GOLF BALL HAVING AT LEAST ONE RADAR DETECTABLE MARK
Various golf ball configurations are disclosed herein that include radar reflective features. The radar reflective features can be formed as inks, resins, electrically conductive metals, polymers, carbons, or other substances that can be deposited or disposed on various portions of a golf ball. The radar reflective features can be formed from a variety of materials, as further disclosed herein.
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The present application claims the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63/530,541, filed Aug. 3, 2023; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/191,205, filed Mar. 28, 2023, which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/072,801, filed Dec. 1, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/553,122, filed Dec. 16, 2021, which 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 Patent Application No. 63/116,535, filed Nov. 20, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/116,803, filed Nov. 20, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/212,225, filed Jun. 18, 2021, the entire disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe 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 INVENTIONInterest 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.
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.
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 INVENTIONThe present disclosure is directed to a golf ball comprising at least one layer with a mark, or a plurality of marks, disposed on a surface thereof.
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:
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- the mark has a non-circular shape;
- 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;
- the mark has a resistivity of from 0.1 Ohms to 2,500 Ohms;
- 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
- 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.
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.
In another particular embodiment, the mark is formed from a radar detectable material and has a continuous shape comprising three or more intersecting stripes.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
In another particular embodiment, the golf ball has a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers 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, the resulting overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks comprises a series of three or more marks where each mark in the series has a geometric center located on a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the overall pattern of projected marks consists essentially of the plurality of marks positioned along the great circle. In a further particular aspect of this embodiment, the portion of the great circle along which the plurality of marks are positioned has a length of no more than half the circumference of the ball.
In another particular embodiment, the golf ball has a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers 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, the resulting overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks comprises a first great circle series of three or more marks, where each mark in the series has a geometric center located on a first 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball, and a second great circle series of three or more marks, where each mark in the series has a geometric center located on a second 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a golf ball comprising at least one layer with a mark, or a plurality of marks, disposed on a surface thereof. In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball.
The projected pattern can comprise a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern comprises at least one first crest and at least one first trough. The first spherical arc can be defined along a first great circle on the outer surface of the golf ball.
The projected pattern can comprise a first terminal end and a second terminal end that are circumferentially spaced apart from each other to define a wave angular extent. The terminal ends can be spaced apart from each other by at least 45 degrees, in one example. The first terminal end and the second terminal end can be circumferentially spaced apart by 240 degrees-300 degrees, in one example. Stated differently, the wave angular extent can extend for at least 45 degrees, and preferably can extend for 240 degrees-300 degrees. The wave angular extent can extend for 270 degrees, in one example.
In one example including parallel waves, the circumferential spacing of the terminal ends of the wave profiles can vary in order to cover a predetermined wavelength or period. For example, two parallel wave profiles can have varying lengths to account for different positions relative to the printed surface and to align the wave angular extents of the two wave profiles.
The projected pattern can extend for at least 1.0 period in one example. In one example, the projected pattern can extend for less than 5.0 periods.
An amplitude of the first wave profile can have a relationship with the diameter of the golf ball. In one example, the amplitude is no greater than 40% of a diameter of the golf ball. In one example, the amplitude is no greater than 40% of a diameter of the golf ball cased core. In one example, the amplitude is no greater than 40% of a diameter of a golf ball sub-assembly. In other examples, the amplitude is 5%-50% of a diameter of the golf ball, the amplitude is 10%-30% of a diameter of the golf ball, or the amplitude is 15%-25% of a diameter of the golf ball. In other examples, the amplitude is 10%-60% of a diameter of the golf ball cased core, the amplitude is 20%-50% of a diameter of the golf ball cased core, or the amplitude is 25%-40% of a diameter of the golf ball cased core. In other examples, the amplitude is 5%-55% of a diameter of a golf ball sub-assembly, the amplitude is 15%-45% of a diameter of a golf ball sub-assembly, or the amplitude is 25%-40% of a diameter of a golf ball sub-assembly. The amplitude can be measured to a mid-point, center, or middle portion of the marking or projected pattern. In another example, the amplitude can be defined as at any two corresponding points on the spherical arc which are equidistant from the central axis of the wave profile.
The first wave profile can be formed according to a variety of wave profiles. For example, the wave profile can be one of: a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangular wave, or a square wave. In one example, multiple wave forms can be combined.
The at least one radar detectable mark can be disposed on a single layer in one example. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark can be comprised of a plurality of radar detectable marks that are disposed among more than one layer.
The projected pattern can be formed as a continuous, uninterrupted strip, in one example. In another example, the projected pattern can be formed as a plurality of discrete strips that are spaced apart from each other and aligned with each other such that the discrete strips define a wave profile in the aggregate. According to one aspect, the discrete strips are centered about a common through line or track such that the overall wave profile is defined by the discrete strips.
Various parameters, sizes, profiles, shapes, etc., of the wave profile and the radar detectable mark can vary. In one example, the radar detectable mark can have a width of 1.0 mm-5.0 mm. In one example, the first wave profile can have an amplitude of 7.0 mm-15.0 mm.
The projected pattern can further comprise a second wave profile with at least one second crest and at least one second trough. The first wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of first points and the second wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each closest adjacent second point along the second wave profile can be equidistant from each other such that a uniform normal distance is defined along an entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance can be 4.0 mm-6.0 mm. The first and second wave profiles can be parallel to each other. In another aspect, a normal distance between the wave profiles can vary and can be non-uniform.
The first wave profile and the second wave profile can each have a predetermined amplitude that is identical to each other, such that the uniform normal distance is at least half of the predetermined amplitude, and the uniform normal distance is no greater than twice the predetermined amplitude.
The second wave profile can be mapped along a path defined by a second spherical arc that is positioned away from the first spherical arc.
Another example of a golf ball is disclosed herein. The golf ball can have at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern can comprise a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function can be selected from one of: a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave. In other examples, the wave profile can be defined as a combination of wave forms to produce another periodic function. Any one or more of a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave can be combined, in addition to any other function or periodic profile.
The projected pattern can have a wave angular extent of 45 degrees-270 degrees, in one example. The periodic function can repeat for at least 1.0 period. The projected pattern can further include a second wave profile with at least one second crest and at least one second trough. A uniform normal distance can be defined along an entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The first wave profile can have a first amplitude, and the second wave profile can have a second amplitude. The uniform normal distance can be less than half of the first amplitude. The uniform normal distance can be less than half of the second amplitude. The first amplitude can be no greater than 40% of a diameter of at least one of: the golf ball, a cased core of the golf ball, or a sub-assembly of the golf ball.
Another example of a golf ball is also disclosed herein. The golf ball can have at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern can comprise a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function can be a sine wave, and the periodic function can repeat for at least 1.0 period.
In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin; and a first plurality of conductive metal pigments. As used in this context, the term conductive refers to electrical conductivity, and the terms conductive and electrically conductive are used interchangeably herein. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides for a radar reflective material or marking that is comprised, in part, of conductive pigments. The pigments can be formed from various materials, and can be formed from non-metallic base compositions and/or coatings.
A first plurality of conductive metal pigments can have an average particle size that is no greater than 10.0 microns, and the first plurality of conductive metal pigments can have an average aspect ratio that is no greater than 10.0. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the characteristics of the pigments can vary.
The first plurality of conductive metal pigments can comprise at least one of: silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core shell pigments.
The radar detectable material can further comprise a second plurality of conductive metal pigments that are formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive metal pigments can include pigments that are coated by conductive polymers. The conductive polymer can be comprised of at least one of: poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI). The second plurality of conductive metal pigments can be silver coated copper, silver coated iron, or silver coated nickel, in other aspects.
In another aspect, the radar detectable material can further comprise a second plurality of conductive pigments that are formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive pigments can include metallic pigments, or non-metallic pigments that can be coated by a conductive material. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the coating and/or the pigment itself can be conductive.
In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are magnetic pigments. In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are radiopaque pigments. The second plurality of conductive metal pigments can be comprised of tungsten.
In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 5.0 microns. In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 7.5 microns. In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 10.0 microns. In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is 4.0 microns-12.0 microns. In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is 1.0 micron-15.0 microns.
In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 2.0 microns. In one aspect, the average aspect ratio of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 5.0. In one aspect, a relationship between the values for the average aspect ratio (AR) and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined by: 0.5≤(AR/PS)≤5.0. In one aspect, a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 8.0. In one aspect, a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 3.0. In one aspect, a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 1.0.
In one aspect, a first plurality of pigments can be formed from materials other than metals and can be coated with a conductive material.
The at least one radar detectable mark can have a depth of 1.0 micron-10.0 microns. A width of the at least one radar detectable mark can be no greater than 1.50 mm. A width of the at least one radar detectable mark can be no greater than 1.00 mm. A width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 0.75 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.50 mm-0.75 mm. The width, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., of the mark can vary.
The resin can have a flexural or flex modulus of at least 2.0 MPa, in one aspect. The resin can have a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 MPa, in one aspect. In one aspect, the flex modulus can be tested according to ASTM D790. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other testing standards could be used.
In one aspect, the sheet resistance values can refer to values associated with the material(s) forming the mark, and not necessarily the values exhibited by a golf ball including said mark(s). For instance, when referring to the sheet resistance of the radar detectable mark, the values can refer to the sheet resistance of the material forming the mark.
