WO2004085011A1

WO2004085011A1 - Anti-theft golf ball and method

Info

Publication number: WO2004085011A1
Application number: PCT/IB2004/050334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Johann Peter Rupert
Original assignee: Johann Peter Rupert
Priority date: 2003-03-25
Filing date: 2004-03-25
Publication date: 2004-10-07

Abstract

A golf ball designed specifically for off-course use has at least one physical characteristic - preferably its diameter and/or its weight - that does not comply with the golf ball standard of a golf association. The non-compliant characteristic can be consistently identified for non-compliance with the standard using an appropriate measurement device, but the flight, performance, look and feel of the modified golf ball preferably remains the same or substantially the same as that of a typical regulation golf ball (i.e., a spherical, symmetrical golf ball with D = 1.680 inches and W = 1.620 ounces) so that the existence of the non-compliant characteristic itself is not readily perceptible to a player without the use of a suitable measurement device. By providing users of an off-course site with the non-compliant balls and advising them of their non-compliance, the theft of the balls can be discouraged and deterred.

Description

ANTI-THEFT GOLF BALL AND METHOD

FIELD OF INVENTION:

The present invention relates to the sport of golf and more particularly to a golf ball and method for deterring the theft of golf balls from an off-course golfing site, such as a driving range.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION:

The game of golf is one of the oldest and most popular sports throughout the world. Golf equipment, especially the golf ball, has changed considerably over the years. Very early on, balls were hand-made from wood and, later, from feathers encased in a leather cover. Both lacked uniform standards as well as general robustness. Subsequently, moulds were introduced to produce balls that were more uniform in terms of size and weight. Modern golf balls - which generally consist of a solid or liquid core that is covered with dimpled enamel (in many cases with a rubber thread first wound around the core) — have since become complex products of chemical and material engineering. See, for example, United States Patent Nos. 6,068,561, 6,290,613, 6,465,546, and 6,508,725, the contents of each being incorporated herein by reference. Since the early twentieth century, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient (R&A) Golf Club of St. Andrews have jointly written and interpreted the Rules of Golf to guard the tradition and integrity of the game. During that time, the prescribed standards for the size and weight of a golf ball have varied and evolved somewhat. Initially, the USGA and the R&A agreed that a golf ball should have a weight (W) < 1.62 ounces and a diameter (D) > 1.62 inches (where 1 ounce avoirdupois ~ 28.35 grams; 1 inch « 2.54 cm). Several years later, the USGA reconsidered and introduced a standard for a lighter, but larger, ball with W < 1.55 ounces and D > 1.68 inches. The weight requirement in the USGA specification was soon changed back to require that W < 1.62 ounces again. Subsequent attempts to standardize the diameter requirement of the ball at D >1.66 inches failed, and the smaller ball was eventually outlawed by the R&A entirely, with the USGA-specified diameter generally becoming universally accepted.

As is well known, the game of golf is conventionally played on a regulation golf course where golfers can play a full 18-hole round (or sometimes a half-round of only 9 holes) of golf and where the Rules of Golf generally apply, particularly for tournament play. At the same time, off-course sites, such as driving ranges and mini- putt courses, are frequently used by both seasoned and amateur golfers to practise their shots or simply for general amusement. Due to the unofficial, more relaxed, and practice-oriented nature of these off-course sites, there is no requirement that the Rules of Golf be strictly adhered to on them.

Unfortunately, the theft of golf balls from off-course sites has become a significant problem for the golf industry. More particularly, golf balls stolen from golf driving ranges, mini-golf courses, and other such sites are increasingly being used - or worse, sold - for later play on golf courses. These thefts cost owners of such off- course facilities considerably. Furthermore, potential purchasers of these stolen balls may be misled in terms of the quality, previous usage, and remaining "life" of these balls. While attempts have been made to prevent ball theft by placing identifiable marks or labels such as "RANGE BALL" onto balls, these markings can be easily removed by unscrupulous individuals who repaint, refinish, or even re-cover the balls. Consequently, it would be very desirable if such golf ball thefts could be better deterred and thereby curtailed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION:

The present invention seeks to prevent golf ball theft from off-course sites for later use on a golf course by providing a golf ball that is designed specifically for off- course use and that is not suitable, i.e., is not legal, for use on a golf course. In accordance with the invention, at least one of the physical characteristics of a regulation ball - preferably the diameter and/or weight - is intentionally modified so that the ball does not comply with the rules of a golf association, in particular the "Rules of Golf ' established jointly by the USGA and the R&A.

