Patent Description:
Interest 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, in environments, and particularly indoor environments, where the ball travels a limited distance.

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.

US Patent number <CIT>, Chinese patent number <CIT>and US Patent application publication number <CIT> are all useful in understanding the background to the present invention.

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, especially in limited travel distance environments, and enhanced experience for the end users of these radar tracking systems.

The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising at least one layer with a mark, or a plurality of marks, disposed on a surface thereof, as defined in claim <NUM> appended hereto.

In a particular embodiment, the golf ball additionally has one or more of the following properties:.

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 <NUM> Ohms to <NUM> Ohms. In another particular aspect of this embodiment, every <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the golf ball outer surface intersects at least one of the marks.

Optionally, the separation angle is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

Optionally, each of the intersecting stripes has a width of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) or less.

Optionally, the three or more intersecting stripes include a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe, and wherein the first stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the second stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the third stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Optionally, the golf ball comprises an outermost cover layer and a layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer, and wherein the layer with the mark disposed on the surface thereof is the layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer.

Optionally, the mark comprises four or more intersecting stripes, including a first stripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, and a fourth stripe, and wherein the first stripe and the second stripe are longer than the fourth stripe, and the fourth stripe is longer than the third stripe.

Optionally, the first stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the second stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the third stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the fourth stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Optionally, a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by a separation angle of from <NUM>° to <NUM>°; and a plane bisecting the third stripe and a plane bisecting the fourth stripe are separated by a separation angle of from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

Optionally, the plane bisecting the third stripe and a plane bisecting the fourth stripe are separated by a separation angle of from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball further comprises a layer having a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, wherein the plurality of radar detectable marks includes a first mark having an irregular shape comprising a plurality of intersecting shapes and a second mark having a basic shape selected from the group consisting of circles, rings, crescents, squares, triangles, rectangles, chevrons, regular polygons, irregular polygons, and basic nonpolygonal shapes.

Optionally, the irregular shape of the first mark comprises a plurality of intersecting stripes.

Optionally, wherein the plurality of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a second stripe, and third stripe, and the first stripe and the second stripe are substantially equal in length.

Optionally, a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by a separation angle of from <NUM>° to <NUM>° and optionally wherein each of the intersecting stripes has a width of <NUM> (<NUM> inches)or less.

Optionally, the plurality of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a second stripe, and third stripe, and the first stripe, and wherein the first stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the second stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the third stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Optionally, the golf ball comprises an outermost cover layer and a layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer, and wherein the layer with the plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on the surface thereof is the layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer.

Optionally, the plurality of intersecting stripes additionally includes a fourth stripe; and wherein the first stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the second stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the third stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the fourth stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Optionally, the second mark is a rectangular stripe.

Optionally, the second mark has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

Optionally, the second mark the plurality of radar detectable marks includes a third mark, optionally wherein the third mark has a basic shape selected from the group consisting of circles, rings, crescents, squares, triangles, rectangles, chevrons, regular polygons, irregular polygons, and basic nonpolygonal shapes.

Optionally, the shape of the third mark is the same as the shape of the second mark.

Optionally, the second mark is a rectangular stripe having a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the third mark is a rectangular strip having a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball further comprises a layer having a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, wherein the plurality of radar detectable marks includes a first mark having an irregular shape comprising a plurality of intersecting stripes and a second mark having an irregular shape, and wherein the irregular shape of the first mark and the irregular shape of the second mark are not the same shape.

Optionally, each of the intersecting stripes of the irregular shape of the first mark has a width of <NUM> (<NUM> inches)or less.

Optionally, the plurality of intersecting stripes of the irregular shape of the first mark includes a first stripe, a second stripe, and third stripe, , and wherein the first stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), the second stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and the third stripe has a length of from <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In another particular embodiment, the golf ball further comprises a layer having a plurality of radar detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, wherein at least one of the radar detectable marks has an irregular shape, and 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 radar detectable marks have a total surface coverage of from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. Optionally, 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 path on the golf ball outer surface intersects at least one of the marks.

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 waterborne or solvent-borne. The ink may be a <NUM>-component or <NUM> -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 <NUM> Ohms or <NUM> Ohms or <NUM> Ohm or <NUM> Ohms or <NUM> Ohms or <NUM> Ohms or <NUM> Ohms or <NUM>,<NUM> 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 <NUM> 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 <NUM>, or a film thickness of <NUM> or less, or a film thickness within a range having a lower limit and an upper limit selected from <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

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:.

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:.

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:.

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:.

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, 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, 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 <NUM>%.

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:.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <FIG>, the mark is wider at the middle <NUM>% of the mark, so half of the mark has a width of W1 and half of the mark has a width of W2, so the average width is calculated as (W1+W2)/<NUM>. However, in <FIG>, the mark has a design such that a different dimension is used for measuring width, and since both distinct portions of the mark have a width of W1, the average width is also W1.

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 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.

Non-limiting examples of particularly suitable shapes for a single radar detectable mark or a plurality of radar detectable marks are illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of a stripe, according to an example.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at two locations, according to an example.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at one location, according to an example.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of four stripes forming a closed loop in the form of a spherical rectangle, according to an example.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of a single curvilinear stripe creating a closed loop, according to an example.

