U.S. patent application number 17/553122 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-26 for golf balls having at least one radar detectable mark.
This patent application is currently assigned to Acushnet Company. The applicant listed for this patent is Acushnet Company. Invention is credited to Richard Daprato, Matthew F. Hogge, Michael R. Madson, Nicholas M. Nardacci.
Application Number | 20220161102 17/553122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006079497 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220161102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hogge; Matthew F. ; et
al. |
May 26, 2022 |
GOLF BALLS HAVING AT LEAST ONE RADAR DETECTABLE MARK
Abstract
Golf balls including one or more layers having at least one
radar detectable mark disposed on the surface thereof are
provided.
Inventors: |
Hogge; Matthew F.;
(Plymouth, MA) ; Madson; Michael R.; (Easton,
MA) ; Nardacci; Nicholas M.; (Barrington, RI)
; Daprato; Richard; (Acushnet, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acushnet Company |
Fairhaven |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Acushnet Company
Fairhaven
MA
|
Family ID: |
1000006079497 |
Appl. No.: |
17/553122 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
17552380 |
Dec 16, 2021 |
|
|
|
17553122 |
|
|
|
|
17515971 |
Nov 1, 2021 |
|
|
|
17552380 |
|
|
|
|
63116535 |
Nov 20, 2020 |
|
|
|
63116803 |
Nov 20, 2020 |
|
|
|
63212225 |
Jun 18, 2021 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 37/0022 20130101;
A63B 37/0076 20130101; A63B 37/0038 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 37/00 20060101
A63B037/00 |
Claims
1. A golf ball comprising a layer with a radar detectable mark
disposed on a surface of thereof, wherein: the mark has a
continuous non-circular shape and a surface coverage of from 0.1%
to 4.0%; and the total surface coverage of all radar detectable
marks present is from 0.1% to 4.0%.
2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the total surface coverage of
all radar detectable marks present is from 0.1% to 3.0%.
3. The golf ball of claim 2, wherein the radar detectable mark has
a shape comprising two or more intersecting stripes.
4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the two or more intersecting
stripes includes a first stripe and a second stripe that are
substantially equal in length and width.
5. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein a plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of from 60.degree. to 120.degree..
6. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein a plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of from 85.degree. to 95.degree..
7. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein the first stripe and the
second stripe each have a length of from 0.6 inches to 1.0 inches,
and wherein the first stripe and the second stripe each have a
width of from 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches.
8. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radar detectable mark has
a shape comprising three or more intersecting stripes.
9. The golf ball of claim 8, wherein each of the intersecting
stripes has a width of 0.20 inches of less.
10. The golf ball of claim 9, wherein the three or more
intersecting stripes include a first stripe, a second stripe, and a
third stripe, and wherein the first stripe has a length of from 0.6
inches to 1.0 inches, the second stripe has a length of from 0.6
inches to 1.0 inches, and the third stripe has a length of from
0.12 inches to 0.50 inches.
11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the golf ball comprises an
inner core layer, an outer cover layer, and one or more
intermediate layers disposed between the inner core layer and the
outer cover layer; and wherein the surface on which the mark is
disposed is the outer surface of the intermediate layer positioned
adjacent to the outer cover layer.
12. A golf ball having a plurality of radar detectable marks
disposed among two or more surfaces thereof, wherein, when all of
the radar detectable marks present on any surface of any layer of
the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball,
the radar detectable marks have an overall continuous non-circular
shape and a surface coverage of from 0.1% to 4.0%.
13. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein the overall continuous
non-circular shape comprises two or more intersecting stripes
including a first stripe and a second stripe that are substantially
equal in length and width, and wherein a plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of from 60.degree. to 120.degree..
14. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein the overall continuous
non-circular shape comprises three or more intersecting stripes
including a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe,
wherein the first stripe has a length of from 0.6 inches to 1.0
inches, the second stripe has a length of from 0.6 inches to 1.0
inches, and the third stripe has a length of from 0.12 inches to
0.50 inches, and wherein each of the intersecting stripes has a
width of 0.20 inches of less.
15. A golf ball having one or more radar detectable marks disposed
on a surface of at least one layer thereof, wherein: the total
number of radar detectable marks present is two or more; the radar
detectable marks have a total surface coverage of from 0.1% to
4.0%.
16. The golf ball of claim 15, wherein the total surface coverage
of the radar detectable marks is from 0.1% to 3.0%.
17. The golf ball of claim 15, wherein each of the radar detectable
marks has a non-circular shape.
18. The golf ball of claim 15, wherein each of the radar detectable
marks has a shape individually selected from rings, ellipses,
polygons, squares, chevrons, crescents, and stripes.
19. The golf ball of claim 15, wherein the radar detectable marks
comprise two or more non-intersecting stripes.
20. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein the two or more
non-intersecting stripes includes a first stripe and a second
stripe that are substantially equal in length.
21. The golf ball of claim 20, wherein the first stripe and the
second stripe are substantially equal in width.
22. The golf ball of claim 21, wherein a plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of from 60.degree. to 120.degree..
23. The golf ball of claim 21, wherein a plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of from 85.degree. to 95.degree..
24. The golf ball of claim 21, wherein the first stripe and the
second stripe each have a length of from 0.6 inches to 1.0 inches,
and wherein the first stripe and the second stripe each have a
width of from 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches.
25. The golf ball of claim 15, wherein the golf ball comprises an
inner core layer, an outer cover layer, and one or more
intermediate layers disposed between the inner core layer and the
outer cover layer; and wherein the radar detectable marks are
disposed on any single layer or among multiple layers other than
the outer cover layer.
26. The golf ball of claim 25, wherein the radar detectable marks
are disposed on the outer surface of the intermediate layer
positioned adjacent to the outer cover layer.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 17/552,380, filed Dec. 16, 2021, which
is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
17/515,971, filed Nov. 1, 2021, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 63/116,535, filed Nov. 20, 2020, U.S.
Provisional Application No. 63/116,803, filed Nov. 20, 2020, and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/212,225, filed Jun. 18, 2021,
the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf balls
including a mark, or a plurality of marks, for improving the
detection and tracking thereof by radar tracking systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Interest continues to increase in golf experiences which
require a system for detecting golf ball launch conditions, such as
golf simulators and golf equipment fitting. Radar tracking systems
that are currently used for this purpose are limited, however, in
their ability to accurately obtain launch condition data, for
example, ball spin properties.