The design modification to the ball is such that it consistently exceeds any permitted tolerance (or variance) in regulation balls, so that the modified characteristic can be consistently measured, and thereby identified for non- compliance with the standard, using an appropriate measurement device. Preferably, the flight, performance and feel of the modified golf ball is the same or substantially the same as that of a typical regulation golf ball (i.e., a spherical, symmetrical golf ball with D = 1.680 inches and W = 1.620 ounces) so that the existence of the modified, non-compliant characteristic is not readily perceptible to a player without the use of a suitable measurement device.

The modified, non-compliant golf ball can be used in a method of discouraging and deterring golf ball theft from an off-course golf site. In this method, a plurality of dedicated off-course golf balls is provided for use on the off-course golf site. Each off-course golf ball has at least one externally measurable physical characteristic that is non-compliant with a specification for that characteristic in a golf ball standard. Users of the off-course golf site are then advised about the non- compliance of the off-course golf balls with the golf ball standard, in order to deter theft of the off-course golf balls for later use on a golf course (where balls that are fully-compliant with the golf ball standard are required to be used). As indicated above, the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic may comprise the diameter and or the weight of the ball.

Preferably, on a golf course requiring the use of fully-compliant golf balls, one or more measurement devices suitable for readily identifying the non-compliance of one of the off-course golf balls with the golf ball standard are also provided. Players may then advised to use the measurement devices to test golf balls - both their own balls and those of others they are playing with - for compliance with the golf ball standard. Similarly, such measurements devices are also preferably provided at a location where golf balls are sold. In this manner, potential purchasers can be advised to use the measurement devices to test golf balls offered for sale for compliance with the golf ball standard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: The objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood and more readily apparent when the following description is considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, preferred embodiments of the invention and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a typical golf ball having the maximum weight and minimum size permitted by the current golf ball standard; Fig. 2 is a perspective view comparing the ball of Fig. 1 with a modified golf ball in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a top view of a golf ball ring gauge suitable for detecting the non- compliance of the modified ball in Fig. 2 with the size specifications of a golf ball standard; Fig. 4 is a perspective view comparing the ball of Fig. 1 with a modified golf ball in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a method of preventing golf ball theft from off-course sites in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The specifications in the current USGA and R&A standard, as set forth in "The Rules of Golf ', App. Ill, require that a golf ball have W < 1.620 ounces (or 45.93 g) and D > 1.680 inches (or 4.267 cm). The Rules of Golf, App. Ill indicate that the diameter specification is satisfied if a ball, under its own weight, falls tlirough a 1.680 inch diameter ring gauge in fewer than 25 out of 100 randomly selected positions, the test being carried out at a temperature of 23 °C +/-1 °C. The Rules of Golf, App. Ill additionally specify that a regulation golf ball must not: be designed, manufactured or intentionally modified to have properties that differ from a spherical, symmetrical ball; exceed an overall distance standard when tested on an approved device; or exceed an initial velocity standard when tested on an approved device.

For the most part, a heavier and smaller golf ball exhibits performance advantages in terms of flight path and distance travelled. As a result, most compliant balls are presently designed to have the maximum weight (1.620 ounces) and minimum size (1.680 inches) permitted by the current golf ball standard.

Consequently, most players of the game are accustomed to playing with a golf ball having the above diameter and weight characteristics. Fig. 1 shows such a typical golf ball 10. As is well known, golf ball 10 is spherically and symmetrically shaped and has a plurality of dimples 12 on its outer surface 14. Typically, golf ball 10 has between 350 and 500 dimples of differing sizes and arranged in a precise geometrical pattern around the ball's surface (e.g., in icosahedral, dodecahedral, or octahedral patterns) to provide improved aerodynamic performance. As indicated in Fig. 1, the diameter D of regulation golf ball 10 (or equivalently the diameter of a circular cross-section through the centre of ball 10) is 1.680 inches. The weight W of ball 10, also indicated in Fig. 1, is 1.620 ounces as measured by a suitably accurate and precise (e.g., to within +/- .01 g) weighing scale or balance.

