even without 10 different technology acronyms plastered to the product. That may soon change.

Today an interesting patent application owned by Karsten published as US Pub. No. 20130072321 titled “Golf Club Face Plates with Internal Cell Lattices and Related Methods.” Check this out.

[0022] FIG. 18 presents a front "x-ray" perspective view of a faceplate comprising a cell lattice variable cell dimensions.

The application describes the invention as:

Embodiments of golf club face plates with internal cell lattices are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.

The application goes on to explain:

[0037] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of golf club head 10 comprising face plate 100 coupled to club head body 109. FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of face plate 100 cut along line II-II of FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, face plate 100 comprises inner skin 210, outer skin 120, and midsection 230 between inner skin 210 and outer skin 120, where midsection 230 comprises cell lattice 240 having walls 241 defining cells 242. In the present example, cell lattice 240 extends from inner midsection end 245 (where cell lattice 240 is coupled to inner skin 210), to outer midsection end 246 (where cell lattice 240 is coupled to inner skin 210). Cell lattice 240 is thus fully encapsulated within faceplate 100 in the present example, between inner skin 120 and outer skin 210, and by perimeter midsection area 232. Although inner midsection end 245 and outer midsection end 246 are represented along dotted lines in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment the interface between midsection 230 and inner skin 210 or outer skin 120 may be seamless or imperceptible visually and/or structurally.

[0038] The different portions of faceplate 100 can comprise different thicknesses. In the present example, the thickness of outer skin 120 is approximately 0.03 inches (approximately 0.08 millimeters (mm); the thickness of midsection 230 is approximately 0.07 inches (approximately 1.78 mm); and the thickness of inner skin varies, being approximately 0.05 inches (approximately 0.13 mm) towards the center, and approximately 0.03 inches (approximately 0.08 mm) towards the perimeter. The thickness of inner skin 210 is greater than the thickness of outer skin 120 in the present example, where inner skin 210 faces away from the impact surface of faceplate 100, to better distribute impact stresses throughout the faceplate. In some examples, the thickness of inner skin 210 and outer skin 120 can be substantially similar to each other, and/or may not vary.

[0039] In the present example, face plate 100 is shown with inner skin 210, outer skin 120, and midsection 230 merged together into a single integral piece of material. In some examples, inner skin 210, outer skin 120, and/or midsection 230 may be merged together without using adhesives or fasteners, such as via a high-pressure and/or high-heat process. In the same or other examples, such process may comprise a diffusion bonding process. The ability to combine midsection 230 between inner skin 210 and outer skin 120 and into a single integral piece of material can provide many benefits, such as a reduction in the weight of face plate 100 via cell lattice 240. In some examples, encapsulating cell lattice 240 within face plate 100 can permit weight savings of approximately 8% to approximately 25%. Such results can be achieved without compromising the strength or durability of face plate 100, and without introducing detrimental bending, elastic and/or flexing susceptibilities that would result from uneven stress distribution if, for example, face plate 100 were made with cell lattice 240 exposed and/or without one of inner skin 210 or outer skin 120. As an example, and skipping ahead in the figures, FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a finite element analysis graphic showing uneven stress distribution detrimentally concentrated, as denoted by the heavily-dotted center region, in and around the void portions of an exposed cell lattice in an embodiment comprising only a single skin coupled to the cell lattice.

[0040] Backtracking to FIG. 3, a perspective view is illustrated of portions of different layers 300 comprising face plate 100 prior to being merged together, including midsection layers 330. In the present example, midsection 230 comprises midsection layers 330 merged together into the single integral piece of material of face plate 100. In the same or other examples, the plurality of midsection layers 330 can be merged together via the high-pressure and high-heat process described above. As can be seen in FIG. 3, inner skin 210 and outer skin 120 can also be formed out of several layers, such as outer skin layers 320 and inner skin layers 310, which may be merged together into the single integral piece of material of face plate 100. Although in the present embodiment inner skin 210 comprises more inner skin layers 310 than outer skin 120 comprises outer skin layers 320, there can be other embodiments where such relationship is inverse, or where both skins comprise the same number of layers. There may be other embodiments, however, where one or more of inner skin 210, outer skin 120, and/or midsection 230 may originally comprise a single layer, rather than a plurality of layers coupled together.