The radar detectable mark or material forming the mark can have a sheet resistance of 0.01 Ohm/sq/mil-0.10 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the radar detectable mark or material forming the mark can have a sheet resistance of 0.025 Ohm/sq/mil-0.075 Ohm/sq/mil. The radar detectable mark or material forming the mark can have a sheet resistance of 0.04 Ohm/sq/mil-0.06 Ohm/sq/mil. The radar detectable mark or material forming the mark can have a conductivity of no greater than 800,000 Siemens/meter, in one aspect. In another aspect, the radar detectable mark or material forming the mark can have a conductivity of 700,000 Siemens/meter-900,000 Siemens/meter. In one aspect, the golf ball can further comprise an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising at least one of: copper; silver; conductive polymer; gold; platinum; conductive carbon; nickel; zinc; or aluminum.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of gold. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of platinum and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of silver and zinc. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of conductive polymer and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel and silver. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel and conductive polymer.
The golf ball can further comprise an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
A width of the at least one radar detectable mark can be no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The width, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., of the mark can vary.
In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckminsterfullerene (hereinafter buckyballs).
In one aspect, the radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising an electrically conductive material comprising: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
The electrically conductive material can comprise the mixture of silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and conductive carbon includes a ratio of two parts silver to one part conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises silver coated glass. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises silver coated copper. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises the mixture of silver and metal salt. In another aspect, the metal salt in the mixture of silver and the metal salt includes silver chloride. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises the mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises the mixture of silver and conductive resin.
In one aspect, the mixture of silver and the metal salt includes a ratio of 80 parts silver to 20 parts metal salt. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide includes a ratio of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide.
In one aspect, the conductive resin is comprised of at least one of: poly(3, 4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The width, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., of the mark can vary.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In another example, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising a conductive polymer including at least one of: poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
In one aspect, the radar detectable material can further comprise silver. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises conductive carbon. In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises conductive metals. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises bismuth telluride. In another aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises antimony telluride. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In one aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The width, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., of the mark can vary.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin having a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 GPa; and an electrically conductive material.
The electrically conductive material can be comprised of at least one of: silver, conductive carbon, or aluminum pigments.
In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the silver is comprised of at least one of a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, a width of the radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm.
In one aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 10.0 GPa-16.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 3.0 GPa-4.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 17.0 MPa-20.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 2.0 MPa-3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-1.5 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 5.0 GPa-15.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 1.0 GPa-10.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 100.0 MPa-250.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 500.0 MPa-1.0 GPa.
In one aspect, the radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In one aspect, the resin is comprised of a vinyl-based polymer. In another aspect, the resin is comprised of a urethane-based polymer. In another aspect, the resin is comprised of an epoxy-based polymer.
In one aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of silver. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of conductive carbon and aluminum pigments.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising at least one of tin or its tin oxides.
The radar detectable material can further comprise at least one conductive polymer. The at least one conductive polymer can be comprised of at least one of: poly(3, 4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI). The radar detectable material can further comprise conductive carbon. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a conductive metal. In one aspect, the conductive metal comprises silver.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of a ratio of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the silver is comprised of at least one of: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the tin oxide includes indium tin oxide. In another aspect, the tin oxide includes antimony tin oxide.
In one aspect, the golf ball can further comprise an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The width, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., of the mark can vary.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed herein that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising a transition metal, in one aspect.
The transition metal can further comprise at least one of: palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, or iridium. The transition metal can be comprised of tungsten. In another aspect, the transition metal can be comprised of iron. The transition metal can be comprised of molybdenum, in one aspect.
The transition metal can be comprised of at least one of: copper, silver, a mixture of silver and a metal salt, gold, platinum, nickel, tin or its tin oxides, or zinc.
The transition metal can include nickel, in one aspect. In another aspect, the transition metal includes platinum. In one aspect, the transition metal includes platinum, and the radar detectable material further comprises conductive carbon.
In one aspect, the transition metal is comprised of 10 parts platinum and 90 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of: conductive polymer, conductive carbon, or aluminum. In one aspect, the conductive polymer is comprised of at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The width can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed herein that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark is formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin; and an electrically conductive material comprising silver and antimony.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a radiopaque material. The radiopaque material can include tungsten. The tungsten can be provided at 1%-50% of a total weight of the radar detectable material. The tungsten can be provided at 15%-35% of a total weight of the radar detectable material.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.05 Ohm/sq/mil-5.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The sheet resistance values can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In one aspect, the antimony is antimony oxide. In another aspect, the antimony is antimony tin oxide.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 1.5 mm-3.0 mm. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material further comprises conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The width can vary as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate.
In one aspect, the silver is comprised of at least one of: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark is formed from a radar detectable material comprising a radar reflective ink and at least one sorting additive. The sorting additive can be formed from various materials, as disclosed herein.
The sorting additive can comprise at least one radiopaque additive. The at least one radiopaque additive can comprise at least one radiopaque pigment or at least one radiopaque dye, in one aspect. The at least one radiopaque pigment and/or radiopaque dye can be comprised of at least one of iodine, barium, barium sulfate, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, bismuth, bismuth oxide, bismuth trioxide, bismuth oxychloride, bismuth subcarbonate, zirconium, zirconium oxide, or gold. The at least one radiopaque dye can be comprised of iodine. The radar reflective ink can be comprised of at least one of silver or conductive carbon.
The sorting additive can be comprised of at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive. The at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive can be comprised of at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic pigment. The at least one magnetic pigment can be comprised of at least one of iron, nickel, cobalt, or neodymium. The at least one ferromagnetic pigment can be comprised of at least one of iron, cobalt, molybdenum, or nickel.
Additional aspects and features of forming a golf ball having a projected pattern and radar detectable mark are disclosed herein.
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:
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.
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 μm, or a film thickness of 5 μm or less, or a film thickness within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm, and 5 μm.
In one aspect, the film thickness of the marking can be at least 0.1 μm and no greater than 10.0 μm. In another aspect, the film thickness of the marking can be at least 0.05 μm and no greater than 15.0 μm.
In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin; and a first plurality of conductive metal pigments.
The first plurality of conductive metal pigments can have an average particle size that is no greater than 10.0 microns, and the first plurality of conductive metal pigments can have an average aspect ratio that is no greater than 10.0. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the characteristics of the pigments can vary.
The first plurality of conductive metal pigments can comprise at least one of: silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core shell pigments. In one aspect, the coated core shell pigments can include a glass core, ceramic core, and/or alloys or alloy core. Blends of pigments can be included, such as silver and nickel, aluminum and nickel, etc. The pigments can also be combined with inherently conductive coated polymer pigments. Some other exemplary materials can include silver coated copper, silver coated iron, and/or silver coated nickel. The pigments and/or the coatings can be conductive. The pigments and/or the coatings can be formed from metal. The pigments and/or the coatings can be formed from non-metals.
The radar detectable material can further comprise a second plurality of conductive metal pigments that are formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive metal pigments can include pigments that are coated by a conductive polymer, or that are coated by other metals. The conductive polymer coating can be comprised of at least one of: poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, polyaniline (PANI). In one aspect, the conductive pigments can include silver coated copper, silver coated iron, or silver coated nickel.
In another aspect, the radar detectable material can further comprise a second plurality of conductive pigments that are formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive pigments can include pigments that are coated by a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer coating can be comprised of at least one of: poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, polyaniline (PANI). The second plurality of conductive pigments can include a conductive coating applied to at least one base material, which can be metallic or non-metallic.
In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are magnetic pigments. In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are radiopaque pigments. The second plurality of conductive metal pigments can be comprised of tungsten.
In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 5.0 microns. In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 2.0 microns. In one aspect, the average aspect ratio of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 5.0. In one aspect, a relationship between the values for the average aspect ratio (AR) and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined by: 0.5≤(AR/PS)≤5.0. In one aspect, a relationship between the values for the average aspect ratio (AR) and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined by: 0.1≤(AR/PS)≤10.0. In one aspect, a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 8.0. In one aspect, a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 3.0. In one aspect, a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 1.0.
The at least one radar detectable mark can have a depth of 1.0 micron-10.0 microns. A width of the at least one radar detectable mark can be no greater than 1.50 mm. A width of the at least one radar detectable mark can be no greater than 1.00 mm. A width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the dimensions of the mark or marks can vary.
The resin can have a flex modulus of at least 2.0 MPa, in one aspect. The resin can have a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 MPa, in one aspect. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that various resins and resin systems can be used in combination with radar reflective materials.
The at least one radar detectable mark can have a sheet resistance of 0.01 Ohm/sq/mil-0.10 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a sheet resistance of 0.025 Ohm/sq/mil-0.075 Ohm/sq/mil. The at least one radar detectable mark can have a sheet resistance of 0.04 Ohm/sq/mil-0.06 Ohm/sq/mil. The at least one radar detectable mark can have a conductivity of no greater than 800,000 Siemens/meter, in one aspect. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a conductivity of 700,000 Siemens/meter-900,000 Siemens/meter. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a conductivity of 600,000 Siemens/meter-1,000,000 Siemens/meter. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a conductivity of less than 1,000,000 Siemens/meter. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a conductivity of greater than 500,000 Siemens/meter. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the sheet resistance, conductivity, resistance, etc., can vary depending on the specific requirements for a particular golf ball.
In one aspect, the golf ball can further comprise an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark. Additional details regarding adhesion promotor materials, locations, etc., are provided herein.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides for improved signal durability (i.e., the radar reflective signal strength) based on the combination of a relatively lower average particle size and a relatively lower aspect ratio of the pigments.
