WO2001026006A2

WO2001026006A2 - Computer ordering/selling methodology for laser engraved game balls

Info

Publication number: WO2001026006A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/027528
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy
Original assignee: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-10-06
Filing date: 2000-10-06
Publication date: 2001-04-12
Also published as: CA2386784A1; GB2371652A; WO2001026006A8; AU7754700A; GB0207641D0

Abstract

The present invention is a method for soliciting orders for customized game balls. The present method includes providing a game ball order form accessible through a computer network by one or more users from one or more remote sites. The present method further includes providing one or more possible design criteria, requesting the user to customize a game ball by entering at least one of the design criteria on the order form, requesting the user to submit the order form through the computer network, and receiving the order form. The design criteria may include customizing indicia to be applied to the surface of the game ball. Laser engraving is one method of applying indicia to a game ball. The present method may also include the step of manufacturing game balls according to the customized game ball order form. An advantage of the present method is that the manufacturing step may be integrated into the overall customization process. This integration may be accomplished by, for example, translating the design criteria data into manufacturing control data to be used directly by the apparatuses at a manufacturing facility.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

COMPUTER ORDERING/SELLING METHODOLOGY FOR LASER ENGRAVED GAME BALLS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Application, Serial No. 60/157,994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method for customizing game balls. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method, using a computer network, for soliciting orders for customized game balls, including, allowing a user to transmit to the supplier, manufacturer or retailer customized indicia to be applied to the customized game balls.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a method for soliciting or placing orders for customized game balls. The present method includes providing a game ball order form accessible through a computer network by one or more users from one or more remote sites. The present method further includes providing one or more possible design criteria, requesting the user to customize a game ball by entering at least one of the design criteria on the order form, requesting the user to submit the order form through the computer network, and receiving the order form.

The design criteria may include customizing indicia to be applied to the surface of the game ball. Laser engraving is one method of applying the indicia to a game ball. Laser engraving technology, described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,125, allows the manufacturer or printer to quickly customize the indicia to be applied to the game ball. This is because the image can simply be generated on or scanned into a computer, and then laser engraved on the game ball as it appears on the screen. No dedicated printing plate needs to be etched. This quick and simple laser engraving process makes it easy to solicit orders for customized game balls on which custom indicia are desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of the present method for soliciting orders for customized game balls using a computer network. Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing an integrated manufacturing process for customizing the indicia on a golf ball using a laser engraving technique.

Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an alternative integrated manufacturing process for ordering, customizing and delivering game balls with laser engraved custom indicia via a computer network. Fig. 4 illustrates the laser engraving system for applying indicia to game balls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention will be described in connection with one or more embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The preferred method of the present invention for soliciting or placing orders for customized game balls using a computer network is shown in the flow chart of Fig. 1. The preferred method generally includes the step 105 of providing a game ball order form accessible through a computer network by one or more users from one or more remote sites, the step 110 of providing one or more possible design criteria, the step 115 of requesting the user to customize a game ball by entering at least one of the design criteria on the order form, the step 125 of requesting the user to submit the order form through the computer network, and the step 130 of receiving the order form. The preferred method may also include the step 135 of determining whether to accept the order represented by the customized game ball order form, and the step 140 of manufacturing one or more customized game balls according to the customized game ball order form.

The step 105 of providing a game ball order form accessible through a computer network by one or more users from one or more remote sites may be accomplished by including such an order form on a manufacturer's, supplier's or retailer's website on the Internet. Alternatively, the order form may be sent to users via e-mail. The present method may include the step 120 of requesting various information from the user including, but not limited to, his or her name, address, place of business, work and home phone number(s), fax number, e-mail address, and credit card number and expiration date. In some circumstances, a user may be asked to provide a predetermined identification number. In an embodiment where a pro shop or retailer is placing the order with a manufacturer, this step 120 may also include requesting a predetermined identification number corresponding to that pro shop or retailer.