[0041] FIG. 3 shows portions of layers 300 as sheets of metallic material, and illustrate midsection layers 330 with representative cutouts configured to form cell lattice 240 when merged together. FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of midsection layer 331 of midsection 230, comprising lattice pattern 341 and alignment elements 351-354. Lattice pattern 341 comprises a plurality of cutouts, such as cutout 342, that define a layer portion of walls 241 and a layer portion of the volume of cells 242 of cell lattice 240. In some examples, cell lattice 240 may be formed by one or more processes, such as by machining and/or by chemically etching the cutouts of the different lattice patterns of midsection layers 330 prior to merging layers 300 (FIG. 3) together. In examples involving the machining of cell lattice 240 or one or more of its elements, such machining can be carried out via one or more techniques, such as through computer numerical control (CNC) machining, waterjet cutting, and/or electrical discharge machining.

Now the million dollar question, is this technically and economically feasible or is it just another R&D project that will never see the light of day?

Dave Dawsey - Tracking Golf Club Technology

Guess the Year of this Golf Ball Dimple Patent

2013-03-16T05:00:00Z

Check out these dimple patterns and take a guess as to the year that the patent issued.

The patent is USPN 2,861,810 and it issued in 1954. Unlike most modern dimple pattern patents this patent is not directed to flight aerodynamics but rather to a method of improving the visibility of the ball in flight. Specifically, the patent discloses a flexible “mirror-like metallic film” within the dimples.

Pretty innovative for 59 years ago!

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Ball Attorney

Would it Work? A “Force Focusing Golf Club”

2013-03-15T05:00:00Z

Time for a new addition to the “Would it Work” category of posts. Check out this “Force Focusing Golf Club” patent (USPN 3,817,522) from 1974 and come to your own conclusion. The patent describes the invention as:

This is a golf club comprising a head and attached shaft wherein a pressure focusing means, such as a metal paraboloid reflector, is disposed in a filled recess to reflect shock waves caused by a golf ball impacting on the impact face of the head. The head may also include a gas-filled chamber adjacent to the side of the reflector opposite the impact face.

The patent goes on to explain:

With reference now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a golf club 11 having a head 13 and an attached shaft 15, the head comprising a tapered recess 17 having side walls 19 extending inwardly from an impact face 21 of the head 13. A pressure focusing means in the form of a focusing member 23 having a concave surface 25 is disposed in the recess 17 with the concave surface 25 facing the impact face 21. A synthetic material 27, such as an epoxy resin, is disposed in the recess 17 about the pressure focusing member 23 and fills the recess to the impact face 21.
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The focusing member 23 may preferably be formed having a paraboloid shape and fabricated from a relative hard material such as sheet aluminum or steel or other metal. Also, the member 23 may include a skirt portion 31 extending toward the impact face 21 and lining the adjacent wall 19 as shown in FIG. 2, for example.

A golf ball, upon coming into a forceful contact with the impact face 21 of the head 13, causes pressure waves to propagate rearward through the head. Upon striking the reflecting member 23, however, much of this rearward moving force is reflected back toward the impact face 21 to generate a reverse thrust that will aid and add to the normal recovery memory of the synthetic material 27 and thus enhance the driving ability of the club.

By the use of the skirt member 31, the shock waves traveling rearward are concentrated more toward the focusing reflecting element 23 which will be thus even more effective in providing an aiding reverse thrust in the direction of proposed ball flight.

With reference to FIG. 3, a golf club 51 is shown having a head 53 in which a recess 55, with side wall 57, is provided. The recess 55 may be deeper than the one shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a focusing member 57, having a concave surface 59, is disposed therein spaced from the end of the recess. Adjacent to the member 57 but on the side thereof opposite an impact face 61 is disposed a gas-filled chamber 63 having a non-rigid spherical wall 65. The gas may be ordinary air or an inert gas or mixture of gases at a predetermined pressure. The space between the chamber 63 and focusing member 57 and between the member 57 and the impact face 61 may be filled with a synthetic material 67 as has been previously described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2.

In operation, a pressure shock wave is caused to travel through the synthetic filler material 67 when a golf ball 69 strikes the impact face 61 of the golf club head 53. This shock wave is to a great extent reflected by the focusing characteristic of the focusing member 57 back toward the impact face 61. However, a portion of the force exerted on the member 57 causes it to move toward the chamber 63 and pushes against the spherical wall 65 to thereby compress the gas therein.

