Patent Publication Number: US-8535169-B2

Title: Golf ball with indicia to indicate imparted shear force

Description:
FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a golf ball incorporating indicia. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a golf ball that includes indicia that can be used to calculate the shear force imparted to the ball upon impact with a club. 
     BACKGROUND 
     There are various systems that exist that allow a person to measure the shear force imparted to a golf ball upon impact with a golf club. Most of these systems determine club head speed, which is then used to estimate or calculate shear force. 
     Conventionally, club head speed can be measured with various equipment or methods. The club head speed can be measured directly through a sensor on the club or a camera-based system. Alternatively, the club head speed could be measured indirectly through the use of an impact mark on the club or ball. Other conventional systems can be used to otherwise calculate club head speed. However, each of these systems requires the use of an external sensor or other piece of equipment. 
     The knowledge of the shear force generated by a particular stroke can be useful for many things. It can be used, for example, to select a particular ball. Alternatively, it can be used to change a golfer&#39;s swing mechanics to change the shear force generated by his or her swing profile. 
     In the conventional systems, while there are conventionally known structures and methods available to make the calculation, such systems are not typically used by an ordinary golfer. An ordinary golfer may be dissuaded from using the systems because they are expensive or complicated. 
     Therefore, it is desirable to consider systems for measuring shear force that are relatively inexpensive and that can be used either in a professional context or as a typical golfer. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a golf ball includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity between the inner layer and the outer layer. A first indicia is on the inner layer. The outer layer is spaced from the inner layer and is capable of rotating independently of the inner layer. A fluid is in the cavity. Second and third indicia can also be included. The second indicia can be on the outer layer and the third indicia can be on one of the inner layer and the outer layer. 
     In another aspect, a method of determining a shear force imparted to a golf ball is disclosed. A first indicia is provided on an inner layer of the ball. A second indicia is provided on an outer layer of the ball. A fluid is provided in a cavity between the inner layer and the outer layer. A first relative position of the first indicia and the second indicia is examined at a first specified time. A second relative position of the first indicia and the second indicia can be examined at a second specified time and the first and second relative positions can be compared. 
     In another aspect, a method of determining a shear force imparted to a golf ball is disclosed. An inner layer is provided and a sensor is positioned in the inner layer. An outer layer is spaced from the inner layer and is capable of rotating independently from the inner layer. The sensor may be capable of sensing the relative movement of the outer layer and the inner layer. The sensor data can then be acquired. A sensor trigger can be embedded in the outer layer. 
     Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the following claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
         FIG. 1  is a front view of a first embodiment of a golf ball; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross section of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view showing directional indicia; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of another embodiment of a golf ball; 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of another embodiment of a golf ball; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of another embodiment of a golf ball; 
         FIG. 7  is a front view of another embodiment of a golf ball showing a first embodiment of a guide; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of another embodiment of a golf ball showing an alternative embodiment of a guide; 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of another embodiment of a golf ball; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross section of another embodiment of a golf ball; 
         FIG. 11  is a view showing one embodiment of a golf ball before being struck by a golf club; 
         FIG. 12  is a view of the golf ball and club of  FIG. 11  after the ball is struck by the club; 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the golf ball of  FIG. 11  after the ball has come to rest; and 
         FIG. 14  is a view showing the association of the embodiment of  FIG. 10  with a computer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present embodiments relate to a golf ball structure and method for determining a shear force in a golf swing. Any of the golf ball structures can be used in any of the methods and any of the methods can be used with any of the balls. The ball embodiments disclosed may also be used to calculate other aspects of the swing mechanics. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show a first embodiment of a golf ball  100 . Golf ball  100  includes an inner layer  102  and an outer layer  104 . Inner layer  102  and outer layer  104  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  106 . A fluid is present in cavity  106 . Inner layer  102  and outer layer  104  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     The fluid in cavity  106  can be a liquid or a gas. In a simplified form, the gas can be the standard composition of air. However, if air or another gas is used, it may be desirable to insert the gas under pressure in order to keep inner layer  102  and outer layer  104  spaced from one another. Alternatively, the fluid can be a liquid. The liquid can be a high viscosity liquid that damps the relative rotation of inner layer  102  and outer layer  104 . 
