Golf ball including at least one radar detectable mark

Abstract

To improve quality of shooting state data of a golf ball collected by a radar tracking system and improve an experience of an end user of the radar tracking system.SOLUTION: Disclosed herein is various golf ball configurations including a radar reflection function. The radar reflection function can be formed as ink, resin, conductive metal, polymer, carbon, or another substance that can be accumulated or arranged in various parts of a golf ball. As further disclosed herein, the radar reflection function can be formed of a material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to golf balls that include a mark or marks for improved detection and tracking by radar systems. [Background technology]

[0002] There is growing interest in golf experiences such as golf simulators and golf equipment fittings that require systems to detect golf ball launch conditions. However, radar tracking systems currently used for this purpose are limited in their ability to accurately capture launch condition data such as ball spin characteristics.

[0003] The use of radar reflective stickers, commonly used with radar tracking systems, also has drawbacks. Radar reflective stickers are typically affixed to the outer surface of a golf ball in order for the radar tracking system to obtain launch condition data. However, the use of these stickers presents challenges, including, for example, precise placement of the sticker on the ball, alignment of the sticker relative to the golfer and the tee, and the time and effort required to place the sticker on the ball. The lack of durability of the stickers leads to a degradation in the quality of the launch condition data and the need to replace the stickers.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for a golf ball that provides one or more of the following advantages: improved quality of golf ball launch data collected by radar tracking systems and an improved experience for end users of these radar tracking systems. DISCLOSURE OF THEINVENTION

[0005] The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer having a mark or marks disposed on a surface thereof.

[0006] In a specific embodiment, the marking comprises a continuous shape and is formed from a radar-detectable material. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball further comprises one or more of the following features: The mark is non-circular; · the radar detectable material is a conductive ink having a base resin and a conductive material, where the base resin is optionally selected from the group consisting of vinyl polymers, urethane polymers, acrylic polymers, epoxy polymers, and combinations of two or more thereof, and the conductive material is optionally selected from the group consisting of silver, conductive carbon, aluminum, graphene, nanotubes, nanometals, and combinations of two or more thereof; The resistivity of the mark is 0.1 ohms~2,500 ohms; the mark has dimensions such that every great circular path 0.025 inches wide on the surface of the golf ball layer on which the mark is located intersects the mark; The golf ball has an inner core layer, an outer cover layer, and one or more intermediate layers disposed between the inner core layer and the outer cover layer. The surface on which the mark is located is an outer surface of an intermediate layer disposed adjacent to the outer cover layer.

[0007] In another specific embodiment, the mark is formed from a radar-detectable material and has dimensions such that all great circular paths on the surface of the golf ball layer on which the mark is located intersect the mark.

[0008] In another specific embodiment, the mark is formed from a radar-detectable material and has a continuous shape having three or more intersecting stripes.

[0009] In another specific aspect of this embodiment, at least one layer includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the radar-detectable marks have a resistivity between 0.1 ohms and 25 ohms. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, every great circle path of 0.025 inches width on the golf ball layer surface on which the radar-detectable marks are disposed intersects at least one of the marks. In another 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 specific aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar-detectable marks includes a first mark and a second mark, the first mark having a continuous irregular shape, and the second mark having a basic shape selected from a basic non-polygonal shape, a regular polygon, and an irregular polygon. Non-limiting examples of suitable basic non-polygonal 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 specific aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar-detectable marks includes a first mark and a second mark, where the first mark has a continuous irregular shape including a plurality of intersecting stripes, and the second mark has a different irregular shape than the first mark. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar-detectable marks includes a third mark, where the third mark has either an irregular shape or a regular shape. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, when all of the radar-detectable marks present in 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 between 1% and 20%.

[0010] In another specific embodiment, a golf ball has two or more layers, at least two of the two or more layers having one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, such that all radar-detectable marks present on any layer of the ball, when projected radially onto the outer surface of the ball, intersect at least one mark for every great circular path 0.025 inches wide on the outer surface of the golf ball.