Compression of the gas in the chamber 63 in turn causes a reverse reaction forcing the non-rigid wall 65 to push against the member 57. This reaction thus produces force waves to travel toward the impact face 61 through the material 67. The ball 69, which does not instantaneously leave the face 61 but rather deforms to an approximate shape seen by dashed outline 71 for a measurable period of time, not only receives the forces provided by the normal recovery memory of the synthetic filler material 67 as focused by the member 57, but also receives such forces in a magnified manner due to the compression factor of the chamber 63. In other words, the shock wave caused by the impact of the golf ball 69 travels toward the focusing member 57 which tends to concentrate the reverse force back toward the ball 69. Since the maximum reflected force and force caused by the compression of the gas within the chamber 63 occurs at the moment the ball begins its own recovery from its deformed configuration, the total reverse thrust effect will more than substantially lessen, if not eliminate, the loss of energy consumed in overcoming the inertia of the ball. This results in added velocity and distance of ball flight. This effect will be even further enhanced by providing a skirt member 73 as shown in FIG. 4 and described previously in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 2.

The wall 65 of the chamber 63 may be fabricated from a relatively thin plastic material such as commonly used to fabricate table tennis balls. Also, it should be noted that this chamber further acts as a counterbalance factor. By positioning this sealed spherical chamber at approximately the center of the club head, the weight of the head will be distributed on either side of the center line of the hitting area to provide for maximum efficiency and balance.

It may be advantageous under certain conditions to be able to adjust the amount of gas pressure present in the chamber 63. FIG. 5 illustrates a means whereby this may be accomplished. Here, a head similar to the one shown in FIG. 3 is shown to have a passage way 81 extending through the rear portion of the head from the chamber 63. A gas valve assembly 83, similar to a pneumatic tire valve, may be inserted in the passage 81 to allow gas pressure adjustment or even the changing of the gas or gases.

My prediction: not a chance that a “a metal paraboloid reflector… to reflect shock waves caused by a golf ball impacting on the impact face of the head” would have any influence on performance.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Attorney

PS – Check out more “Would it Work?” posts HERE

Grudge Match: Adjustability versus Your “Normal Approach to Grasping the Club” – Are They Fighting One Another?

2013-02-21T05:00:00Z

Cobra Golf believes the battle is on. While I want to smugly say “ridiculous,” they may be onto something (ignoring for the moment that I have yet to play with a golfer that regularly adjusts their club settings).

A Cobra Golf patent application published this week as US Pub. No. 20130045816 titled “Golf Club Grip,” which describes the invention as:

The invention generally relates to a grip for a golf club. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a golf club grip having a pattern such that a view of the grip is identical to a user for every position of a multi-positional club head of a golf club.

The application had my attention because it isn’t very often that we see a major club OEM filing patent applications on grips. The application goes on to explain:

BACKGROUND

[0003] In order to improve their game, golfers often customize their equipment to fit their particular swing. One such customization involves adjusting a position of a club head (e.g., open, closed, or neutral) to accommodate the golfer's particular swing. Such adjustment allows the golfer to compensate for any natural hook or slice that is produced by the golfer's swing. An adjustment of the club head can be easily accomplished with the advent of golf clubs in which the club head position can be manipulated or re-positioned with respect to the club shaft. See for example, Clausen et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,621,820) and Morris et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 7,699,717).

[0004] A problem with adjusting the club head in relation to the shaft is that it adjusts the position of the grip. A golf club grip is generally used by a golfer to align their hands on the club as they address the ball. The grip may include a marker or a particular pattern that the golfer utilizes to consistently position their hands each time they hold the club. Such a process allows a golfer to maintain a consistent and repeatable approach to a golf shot. By rotating the grip to accommodate the different club head positions, the golfer experiences a different view of the grip depending on the position of the club head. Changing the view of the grip disrupts the golfer's normal approach to grasping the club and the golfer loses the alignment points that they use to maintain a consistent and repeatable grip.

SUMMARY

[0005] The invention generally relates to a golf club grip having a pattern such that a view of the grip is identical to a user for every position of a multi-positional club head of a golf club. In this manner, a golfer is able to use the marker or particular pattern on the grip to consistently position their hands each time they hold the club regardless of the adjustment made to the position of the club head or any rotation of the club shaft. Thus, the golfer is able to maintain a consistent and repeatable approach to a golf shot. Grips of the invention may be used with any golf club and are particularly useful with a driver, fairway wood (e.g., 3-wood, 5-wood, or 7-wood) or hybrid club.