     Inner layer  102  can include a core. The core can be any of a variety of cores commonly used in golf balls. For example, the core could be liquid filled or solid filled. The solid may be rubber, resin, or any other suitable material. The core may also include various types of weights. The core may also include a wound cover. A person having ordinary skill in the art can select a core that produces the technical and flight characteristics that are desirable. An optional mantle layer is not specifically shown in the figures, but may surround and may be positioned outward of the core. Inner layer  102  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  as being the outer surface of the core, but may instead be defined by an outer surface of the optional mantle layer or another layer outward of the core. 
     In a commercial version, the outer layer, and in particular, outer surface  108  of outer layer  104 , is configured to be struck by a golf club. Accordingly, outer layer  104  may include various dimples, frets or lands, projections, printing, or any other features that a designer thinks would be desirable in affecting the flight path of the ball  100 . Outer layer  104  may be designed to be scuff resistant. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , outer layer  104  is translucent. It may be desirable for outer layer  104  to be transparent or at least translucent. 
     The drawings illustrate layers having a variety of thicknesses. These thicknesses should not be considered to be the only possible thicknesses for the layers. The desirable thicknesses for the various layers depends on the materials a designer wishes to use and the qualities the designer wishes to provide by the various layers. A person having ordinary skill in the art can modify the present embodiments to provide for a ball having layers of appropriate thicknesses. 
     First indicia  110  is applied on inner layer  102 . First indicia  110  includes a plurality of circles or dots  112 . Second indicia  114  comprises a line  116  applied on outer layer  104 . The application of first indicia  110  to inner layer  102  and application of second indicia  114  to outer layer  104  can be performed by any technical means that is available or desirable based on the materials used for first indicia  110 , second indicia  114 , inner layer  102 , and outer layer  104 . In some cases, the indicia can be applied to the respective layer by printing it on the top of the layer, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Alternatively, the indicia may be embossed on the respective layer and may be even with the outer surface of the respective layer. 
       FIG. 3  shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  200 . Golf ball  200  includes an inner layer  202  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  204  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  202  and outer layer  204  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  206  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  202  and outer layer  204  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  210  is applied on inner layer  202  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  110 . First indicia  210  includes a plurality of circles or dots  212 . Ball  200  may include second indicia, but this is not shown in  FIG. 3 . Ball  200  also may include third indicia  218 . Third indicia  218  may include two arrows  220 . Third indicia  218  may be positioned to assist a user in positioning ball  200  in an appropriate or desired orientation of ball  200  when ball  200  is to be struck by a golf club when used in the method disclosed in greater detail below. Third indicia  218  is shown only in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , but it can easily be added to any of the embodiments illustrated in other figures. Third indicia  218  can be imprinted or applied on either inner layer  202  or outer layer  204 , whichever is deemed more desirable by the designer. 
       FIG. 4  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  300 . Golf ball  300  includes an inner layer  302  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  304  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  302  and outer layer  304  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  306  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  302  and outer layer  304  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  310  is applied on inner layer  302  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  110 . First indicia  310  includes a plurality of circles or dots  312 . The circles or dots  312  differ from the circles or dots  112  of the first indicia  110  in that they have gradually increasing diameters. For example, diameter  322  of first exemplary dot  324  is smaller than diameter  326  of adjacent second exemplary dot  328 . Second indicia  314  is applied to outer layer  304  and has the same basic characteristics as second indicia  114 . Second indicia  314  may comprise a line  316 . 
     The use of a series of differently sized dots as first indicia  310  may provide a mechanism to designate or determine the initial or first relative position of first indicia  310  and second indicia  314 . For example, a user may examine ball  300  to determine the relative position of first indicia  310  and second indicia  314 . The user may rotate inner layer  302  relative to outer layer  304  until the smallest dot  324  is generally aligned or positioned adjacent line  316  in a particular relative position. The user may cause this rotation via rolling or shaking or any other available mechanism or method as may be desirably used. For example, in this or any of the other embodiments, a magnetic element could be embedded or positioned in the inner layer and a magnet could be used to move the inner layer relative to the outer layer until first indicia  310  is positioned in alignment with second indicia  314 . This alignment of the first indicia  310  and second indicia  314  may be useful when one of the methods disclosed below is used. 