[0004] There are also disadvantages to the use of the radar
reflective stickers that are commonly used with radar tracking
systems. Radar reflective stickers are typically placed on the
outer surface of the golf ball in order for radar tracking systems
to obtain launch condition data. However, there are challenges
associated with the use of these stickers, including, for example,
accurate positioning of the stickers on the ball, alignment of the
stickers relative to the golfer and tee, time and effort required
to place the stickers on the ball, and lack of durability of the
stickers, which further leads to a decrease in the quality of
launch condition data and the need to replace the stickers.
[0005] Thus, there is a need for a golf ball that provides one or
more of the following benefits: improved quality of golf ball
launch condition data collected by radar tracking systems, and
enhanced experience for the end users of these radar tracking
systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising
at least one layer with a mark, or a plurality of marks, disposed
on a surface thereof.
[0007] In a particular embodiment, the mark has a continuous shape
and is formed from a radar detectable material. In a particular
aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball additionally has one or
more of the following properties: [0008] a) the mark has a
non-circular shape; [0009] b) the radar detectable material is an
electrically conductive ink comprising a base resin and an
electrically conductive material, wherein the base resin is
optionally selected from the group consisting of vinyl polymers,
urethane polymers, acrylic polymers, epoxy polymers, and
combinations of two or more thereof, and wherein the electrically
conductive material is optionally selected from the group
consisting of silver, electrically conductive carbon, aluminum,
graphene, nanotubes, nanometals, and combinations of two or more
thereof; [0010] b) the mark has a resistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to
2,500 Ohms; [0011] c) the mark has dimensions such that every 0.025
inch wide great circle path on the golf ball layer surface on which
the mark is disposed intersects the mark; and [0012] d) the golf
ball comprises an inner core layer, an outer cover layer, and one
or more intermediate layers disposed between the inner core layer
and the outer cover layer; and the surface on which the mark is
disposed is the outer surface of the intermediate layer positioned
adjacent to the outer cover layer.
[0013] In another particular embodiment, the mark is formed from a
radar detectable material and has dimensions such that every great
circle path on the golf ball layer surface on which the mark is
disposed intersects the mark.
[0014] In another particular embodiment, the mark is formed from a
radar detectable material and has a continuous shape comprising
three or more intersecting stripes.
[0015] In another particular embodiment, the at least one layer has
a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on a surface
thereof. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the radar
detectable marks have a resistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to 25 Ohms. In
another particular aspect of this embodiment, every 0.025 inch wide
great circle path on the golf ball layer surface on which the radar
detectable marks are disposed intersects at least one of the marks.
In another particular aspect of this embodiment, every great circle
path on the golf ball layer surface on which the radar detectable
marks are disposed intersects at least one of the marks. In another
particular aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar
detectable marks includes a first mark and a second mark, wherein
the first mark has a continuous, irregular shape and the second
mark has a basic shape selected from basic nonpolygonal shapes,
regular polygons, and irregular polygons. Non-limiting examples of
suitable basic nonpolygonal shapes include circles, rings, and
crescents. Non-limiting examples of suitable regular polygons
include squares and equilateral triangles. Non-limiting examples of
suitable irregular polygons include rectangles, non-equilateral
triangles, and chevrons. In another particular aspect of this
embodiment, the plurality of radar detectable marks includes a
first mark and a second mark, wherein the first mark has a
continuous, irregular shape comprising a plurality of intersecting
stripes, and the second mark has an irregular shape that is
different from the first mark. In another particular aspect of this
embodiment, the plurality of radar detectable marks includes a
third mark, the third mark having either an irregular shape or a
regular shape. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,
when all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer of the
ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the
radar detectable marks have a total surface coverage of from 1% to
20%.
[0016] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball comprises
two or more layers, wherein at least two of the two or more layers
have one or more radar detectable marks disposed on a surface
thereof. When all of the radar detectable marks present on any
layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of
the ball, every 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the golf ball
outer surface intersects at least one of the marks.
[0017] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball has a
plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on a single layer
thereof. The plurality of radar detectable marks includes at least
eleven equally-spaced, non-circular-shaped marks. In a particular
aspect of this embodiment, the number of equally-spaced,
non-circular-shaped marks is a prime number from 11 to 37.
[0018] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball has a
plurality of radar detectable marks disposed among two or more
layers thereof. The plurality of radar detectable marks includes at
least eleven non-circular-shaped marks. When all of the radar
detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radially
projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the radar detectable
marks are equally spaced. In a particular aspect of this
embodiment, the number of equally-spaced, non-circular-shaped marks
is a prime number from 11 to 37.
[0019] In another particular embodiment, the total surface coverage
of all radar detectable marks present is from 0.1% to 4.0%. In a
particular aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball has a layer
with a radar detectable mark disposed on a surface thereof, and the
mark has a continuous non-circular shape and a surface coverage of
from 0.1% to 4.0%. In another particular aspect of this embodiment,
the golf ball has a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed
among two or more surfaces thereof, and, when all of the radar
detectable marks present on any surface of any layer of the ball
are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the
radar detectable marks have an overall continuous non-circular
shape. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the golf
ball has one or more radar detectable marks disposed on a surface
of at least one layer thereof, the total number of radar detectable
marks present is two or more, and the radar detectable marks have a
total surface coverage of from 0.1% to 4.0%.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith, and in
which like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts in
the various views:
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a mark, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic diagrams illustrating a
method for determining the average width of an irregular shape
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 13 illustrates a top view, a front view, a side view,
and a rear view of a marking pattern, according to an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a marking pattern, according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 15 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a marking pattern, according
to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0036] FIG. 16 illustrates a top view, an isometric view, a front
view, a side view, and a rear view of a marking pattern, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Golf balls of the present invention include one or more
layers which have at least one radar detectable mark disposed on a
surface thereof. Particularly suitable radar detectable materials
for forming the mark include, but are not limited to, electrically
conductive inks comprising a base resin and an electrically
conductive material. The ink may be water-borne or solvent-borne.
The ink may be a 1-component or 2-component ink. The ink may be
cured with an isocyanate-based curing agent, UV cure, and/or
thermal cure. The ink and the mark formed therefrom may be
transparent or opaque. In a particular embodiment, the base resin
of the ink is selected from the group consisting of vinyl polymers,
urethane polymers, acrylic polymers, epoxy polymers, and
combinations of two or more thereof. In another particular
embodiment, the electrically conductive material of the ink is
selected from the group consisting of silver, conductive carbon,
aluminum, graphene, nanotubes, nanometals, and combinations of two
or more thereof. Particularly suitable inks are those capable of
producing a mark having a resistivity of 0.1 Ohms or 0.5 Ohms or 1
Ohm or 5 Ohms or 6 Ohms or 7 Ohms or 25 Ohms or 2,500 Ohms, or a
resistivity within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit
selected from these values. Non-limiting examples of suitable
commercially available inks are Ink Lab 303 silver conductive ink,
commercially available from ITW Trans Tech; silver inks, conductive
carbon inks, aluminum inks, silver/carbon blend inks, and
aluminum/carbon blend inks, commercially available from Creative
Materials Inc. In embodiments of the present invention wherein the
golf ball includes more than one radar detectable mark on a single
layer, the radar detectable material used to form one mark may be
the same as or different from the radar detectable material used to
form another mark. In embodiments of the present invention wherein
the golf ball includes at least two layers having one or more radar
detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, the radar
detectable material used to form a mark on one layer may be the
same as or different from the radar detectable material used to
form a mark on another layer.
