Novelty Golf Ball

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/708,825, filed on Oct. 18, 2024.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a golf ball, and, more particularly, to a novelty golf ball with a compositional structure within. More specifically, the invention relates to a golf ball configured to release one or more materials upon impact with a golf club, thereby creating a humorous, entertaining, or surprising effect during use. The invention further relates to impact-responsive sporting projectiles and similar recreational devices designed to simulate the appearance and handling of conventional golf balls while introducing additional sensory or interactive features.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular sport throughout society and a serious game for some enthusiasts. However, even golfers need to laugh. Presently, there are designs in the field that provide humor for golfers while imitating the real look and feel of a golf ball. Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for an improved novelty golf ball. More specifically, there is also a long felt need in the art for a novelty golf ball that provides amusement, humor and/or entertainment to the otherwise sometimes stressful game of golf.

Conventional novelty golf balls, however, are often limited in their scope and capability. Many rely solely on superficial features, such as color, printing, or external shapes, and lack any interactive function beyond aesthetic alteration. Others that attempt functional novelty frequently fail to maintain the structural integrity or flight characteristics of a standard golf ball, making them unsuitable for realistic play. Furthermore, existing designs rarely incorporate multiple payload types, sensory elements, or customizable internal structures, significantly limiting their appeal for entertainment, promotional, or educational purposes.

Prior novelty golf balls have failed to deliver a consistent or surprising user experience because they either visibly differ from regulation balls, lack structural integrity for normal play, or release contents unpredictably. The present invention solves these problems by providing a ball that maintains regulation form and flight while concealing an engineered release mechanism that performs reliably and predictably upon impact. There is thus a continuing and unmet need in the art for a novelty golf ball that: (i) retains the external form, size, and weight of a conventional golf ball; (ii) conceals one or more materials or compositions within an internal cavity; (iii) releases said materials in a controlled and repeatable manner upon impact; and (iv) can be readily adapted to various recreational, promotional, or functional contexts without altering fundamental gameplay characteristics. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novelty golf ball comprising a spherical body having a first hemispherical portion and a second hemispherical portion joined along a coupling interface. Each hemispherical portion includes an exterior surface configured with a plurality of dimples to simulate the look and aerodynamic performance of a standard golf ball, and an interior surface defining one or more internal cavities or vessels. These vessels are configured to contain materials such as confetti, colored powder, foam pellets, liquid compositions, biodegradable particles, or other novelty substances. Upon impact by a golf club, the coupling interface is configured to separate, rupture, or otherwise open, thereby dispersing the materials into the surrounding environment.

In certain embodiments, the novelty golf ball is designed to release its contents immediately upon impact, while in other embodiments, the release may be delayed, staged, or triggered by a secondary event such as ground contact, rotational acceleration, or vibration. The internal cavity may be a single continuous vessel or divided into multiple chambers configured to store and release different materials sequentially or simultaneously.

In further embodiments, the coupling interface between the hemispherical portions may be realized using a variety of mechanical or chemical joining methods, including frangible seams, snap-fit joints, magnetic couplers, dissolvable adhesives, or threaded interfaces engineered to fail under a predetermined force threshold. The separation mechanism may be configured to produce a burst, spray, scatter, or ejection effect, depending on the material contained and the intended user experience.

The invention can be adapted for use in a wide range of applications. In recreational settings, the novelty golf ball provides an unexpected and entertaining experience during casual play. In promotional contexts, it can serve as a vehicle for brand messaging, releasing printed inserts, scented materials, or company-colored particles. In training or instructional environments, the device may release chalk, marking powder, or impact indicators to help golfers visualize swing dynamics or shot locations. Additionally, the invention may be adapted as a toy, teaching aid, or even a pet enrichment device by modifying the internal contents and shell composition.

The present invention departs from conventional golf ball designs by integrating an internal payload-carrying vessel and a controlled-release coupling structure into a spherical body that maintains the external form, aerodynamic performance, and striking characteristics of a standard golf ball. Unlike prior novelty devices that rely solely on superficial visual differences or fragile shell construction, the present invention preserves the functional characteristics necessary for standard gameplay while embedding an impact-activated release mechanism that disperses materials in a controlled and repeatable manner. This dual functionality, authenticity in use combined with concealed interactive behavior, represents a substantial and non-obvious advancement over prior art novelty balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the present invention is described in more detail with references to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 illustrates another cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

Additional figures may optionally illustrate alternative internal cavity structures, multi-chamber embodiments, coupling mechanisms, or release modes, as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a novelty golf ball 1 generally includes a spherical body 10. The spherical body 10 includes a first side 12 and a second side 14. The first side 12 and the second side 14 of the body 10 are preferably manufactured from a polystyrene or other polymeric or composite materials, including but not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), biodegradable polymer blends, natural rubber, silicone-based materials, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the material may further comprise additives to modify weight, impact resistance, elasticity, or biodegradability. Each side 12, 14 further includes an exterior surface 16 and an interior surface 18.

