Golf ball with piezoelectric material

A golf ball including a piezoelectric material allows the characteristics of the golf ball to be changed by application of an electric current. An electric current may be applied to the piezoelectric material prior to impact of the golf ball by the golf club using a golf tee with a power source. An electric current may be applied to the piezoelectric material after impact of the golf ball by the golf club and during flight of the golf ball. By selectively applying or removing electric current prior to, during, or after impact with the golf club, the characteristics of the golf ball may be changed and the flight path characteristics of the golf ball may be altered.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a golf ball containing piezoelectric material, and in particular to a system and method of changing the characteristics of a golf ball containing piezoelectric material.

Golf balls have undergone significant changes over the years. For example, rubber cores have gradually replaced wound cores because of consistent quality and performance benefits such as reducing of driver spin for longer distance. Other significant changes have also occurred in the cover and dimple patterns on the golf ball.

The design and technology of golf balls has advanced to the point that the United States Golf Association (“USGA”) has instituted a rule prohibiting the use of any golf ball in a USGA-sanctioned event that can achieve an initial velocity of 250 ft/s, when struck by a driver having a velocity of 130 ft/s (referred to hereafter as “the USGA test”.) (The Royal and Ancient Club St. Andrews (“R&A”) has instituted a similar rule for R&A-sanctioned events.) Manufacturers place a great deal of emphasis on producing golf balls that consistently achieve the highest possible velocity in the USGA test without exceeding the limit. Even so, golf balls are available with a range of different properties and characteristics, such as velocity, spin, and compression. Thus, a variety of different balls may be available to meet the needs and desires of a wide range of golfers.

Regardless of construction, many players often seek a golf ball that delivers maximum distance. Balls of this nature obviously require a high initial velocity upon impact. As a result, golf ball manufacturers are continually searching for new ways in which to provide golf balls that deliver the maximum performance for golfers at all skill levels, and seek to discover compositions that allow a lower compression ball to provide the performance generally associated with a high compression ball.

A golfer may use different golf balls having different play characteristics depending on the golfer's preferences. For example, different dimple patterns may affect the aerodynamic properties of the golf ball during flight, or a difference in the hardness may affect the rate of backspin. With regard to hardness in particular, a golfer may choose to use a golf ball having a cover layer and/or a core that is harder or softer. A golf ball having a hard cover layer will generally achieve greater distances but less spin, and so will be better for drives but more difficult to control on shorter shots. On the other hand, a golf ball having a softer cover layer will generally experience more spin and therefore be easier to control, but will lack distance.

A wide range of golf balls having a variety of hardness characteristics are known in the art. Generally, the hardness of a golf ball is determined by the chemical composition and physical arrangement of the various layers making up the golf ball. Accordingly, a number of different golf ball materials are mixed and matched in various combinations and arrangements to create golf balls having different hardness values and different hardness profiles.

However, designing golf balls to achieve desired hardness characteristics suffers from at least several difficulties. Generally, the construction of known golf balls requires that a wide range of design variables such as layer arrangement, materials used in each layer, and layer thickness be balanced against each other. Changes to any of these variables may therefore improve a desired hardness only at the expense of other play characteristics. Perhaps most importantly, known golf balls generally cannot simultaneously achieve the advantageous play characteristics associated with high hardness (greater distances) while also achieving the advantageous play characteristics associated with low hardness (greater spin).

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system and method for providing a golf ball that is capable of having different play characteristics.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides a system for hitting a golf ball comprising: a golf ball including a piezoelectric material layer; a golf tee including a power source; and wherein the golf tee is adapted to subject the piezoelectric material layer to an electric current.

In another aspect, the invention provides a golf ball including a cover, the cover comprising: a piezoelectric material; wherein the piezoelectric material comprises a plurality of panels arranged in a geometric pattern; and wherein a plurality of interstitial spaces are disposed between the plurality of panels.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of changing flight path characteristics associated with a golf ball including a piezoelectric material layer, comprising: providing a golf ball with a piezoelectric material layer; applying a first electric current to the piezoelectric material layer prior to the golf ball being hit by a golf club; applying a second electric current to the piezoelectric material layer for a predetermined period of time after the golf ball is hit by the golf club; and removing the second electric current after the expiration of the predetermined period of time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of a system100for hitting a golf ball is shown inFIG. 1. System100may be provided for a golfer102to hit a golf ball104on a golf tee106with a golf club108. As further discussed in detail below, in an exemplary embodiment, system100may change the properties and characteristics golf ball104. In some embodiments, system100may change the properties and characteristics of golf ball104while golf ball104is on golf tee106. In other embodiments, system100may change the properties and characteristics of golf ball104prior to, during, and/or after, being hit by golf club108. In some cases, system100may be provided to change the effect of the impact of golf ball104with a club face110of golf club108. In other cases, system100may be provided to change the flight path characteristics of golf ball104after being hit by golfer102. In some embodiments, golf ball104may contain piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, golf tee106may be adapted to subject golf ball104to an electric current.

