EP1003389A1 - Low friction articles - Google Patents

Low friction articles

Info

Publication number
EP1003389A1
EP1003389A1 EP98955123A EP98955123A EP1003389A1 EP 1003389 A1 EP1003389 A1 EP 1003389A1 EP 98955123 A EP98955123 A EP 98955123A EP 98955123 A EP98955123 A EP 98955123A EP 1003389 A1 EP1003389 A1 EP 1003389A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
article
low friction
friction
coefficient
sports
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98955123A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Robert T. Gunn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP1003389A1 publication Critical patent/EP1003389A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/14—Special surfaces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A43—FOOTWEAR
    • A43B—CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF FOOTWEAR; PARTS OF FOOTWEAR
    • A43B1/00—Footwear characterised by the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/0023—Covers
    • A63B37/0024—Materials other than ionomers or polyurethane
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B37/00—Solid balls; Rigid hollow balls; Marbles
    • A63B37/0003—Golf balls
    • A63B37/007—Characteristics of the ball as a whole
    • A63B37/0072—Characteristics of the ball as a whole with a specified number of layers
    • A63B37/0074—Two piece balls, i.e. cover and core
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0466—Heads wood-type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
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    • A63B53/047—Heads iron-type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/006—Surfaces specially adapted for reducing air resistance
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B1/00—Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils
    • B63B1/32—Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
    • B63B1/34—Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls by reducing surface friction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D2400/00—Functions or special features of garments
    • A41D2400/24—Reducing drag or turbulence in air or water
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    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/12—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders
    • A63B71/1225—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet
    • A63B2071/125—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet for the knee
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    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials
    • A63B2209/02—Characteristics of used materials with reinforcing fibres, e.g. carbon, polyamide fibres
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    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/01—Special aerodynamic features, e.g. airfoil shapes, wings or air passages
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
    • A63B2243/0025—Football
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
    • A63B2243/0037—Basketball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2243/00—Specific ball sports not provided for in A63B2102/00 - A63B2102/38
    • A63B2243/0095—Volleyball
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2244/00—Sports without balls
    • A63B2244/18—Skating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2244/00—Sports without balls
    • A63B2244/18—Skating
    • A63B2244/186—Roller skating
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2244/00—Sports without balls
    • A63B2244/19—Skiing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B39/00—Hollow non-inflatable balls, i.e. having no valves
    • A63B39/06—Special coverings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B41/00—Hollow inflatable balls
    • A63B41/08—Ball covers; Closures therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B49/00—Stringed rackets, e.g. for tennis
    • A63B49/02—Frames
    • A63B49/08—Frames with special construction of the handle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/08—Handles characterised by the material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/10—Handles with means for indicating correct holding positions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/06—Handles
    • A63B60/14—Coverings specially adapted for handles, e.g. sleeves or ribbons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B67/00—Sporting games or accessories therefor, not provided for in groups A63B1/00 - A63B65/00
    • A63B67/14—Curling stone; Shuffleboard; Similar sliding games
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/0024—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey
    • A63B69/0026—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for hockey for ice-hockey
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/12—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders
    • A63B71/1225—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the body or the legs, e.g. for the shoulders for the legs, e.g. thighs, knees, ankles, feet
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/14—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves
    • A63B71/141—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves in the form of gloves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/14—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves
    • A63B71/141—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves in the form of gloves
    • A63B71/143—Baseball or hockey gloves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/08—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions
    • A63B71/14—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves
    • A63B71/141—Body-protectors for players or sportsmen, i.e. body-protecting accessories affording protection of body parts against blows or collisions for the hands, e.g. baseball, boxing or golfing gloves in the form of gloves
    • A63B71/146—Golf gloves
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T70/00—Maritime or waterways transport
    • Y02T70/10—Measures concerning design or construction of watercraft hulls

