Novelty Golf Ball

Abstract

A novelty golf ball is provide and includes a spherical body, a plurality of dimples formed on the exterior surface of the spherical body, a first vessel formed on the interior surface of the spherical body and having a first material, a second vessel also formed on the interior surface of the spherical body and having a second material and positioned adjacent the first vessel, and a coupling interface configured to join the first vessel and the second vessel along a central axis. The spherical body having a first hemispherical side and a second hemispherical side, each formed from a polymeric material and including an exterior surface and an interior surface. The coupling interface is configured to join the first hemispherical side and the second hemispherical side along a central axis, the coupling interface is configured to release the first and second materials from the spherical body.

Claims

1. A novelty golf ball comprising: a spherical body having a first hemispherical side and a second hemispherical side, each formed from a polymeric material and including an exterior surface and an interior surface; a plurality of dimples formed on the exterior surface of the spherical body; a first vessel formed on the interior surface of the first hemispherical side, the vessel containing a first material; a second vessel formed on the interior surface of the second hemispherical side, the vessel containing a second material; and a coupling interface configured to join the first hemispherical side and the second hemispherical side along a central axis, upon impact of the spherical body by a golf club head, the coupling interface is configured to release the first and second materials from the spherical body.

2. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the polymeric material comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises confetti.

4. The novelty golf ball of claim 3, wherein the first material further comprises scented materials.

5. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises biodegradable particles.

6. The novelty golf ball of claim 3, wherein the second material comprises a clay composition.

7. The novelty golf ball of claim 3, wherein the second material comprises promotional inserts.

8. The novelty golf ball of claim 4, wherein the second material comprises sound-emitting capsules.

9. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the second material comprises foam pellets.

10. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein each of the first vessel and second vessel is bowl-shaped and extends across substantially the entire interior surface of the respective hemispherical side.

11. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein each of the first vessel and second vessel comprises multiple chambers configured to release different materials sequentially.

12. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the coupling interface is a frangible seam.

13. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical body is configured to release the first and second materials upon impact with a striking implement.

14. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the release of the first and second materials occurs as a pressurized ejection.

15. The novelty golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical body is dimensioned to approximate the size, weight, and balance of a conventional golf ball.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] In the following, the present invention is described in more detail with references to the drawings in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a front, top, left side perspective view;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1; and

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates another cross-sectional view of FIG. 2.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.