For purposes of illustration, the golf balls shown in the Figures may be depicted with smooth covers. The embodiments shown in the Figures and described in the various embodiments herein may include dimples, including dimple types, configurations, and/or arrangements as is known in the art.

FIGS. 2 through 7illustrate various different exemplary embodiments of piezoelectric material disposed within a golf ball. Piezoelectric materials are a group of materials that generate an electric potential difference upon application of a mechanical force. In response to an applied force, a voltage is generated in the piezoelectric material that is proportional to the applied force. Similarly, the reverse effect is possible, where an applied voltage will generate a compressive force on the piezoelectric material. One very well known piezoelectric material is quartz, which is typically used in watches. Many other natural and synthetic materials are piezoelectric, including various crystals, ceramics, and polymers.

In one embodiment, the piezoelectric material is a piezoelectric polymer. In some cases, the piezoelectric polymer may include, but is not limited to: polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetra-fluoroethylene-polyvinylidene fluoride (PTFE-PVF2) and other polymers, copolymers, and ceramic polymer mixtures.

Generally, golf balls can be made in various configurations and can be composed of a variety of materials. Golf balls configurations may include, but are not limited to two piece, three piece, or four piece configurations. Each configuration includes a cover. In some cases, the cover material may include, but is not limited to urethane, balata, synthetic balata, Surlyn®, elastomer, and other materials. The inner composition of a golf ball may include a core, a mantle, and additional core or mantle layers, depending on whether the golf ball is a two piece, three piece, or four piece configuration. The inner composition of a golf ball may include a variety of materials including, but not limited to: natural rubber, balata, synthetic rubber, plastics, thermoplastics, polymers, elastomers, resins, and other materials and combinations of materials.

In one exemplary embodiment, the piezoelectric material may be injected into the golf ball. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric material may be a layer of the golf ball. In other embodiments, the piezoelectric material may be a film. In still other embodiments, the piezoelectric material may be solid material incorporated into the golf ball.

Referring now toFIG. 2, in a first exemplary embodiment, a golf ball200may comprise a two piece configuration including a cover202and a core204. In this embodiment, cover202comprises a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, core204may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition. Referring toFIG. 3, in a second exemplary embodiment, a golf ball300may comprise a three piece configuration including a cover302, a mantle layer304, and a core306. In this embodiment, core306may comprise a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, cover302and/or mantle layer304may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition.

Referring now toFIG. 4, in a third exemplary embodiment, a golf ball400may comprise a two piece configuration including a cover402and a core404. In this embodiment, cover402comprises a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, core404may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition.

In some embodiments, golf ball400may include internal circuitry406and a connecting lead408. In some embodiments, internal circuitry406may include a processor or other circuitry for applying an electric current to piezoelectric material in cover402. In some embodiments, internal circuitry406may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover402via connecting lead408. In other embodiments, internal circuitry406may not include a connecting lead to apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover402. In some cases, one or more of the core, mantle, and additional core or mantle layers of the golf ball may include conductive materials. In other cases, cover402of golf ball400may include conductive material.

FIG. 5illustrates a fourth exemplary embodiment of a golf ball500. In some embodiments, golf ball500may comprise a three piece configuration, including a cover502, a mantle504, and a core506. In this embodiment, cover502may comprise a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, mantle504and/or core506may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition. In an exemplary embodiment, golf ball500may include internal circuitry508and a connecting lead510. In other embodiments, connecting lead510may be optional. Internal circuitry508and connecting lead510may be substantially identical to internal circuitry406and connecting lead408discussed above. In this embodiment, internal circuitry508is disposed in close proximity to piezoelectric material in cover502along one section of golf ball500. In other embodiments, internal circuitry508may be disposed in golf ball500in a different relation to the piezoelectric material.

