TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to golf balls. More specifically, the present invention is a uniquely designed golf ball with improved performance compared to existing golf balls.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The need to improve existing equipment has always been needed as technology and society evolved from one generation to the next generation. Within the golf industry, golf balls are of primary importance and the design of golf balls is constantly being reviewed to achieve higher levels of performance.

[0003] Conventional golf balls typically comprise a solid core made of a material such as synthetic rubber which is surrounded by a number of layers of synthetic material (such as synthetic rubber, ionomers and/or thermoplastic) placed in abutment with one another. An outer cover is then placed around the layers of synthetic material.

[0004] However, conventional golf balls suffer from the drawback that, due to their construction, the energy that is transferred to the ball after being hit by a golf club is not necessarily transferred in a balanced and symmetrical manner through the inner layers of the ball. In these instances, the failure to transfer energy balanced and symmetrical manner can result in a reduction of both the velocity and accuracy of the ball.

[0005] Thus, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a golf ball that provides improved performance in terms of accuracy, efficiency, velocity, and so on in comparison to existing golf balls. The present invention provides a uniquely designed golf ball with a plurality of internal layers. The present invention uses smart materials with strategic design and placement of materials which increases, magnifies, and enhances performance and lifespan.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved golf ball, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a golf ball comprising:

An outer cover member;

An inner core member;

A mantle member located between the cover member and the core member; and

A first chamber member located between the outer cover member and the mantle member and a second chamber member located between the mantle member and the inner core member;

Wherein the mantle member, the first chamber member and the second chamber member are spaced apart radially from the outer cover member and the inner core member such that a cavity is formed between each adjacent member in the golf ball.

[0009] The outer cover member may be of any suitable form. Preferably, however the outer cover member is conventional in nature, and may be substantially sphere-shaped with a surface design (comprising, in particular a plurality of dimples). Preferably, the cover member is of a specific shape and size as stipulated by the Rules of Golf.

[0010] The inner core member may be of any suitable form. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner core member may comprise a substantially sphere-shaped member. The inner core member may be hollow (and preferably filled with a liquid such as, but not limited to, water, corn syrup or the like, or a combination thereof), or may be solid. Preferably, the inner core member comprises the innermost layer of the golf ball.

[0011] The inner core member may be fabricated from any suitable material. Preferably, however, the inner core member may be fabricated from polymeric materials, such as polybutadiene, acrylate or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the inner core member may be fabricated from a synthetic resin material (such as an ionomer). In some embodiments, the inner core member may include metallic members (fibres, pieces or the like. Any suitable metallic material may be used, although in a preferred embodiment, the metallic material may comprise tungsten, titanium or the like.

[0012] The mantle member may be of any suitable form. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the mantle member may comprise a substantially sphere-shaped member. Specifically, the mantle member may comprise a hollow substantially sphere-shaped member. It is envisaged that, in use, the mantle member may be housed substantially entirely within the outer cover member. Further, it is envisaged that, in use, the inner core member may be housed substantially entirely within the mantle member.

[0013] As previously stated, a first chamber member is located between the outer cover member and the mantle member and a second chamber member is located between the mantle member and the inner core member. The chamber members may be of any suitable form, although it is envisaged that the chamber members may be configured to retain the mantle members and core members in place within the golf ball.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the chamber members are substantially spherical, and the mantle member and inner core member may be configured to be located therewithin. The chamber members may be sealed members, such that no openings exist in the chamber members. In this embodiment, the chamber members (and, more specifically, the interior of the chamber members) may be configured to be provided under a sub-atmospheric pressure. Any suitable sub-atmospheric pressure may be used. For instance, in some embodiments, the chamber members may be placed under at least a partial vacuum. Thus, in some embodiments, the chamber members may comprise vacuum chambers.

[0015] In some embodiments of the invention, at least a portion of the inner core member, the chamber members and/or the mantle members may include one or more openings therein. In this embodiment of the invention, two or more cavities within the golf ball may share the same sub-atmospheric pressure.

[0016] The chamber members may be fabricated from any suitable material. Preferably, however, the chamber members may be fabricated from polymeric materials, such as polybutadiene, acrylate or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the chamber members may be fabricated from a synthetic resin material (such as an ionomer).

[0017] As previously stated, the mantle member, the first chamber member and the second chamber member are spaced apart radially from the outer cover member and the inner core member. Thus, it is envisaged that the diameter of the first chamber member may be greater than the diameter of the mantle member, but less than the diameter of the outer cover member, while the diameter of the second chamber member may be greater than the diameter of the inner core member but less than the diameter of the mantle member.