In accordance with the present method, the manufacturer, supplier or retailer may carry out the step 110 of providing to the user one or more possible design criteria which may be used to customize game balls. As explained below, these design criteria generally define the characteristics of a specific game ball or game balls in general. The design criteria which generally apply to all types of game balls may include the color, quantity and type of game balls. The user is then asked to customize the desired game ball by entering at least one design criterion on the order form to be applied to the customized game balls (step 115). The user may enter the desired design criteria by either typing in the desired values for each criterion, or by selecting one value from a choice of values. In the preferred embodiment, the user may choose the particular type of game ball that he or she desires to customize. For example, the user may choose to customize golf balls, footballs, basketballs, baseballs, softballs, volleyballs, soccer balls, tennis balls, or other types of game balls.

One important advantage of the present method is the ability for a user to quickly and easily order, using a computer network, game balls personalized with custom indicia or logos. As explained above, one method of applying custom indicia or logos to a game ball is by laser engraving. This method of forming indicia on a game ball is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,523,125, which is incorporated herein by reference. A brief description follows.

Fig. 4 illustrates a laser engraving system 400 for applying indicia to game balls. The illustrated laser engraving system comprises a laser gas supply 402, a laser engraver power supply 404, a laser 406, a mount fixture 412, an engraving table 410, a controller 414, and a computer terminal or workstation 416.

The laser engraving process generally includes the following steps. First, the artwork to be engraved on the game ball is selected from the appropriate database of electronically stored files. Then, the mount fixture 410 is selected and placed on the engraving table 412. The mount fixture 410 on which the game ball is placed has a slight indentation to keep the game ball 408 from rolling off the engraving table 412. The size and shape of the indentation on the mount fixture 410 depends on the height and shape of the game ball 408 being placed on it. The particular game ball 408 selected to be engraved is then placed onto the mount fixture 412, and aligned such that the area to be lasered is centered above the mount fixture 412. Next, the laser 406 is focused on the surface of the game ball to insure good artwork definition. The laser 406 is then turned on, and printing is initiated. Printing of the selected artwork onto the game ball is accomplished by movement of the engraving table in both the X and Y directions in coordination with the activation of the laser. This coordination of the laser and the movement of the engraving table is handled by the system's controller 414.

A further advantage of the present invention is that rather than applying indicia onto a completely finished game ball, the indicia may be applied to a game ball before any clear finishing or protective layers are applied to the ball. For example, golf balls are often manufactured with a clear protective top coat to maximize durability. It is possible to apply custom indicia either directly onto the top coat of the golf ball, or onto the golf ball before the top coat is applied. The latter method is more advantageous because the durability of the indicia or logo itself, in addition to the durability of the golf ball, is maximized. Because a preferred embodiment of the present method includes the step of manufacturing a certain number of customized game balls according to the customized game ball order form, it is easy to apply the indicia or logo before applying any desired protective layer. The next step 120 of the present method is to ask the user to provide any information to complete the current order. For example, the user may be asked to provide his or her name, address, place of business, work and home phone number(s), fax number, e-mail address, and credit card number and expiration date. In some circumstances, a user may be asked to provide a predetermined identification number.

Once all of the relevant and/or necessary information has been provided by the user on the game ball order form, the user is asked to submit the completed order form to the manufacturer, retailer or supplier over the computer network, thus placing the order (step 125). In a preferred embodiment, the user may be given alternative options before submitting the completed form. For example, the user may be able to clear the form and start over, revise the form, save the form in a database for a predetermined amount of time before actually placing the order, or cancel the order altogether. Once the order form is submitted by the user, the present method includes the step 130 of receiving the completed order form by a second party, generally the party who will fill the order (e.g., the manufacturer, supplier or retailer).