In some embodiments, piezoelectric material may be included in one or more discrete sections of golf ball500. In some embodiments, internal circuitry508may selectively apply an electric current to portions of the piezoelectric material included in one or more discrete sections of golf ball500. With this arrangement, piezoelectric material in various sections of golf ball500may undergo compression due to the applied electric current from internal circuitry508at different times to affect different properties and characteristics of golf ball500. In some embodiments, selective application of an electric current to the piezoelectric material in golf ball500by internal circuitry508may be used before, during, and/or after golf ball500has been hit by a golf club to affect the club face impact and/or flight path characteristics of golf ball500. In some cases, indicia (not shown) on cover502of golf ball500may indicate the location of the section of golf ball500containing the piezoelectric material.

FIG. 6illustrates a fifth exemplary embodiment of a golf ball600. In some embodiments, golf ball600may comprise a two piece configuration including a cover602and a core604. In this exemplary embodiment, cover602may comprise a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, core604may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition. In this embodiment, golf ball600may include internal circuitry606. Internal circuitry606may be substantially identical to internal circuitry406discussed above. In this embodiment, internal circuitry is in contact with the piezoelectric material in cover602. With this arrangement, internal circuitry606may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material.

FIG. 7illustrates a sixth exemplary embodiment of a golf ball700. In some embodiments, golf ball700may comprise a three piece configuration, including a cover702, a mantle704, and a core706. In this embodiment, cover702and core706may comprise a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, mantle704may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition. In an exemplary embodiment, golf ball700may include internal circuitry708, a cover connecting lead710, and a core connecting lead712. Internal circuitry708may be substantially identical to internal circuitry406discussed above. Similarly, cover connecting lead710and/or core connecting lead712may be substantially identical to connecting lead408discussed above. In other embodiments, either or both of cover connecting lead710and core connecting lead712may be optional.

In some embodiments, piezoelectric material may be included in one or more portions of golf ball700. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 7, piezoelectric material may comprise cover702and/or core706of golf ball700. In some embodiments, internal circuitry708may selectively apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material included in one or more portions of golf ball700, including cover702and/or core706. With this arrangement, piezoelectric material in various portions of golf ball700may undergo compression due to the applied electric current from internal circuitry708at different times to affect different properties and characteristics of golf ball700.

In some embodiments, selective application of an electric current to the piezoelectric material in golf ball700by internal circuitry708may be used before, during, and/or after golf ball700has been hit by a golf club to affect the club face impact and/or flight path characteristics of golf ball700. In one exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry708may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover702via cover connecting lead710prior to golf ball700being hit with a golf club. In another exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry708may selectively remove the electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover702a predetermined amount of time after golf ball700has been hit by a golf club. In different embodiments, internal circuitry708may apply and/or remove the electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover702before, during, and/or after golf ball700has been hit by a golf club to affect the club face impact and/or flight path characteristics of golf ball700.

In another exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry708may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in core706via core connecting lead712. In some embodiments, internal circuitry708may apply the electric current to the piezoelectric material in core706via core connecting lead712. In one exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry708may apply and/or remove the electric current to the piezoelectric material in core706to affect the properties and characteristics of an impact of a club face of a golf club with golf ball700. In different embodiments, internal circuitry708may apply and/or remove the electric current to the piezoelectric material in core706before, during, and/or after golf ball700has been hit by a golf club to affect the club face impact and/or flight path characteristics of golf ball700.

In other embodiments, the electric current may be applied to one or more portions of golf ball700via an external apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment discussed below, an electric current may be applied to a golf ball containing piezoelectric material via a golf tee including a power source.

In the above described embodiments, piezoelectric material comprises the cover and/or the core of a golf ball. In different embodiments, piezoelectric material may comprise any layer of a golf ball, including one or more of the core, mantle, and additional core or mantle layers.

In one exemplary embodiment, a golf ball may comprise a three piece configuration, including a mantle comprised of a piezoelectric material and a core and a cover comprised various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition. In this embodiment, an electric current may be applied to the piezoelectric material included in the mantle of the golf ball, using the internal circuitry described above and/or external apparatus described below. With this arrangement, the piezoelectric material in the mantle of the golf ball may undergo compression due to the applied electric current to affect different properties and characteristics of golf ball. In one embodiment, the applied electric current to the piezoelectric material in the mantle of the golf ball may give the golf ball a larger apparent hardness and/or increase internal stress within the golf ball.