[0006] In certain embodiments, the grip further includes a universal texture such that the texture of the grip is identical to the user regardless of the position of the multi-positional club head. The grip can accommodate any number of club head positions. In certain embodiments, the club head has three different positions (e.g., open, closed, neutral), and the grip produces an identical view to a user in all three positions of the club head.

[0007] Grips of the invention may include any pattern so long as the pattern is such that the view of the grip is identical to a user for every position of a multi-positional club head of a golf club. In certain embodiments, the pattern includes a plurality of waves. In particular embodiments, a trough of the waves is visible to the user on a top portion of the grip, and a crest of the waves is visible to the user on a bottom portion of the grip.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention provides a golf club grip having a alignment marker such that a view of the marker is identical to a user for every position of a multi-positional club head of a golf club. In certain embodiments, the grip further includes a universal texture such that the texture of the grip is identical to the user regardless of the position of the multi-positional club head.

[0009] Another aspect of the invention provides a golf club grip having a plurality of identical alignment markers, each marker corresponding to a position of a multi-positional club head such that a view of the marker is identical to a user for every position of the multi-positional club head. In certain embodiments, the grip further includes a universal texture such that the texture of the grip is identical to the user regardless of the position of the multi-positional club head.

[0010] Another aspect of the invention provides a golf club including a multi-positional club head, a shaft configured to accommodate the multi-positional club head, and a grip having a pattern such that a view of the grip is identical to a user for every position of the multi-positional club. In certain embodiments, the club is a driver.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a golf club including a multi-positional club head, a shaft configured to accommodate the multi-positional club head, and a grip having a alignment marker such that a view of the marker is identical to a user for every position of the multi-positional club head. In certain embodiments, the club is a driver.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention provides a golf club including a multi-positional club head, a shaft configured to accommodate the multi-positional club head, and a grip having a plurality of identical alignment markers, each marker corresponding to a position of the multi-positional club head such that a view of the marker is identical to a user for every position of the multi-positional club head. In certain embodiments, the club is a driver.

Interesting, very interesting.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Grip Attorney

How Long Before Football Fields Have to Increase in Length?

2013-02-12T05:00:00Z

Golf purists often argue that the modern golf ball has ruined the game. Is it just a matter of time before the football analysts are making the same arguments and demanded that the football’s performance needs to be rolled back?

Chew on this, today a patent issued to Nike as USPN 8,371,971 titled “football with aerodynamic lace,” which describes the invention as:

Lace designs for footballs are provided. The laces have geometries that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football during flight. Additionally, the placement of the laces on the football is selected to maximize aerodynamic performance of the football during flight.

The patent goes on to explain:

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to a football with improved laces, and in particular to football having a lace that enhances the aerodynamics of the football.

Most inflatable sports balls are made by one of two main constructions: a traditional construction in which an inner bladder is surrounded by outer panels stitched together to contain the inflated bladder, and a carcass construction in which outer panels are laminated to an inner bladder. Examples of balls of traditional construction include some soccer balls, volleyballs, and footballs which have pieced and stitched outer panels. An example of a ball of carcass construction is a basketball which has an integral cover.

Conventional footballs are constructed in the traditional way by surrounding an inner bladder with an outer skin formed of multiple panels stitched together. In traditional construction, the bladder is inserted into an opening in the outer skin and the outer skin is laced together to close the opening.

This traditional lace is still used, even though modern manufacturing methods and materials do not necessarily require lacing together the outer skin of the football. Laces are provided mainly as a guide for proper finger placement or otherwise for gripping assistance. Different lace geometries and materials for improving the grip characteristics of a football have been proposed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,779,576; 5,941,785; and 6,612,948.

The laces may also impact the aerodynamics of the football during flight. In particular, the laces may assist in reducing drag on the football and stabilizing the rotation of the football, which may allow a player to throw or kick a lace ball further or more accurately than an unlaced ball or a ball having traditional laces. However, the art has not explored the impact of laces on the aerodynamics of a football. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for different geometries of laces for footballs that improve the aerodynamic characteristics of the football.