Definitions

  • This invention relates to low friction apparel and articles, and methods for producing same; wherein apparel is defined as clothing, footwear, fabrics and the like, and the articles are defined as sports projectiles, equipment used for water sports or activities, golf clubs and toothbrushes.
  • the invention relates to low friction apparel which incorporates fabrics or chemicals having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the apparel that will minimize the development of blisters, callouses, and irritation of an apparel wearer's body surface.
  • the invention also includes methods for producing the low friction apparel and methods for using a low friction material to reduce the coefficient of friction of a finished article or apparel, or the like, to reduce irritation.
  • This invention also relates to articles, such as sport projectiles, sailing equipment or toothbrushes having a low friction outer surface and methods for producing same.
  • the invention relates to improving the flight characteristics and distance of sports projectiles, such as golf balls, footballs, softballs, hockey pucks, soccer balls, tennis balls, arrows, or other sport objects that move through a fluid surface or move on a hard or soft surface.
  • This invention relates to decreasing the effective impedance to flight of an object such as a ball, moving through the air or rolling on the ground, by having a low friction outer surface which incorporates chemicals or incorporates a material with a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the outer exterior surface of the article.
  • a low friction outer surface which incorporates chemicals or incorporates a material with a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the outer exterior surface of the article.
  • the flow of a fluid such as air past a solid body may be either streamline flow or turbulent flow.
  • the present invention is concerned with the streamline flow of a sport projectile having essentially no resultant forces applied and a small drag. Resistance to flight motion under these conditions is due entirely to skin friction such as the tangential forces on the surface due to friction of the air itself.
  • skin friction caused by the air itself is reduced.
  • this invention further relates to equipment used in any type of water activities, namely, sails for boats, wind sails for windsurfers, oars for canoes or kayaks that have a low friction outer surface which contains chemicals having a low coefficient of friction or incorporates a material having a low coefficient of friction either overall or in specific areas of the exterior surface of the equipment used in water sports.
  • this invention relates to the bristles of toothbrushes, whether electric or manual, having an exterior surface which incorporates chemicals or materials that have low coefficient of friction characteristics.
  • the invention also includes methods for producing the apparel or articles with a low friction outer surface and methods for using a low friction material to reduce the coefficient of friction of the exterior of a finished apparel or article or the like.
  • Apparel is made out of many materials, natural and man-made. They include cotton, wool, silk, linen, leather, vinyl, nylon - polyamides and polyamide co- polymers, LYCRA SPANDEX m different filament configurations, orlon
  • polyvinylidene fluoride such as KYNAR
  • polyester for example, polyethylene
  • glycol modified polyesters such as PETG, KODURA TM , rayon, orlon cellulosic fiber blends, and the like, as well as blends of the above.
  • apparel either directly or indirectly, contacts the body surface of the wearer.
  • the movement of the wearer causes frictional contact between the wearer's body surface and the apparel.
  • This frictional contact can cause irritation, blisters, and callouses.
  • This frictional contact is particularly a problem in sporting apparel wherein the formation of irritations, blisters, and callouses is exacerbated by the rapid and/or repetitious body movements related to the particular activity.
  • most apparel has specific areas of high body surface/apparel contact which produces a majority of the irritations, blisters, and callouses.
  • the outer surface of sports projectiles, and equipment used for water sports contacts external objects and surfaces such as playground fields; clay courts; oceans; lakes; frozen ice rinks; other playing arenas; other sports equipment such as gloves, bats, hockey sticks; and hands of players.
  • the outer surface of a toothbrush contacts the external surface of the teeth of the user.
  • the movement of any sport projectiles, equipment used for water sports such as a wind sail, or toothbrushes causes frictional contact between the sport projectiles, sails, and toothbrushes, and the external objects and surfaces. This frictional contact can be, at times, very undesirable.
  • frictional contact of any object with air, water, or solid surfaces slows or brings a moving object to a stop (or, in the case of a falling object, to terminal velocity).
  • This frictional contact is particularly a problem in sports where distance is crucial and because of friction the projectile hit by the participant is brought to an abrupt or sliding halt.
  • any speed or momentum lost to friction can mean the difference between winning and losing. For instance, sports such as sail racing or windsurfing, where the frictional stresses of the wind on the outer surfaces on the sails reduces the speed of a boat.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a method for producing low friction apparel or articles by chemically treating the fibers or yarn of the material from which the apparel or articles are made prior to or after producing the material. -.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method for producing low friction articles by incorporating low friction yarns, fibers or material into the fabric from which the articles are made.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a method for 5 producing low friction articles by applying chemicals to impart a low friction coefficient directly to the fabric or articles either overall or in areas of high surface/articles contact.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a method for producing 15 articles with a low friction outer surface by incorporating low friction yarns, fibers or material into the fabric from which the articles are made.
  • Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method for producing articles with a low friction outer surface by applying chemicals to impart a low friction coefficient directly to the fabric or article either overall or in areas of high 20 outer surface/external object contact.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a golf ball having an outer surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the golf ball of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first type of golf club having a bottom surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second type of golf club having a bottom surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a hockey puck having an outer surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a football having an outer surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a softball having an outer surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sail having an outer surface incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of a toothbrush having bristles incorporating low friction material according to the present invention.
  • the present invention provides low friction apparel to avoid or minimize irritations, blisters, and callouses that can result from abrasive contact between a wearer's body surface and the apparel.
  • Low friction apparel can be made with low friction materials.
  • the present invention further provides low friction sport equipment to decrease the impedance that results from abrasive contact between a surface and the equipment.
  • Low friction sport equipment consisting of sport projectiles, such as golf balls, footballs, softballs, hockey pucks, or any other moving sports object, such as a golf club, can be made of or with low friction o
  • equipment used for water sports such as sails or the like can be made of or with low-friction material.
  • the present invention provides low friction toothbrush bristles to decrease the impedance that results from the abrasive contact between the surface of the teeth and the bristles of the brush.
  • Low friction toothbrush bristles can be made of or with low friction materials.
  • low friction materials can be fibers which inherently have a low coefficient of friction which are incorporated into the material either alone or in combination with other materials; low friction chemicals which can be applied directly to the finished fibers, material, apparel or articles to impart low friction properties; fibers which are treated with low friction chemicals are then woven into the material either alone or in combination with other material; or any combination of the above.
  • These low friction materials can be incorporated into the entire piece of apparel or in specific high body surface/apparel contact areas, or incorporated into the outer exterior surface of the articles defined as sports projectiles, equipment used for water sports, or toothbrush bristles by any mechanical application of the chemicals of this invention to the outer surface to be treated.
  • the mechanical application may be by any convenient method such as dipping, spraying, aerosol spraying, swabbing, wiping, painting or any other permanent coating applications or the like.
  • These fibers include, but are not limited to, silicone, graphite, TEFLONTM, KYNAR TM ,
  • a sport projectile such as a golf ball is comprised of a solid core covered with an ionomer acid resin usually of ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer.
  • the golf ball preferably can be coated with a primer and top coat.
  • the low friction material can be incorporated into and outer exterior suitcase whether as a primer or top coat or as a ionomer resin cover. Further, these materials can also be incorporated to the outer surface of the bristles of the toothbrush to create a low friction toothbrush.
  • Chemicals can be used to treat material fibers or finished materials that do not inherently have a low coefficient of friction in order to impart a low coefficient of friction. Additionally, this chemical treatment can be used with materials which do inherently have a low coefficient of friction in order to impart an even lower coefficient of friction. This chemical treatment is incorporated into the material such that it is of a non-temporary nature and it becomes an integral part of the article. Most preferably, this chemical treatment is incorporated into the material such that it is functional substantially over the lifetime of the treated article.
  • These chemicals include, but are not limited to, silicone, silicone co-polymers, silicone elastomers,
  • polytetrafluoroethylene homopolymers and copolymers such as TEFLON , graphite,
  • the fibers can be treated with these chemicals by coextrusion when producing the fibers, blending with the fibers after production, adding in a bath form or spraying onto the fiber or material, or similar techniques.
  • the finished material can be treated with these chemicals by adding in a bath fonn or spraying onto the material, or similar techniques.
  • Application may be by means of sponges or cloths, which have been pretreated with compounds useful in practice of this invention.
  • Binding agents such as gums, resins, plastics, adhesives and other suitable substances may be used to improve the bonding and adherence to the active chemical agents to the treated surface. These agents also contribute to the permanency of the coating and prevent premature loss of the active principle from the treated surface.
  • a fiber, yarn or fabric or finished article (such as apparel, sports projectiles, golf clubs, water equipment, or toothbrushes) is treated with the low coefficient of friction material to reduce the coefficient of friction of the treated fiber, yam, fabric or article to one which is below the coefficient of friction of the untreated fiber, yam, fabric or finished article.
  • the coefficient of friction of the treated article be less than about 80%, preferably less than about 60% and most preferably less than about 50%) of the coefficient of friction of the untreated article.
  • the coefficient of friction Of the treated area(s) be less than about 80%>, preferably less than about 60%> and most preferably less than about 50%> of the coefficient of friction of the same areas when untreated.
  • the low friction fiber or yam can be incorporated into amounts ranging from 5% to 100%> by weight of the treated area.
  • the fiber or yam is incorporated in amounts between 30 and 70% by weight of the treated area. Most preferably, these amounts are 30 to 50%, by weight.
  • the amount incorporated into the finished material can be as small as a fraction of a percent by weight of the treated area.
  • the addition of the low friction material to the fiber, yam, fabric or articles can also be useful to wick away moisture from the skin to help guard against irritation, as well as wetness.