       FIG. 5  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  400 . Golf ball  400  includes an inner layer  402  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  404  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  402  and outer layer  404  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  406  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  402  and outer layer  404  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  410  is applied on inner layer  402  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  110 . First indicia  410  includes a plurality of numbers  430 . The numbers  430  can be a series of gradually increasing numbers, for example increasing from 0 to 9 as shown in  FIG. 5 . Second indicia  414  is applied to outer layer  404  and has the same basic characteristics as second indicia  114 . Second indicia  414  may comprise a line  416 . 
     The use of a series of gradually increasing numbers as first indicia  410  may provide a mechanism to designate or determine the initial or first relative position of first indicia  410  and second indicia  414 . For example, a user may examine ball  400  to determine the relative position of first indicia  410  and second indicia  414 . The user may rotate inner layer  402  relative to outer layer  404  until a desired number  430 , such as the number 0 as shown, is generally aligned or positioned adjacent line  416  in a particular relative position. The user may cause this rotation via rolling or shaking or any other available mechanism or method as may be desirably used. This alignment of the first indicia  410  and second indicia  414  may be useful when one of the methods disclosed below is used. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  500 . Golf ball  500  includes an inner layer  502  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  504  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  502  and outer layer  504  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  506  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  502  and outer layer  504  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  510  is applied on inner layer  502  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  110 . First indicia  510  includes a plurality of circles or dots  512 . In addition to the inclusion of circles or dots  512 , first indicia  510  may include an alignment aid, such as arrow  532 . Second indicia  514  is applied on outer layer  504  and has the same basic characteristics as second indicia  114 . Second indicia  514  may comprise arrow  534 . 
     The use of two arrows, one arrow  532  as a part of first indicia  510  and one arrow  534  as a part of second indicia  514  may provide a mechanism to define the initial relative position of first indicia  510  and second indicia  514 . For example, a user may examine ball  500  to determine the relative position of first indicia  510  and second indicia  514 . The user may rotate inner layer  502  relative to outer layer  504  until first indicia arrow  532  is generally aligned or positioned adjacent second indicia arrow  534  in a particular relative position. The user may cause this rotation via rolling or shaking or any other available mechanism or method as may be desirably used. This alignment of the first indicia  510  and second indicia  514  may be useful when one of the methods disclosed below is used. 
       FIG. 7  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  600 . Golf ball  600  includes an inner layer  602  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  604  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  602  and outer layer  604  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  606  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  602  and outer layer  604  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  610  is applied on inner layer  602  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  510 . First indicia  610  includes a plurality of circles or dots  612 . In addition to the inclusion of circles or dots  612 , first indicia  610  may include an alignment aid, such as line  636 . Second indicia  614  is applied on outer layer  604  and has the same basic characteristics as second indicia  514 . Second indicia  614  may comprise line  616 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , it may be desirable to restrict the rotation of the inner layer  602  relative to outer layer  604  such that the rotation only occurs on a single axis of rotation, such as axis  638 , and restrict movement along any other axis. Such a restriction can be enforced by the inclusion of a guide on ball  600 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the guide includes first guide section  640  and second guide section  642 . First guide section  640  and second guide section  642  are each secured to inner layer  602  so that neither can rotate with respect to inner layer  602 . First guide section  640  and second guide section  642  are shown in  FIG. 7  as being similar in material and design to a standard golf ball. The guide sections  640 ,  642  could instead be of the same material as the rest of outer layer  604  but simply secured to inner layer  602 . As a further alternative, first divider  644  could be inserted between first guide section  640  and outer layer  604  and second divider  646  could be inserted between second guide section  642  and outer layer  604 . First divider  644  and second divider  646  could be used alone, allowing first guide section  640  and second guide section  642  to independently rotate around axis  638 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  700 . Golf ball  700  includes an inner layer  702  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  704  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  702  and outer layer  704  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  706  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  702  and outer layer  704  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  710  is applied on inner layer  702  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  510 . First indicia  710  includes a plurality of circles or dots  712 . In addition to the inclusion of circles or dots  712 , first indicia  710  may include an alignment aid, such as a special character  748 , specifically shown as letter X. Second indicia  714  is applied on outer layer  704  and has the same basic characteristics as second indicia  514 . Second indicia  714  may comprise line  716 . 