[0038] Radar detectable material is applied to the surface of a
layer using any suitable technique. In a particular embodiment, a
mark is formed by applying radar detectable material to a surface
of a golf ball layer by pad printing. In a particular aspect of
this embodiment, the pad printed mark has a film thickness of at
least 0.5 .mu.m, or a film thickness of 5 .mu.m or less, or a film
thickness within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit
selected from 0.5 .mu.m, 1 .mu.m, 3 .mu.m, 4 .mu.m, and 5
.mu.m.
[0039] The surface on which one or more radar detectable marks are
disposed can be any surface of any layer of a golf ball having any
number of layers. While the invention is not meant to be limited to
the placement of one or more marks on the surface of a particular
layer, golf balls of the present invention are designed to allow
for the optional placement of radar detectable marks on a surface
other than the outer surface of the ball because it is beneficial
to some golfers to be able to obtain reliable launch condition data
using a golf ball that looks the same on the outside as a
conventional golf ball. Thus, in a particular embodiment, one or
more radar detectable marks are disposed on any surface of any
layer of the golf ball other than the outermost surface.
[0040] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a solid,
one-piece golf ball, and one or more radar detectable marks are
disposed on the outer surface of the ball.
[0041] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a
two-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core layer and an outer
cover layer, and one or more radar detectable marks are disposed
on: [0042] a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
[0043] b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or [0044]
c) the outer surface of the inner core layer.
[0045] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a
three-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core layer, an outer
cover layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the inner
core layer and the outer cover layer, and one or more radar
detectable marks are disposed on: [0046] a) the outer surface of
the outer cover layer, and/or [0047] b) the inner surface of the
outer cover layer, and/or [0048] c) the outer surface of the inner
core layer, and/or [0049] d) the outer surface of the intermediate
layer, and/or [0050] e) the inner surface of the intermediate
layer.
[0051] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a
four-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core layer, a first
intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, and an outer cover
layer, and one or more radar detectable marks are disposed on:
[0052] a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or [0053]
b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or [0054] c) the
outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or [0055] d) the outer
surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or [0056] e) the inner
surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or [0057] f) the outer
surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or [0058] g) the
inner surface of the second intermediate layer.
[0059] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball is a five-
or more piece golf ball comprising an inner core layer, a first
intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, a third
intermediate layer, optional additional intermediate layers, and an
outer cover layer, and one or more radar detectable marks are
disposed on: [0060] a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer,
and/or [0061] b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
[0062] c) the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or [0063]
d) the outer surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or [0064]
e) the inner surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or [0065]
f) the outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or
[0066] g) the inner surface of the second intermediate layer,
and/or [0067] h) the outer surface of the third intermediate layer,
and/or [0068] i) the inner surface of the third intermediate layer,
and/or [0069] j) the inner or outer surface of an optional
additional intermediate layer.
[0070] For purposes of the present disclosure, the number of
pieces/layers of a golf ball does not include any optional
coatings, such as paint coatings, finish coatings, adhesive
coatings, etc., even if the coating covers an entire surface of a
golf ball layer. Such coatings have a thickness that is
substantially less than conventional golf ball layer thicknesses,
and are generally not considered by those of ordinary skill in the
art to be "golf ball layers" when reference is made to a
one-piece/one-layer golf ball, two-piece/two-layer golf ball,
three-piece/three-layer golf ball, and so on, despite sometimes
being referred to as an adhesive layer, a paint layer, a top coat
layer, etc. Thus, a two-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core
layer and an outer cover layer, for example, may additionally
include one or more coatings.
[0071] Also, for purposes of the present disclosure, a mark is
considered to be disposed on the surface of a layer regardless of
whether a coating has previously been applied to the surface. In
other words, if an adhesive coating is applied to a surface of a
layer, and a mark is then applied on top of the adhesive coating,
the mark is considered to be disposed on the surface of the layer,
even though an adhesive coating is present therebetween. Likewise,
if a coating is present between two layers of the ball, the layers
are still considered to be adjacent to each other, even though a
coating may be present therebetween.
[0072] In a particular embodiment, golf balls of the invention
include an adhesive coating applied to a layer on which at least
one radar detectable mark is disposed, before and/or after
application of the mark(s) onto the layer. In a particular aspect
of this embodiment, at least one mark is disposed on a surface of a
golf ball layer and an adhesive coating is applied to the layer and
on top of the mark(s). In another particular aspect of this
embodiment, an adhesive coating is applied to a surface of a golf
ball layer and at least one mark is disposed on the layer on top of
the adhesive coating. In another particular aspect of this
embodiment, a first adhesive coating is applied to a surface of a
golf ball layer, at least one mark is disposed on the layer on top
of the adhesive coating, and a second adhesive coating is applied
to the layer and on top of the mark(s).
[0073] Each radar detectable mark has a shape selected from a
variety of suitable shapes, including regular shapes and irregular
shapes. Suitable examples of regular shapes include, but are not
limited to, circles, rings, crescents, squares, triangles,
rectangles (also referred to herein as rectangular stripes),
chevrons, and other regular polygons, irregular polygons, and basic
nonpolygonal shapes. Suitable examples of irregular shapes include,
but are not limited to, intersecting shapes, including, but not
limited to, a series of intersecting stripes, other than chevrons
(which are considered a regular shape despite consisting of two
intersecting stripes), wherein the length and width of each stripe
within the series of intersecting stripes may be different than or
substantially the same as that of the other stripe(s) within the
series. For purposes of the present disclosure, stripes have
substantially the same length and/or width if their respective
lengths and/or widths differ by no more than 10%. For purposes of
the present disclosure, a "stripe" may be a rectangular stripe
(i.e., wherein each of the four boundary lines defining the stripe
is a straight line and wherein adjacent sides meet at right angles)
or a non-rectangular stripe (i.e., wherein at least one of the four
boundary lines defining the stripe is not a straight line or
wherein adjacent sides meet at an angle other than a right angle,
or both). Because the radar detectable marks are present on the
surface of a spherical golf ball layer, it should be understood,
for example, that the "straight line" boundary lines of a mark
having the shape of a rectangular stripe are formed by drawing
straight lines on a sphere, and, therefore, in a purely
mathematical sense, are present on a golf ball layer as arcs.
