Abstract: Golf equipment, or a portion thereof, with improved abrasion resistance is obtained by applying a coating comprising hard filler particles, a coupling agent and a polymer precursor preferably comprising a plurality of reactive monomers and/or oligomers. Colloidal silica may be used as the filler, silanes of the form Y—(CH2)nSiX3, wherein Y is an organofunctional group providing the bonding with the polymer matrix attached to the central silicon atom via the stable (CH2)n carbon chain and X represents the silicon-functional or alkoxy group that hydrolyzes and subsequently reacts with the active sites on inorganic surfaces. The coating may be hardened by curing with ultraviolet radiation or solvent evaporation and crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods and apparatus for monitoring objects, such as golf balls, in flight. The methods include providing a plurality of cameras with different orientations with respect to the object's flight path. For example, two cameras can be located downstream of the object's initial position on either side of the flight path and a plurality of other cameras can be located upstream of the object's initial position on one side of the flight path. With such an arrangement, data in three-dimensions can be obtained on the object. Furthermore, the methods can include providing an object with a material for emitting light when excited. For example, a phosphorescent material can be used to provide an object with high contrast as compared to a background that the object is imaged against. With such materials, the methods can include filtering so that the cameras use only light emitted by the object to form images of the object that will be analyzed.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein at least one of the core and the cover is formed of a composition comprising an organic, inorganic, or metallic nanoparticulate material having a particle size of less than about 1000 nm and at least one matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monitor system that measures flight characteristics of at least one object moving in a predetermined field-of-view using at least one fluorescent marker. The system may include a lighting unit with a light filter, at least one camera unit with a camera filter. The lighting unit directs light in the direction of the object. If there is a light filter the light is filtered prior to reaching the object. The camera unit is pointed toward the object and the camera filter inhibits all wavelengths except those in a certain range. The reflected light from the object is transmitted to the camera through the camera filter. In one embodiment, the system includes a camera filter that is electronically switchable between at least two colors. The present invention further includes methods for monitoring at least one object with at least one marker using filters.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a cover, intermediate layers and/or a core comprising in whole or in part of water resistant polyurethane elastomers. The polyurethane elastomers may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf balls, covers and intermediate layers.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise nano particles, flaked glass, flaked metals or ceramic particles to increase the layer's resistance to the transmission of moisture through the layer. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a soft, high specific gravity layer to increase the moment of inertia of the golf ball. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise a multi-layer thermoplastic film. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may be positioned adjacent to a wound layer such that the moisture vapor barrier layer penetrates into the interstitial spaces in the wound layer to minimize the transmission of moisture vapor through the wound layer.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. In accordance to one aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer may comprise butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a halogenated butyl rubber such as bromobutyl rubber or chlorobutyl rubber. The butyl rubber may also be a sulfonated butyl rubber. The butyl rubber may be blended with other polymers. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, the moisture vapor barrier layer is placed on to a core subassembly and cured by infrared radiation (IR). IR-curable moisture vapor barrier materials include, but not limited to, butyl rubber, polysulfide rubber and single-pack castable polymers, among others. In accordance to another aspect of the invention, an outer layer of the golf ball may comprise a polymer that has a cured temperature greater than the softening temperature or melting temperature of the encased subassembly. Such outer layer may be cured by IR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a methods and apparatus for monitoring objects, such as golf balls, in flight. The methods include providing a plurality of cameras with different orientations with respect to the object's flight path. For example, two cameras can be located downstream of the object's initial position on either side of the flight path and a plurality of other cameras can be located upstream of the object's initial position on one side of the flight path. With such an arrangement, data in three-dimensions can be obtained on the object. Furthermore, the methods can include providing an object with a material for emitting light when excited. For example, a phosphorescent material can be used to provide an object with high contrast as compared to a background that the object is imaged against. With such materials, the methods can include filtering so that the cameras use only light emitted by the object to form images of the object that will be analyzed.