       FIG. 8  shows another alternative embodiment of a guide. If it is desired to restrict movement or rotation of outer layer  704  relative to inner layer  702 , a guide can be inserted along axis  738 . First spindle  750  and second spindle  752  can be installed between inner layer  702  and outer layer  704  along axis  738 . Each of first spindle  750  and second spindle  752  may be of as many pieces as may be desirable so that inner layer  702  and outer layer  704  can rotate with respect to one another. 
       FIG. 9  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  800 . Golf ball  800  includes an inner layer  802  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  804  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  802  and outer layer  804  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  806  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  802  and outer layer  804  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  810  is applied on inner layer  802  and has the same basic characteristics as first indicia  110 . First indicia  810  includes a plurality of grid lines  854  and numbers  856  in squares  858  defined by grid lines  854 . Second indicia  814  is applied on outer layer  804  and has the same basic characteristics as second indicia  114 . Second indicia  814  may comprise an X shape  860 . 
     It may be desirable to use a numbered grid when it is desired, for example, to consider shear force applied along various axes or planes. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , outer layer  804  can be positioned so that second indicia  814  is positioned in a designated first indicia starting grid square, such as the starting square  862  marked with a 0. When the outer layer  804  moves with respect to inner layer  802 , a user can determine the directionality and magnitude of the force depending on the final position of outer layer  804  relative to inner layer  802 . 
       FIG. 10  shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a golf ball  900 . Golf ball  900  includes an inner layer  902  that has the same characteristics as inner layer  102  and an outer layer  904  that has the same characteristics as outer layer  104 . Inner layer  902  and outer layer  904  are spaced from one another, forming cavity  906  that has the same characteristics as cavity  106 , including being filled with a similar fluid. Inner layer  902  and outer layer  904  may be capable of rotating independently of one another. 
     First indicia  910  may be applied on inner layer  902  by being embedded within the core or within inner layer  902 . Second indicia  914  may be applied on outer layer  904  by being embedded within outer layer  904 . While first indicia  910  is sown as being embedded in the center of inner layer  902 , first indicia  910  may be applied on the outside of inner layer  902  or at any position in or on inner layer  902  and be considered positioned in inner layer  902 . First indicia  910  and second indicia  914  may be selected so that they are compatible with one another. For example, second indicia  914  may be a magnet or other item that works as a sensor trigger and first indicia  910  may be a sensor capable of sensing the number, speed or other rotation characteristics of how second indicia  914  rotates around first indicia  910 . The sensor may also be capable of sensing the number, speed or other rotation characteristics of how inner layer  902  rotates. First indicia  910  may be piezo electric, so that it can actuate upon impact by a golf club or may have a long life battery to allow first indicia  910  to perform its sensing function. In addition first indicia  910  may include transceiver  964  to allow first indicia to receive or transmit instructions or data. 
       FIGS. 11-13  show a method of use for the golf balls and alternatives disclosed herein.  FIGS. 11-13  show the use of golf ball  700  as shown in  FIG. 8 . The method is described in conjunction with that embodiment. However, any of the ball embodiments can be used in the method described. 
     As shown in  FIG. 11 , ball  700  may be positioned on a tee  1066 . Ball  700  may alternatively be placed on the ground, on a tether, or otherwise positioned as may be desired by a user. As shown in  FIG. 11 , first indicia  710  includes plurality of dots  712  and alignment marking  748 . Second indicia  714  includes a line  716  that is aligned with alignment marking  748 . A first relative position of first indicia  710  and second indicia  714 , such as the aligned position shown, may be selected for use as a starting position or for use at a first specified time. Ball  700  is then ready to be struck by club  1068 .  FIG. 11  shows the use of a driver or other wood as club  1068 . Any club can be selected instead of the driver shown as may be desired by a user or for any other reason. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , when club  1068  strikes ball  700 , inner layer  702  and outer layer  704  rotate independently of one another. As may be seen, second indicia  714  has rotated to a position away from first indicia alignment indicia  748 .  FIG. 12  is shown for illustrative purposes, and it is unlikely that any relative position of inner layer  702  and outer layer  704  will be examined or determined while ball  700  is in the air. 
