Golf Ball Incorporating Alignment Indicia

Abstract

A golf ball has an outer surface covered by a chameleon material. The chameleon material produces a variable alignment device that appears to a viewer in the same location regardless of the viewer's position relative to the ball. This variable alignment device allows the user to properly align a shot without moving the ball to align an imprint with a desired path of travel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A golf ball, comprising:
 an outer surface; and   an alignment device that is configured to change appearance with a viewing angle so that the alignment device is capable of being used by a golfer to align a shot regardless of an orientation of the ball.   
     
     
         2 . The golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment device is formed by colorant on the outer surface of the ball. 
     
     
         3 . The golf ball according to  claim 2 , wherein the colorant is an ink having particles with a specified shape. 
     
     
         4 . The golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the alignment device appears generally linear. 
     
     
         5 . The golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the alignment device appears generally x-shaped. 
     
     
         6 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment device is capable of changing apparent location. 
     
     
         7 . The golf ball of  claim 1 , wherein the alignment device comprises a pigment which produces an ephemeral shape. 
     
     
         8 . The golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appears positioned generally aligned with a desired path of travel. 
     
     
         9 . The golf ball according to  claim 8 , wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appears positioned generally perpendicular to a desired path of travel. 
     
     
         10 . The golf ball according to  claim 1 , wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appears positioned generally perpendicular to a desired path of travel. 
     
     
         11 . A golf ball, comprising:
 an outer surface; and   a colorant on the outer surface forming an alignment device, wherein the alignment device is capable of reflecting light so that the alignment device appears to be positioned in different locations on the outer surface depending upon the orientation of the ball.   
     
     
         12 . The golf ball according to  claim 11 , wherein the colorant is an ink having particles with a specified shape. 
     
     
         13 . The golf ball according to  claim 11 , wherein the specified shape of the particles is selected from the group consisting of needle-shaped, x-shaped, and tetrapod-shaped. 
     
     
         14 . The golf ball according to  claim 11 , wherein the particles include a metal. 
     
     
         15 . The golf ball of  claim 11 , wherein the colorant is capable of changing apparent location based upon a user viewing angle. 
     
     
         16 . The golf ball of  claim 11 , wherein the alignment device comprises a pigment which produces an ephemeral shape. 
     
     
         17 . The golf ball according to  claim 11 , wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appears positioned aligned with a desired path of travel. 
     
     
         18 . The golf ball according to  claim 17 , wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appears positioned generally perpendicular to a desired path of travel. 
     
     
         19 . The golf ball according to  claim 11 , wherein the alignment device includes a portion that appears positioned generally perpendicular to a desired path of travel. 
     
     
         20 . A golf ball comprising an outer cover substantially covered by a chameleon material.