SUMMARY

A football is provided with laces configured to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the football. The laces may have a number of different geometrical configurations. The laces may also be positioned on the football to enhance a pinwheel effect to stabilize the rotation of the football.

In one aspect, the invention provides a football comprising a body and a lace associated with the body, wherein the lace is configured to enhance an aerodynamic performance of the football.
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This effect is similar on a football provided with a lace. FIGS. 4 and 5 show the different flow patterns of air around a lace-free ball 17 and first ball 110. FIG. 4 shows the flow pattern around lace-free ball 17, which has a left-to-right travel direction 118. Lace-free ball 17 has a prolate spheroid shape, with a leading edge 119 at a first pointed end of lace-free ball 17 and a trailing edge 120 at the second pointed end of lace-free ball 17. The height of lace-free ball 17 approximately midway between leading edge 119 and trailing edge 120 is the small girth 121 of lace-free ball 17. Small girth 121 is the largest height of lace-free ball 17 between leading edge 119 and trailing edge 120.

As lace-free ball 17 moves through the air, the air flows around lace-free ball 17. The air can be considered to approach lace-free ball 17 near leading edge 119 as areas of laminar flow 126. The currents of air in laminar flow 126 before encountering leading edge of lace-free ball 17 are relatively evenly spaced apart and smooth. Once the currents of air encounter lace-free ball 17, the currents split and begin to flow around lace-free ball 17. Lace-free ball 17 is smoothly tapered, so the currents of air maintain laminar flow characteristics while generally following or "sticking" to the contours of the exterior of lace-free ball 17.

Eventually, however, the currents of air can no longer "stick" to the exterior surface of lace-free ball 17, and the currents transition to turbulent flow. The currents of air closest to the exterior surface of lace-free ball 17 separate from the exterior surface of lace-free ball 17 at a first separation point 122 and a second separation point 124. First separation point 122 and second separation point 124 are typically located at small girth 121 or shifted slightly toward trailing edge 120.

Beyond first and second separation points 122, 124, the currents of air that have separated from the exterior surface of lace-free ball 17 begin to exhibit turbulent flow characteristics and form a turbulent area or wake 128 beyond trailing edge 120. Wake 128 is bounded by areas of laminar flow, a first laminar flow 130 and a second laminar flow 132. The distance between first laminar flow 130 and second laminar flow 132 is the wake height 134. The cross-sectional shape of wake 128 is generally circular, so wake height 134 is the diameter of the wake circle. Therefore, wake height 134 establishes the area of wake 128. Because the turbulent flow within wake 128 has a lower pressure than laminar flow areas 126, 130, and 132, wake 128 causes pressure drag on lace-free ball 17. The amount of pressure drag is proportional to the area of wake 128.

FIG. 5 shows how adding a lace to a football can impact the aerodynamic characteristics of the flight of the football. FIG. 5 shows the flow pattern around first football 110, which, like lace-free ball 17, has a left-to-right travel direction 118. First football 110 has a prolate spheroid shape, with a leading edge 219 at a first pointed end of first football 110 and a trailing edge 220 at the second pointed end of first football 110. The height of first football 110 approximately midway between leading edge 219 and trailing edge 220 is the first small girth 221 of first football 110.

Similar to the discussion of the air flow around lace-free ball 17, the air can be considered to approach first football 110 near leading edge 219 as areas of laminar flow 226. The currents of air in laminar flow 226 before encountering leading edge 219 of first football 110 are relatively evenly spaced apart and smooth. Once the currents of air encounter first football 110, the currents split and begin to flow around first football 110. First football 110 is smoothly tapered, so the currents of air maintain laminar flow characteristics while generally following or "sticking" to the contours of the exterior of first football 110.

As discussed with respect to lace-free ball 17, the currents of air will reach a point where the currents can no longer "stick" to the exterior surface of first football 110. The currents of air closest to the exterior surface of first football 110 separate from the exterior surface of first football 110 at a first separation point 222 and a second separation point 224. Second separation point 224 is positioned similarly to the position of second separation point 124 on lace-free ball 17. However, prior to encountering first separation point 222, the air currents encounter lace 112, which is shown in this diagram as a simplified bump. Lace 112 trips the flow to prevent the transition from laminar to turbulent flow. Therefore, instead of separating from the exterior surface of first ball 110 near first small girth 221, the flow sticks to the exterior surface of first ball 110. First separation point 222 is shifted a first distance 123 toward trailing edge 220 as compared with first separation point 122 on lace-free ball 17.

