Abstract: A cushioning system for golf shoe includes a footbed having a sole region, an arch region, and a heel region. The footbed includes an upper layer which is engaged by the foot of a golfer and a lower layer. The lower layer is composed of a compressible material and includes a recess in the heel region, a plurality of receptacles in the sole region, and a receptacle in the arch region. A lasting board has a heel region defining a receptacle disposed oppositely the recess of the footbed. The cushioning elements include a plurality of first cushioning elements and a single second cushioning element. The cushioning elements are composed of a material which is more compressible than the material of the lower layer of the footbed. One of the first cushioning elements is disposed in each of the receptacles of the sole and arch regions of the footbed.

Abstract: A new configuration for dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the dimple having a raised contour which is still below the surface of the ball. The contoured portion may comprise many shapes including a crescent or a sinusoidal configuration. Moreover, the contoured portion may have different portions having different depths. The contours within at least some of the dimples on the surface of the ball alter the air flow across the golf ball surface to reduce drag and increase the distance the ball will travel.

Abstract: The bag of the present invention is a self standing bag having a pair of pivotal legs secured proximate its upper extent. These legs are adapted to be retracted when the bag is lifted from the ground. A pair of straps enable the bag to be carried upon both shoulders of a user in a backpack style. Additionally, in order to ease the weight of the bag upon a user, the each of the straps is partially filled with a gel. Furthermore, the upper portion of each of the straps is secured to the bag by way of a shock absorber. This shock absorber includes upper and lower components which are interconnected by a pair of springs.

Abstract: A golf bag with integrally formed, automatically retractable golf bag stand is provided including a golf bag having a rigid open top and a rigid closed bottom with a tubular intermediate portion therebetween. The top is open for the positioning of golf clubs therethrough for support on the bottom and within an interior space of the intermediate. The bag further includes a pivotal foot pivotally coupled to the bottom of the bag. A pair of legs are pivotally coupled with respect to the bag. The legs have lower ends adapted to support the bag in a tripod orientation in association with the bottom of the bag. A pair of actuation rods have upper ends pivotally coupled to the legs and lower ends coupled to the pivotal foot at the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a golf ball having a reduced spin rate. The present invention is also directed to an improved golf ball comprising at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. It is preferred to also utilize a multi-layer cover in conjunction with the silicone materials. The golf ball of the present invention may also utilize an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability and resilience.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved golf ball comprising at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. The preferred silicone material has a tensile strength of from about 300 psi to about 600 psi. It is preferred to also utilize a multi-layer cover in conjunction with the silicone material(s). The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a solid core having a PGA compression of 55 or less and an outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60, the ball having a PGA compression of 80 or less. In another embodiment of the invention, the ball has a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in a frequency range of 3100 Hz or less after the ball has been maintained at 21.1.degree. C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. A further embodiment of the invention is a golf ball having a core, and a cover with a Shore D hardness of at least 58, the ball having a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in the frequency range of 2600 Hz after the ball has been maintained at 21.1.degree. C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. The balls of the invention have good distance while providing a soft sound and feel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a multi-layer cover. The golf ball has a core, an inner cover layer, an intermediate cover layer, and an outer cover layer, each cover layer having a different hardness than each adjacent cover layer. The sum of the thickness of the inner cover layer, intermediate cover layer and outer cover layer is 0.05-0.50 inches. A method for making the golf ball also is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball, such as a golf ball, having an indicia formed from a UV curable ink containing aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) filler. The ATH improves pad transfer of the ink. An ink composition suitable for pad printing, and a method for applying an indicia to a game ball also are disclosed. The UV curable ink has excellent pad transfer properties, and good durability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new metal cation neutralized high acid ionomer resins and to golf ball cover compositions containing these new resins. When the new high acid ionomer resins are utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby exhibits properties of improved distance without sacrificing characteristics such as playability and/or durability when compared to low acid ionomer and/or low acid/high acid ionomer blends.

Abstract: A gaiter of flexible, substantially water-proof material, attached to the vamp portion and heel collar of a shoe upper. Preferably, the gaiter is a permanent, integral part of the shoe, due to a continuous stitching of the gaiter to the heel collar and eyelet stay along the vamp region of the upper. In a particular implementation, the gaiter has an elongated tongue portion extending along and underlying the tongue slot in the vamp region, and attached to the eyelet stays of the slot. A substantially tubular riser portion of the gaiter is integral with the tongue portion and is attached to and extends upwardly from the heel collar, to an open end. Conventional means, such as shoe laces, engage the eyelet stays directly or indirectly, for tightening the vamp over the wearer's instep. With the invention, however, the tongue of the shoe is constituted by the extension of the gaiter and therefore no water or debris can enter the forepart of the shoe through the vamp region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer comprising an ionomer and a filler and having Shore D hardness of about 65 or less, and an outer cover layer comprising an ionomer and having a Shore D hardness of at least 60. The outer cover layer is harder than the inner cover layer. The sum of the thickness of the inner cover layer and the thickness of the outer cover layer is greater than 0.090 inches. A method of making the golf ball also is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to golf balls having a relatively soft cover and soft core which, in combination, provide golf balls with PGA compression ratings under 70 and a cover Shore D hardness of about 57 or less having good play "feel" and a soft sound.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more mantle layers comprising one or more metals, ceramic, or composite materials. Composite materials include silicone carbide, glass, carbon, boron carbide, aramid materials, cotton, flax, jute, hemp, silk, and combinations thereof. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior mantle layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball, while also significantly increasing the moment of inertia of the golf ball.

Abstract: A new dimple configuration for the surface of a golf ball is characterized by a portion extending above the surface of the ball. Each dimple includes an annular portion having an inner diameter and an outer diameter, and a circular portion having a diameter corresponding with the annular portion inner diameter. Either, the annular portion of the circular portion is convex and elevated relative to the ball surface with the other portion being concave and extending below the ball surface. When a struck ball travels through the air, the elevated portions trip air at the ball surface to improve the flight characteristics of the ball.

Abstract: A composite, long wearing, slip-resistant non-metal golf cleat that alleviates damage to grass, e.g., the surface of a golf green, yet provides traction similar to conventional metal spikes is disclosed.