  • areas of objects treated are typically areas which would ordinarily come in contact with the skin during use. Furthermore, it would be prefened that areas treated be those areas subject to imparting frictional movement against the skin during use. It is prefened also that the coefficient of friction between the treated area of the article and the body surface to be reduced to below about 0.9. Likewise, it is prefened that the coefficient friction between the treated area of the object and the exterior surface of the ground, air, wind or hands of the player be reduced to below 0.9. Most preferably, the coefficient of friction is reduced to below about 0.6.
  • low friction socks or hosiery can be produced by incorporating low friction material overall or in specific high contact areas such as in the heel area, the area around the pad of the sole of the foot, the area extending from the pad of the foot to the right and left sides of the foot, in the region where the foot is the widest, and the area around the toes. Areas of the foot which contact laces, buckles or straps are also contact areas where protection would be utilized.
  • the low friction material can also be incorporated to the outside of the sock which reduces friction between the sock and the outer foot apparel, such as a shoe.
  • the low friction material can be incorporated to the inside of the sock which reduces friction between the wearer's foot and the sock.
  • low friction material can be incorporated to both inside and outside of the sock which, of course, simultaneously reduces friction between the sock and the outer footwear, and the wearer's foot and the sock.
  • outer footwear such as a shoe, sneaker, boot, ski boot, sandal, slipper and the like
  • outer footwear fabric lining at high body surface/apparel contact areas thereby reducing friction between the wearer's foot or sock and the footwear.
  • footwear material itself such as leather
  • the footwear material itself can be treated with low friction coefficient chemicals in high body surface/apparel contact areas to have a similar result.
  • the low friction material is particularly useful in areas where the product would rub against the skin and cause irritation, blisters or callouses. In feet, these areas would be the heel, sole, the pads of the feet at the wide portion of the foot or the top of the foot which contacts laces, buckles or straps.
  • sporting apparel such as warm-up pants, shorts, jogging suits, bicycle pants, wet suits, work pants and the like, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated into high body surface/apparel contact areas such as the groin area and along the seams, such as the inner thigh seam, to avoid mbbing and irritations.
  • sporting apparel such as sport shirts, warm-up shirt, and the like, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated into high body surface/apparel contact areas such as the neck and underarm areas to also avoid mbbing and irritations.
  • work and sport gloves such as gloves used with tools, golf clubs, baseball bats, polo mallets, and tennis, squash and racquetball racquets, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated into high body surface/apparel contact areas to avoid blisters and callouses on the hands.
  • the low friction material can be utilized in footwear inserts and other devices made to fit in traditional footwear that will help avoid blisters and callouses by reducing friction of the foot against the pressure areas of footwear such as heel cushions, insoles, orthotics, cushions and other pads (bandages).
  • the low friction material can also be used in bandages and wraps which support torn and sore muscles, ligaments and joints and as linings for casts.
  • EXAMPLE 7 The low friction material can be inco ⁇ orated into covers for sporting equipment and tools and other devices that one uses that could cause irritation, blisters, callouses or soreness from friction.
  • the invention is not limited to human apparel.
  • the invention can also be used in horse blankets, pet apparel, and the like.
  • the present invention provides apparel with a low friction outer surface to minimize the fictional effect of apparel outer surface/extemal object contact.
  • Apparel with a low friction outer surface can be made with a low friction materials.
  • These low friction materials can be fibers which inherently have a low coefficient of friction which are inco ⁇ orated into the material either alone or in combination with other materials; low friction chemicals which can be applied directly to the finished fibers, material, or apparel to impart low friction properties; fibers which are treated with a low friction chemicals then woven into the material either alone or in combination with other material; or any combination of the above.
  • These low friction materials can be inco ⁇ orated into the entire exterior surface of the apparel or in specific high apparel surface/extemal object or surface contact.
  • the above mentioned low coefficient of friction materials can be inco ⁇ orated directly into the apparel either overall or in specific high apparel surface/external object or surface contact areas to produce apparel with a low friction outer surface.
  • a fiber, yarn or fabric or finished article (such as apparel) is treated with the low coefficient of friction material to reduce the coefficient of friction of the treated fiber, yam, fabric or article to one which is below the coefficient of friction of the untreated fiber, yarn, fabric or finished article. It is prefened that the coefficient of friction of the treated object (or object area) be less than about 80%, preferably less than about 60%> and most preferably less than about 50%> of the coefficient of friction of the untreated object (or object area).
  • the low friction fiber or yam can be inco ⁇ orated into amounts ranging from 5% to 100%> by weight of the treated area.
  • the fiber or yam is inco ⁇ orated in amounts between 30 and 70%) by weight of the treated area. Most preferably, these amounts are 30 to 50%), by weight.
  • the amount inco ⁇ orated into the finished material can be as small as a fraction of a percent by weight of the treated area.
  • the addition of the low friction material to the fiber, ya , fabric or article can also be useful to wick away moisture from the skin to help guard against irritation, as well as wetness.
  • apparel can be produce with both low friction body surface/apparel areas which avoids or minimizes the development of irritations, blisters, and callouses and low friction outer surface/external object contact such that frictional contact is minimized.
  • areas of apparel treatment are typically areas which would ordinarily come in contact with the external contact surface during use. It is prefened also that the coefficient of friction between the treated area of the apparel and the external contact surface to be reduced to below about 0.9. Most preferably, the coefficient of friction is reduced to below about 0.6.