[0018] By spacing the mantle member, the first chamber member and the second chamber member apart radially from both the outer cover member and the inner core member, a cavity is formed between each adjacent member in the golf ball. The mantle member, the first chamber member and the second chamber member may be spaced apart equidistantly from one another, or may be spaced apart at different distances to one another. It is envisaged that the spacing of the members within the golf ball may be varied to vary the performance of the golf ball in use. The spacing of the members within the golf ball may therefore be varied depending on the performance of the golf ball desired by an individual user.

[0019] The mantle member and the chamber members may be provided within any suitable wall thickness. For instance, the wall thickness of the mantle member and the chamber members may be between 0.1 mm and 10mm. More preferably, the wall thickness of the mantle member and the chamber members may be between 0.5mm and 5mm. The wall thickness of each member within the golf ball may be the same. Alternatively, the wall thickness of different members within the golf ball may differ to one another. It is envisaged that the wall thickness of the members within the golf ball may be varied to vary the performance of the golf ball in use. The wall thickness of the members within the golf ball may therefore be varied depending on the performance of the golf ball desired by an individual user.

[0020] In some embodiments, two or more mantle members may be provided between the outer cover member and the inner core member.

[0021] The mantle members may be fabricated from any suitable material. The mantle members may be fabricated from the same material or may be fabricated from different materials. Preferably, however, the one or more mantle members may be fabricated from polymeric materials, such as polybutadiene, acrylate or the like. In some embodiments of the invention, the mantle members may be fabricated from a synthetic resin material (such as an ionomer).

[0022] Preferably, the mantle members may comprise substantially sphere-shaped members. Specifically, the mantle members may comprise hollow substantially sphere-shaped members.

[0023] In embodiments of the invention in which two or more mantle members are present, it is envisaged that a chamber member may be located between each adjacent pair of mantle members. In this way, a chamber member may comprise every second layer of the golf ball between the outer cover member and the inner core member. It is envisaged that, in embodiments in which two or more mantle members are present, a cavity may be created between each member within the golf ball.

[0024] Preferably, the mantle members, the chamber members and the inner core member may be retained in place within the golf ball, such that they are substantially precluded from movement relative to one another and the outer cover member. Any suitable technique may be used. For instance, the mantle members, the chamber members and the inner core member may be retained in place using one or more locating members (such as pins or the like). In other embodiments of the invention, adhesives may be used to retain the mantle members, the chamber members and the inner core member in place. In further embodiments, a polymeric material (such as a resin) may be located between the mantle members, the chamber members and the inner core member in order to retain the members in place.

[0025] Each member within the golf ball may be retained in place relative to the other members using the same technique, or using a different technique. For instance, the cavity between the outer cover member and an adjacent chamber member (or between a mantle member and a chamber member located inwardly towards the inner core member from the mantle member) may be provided with resin or adhesives. Flowever, the cavity between a chamber member and a mantle member (or the inner core member) located inwardly towards the centre of the golf ball from the chamber member may be provided with one or more pins or the like to maintain the layers in position relative to one another.

[0026] As previously stated, the chamber members may be configured to be placed under a sub-atmospheric pressure. Thus, it is envisaged that at least the cavities between a chamber member and an adjacent member located inwardly of the chamber member towards the centre of the golf ball may be provided at sub-atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, every cavity within the golf ball may be provided at sub-atmospheric pressure.

[0027] The sub-atmospheric pressure in each cavity may be the same. Alternatively, the sub-atmospheric pressure in the cavities may be different to that in other cavities. It is envisaged that the pressure between the members within the golf ball may be varied to vary the performance of the golf ball in use. The pressure between the members within the golf ball may therefore be varied depending on the performance of the golf ball desired by an individual user.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material from which the components of the golf ball are fabricated (i.e. the outer cover member, the mantle members, the chamber members and the inner core member) may be resiliently deformable. In this way, the golf ball may deform under the force provided by the impact with a golf ball (allowing for the transfer of energy through the golf ball) but will substantially retain its shape so that the golf ball may be used on multiple occasions.

[0029] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Firstly, the present invention provides an improvement over existing golf balls with a unique interior design and structure. The present invention has a unique interior design comprising a plurality of internal members that form internal layers within the golf ball. Each internal layer has a function individually. In addition, all of the internal layers are complimentary to each other in the overall objective of the present invention. Between at least some of the members, there exist cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure which also assist with improving the performance of the golf ball. The wall thickness and the material of each member may vary depending on the desired results and performance of the user.