[0011] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed in a single layer of the golf ball. The plurality of radar-detectable marks includes at least 11 equally spaced non-circular marks. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the number of equally spaced non-circular marks is a prime number between 11 and 37.

[0012] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed between two or more layers of the golf ball. The plurality of radar-detectable marks includes at least 11 non-circular marks. When all radar-detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the radar-detectable marks are equally spaced apart. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the number of equally spaced non-circular marks is a prime number between 11 and 37.

[0013] In another specific embodiment, the total surface coverage of all radar-detectable marks present is between 0.1% and 4.0%. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball comprises a layer having radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, the marks having a continuous non-circular shape and a surface coverage of between 0.1% and 4.0%. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball comprises a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed between two or more surfaces thereof, and when all radar-detectable marks present on any surface of any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the radar-detectable marks have an overall continuous non-circular shape. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball comprises one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface of at least one layer thereof, the total number of radar-detectable marks present is two or more, and the total surface coverage of the radar-detectable marks is between 0.1% and 4.0%.

[0014] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball comprises a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers. When all of the radar-detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are projected radially onto the outer surface of the ball, the overall pattern of projected radar-detectable marks consists of a series of three or more marks, with the geometric center of each mark in the series located on a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the overall pattern of projected marks consists essentially of a plurality of marks disposed along a great circle. In another aspect of this embodiment, the length of the portion of the great circle on which the plurality of marks are disposed is equal to or less than one-half the circumference of the ball.

[0015] In another specific embodiment, a golf ball includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed in any single layer or between two or more layers, and when all of the radar-detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are projected radially onto the outer surface of the ball, the overall pattern of the projected radar-detectable marks includes a first great circle series of three or more marks, the geometric center of each mark in the series being located on a first 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball, and a second great circle series of three or more marks, the geometric center of each mark in the series being located on a second 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball.

[0016] In another aspect, the invention relates to a golf ball including at least one layer having one or more marks disposed on a surface thereof. In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed, the golf ball including at least one radar-detectable mark, the at least one radar-detectable mark forming a projected pattern when projected radially onto an outer surface of the golf ball.

[0017] The projected pattern can have a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The projected pattern includes at least one first crest and at least one first trough. The first spherical arc can be defined along a first great circle on the outer surface of the golf ball.

[0018] The projection pattern may have a first end and a second end spaced circumferentially apart from one another to define an angular range of waves. In one example, the ends may be spaced at least 45 degrees apart from one another. In one example, the first end and the second end may be spaced circumferentially apart from one another between 240 degrees and 300 degrees. In other words, the angular range of waves may span at least 45 degrees, and preferably between 240 degrees and 300 degrees. In one example, the angular range of waves may span 270 degrees.

[0019] In one example involving parallel waves, the circumferential spacing of the ends of the wave profiles can be varied to cover a predetermined wavelength or period. For example, two parallel wave profiles can have variable lengths to account for different positions relative to the printing surface and to match the wave angle ranges of the two wave profiles.

[0020] The projection pattern can extend over at least 1.0 period in one example, and can extend over less than 5.0 periods in one example.

[0021] The amplitude of the first waveform profile is related to the diameter of the golf ball. In one example, the amplitude is less than 40% of the diameter of the golf ball. In one example, the amplitude is less than 40% of the diameter of the golf ball casing core. In one example, the amplitude is less than 40% of the diameter of the golf ball subassembly. In other examples, the amplitude is between 5% and 50% of the diameter of the golf ball, the amplitude is between 10% and 30% of the diameter of the golf ball, or the amplitude is between 15% and 25% of the diameter of the golf ball. In other examples, the amplitude is between 10% and 60% of the diameter of the golf ball casing core, the amplitude is between 20% and 50% of the diameter of the golf ball casing core, or the amplitude is between 25% and 40% of the diameter of the golf ball casing core. In other examples, the amplitude is between 5% and 55% of the diameter of the golf ball subassembly, the amplitude is between 15% and 45% of the diameter of the golf ball subassembly, or the amplitude is between 25% and 40% of the diameter of the golf ball subassembly. The amplitude can be measured at a midpoint, center, or mid-portion of the marking or projected pattern. In other examples, the amplitude can be defined as any two corresponding points on a spherical arc that are equidistant from the central axis of the wave profile.