Additionally, for purpose of the present disclosure, stripes on a
single layer are considered to intersect if they meet at one or
more locations on the layer, regardless of whether or not one or
more of the stripes continues past the point of intersection.
Similarly, for purposes of the present disclosure, stripes that are
disposed between two or more layers are considered to intersect if,
when the stripes are projected onto the outer surface of the ball,
they meet at one or more locations on the outer surface of the
ball, regardless of whether or not one or more of the stripes
continues past the point of intersection.
[0074] In a particular embodiment, the golf ball includes at least
one radar detectable mark having an irregular shape defined by a
series of intersecting rectangular stripes. In a particular aspect
of this embodiment, the mark having an irregular shape additionally
has one or more of the following properties: [0075] a) the series
of intersecting stripes consists of three rectangular stripes, or
the series of intersecting stripes consists of four rectangular
stripes, or the series of intersecting stripes comprises at least
five rectangular stripes; [0076] b) the series of intersecting
stripes includes a first stripe and a second stripe, and the first
and second stripes are substantially equal in length; [0077] (i) a
plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second
stripe are separated by an angle of 60.degree. or 85.degree. or
95.degree. or 120.degree. or an angle within a range having a lower
limit and an upper limit selected from these values; [0078] (ii)
the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; and
[0079] (iii) the first and second stripes have a length of 1.8 or
2.6 or 3.0 inches or a length within a range having a lower limit
and an upper limit selected from these values; and [0080] (iv) the
series of intersecting stripes additionally includes a third stripe
and a fourth stripe, and a plane bisecting the third stripe and a
plane bisecting the fourth stripe are separated by an angle of
60.degree. or 85.degree. or 95.degree. or 120.degree. or an angle
within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected
from these values; [0081] c) each of the stripes within the series
of intersecting stripes has a width of 0.20 inches or less, or a
width of 0.03 inches or greater, or a width of from 0.03 inches to
0.20 inches, and, optionally, all of the stripes within the series
have substantially the same width; [0082] d) the series of
intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a second stripe, and
a third stripe, each of the first and second stripes having a
length of 1.8 or 2.6 or 3.0 inches or a length within a range
having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values,
and the third stripe having a length of from 0.12 inches to 0.50
inches; and [0083] e) the series of intersecting stripes includes a
first stripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, and a fourth stripe,
the fourth stripe having a length that is less than that of the
first and second stripes and greater than that of the third stripe.
In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball
includes at least one additional radar detectable mark, each of the
additional radar detectable mark(s) having a shape independently
selected from irregular shapes and basic, regular shapes. Suitable
examples of basic, regular shapes include, but are not limited to,
circles, rings, crescents, squares, triangles, rectangles,
chevrons, and other regular polygons, irregular polygons, and basic
nonpolygonal shapes. In a further particular aspect of this
particular embodiment, the shape of at least one of the additional
radar detectable mark(s) is a rectangular stripe, optionally having
a length of from 0.15 inches to 0.75 inches, and optionally having
a width that is substantially the same as the average width of the
radar detectable mark having an irregular shape defined by a series
of intersecting rectangular stripes. For purposes of the present
disclosure, the average width of a mark having an irregular shape
defined by a series of intersecting rectangular stripes is
determined as follows. The average width is the average width
across all portions of the mark. As would be readily understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that the shape
deviates from its typical shape, the "width" of that portion is
determined relative to appropriate aspect ratio. For example, in
FIG. 12A, the mark is wider at the middle 50% of the mark, so half
of the mark has a width of W1 and half of the mark has a width of
W2, so the average width is calculated as (W 1+W2)/2. However, in
FIG. 12B, the mark has a design such that a different dimension is
used for measuring width, and since both distinct portions of the
mark have a width of W1, the average width is also W1.
[0084] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball includes at
least eleven radar detectable marks. In a particular aspect of this
embodiment, each of the at least eleven radar detectable marks has
a non-circular shape independently selected from rings, ellipses,
polygons, squares, chevrons, crescents, and stripes. In another
particular aspect of this embodiment, the radar detectable marks
are equally spaced. In another particular aspect of this
embodiment, the radar detectable marks additionally have one or
more of the following properties: [0085] a) the number of marks is
a prime number, optionally selected from 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29,
31, and 37; [0086] b) the marks consist of one or more marks having
the shape of a stripe and one or more marks having the shape of a
chevron, and, optionally, the difference in the number of marks
having the shape of a stripe and the number of marks having the
shape of a chevron is 1; [0087] c) the marks have a total surface
coverage of 5% or 10% or 15% or 20% or 25%, or a total surface
coverage within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit
selected from these values; [0088] d) all of the radar detectable
marks on the ball are disposed on a single layer of the golf ball;
and [0089] e) the radar detectable marks are disposed among two or
more layers of the golf ball. In another particular aspect of this
embodiment, the centroid of each of the radar detectable marks is
positioned at a vertex of one of a plurality of spherical triangles
created from a plurality of great circle arcs, wherein:
[0089] 2V-4=T
3T/2=E
T-E+V=2
where E is the total number of great circle arcs, T is the total
number of spherical triangles, and V is the total number of
vertices. The total surface area, A, of the spherical triangles is
calculated as 4.pi.r.sup.2/T=A. The position of the centroids of
the radar detectable marks is determined with all of the marks
present on the surface of any layer of the golf ball radially
projected onto the outer surface of the ball.
[0090] For purposes of the present disclosure, marks on a layer are
"equally spaced" if, when the distances between the centroid of
each mark and the centroid of its adjacent marks is calculated, the
maximum difference between any two of these distances is 0.040
inches or less. In embodiments of the present invention wherein the
radar detectable marks are disposed among two or more layers of the
golf ball, in order to determine if all of the radar detectable
marks present on the ball are equally spaced, all of the radar
detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radially
projected onto the outer surface of the ball.