In other embodiments, piezoelectric material may be disposed in one or more layers of a golf ball. In some cases, piezoelectric material may be disposed between or among any combination of the core, mantle, and additional core or mantle layers. In other embodiments, piezoelectric material may be disposed on the outside of cover.

FIG. 8illustrates an exemplary embodiment of internal circuitry within golf ball400. As shown inFIG. 8, golf ball400may include internal circuitry406. In some embodiments, internal circuitry406includes an energy storage device. In some cases, the energy storage device may include a battery. In other cases, the energy storage device may include a capacitor. In still other cases, the energy storage device may include any apparatus for generating an electric current. In one exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry406may include a battery802and/or a capacitor804. Internal circuitry may use energy stored in battery802and/or capacitor804to apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover402via connecting lead408. In some embodiments, internal circuitry406may include a processor800for generating an electric current. Processor800may include a processor or other circuitry for generating electric current of any kind known in the art. In other embodiments, processor800may include a timer circuit for selectively applying and/or removing the electric current for a predetermined period of time, upon an initiation event, or using any other criteria. In other embodiments, processor800may be programmed to execute various instructions and programs as is known in the art.

In other embodiments, internal circuitry406also may include an internal sensor for detecting the output from the piezoelectric material in cover402via connecting lead408when hit by a golf club. In some embodiments, internal circuitry406also may include a data storage device. A data storage device may store data from an internal sensor generated when golf ball400is hit by a golf club. In one embodiment, a data storage device may be used to record data associated with a golfer hitting golf ball400multiple times. In other embodiments, a data storage device may be used to record data associated with a golfer hitting a golf ball, such as golf ball400, during play.

FIGS. 9 and 10illustrate views of an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball with a piezoelectric material cover arranged in a geometric pattern. Referring toFIG. 9, in this embodiment, a golf ball900may include a cover comprising a piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric material cover may be arranged in a geometric pattern over the outer surface of golf ball900. In one exemplary embodiment, the geometric pattern may be formed by a plurality of panels902comprised of the piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, a plurality of interstitial spaces904may be disposed between panels902. In an exemplary embodiment, interstitial spaces904may be provided to allow panels902comprising the piezoelectric material cover to compress when subjected to an electric current. In this embodiment, interstitial spaces904may have a first width W1that is associated with the distance between panels902in the absence of an applied electric current. In some cases, first width W1may be associated with a first diameter D1of golf ball900. In different embodiments, interstitial spaces904may be sized and dimensioned to correspond to various widths to provide for the compression and expansion of panels902comprising the piezoelectric material cover of golf ball900.

In one exemplary embodiment, panels902disposed over the outer surface of golf ball900to form the piezoelectric material cover may be arranged in a geometric pattern comprising a combination of hexagonal and pentagonal shapes. In other embodiments, panels902may be arranged in various patterns, including, but not limited to: hexagonal, pentagonal, triangular, circular, ovoid, elliptical, and other geometric, regular and/or irregular patterns, or combinations thereof.

Referring now toFIG. 10, in this embodiment, a golf ball1000is shown with a cover comprising a piezoelectric material in the presence of an applied electric field. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric material cover may be arranged in a geometric pattern over the outer surface of golf ball1000as described above in reference toFIG. 9. In one exemplary embodiment, the geometric pattern may be formed by a plurality of panels1002comprised of the piezoelectric material in a compressed state. In this embodiment, panels1002are compressed due to the presence of an applied electric current.

In some embodiments, interstitial spaces1004may be disposed between compressed panels1002. In an exemplary embodiment, interstitial spaces1004may be provided to allow compressed panels1002comprising the piezoelectric material cover to form a substantially continuous cover when subjected to an electric current. In different embodiments, interstitial spaces1004may be sized and dimensioned to correspond to various widths to provide for the compression and expansion of panels1002comprising the piezoelectric material cover of golf ball1000. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10, interstitial spaces1004may have a second width W2that is associated with the marginal distance between panels1004in the presence of an applied electric current. In some cases, second width W2may be associated with a second diameter D2of golf ball1000. In an exemplary embodiment, second width W2may be substantially smaller than first width W1. In one embodiment, first diameter D1of golf ball900in the absence of an applied electric current may be larger than second diameter D2of golf ball1000in the presence of an applied electric current. In some embodiments, first diameter D1and/or second diameter D2may correspond to a diameter of approximately 1.68 inches. In other embodiments, first diameter D1and/or second diameter D2may be greater than or less than 1.68 inches. In still other embodiments, first diameter D1and/or second diameter D2may be sized and dimensioned so as to conform with one or more regulations applicable to golf balls used for professional and/or amateur golf.

