Patents by Inventor Derek Ladd

Derek Ladd has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240091596
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising one or more layers and/or indicia formed from a fluorescent composition comprising: a base polymer; and a colorant; wherein the colorant is a small-molecule ionic isolation lattice formed from one or more fluorescent dye and one or more cyanostar macrocycles. The one or more fluorescent dyes may include at least one dye selected from xanthenes, oxazines, styryls, cyanines, trianguleniums, or mixtures thereof. The colorant may be a dispersion of the small-molecule ionic isolation lattice in a carrier medium or a powder. In particular embodiments, at least one of the one or more layers is a cover layer and/or a coating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Robert Blink
  • Patent number: 11865396
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising one or more layers and/or indicia formed from a fluorescent composition comprising: a base polymer; and a colorant; wherein the colorant is a small-molecule ionic isolation lattice formed from one or more fluorescent dye and one or more cyanostar macrocycles. The one or more fluorescent dyes may include at least one dye selected from xanthenes, oxazines, styryls, cyanines, trianguleniums, or mixtures thereof. The colorant may be a dispersion of the small-molecule ionic isolation lattice in a carrier medium or a powder. In particular embodiments, at least one of the one or more layers is a cover layer and/or a coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Robert Blink
  • Publication number: 20230405408
    Abstract: Buoyant dimpled golf ball having CoR?0.810, specific gravity <1.00 g/cc, initial velocity ?250 ft/s, first aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.25 and about 0.30 and first aerodynamic force angle between about 29 degrees and 34 degrees at Reynolds Number of 230000 and spin ratio of 0.085; and second aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.26 and about 0.31 and second aerodynamic force angle between about 31 degrees and 36 degrees at Reynolds Number of 180000 and spin ratio of 0.101. Golf ball may additionally have third aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.27 and about 0.32 and third aerodynamic force angle between about 34 degrees and 39 degrees at Reynolds Number of 133000 and spin ratio of 0.133; and fourth aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.33 and about 0.38 and fourth aerodynamic force angle between about 38 degrees and 43 degrees at Reynolds Number of 89000 and spin ratio of 0.183.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Courtney N. Engle, Derek A. Ladd, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, William E. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20230321494
    Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20230310949
    Abstract: Golf ball having at least one layer formed from a thermoset or thermoplastic composition comprising one or more free radical scavengers selected from lignosulfonates, hydroxycarboxylic acids, carbohydrates, superplasticizers, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Dennis Britton, Erin C. McDermott, Manjari Kuntimaddi, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 11684824
    Abstract: Buoyant dimpled golf ball having CoR ?0.810, specific gravity <1.00 g/cc, initial velocity ?250 ft/s, first aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.25 and about 0.30 and first aerodynamic force angle between about 29 degrees and 34 degrees at Reynolds Number of 230000 and spin ratio of 0.085; and second aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.26 and about 0.31 and second aerodynamic force angle between about 31 degrees and 36 degrees at Reynolds Number of 180000 and spin ratio of 0.101. Golf ball may additionally have third aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.27 and about 0.32 and third aerodynamic force angle between about 34 degrees and 39 degrees at Reynolds Number of 133000 and spin ratio of 0.133; and fourth aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.33 and about 0.38 and fourth aerodynamic force angle between about 38 degrees and 43 degrees at Reynolds Number of 89000 and spin ratio of 0.183.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Courtney N. Engle, Derek A. Ladd, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, William E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11679304
    Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20230173345
    Abstract: Golf ball comprising one or more layers and/or indicia formed from a fluorescent composition comprising: a base polymer; and a colorant; wherein the colorant is a small-molecule ionic isolation lattice formed from one or more fluorescent dye and one or more cyanostar macrocycles. The one or more fluorescent dyes may include at least one dye selected from xanthenes, oxazines, styryls, cyanines, trianguleniums, or mixtures thereof. The colorant may be a dispersion of the small-molecule ionic isolation lattice in a carrier medium or a powder. In particular embodiments, at least one of the one or more layers is a cover layer and/or a coating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Matthew F. Hogge, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Robert Blink
  • Publication number: 20230134882
    Abstract: Golf balls having core formulations including polybutadiene, butyl rubber, or a blend thereof, and low surface coverage dimple patterns are disclosed. The combination of low surface coverage with particular rubber formulations helps to reduce the flight of the ball while also providing improved aerodynamic consistency and maintaining the appearance of a high-performance trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Madson, Nicholas Nardacci, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20230136559