[0091] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball includes a
radar detectable mark having a continuous non-circular shape and a
surface coverage of from 0.1% to 4.0%, or from 0.1% to 3.0%. The
mark can be disposed on a single surface of a single layer of the
ball; or, the mark can be disposed among two or more surfaces of
the ball (i.e., the inner and outer surface of a single layer or
any surface of two or more layers), such that, when all of the
radar detectable marks present on any surface of any layer of the
ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the
result is a projected mark having an overall continuous
non-circular shape and a surface coverage of from 0.1% to 4.0%. In
a particular aspect of this embodiment, the non-circular shape is
independently selected from rings, ellipses, polygons, squares,
crescents, stripes, two intersecting stripes (including chevrons
and non-chevron shapes), and three or more intersecting stripes. In
another particular aspect of this embodiment, the mark (or
projected mark), is a continuous shape comprising two or more
intersecting stripes, including a first stripe and a second stripe,
and, optionally, has one or more of the following properties:
[0092] a) the first and second stripes are substantially equal in
length; [0093] b) the first and second stripes are substantially
equal in width; [0094] c) a plane bisecting the first stripe and a
plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of
60.degree. or 85.degree. or 95.degree. or 120.degree. or an angle
within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected
from these values; [0095] d) the first and second stripes each have
a length of 1.0 inches or less, or a length of from 0.6 inches to
1.0 inches; [0096] e) the first and second stripes each have a
width of 0.20 inches or less, or a width of from 0.03 inches to
0.20 inches; and [0097] f) the mark includes a third stripe, and
the third stripe optionally has one or more of: a width of 0.20
inches or less, substantially the same width as the first stripe
and the second stripe, a length of from 0.12 inches to 0.50
inches.
[0098] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball includes a
plurality of radar detectable marks, and the total surface coverage
of the radar detectable marks is from 0.1% to 4.0%, or from 0.1% to
3.0%. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, each of the radar
detectable marks has a non-circular shape, and, optionally, each
non-circular shape is independently selected from rings, ellipses,
polygons, squares, crescents, chevrons, and stripes. In another
particular aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar
detectable marks comprises two or more non-intersecting stripes,
including a first stripe and a second stripe, and, optionally, has
one or more of the following properties: [0099] a) the first and
second stripes are substantially equal in length; [0100] b) the
first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; [0101]
c) a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the
second stripe are separated by an angle of 60.degree. or 85.degree.
or 95.degree. or 120.degree. or an angle within a range having a
lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values; [0102]
d) the first and second stripes each have a length of 1.0 inches or
less, or a length of from 0.6 inches to 1.0 inches; [0103] e) the
first and second stripes each have a width of 0.20 inches or less,
or a width of from 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches; and [0104] f) the
mark includes a third stripe, and the third stripe optionally has
one or more of: a width of 0.20 inches or less, substantially the
same width as the first stripe and the second stripe, a length of
from 0.12 inches to 0.50 inches.
[0105] In embodiments of the present invention wherein the golf
ball includes more than one radar detectable mark on a single
layer, the shape and/or size of one mark may be the same as or
different from the shape and/or size of another mark. In
embodiments of the present invention wherein the golf ball includes
at least two layers having one or more radar detectable marks
disposed on a surface thereof, the shape and/or size of a mark on
one layer may be the same as or different from the shape and/or
size of a mark on another layer. In a particular embodiment, the
golf ball includes at least one radar detectable mark that has a
non-circular shape disposed on a surface of a layer thereof. In a
particular aspect of this embodiment, the non-circular shape is an
irregular shape.
[0106] Non-limiting examples of particularly suitable shapes for a
single radar detectable mark or a plurality of radar detectable
marks are illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 and 13.
[0107] FIG. 1 shows a mark consisting of a stripe, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0108] FIG. 2 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting
at two locations, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0109] FIG. 3 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting
at one location, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0110] FIG. 4 shows a mark consisting of four stripes forming a
closed loop in the form of a spherical rectangle, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0111] FIG. 5 shows a mark consisting of a single curvilinear
stripe creating a closed loop, according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0112] FIG. 6 shows a plurality of marks consisting of stripes
arranged in an icosahedral pattern, according to an embodiment of
the present invention, the stripes having substantially the same
length and width. Alternatively, the stripes are arranged in an
icosahedral pattern and adjoined to form a continuous mark,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] FIG. 7 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting
stripes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0114] FIG. 8 shows a mark consisting of four intersecting stripes,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0115] FIG. 9 shows two marks, including a first mark consisting of
three intersecting stripes and a second mark consisting of a single
stripe, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0116] FIG. 10 shows three marks, including a first mark consisting
of five intersecting stripes, a second mark consisting of a single
stripe, and a third mark consisting of a single stripe, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0117] FIG. 11 shows three marks, including a first mark consisting
of four intersecting stripes, a second mark consisting of a single
stripe, and a third mark consisting of a single stripe, according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0118] FIG. 13 shows a pattern of marks consisting of a plurality
of marks having the shape of a rectangle and a plurality of marks
having the shape of two intersecting rectangular stripes.
[0119] FIG. 14 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting
stripes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0120] FIG. 15 shows a mark consisting of two intersecting stripes,
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0121] FIG. 16 shows a mark consisting of two non-intersecting
stripes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0122] In a particular embodiment, a surface of at least one layer
of the golf ball includes a radar detectable mark disposed thereon
and the mark is designed to have dimensions (i.e., size and shape)
such that every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great
circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.015 inch wide great
circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.005 inch wide great
circle path, or every mathematically possible great circle, on the
golf ball layer surface on which the mark is disposed intersects
the mark. For purposes of the present disclosure, a great circle
path intersects a mark if any portion of the great circle path is
in contact with any portion of the mark.
[0123] In another particular embodiment, a surface of at least one
layer of the golf ball includes a plurality of radar detectable
marks disposed thereon and the marks are designed to be sized,
shaped, and positioned such that every mathematically possible
0.025 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible
0.015 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible
0.005 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible
great circle, on the golf ball layer surface on which the marks are
disposed intersects at least one of the marks.
[0124] In another particular embodiment, the golf ball comprises
two or more layers, wherein at least two of the two or more layers
have one or more radar detectable marks disposed on a surface
thereof and the marks are designed to be size, shaped, and
positioned such that, when all of the radar detectable marks
present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the
outer surface of the ball, every mathematically possible 0.025 inch
wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.015 inch
wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.005 inch
wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible great
circle, on the golf ball outer surface intersects at least one of
the marks.
[0125] In another particular embodiment, the radar detectable
mark(s) have a total surface coverage of 1% or 2% or 5% or 8% or 9%
or 10% or 12% or 15% or 20% or 25% or a total surface coverage
within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected
from these values. Alternatively, in another particular embodiment,
the radar detectable mark(s) have a total surface coverage of 0.1%
or 3% or 4% or a total surface coverage within a range having a
lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values. For
purposes of the present disclosure, the total surface coverage of
the mark(s) is calculated as the sum of the surface area of each
radar detectable mark present on any layer, as measured with all of
the marks present on the surface of any layer of the golf ball
radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, divided by
the total surface area of the outer surface of the ball.