  • sporting apparel such as uniforms used in football, wrestling, and rugby where an opponent tackled or gripped during play
  • sporting apparel such as uniforms used in football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, racquetball, squash, rugby, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, field hockey, and handball, where players (either opposing players or team members) make bodily contact
  • sports protection apparel such as knee pads, elbow pads, and hand protection used in volleyball, basketball, skating (particularly in-line skating), skateboarding, and soccer, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated directly into the protection apparel either overall or in specific surface contact areas to reduce injuries which occur in these sports.
  • sporting apparel such as used in sports where friction is very undesirable.
  • high speed sports and sports where the difference between winning and losing is determined in fractions of a second such as swimming, running, and downhill or ultimate downhill skiing
  • low friction material can be inco ⁇ orated directly into the apparel either overall or in specific surface contact areas to produce apparel with a low friction outer surface to minimize frictional contact with air or water.
  • low friction material can be inco ⁇ orated into water apparel such as wet suits to minimize frictional contact with water. lo
  • the present invention provides articles, such as sport projectiles, equipment used for water sports like sails, and toothbrushes with a low friction outer surface to minimize the fictional effect of article outer surface/extemal object contact.
  • Articles with a low friction outer surface can be made with low friction materials.
  • These low friction materials can be fibers which inherently have a low coefficient of friction which are inco ⁇ orated into the material either alone or in combination with other materials; low friction chemicals which can be applied directly to the finished fibers, material, or articles to impart low friction properties; fibers which are treated with a low friction chemicals then woven into the material either alone or in combination with other material; or any combination of the above.
  • These low friction materials can be inco ⁇ orated into the entire exterior surface of the article or in specific high article to extemal object or surface contact.
  • the above mentioned low coefficient of friction materials can be inco ⁇ orated directly into the article either overall or in specific high article to extemal object or surface contact areas to produce articles with a low friction outer surface.
  • a fiber, yam or fabric or finished article (such as a sport projectile, sail, or toothbrash) is treated with the low coefficient of friction material to reduce the coefficient or friction of the treated fiber, yam, fabric or article to one which is below the coefficient of friction of the untreated fiber, yam, fabric or finished article.
  • the coefficient of friction of the treated object (or object area) be less than about 80%, preferably less than about 60%> and most preferably less than about 50%> of the coefficient of friction of the untreated object (or object area).
  • the low friction fiber or yam can be inco ⁇ orated into amounts ranging from 5%> to 95%> by weight of the treated area.
  • the fiber or yam is inco ⁇ orated in amounts between 30 and 60% by weight of the treated area. Most preferably, these amounts are 30 to 50%>, by weight.
  • the amount inco ⁇ orated into the finished material can be as small as a fraction of a percent by weight of the treated area.
  • areas of article treatment are areas which would come in contact with the extemal contact surface during use. It is prefened also that the coefficient of friction between the treated area of the apparel and the external contact surface to be reduced to below about 0.9. Most preferably, the coefficient of friction is reduced to below about 0.6.
  • sport projectiles such as golf balls, footballs, softballs, hockey pucks, soccer balls, tennis balls or other sports objects that move through a fluid media or move on a hard surface when placed into play by the sport participant, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated directly into the sport projectiles either overall or in specific surface contact areas to produce the sport object with a low friction outer surface which decreases the wind resistance or ground resistance and allows the sport object to glide, roll or flow through the air more easily.
  • sport projectiles such as baseballs, basketballs, racquetballs and handballs, which make ground contact or air contact, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated directly into the projectile either overall or in specific surface contact areas to produce sport projectiles with a low friction outer surface to increase the distance or flight of the sport projectile during play.
  • equipment used for water sports or activities such as wind sails for windsurfers, sails for boats, oars for canoes or kayaks, can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated directly into or onto the equipment either overall or in specific surface contact areas to reduce wind resistance or water resistance that occur in these water sports or water activities.
  • low coefficient of friction material may be inco ⁇ orated directly into or onto a golf club head so as to reduce the frictional contact between the club head and the hitting surface (e.g., sand, rough, fairway, etc.).
  • the hitting surface e.g., sand, rough, fairway, etc.
  • only the bottom surface of the club head is treated, thereby reducing frictional contact between the club head and the hitting surface without reducing frictional contact between the club face and the golf ball.
  • frictional contact of any object with air, water, or solid surfaces slows or brings a moving object to a stop.
  • This frictional contact is particularly a problem in sports where speed or strength is a factor. If the water, air or solid surface resistance, caused by frictional contact between the media type and equipment is dissipated or reduced by the inco ⁇ oration of low friction material, the speed of the sail boat would be increased, the strength needed for paddling the ores in a canoe or kyack would be reduced, and the force of the golf club swing needed for hitting a golf ball a particular distance from a particular surface may be reduced.
  • toothbrushes whether manual or electric can have low friction material inco ⁇ orated directly into or onto the bristles either overall or in specific surface contact areas to produce a toothbrash having a low friction exterior to minimize frictional contact with the user's teeth.