In one aspect, the marking can be pad printed. In one aspect, a print etch depth can be at least 10.0 microns, or at least 15.0 microns, or at least 20.0 microns. In one aspect, the print etch depth can be at least 40.0 microns or no greater than 50.0 microns. In one specific example, the print etch depth is approximately 47.0 microns. In one specific example, the print etch depth is approximately 35.0 microns. In one specific example, the print etch depth is approximately 55.0 microns. In one specific example, the print etch depth is approximately 42.0 microns. In one specific example, the print etch depth is approximately 38.0 microns. In one specific example, the print etch depth is approximately 58.0 microns.
In one aspect, the at least one marking has a film thickness of at least 0.5 micron, or at least 1.0 micron, or at least 2.0 microns, or at least 5.0 microns. In one aspect, the at least one marking has a film thickness of no greater than 20.0 microns, or 10.0 microns, or 8.0 microns, or 6.0 microns.
In one aspect, durability of the at least one mark can be improved based on the aspect ratio being five to ten times lower than conventionally milled/ground pigments.
In one aspect, the aspect ratio is less than less than 10.0, and can be less than 5.0, or less than 2.5, or less than 1.0. In one aspect, the average particle size is less than 10.0 microns, or less than 5.0 microns, or less than 2.5 microns, or less than 2.0 microns. In one aspect, the sheet resistance is 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil.
In another aspect, the pigments can be combined with other different pigments, such as nano-pigments, (i.e., nano-silver). In another aspect, at least three types of pigments can be provided in the radar reflective material. The various types of pigments can have varying characteristics, such as material selections, shapes, compositions, saturation, aspect ratio, particle size, etc.
In one example, the conductive ink contains resin and radar reflective pigments having an average particle size of no greater than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil.
In one example, the conductive ink contains resin and any metallic pigment having an average particle size of 1.0 micron-5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 2.0-20.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil.
In one example, the conductive ink contains resin and radar reflective pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and silver pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, or 1.0 microns-5.0 microns, or 2.0 microns-10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0, or no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and conductive carbon pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, or 1.0 microns-5.0 microns, or 2.0 microns-10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0 or 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and aluminum pigments having an average particle size of 2.0-10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0 or no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and graphene pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, or no greater than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0 or no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and nanotube pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or no greater than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0 or no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and nanometal pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or no greater than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0 or no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and gold pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and tin pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and antimony pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and conductive polymer pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, or no greater than 10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0 or no greater than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-0.100 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific example, the conductive ink contains resin and silver pigments having an average particle size of 2.0-5.0 microns, or no greater than 10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of no greater than 5.0, or no greater than 10.0, and a conductivity of 500,000-1,000,000 Siemens/meter.
In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising at least one of: copper; silver; conductive polymer; gold; platinum; conductive carbon; nickel; zinc; or aluminum.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of gold. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of platinum and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of silver and zinc. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of conductive polymer and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel and silver. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of nickel and conductive polymer.
The golf ball can further comprise an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
A width of the at least one radar detectable mark can be no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the dimensions of the mark or marks can vary.
In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the sheet resistance values can vary.
In one aspect, the radar reflective material can include silver, silver (in combination with metal salts such as silver chloride), conductive polymer, gold, platinum, conductive carbon, nickel, zinc, and/or aluminum. These materials can be used in combination as well, such as a combination of platinum and conductive carbon, a combination of silver and zinc, a combination of conductive polymer and conductive carbon, etc.
In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising an electrically conductive material comprising: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other ceramics could be used.
The electrically conductive material can comprise a mixture of silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and conductive carbon includes a ratio of two parts silver to one part conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises silver coated glass. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises silver coated copper. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises the mixture of silver and metal salt. In another aspect, the metal salt in the mixture of silver and the metal salt includes silver chloride. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises the mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises the mixture of silver and conductive resin.
In one aspect, the mixture of silver and the metal salt includes a ratio of 80 parts silver to 20 parts metal salt. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide includes a ratio of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide.
In one aspect, the conductive resin is comprised of at least one of: poly(3, 4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the dimensions of the mark can vary.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the sheet resistance values can vary.
In one specific aspect, a radar reflective material can include any one or more of the following: silver, silver in combinations with silver chloride, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, silver in combination with tin and its oxides, silver with conductive resins (such as PEDOT, PEDOT composites, and/or PANI), silver with conductive carbon (and its variants/derivatives, such as graphene, fibers, nanotubes, buckyballs). These specific materials and material combinations can be further combined at any level, ratio, or amount. In one aspect, the radar reflective material can be comprised of silver with silver glass, and conductive carbon, and PEDOT, for example. For material formulations including silver used in conjunction with metal salts (i.e., silver chloride), an exemplary ratio can include 80 parts silver to 20 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, this ratio can include 75 parts silver to 25 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, this ratio can include 90 parts silver to 10 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, this ratio can include 85 parts silver to 15 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, this ratio can include 65 parts silver to 35 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, this ratio can include 75 parts silver to 20 parts silver chloride to 5 parts of a third material. In another aspect, this ratio can include 70 parts silver to 20 parts silver chloride to 10 parts of a third material. In another aspect, this ratio can include 80 parts silver to 10 parts silver chloride to 10 parts of a third material. For material formulations including silver used in conjunction with tin, an exemplary ratio can include 70 parts silver to 20 parts tin. In another aspect, this ratio can include 65 parts silver to 35 parts tin. In another aspect, this ratio can include 75 parts silver to 25 parts tin. In another aspect, this ratio can include 80 parts silver to 20 parts tin. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any of these ratios can vary. In one aspect, silver can be included in the radar reflective material at a concentration of 10% by weight. In one aspect, silver can be included in the radar reflective material at a concentration of 20% by weight. In one aspect, silver can be included in the radar reflective material at a concentration of 30% by weight. In one aspect, silver can be included in the radar reflective material at a concentration of 40% by weight. In one aspect, silver can be included in the radar reflective material at a concentration of 5%-50% by weight.
In another example, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising a conductive polymer including at least one of: poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
In one aspect, the radar detectable material can further comprise silver. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises conductive carbon. In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises conductive metals. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises bismuth telluride. In another aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises antimony telluride. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the dimension and sheet resistance values can vary for the marks.
One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that various conductive polymers can be used as a radar reflective material for golf balls. Exemplary conductive materials can include PEDOT, PEDOT composites, and/or PANI, but one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various other conductive polymers can be used. The conductive polymers can be used in combination with other materials, such as silver in its various forms, or any other material that is configured to further improve conductivity (i.e., lower resistivity). Various conductive polymers can be used in combination with other materials, such as conductive carbons, which can be provided in various forms, including, but not limited to, graphene, fibers, buckyballs, etc. Various conductive polymers can be used in combination with various conductive metals, as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate based on this disclosure. Various conductive polymers can be used in combination with various other conductive materials. In one aspect, the tellurides of antimony and bismuth can be used in combination with conductive polymers. Some exemplary radar reflective materials/material combinations material combinations can include PEDOT; PEDOT and conductive carbon; PANI; PANI and conductive carbon; bismuth telluride and PANI; and antimony telluride and PANI; bismuth telluride and PEDOT; and antimony telluride and PEDOT.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin having a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 GPa; and an electrically conductive material.
The electrically conductive material can be comprised of at least one of: silver, conductive carbon, or aluminum pigments. In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the silver is comprised of at least one of a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. The dimensions of the mark or marks can vary.
In one aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 10.0 GPa-16.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 3.0 GPa-4.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 17.0 MPa-20.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 2.0 MPa-3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-1.5 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 5.0 GPa-15.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 1.0 GPa-10.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 100.0 MPa-250.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flex modulus of 500.0 MPa-1.0 GPa. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the flex modulus of the resins can vary depending on multiple factors, such as desired performance characteristics.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil.
In one aspect, the resin is comprised of a vinyl-based polymer. In another aspect, the resin is comprised of a urethane-based polymer. In another aspect, the resin is comprised of an epoxy-based polymer. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the resin can be formed from various base compositions.
In one aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of silver. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material is comprised of conductive carbon and aluminum pigments.
In one aspect, a secondary function can be added to the ink (i.e., radiopacity), which can be used for non-tracking purposes, such as sorting or other purposes.
Various constructions of a golf ball can be provided. In one aspect, a solid core or dual core can be surrounded by an ionomeric casing layer to define a subassembly. The electrically conductive markings can be printed on the casing layer of the subassembly. An adhesion promotor can be applied over the markings, followed by a golf ball cover and suitable coatings and indicia. The location(s) of the electrically conductive markings could be varied relative to any adhesion promoting layers, and can include any of the following: subassembly/markings/adhesion promotor/cover, or subassembly/adhesion promotor/markings/cover, or subassembly/adhesion promotor/markings/adhesion promotor/cover, or variants thereof. An adhesion promotor or promotors can be included in various locations and at varying concentrations and/or thicknesses. Adhesion promotors can define a sandwiched configuration with the marking or markings disposed therebetween, in one aspect. In other aspects, the adhesion promotor is on a radially outer and/or radially inner side of the marking. In other aspects, the adhesion promotor encapsulates or at least partially encapsulates the marking.
In one aspect, the marking or markings can each be at least 1.0 mm in width. Exemplary conductive ink materials can include silver, silver and conductive carbon, conductive carbon, conductive carbon and aluminum pigment, and other materials/material combinations. Some examples can include vinyl based polymers, and/or urethane or epoxy based polymers.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising at least one of tin or its tin oxides.