FIGS. 11 and 12illustrate different embodiments of an external apparatus for applying an electric field to a golf ball including a piezoelectric material. Referring toFIG. 11, a golf tee1100may be adapted to subject a golf ball containing piezoelectric material to an electric current. In this embodiment, golf tee1100may include an upper surface1102for holding the golf ball in place. In some embodiments, golf tee1100may include a first contact member1104and a second contact member1106disposed on upper surface1102. In one embodiment, first contact member1104and second contact member1106may be provided to apply an electric current to a golf ball when placed in communication with first contact member1104and/or second contact member1106on upper surface1102of golf tee1100.

In some embodiments, golf tee1100may include a power source1112. In some cases, power source1112may be a battery and/or a capacitor. In other cases, power source1112may be supplied via an external power supply. In one embodiment, first contact member1104may correspond to a positive terminal connected to power source1112via a positive lead1110. Similarly, second contact member1106may correspond to a negative terminal connected to power source1112via a negative lead1108. In some embodiments, golf tee1100may use power source1112to apply an electric current to a piezoelectric material layer of a golf ball when the golf ball is placed in communication with first contact member1104and/or second contact member1106on upper surface1102of golf tee1100. In this embodiment, the electric current applied to the golf ball in communication with first contact member1104and second contact member1106may be generated from power source1112via negative lead1108and positive lead1110.

Referring now toFIG. 12, in this embodiment, a golf tee1200may be adapted to subject a golf ball containing piezoelectric material to an electric current. In some embodiments, golf tee1200may use an induction coil1204connected to a power source1206to generate an applied electric current. In some cases, power source1206may be a battery and/or a capacitor. In other cases, power source1206may be supplied via an external power supply. In this embodiment, golf tee1200may include an upper surface1202for holding the golf ball in place. In one exemplary embodiment, golf tee1200may be connected via connection1208to a sensor1210for detecting a swinging motion of a golf club. In one embodiment, sensor1210may include an optical detector for detecting a swinging motion of a golf club in proximity to golf tee1200. In other embodiments, sensor1210may include one or more other sensors that may detect the presence of a golf club, including, but not limited to: optical, acoustical, magnetic, and other known sensors for detecting motion of a golf club.

In some embodiments, golf tee1200and/or sensor1210may be in communication with a processor. The processor may be adapted to control power source1206to subject the piezoelectric material in a golf ball to an electric current in response to receiving a signal from sensor1210detecting the swinging motion of a golf club. In other embodiments, golf tee1200may include a pressure-sensitive contact member (not shown) to apply an electric current to a golf ball when placed in communication with the contact member on upper surface1202of golf tee1200.

In some embodiments, golf tee1100and/or golf tee1200may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material included in one or more portions of a golf ball, including, but not limited to the exemplary embodiments of a golf ball with piezoelectric material described above. With this arrangement, piezoelectric material in various portions of a golf ball may undergo compression from the applied electric current from golf tee1100and/or golf tee1200at different times to affect different properties and characteristics of a golf ball.

In some embodiments, selective application of an electric current to the piezoelectric material in a golf ball by golf tee1100and/or golf tee1200may be used before, during, and/or after a golf ball has been hit by a golf club to affect the club face impact and/or flight path characteristics of the golf ball. In one exemplary embodiment, golf tee1100and/or golf tee1200may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in a cover of the golf ball prior to the golf ball being hit with a golf club.

FIGS. 13-17illustrate a series of views of an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball with a piezoelectric material being hit by a golf club108. The order of the steps illustrated inFIGS. 13-17is exemplary and not required. By selectively applying and/or removing an electric current to the piezoelectric material contained in a golf ball, as discussed above, the properties and characteristics of a golf ball may be changed, including, but not limited to: amount of deformation, ball speed, backspin, sidespin, total spin, and other parameters associated with a golf ball. With this arrangement, the club face impact characteristics and/or flight path characteristics of the golf ball may be altered.