Abstract: A method for increasing adhesion between golf ball layers comprising the steps of providing a golf ball layer having a first surface; preparing the first surface for treatment; exposing the first layer to a silane; providing a second golf ball layer; and adhering the second layer to the first via the silane. Additionally, a golf ball including an inner component, a molecular monolayer, and at least one cover layer, wherein the inner component and the at least one cover layer have differing surface energies and the cover layer is adhered to inner component with the molecular monolayer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for forming an inked image on game balls, golf balls, and the like, through the use of novel curable inks that are low energy curable and require minimal curing through multiple source radiation curing processes, such as UV radiation, visible radiation, and electron beam radiation. Production inks, logo inks, and methods for forming production prints and logos on golf balls, game balls, and the like are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball that contains an interpenetrating polymer network, or IPN, including at least two polymeric components. These IPNs may be present in any golf ball layer, although in an intermediate or cover layer in one preferred embodiment. The present invention is also directed to methods of forming a golf ball containing an IPN in one or more of the layers.

Abstract: A method for finishing a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a golf ball having a three-dimensional dimpled surface; preparing the surface for receiving at least one indicia; providing a digital image having at least one color; providing a multi-layered pad-printing substrate having at least one layer; etching the image into the at least one layer of the substrate with a laser; distributing a layer of ink over the etched substrate; providing at least one pad for transferring the ink from the substrate to the three-dimensional surface; and transferring the image from the substrate to the dimpled surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: A method for finishing a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a golf ball having a three-dimensional dimpled surface; preparing the surface for receiving at least one indicia; providing a digital image having at least one color; transferring the image to the surface with an inkjet head; and treating the surface with a coating comprising a clear coat, a top coat, a primer, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a monitor system that measures flight characteristics of at least one object moving in a predetermined field-of-view using at least one fluorescent marker. The system may include a lighting unit with a light filter, at least one camera unit with a camera filter. The lighting unit directs light in the direction of the object. If there is a light filter the light is filtered prior to reaching the object. The camera unit is pointed toward the object and the camera filter inhibits all wavelengths except those in a certain range. The reflected light from the object is transmitted to the camera through the camera filter. In one embodiment, the system includes a camera filter that is electronically switchable between at least two colors. The present invention further includes methods for monitoring at least one object with at least one marker using filters.

Abstract: Golf equipment, or a portion thereof, with improved abrasion resistance is obtained by applying a coating comprising hard filler particles, a coupling agent and a polymer precursor preferably comprising a plurality of reactive monomers and/or oligomers. Colloidal silica may be used as the filler, silanes of the form Y—(CH2)nSiX3, wherein Y is an organofunctional group providing the bonding with the polymer matrix attached to the central silicon atom via the stable (CH2)n, carbon chain and X represents the silicon-functional or alkoxy group that hydrolyzes and subsequently reacts with the active sites on inorganic surfaces. The coating may be hardened by curing with ultraviolet radiation or solvent evaporation and crosslinking.

Abstract: A wound golf ball that includes a wound core surrounded by a cover, wherein the wound layer is at least partially impregnated with a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The wound core is formed of a fluid-filled or solid center, and at least one wound layer surrounding the center.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a cover, intermediate layers and/or a core comprising in whole or in part of water resistant polyurethane elastomers. The polyurethane elastomers may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf balls, covers and intermediate layers.

Abstract: A method for finishing a golf ball comprising the steps of providing a golf ball having a three-dimensional dimpled surface; preparing the surface for receiving at least one indicia; providing a digital image having at least one color; providing a multi-layered pad-printing substrate having at least one layer; etching the image into the at least one layer of the substrate with a laser; distributing a layer of ink over the etched substrate; providing at least one pad for transferring the ink from the substrate to the three-dimensional surface; and transferring the image from the substrate to the dimpled surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a cover, intermediate layers and/or a core comprising in whole or in part of water resistant polyurethane elastomers. The polyurethane elastomers may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf balls, covers and intermediate layers.

Abstract: A golf ball including a center, a cover, and, optionally, at least one intermediate layer disposed between the center and the cover, wherein the cover is formed from a polyurethane composition, or a reaction product thereof, including at least one polyol; at least one polyisocyanate; at least one curing agent; and at least one color stabilizer; wherein the color stabilizer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a &Dgr;C* of less than about 22 upon exposure to UV light over a timeframe of 1 hour.