[0126] The present invention is not meant to be limited by the
material used to form each layer of the golf ball. Particularly
suitable materials include, but are not limited to, thermosetting
materials, such as polybutadiene, styrene butadiene, isoprene,
polyisoprene, and trans-isoprene; thermoplastics, such as ionomer
resins, polyamides and polyesters; and thermoplastic and
thermosetting polyurethane and polyureas.
[0127] Particularly suitable thermosetting materials, include, but
are not limited to, thermosetting rubber compositions comprising a
base polymer, an initiator agent, a coagent and/or a curing agent,
and optionally one or more of a metal oxide, metal fatty acid or
fatty acid, antioxidant, soft and fast agent, fillers, and
additives. Suitable base polymers include natural and synthetic
rubbers including, but not limited to, polybutadiene, polyisoprene,
ethylene propylene rubber ("EPR"), styrene-butadiene rubber,
styrenic block copolymer rubbers (such as SI, SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS,
and the like, where "S" is styrene, "I" is isobutylene, and "B" is
butadiene), butyl rubber, halobutyl rubber, polystyrene elastomers,
polyethylene elastomers, polyurethane elastomers, polyurea
elastomers, metallocene-catalyzed elastomers and plastomers,
copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, halogenated
copolymers of isobutylene and para-alkylstyrene, acrylonitrile
butadiene rubber, polychloroprene, alkyl acrylate rubber,
chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene
rubber, polyalkenamers, and combinations of two or more thereof.
Suitable initiator agents include organic peroxides, high energy
radiation sources capable of generating free radicals, C-C
initiators, and combinations thereof. Suitable coagents include,
but are not limited to, metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic
acids; unsaturated vinyl compounds and polyfunctional monomers
(e.g., trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate); phenylene bismaleimide;
and combinations thereof. Suitable curing agents include, but are
not limited to, sulfur; N-oxydiethylene 2-benzothiazole
sulfenamide; N,N-di-ortho-tolylguanidine; bismuth
dimethyldithiocarbamate; N-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide;
N,N-diphenylguanidine; 4-morpholinyl-2-benzothiazole disulfide;
dipentamethylenethiuram hexasulfide; thiuram disulfides;
mercaptobenzothiazoles; sulfenamides; dithiocarbamates; thiuram
sulfides; guanidines; thioureas; xanthates; dithiophosphates;
aldehyde-amines; dibenzothiazyl disulfide; tetraethylthiuram
disulfide; tetrabutylthiuram disulfide; and combinations thereof.
Suitable types and amounts of base polymer, initiator agent,
coagent, filler, and additives are more fully described in, for
example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,566,483, 6,695,718, 6,939,907, 7,041,721
and 7,138,460, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference. Particularly suitable diene
rubber compositions are further disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0093318, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0128] Particularly suitable materials also include, but are not
limited to: [0129] a) thermosetting polyurethanes, polyureas, and
hybrids of polyurethane and polyurea; [0130] b) thermoplastic
polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethane and polyurea,
including, for example, Estane.RTM. TPU, commercially available
from The Lubrizol Corporation; [0131] c) E/X- and E/X/Y-type
ionomers, wherein E is an olefin (e.g., ethylene), X is a
carboxylic acid (e.g., acrylic, methacrylic, crotonic, maleic,
fumaric, or itaconic acid), and Y is a softening comonomer (e.g.,
vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids wherein the acid has
from 2 to 10 carbons, alkyl ethers wherein the alkyl group has from
1 to 10 carbons, and alkyl alkylacrylates such as alkyl
methacrylates wherein the alkyl group has from 1 to 10 carbons),
such as Surlyn.RTM. ionomer resins and HPF 1000 and HPF 2000,
commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, Iotek
ionomers, commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company,
Amplify.RTM. IO ionomers of ethylene acrylic acid copolymers,
commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, and
Clarix.RTM. ionomer resins, commercially available from A. Schulman
Inc.; [0132] d) polyisoprene; [0133] e) polyoctenamer, such as
Vestenamer.RTM. polyoctenamer, commercially available from Evonik
Industries; [0134] f) polyethylene, including, for example, low
density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high
density polyethylene; polypropylene; [0135] g) rubber-toughened
olefin polymers; non-ionomeric acid copolymers, e.g., (meth)acrylic
acid, which do not become part of an ionomeric copolymer; [0136] h)
plastomers; [0137] i) flexomers; [0138] styrene/butadiene/styrene
block copolymers; [0139] k) styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene block
copolymers; [0140] l) polybutadiene; [0141] m) styrene butadiene
rubber; [0142] n) ethylene propylene rubber; [0143] o) ethylene
propylene diene rubber; [0144] p) dynamically vulcanized
elastomers; [0145] q) ethylene vinyl acetates; [0146] r) ethylene
(meth) acrylates; [0147] s) polyvinyl chloride resins; [0148] t)
polyamides, amide-ester elastomers, and copolymers of ionomer and
polyamide, including, for example, Pebax.RTM. thermoplastic
polyether and polyester amides, commercially available from Arkema
Inc; [0149] u) crosslinked trans-polyisoprene; [0150] v)
polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Hytrel.RTM.
polyester elastomers, commercially available from E. I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company, and Riteflex polyester elastomers,
commercially available from Ticona; [0151] w) polyurethane-based
thermoplastic elastomers, such as Elastollan.RTM. polyurethanes,
commercially available from BASF; [0152] x) synthetic or natural
vulcanized rubber; [0153] y) and combinations thereof.
[0154] Compositions comprising an ionomer or a blend of two or more
E/X- and E/X/Y-type ionomers are particularly suitable intermediate
and cover layer materials. Preferred E/X- and E/X/Y-type ionomeric
cover compositions include: [0155] (a) a composition comprising a
"high acid ionomer" (i.e., having an acid content of greater than
16 wt %), such as Surlyn.RTM. 8150; [0156] (b) a composition
comprising a high acid ionomer and a maleic anhydride-grafted
non-ionomeric polymer (e.g., Fusabond.RTM. functionalized
polymers). A particularly preferred blend of high acid ionomer and
maleic anhydride-grafted polymer is a 84 wt %/16 wt % blend of
Surlyn.RTM. 8150 and Fusabond.RTM.. Blends of high acid ionomers
with maleic anhydride-grafted polymers are further disclosed, for
example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,992,135 and 6,677,401, the entire
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference;
[0157] (c) a composition comprising a 50/45/5 blend of Surlyn.RTM.
8940/Surlyn.RTM. 9650/Nucrel.RTM. 960, preferably having a material
hardness of from 80 to 85 Shore C; [0158] (d) a composition
comprising a 50/25/25 blend of Surlyn.RTM. 8940/Surlyn.RTM.