The radar detectable material can further comprise at least one conductive polymer. The at least one conductive polymer can be comprised of at least one of: poly(3, 4 ethylenedioxythiophenc) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI). The radar detectable material can further comprise conductive carbon. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a conductive metal. In one aspect, the conductive metal includes silver.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of a ratio of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of a ratio of 80 parts silver to 20 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of a ratio of 90 parts silver to 10 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of a ratio of 75 parts silver to 25 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of a ratio of 60-80 parts silver to 20-40 parts tin or tin oxide.
In one aspect, the silver is comprised of at least one of: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the tin oxide includes indium tin oxide. In another aspect, the tin oxide includes antimony tin oxide.
In one aspect, the golf ball can further comprise an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The dimensions and sheet resistance values can vary.
In one aspect, the tin is combined with conductive carbon, which can be comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs. In some examples, tin can be combined with silver and other conductive metals. Specific combinations of silver and tin can be configured to provide a specific desired reflectivity/conductivity. Any of the above materials can be used in combination with any one or more of tin, silver, and conductive carbon. Specific formulations for radar reflective materials for golf balls can include tin, indium tin oxide, antimony tin oxide, a combination of silver and tin, and any combinations thereof.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed herein that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark can be formed from a radar detectable material comprising a transition metal, in one aspect.
The transition metal can further comprise at least one of: palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, or iridium. The transition metal can be comprised of tungsten. In another aspect, the transition metal can be comprised of iron. The transition metal can be comprised of molybdenum, in one aspect.
The transition metal can be comprised of at least one of: copper, silver, a mixture of silver and a metal salt, gold, platinum, nickel, tin or its tin oxides, or zinc.
The transition metal can include nickel, in one aspect. In another aspect, the transition metal includes platinum. In one aspect, the transition metal includes platinum, and the radar detectable material further comprises conductive carbon.
In one aspect, the transition metal is comprised of 10 parts platinum and 90 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the transition metal is comprised of 20 parts platinum and 80 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the transition metal is comprised of 30 parts platinum and 70 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the transition metal is comprised of 1-35 parts platinum and 65-99 parts conductive carbon.
In one aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of: conductive polymer, conductive carbon, or aluminum. In one aspect, the conductive polymer is comprised of at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. The dimensions and sheet resistance values can vary.
Various materials can be used with any one more other materials disclosed herein to form a radar reflective composition suitable for use on a golf ball. Some exemplary materials can include palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, and iridium. In one aspect, transition metals can be used to form a radar reflective material. In another aspect, transition metals can be combined with any one or more of the following: copper, silver, silver in combination with metal salts (i.e., silver chloride), conductive polymer, gold, platinum, conductive carbon, nickel, zinc, aluminum, etc. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that various metals, such as precious, semi-precious, transition, and other types of metals can be used to form a radar reflective material for use in a golf ball layer. Various metals, such as transition metals, can be used in combination with any other metal, conductive polymer, conductive carbon, tin and its oxides, etc. One specific example can include golf balls including radar reflective materials that include tungsten. In another example, the radar reflective material includes iron. In another example, the radar reflective material includes molybdenum. In another example, the radar reflective material includes nickel, or platinum, or platinum and conductive carbon.
In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed herein that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark is formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin; and an electrically conductive material comprising silver and antimony.
In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a radiopaque material. The radiopaque material can include tungsten. The tungsten can be provided at 1%-50% of a total weight of the radar detectable material. The tungsten can be provided at 15%-35% of a total weight of the radar detectable material.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.05 Ohm/sq/mil-5.0 Ohm/sq/mil.
In one aspect, the antimony is an antimony oxide. In another aspect, the antimony is an antimony tin oxide.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 1.5 mm-3.0 mm. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material further comprises conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive carbon is comprised of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.
In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
In one aspect, a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.50 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm. In another aspect, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm.
In one aspect, the silver is comprised of at least one of: a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic.
In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.005 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.025 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.075 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of no greater than 20.0 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of no greater than 30.0 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.05 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of no greater than 0.50 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of no greater than 5.0 Ohm/sq/mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of no greater than 15.0 Ohm/sq/mil.
In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed that has at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar detectable mark is formed from a radar detectable material comprising a radar reflective ink and at least one sorting additive.
The sorting additive can comprise at least one radiopaque additive. The at least one radiopaque additive can comprise at least one radiopaque pigment or at least one radiopaque dye, in one aspect. The at least one radiopaque pigment and/or radiopaque dye can be comprised of at least one of iodine, barium, barium sulfate, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, bismuth, bismuth oxide, bismuth trioxide, bismuth oxychloride, bismuth subcarbonate, zirconium, zirconium oxide, or gold. The at least one radiopaque dye can be comprised of iodine in a specific example. The radar reflective ink can be comprised of at least one of silver or conductive carbon. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any one or more materials described herein can be used for the radar reflective material.
The sorting additive can be comprised of at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive. The at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive can be comprised of at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic pigment. The at least one magnetic pigment can be comprised of at least one of iron, nickel, cobalt, or neodymium. The at least one ferromagnetic pigment can be comprised of at least one of iron, cobalt, molybdenum, or nickel.
Including a sorting additive in the marking can allow for improved sorting or detection features for golf balls containing radar reflective features. While radiopaque and magnetic or ferromagnetic features have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that various types of materials can be used to aid in sorting golf balls.
As disclosed herein, the present disclosure provides for a golf ball having at least one electrically conductive mark or marking, or other radar detectable feature. The patterns associated with the radar detectable feature can vary, as one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the concentration, density, saturation, or other volumetric characteristics can vary for the radar detectable feature. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that these characteristics can vary, in one aspect, based on the requisite performance and detectability profile of a particular golf ball.
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the pattern of the at least one marking can have any one or more patterns or pattern characteristics as disclosed herein. Exemplary patterns are disclosed throughout the Figures, such as the patterns illustrated in
In one aspect, applying the marking to a golf ball surface can include providing a suitable surface for marking surfaces to a suitable pad printing device. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various printing or material depositing devices can be used. The ink or radar reflective material can be applied to the surface, such as via pad printing. The printed material can then be dried, such as via forced air, and/or exposure to above ambient temperatures of 60° F., and/or radiant from a heated source, and/or forced air that is can be a byproduct of cooling a UV curable light source. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, reorientation mechanisms may be utilized to provide sufficient drying.
In one aspect, the surfaces can include suitable adhesion promoting processing, such as application of an adhesion promotor coating/layer. In one aspect, the marking is printed on a cased core containing an adhesion promotor. Additional coatings can be applied to improve adhesion of additional golf ball layers/covers, as one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate. In one aspect, the printed cased core can be enclosed via a cover, such as via a thermoset urethane cover, and further finished, i.e., printed, painted, etc. In another aspect, the marking can be formed on the core, or the cover. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the marking can be formed on any layer of the golf ball. Additionally, the cover and cased core can be formed of any material.
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the markings disclosed herein can be applied to any or all layers of any type of golf ball. Exemplary golf balls can include Titleist® Pro V1®, and the Titleist® Pro V1x®. In other aspects, the golf balls including radar reflective markings can be the Titleist® AVX, Tour Speed, Tour Soft, Velocity, TruFeel, or any other commercially available golf ball. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the radar reflective markings can be applied to any other suitable golf ball.
Any one or more of the material(s), material combinations, compositions, elements, etc., disclosed herein can be implemented as a radar reflective feature in a composition. More specifically, any one or more of the materials disclosed herein can be implemented in pigment form as a radar reflective feature in a composition. Characteristics of the pigments can be configured to provide improved signal durability. For example, particle size, aspect ratio, particle shape, concentration, particle size distribution, etc., can be varied to provide a particular reflective characteristic of the golf ball. In one example, the aspect ratio and/or particle size can be measured via a scanning electron microscope method. Other analysis methods include known techniques such as image analysis, X-ray diffraction, diffractometry, spectroscopy, profilometry, etc.
Adhesion promotors can be used throughout the construction of golf balls disclosed herein. In specific aspects, the adhesion promotors can be used or disposed adjacent to the radar reflective markings. In one example, the adhesion promotor can include passivated titanium dioxide particulates and/or silane-containing adhesion promotors. Some adhesion promotors can include silane compositions, organosilanes and/or organosiloxanes. Exemplary adhesion promotors are further disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,713,748 and 10,814,183, which are each fully incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, the present disclosure provides various golf ball constructions incorporating various materials and material combinations that can be used for radar detection of the golf ball. The radar detectable marks can be applied in various locations and in various concentrations on the golf ball layer or layers. The radar reflective material can include inks, resins, pigments, solvents, conductive polymers, metals, conductive carbons, and other compositions. The radar reflective material can include any one or more of: solvent, resin, conductive resin, conductive pigment, metal salt, glass, ceramic, one or more chlorides, silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, antimony tin oxide, antimony telluride, bismuth telluride, tungsten, iron, copper, copper oxide, molybdenum, rhodium, platinum, zinc, palladium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic, coated core shell pigments, transition metal, non-metals, conductive carbon, conductive polymer, poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, polyaniline (PANI), adhesion promotor, and/or any one or more of combinations of all materials disclosed herein. Any one or more of the materials disclosed herein can be provided in pigment form and/or as a coating, in some aspects.
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.
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.
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:
-
- the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the inner core layer.
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:
-
- the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the intermediate layer.
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:
-
- the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the second intermediate layer.
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:
-
- the outer surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the outer cover layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the inner core layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the first intermediate layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the second intermediate layer, and/or
- the outer surface of the third intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner surface of the third intermediate layer, and/or
- the inner or outer surface of an optional additional intermediate layer.
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.
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.
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).
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 radially 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.