As with lace-free ball 17, the currents of air that have separated from the exterior surface of first football 110 form a turbulent area or first wake 228 beyond trailing edge 220. First wake 228 is bounded by areas of laminar flow, a first laminar flow 230 and a second laminar flow 232 to establish first wake height 234. Because second separation point 222 is shifted toward trailing edge 220, first wake height 234 is shorter than wake height 134. Therefore, even though first wake 228 is an area of turbulent flow with lower pressure than laminar flow areas 226, 230, and 232, the area of first wake 228 is reduced as compared to the area of wake 128 for lace-free ball 17. Therefore, the amount of drag experienced by first football 110 is also reduced, due to the presence of lace 112.

The traditional lace design, as shown by lace 12 in FIG. 1, was not selected for aerodynamic considerations. Lace 12 was provided to securely close the skin of the ball after inserting the inner bladder. In testing, a football similar to first football 110 having a lace design like first aerodynamic lace 112 experienced 24.7% less drag than traditional laces like lace 12.
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During drag coefficient testing, the drag coefficient versus windspeed was determined for various footballs mounted in a wind tunnel, where each football had a different lace configuration. A sampling of these test results is shown in FIG. 19. In FIG. 19, line 1902 shows the drag coefficient of a football with conventional laces. Line 1904 shows the drag coefficient of a football with an aerodynamic lace, similar to lace 312 shown in FIG. 8, but with a first angle of zero (0) degrees. Line 1900 shows the drag coefficient of a football with an aerodynamic lace, similar to lace 312 shown in FIG. 8, with a first angle of seventeen (17) degrees. Line 1906 shows the drag coefficient of a football with an aerodynamic lace, similar to lace 312 shown in FIG. 8, with a first angle of twelve (12) degrees.

While the football with a lace having a first angle of 17 degrees produced the lowest drag coefficient at windspeeds of less than about 11 meters per second, the football with a lace having a first angle 342 of about 12 degrees generally produced the lowest drag coefficient. The 17-degree first angle 342 for the lace is essentially a neutral angle of attack to the air flow over the ball, so the 17-degree first angle 342 lace exposes a minimal cross-sectional area to the air flow over the ball. However, the 12-degree first angle 342 for the lace is slightly oblique to the air flow over the ball. It is speculated that this slightly oblique angle allows the lace to act like a turbulator or vortex generator that trips the air flow to delay separation of the boundary layer as the air flows over the lace. This may reduce the base drag, which may provide the better drag performance of the 12-degree first angle 342 lace over the 17-degree first angle 342 lace. Because of these unexpected results from wind tunnel testing, a first angle 342 of about 12 degrees is preferred.

Selecting the position of a lace on the surface of a football can not only improve the aerodynamic characteristics by reducing drag, but can also help the football to retain its spin. This increases the stability of the throw, allowing the football to travel further and more accurately. This pinwheel effect is shown in FIG. 8. As second football 310 moves in left-to-right travel direction 118, second football 310 spins in right-hand spin direction 344 about longitudinal axis 340. Air approaches second aerodynamic lace 312 as a first current 348. First current 348 encounters second aerodynamic lace 312 at the angle of helical path 346 in the vicinity of second aerodynamic lace 312. Because second aerodynamic lace 312 is not positioned at the same angle as that of helical path 346 at the point at which first current 348 encounters second aerodynamic lace 312, a portion of first current 348 is deflected to form deflected air current 350. The force of this deflection pushes against second aerodynamic lace 312, similar to blowing on the blades of a pinwheel. Second aerodynamic lace 312 is pushed in a first direction 352, contributing to the spin of second football 310.

Oh no, more spin, increased stability, longer and more accurate travel; sounds familiar.

Is this the end of the “prolate spheroid body” that we know and love?