<FIG> shows a plurality of marks consisting of stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern, according to an example, the stripes having substantially the same length and width. Alternatively, the stripes are arranged in an icosahedral pattern and adjoined to form a continuous mark, according to an example.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> shows a mark consisting of four intersecting stripes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> shows two marks, including a first mark consisting of three intersecting stripes and a second mark consisting of a single stripe, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> shows three marks, including a first mark consisting of five intersecting stripes, a second mark consisting of a single stripe, and a third mark consisting of a single stripe, according to an example.

<FIG> shows three marks, including a first mark consisting of four intersecting stripes, a second mark consisting of a single stripe, and a third mark consisting of a single stripe, according to an example.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM>% or <NUM>% or <NUM>% or <NUM>% or <NUM>% or <NUM>% or <NUM>% 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, the total surface coverage of the mark(s) 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 <NUM>-benzothiazole sulfenamide; N,N-di-ortho-tolylguanidine; bismuth dimethyldithiocarbamate; N-cyclohexyl <NUM>-benzothiazole sulfenamide; N,N-diphenylguanidine; <NUM>-morpholinyl-<NUM>-benzothiazole disulfide; dipentamethylenethiuram hexasulfide; thiuram disulfides; mercaptobenzothiazoles; sulfenamides; 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, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>. Particularly suitable diene rubber compositions are further disclosed, for example, in <CIT>.

Particularly suitable materials also include, but are not limited to:.

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:.

Surlyn <NUM>®, Surlyn® <NUM>, and Surlyn® <NUM> are different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with sodium ions. Surlyn® <NUM>, Surlyn® <NUM>, and Surlyn® <NUM> are different grades of E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn® <NUM> is an E/MAA copolymer in which the acid groups have been partially neutralized with lithium ions. Surlyn® <NUM> is a very low modulus magnesium ionomer with a medium acid content. Nucrel® <NUM> is an E/MAA copolymer resin nominally made with <NUM> 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 <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>.

Suitable polyurethanes, polyureas, and blends and hybrids of polyurethane/polyurea are further disclosed, for example, in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>,<CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>,<CIT>, and<CIT>.

Suitable UV absorbers that are optionally included in cover layer compositions are further disclosed, for example, in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM>% or greater, or <NUM>% or greater, or <NUM>% or greater or <NUM>% or greater.

It 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 <NUM>-<NUM> below, a golf ball subassembly having a diameter of about <NUM> (<NUM> 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 this example, the mark consists of a single stripe, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The stripe has a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

In this example, the mark consists of two stripes intersecting at two locations, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The stripes are substantially equal in size, each stripe having a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

In this example, the mark consists of two stripes intersecting at one location, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The stripes are substantially equal in size, each stripe having a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

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 <FIG>. The stripes are substantially equal in width, each stripe having a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Each of the two stripes forming the long sides of the spherical rectangle has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches), and each of the two stripes forming the short sides of the spherical rectangle has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

In this example, the mark consists of a single curvilinear stripe creating a closed loop, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The stripe has a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The closed loop has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of sixty stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The stripes are substantially equal in size, each stripe having a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). Every mathematically possible <NUM> (<NUM> inch) wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

In this example, the mark consists of three intersecting stripes according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The third stripe has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The mark has an average width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about <NUM>°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of <FIG>. The mark has a total surface coverage of about <NUM>%.

In this example, the mark consists of four intersecting stripes, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The third stripe has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The fourth stripe has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The first stripe, the second stripe, the third stripe, and the fourth stripe have substantially the same width, each stripe having a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The mark has an average width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about <NUM>°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of <FIG>. The mark has a total surface coverage of about <NUM>%.

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark and a second mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The third stripe of the first mark has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The first mark has an average width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about <NUM>°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of <FIG>.

The second mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about <NUM>%.

In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The fifth stripe of the first mark has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The first mark has an average width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about <NUM>°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of <FIG>.

The third mark consists of a single stripe having a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and a width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The plurality of marks has a total surface coverage of about <NUM>%.

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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The fourth stripe of the first mark has a length of about <NUM> (<NUM> 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 <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The first mark has an average width of about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). A plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about <NUM>°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of <FIG>. A plane bisecting the second stripe and a plane bisecting the third stripe are separated by an angle of about <NUM>°, as illustrated in the front view and the rear view of <FIG>.

In each of examples <NUM>-<NUM> 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 <NUM>. 635kph (<NUM> 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 <NUM>. 635kph (<NUM> mph), <NUM> degrees, <NUM> rpm, as measured using a photogrammetric system. The radar tracking system was able to accurately measure spin at a capture rate of greater than <NUM>% utilizing <NUM> (<NUM> 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.

When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are set forth herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values may be used.

Claim 1:
A golf ball comprising an outermost cover layer and a layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer, wherein the layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer comprises a mark disposed on a surface thereof, wherein the layer with the mark disposed on the surface thereof is the layer positioned adjacent to the outermost cover layer, wherein:
the mark is formed from a radar detectable material which is an electrically conductive ink comprising a base resin and an electrically conductive material;
the mark has dimensions such that every great circle path on the golf ball layer surface on which the mark is disposed intersects the mark; and
the mark has a continuous shape comprising three or more intersecting stripes,
wherein the three or more intersecting stripes include a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe;
the length of the third stripe is less than that of the first stripe and less than that of the second stripe; and
a plane bisecting the first stripe and a plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by a separation angle of from <NUM>° to <NUM>°.