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:
-
- 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;
- the series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe and a second stripe, and the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length;
- a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60° or 85° or 95° or 120° or an angle within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values;
- the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; and
- 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
- 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° or 85° or 95° or 120° or an angle within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values;
- 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;
- 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
- 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
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:
-
- the number of marks is a prime number, optionally selected from 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, and 37;
- 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;
- 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;
- all of the radar detectable marks on the ball are disposed on a single layer of the golf ball; and
- 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:
-
- 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 4πr2/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.
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.
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:
-
- the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length;
- the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width;
- a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60° or 85° or 95° or 120° or an angle within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values;
- 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;
- 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
- 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.
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:
-
- the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length;
- the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width;
- a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60° or 85° or 95° or 120° or an angle within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values;
- 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;
- 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
- 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.
In another particular embodiment, the golf ball includes a plurality of radar detectable marks wherein, 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 resulting overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks includes at least one series of three or more radar detectable marks located on a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the golf ball. For purposes of the present disclosure, a series of three or more radar detectable marks in the overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks, located on a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball, is referred to herein as a “great circle series” of marks. For purposes of the present disclosure, the presence and number of great circle series within an overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks is determined as follows. First, as previously stated, all of the radar detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball. The geometric center of each radially projected radar detectable mark is then determined using calculation methods well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. If the geometric centers of at least three radially projected radar detectable marks are located on the same 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball, then a great circle series is defined and each radially projected radar detectable mark having a geometric center located on that 1.5 mm wide great circle band is part of that great circle series. It should be noted that, so long as the geometric center of a given radially projected radar detectable mark is located on the 1.5 mm wide great circle band, the mark is part of that great circle series, regardless of whether any portion of the mark lies outside of the 1.5 mm wide great circle band defining that series. It should also be noted that, for purposes of the present disclosure, a single radar detectable mark can be part of more than one great circle series. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar detectable marks additionally has one or more of the following properties:
-
- the number of marks in the great circle series is four or more;
- each pair of adjacent marks in the great circle series is separated by substantially the same distance (i.e., within 10%) as every other pair of adjacent marks in the great circle series, allowing for manufacturing tolerances, separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface containing the marks (or, for embodiments wherein marks are present on more than one surface, the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface containing a radial projection of the marks), that connects any point on one mark in the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark in the pair of adjacent marks;
- the plurality of radar detectable marks consists essentially of one great circle series of marks;
- the plurality of radar detectable marks includes at least one great circle series of marks and one or more additional radar detectable marks that are not part of a great circle series;
- the plurality of radar detectable marks are 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 great circle on the outer surface of the ball divides the ball into two hemispheres, each of the two hemispheres containing at least a portion of a radar detectable mark on the outer surface thereof; and
- the portion of the great circle band on which the marks of a given great circle series are located has a length of no more than half of the circumference of the ball, and, optionally, has a length of at least 40%, or at least 42%, or at least 45%, of the circumference of the ball.
For purposes of the present disclosure, unless otherwise noted, the length of the portion of the great circle band on which the marks of a given great circle series are located is calculated as the length of the smallest rectangular boundary (i.e., the arc length of the longest edge of the rectangular boundary) that can be drawn on the outer surface of the ball such that no portion of any mark of that great circle series lies outside of the boundary, as determined based on the radial projection of the marks onto the outer surface of the ball.
In another particular embodiment, the golf ball includes a plurality of radar detectable marks wherein, 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 resulting overall pattern of projected radar detectable marks includes at least two great circle series of marks. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, each of the plurality of radar detectable marks is part of at least one great circle series. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar detectable marks includes at least one mark that is not part of a great circle series. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, for at least one great circle series, the portion of the great circle band on which the marks of that great circle series are located has a length of no more than half of the circumference of the ball; optionally, the length is at least 40%, or at least 42%, or at least 45% of the circumference of the ball. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, for at least one great circle series, the portion of the great circle band on which the marks of that great circle series are located has a length of greater than half of the circumference of the ball. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, a plane bisecting one of the at least two great circle series and a plane bisecting another of the at least two great circle series are separated by an angle of 30° or 60° or 80° or 90° or an angle within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values, as determined based on the radial projection of the marks onto the outer surface of the ball. 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, every great circle on the outer surface of the ball divides the ball into two hemispheres, each of the two hemispheres containing at least a portion of a radar detectable mark on the outer surface thereof. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, each great circle series of marks independently has one or more of the following additional properties:
-
- the number of marks in the great circle series is from three to ten, or the number of marks in the great circle series is four or more, or the number of marks in the great circle series is from four to ten;
- each of the marks in the great circle series has an actual length (i.e., as measured on the printed mark itself and not a radial projection of the mark) of 25 mm or less, or a length of 10 mm or less;
- each of the marks in the great circle series has substantially the same projected length (i.e., their respective projected lengths differ by no more than 10%, based on a radial projection of the marks onto the outer surface of the ball);
- each of the marks in the great circle series has an actual width (as measured on the printed mark itself and not a radial projection of the mark) of 3 mm or less, or a width of 2 mm or less;
- each of the marks in the great circle series has substantially the same projected width (i.e., their respective widths differ by no more than 10%, based on a radial projection of the marks on the outer surface of the ball);
- each pair of adjacent marks in the great circle series:
- is separated by a distance of 0.5 mm or greater; and/or
- is separated by a distance substantially equivalent to (i.e., within 10% of) the length of at least one of the marks in that great circle series; and/or
- is separated by substantially the same distance (i.e., within 10%) as every other pair of adjacent marks in that great circle series, allowing for manufacturing tolerances,
- separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface containing the marks (or, for embodiments wherein marks are present on more than one surface, the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface containing a radial projection of the marks), that connects any point on one mark in the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark in the pair of adjacent marks; and
- the series has an angular length of 160° or 165° or 170° or 175° or 180° or 185°, or an angular length within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from these values.
For purposes of the present disclosure, angular length of a great circle series of marks is determined as follows, based on a radial projection of the marks onto the outer surface of the ball. Using the geometric center of each of the projected marks within the great circle series, the bisecting plane of the series is determined. A first line and a last line are drawn, each line connecting the center of the ball to the point on the surface of the ball in the bisecting plane which results in the smallest angle between the first and last lines that can be drawn such that no portion of any mark of that great circle series lies outside of the angle. The “angular length of the great circle series” is the angle between the first and last lines. For example,
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 embodiments of the present invention wherein the golf ball includes radar detectable marks that are part of a great circle series, the shape and/or size of one mark in the series may be the same as or different from the shape and/or size of another mark in the series. 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.
In one example, a golf ball is disclosed herein that comprises at least one layer with a mark, or a plurality of marks, disposed on a surface thereof. In one aspect, the golf ball has at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball. The mark(s) or marking(s) can be radially projected to form a pattern on a surface of the golf ball. The pattern can have an overall profile or shape. In one example, the projected pattern has a periodic profile. For example, the projected pattern can have at least one crest and at least one trough, and be centered or aligned relative to a path, such as a great circle or a spherical arc about the golf ball. The path can be defined as a great circle or a circular arc, in some examples. The path can be defined by a straight line or a plane, in some examples.
The projected pattern comprises a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The phrase “mapped along a path” can mean that the projected pattern generally is generally oriented or centered relative to the path. In one example, a function defining the wave profile is generally disposed about the path, or defined relative to the path. In one example, a first half of the projected pattern is above the path, and a second half of the projected pattern is below the path. However, the distribution of the projected pattern above and below the path can vary. For example, the projected pattern can have a non-whole number of periods and therefore can start and stop in different positions along the wave profile thereby resulting in an unequal distribution of the projected pattern above or below the path.
The projected pattern comprises at least one first crest and at least one first trough. The first spherical arc can be defined along a first great circle on the outer surface of the golf ball. The term wave can refer to a periodic function or profile in one example. In another example, the term wave can refer to an aperiodic function or profile.
The projected pattern can comprise a first terminal end and a second terminal end that are circumferentially spaced apart from each other to define a wave angular extent (which is further illustratively defined herein with respect to
The projected pattern can extend for at least 1.0 period in one example. In one example, the projected pattern can extend for less than 5.0 periods. In one example, the projected pattern can extend for more than 5.0 periods. In one example, the projected pattern can extend for 0.5 period to 10.0 periods.
An amplitude (A) of the first wave profile can have a relationship with the diameter (D) of the golf ball, a golf ball cased core, and/or a golf ball sub-assembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) can be no greater than 40% of a diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball cased core, or golf ball sub-assembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is less than 20% of a diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball cased core, or golf ball sub-assembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is less than 80% of a diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball cased core, or golf ball sub-assembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is at least 5% of a diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball cased core, or golf ball sub-assembly.
In one example, the diameter (D) can be measured as a diameter of a golf ball cased core. In another example, the diameter (D) can be measured as a diameter of a finished golf ball (i.e., cased core and cover). In another example, the diameter (D) can be measured as a diameter of a golf ball sub-assembly. The diameter (D) of a golf ball cased core or a golf ball sub-assembly can be 1.50 inches-1.70 inches in one example. In another example, the diameter (D) of the golf ball cased core or golf ball sub-assembly can be 1.600 inches-1.660 inches. In another example, the diameter (D) of the golf ball cased core or golf ball sub-assembly can be 1.630 inches.
The first wave profile can be formed according to a variety of wave profiles. For example, the wave profile can be one of: a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangular wave, or a square wave. In one example, multiple wave forms can be combined. In one example, the wave profile can be defined by at least one function. In one example, the wave profile can be defined by any Fourier series. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that wave profiles can be conveyed or defined as an infinite sum of trigonometric functions based on a Fourier series. Additionally, the wave profiles can be defined by a Fourier transform for aperiodic profiles or functions. In other examples, the wave profile can be defined by a damped wave profile (i.e., a damped sine wave profile) or any other damped oscillation, profile, or function.