By applying an electric current to piezoelectric material included in a cover of a golf ball, the electric current may cause the piezoelectric material to compress, thus hardening the cover of the golf ball. With this arrangement, by selectively applying the electric current to piezoelectric material contained in a golf ball prior to impact of the golf ball by a club face of a golf club, the club face impact characteristics and/or flight path characteristics of the golf ball may be changed. In one exemplary embodiment, a ball speed and a spin rate may be affected by applying an electric current to the piezoelectric material in a golf ball prior to impact. Ball speed is the measurement of the velocity of a golf ball after impact with a club head of a golf club. Because ball speed is proportional to the force of the impact of the club head with the golf ball, the ball speed may be increased by compressing the piezoelectric material to make the cover of the golf ball harder prior to impact.

The spin of a golf ball is the rotation of a golf ball while in flight. Spin includes rotation against the direction of flight, i.e., backspin, and rotation sideways to the direction of spin, i.e., side spin. Total spin is the vector addition of backspin and side spin. The spin rate of a golf ball is the speed that the golf ball rotates on its axis while in flight. Typically, the spin rate is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). The spin of a golf ball is related to an amount of deformation of the golf ball. The amount of deformation of the golf ball may vary based on the hardness of the golf ball, whereby a harder golf ball generally will deform less than a softer golf ball. A harder golf ball may generally achieve greater distances but have less spin. On the other hand, a softer golf ball may generally experience more spin, but will lack distance. Based on the selective application of an electric current to the piezoelectric material contained in a golf ball, the hardness may be changed, thus affecting the deformation amount and changing the spin rate of the golf ball. Similarly, in embodiments where piezoelectric material is included in a core of a golf ball, selective application of an electric current to the piezoelectric material in the core may affect a bounce back reaction after impact of the golf ball with the golf club.

In some embodiments, application of the electric current to piezoelectric material in the golf ball may change the material properties associated with the golf ball. In some cases, the electric current applied to the piezoelectric material may cause the piezoelectric material to compress. The effect of the internal stress inside the golf ball caused by the compressed piezoelectric material is similar to the effect from increasing the hardness of the golf ball. As a result, compression of the piezoelectric material in the golf ball may give the golf ball a larger apparent hardness caused by the compressed piezoelectric material.

Referring now toFIG. 13, a golf ball400including a cover402comprising piezoelectric material may be provided on a golf tee1100adapted to provide an electric current. In this embodiment, the piezoelectric material in cover402is in an uncompressed state in the absence of an applied electric current from golf tee1100. Referring toFIG. 14, prior to impact of club face110of golf club108with golf ball400, golf tee1100may use electricity1400from a power source to generate an electric current1402, as discussed above. In this embodiment, golf tee1100applies electric current1402to the piezoelectric material of golf ball400when golf ball400is placed in communication with first contact member1104and/or second contact member1106on the upper surface of golf tee1100.

Referring now toFIG. 15, electric current1402applied to the piezoelectric material contained in cover402of golf ball400causes the piezoelectric material to compress. As a result, cover402of golf ball400may be made harder prior to impact of club face110with golf ball400. Additionally, by compressing cover402, a diameter of golf ball400may be made smaller, as discussed above. As shown inFIG. 16, club face110of golf club108makes contact with golf ball400. As club face110makes contact with golf ball400, kinetic energy is transferred from club face110to golf ball400. As discussed above, compression of piezoelectric material in cover402may cause golf ball400to be harder, resulting in a greater transfer of kinetic energy to golf ball400and, accordingly, a higher ball speed.

Referring now toFIG. 17, after impact of golf ball400with club face110of golf club108, golf ball400may continue on an initial flight path. The initial flight path may be associated with the club face impact characteristics and/or flight path characteristics of the golf ball400when hit by golf club108, including, but not limited to those characteristics affected by the presence or absence of an applied electric current prior to impact. In some embodiments, internal circuitry406may apply an electric current to the piezoelectric material in golf ball400, as discussed above, after impact and/or during the flight of golf ball400on the initial flight path. In an exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry406may selectively apply and/or remove an electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover402of golf ball400to affect the flight path characteristics of golf ball400. In one exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry406may selectively apply and/or remove the electric current to the piezoelectric material in cover402of golf ball400to alter the distance and/or loft of the initial flight path.