In accordance with the present invention, to prevent the theft of golf balls from an off-course site for later use on a golf course, a modified golf ball is provided having at least one externally measurable physical characteristic that is non-compliant with the rules or standards of a golf association, principally the "Rules of Golf ' established jointly by the USGA and the R&A. The modified physical characteristic of the ball is preferably its diameter and/or its weight. Since the modified ball is not legal or approved for regulation play on golf courses, it is intended for off-course use only. As described below, by providing customers and users of an off-course site with such non-regulation balls, the proprietor of an off-course golf site can greatly discourage theft of those balls for later on-course play.

The modification of the physical characteristic from that of a standard golf ball consistently exceeds any permitted tolerance (or variance) for golf balls that are compliant with the standard, so that the modified characteristic can be consistently measured, and thereby identified for non-compliance with the standard, using an appropriate measurement device. Preferably, the modified golf ball's flight, performance, look, and feel are the same or substantially the same as that of a typical regulation golf ball (such as ball 10 in Fig. 1) with D = 1.680 inches and W = 1.620 ounces. In this manner, the existence of the modified, non-compliant characteristic is not readily perceptible to a player without the use of a suitable measurement device. This is advantageous to off-course users who typically desire that their off-course golf shots mimic and simulate actual on-course play as closely as possible. As noted below, although it is preferred that the non-compliance of the particular physical characteristic itself is substantially imperceptible to a player, the player will generally still be advised of the non-compliance of a ball through other means such as markings on the ball, signs about an off-course golfing facility, or announcements.

In one embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 2, a modified golf ball 20 comprises a ball having a diameter, D', that is smaller than the 1.680 inches of ball 10, but that is otherwise fully-compliant with the Rules of Golf in terms of its weight, shape and other standard-required characteristics. Preferably, the non-compliant diameter D' is between 0.010 inches and 0.030 inches below the minimum required diameter in the golf ball standard (i.e., D' varies from 1.650-1.670 inches). In specific examples, a ball in this embodiment may have D' = 1.670 inches or D' = 1.660 inches, however other diameters having a non-compliant size that is readily-identifiable using an appropriate measurement device but otherwise substantially imperceptible to a user may also be selected.

Modified golf ball 20 may be tested for non-compliance with the Rules of Golf size specifications by using, for example, a diameter ring gauge 30 as illustrated in Fig. 3. Gauge 30 has a frame 32 with an appropriately sized and shaped aperture 34 for checking whether a golf ball complies with the regulation size specification. In one embodiment, aperture 34 is circular and sized such that a regulation golf ball having a diameter of 1.680 inches or greater cannot fit or be pressed through it. A player or potential golf ball purchaser, by fitting ball 20 through aperture 34 (using some pressure if necessary), can thereby readily determine that ball 20 is not compliant with the current golf ball standard. One commercially available golf ball gauge suitable for testing the size of modified golf balls 20 in this manner is the Accu- Chek™ Golf Ball Gauge manufactured by OK Automation in Reading, PA, USA. The Accu-Chek™ Golf Ball Gauge has a hole marked "NO-GO" that is sized similarly to aperture 34 as described above.

In another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Fig. 4, a modified golf ball 40 comprises a ball having a weight, W, that is greater than the 1.620 ounce weight of the typical compliant ball 10, but that is otherwise fully- compliant with the Rules of Golf in terms of its size, shape and other standard- required characteristics. Preferably, the non-compliant weight W is between 0.010 ounces and 0.030 ounces above the maximum allowed weight in the golf ball standard (i.e., W varies from 1.630-1.650 ounces). In specific examples, a ball in this embodiment may have W = 1.630 ounces or W = 1.640 ounces, however other non- compliant weights that are substantially imperceptible to a user while still being readily-identifiable using an appropriate weight measurement device may also be used.

