ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE HAVING ILLUSION OF DIMPLED GOLF BALL SURFACE AND METHOD OF CREATING THE SAME

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising a substrate material (20) and a pattern of images (32) disposed on it.

Description: ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE HAVING ILLUSION OF DIMPLED GOLF BALL SURFACE AND METHOD OF CREATING THE SAME FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is broadly directed to articles of manufacture, but is more particularly directed to articles of manufacture having a pattern thereon which provides the illusion of the dimpled surface of a golf ball. The present invention is also directed to a method of creating an illusion of the dimpled exterior of a golf ball on a surface. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The game of golf is widely popular throughout the world. From its origins in Scotland, golf has spread to numerous countries and has become the favored pastime of a large community of golfers. Numerous golf courses have been designed and built throughout the United States and other countries, and such courses are often heavily frequented. The popularity of the game of golf has resulted in the spin-off of commercial products relating to, signifying, and endorsing the game. Those persons who enjoy the game often desire to wear items signifying or relating to golf. Further, persons who enjoy golf often desire utilitarian products which demonstrate signifiers relating to the game. Numerous utilitarian products and fashion items have been designed with the game of golf in mind. Hats, shirts, jackets, golf bags, umbrellas and towels are just a few of the many items which may be produced to include logos and references to golf-related signifiers. One particular signifier of the game of golf is the dimple pattern of golf balls. Dimple patterns come in many shapes and sizes. Many are designed to improve a golf ball's flight characteristics when struck with a golf club during the game. Given the association of the dimpled pattern of a golf ball with the game of golf, it is desirable to create commercial items incorporating such a pattern thereon. However, because the dimple pattern appears on the three-dimensional surface of a golf ball, it is difficult to replicate such a pattern on a two-dimensional surface of an article of manufacture. Further, it is difficult to replicate the manner in which light shining on a golf ball creates a shadow gradient in the dimples of a golf ball. It may be observed that those parts of the dimples of a golf ball which are unexposed to a light shining on the golf ball will display a shadow in the concavity of the dimple portion of the golf ball. That shadow will gradually fade away from that portion of the golf ball which is directly exposed to the source of the light, due to the spherical shape of the golf ball. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method for forming the illusion of the dimpled surface of a golf ball on a surface, and to provide articles of manufacture displaying such an illusion of the dimpled surface of a golf ball on a surface. There is a need in the industry for an efficient, simple method for incorporating the dimpled pattern of golf balls into commercial items. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an article of manufacture displaying thereon the illusion of the dimpled pattern of the surface of a golf ball. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of creating an illusion of the dimpled exterior of a golf ball on a surface. It is still a further object of the present invention to provide an article of manufacture having a pattern of the dimpled surface of a golf ball thereon which can be formed simply and efficiently by common manufacturing techniques. It is another object of the present invention to provide commercial items which are aesthetically pleasing to those persons who enjoy the game of golf. According to the present invention, then, an article of manufacture comprises a substrate material and a pattern disposed on the substrate material. The pattern is formed by a plurality of similar images organized in a matrix. Each image has a selected geometric shape with a center. The matrix has a plurality of rows of said images extending in a first direction, wherein the images in each row have centers that are aligned with one another. The center of each image in a selected row is equidistantly spaced from the center of an adjacent image in the selected row by a distance S which is greater than a dimension of one of the images in the first direction. Each image includes printed and unprinted portions such that the ratio of printed to unprinted portions in each image decreases in a common primary direction. Rows of images may be offset from each other such that a first axis perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the center of a selected image in a row is offset by a distance S/2 from a second axis perpendicular to the first direction and passing through the center of an image in an adjacent row. The images may be a geometric shape selected from a group consisting of a circle, an oval, an ellipse, and polygons having N sides, wherein N is greater than or equal to 3. So as to provide the illusion of a shadow gradient across each of the images in the primary direction, the images are gradually shaded by several varieties of printed portions which may be equidistantly spaced apart within the image. One embodiment includes printed portions, which may be circular, wherein the size of the printed portions gradually decreases in the primary direction. In another embodiment, printed portions are equidistantly spaced bands having a band height measured in the primary direction, wherein the bands diminish in height progressively in the primary direction. In a further embodiment, the bands taper in the primary direction. The bands may be oriented perpendicular or parallel to the primary direction. Preferably, the printed portions are colored a color darker than the color of the substrate material, although the printed portions may be lighter in color than the substrate material. The printed portions may be formed on the substrate material by techniques such as wet-printing, silk-screening, or fabric-weaving, although other