FIG. 18illustrates a comparison of the club face impact characteristics and/or flight characteristics of a conventional golf ball1800and an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball including piezoelectric material1802subjected to an electric current. The order of the steps illustrated inFIG. 18is exemplary and not required. Referring toFIG. 18, a conventional golf ball1800may be associated with a first diameter D1. Conventional golf ball1800will maintain first diameter D1when placed on a conventional golf tee at step1810and when hit by a golf club at step1820. Depending on the configuration and composition of conventional golf ball1800, it will exhibit a typical flight path1830that may vary depending on initial launch conditions, such as club head speed and launch angle, but will not ordinarily change once conventional golf ball1800is in flight.

On the other hand, golf ball1802including piezoelectric material may be associated with a first diameter D1in the absence of an applied electric current, as illustrated at step1812, and may be associated with a second diameter D2in the presence of an applied electric current, as illustrated at step1822. With this arrangement, the properties and characteristics of golf ball including piezoelectric material1802may be changed prior to impact with a golf club, as shown at step1814, by application of an electric current. In different embodiments, the electric current may be supplied by a golf tee and/or internal circuitry inside golf ball1802, as discussed in the embodiments above.

In this embodiment, the applied electric current to the piezoelectric material may cause the cover of golf ball1802to compress prior to impact with the club face of a golf club, thereby causing golf ball1802to have second diameter D2that is smaller than first diameter D1associated with golf ball1802in the absence of the electric current. With this arrangement, the diameter of golf ball1802may be changed by selective application of the electric current to the piezoelectric material in the cover. In one exemplary embodiment, internal circuitry may remove the applied electric current at step1834to cause the diameter of golf ball1802to increase from second diameter D2to first diameter D1while golf ball1802is in flight. The larger relative diameter of first diameter D1at step1832may increase the air resistance of golf ball1802, thereby increasing loft of golf ball1802along its flight path.

FIG. 19illustrates a comparison of the flight paths of conventional golf ball1800and golf ball1802including piezoelectric material subjected to an electric current according to the methods described herein. As shown inFIG. 19, conventional golf ball1800may have a conventional flight path terminating at end point1910. The conventional flight path of golf ball1800may be associated with a first distance L1to end point1910and also may be associated with a loft corresponding to a first height H1. In contrast, golf ball1802including piezoelectric material subjected to an electric current according to the methods described herein for changing the flight path characteristics may have an exemplary flight path terminating at end point1912. In this embodiment, exemplary flight path of golf ball1802may be associated with a second distance L2to end point1912and also may be associated with a loft corresponding to a second height H2.

In some embodiments, by using the systems and methods described herein to apply and/or remove an electric current to piezoelectric material in a golf ball, parameters associated with a flight path of golf ball may be changed or altered. In an exemplary embodiment, by applying an electric current to the piezoelectric material included in golf ball1802as described herein, second distance L2may be greater than first distance L1associated with conventional golf ball1800. Similarly, in another exemplary embodiment, by selectively applying and/or removing an electric current to the piezoelectric material included in golf ball1802as described herein, second height H2associated with the loft of golf ball1802may be greater than first height H1associated with the loft of conventional golf ball1800.

In other embodiments, by using the systems and methods described herein to apply and/or remove an electric current to piezoelectric material in a golf ball, parameters associated with a flight path of golf ball may be changed or altered to impart more spin to a golf ball. In one embodiment, applying more spin to golf ball1802including piezoelectric material may cause the second distance L2to be less than first distance L1. In other embodiments, an electric current may be applied to golf ball1802including piezoelectric material during the flight path to cause second height H2to be less than first height H1. In different embodiments, various combinations of selective application and/or removal of electric current to cause piezoelectric material contained in a golf ball to contract and/or expand at various points along a flight path of the golf ball may be used to achieve larger or smaller loft heights and/or distances.

In the above embodiments, a piezoelectric material that compresses in the presence of an applied electric field has been described. Other types of piezoelectric materials may have different properties in the presence of an applied electric field. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric material may expand in the presence of an applied electric field. In one exemplary embodiment, the piezoelectric material may comprise lead zirconate titanate (PZT). In different embodiments, the expanding piezoelectric material may be used in any of the embodiments of a golf ball including piezoelectric material described above.

