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Marking of Golf Balls Using Luminescent and Optically-Stimulable Glasses

a technology of luminescent and optical stimulation, applied in the field of anti-counterfeiting systems using compound additives, can solve the problem of inherently difficult access to the place of golf balls

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-05-21
ACUSHNET CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a golf ball with a special glass powder that can be invisible to the naked eye. This glass powder is added to the cover layer of the golf ball and can be activated by an external excitation source. The glass powder emits light that can be detected using a UV light. The cover layer of the golf ball is made of materials like ionomers or polyurethanes. The technical effect of this invention is to provide a golf ball with a unique and visually-appealing appearance.

Problems solved by technology

However, the ‘marking’ of products in a manner that is not obvious to the unscrupulous counterfeiter, yet that are robust enough to remain on the product without any deleterious effects, is not a trivial matter.
Unfortunately, such placement is inherently difficult to access when it is desired to read the label.

Method used

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  • Marking of Golf Balls Using Luminescent and Optically-Stimulable Glasses
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  • Marking of Golf Balls Using Luminescent and Optically-Stimulable Glasses

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Embodiment Construction

[0013]The invention is directed to incorporation of fluorescent anti-counterfeiting additives into a product, preferably a golf ball or packaging therefore, via a compound, masterbatch, component, ink or paint system, or other appropriate manufacturing process step. In this manner, the anti-counterfeiting tag is integral to the product, and cannot be separated.

[0014]In a preferred embodiment, the addition of specifically formulated covert additives to golf component parts (such as golf ball cover layers or golf club paint systems) enable positive identification as an authentic product. The additive may be in the form of an engineered taggant (derived from melamine particles and rare earth elements) or an inert chemical tracer. Each of these emerging technologies represents an inexpensive way of positively identifying authentic product.

[0015]In an alternative embodiment, the present invention may be combined or utilized with an ‘in-shop kiosk’ housing appropriate portable scanning te...

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PUM

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Abstract

A golf ball comprising a core; a cover layer; and an additive comprising an optically-stimulable glass powder that is invisible to the naked eye without an external excitation source.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 940,420, filed Nov. 15, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to anti-counterfeiting systems using compound additives and, in particular, addition of specifically formulated covert additives to golf component parts, such as golf ball, club, or shoe component layers, paints, or ink systems, to enable positive identification as an authentic product.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Golf equipment counterfeiting represents a multi-million dollar industry, and one that has impact on all legitimate product manufacturers. Many of these manufacturers have investigated countermeasures to deter counterfeiters, including covert packaging markings, inks, holograms (and possibly other means of protection of which the inventor is unaware).[0004]Obviously, labels that are not apparent to the naked eye are desired for many manufactured articles...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A63B37/12
CPCA63B37/0022
Inventor HEBERT, EDMUND A.LACY, WILLIAM B.
Owner ACUSHNET CO