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the party who receives the completed order form (i.e., manufacturer, supplier, retailer) may carry out the step 135 of determining whether or not to accept the order. This feature of the present invention prevents the manufacturer, supplier or retailer from attempting to fill an impracticable or impossible order, or from filling an order for a user who has provided a false, invalid or cancelled credit card. After the party who receives the completed order form decides to accept the order (step 135), the order may be filled (step 140). One advantage of the present invention is that the manufacturing process may be integrated as part of the overall customization process. This integration may be accomplished by, for example, translating the design criteria data into manufacturing control data to be used directly by the machinery at a manufacturing facility. The manufacturing facilities, which operate to create the customized game balls, generally comprise different machines operated in a series for making the game ball. For example, there may be a ball-molding apparatus which can mold a golf ball with the dimple type selected by the user on the game ball order form. As described below, Figure 2 illustrates an integrated manufacturing process for customizing the indicia on a golf ball.

After the customized order form is accepted (step 135 of Figure 1), the order may then be received by the manufacturing facility (step 205). This may be accomplished by, for example, sending the order to the manufacturing facility via e- mail or by loading the data from the order form onto a data base accessible by the manufacturing facility. The manufacturing facility can alternatively receive the order directly from the original sender or user, without intermediate transfers. The present method may also include the step 210 of reading the specific data or information corresponding to the desired custom indicia submitted by the user. This specific data may be read and saved into a file accessible by the laser engraver which will be used to form the indicia on the game ball.

Next, the laser engraver is activated (step 215) for applying indicia to the customized game ball. This activation step 215 may include, for example, turning on the engraver, turning on the laser gas tank, resetting the required settings for laser engraving, selecting the mount fixture, placing the game ball to be engraved onto the mount fixture, aligning the laser such that the area to be lased is centered above the mount fixture, focusing the laser, placing the appropriate game ball in place for laser engraving, and running a preliminary check on the laser engraver. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each of these activation sub-steps is carried out automatically after the customized order form is received electronically by the manufacturing facility (step 205), based on the content of the customized order.

Then the laser engraver may apply the indicia onto the game ball (step 220). This application step 220 may include selecting the indicia to be printed on the game ball, loading the data or information which defines the indicia into the laser engraver's memory, selecting a print command, turning on the laser, and then operating the laser so as to physically print the selected indicia on the game ball (i.e., by moving the engraving table in both the X and Y directions in coordination with the shining of the laser). Similar to the activation step 215, each of the sub-steps of the application step 220 may be carried out automatically after the customized order form is received electronically by the manufacturing facility (step 205), based on the content of the customized order.

Another example illustrating an integrated manufacturing process of the present invention is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 illustrates a general manufacturing process for ordering, customizing and delivering game balls with custom indicia, via a computer network. As described with respect to Figure 2, after the customized order form is accepted (step 135 of Figure 1), the order may then be received by the manufacturing facility (step 305). Then, the data corresponding to the indicia is uploaded to a data spooling system connected to the game ball manufacturing facility (step 310). The data spooling system may be, for example, a database or other memory storage device. Next, the user is provided with an order identification number associated with the particular order (step 315), after which the custom indicia data is queued in a laser engraving system via software or human interface (step 320). Based on the data uploaded to the data spooling system (see step 310), the appropriate game balls (e.g., the type of game balls and the number ordered) are allocated to a laser engraving station (step 325), and the desired indicia is applied to the game ball(s) (step 330), as described above with respect to Figure 2.

According to the present invention, subsequent steps 335-355 may include placing the laser engraved game balls in the proper packaging via a computerized system (step 335), checking the user's present game ball order for accuracy (step 340), shipping the game balls to the user via a predetermined system such as, for example, ground, overnight or hand delivery (step 345), and notifying the user, via the computer network, that the order has been shipped, including providing the user with the order identification number and the shipping tracking number (step 350). The present invention may also include the step 355 of storing in memory information provided by and identifying the user. This information may include, for example, the user's name, address, phone, occupation, and prior orders. This information may then be accessed for various purposes such as, for example, to speed up future orders, or for future promotional e-mails or postal mailings from the manufacturer. In addition to laser engraving, the user may customize the game ball by entering additional desired design criteria, including design criteria specific to the chosen game ball. For example, a user may select a golf ball as the desired type of game ball to customize. Because there are certain design criteria that apply specifically to golf balls but not to other types of game balls, the present method may include providing a specific set of design criteria corresponding to golf balls. This set of golf ball design criteria may include, but are not limited to, amount of compression, coefficient of restitution, level of spin, dimple pattern, shape of dimples, number of dimples, dimple size, overall dimple volume, percent of dimple coverage, distance level, core type, cover material, cover appearance, level of control, and trajectory level. Each of these design criteria will be discussed below.