techniques are contemplated. The primary direction may be oriented at an angle, including perpendicular, with respect to the first direction. Alternatively, the primary direction may be parallel with respect to the first direction. Each image further includes a boundary therearound which may be continous such that the entire boundary is visible, or which may be discontinous such that all or portions of the boundary are not visible. The substrate material is selected from a variety of materials, including fabric, paper, plastic, metal and wood. Other materials as understood by the ordinarily skilled artisan are contemplated, including flexible materials. Also according to the present invention, a method of creating an illusion of the dimpled exterior of a golf ball on a surface is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing an article of manufacture having a surface, and disposing a plurality of similar images on the surface. Each image has a selected geometric shape, such as a circle, and each image is gradually shaded in a primary direction. The gradual shading may result from a plurality of printed and unprinted portions where the ratio of printed to unprinted portions progressively decreases in the primary direction. Such printed and unprinted portions may include a graduated dot pattern or a thick- to-thin linear pattern. The step of disposing includes arranging the images into a pattern on the surface wherein the center of a selected image is equidistantly spaced apart from the centers of adjacent images by a distance S. The distance S is greater than a dimension of one of the images in a selected direction. The present invention further includes an article of manufacture comprising a substrate material and an array of similar images distributed on the substrate material, each image having a selected geometric shape. Each image further includes printed and unprinted portions whereby the ratio of printed to unprinted portions in each image decreases in a primary direction. The images may be uniformly distributed on the substrate material, the array may include a row of images, or the images may be distributed such that a line connecting the centers of three adjacent images form an equilateral triangle. The images may further be distributed on the substrate material thereby to simulate a dimple pattern of a selected golf ball. In addition, the size and geometric shape of the images may vary within the array such that a selected image has a size different from the size of an adjacent image, or a selected image has a geometric shape different from the geometric shape of an adjacent image. These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiment(s) when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a person wearing an article of manufacture according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of substrate material and images according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a top plan view diagramming a section of substrate material having a pattern according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a top plan view of an image according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top plan view of a second exemplary image of the present invention; Figure 6 is a top plan view of a third exemplary image of the present invention; Figure 7 is a top plan view of a fourth exemplary image of the present invention; Figure 8 is a top plan view of a fifth exemplary image of the present invention; Figure 9 is a top plan view of a section of substrate material having a pattern according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 is a top plan view of a section of substrate material having a pattern according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed to an article of manufacture and, in particular, an article of manufacture having a pattern thereon which creates the illusion of the dimpled exterior of a golf ball. Broadly, the invention includes a substrate material and a pattern thereon formed by a plurality of similar images. An important feature of this invention is the pattern of images which simulate the positioning of the dimples on a golf ball, and the gradual shading of the images in a primary direction to simulate the shading of light directed across the dimples of a golf ball. The present invention is also directed to a method for simulating on a surface the dimpled exterior of a golf ball. It should be understood that patterns, image shapes, and shading variations other than those described herein are within the scope of this invention. With reference, then, to Figure 1 , a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown as an article of manufacture 10, in this case a shirt which can be worn by a golfer 12. Article of manufacture 10 has substrate material 20 which is shown as a flexible fabric. It should be understood that substrate material 20 may be other materials, such as paper, plastic, metal, and wood, as appropriate to the article of manufacture. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, substrate material 20 of article of manufacture 10 has a surface 22. A pattern 30 is disposed on substrate material 20 and is formed by a plurality of similar images 32 having a selected geometric shape 46 organized in a matrix 24. It can be seen that each image 32 includes printed portions 42 and unprinted portions 44. The ratio of printed portions 42 to unprinted portions 44 within each image 32 decreases in a primary direction "P", such that image 32 is gradually shaded in primary direction "P" so as to provide the illusion of a shadow gradient 54 in the primary direction "P" across each of said images 32. As shown in Figure 3, matrix 24 has a plurality of rows, shown here as Rι, R 2 and R 3 , wherein said rows extend in a first direction "F". Here, first direction "F" and primary direction "P" are perpendicular. The images 32 in each row have centers 34 that are aligned with one another. The centers 34 of each image 32 in a selected row is equidistantly spaced from the center of an adjacent image in a selected row by a distance "S". The distance "S" is greater than a dimension "D" of one of the images in the first direction "F". Here, "D" is the diameter of image 32 having a selected geometric shape 46 of a circle. It may further be seen from Figure 3, that the centers 34 of images 32 in adjacent rows, for example Ri and R 2 , are offset. Here, a first axis 38 which is perpendicular to the first direction "F" and which passes through center 34 of a selected image in row Ri is offset by a distance S/2 from a second axis 40 which is also perpendicular to first direction "F" and which passes through the center 34 of an image 32 in adjacent row R 2 . Images 32 may be arranged on surface 22 of substrate material 20 such that a line drawn between centers 34 of any adjacent images 32 has a distance "S". It may be seen from Figure 3 that in this configuration, lines connecting the centers 34 of three adjacent images 32 form an equilateral triangle 36 having sides of length "S". It should be appreciated that other patterns are contemplated wherein images 32 may be distributed, uniformly or irregularly, on substrate material 20. It should be further appreciated that images 32 may be distributed in a pattern on substrate material 34 which simulates the dimple pattern of a selected golf ball. It should be further understood that images 32 may be formed on substrate material 20 by any of a variety of techniques, including wet-printing, silk-screening, and fabric-weaving. Further, substrate material 20 and printed portions 42 may be colored a variety of colors. It is preferred that printed portions 42 are colored a color darker than the color of substrate material 20, so as to give the illusion of a shadow gradient across image 32. Printed portions 42 may, however, be colored a color lighter than the color of substrate material 20. Preferably, printed portions 42 are black and substrate material 20 is white. With reference to Figures 4 - 8, five exemplary embodiments of the images 32 of the present invention are provided. It should be understood that any one of these exemplary embodiments is preferably disposed on substrate material 20 in the manner described in reference to Figures 2 and 3 above. It should be understood from Figures 4 - 8 that geometric shape 46 may be a circle or a polygon having N sides wherein N is at least 3. It should be appreciated that other geometric shapes, such as ellipses and ovals, may be used. Figure 4 shows a first exemplary image 32 of the present invention, wherein a graduated dot pattern 50 is utilized to gradually shade image 32 in primary direction "P". Here, printed portions 42 are equidistantly spaced within image 32. Unprinted portions 44 are also included in image 32. The size of printed portions 42 decreases in the primary direction "P" such that the ratio of printed portions 42 to unprinted portions 44 gradually decreases. It may be seen from Figure 4 that printed portions 42 are circular dots having sizes which gradually decrease in the primary direction "P". It should be understood, however, that printed portions 42 of shapes other than circular may be used. It may also be seen that image 32 has a boundary 48 which is discontinous. With reference to Figure 5, it may be seen that in a second exemplary image 232, a thick-to-thin linear pattern 252 may be used to gradually shade image 232. Here, printed portions 242 are bands 256 which are equidistantly spaced apart in image 232 and which run parallel to primary direction "P". It can be seen that each of bands 256 tapers in the primary direction "P" so as to gradually shade image 232. Further, boundary 248 has portions which are discontinuous. With reference to Figure 6, a third exemplary image 332 utilizes a different type of thick-to-thin linear pattern 358 to give the illusion of a shadow gradient across image 332. Here, printed portions 342 are bands 356 which are equidistantly spaced apart in image 332 and which run perpendicular to primary direction "P". Each band 356 has a band height "h" measured in the primary direction. Band height "h" of bands 356 progressively diminishes in the primary direction, such that band height "h" of bands in the primary direction "P" is smaller relative to bands 356 opposite the primary direction "P". Boundary 348 is discontinuous around image 332. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, fourth exemplary image 432 and fifth exemplary image 532 have geometric shapes 446 and 546 that are a hexagon and octagon, respectively. Here, thick-to-thin linear patterns 452 and 558, respectively, are used to gradually shade images 432 and 532. It should be noted that dimension "D" shown in Figures 7 and 8 is a dimension of image 432 and 532. Here, dimension "D" is measured in a direction perpendicular to primary direction "P". However, dimension "D" may be measured in other directions, such as in first direction "F" as shown in Figures 2 and 3. It should also be noted that here, boundaries 448 and 548 are continuous around images 432 and 532. It should be appreciated from Figures 4 - 8, that a variety of combinations of geometric shapes 46 and printed portions 42 are contemplated in the formation of images 32. It should further be appreciated that additional varieties of printed portions 44 are contemplated for the gradual shading of images 32. It should also be understood that, with respect to Figures 2 and 4 - 8, combinations of images having different geometric shapes 46, different printed portions 42 and different dimensions "D" may all be disposed on substrate 20 of article of manufacture 10. Figure 9 shows a substrate material 620 having a pattern 630 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Here, pattern 630 includes an array 626 of images 632 distributed on substrate material 620. In this embodiment, however, it can be seen that the primary direction "P" is oriented at an angle "a" with respect to the first direction. With respect to Figure 10, showing a substrate material 720 having a pattern 730 including an array 726 of images 732 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, it can be seen that primary direction "P" is oriented parallel to first direction "F". Here, primary direction "P" is oriented oppositely to first direction "F", but it should be understood that primary direction "P" may be in the same direction as first direction "F". It should further be understood from Figures 9 and 10 that primary direction "P" may be oriented at any angle with respect to first direction "F". Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.

Claims: I claim: 1. An article of manufacture, comprising: (a) a substrate material; and (b) a pattern disposed on said substrate material, said pattern formed by a plurality of similar images organized in a matrix, each of said images having a selected geometric shape with a center, said matrix having a plurality of rows of said images extending in a first direction wherein the images in each said row have centers that are aligned with one another, the center of each image in a selected row equidistantly spaced from the center of an adjacent image in the selected row by a distance S which is greater than a dimension of one of said images in the first direction, and wherein each image includes printed and unprinted portions such that the ratio of printed to unprinted portions decreases in a primary direction. 2. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein a first axis perpendicular to the first direction which passes through the center of a selected image in a row is offset by a distance S/2 from a second axis perpendicular to the first direction which passes through the center of an image in an adjacent row. 3. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said geometric shape is selected from a group consisting of a circle, an oval, an ellipse, and polygons having N sides, wherein N is greater than or equal to 3. 4. An article of manufacture according to claim 3 wherein said geometric shape is a circle, and the dimension is a diameter of the circle. 5. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said printed portions are equidistantly spaced within said image, and wherein the size of the printed portions decreases in the primary direction. 6. An article of manufacture according to claim 5 wherein the printed portions are circular. 7. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said printed portions are bands equidistantly spaced apart within said image and have a band height measured in the primary direction, said bands diminishing in height progressively in the primary direction. 8. An article of manufacture according to claim 7 wherein said bands are oriented perpendicular to said primary direction. 9. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said printed portions are bands equidistantly spaced apart within said image, each of said bands tapering in the primary direction. 10. An article of manufacture according to claim 9 wherein said bands are oriented parallel to said primary direction. 11. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein the primary direction is oriented at an angle with respect to the first direction. 12. An article of manufacture according to claim 11 wherein the primary direction is perpendicular to the first direction. 13. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein each of said images has a discontinuous boundary therearound. 14. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said printed portions provide the illusion of a shadow gradient in the primary direction across each of said images. 15. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said substrate material is colored a first color and said printed portions are colored a second color darker than said first color. 16. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said substrate material is selected from a group consisting of fabric, paper, plastic, metal, and wood. 17. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said substrate is formed of a flexible material. 18. An article of manufacture according to claim 1 wherein said printed portions are formed by a technique selected from a group consisting of wet-printing, silk-screening and fabric-weaving. 19. A method of creating an illusion of the dimpled exterior of a golf ball on a surface, comprising the steps of: (a) providing an article of manufacture having a surface; and (b) disposing a plurality of similar images on said surface, each said image having a selected geometric shape, and wherein each of said images is gradually shaded in a primary direction, said step of disposing including arranging the images into a pattern on the surface, wherein the center of a selected image is equidistantly spaced apart from the centers of adjacent images by a distance S which is greater than a dimension of one of said images in a selected direction. 20. A method according to claim 19 wherein the geometric shape is a circle. 21. A method according to claim 19 wherein each image includes a plurality of printed and unprinted portions whereby the ratio of printed to unprinted portions progressively decreases in the primary direction, thereby to gradually shade each image in the primary direction. 22. A method according to claim 19 wherein each image is shaded by a graduated dot pattern. 23. A method according to claim 19 wherein each image is shaded by a thick-to-thin linear pattern. 24. An article of manufacture, comprising: (a) a substrate material; and (b) an array of similar images distributed on the substrate material, each image having a selected geometric shape, wherein each image includes printed and unprinted portions whereby the ratio of printed to unprinted portions in each image decreases in a primary direction. 25. An article of manufacture according to claim 24 wherein said images are uniformly distributed on the substrate material. 26. An article of manufacture according to claim 24 wherein said array includes a row of images. 27. An article of manufacture according to claim 24 wherein lines connecting the centers of three adjacent images form an equilateral triangle. 28. An article of manufacture according to claim 24 wherein a selected image has a size different from the size of an adjacent image. 29. An article of manufacture according to claim 24 wherein a selected image has a geometric shape different from the geometric shape of an adjacent image. 30. An article of manufacture according to claim 24 wherein said images are distributed on the substrate material thereby to simulate a dimple pattern of a selected golf ball.

Inventors: BARDEEN JOHN P, JOHSTON NIK L, BARDEEN, JOHN, P., JOHSTON, NIK, L.
Applicants: GOING FOR IT LLC, GOING FOR IT, LLC
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A63B37
IPC codes: B41M1, B41M3, B44F7, D06P5