[0030] The process of implosion and explosion of energy from a golf club to the golf ball is applied to the golf ball. Each individual member receives energy from a collision with a golf club. The energy will initially pass from the golf club to the outer cover member. The energy will continue to move from the cover, through the mantle members and chamber members until it reaches the inner core The energy then continues to transfer from the inner core through the mantle members and chamber members to the outer cover member which will initiate the motion of the golf ball. The reformation/decompression process of the golf ball is balanced and symmetrical at release which produces significant performance advantages, such as improved accuracy. The retention and release of energy from the implosion and explosion maximizes the resultant velocity in an efficient and systematic manner. The energy is received and stored in the internal area of the golf ball and released in a symmetrical manner to the outer area of the golf ball.

[0031] The one or more cavities between members that are at sub-atmospheric pressure may be strategically placed to relieve the stress and shock on each of the outer cover member, the mantle members, the chamber members and the inner core member as a result of impact from being hit by a golf club.

[0032] In some embodiments, the chamber members, the mantle members and the inner core member may have substantially smooth surfaces. In other embodiments, at least a portion of the chamber members, the mantle members and the inner core member may be provided with a surface that is provided with a plurality of abutting substantially hexagonal surface portions. In this way, at least a portion of the chamber members, the mantle members and the inner core member may be provided with a honeycomb structure on the surface thereof. It is envisaged that the honeycomb structure may add a natural stillness and acoustic organization which may further enhance the symmetricity of the golf ball. The unique design and structure of the members may replicate the Fibonacci sequence and fractal design which ay assist in enhancing the symmetricity and self-organization to elements in use.

[0033] The volume of the cavities between members may vary based on the characteristics of the materials selected for use. In addition, the volume of the cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure may be related to the volume of the golf ball and its desired performance characteristics by the user. It is envisaged that the cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure may allow for expansion of the inner mass and members of the golf ball under impact conditions and provide usable space for the receiving and distributing of energy. The compression of the golf ball under such conditions will occur inside the cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure without damage or distortion to any components of the ball. The absorption of energy into the cavities at sub- atmospheric pressure inside the ball then provides a natural trigger reaction leading to the systematic release of energy. The cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure may exist between each internal member of the golf ball or particularly selected position between the internal member depending on the user's need which can vary the number of cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure found within a golf ball. Note that different numbers of cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure may be found within a golf ball to alter performance during use.

[0034] It is envisaged that each member and the plurality of cavities at sub-atmospheric pressure can be altered and modified accordingly to the user when it comes to volume, wall thickness, material, or the like. The alteration and modification of the internal structure of the present invention may vary depending on the intended performance characteristics of a particular ball related to the intended users. The present invention features the use of smart materials to create the golf ball as a whole or in particular areas of the golf ball to highlight the new design and technology. With the unique design and structure of the inner components of the present invention, the features, the characteristics, and the benefits may be magnified which will allow for self-organization of shape and subsequent flight characteristics.

[0035] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0036] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0037] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0038] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention showing the layers thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a golf ball 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 illustrates the outer cover member 11 of the golf ball. The outer cover member 11 is essentially conventional in nature, being substantially spherical and being provided with a surface pattern comprising a plurality of dimples 12.

[0042] Figure 2 and 3 illustrate cross-sectional and exploded views, respectively, of a golf ball 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. These Figures illustrate that the golf ball comprises an outer cover member 11 and an inner core member 13. Both the outer cover member 11 and the inner core member 13 are substantially spherical, although the outer cover member 11 is substantially hollow, while the inner core member 13 is a solid member.

[0043] A plurality of mantle members 14, 15, 16 are located within the inner cover member 11 and are spaced between the outer cover member 11 and the inner core member 13. Located between each of the members 11 , 13, 14, 15, 16 is a chamber member 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d.

[0044] It is envisaged that a cavity 18 between the outer cover member 11 and the chamber member 17a (and between the mantle members 14, 15, 16 and the chamber member 17b, 17c, 17d adjacent thereto and located inwardly towards the inner core member 13 may be at least partially filled with resin or adhesive in order to maintain the members 11 , 13, 14, 15, 16, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d in position relative to one another.

[0045] Cavities 19 between chamber member 17d and the inner core member 13 or cavities 19 between chamber members 17a, 17b, 17c and mantle members 14, 15, 16 spaced adjacent to, and inwardly of, each chamber member 17a, 17b, 17c are provided with a sub-atmospheric pressure therein. In this embodiment, it is envisaged that one or more pins or the like (not shown) are used to retain the chamber members 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d and the inner core member 13 or mantle members 14, 15, 16 in position relative to one another.

[0046] In other embodiments, all of the cavities 18, 19 may be provided at sub-atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, pins (not shown) and/or resin (not shown) may be located in at least a portion of the cavities 18, 19 in order to maintain the members 11 , 13, 14, 15, 16, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d in fixed position relative to one another.

[0047] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0048] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0049] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.