One advantage of the present invention is that a user can select any value within a range of acceptable values for certain design criteria. For example, compression may be such a customizable design criterion. Standard golf balls are generally sold with a PGA compression of 70-110. However, the present invention may allow a user to specify any compression value from within a given range of acceptable values. The acceptable values will generally be determined based on acceptable manufacturing criteria or limitations. For example, a user may be able to choose any PGA compression in multiples of 5 from within the range of 50-110, thus allowing the user to obtain a golf ball that will perfect his or her personal golf game.

The acceptable manufacturing criteria or limitations may dictate that the desired value of compression, hardness, etc. must be rounded to the nearest 10, nearest 5, nearest integer or nearest tenth of an integer. For example, if a user believes a Shore D cover hardness of 56.4 is ideal, this user would select 60 if the manufacturing criteria call for a multiple of 10, 55 if the manufacturing criteria call for a multiple of 5, 56 if the manufacturing criteria require an integer-value, or 56.4 if the manufacturing criteria allow increments of one tenth of an integer for the Shore D hardness value. This ability to select any value is discussed further below with regard to other customizable design criteria. For the level of spin of a golf ball, the possible choices may include, for example, extra high, high, medium, low, or extra low, for a specific set of conditions such as, for example, launch angle, speed, or club type. Alternatively, the user may identify a specific value of maximum 8-ιron spin such as, 8100 RPM, or a maximum driver spin such as 3400 RPM This option to specify a maximum 8-ιron or driver spin value is advantageous as it allows a user to tweak the value of spin m order to perfect his or her own golf game. The selected value for the maximum 8-ιron spin may be chosen from a range of values such as, for example, 6000 - 10000 RPM, with acceptable manufactuπng cπteπa being increments of 500 Similarly, the selected value for the maximum drive spin may be chosen from a range of values such as, for example, 2000 - 5000 RPM, with acceptable manufactuπng cπteπa being minimum increments of 500.

For the dimple pattern, the possible choices may include, for example, icosahedron, dodecahedron, single radius icosadodecahedron, dual radius icosadodecahedron, tetrahedron, and counter rotating double helix. The possible choices for the shape of the dimples on the golf ball may include, for example, circular, tear-drop, ellipsoid, or any combination of these shapes. The possible choices for the distance level of the customized golf ball may include, for example, average, long or extra long. The possible choices for core type include, for example, wound, solid or liquid, single layer, or multi-layer.

The cover mateπal design cπteπon for each layer of the cover may allow a user to select among several different mateπals such as, for example, balata, polyurethane, metallocene catalyzed polyolefin, polyamide, elastomer, lonomer, or particular blends containing lonomer or other mateπals, for example, Zmthane™ II (Trademark of Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc., Chicopee, MA), Terthane™ (Trademark of Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc., Chicopee, MA), Surlyn^® (Registered Trademark of E.I. Du Pont, Wilmington, DE), or Iotek^® (Registered Trademark of Exxon Corp.). For the level of control, the user may select, for example, low, average, high or extra high. The trajectory level is another possible design criterion, allowing a user to select, for example, an ultra low, low, medium, high, or ultra high trajectory level.

The "cover appearance" referred to above may include the incorporation of clear "windows" in the outer cover of the ball, allowing the underlying layer, such as a mantle layer, to be partially visible. Non-limiting examples of such windows are provided in U.S. Des. Nos. 410,511; 410,979; 411,599; 412,193; 410,512; 412,543; and 412,954, and U.S. Patent Application No. 09/049,868, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Other golf ball design criteria not already mentioned above, which the present method may allow a user to customize, include, but are not limited to, cover thickness

(e.g., .03 - .10 inches in increments of .01 inches), construction type (e.g., two-piece, wound, multi-layer), and cover Shore D hardness (e.g., 40 - 70, increments of 1) for various parts of the ball.