9650/Surlyn.RTM. 9910, preferably having a material hardness of
about 90 Shore C; [0159] (e) a composition comprising a 50/50 blend
of Surlyn.RTM. 8940/Surlyn.RTM. 9650, preferably having a material
hardness of about 86 Shore C; [0160] (f) a composition comprising a
blend of Surlyn.RTM. 7940/Surlyn.RTM. 8940, optionally including a
melt flow modifier; [0161] (g) a composition comprising a blend of
a first high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein
the first high acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation
than the second high acid ionomer (e.g., 50/50 blend of Surlyn.RTM.
8150 and Surlyn.RTM. 9120), optionally including one or more melt
flow modifiers such as an ionomer, ethylene-acid copolymer or ester
terpolymer; and [0162] (h) a composition comprising a blend of a
first high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, wherein the
first high acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than
the second high acid ionomer, and from 0 to 10 wt % of an
ethylene/acid/ester ionomer wherein the ethylene/acid/ester ionomer
is neutralized with the same cation as either the first high acid
ionomer or the second high acid ionomer or a different cation than
the first and second high acid ionomers (e.g., a blend of 40-50 wt
% Surlyn.RTM. 8140 or 8150, 40-50 wt % Surlyn.RTM. 9120, and 0-10
wt % Surlyn.RTM. 6320).
[0163] Surlyn.RTM. 8150.RTM., Surlyn.RTM. 8940, and Surlyn.RTM.
8140 are different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid
groups have been partially neutralized with sodium ions.
Surlyn.RTM. 9650, Surlyn.RTM. 9910, and Surlyn.RTM. 9120 are
different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have
been partially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn.RTM. 7940 is an
E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially
neutralized with lithium ions. Surlyn.RTM. 6320 is a very low
modulus magnesium ionomer with a medium acid content. Nucrel.RTM.
960 is an E/MAA copolymer resin nominally made with 15 wt %
methacrylic acid. Surlyn.RTM. ionomers, Fusabond.RTM. polymers, and
Nucrel.RTM. copolymers are commercially available from The Dow
Chemical Company.
[0164] Suitable E/X- and E/X/Y-type ionomeric cover materials are
further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,382,
6,756,436, 6,894,098, 6,919,393, and 6,953,820, the entire
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
[0165] Suitable polyurethanes, polyureas, and blends and hybrids of
polyurethane/polyurea are further disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,334,673, 5,484,870, 6,506,851, 6,756,436, 6,835,794,
6,867,279, 6,960,630, and 7,105,623; U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2009/0011868; U.S. Patent Application No.
60/401,047; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/590,317, filed Oct.
1, 2019; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0117923; and
U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,865,052, 6,734,273, and 8,034,873; the entire
disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0166] Suitable UV absorbers that are optionally included in cover
layer compositions are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,156,405 to Kitaoh; U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,788 to Lutz; and U.S.
Pat. No. 7,722,483 to Morgan; the entire disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference.
[0167] Dimensions of each golf ball layer, i.e.,
thickness/diameter, may vary depending on the desired
properties.
[0168] The United States Golf Association specifications limit the
minimum size of a competition golf ball to 1.680 inches. There is
no specification as to the maximum diameter, and golf balls of any
size can be used for recreational play. Golf balls of the present
invention can have an overall diameter of any size, and, typically,
have an overall diameter of from 1.680 inches to 1.780 inches.
[0169] Golf balls of the present invention have a plurality of
dimples on the outer surface thereof, and, typically, have an
overall dimple surface coverage of 60% or greater, or 65% or
greater, or 75% or greater or 80% or greater.
EXAMPLES
[0170] It should be understood that the examples below are merely
illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention,
and are not to be construed as limiting the invention, the scope of
which is defined by the appended claims.
[0171] In each of examples 1-11 below, a golf ball subassembly
having a diameter of about 1.630 inches and consisting of a solid
rubber core and an ionomer casing layer was provided. A mark, or a
plurality of marks, as indicated below, was pad printed on the
outer surface of each subassembly using electrically conductive ink
to produce a marked subassembly.
Example 1
[0172] In this example, the mark consists of a single stripe,
according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. The stripe has a
width of about 0.120 inches and a length of about 2.750 inches.
Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on
the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.
Example 2
[0173] In this example, the mark consists of two stripes
intersecting at two locations, according to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 2. The stripes are substantially equal in size,
each stripe having a width of about 0.120 inches and a length of
about 2.750 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide
great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing
intersects the mark.
Example 3
[0174] In this example, the mark consists of two stripes
intersecting at one location, according to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3. The stripes are substantially equal in size,
each stripe having a width of about 0.120 inches and a length of
about 2.750 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide
great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing
intersects the mark.
Example 4
[0175] In this example, the mark consists of four stripes forming a
closed loop in the form of a spherical rectangle, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. The stripes are substantially
equal in width, each stripe having a width of about 0.120 inches.
Each of the two stripes forming the long sides of the spherical
rectangle has a length of about 2.670 inches, and each of the two
stripes forming the short sides of the spherical rectangle has a
length of about 0.380 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025
inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the
casing intersects the mark.
Example 5
[0176] In this example, the mark consists of a single curvilinear
stripe creating a closed loop, according to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5. The stripe has a width of about 0.120
inches. The closed loop has a length of about 8.390 inches. Every
mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the
spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.
Example 6
[0177] In this example, the plurality of marks consists of sixty
stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6. The stripes are substantially
equal in size, each stripe having a width of about 0.120 inches and
a length of about 0.350 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025
inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the
casing intersects the mark.
Example 7
[0178] In this example, the mark consists of three intersecting
stripes according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. The
first stripe and the second stripe have substantially the same
length, each of the first stripe and the second stripe having a
length of about 2.60 inches. The third stripe has a length of about
0.25 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, and the third
stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having a
width of about 0.12 inches. The mark has an average width of about
0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane
bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about
90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
FIG. 7. The mark has a total surface coverage of about 8%.
Example 8
[0179] In this example, the mark consists of four intersecting
stripes, according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8. The
first stripe and the second stripe have substantially the same
length, each of the first stripe and the second stripe having a
length of about 2.60 inches. The third stripe has a length of about
0.25 inches. The fourth stripe has a length of about 0.75 inches.
The first stripe, the second stripe, the third stripe, and the
fourth stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having
a width of about 0.12 inches. The mark has an average width of
about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane
bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about
90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
FIG. 8. The mark has a total surface coverage of about 9%
Example 9
[0180] In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first
mark and a second mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 9.