In the exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface 16 of the first side 12 and the second side 14 includes a plurality of dimples 20 extending to an edge 22 of each side 12, 14. These dimples may be dimensioned, shaped, and patterned in a conventional arrangement to mimic the aerodynamic characteristics of a standard golf ball, or they may be varied to include ornamental or branding-specific designs. In some embodiments, the exterior surface may include textured regions, recessed logos, or selectively smooth sections to influence flight characteristics or provide additional novelty effects. Transparent or semi-transparent shell portions may also be incorporated, allowing the user to view the contents prior to impact without revealing their exact nature.

In the exemplary embodiment, each side 12, 14 further includes a vessel 24 on the interior surface 18. The vessel 24 is bowl-shaped, extending the entire interior surface 18 of each side 12, 14. In another exemplary embodiment, the vessel 24 may have a smaller surface area within the interior surface 18 of each side 12, 14. The vessel 24 may alternatively comprise one or more discrete chambers arranged concentrically, radially, or axially within the spherical body 10. In certain embodiments, the vessel may include partition walls, baffles, or perforated membranes configured to control the release sequence, velocity, or direction of material dispersal. The vessel may further incorporate frangible liners, bladders, or sealed capsules that rupture independently from the shell, allowing for delayed or multi-phase release events.

In the exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 2, the vessel 24 of the first side 12 is received with confetti. One skilled in the art would understand that confetti may include, without limitation, small bits of brightly colored paper. In alternative embodiments, the first vessel may contain metallic foil particles, biodegradable plant-based confetti, water-soluble cellulose flakes, or shaped novelty elements such as stars, logos, or alphanumeric characters. The confetti may further be coated with scented materials, essential oils, or microencapsulated fragrances that are released upon impact.

In the exemplary embodiment, with reference to FIG. 3, the vessel 24 of the second side 14 is received with a clay composition. One skilled in the art would understand the compositional structure of clay. In alternative embodiments, the second vessel may include any of a variety of materials configured to provide visual, tactile, or functional novelty. Non-limiting examples include lightweight foam pellets or beads, colored powders, chalk, pigment particles, liquids or gels including water-based dyes, foaming agents, scented solutions, sound-generating capsules, micro-sized promotional inserts, QR code tags, or small biodegradable toys. These materials may be combined or layered within the same cavity, optionally separated by thin membranes or staged-release chambers.

The first side 12 is merged and coupled to the second side 14 by a center line 26. Coupling mechanisms may include snap-fit mechanical interlocks, threaded screw-type joints, tongue-and-groove interfaces, magnetic couplings, or elastomeric rings. Adhesives, including hot-melt, UV-cured, or biodegradable glues, may be employed. In certain embodiments, the hemispherical sides are joined by a frangible seam engineered to rupture under a specified impact load. The seam may be linear, zig-zag, or patterned to influence the release dynamics. Dissolvable coupling elements may be used for time-delayed separation. In other embodiments, an internal spring or pneumatic chamber may actively push the hemispheres apart when the seam fails, enhancing the burst effect.

In the exemplary embodiment, the spherical body 10 may be placed on a conventional golf tee in order to be positioned to make direct contact with a driver, fairway wood, or hybrid golf club during a golfer's swing. The golf ball may also be used on artificial turf, indoor practice mats, or other striking surfaces. In certain variations, the ball may be designed for low-speed or short-distance use, making it suitable for putting greens, miniature golf courses, or indoor recreational settings. The device may further be scaled to larger diameters or lighter weights for use by children, beginners, or pets.

As used herein, “direct contact” (and similar phrases) means that the face of the driver, fairway wood, or hybrid golf club is capable of making direct contact with the spherical body 10. Direct contact may also include interaction with alternative striking implements, such as training sticks, mechanical launchers, or robotic arms, provided the force imparted is sufficient to trigger the separation mechanism. In certain embodiments, the novelty ball may also be configured to release contents upon ground impact, rotational deceleration, or external pressure unrelated to a club strike.

The invention provides that when a driver, fairway wood, or hybrid golf club strikes the spherical body 10, the first side 12 will disengage from the second side 14, thereby releasing the materials contained within. Depending on the coupling design, the release event may occur as an explosive burst, a radial spray, a gravitational spill, or a pressurized ejection. In multi-chamber embodiments, the release may occur sequentially or simultaneously. The contents may travel outward in a spherical distribution or may be directionally biased through nozzle-like internal channels formed in the vessel structure. Unlike fragile novelty shells that shatter unpredictably, the present invention employs engineered coupling interfaces and vessel geometries to ensure a controlled and predictable release profile. This allows the timing, direction, and type of material dispersal to be tailored for specific entertainment, promotional, or instructional effects. The novelty golf ball therefore achieves a unique duality: it is engineered to function and perform as a conventional golf ball under normal conditions while simultaneously serving as a platform for delivering an unexpected release event upon impact. This dual functionality has not been achieved in prior designs and is a key inventive feature of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is provided by way of illustration and example only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Modifications, substitutions, and variations in structure, materials, payload contents, coupling techniques, vessel geometries, release mechanisms, or usage contexts that achieve substantially the same function and result are considered within the scope of the present disclosure.