The at least one radar detectable mark can be disposed on a single layer in one example. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark can be comprised of a plurality of radar detectable marks that are disposed among more than one layer.
The projected pattern can be formed as a continuous, uninterrupted strip, in one example. In another example, the projected pattern can be formed as a plurality of discrete strips that are spaced apart from each other and aligned with each other such that the discrete strips collectively define the wave profile.
Various parameters, sizes, profiles, shapes, etc., of the wave profile and the radar detectable mark can vary. In one example, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a width of 1.0 mm-5.0 mm. In one example, the first wave profile can have an amplitude of 7.0 mm-15.0 mm. In one example, the width of the radar detectable mark can be less than 20% of the amplitude of the wave profile. In another example, the width of the radar detectable mark can be 10%-40% of the amplitude of the wave profile. In another example, the width of the radar detectable mark can be 5%-25% of the amplitude of the wave profile.
The projected pattern can further comprise a second wave profile with at least one second crest and at least one second trough. The first wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of first points and the second wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each closest adjacent second point along the second wave profile can be equidistant from each other such that a uniform normal distance (dN) is defined along an entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance (dN) can be 4.0 mm-6.0 mm. In one aspect, the term uniform normal distance as used in this context can account for relatively minor manufacturing tolerances, variances, or deviations. For example, the phrase “uniform normal distance” can mean all of the normal distances as measured along any respective pair of adjacent points along the entirety of the wave profiles are within 5% of each other. In another example, uniform normal distance can mean all of the normal distances as measured along any respective pair of adjacent points along the entirety of the wave profiles are within 10% of each other. In another example, uniform normal distance can mean all of the normal distances as measured along any respective pair of adjacent points along the entirety of the wave profiles are within 1.0 mm of each other. In yet another example, uniform normal distance can mean all of the normal distances as measured along any respective pair of adjacent points along the entirety of the wave profiles are within 0.5 mm of each other.
The first wave profile and the second wave profile can each have a predetermined amplitude that is identical to each other, such that the uniform normal distance is at least half of the predetermined amplitude, and the uniform normal distance is no greater than twice the predetermined amplitude. In another example, a normal distance between the two wave profiles can vary.
The uniform normal distance (dN) can be at least 50% of the amplitudes (A) of the wave profiles, and can be less than 200% of the amplitudes (A) of the wave profiles. In one example, the uniform normal distance and the amplitudes of both the first and second wave profiles (A) can be: 0.5*A≤dN≤2*A.
The second wave profile can be mapped along a path defined by a second spherical arc that is positioned away from the first spherical arc. The spacing between the first and second spherical arcs can correspond to the uniform normal distance (dN).
In one aspect, a relationship can be established between a number of waves and a number of periods defined by the waves. For example, a projected pattern defined by a single wave can extend for a single period. A projected pattern defined by two waves can extend for two periods. A projected pattern defined by “n” number of waves can extend for “n” periods, and so on. In one aspect, increasing the quantity of wave profiles can further optimize radar reflectivity, alter signal strength, and/or create phase shifts in signal backscatter.
The at least one radar detectable mark can have a total length of 4.0 inches-10.0 inches, in one example. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a total length of 6.0 inches-8.0 inches. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a total length of at least 2.0 inches. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark can have a total length of no greater than 12.0 inches.
The marks can have a total surface coverage of at least 3.0% and no greater than 15.0% in some examples. In this context, total surface coverage can refer to a surface upon which the marks are printed or applied. The total surface coverage can refer to an outer surface of the golf ball, an outer surface of the golf ball cased core, or an outer surface of the golf ball sub-assembly.
Another example of a golf ball is disclosed herein. The golf ball can have at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern can comprise a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function can be selected from: a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave. The periodic function can repeat for at least 1.0 period. The projected pattern can further include a second wave profile with at least one second crest and at least one second trough. A uniform normal distance can be defined along an entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The first wave profile can have a first amplitude, and the second wave profile can have a second amplitude. The uniform normal distance can be less than half of the first amplitude. The uniform normal distance can be less than half of the second amplitude. The first amplitude can be no greater than 40% of a diameter of the golf ball.
In one example, a golf ball having an ionomeric cased core having a diameter of 1.63 inches can include a printed sinusoidal wave pattern with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a wave profile amplitude of 15.0 mm. The wave angular extent can extend for at least 270 degrees. The wave pattern can be formed on the cased core of the golf ball. The wave pattern can be formed on any layer(s) of a golf ball sub-assembly, in one example.
In another example, a golf ball having an ionomeric cased core having a diameter of 1.63 inches can include a pair of printed sinusoidal wave patterns with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a wave profile amplitude of 7.0 mm. Each of the waves can have a wave angular extent that extends for at least 270 degrees. The waves can be separated by a constant or uniform normal distance of 5.0 mm.
In another example, a golf ball having an ionomeric cased core having a diameter of 1.63 inches can include a pair of printed step-function patterns with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a step-function amplitude of 7.0 mm. Each of the waves can have a wave angular extent that extends for at least 270 degrees. The patterns can be separated by a constant or uniform normal distance of 5.0 mm.
In another example, a golf ball having an ionomeric cased core having a diameter of 1.63 inches can include a pair of printed triangular wave patterns with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a wave profile amplitude of 7.0 mm. Each of the waves can have a wave angular extent that extends for at least 270 degrees. The patterns can be separated by a constant or uniform normal distance of 5.0 mm.
In any of the above examples, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the size of the golf ball can vary, the marking width can vary, the amplitude can vary, etc.
As used in this context, the term amplitude can refer to peak amplitude, i.e., a maximum distance from the zero position or axis of the pattern profiles.
Another example of a golf ball is also disclosed herein. The golf ball can have at least one radar detectable mark such that a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern can comprise a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function can be a sine wave, and the periodic function can repeat for at least 1.0 period.
Non-limiting examples of particularly suitable shapes for a single radar detectable mark or a plurality of radar detectable marks are illustrated in
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.
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.
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.
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 1.0% or 1.5% or 2.0% 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, total surface coverage 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.
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.
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 sulfonamide; N,N-di-ortho-tolylguanidine; bismuth dimethyldithiocarbamate; N-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfonamide; N,N-diphenylguanidine; 4-morpholinyl-2-benzothiazole disulfide; dipentamethylenethiuram hexasulfide; thiuram disulfides; mercaptobenzothiazoles; sulfonamides; 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.
Particularly suitable materials also include, but are not limited to:
-
- thermosetting polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethane and polyurea;
- thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethane and polyurea, including, for example, Estane® TPU, commercially available from The Lubrizol Corporation;
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® ionomer resins and HPF 1000 and HPF 2000, commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, Iotek® ionomers, commercially available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Amplify® IO ionomers of ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company, and Clarix® ionomer resins, commercially available from A. Schulman Inc.;
-
- polyisoprene;
- polyoctenamer, such as Vestenamer® polyoctenamer, commercially available from Evonik Industries;
- polyethylene, including, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene; polypropylene;
- rubber-toughened olefin polymers; non-ionomeric acid copolymers, e.g., (meth) acrylic acid, which do not become part of an ionomeric copolymer;
- plastomers;
- flexomers;
- styrene/butadiene/styrene block copolymers;
- styrene/ethylene-butylene/styrene block copolymers;
- polybutadiene;
- styrene butadiene rubber;
- ethylene propylene rubber;
- ethylene propylene diene rubber;
- dynamically vulcanized elastomers;
- ethylene vinyl acetates;
- ethylene (meth) acrylates;
- polyvinyl chloride resins;
- polyamides, amide-ester elastomers, and copolymers of ionomer and polyamide,
- including, for example, Pebax® thermoplastic polyether and polyester amides, commercially available from Arkema Inc;
- crosslinked trans-polyisoprene;
- polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Hytrel® polyester elastomers, commercially available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, and Riteflex® polyester elastomers, commercially available from Ticona;
- polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Elastollan® polyurethanes, commercially available from BASF;
- synthetic or natural vulcanized rubber;
- and combinations thereof.
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:
-
- a composition comprising a “high acid ionomer” (i.e., having an acid content of greater than 16 wt %), such as Surlyn® 8150;
- a composition comprising a high acid ionomer and a maleic anhydride-grafted non-ionomeric polymer (e.g., Fusabond® functionalized polymers). A particularly preferred blend of high acid ionomer and maleic anhydride-grafted polymer is a 84 wt %/16 wt % blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Fusabond®. 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;
- a composition comprising a 50/45/5 blend of Surlyn® 8940/Surlyn® 9650/Nucrel® 960, preferably having a material hardness of from 80 to 85 Shore C;
- a composition comprising a 50/25/25 blend of Surlyn® 8940/Surlyn® 9650/Surlyn® 9910, preferably having a material hardness of about 90 Shore C;
- a composition comprising a 50/50 blend of Surlyn® 8940/Surlyn® 9650, preferably having a material hardness of about 86 Shore C;
- a composition comprising a blend of Surlyn® 7940/Surlyn® 8940, optionally including a melt flow modifier;
- 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® 8150 and Surlyn® 9120), optionally including one or more melt flow modifiers such as an ionomer, ethylene-acid copolymer or ester terpolymer; and
- 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® 8140 or 8150, 40-50 wt % Surlyn® 9120, and 0-10 wt % Surlyn® 6320).