As described above, a suitably accurate and precise weighing scale may be used to measure the weight W of the heavier, modified ball in this embodiment. Alternatively, weight compliance may be checked with an automated or manual balance device that simply compares the weight of a received ball to the known maximum permitted weight in the golf ball standard (i.e., 1.620 ounces) and provides a simple indication of non-compliance when the ball being checked is determined to be heavier.

In another embodiment of the present invention (not shown), the modified golf has a diameter, D', that is smaller than the 1.680 inches of the typical compliant ball 10 and a weight, W, that is greater than the 1.620 ounces of ball 10. The ball is otherwise fully-compliant with the Rules of Golf. For example, a modified ball in this embodiment may have D' = 1.670 inches and W = 1.630 ounces. As will be appreciated in view of the description above, many other combinations of non- compliant diameter and weight characteristics can also be used. One advantage of the modified ball being non-compliant in terms of both its size and weight is that a measurement device suitable for measuring either ball size or weight can be used, and therefore non-compliance can be more readily detected.

The non-compliant golf balls described above may be manufactured using any existing golf ball materials and processes, by simply adjusting the process, and/or the amount or type of materials used in the process, to generate a ball with the desired non-compliant physical characteristic(s). Once such a non-compliant ball has been manufactured, it may be tested using existing techniques to ensure that its performance, flight, and any other parameters are the same or substantially the same as a typical standard-compliant ball manufactured by the same or similar process. As noted above, and described in greater detail below, the modified, non- compliant golf ball of the present invention may be advantageously used to discourage the theft of the balls from an off-course golf site. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of a preferred method of preventing golf ball theft from off- course sites.

Referring to Fig. 5, at step 50, users of an off-course golfing site (such as a driving range or mini-putt facility) are provided with one or more types of non- compliant golf balls, as described above. Preferably, the off-course golfing site users are provided with the non-compliant golf balls only. As indicated at step 52, the off- course golfing site users (and other individuals who may have access to the site, such as staff or trespassers) are also advised that the balls are not compliant with the relevant golf ball standard, i.e., the Rules of Golf, App. III. In this manner, these individuals are made aware that the golf balls being used are unsuitable and illegal for use in on-course play (e.g., tournaments), and consequently will be strongly discouraged from stealing the non-compliant balls for later on-course play. Advising users and other individuals on the site of the balls' non-compliance may be accomplished in a number of different ways. For example, informative markings and warnings may be placed on the non-compliant balls (even if later removed), on baskets or containers for carrying the balls, and/or on signs about the off-course facility. Alternatively or in addition, individuals may be informed of ball non- compliance by way of public address announcement or simply by site staff.

To further improve the effectiveness of the present invention in deterring golf ball theft, additional steps are also preferably taken at sites where golf balls are sold and/or at golf course sites, as shown in steps 54-56 and 58-60 respectively. More particularly, at locations where golf balls are sold - especially locations where used golf balls are sold - suitable measurement devices for checking for ball non- compliance are preferably provided, as shown at step 54. Potential buyers are then preferably encouraged (e.g., by way of signs or announcements) to check the balls for compliance using those measurement devices before purchasing them. This is indicated at step 56 in Fig. 5. In this manner, a seller of golf balls can assure a purchaser that the balls being purchased are not the non-compliant balls used on the off-course golfing facility in step 50. Additionally, suitable measurement devices for checking for ball non- compliance are also preferably provided on golf courses (as indicated at step 58), and players on those golf courses may then be encouraged to use the measurement devices to ascertain whether their own balls and their fellow players' balls are compliant with the requisite golf ball standard (as indicated at step 60). The measurement devices may be provided at various locations on or near the golf course, such as at club houses or next to ball-washing posts off tee greens. Alternatively, users may be encouraged to carry their own measurement devices, such as ball ring gauges. Although steps 58 and 60 may be carried out on any golf course, they will be especially advantageous on golf courses that are affiliated with and/or located near the off-course golfing facility in step 50. For example, many golf courses have a practice driving range next to the course, and the above-described method will be particularly suitable for discouraging theft of range balls from such sites.