    Abstract: Golf balls having core formulations including polybutadiene, butyl rubber, or a blend thereof, and low surface coverage dimple patterns are disclosed. The combination of low surface coverage with particular rubber formulations helps to reduce the flight of the ball while also providing improved aerodynamic consistency and maintaining the appearance of a high-performance trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Madson, Nicholas Nardacci, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20230135518
    Abstract: Golf balls having core formulations including polybutadiene, butyl rubber, or a blend thereof, and low surface coverage dimple patterns are disclosed. The combination of low surface coverage with particular rubber formulations helps to reduce the flight of the ball while also providing improved aerodynamic consistency and maintaining the appearance of a high-performance trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Madson, Nicholas Nardacci, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20230139709
    Abstract: Golf balls having core formulations including polybutadiene, butyl rubber, or a blend thereof, and low surface coverage dimple patterns are disclosed. The combination of low surface coverage with particular rubber formulations helps to reduce the flight of the ball while also providing improved aerodynamic consistency and maintaining the appearance of a high-performance trajectory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Madson, Nicholas Nardacci, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20220249915
    Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2022
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 11344771
    Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20210308532
    Abstract: Buoyant dimpled golf ball having CoR ?0.810, specific gravity <1.00 g/cc, initial velocity ?250 ft/s, first aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.25 and about 0.30 and first aerodynamic force angle between about 29 degrees and 34 degrees at Reynolds Number of 230000 and spin ratio of 0.085; and second aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.26 and about 0.31 and second aerodynamic force angle between about 31 degrees and 36 degrees at Reynolds Number of 180000 and spin ratio of 0.101. Golf ball may additionally have third aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.27 and about 0.32 and third aerodynamic force angle between about 34 degrees and 39 degrees at Reynolds Number of 133000 and spin ratio of 0.133; and fourth aerodynamic coefficient magnitude between about 0.33 and about 0.38 and fourth aerodynamic force angle between about 38 degrees and 43 degrees at Reynolds Number of 89000 and spin ratio of 0.183.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Madson, Courtney N. Engle, Derek A. Ladd, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, William E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 11040253
    Abstract: Golf ball having CoR of at least 0.810, specific gravity SGB of less than 1.00 g/cc, and initial velocity of at least 250 ft/s and comprising a first layer L1, a second layer L2 surrounding L1, and a third layer L3 surrounding L2. L1 is formed from at least one highly neutralized polymer and has first specific gravity SG1; L2 is formed from at least one partially neutralized polymer and has second specific gravity SG2; and L3 is formed from at least one of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition and has third specific gravity SG3. At least two of SG1, SG2, and SG3 is less than 1.13 g/cc. SG1 may be less than 1.13 g/cc, or less than 1.0 g/cc. The thermoset or thermoplastic composition may comprise polyurethane(s), polyurea(s), polyurethane(s)/polyurea(s) hybrids, and/or ionomers such as at least partially neutralized polymers and/or HNPs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Michael J. Sullivan, William E. Morgan, Mark L. Binette
  • Publication number: 20200282266
    Abstract: A pre-molded dimple-free golf ball is formed before dimples are created in a thermoplastic cover of the pre-molded dimple-free golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Jason J. Hinton, Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Antonio U. DeSimas
  • Patent number: 10751577
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The inner and outer core layers can have different hardness gradients. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 10709938
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-layered core and dual-layered cover are provided. The core structure includes a small, heavy inner core (center) having a relatively high specific gravity, and a surrounding outer core layer. The core layers may have different hardness gradients. The center of the core comprises a metal material such as copper, steel, brass, tungsten, titanium, aluminum, and combinations and alloys thereof preferably dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene. The multi-layered cores and covers have selective specific gravity relationships between the different layers. This helps provide the ball with good flight distance and spin control. The resulting balls have good resiliency and other playing performance properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd
  • Publication number: 20200215394
    Abstract: Golf balls having a single or dual-layered solid core are provided. In one embodiment, the golf ball has dimensions and properties that do not conform to the rules of the United States Golf Association (USGA). For example, the ball weight; ball size; ball spherical symmetry; ball initial velocity; and/or ball overall distance may fall outside of the USGA standards. The dual-layered core can have an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and surrounding outer core comprising a thermoset composition. In another embodiment, the dual-layered core has an inner core comprising a thermoplastic composition and outer core comprising a thermoset composition. The thermoplastic composition preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer and plasticizer. The thermoset composition preferably comprises polybutadiene rubber. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Derek A. Ladd