Surlyn 8150®, Surlyn® 8940, and Surlyn® 8140 are different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with sodium ions. Surlyn® 9650, Surlyn® 9910, and Surlyn® 9120 are different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn® 7940 is an E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with lithium ions. Surlyn® 6320 is a very low modulus magnesium ionomer with a medium acid content. Nucrel® 960 is an E/MAA copolymer resin nominally made with 15 wt % methacrylic acid. Surlyn® ionomers, Fusabond® polymers, and Nucrel® copolymers are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company.
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.
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 Publication No. 2021/0093929; 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.
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.
Dimensions of each golf ball layer, i.e., thickness/diameter, may vary depending on the desired properties.
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.
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.
EXAMPLESIt 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.
In each of Examples 1-30 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.
In any one or more of Examples 1-30 below, the marking can be formed from a composition or material comprising at least one or more of the following materials: solvent, resin, conductive resin, conductive pigment, metal salt, glass, ceramic, one or more chlorides, silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, antimony tin oxide, antimony telluride, bismuth telluride, tungsten, iron, copper, copper oxide, molybdenum, rhodium, platinum, zinc, palladium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, a mixture of silver and metal salt, silver coated glass, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and conductive resin, a mixture of silver and conductive carbon, a mixture of silver and iron-based ceramic, coated core shell pigments, transition metal, non-metals, conductive carbon, conductive polymer, poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, polyaniline (PANI), adhesion promotor, and/or any one or more of combinations of all materials disclosed herein.
In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material can have a sheet resistance of 0.015 Ohm/sq/mil-20.0 Ohm/sq/mil.
In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material can have a film thickness of 0.5 μm-5.0 μm.
In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material can include a resin having a flex modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 GPa.
In any one or more of Examples 1-30 below, the radar reflective material can include radar reflective pigments having an average particle size that is no greater than 10.0 microns, and/or having an average aspect ratio that is no greater than 10.0.
In any one or more of Examples 1-30 below, the dimensions of the marks or stripes formed from the radar reflective material can vary. For example, each of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 can have a width of no greater than 1.50 mm. A width of the marks or stripes of Examples 1-30 can be no greater than 1.00 mm. A width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 can be 0.75 mm-1.00 mm. In one aspect, a width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 can be no greater than 0.75 mm. In one aspect, a width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 can be 0.50 mm-0.75 mm. In one aspect, a width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 can be less than 0.50 mm.
Example 1In this example, the mark consists of a single stripe, according to the embodiment illustrated in
In this example, the mark consists of two stripes intersecting at two locations, according to the embodiment illustrated in
In this example, the mark consists of two stripes intersecting at one location, according to the embodiment illustrated in
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
In this example, the mark consists of a single curvilinear stripe creating a closed loop, according to the embodiment illustrated in
In this example, the plurality of marks consists of sixty stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern, according to the embodiment illustrated in
In this example, the mark consists of three intersecting stripes according to the embodiment illustrated in
In another aspect of
In this example, the mark consists of four intersecting stripes, according to the embodiment illustrated in
In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark and a second mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in
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°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 8%.
Example 10In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in
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°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 9%
Example 11In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in
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°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about 0.40 inches and a width of about 0.12 inches.
The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 12%.
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 12In 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
The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 9.5%.
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 13In 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.
The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 5.8%.
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 14In 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.
The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about 12.0%.
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 15In 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
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°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
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
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°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
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
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°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
In this example, four radar detectable marks were pad printed using electrically conductive ink on the spherical outer surface of a golf ball cased core having a circumference of about 130 mm. Each of the four marks is a rectangular stripe having a length, calculated as the arc length of the longest edge, of about 7.0 mm and a width, calculated as the arc length of the shortest edge, of about 1.5 mm. The geometric center of each of the four marks is located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the cased core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm, and the great circle bisects each of the four marks lengthwise. The arc length on the outer surface of the cased core between the geometric centers of each pair of adjacent marks is about 16.6 mm. The smallest rectangular stripe encompassing the boundary of each of the four marks has a length of about 56.8 mm.
Example 19In this example, eight radar detectable marks were pad printed using electrically conductive ink on the spherical outer surface of a golf ball cased core having a circumference of about 130 mm. Each of the eight marks is a rectangular stripe having a length, calculated as the arc length of the longest edge, of about 3.5 mm and a width, calculated as the arc length of the shortest edge, of about 1.5 mm. The geometric center of each of the eight marks is located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the cased core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm, and the great circle bisects each of the eight marks lengthwise. The arc length on the outer surface of the cased core between the geometric centers of each pair of adjacent marks is about 8.3 mm. The smallest rectangular stripe encompassing the boundary of each of the eight marks has a length of about 61.6 mm.
Example 20In this example, ten radar detectable marks were pad printed using electronically conductive ink on the spherical outer surface 10 of a golf ball cased core having a circumference of about 130 mm, according to the embodiment illustrated in
The geometric centers of marks 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the cased core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm. The geometric centers of marks 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the cased core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm. Thus, marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are part of a first great circle series of marks, and marks 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 are part of a second great circle series of marks.
Regarding the first great circle series, each of marks 12, 13, 14 and 15 has a length of about 6.6 mm, and mark 16 has a length of about 8.1 mm, length being calculated as the arc length of the longest edge of the mark. Each of marks 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 has a width of about 1.0 mm, width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest edge of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the first great circle series is about 6.6 mm, separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the cased core that connects any point on one mark in the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark in the pair of adjacent marks. The smallest rectangular stripe encompassing the boundary of each of the marks in the first great circle series has a length of about 60.9 mm. Thus, the portion of the great circle on which the marks of the first great circle series are located has a length of about 47% of the circumference of the cased core. The angular length of the first great circle series is about 166°.
Regarding the second great circle series, each of marks 22, 23, 24 and 25 has a length of about 6.6 mm, and mark 26 has a length of about 8.1 mm, length being calculated as the arc length of the longest edge of the mark. Each of marks 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 has a width of about 1.0 mm, width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest edge of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the second great circle series is about 6.6 mm, separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the cased core that connects any point on one mark in the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark in the pair of adjacent marks. The smallest rectangular stripe encompassing the boundary of each of the marks in the second great circle series has a length of about 60.9 mm. Thus, the portion of the great circle on which the marks of the second great circle series are located has a length of about 47% of the circumference of the cased core. The angular length of the second great circle series is about 166°.
Bisecting plane 11 is the plane that bisects the first great circle series. Bisecting plane 21 is the plane that bisects the second great circle series. Bisecting plane 11 and bisecting plane 21 are separated by an angle of about 90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
In this example, eleven radar detectable marks were pad printed using electronically conductive ink on the spherical outer surface 10 of a golf ball cased core having a circumference of about 130 mm, according to the embodiment illustrated in
The geometric centers of marks 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the cased core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm. The geometric centers of marks 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the cased core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm. Thus, marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are part of a first great circle series of marks, and marks 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 are part of a second great circle series of marks. The geometric center of mark 32 does not lie on the same great circle as the first great circle series or the second great circle series, and, thus, is not part of a great circle series.
Regarding the first great circle series, each of marks 12, 13, 14 and 15 has a length of about 6.6 mm, and mark 16 has a length of about 8.1 mm, length being calculated as the arc length of the longest edge of the mark. Each of marks 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 has a width of about 1.0 mm, width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest edge of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the first great circle series is about 6.6 mm, separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the cased core that connects any point on one mark in the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark in the pair of adjacent marks. The smallest rectangular stripe encompassing the boundary of each of the marks in the first great circle series has a length of about 60.9 mm. Thus, the portion of the great circle on which the marks of the first great circle series are located has a length of about 47% of the circumference of the cased core. The angular length of the first great circle series is about 166°.
Regarding the second great circle series, each of marks 22, 23, 24 and 25 has a length of about 6.6 mm, and mark 26 has a length of about 8.1 mm, length being calculated as the arc length of the longest edge of the mark. Each of marks 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 has a width of about 1.0 mm, width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest edge of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the second great circle series is about 6.6 mm, separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the cased core that connects any point on one mark in the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark in the pair of adjacent marks. The smallest rectangular stripe encompassing the boundary of each of the marks in the second great circle series has a length of about 60.9 mm. Thus, the portion of the great circle on which the marks of the second great circle series are located has a length of about 47% of the circumference of the cased core. The angular length of the second great circle series is about 166°, according to the calculation method disclosed below.
Mark 32 has a length of about 6.6 mm and a width of about 1.0 mm, length and width being calculated as the arc length of the longest edge and shortest edge of the mark, respectively.
Bisecting plane 11 is the plane that bisects the first great circle series. Bisecting plane 21 is the plane that bisects the second great circle series. Bisecting plane 11 and bisecting plane 21 are separated by an angle of about 90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
The projected pattern can comprise at least one first crest 115a1, 115a2, and at least one first trough 115b1, 115b2. In one example, there can be two crests and two troughs. In another example, there can more crests than troughs. In another example, there can be more troughs than crests. In another example, there can be more than two crests and two troughs. Terminal ends 115c, 115d of the projected pattern can be spaced apart from each other. A wave angular extent (i.e., an angular distance between the terminal ends) can be at least 45 degrees. Preferably, the wave angular extent can be 90 degrees-270 degrees. In another example, the wave angular extent can be 180 degrees-330 degrees. In one example, the wave angular extent can be 270 degrees. The wave angular extent can be defined as an angular extent measured between planes R1 and R2 as shown in
An amplitude (A1) of the projected pattern is shown in
A width or weight of the mark 115 can be 1.0 mm-5.0 mm, in one example. The width or weight of the mark 115 can be 2.0 mm, in one example.