The above-described method of preventing golf ball theft is unlike any anti- theft technique previously proposed. Furthermore, while golf balls that do not comply with the current standard, in particular balls having a diameter of less than 1.680 inches or a weight of more than 1.620 ounces, have very generally been proposed or suggested in the past, such non-standard golf balls are intended to perform differently from a standard golf ball and/or to appear physically different from such a ball. Balls that comply with the rules but have atypical specifications have similarly been produced - for example, the "oversized" Top Flite XL 2000 Magna™ manufactured by Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc. with D = 1.72 inches. Again, such balls are typically designed to perform somewhat differently.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that numerous alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. For instance, although extensive reference is made above to the current golf ball standard as set out in the Rules of Golf, App. Ill promulgated by the USGA and R&A, it will be appreciated that the invention may also be applied to a different golf standard should the Rules of Golf change or be replaced or should competing standards be introduced.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A golf ball having a plurality of externally measurable physical characteristics, wherein: at least one of the externally measurable physical characteristics is non- compliant with a specification for that characteristic in a golf ball standard; the non-compliance of each such externally measurable physical characteristic with the corresponding specification in the golf ball standard is readily and consistently identifiable using a measurement device for that particular physical characteristic; and the non-compliance of each such externally measurable physical characteristic with the corresponding specification in the golf ball standard is substantially imperceptible to a user of said ball.

2. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic comprises the diameter of the ball and the specification for the diameter in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a diameter not less than a minimum diameter.

3. The golf ball of claim 2 wherein the diameter of the golf ball is between 0.010 and .030 inches smaller than the minimum diameter.

4. The golf ball of claim 3 wherein the minimum diameter equals 1.680 inches and the diameter of the golf ball is substantially equal to one of the following: 1.670 inches and 1.680 inches.

5. The golf ball of claim 2 wherein the measurement device for measuring the diameter of the ball comprises a diameter ring gauge.

6. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic comprises the weight of the ball and the specification for the weight in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a weight not more than a maximum weight.

7. The golf ball of claim 6 wherein the weight of the golf ball is between 0.010 and .030 ounces greater than the maximum weight.

8. The golf ball of claim 7 wherein the maximum weight equals 1.620 ounces and the weight of the golf ball is substantially equal to one of the following: 1.630 ounces and 1.640 ounces.

9. The golf ball of claim 1 wherein the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic comprises both the diameter of the ball and the weight of the ball, the specification for the diameter in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a diameter not less than 1.680 inches and the specification for the weight in the golf ball standard requires that the a compliant ball have a weight not more than 1.620 ounces.

10. A method of deterring theft of golf balls from an off-course golf site comprising: providing a plurality of dedicated off-course golf balls for use on the off- course golf site, wherein each off-course golf ball has at least one externally measurable physical characteristic that is non-compliant with a specification for that characteristic in a golf ball standard; and advising users of said off-course golf site about the non-compliance of said off-course golf balls with the golf ball standard in order to deter theft of said off- course golf balls for later use on a golf course requiring the use of golf balls that are fully-compliant with the golf ball standard.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic comprises the diameter of the ball and the specification for the diameter in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a diameter not less than a minimum diameter.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic comprises the weight of the ball and the specification for the weight in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a weight not more than a maximum weight.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the at least one externally measurable physical characteristic comprises both the diameter of the ball and the weight of the ball, the specification for the diameter in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a diameter not less than a minimum diameter, and the specification for the weight in the golf ball standard requires that a compliant ball have a weight not more than a maximum weight.

14. The method of claim 10 wherein the non-compliance of each such externally measurable physical characteristic with the corresponding specification in the golf ball standard is substantially imperceptible to a user of said ball.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein advising users about the non-compliance comprises providing one or more markings on the balls to indicate such non- compliance.

16. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing, on a golf course requiring the use of fully-compliant golf balls, one or more measurement devices suitable for readily identifying the non-compliance of one of said off-course golf balls with the golf ball standard.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising advising a player on the golf course to use the one or more measurement devices to test golf balls for compliance with the golf ball standard.

18. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing, at a location where golf balls are sold, one or more measurement devices suitable for readily identifying the non-compliance of one of said off-course golf balls with the golf ball standard.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising advising a potential purchaser at the location where golf balls are sold to use the one or more measurement devices to test golf balls that are offered for sale for compliance with the golf ball standard.