The present invention as described in this specification has numerous advantages over the prior art. For example, the present method of ordering custom game balls is more efficient, even for relatively small orders, because the order may be accessed by the manufacturing facility itself. Further, the present method of customizing game balls is much more flexible than prior customization methods in that there are many more choices available to the user. In addition, the present invention allows for a consumer to order custom golf balls from a computer terminal in a golf pro shop after the consumer has received the advice of the golf professional on what type of golf ball will suit the consumer's game. This advice may be coupled with a hitting net and feedback system in the golf pro shop.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A method, using a computer network, for soliciting orders for customized game balls, compπsing the steps of: providing a game ball order form through the computer network to be accessed by at least one user from a remote site; providing one or more possible design cπteπa, wherein one of said possible design cπteπa includes applying customized indicia to said customized game balls; requesting said at least one user to customize a game ball by enteπng at least one design cπteπon, from said one or more possible design cπteπa, on said order form, wherein at least one of said entered design cπteπa includes providing customized indicia to apply to said game ball using a laser engraver; requesting said at least one user to submit said customized game ball order form through said computer network; and receiving said customized game ball order form

2 A method according to claim 1, wherein said method compπses using the

Internet for soliciting said orders for customized game balls.

3. A method according to claim 1, further compπsing the step of manufactuπng one or more customized game balls according to said at least one design cπteπon entered by said user.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls according to said at least one design criterion entered by said user is integrated with said step of receiving said customized game ball order

form.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls comprises applying a clear top coat onto said game ball after applying said customized indicia using said laser engraver.

6. A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls comprises applying said customized indicia onto said game balls with said laser engraver.

7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of requesting said at least one user to place an order for said customized game balls comprises requesting an order for at least two different types of game balls.

8. A method according to claim 1 comprising in addition the step of determining whether to accept said customized game ball order form.

9. A method according to claim 3 comprising in addition the step of packaging the manufactured one or more customized game balls.

10. A method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing a game ball order form through the computer network to be accessed by at least one user from a remote site comprises the sending of at least one e-mail.

11. A method, using a computer network, for soliciting orders for customized game balls, comprising the steps of: providing a game ball order form through the computer network to be accessed by at least one user from a remote site; providing one or more possible design criteria, wherein one of said possible design criteria includes applying a substantially transparent window in the cover of said customized game ball; requesting said at least one user to customize a game ball by entering at least one design criterion, from said one or more possible design criteria, on said order form, wherein at least one of said entered design criteria includes providing a substantially transparent window in the cover of said game ball; requesting said at least one user to submit said customized game ball order form through said computer network; and receiving said customized game ball order form.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein said method comprises using the Internet for soliciting said orders for customized game balls.

13. A method according to claim 11 further comprising the step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls according to said at least one design criterion entered by said user.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls according to said at least one design criterion entered by said user is integrated with said step of receiving said customized game ball order form.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein said step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls comprises applying said customized indicia using a laser and applying a clear top coat onto said game ball.

16. A method according to claim 13 wherein said step of manufacturing one or more customized game balls comprises applying said customized indicia onto said game balls with said laser engraver.

17. A method according to claim 11 wherein said step of requesting said at least one user to place an order for said customized game ball comprises requesting an order for at least two different types of game balls.

18. A method according to claim 11 comprising in addition the step of determining whether to accept said customized game ball order form.

19. A method according to claim 13 comprising in addition the step of packaging the manufactured one or more customized game balls according to said at least one design criteria.

20. A method of claim 11 wherein the step of providing a game ball order form through the computer network to be accessed by at least one user from a remote site comprises the sending of at least one e-mail.

21. A method according to claim 3 wherein said step of manufacturing comprises manufacturing one or more customized golf balls according to said at least one design criterion entered by said user.