As shown in
One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the various parameters of the pattern shown in
At least one second radar detectable mark 315 is provided such that a second projected pattern is formed when the at least one second radar detectable mark 315 is radially projected onto the outer surface 210 of the golf ball cased core. The projected patterns can comprise a first wave profile defined by the first radar detectable mark 215 that is mapped along a first path (P2) defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface 210 of the golf ball cased core, and a second wave profile defined by the second radar detectable mark 315 that is mapped along a second path (P3) defined by a second spherical arc on the outer surface 210 of the golf ball cased core. The projected patterns of
The first wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of first points and the second wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each closest adjacent second point along the second wave profile can be equidistant from each other such that a uniform normal distance (dN) is defined along an entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance (dN) can be preselected or predefined. The value of the uniform normal distance (dN) can be selected based on the specific design, size, profile, etc., of the wavelets (i.e., portions of the wave profiles), as well as a diameter of the golf ball, golf ball cased core, or golf ball sub-assembly. Other parameters can be used to optimize the uniform normal distance (dN). In one aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is 4.0 mm-6.0 mm. In another aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is 5.0 mm. In one aspect, the first path (P2) is spaced apart from the second path (P3) by the uniform normal distance (dN). The uniform normal distance (dN) can be defined from a middle portion or center of each of the first and second markings or projected patterns.
The first wave profile and the second wave profile can each have a predetermined amplitude (A2, A3) that is identical to each other, such that the uniform normal distance (dN) is at least half of the predetermined amplitude (A2, A3), and the uniform normal distance (dN) is no greater than twice the predetermined amplitude (A2, A3).
As shown in
Similar to the configuration shown in
A wave angular extent of the projected pattern of
An amplitude (A4) of the projected pattern is shown in
As shown in
At least one first radar detectable mark 515 is provided such that a first projected pattern is formed when the at least one first radar detectable mark 515 is radially projected onto the outer surface 510 of the golf ball cased core. At least one second radar detectable mark 615 is provided such that a second projected pattern is formed when the at least one second radar detectable mark 615 is radially projected onto the outer surface 510 of the golf ball cased core. The projected patterns can comprise a first wave profile mapped along a first path (P5) defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface 510 of the golf ball cased core, and a second wave profile mapped along a second path (P6) defined by a second spherical arc on the outer surface 510 of the golf ball cased core. The projected patterns of
The first wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of first points and the second wave profile can be comprised of a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each closest adjacent second point along the second wave profile can be equidistant from each other such that a uniform normal distance (dN) is defined along an entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance (dN) can be preselected or predefined. The value of the uniform normal distance (dN) can be selected based on the specific design, size, profile, etc., of the wavelets (i.e., portions of the wave profiles), as well as a diameter of the golf ball, diameter of a golf ball cased core, or diameter of a golf ball sub-assembly. Other parameters can be used to optimize the uniform normal distance (dN). In one aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is 4.0 mm-6.0 mm. In another aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is 5.0 mm. In one aspect, the first path (P5) is spaced apart from the second path (P6) by the uniform normal distance (dN).
The first wave profile and the second wave profile can each have a predetermined amplitude that is identical to each other, such that the uniform normal distance (dN) is at least half of the predetermined amplitude, and the uniform normal distance (dN) is no greater than twice the predetermined amplitude.
As shown in
The amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, and other properties of the mark 715 can be similar to the parameters described herein for other wave profiles or patterns.
As shown in
The amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, and other properties of the mark 815 can be similar to the parameters described herein for other wave profiles or patterns.
As shown in
The amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, and other properties of the mark 915 can be similar to the parameters described herein for other wave profiles or patterns.
As shown in
Similar to the configuration shown in
The projected pattern of
As shown in
In this example, the mark 1115 consists of three intersecting stripes according to the embodiment illustrated in
The third stripe can have a length of about 0.25 inches or 0.35 inches. In another aspect, the third stripe can have a length of about 0.10 inches, or 0.20 inches, or 0.30 inches, or 0.40 inches, or 0.50 inches or greater.
A first plane bisecting the first stripe and a second plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of
In one aspect, the first stripe (S1) and the second stripe (S2) each have terminal ends that touch or contact each other at a first common intersection point (C1) and a second common intersection point (C2). The third stripe (S3) intersects with the first stripe (S1) and the second stripe (S2) at the first common intersection point (C1), and the third stripe (S3) includes a free end that extends away from the first common intersection point (C1).
In one aspect, the primary mark 1115 can define an enclosed perimeter (EP), as shown by annotations in
When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used.
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.
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.
Claims
1. A golf ball having at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, wherein the at least one radar detectable mark is radar reflective and is configured to enable detection of launch condition data via a radar tracking system,
- wherein the golf ball comprises at least an inner core layer and an outer cover layer, and the at least one radar detectable mark is disposed on an outer surface of a layer positioned adjacent to the outer cover layer;
- wherein the at least one radar detectable mark is a continuous shape comprising a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe,
- wherein the first stripe has a first length, the second stripe has a second length, and the third stripe has a third length, and the third length is less than the first length and the third length is less than the second length,
- wherein a first plane bisecting the first stripe and a second plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60°-120°, a third plane bisecting the third stripe is non-parallel relative to the first plane and the second plane;
- wherein the at least one radar detectable mark is formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin; and a first plurality of conductive metal pigments, wherein the first plurality of conductive metal pigments have an average particle size that is no greater than 10.0 microns, and the first plurality of conductive metal pigments have an average aspect ratio that is no greater than 10.0.
2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the first plurality of conductive metal pigments comprises at least one of: silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core shell pigments.
3. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the radar detectable material further comprises a second plurality of conductive metal pigments that are formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments.
4. The golf ball according to claim 3, wherein the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are coated by at least one conductive polymer.
5. The golf ball according to claim 4, wherein the conductive polymer is comprised of at least one of: poly (3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, or polyaniline (PANI).
6. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the radar detectable material further comprises a second plurality of conductive pigments that are different from the first plurality of conductive metal pigments.
7. The golf ball according to claim 6, wherein the second plurality of conductive pigments are comprised of pigments coated by at least one conductive polymer.
8. The golf ball according to claim 6, wherein the second plurality of conductive pigments are comprised of conductive carbon pigments.
9. The golf ball according to claim 3, wherein the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are magnetic pigments.
10. The golf ball according to claim 3, wherein the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are radiopaque pigments.
11. The golf ball according to claim 10, wherein the second plurality of conductive metal pigments are comprised of tungsten.
12. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 5.0 microns.
13. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 2.0 microns.
14. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the average aspect ratio of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is no greater than 5.0.
15. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein a relationship between the values for the average aspect ratio (AR) and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined by: 0.5≤(AR/PS)≤5.0.
16. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 8.0.
17. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 3.0.
18. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the values for the average aspect ratio and the average particle size (in microns) is no greater than 1.0.
19. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.00 mm.
20. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is 0.75 mm-1.00 mm.
21. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the resin has a flexural modulus of at least 2.0 MPa.
22. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 MPa.
23. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the radar detectable material has a sheet resistance of 0.01 Ohm/sq/mil-0.10 Ohm/sq/mil.
24. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the radar detectable material has a sheet resistance of 0.04 Ohm/sq/mil-0.06 Ohm/sq/mil.
25. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar detectable mark has a conductivity of no greater than 800,000 Siemens/meter.
26. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar detectable mark has a conductivity of 700,000 Siemens/meter-900,000 Siemens/meter.
27. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promotor disposed adjacent to the at least one radar detectable mark.
28. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the at least one radar detectable mark has a film thickness of 0.5 μm-5.0 μm.
29. A golf ball having at least one radar detectable mark disposed on any single layer or among two or more layers thereof, such that the at least one radar detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, wherein the at least one radar detectable mark is radar reflective and is configured to provide launch condition data to a radar tracking system,
- wherein the golf ball comprises at least an inner core layer and an outer cover layer, and the at least one radar detectable mark is disposed on an outer surface of a layer positioned adjacent to the outer cover layer;
- wherein a width of the at least one radar detectable mark is no greater than 1.0 mm, and the at least one radar detectable mark has a film thickness of 0.5 μm-5.0 μm, wherein the at least one radar detectable mark is a continuous shape comprising a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe, wherein the first stripe has a first length, the second stripe has a second length, and the third stripe has a third length, and the third length is less than the first length and the third length is less than the second length, wherein a first plane bisecting the first stripe and a second plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60°-120°, and a third plane bisecting the third stripe is non-parallel relative to the first plane and the second plane;
- wherein the at least one radar detectable mark is formed from a radar detectable material comprising: a resin, wherein the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa-18.0 MPa; and a first plurality of conductive metal pigments, wherein the first plurality of conductive metal pigments comprises at least one of: silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core shell pigments; wherein the first plurality of conductive metal pigments have an average particle size that is no greater than 10.0 microns, and the first plurality of conductive metal pigments have an average aspect ratio that is no greater than 10.0, and wherein a relationship between the values for the average aspect ratio (AR) and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined by: 0.5≤(AR/PS)≤5.0.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 31, 2024
Publication Date: Nov 21, 2024
Applicant: Acushnet Company (Fairhaven, MA)
Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge (Plymouth, MA), Nicholas M. Nardacci (Barrington, RI), Peter L. Serdahl (New Bedford, MA), Michael R. Madson (Easton, MA), Richard Daprato (Acushnet, MA), Jonathan Knotts (Nashua, NH)
Application Number: 18/789,760