Dave Dawsey - The Sports Equipment Patent Lawyer

Golf Inventions Gone Wild

2013-01-31T05:00:00Z

Don’t pull this invention out while playing a round of golf with me unless you want to see my head explode (and learn how fast I can turn my pitching wedge into a deadly accurate spear). The invention looks like a foolproof way to annoy everyone in your group and have the ability to bring play to a screeching halt is found in USPN 8,303,311 titled “sport personal coach system.” The patent describes the invention as:

A call center system for coaching a player in judgmental aspects of an athletic sport or for practicing judgmental aspects of the sport includes a call center computer having a display and a memory. The system may also include a camera, a telephone, and a position locator system. Either the pictures stored in the memory or pictures taken with the camera are used to provide coaching or practice. Pictures of a golf course, golf course mapping data, or both are stored in a call center system. GPS data indicating the position of a golf ball on a golf course hole is used to provide either an overhead view of the hole and terrain features, pictures of the course at or near the location of the ball, or both, on a golf professional computer display.

Say what?

The patent explains:

An object of the invention is to level the playing field between the average player of a sport such as golf and the richer players and professionals. Professional golfers and people with enough money have caddies that accompany them on the golf course. Such caddies provide assistance in all the judgmental aspects of golf. For example, they will provide assistance in adjusting to the slope of the course, the condition of the course, and suggestions on shots of all types. Wikepedia, for example, defines a caddy as "the person who carries a player's bag, and gives insightful advice and moral support. A good caddy is aware of the challenges and obstacles of the golf course being played, along with the best strategy in playing it. This includes knowing overall yardage, pin placements and club selection." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caddy) As recognized in this article, a significant part of the moral support is giving the player confidence in knowing that the various judgmental decisions are sound. People with little money are definitely at a disadvantage under current golf practices.

The invention solves the above problems, as well as other problems of the prior art, and obtains the objects of the inventor, by providing a sport call center that provides real-time coaching to a player of a sport from a location remote from the player. Preferably, the system is transparent to the player. That is, the player only needs to telephone the call center and the call center does the rest. That is, the call center connects the player to a coach and the coach already knows all the essentials of what the player needs coaching about. For example, if the sport is golf, a player may be presented with a shot about which the player wants coaching. The player pulls out a cell phone, presses a button that connects the player to the call center, a golf professional comes on the line, and the professional is immediately able to coach the player on the shot. The system is able to accomplish this because it already includes a large variety of information about the terrain of the golf course as a function of the location coordinates. When the player telephones the call center, the location coordinates, preferably determined by a GPS system, are automatically uploaded to the call center. The call center only needs to pull up the stored information about the course, and it is able to present to the professional the position of the ball, the terrain at the position of the ball, the distance to the green, the pin, and other hazards. Preferably, the system also has available a large amount of information about the player in a player database. The call center system is able to present this information about the player to the professional prior to any discussion with the player because the player's identification is preferably also automatically uploaded to the call center along with the location coordinates. The call center only needs to use the player ID to retrieve the player information and transmit it to the professional for the professional to have detailed knowledge of the player's abilities. Preferably, even the speed of the green and the local weather are available to the professional before the professional exchanges a word with the player. The system is able to do this because it includes a terrain mapper and course database that stores all information that has been previously entered into the system. As we shall see below, the system according to the invention has a large variety of ways to acquire detailed information about the course and the player.
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I was surprised to see the inventors listed on the patent are Butch Harmon, Hank Haney, and Michael Breed; kidding of course!

I try not to give unsolicited advice, but if you ever utter the words “guys go ahead and hit, I have a tough lie and need to get a second opinion from the call center,” please remove yourself from the golf course and destroy your clubs. Thank you.

Dave Dawsey - The Golf Invention Attorney

Keep Your Eyes Open for a New “Power Frame”

2013-01-26T05:00:00Z

We know Callaway’s drivers have the “Speed Frame” face, but it will be interesting to see what Mizuno Golf has planned for their “Power Frame.” Mizuno recently file a trademark application seeking to register the Power Frame trademark for use with everything from clubs and shafts to bags, gloves, tees, and head covers. Pretty broad range of products, I have to wonder whether they really intend to use the mark on shafts and tees.

David Dawsey – A Golfing Trademark Attorney

Guess Who Plans to Launch a GEAR HEAD Line of Products

2013-01-25T05:00:00Z

A recent trademark application filed by Callaway Golf indicates that they plan to use the GEAR HEAD trademark in association with golf clubs, golf bags, and head covers for golf clubs. It will be interesting to see if this is a new product line or if they use the mark more as a tagline.

David Dawsey – A Golfing Trademark Lawyer