       FIG. 13  shows a potential final rest position of ball  700 . When ball reaches its final rest position or another designated position at a second specified time, ball  700  can be examined to determine the final or second relative position of first indicia  710  and second indicia  714 .  FIG. 13  shows one exemplary version of a second relative position.  FIG. 13  shows that second indicia  714  is positioned generally adjacent the first indicia second dot  712  above first indicia alignment indicia  748 . The use of a guide, such as first spindle  750  and second spindle  752 , restricts rotation of outer layer  704  relative to inner layer  702  to one axis and may enable a less complicated analysis of the shear force applied to ball  700  upon impact by club  1068 , as first indicia  710  and second indicia  714  will maintain a predictable range of relative positions. 
     Once the first relative position at a first specified time before being struck by the club and the second relative position at a second specified time after being struck by the club have been determined, the first relative position and the second relative position data can be used. The first relative position and the second relative position can be compared to one another. The first relative position and the second relative position can be compared with a database that indicates a particular shear force that yields the two relative positions. The database can take the form of a printed chart or other comparison data printed on paper. Alternative, the database can take the form of a database within a computer. 
     If the database is a database in a computer, data relating to the first relative position and the second relative position may also be input into the computer to allow or improve the calculation of shear force applied to the ball. The computer can be configured like computer  1170  shown in  FIG. 14 . The step of inputting data may take the form of inputting by image acquisition system  1172 , such as a scanner or camera functionally attached to the computer that allows input of optical data directly to the computer. Alternatively, the step of inputting data may take the form of a user inputting information about the first and second relative positions through data input system  1174 , such as a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or other relevant input system. Software on computer  1170 , in attached data storage  1176 , or accessible via the internet  1178  may instruct the user on how to select the first relative position, how to input data relating to the first relative position and the second relative position, and any other relevant data, such as the time or distance the ball is in the air, atmospheric conditions, or any other relevant data. 
     The methods disclosed herein may include striking the ball and collecting the ball from a golf course. Alternatively, the method could be performed in an indoor or outdoor venue that allows the ball to be hit into a net or other barrier in order to limit the time and distance the ball carries in order to limit relative rotation of the inner and outer layers and simplify the calculation of shear force applied. 
     An alternative method is shown in  FIG. 14 . The method shown in  FIG. 14  is most easily used with a ball such as that shown in  FIG. 10 , and ball  900  of  FIG. 10  is illustrated therein. 
     As noted in the discussion of ball  900  in  FIG. 10 , sensor  910  is positioned in inner layer  902 . Sensor trigger  914  is embedded in outer layer  904 . Inner layer  902  and outer layer  904  are capable of rotating independently of one another. Ball  900  is struck by a club, such as was described in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . When ball  900  is struck, sensor  910  actuates and senses the movement of inner layer  902  and the relative movement of sensor trigger  914 . Sensor  910  may, for example, consider the number of rotations of inner layer  902  and the number of rotations of outer layer  904 . The data determined by sensor  910  can then be acquired and evaluated to determine the shear force applied to ball  900  when struck by club  1068 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 14 , the step of acquiring the data from sensor  910  can be performed by associating ball  900  with computer  1170 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , associating ball  900  with computer  1170  may be as simple as moving ball  900  close to computer  1170 . Computer  1170  may be equipped with any available hardware or software that triggers transceiver  964  on sensor  910  to transmit the acquired data to computer  1170 . The data transmission can use any wired or wireless transmission system, for example including Bluetooth or infrared transmission. 
     Once the acquired data from ball  900  is transmitted to computer  1170 , the data can be used to calculate the shear force from the stroke. The acquired data can be compared to a database stored in or accessible to computer  1170 , either by accessing the internet  1178  or an attached data storage  1176 , such as a hard or floppy drive, or other external drive or data storage attached to computer via wired or wireless connection. The database can be used to calculate the shear force from the golf stroke, the swing profile of the user who struck the ball, or any other calculations reasonably available from the relative movement of the inner and outer layers after being struck by the club. 
     While various embodiments of the invention have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.