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  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)
  • Compositions Of Macromolecular Compounds (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Macromolecular Shaped Articles (AREA)
EP98955123A 1997-11-12 1998-10-26 Low friction articles Withdrawn EP1003389A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US96837797A 1997-11-12 1997-11-12
US968377 1997-11-12
PCT/US1998/022672 WO1999023903A1 (en) 1997-11-12 1998-10-26 Low friction articles

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EP1003389A1 true EP1003389A1 (en) 2000-05-31

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AR (1) AR017606A1 (xx)
AU (1) AU1200699A (xx)
CA (1) CA2300875A1 (xx)
IL (1) IL134504A0 (xx)
PE (1) PE127899A1 (xx)
WO (1) WO1999023903A1 (xx)
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US7752681B2 (en) 2002-05-24 2010-07-13 Michel Licensing, Inc. Article of clothing with wicking portion
EP2368604A1 (en) * 2010-03-22 2011-09-28 Monsma Research BV Racket tape
JP6057554B2 (ja) * 2012-02-03 2017-01-11 ダンロップスポーツ株式会社 ゴルフボール
US9259618B2 (en) 2012-06-10 2016-02-16 Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. Golf ball
GB2547897A (en) * 2016-03-01 2017-09-06 Trodden Neil Golfing apparel
GB2575960B (en) * 2018-04-16 2022-08-17 John Gray Richard Ball handling training system and method

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DE69211181T2 (de) * 1991-02-27 1996-10-10 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Kadoma, Osaka Selbstschmierende Vorrichtung
US5597364A (en) * 1996-01-22 1997-01-28 Thompson; James M. Golf putter
US5743812A (en) * 1996-06-12 1998-04-28 Mastergrip, Inc. Golf driver and method of making same

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Title
See references of WO9923903A1 *

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PE127899A1 (es) 1999-12-14
IL134504A0 (en) 2001-04-30
AU1200699A (en) 1999-05-31
AR017606A1 (es) 2001-09-12
CA2300875A1 (en) 1999-05-20
ZA989741B (en) 1999-04-28

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