[0181] The first mark consists of three intersecting stripes,
including a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe. The
first stripe and the second stripe of the first mark have
substantially the same length, each of the first stripe and the
second stripe having a length of about 2.60 inches. The third
stripe of the first mark has a length of about 0.25 inches. The
first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe of the first
mark have substantially the same width, each stripe of the first
mark having a width of about 0.12 inches. The first mark has an
average width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of about 90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the
rear view of FIG. 9.
[0182] The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length
of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
[0183] The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about
8%.
Example 10
[0184] In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first
mark, a second mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0185] The first mark consists of five intersecting stripes,
including a first stripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, a fourth
stripe, and a fifth stripe. The first stripe and the second stripe
of the first mark have substantially the same length, each of the
first stripe and the second stripe having a length of about 2.15
inches. The third stripe and the fourth stripe of the first mark
connect the ends of the first and second stripes. The third stripe
and the fourth stripe of the first mark have substantially the same
length, each of the third stripe and the fourth stripe having a
length of about 0.30 inches. The fifth stripe of the first mark has
a length of about 0.40 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe,
the third stripe, the fourth stripe, and the fifth stripe of the
first mark have substantially the same width, each stripe of the
first mark having a width of about 0.12 inches. The first mark has
an average width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first
stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an
angle of about 90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the
rear view of FIG. 10.
[0186] The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length
of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
[0187] The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length
of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
[0188] The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about
9%
Example 11
[0189] In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first
mark, a second mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0190] The first mark consists of four intersecting stripes,
including a first stripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, and a
fourth stripe. The first stripe, the second stripe, and the third
stripe of the first mark have substantially the same length, each
of the first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe having
a length of about 2.50 inches. The fourth stripe of the first mark
has a length of about 0.25 inches. The first stripe, the second
stripe, the third stripe, and the fourth stripe of the first mark
have substantially the same width, each stripe of the first mark
having a width of about 0.12 inches. The first mark has an average
width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe and
a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of
about 60.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear
view of FIG. 11. A plane bisecting the second stripe and a plane
bisecting the third stripe are separated by an angle of about
60.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
FIG. 11.
[0191] The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length
of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
[0192] The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length
of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
[0193] The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about
12%.
[0194] In each of examples 1-11 above, a finished golf ball was
formed by molding a cover layer about the marked subassembly. The
finished golf balls were repeatedly fired via air cannon to a mass
plate, simulating golf ball driver impact speed greater than 175
miles per hour. Subsequent to repeated testing, the balls were
tested using a mechanical robot swinging a driver. The average
launch condition for the balls was 175 mph, 9.5 degrees, 2600 rpm,
as measured using a photogrammetric system. The radar tracking
system was able to accurately measure spin at a capture rate of
greater than 96% utilizing 16 feet of ball flight. The radar
tracking system used for testing was a TrackMan golf radar,
commercially available from TrackMan Golf, with the TrackMan set to
indoor mode.
Example 12
[0195] In this example, a plurality of marks was pad printed on the
outer surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of about 1.630
inches using electrically conductive ink, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. The plurality of marks consists
of 17 equally spaced markings, including 8 markings having the
shape of rectangular stripes and 9 markings having the shape of a
chevron. Each of the 8 rectangular stripes has a length of about
0.48 inches and a width of about 0.08 inches. Each of the 9
markings having the shape of a chevron has a width of about 0.08
inches and each stripe is about 0.38 inches long.
[0196] The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about
9.5%.
[0197] The centroid of each of the marks is positioned at a vertex
of one of 30 spherical triangles covering the entire surface of the
core layer.
Example 13
[0198] In this example, a plurality of marks was pad printed on the
outer surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of about 1.630
inches using electrically conductive ink. The plurality of marks
consists of 13 equally spaced markings, each marking having the
shape of a stripe. Each of the 13 stripes has a length of about
0.30 inches and a width of about 0.125 inches.
[0199] The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about
5.8%.
[0200] The centroid of each of the marks is positioned at a vertex
of one of 22 spherical triangles covering the entire surface of the
core layer.
Example 14
[0201] In this example, a plurality of marks was pad printed on the
outer surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of about 1.630
inches using electrically conductive ink. The plurality of marks
consists of 19 equally spaced markings, each marking having the
shape of an annulus. Each of the 19 annuli has an outer diameter of
about 0.30 inches and an inner diameter of about 0.15 inches. Each
of the 19 annuli has a printed line thickness of about 0.075
inches.
[0202] The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about
12.0%.
[0203] The centroid of each of the marks is positioned at a vertex
of one of 34 spherical triangles covering the entire surface of the
core layer.
Example 15
[0204] In this example, a mark was pad printed on the outer surface
of a golf ball cased core having a diameter of about 1.630 inches
using electrically conductive ink. The mark is a continuous mark
consisting of a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe,
according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0205] The first stripe and the second stripe have substantially
the same length, each of the first stripe and the second stripe
having a length of about 0.90 inches. The third stripe has a length
of about 0.38 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, and the
third stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having
a width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe
and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle
of about 90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear
view of FIG. 14. The mark has a total surface coverage of about
2.9%.
Example 16
[0206] In this example, a mark was pad printed on the outer surface
of a golf ball cased core having a diameter of about 1.630 inches
using electrically conductive ink. The mark is a continuous mark
consisting of a first stripe and a second stripe, according to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15.
[0207] The first stripe and the second stripe have substantially
the same length, each of the first stripe and the second stripe
having a length of about 0.90 inches. The first stripe and the
second stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having
a width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe
and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle
of about 90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear
view of FIG. 15. The mark has a total surface coverage of about
2.4%.
Example 17
[0208] In this example, a plurality of marks was pad printed on the
outer surface of a golf ball cased core having a diameter of about
1.630 inches using electrically conductive ink. The plurality of
marks consists of two non-intersecting stripes, including a first
stripe and a second stripe, according to the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 16.
[0209] The first stripe and the second stripe have substantially
the same length, each of the first stripe and the second stripe
having a length of about 0.88 inches. The first stripe and the
second stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having
a width of about 0.12 inches. A plane bisecting the first stripe
and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle
of about 90.degree., as illustrated in the front view and the rear
view of FIG. 16. The mark has a total surface coverage of about
2.5%.
[0210] When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are
set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these
values may be used.
[0211] All patents, publications, test procedures, and other
references cited herein, including priority documents, are fully
incorporated by reference to the extent such disclosure is not
inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions in which
such incorporation is permitted.
[0212] While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have
been described with particularity, it will be understood that
various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily
made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to
the examples and descriptions set forth herein, but rather that the
claims be construed as encompassing all of the features of
patentable novelty which reside in the present invention, including
all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof by those
of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
* * * * *