Referring now toFIGS. 20 and 21, an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball with an inner mantle layer and an outer mantle layer comprising piezoelectric material is shown. Referring toFIG. 20, in this exemplary embodiment, a golf ball2000may comprise a four piece configuration including a cover2002, an outer mantle layer2004, an inner mantle layer2006, and a core2008. In this embodiment, outer mantle layer2004and inner mantle layer2006may comprise a piezoelectric material. In different embodiments, cover2002and/or core2008may comprise various natural and synthetic materials conventionally used for golf ball composition.

In some embodiments, outer mantle layer2004and inner mantle layer2006may comprise a substantially similar piezoelectric material. In other embodiments, outer mantle layer2004and inner mantle layer2006may comprise different piezoelectric materials. In this embodiment, outer mantle layer2004may comprise a first piezoelectric material and inner mantle layer2006may comprise a second piezoelectric material. In some embodiments, the first piezoelectric material and the second piezoelectric material may have different properties. In one exemplary embodiment, the first piezoelectric material compresses in the presence of an applied electric current and the second piezoelectric material expands in the presence of an applied electric current.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 20, outer mantle layer2004may have a first thickness T1associated with the first piezoelectric material in the absence of an applied electric current. Similarly, inner mantle layer2006may have a second thickness T2associated with the second piezoelectric material in the absence of an applied electric current. In this embodiment, a boundary2010designates the location within golf ball2000where inner mantle layer2006ends and outer mantle layer2004begins. In this embodiment, the outer periphery of inner mantle layer2006is in contact with the inner periphery of outer mantle layer2004at boundary2010.

FIG. 21illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a golf ball2100in the presence of an applied electric current. An electric current may be applied to the piezoelectric material any method described herein, including using the internal circuitry and/or external apparatus described above. In this embodiment, golf ball2100is comprised substantially similar to golf ball2000in the absence of an applied electric current, including cover2002and core2008. In this embodiment, however, the presence of the applied electric current has affected the material properties of the first piezoelectric material in outer mantle layer2004and the second piezoelectric material in inner mantle layer2006.

In one exemplary embodiment, the applied electric current may cause the first piezoelectric material in outer mantle layer2104to compress and the second piezoelectric material in inner mantle layer2106to expand. As shown inFIG. 21, outer mantle layer2104may expand to have a third thickness T3associated with the first piezoelectric material in the presence of an applied electric current. In this embodiment, third thickness T3is smaller than first thickness T1. Similarly, inner mantle layer2106may compress to have a fourth thickness T4associated with the second piezoelectric material in the presence of an applied electric current. In this embodiment, fourth thickness T4is larger than second thickness T2.

In some embodiments, first thickness T1and second thickness T2of outer mantle layer2004and inner mantle layer2006, respectively, may be selected to provide golf ball2000with a desired diameter in the absence of an applied electric current. Similarly, the first piezoelectric material of outer mantle layer2104and the second piezoelectric material of inner mantle layer2106may be selected so that the diameter of golf ball2100remains substantially similar to golf ball2000when in the presence of an applied electric current. In one exemplary embodiment, the sum of first thickness T1and second thickness T2in the absence of an applied electric current is substantially equal to the sum of third thickness T3and fourth thickness T4in the presence of an applied electric current. With this arrangement, golf ball2000in the absence of an applied electric current may retain substantially the same diameter as golf ball2100in the presence of an applied electric current.

In some embodiments, the applied electric current to golf ball2100may cause internal stress. Internal stress may be caused by opposing forces at boundary2010. In this embodiment, the expansion of inner mantle layer2104and the compression of outer mantle layer2104may cause opposing forces at boundary2010. With this arrangement, the effect of the internal stress inside golf ball2100caused by the piezoelectric materials may give golf ball2100a larger apparent hardness. The larger apparent hardness may affect the flight characteristics of golf ball2100as described above.

In addition to the embodiments described above, a golf ball with piezoelectric material may be used in other systems that make use of the properties of the piezoelectric material. For example, a system and method could measure parameters associated with hitting a golf ball with a piezoelectric material to detect an electrical signal in the piezoelectric material. Hit golf ball data obtained from a golf ball with piezoelectric material according to the present method and system may be used as a component in the golf ball fitting system disclosed in copending and commonly owned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0009215, entitled “Method and System for Golf Ball Fitting Analysis”, and filed on Jul. 7, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference.