Improvements in the Manufacture of Balls Employed in Athletic Pursuits.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 20th June, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 20th Mar., 1891-Accepted, 9th May, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Balls Employed in Athletic
Pursuits.
HARRY JAMES ROFE 2, Carrington Road, Flixton, in the County of Chester,
Athletic Outfitter, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
This invention relates to balls employed in the games of golf, cricket and
analogous pursuits, and consists in the employment of paper pulp or papier mâché
as a substitute for the several materials or substances at present employed in the
composition of such balls, the object being to provide a cheaper and more durable
article.
The substance I purpose to employ is pressed when in its pulpy state into moulds
of the desired form, or otherwise prepared and formed, and perfected, in any con-
venient manner.
In order to obtain the desired degree of hardness, weight and tenacity of
substance, I may amalgamate therewith any other ingredients as may be proved
most suitable.
P
1000
R. J. URQUHART, Engineer,
Agent for the Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Manufacture of Balls Employed in Athletic
Pursuits.
HARRY JAMES ROFE, 2 Carrington Road, Flixton in the County of Chester
Athletic Outfitter do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what
manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in
and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to balls employed in the games of golf, cricket and
analogous pursuits, and has for its object the provision of a cheaper and more
durable article.
The invention refers more particularly to golf-balls, but the substance or com-
position I employ is equally suitable for cricket and other balls.
As at present made golf balls are formed of a totally different composition having
a brittle nature rendering them liable to chip or split which very frequently occurs.
My improvements aim at obtaining a ball of a substance as hard and having the
weight of that at present employed, but without the liability to chip or split.
According to my invention I employ the commercial paper pulp or papier maché
as the chief composition of the substance. I may if necessary add to this other
foreign substances to regulate the weight and consistency, and make special mention
of asbestos.
The balls may be formed when the composition is in its pulpy state by being
pressed into moulds, or the substance may be turned or rolled."
In forming cricket and other balls of paper pulp they may be clothed with
leather or other material if desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
The employment of the commercial paper-pulp or papier-maché with or without

page_text: additional foreign ingredients or substances as, or in the composition of balls for
golf, cricket and analogous pursuits substantially as described.
Dated this 19th day of March 1891.
R. J. URQUHART,
57, Barton Arcade, Manchester, Patent Agent.