[0022] The first wave profile may be formed according to a variety of wave profiles. For example, the wave profile may be a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave. In one example, multiple wave shapes may be combined.

[0023] The at least one radar-detectable mark can be disposed on a single layer in one example, while in another example, the at least one radar-detectable mark can be comprised of multiple radar-detectable marks disposed among multiple layers.

[0024] The projection pattern, in one example, can be formed as a continuous, uninterrupted strip. In another example, the projection pattern can be formed as a plurality of separate strips spaced apart and aligned with one another, the separate strips collectively forming a wave profile. According to one aspect, the separate strips are centered about a common through line or track, and the overall wave profile is formed by the separate strips.

[0025] Various parameters of the wave profile and the radar detectable mark can vary, such as size, profile, shape, etc. In one example, the width of the radar detectable mark is between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm. In one example, the first wave profile can have an amplitude between 7.0 mm and 15.0 mm.

[0026] The projection pattern may further include a second wave profile having at least one second crest and at least one second bottom. The first wave profile may be comprised of a plurality of first points and the second wave profile may be comprised of a plurality of second points. Each of the first points along the first wave profile and each of the nearest adjacent second points along the second wave profile may be equidistant from one another such that a uniform normal distance is defined along the entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance may be between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm. The first and second wave profiles may be parallel to one another. In other aspects, the normal distance between the wave profiles may vary and may be non-uniform.

[0027] The first wave profile and the second wave profile may each have the same predetermined amplitude, with the uniform normal distance being at least half the predetermined amplitude and the uniform normal distance being less than or equal to twice the predetermined amplitude.

[0028] The second wave profile can be mapped along a path defined by a second spherical arc spaced apart from the first spherical arc.

[0029] Other examples of golf balls are disclosed herein. The golf ball includes at least one radar-detectable mark, and a projection pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface of the golf ball. The projection pattern can have a first waveform profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function can be selected from one of a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave. In other examples, the wave profile can be defined as a combination of waveforms that generate other periodic functions. One or more of a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangle wave, or a square wave can be combined in addition to other functions or periodic profiles.

[0030] In one example, the projection pattern may have a wave angle range of 45 degrees to 270 degrees. The periodic function may repeat at least 1.0 period. The projection pattern may further include a second wave profile having at least one second crest and at least one second trough. A uniform normal distance may be defined along the entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The first wave profile may have a first amplitude and the second wave profile may have a second amplitude. The uniform normal distance may be less than half the first amplitude. The uniform normal distance may be less than half the second amplitude. The first amplitude may be less than 40% of a diameter of at least one of the golf ball, a casing core of the golf ball, or a subassembly of the golf ball.

[0031] Other examples of golf balls are also disclosed herein. The golf ball may include at least one radar-detectable marking, where the at least one radar-detectable marking is projected radially onto the outer surface of the golf ball to form a projection pattern. The projection pattern may include a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function may be a sine wave, and the periodic function may repeat at least 1.0 cycle.

[0032] In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, and the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material including a resin and a first plurality of conductive metallic pigments. As used in this context, the term conductive refers to electrically conductive, and the terms conductive and electrically conductive are used interchangeably herein. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a radar-reflective material or marking that includes, in part, a conductive pigment. The pigment may be formed from a variety of materials and may be formed from a non-metallic base composition and / or coating.

[0033] The first plurality of conductive metallic pigments has an average particle size of 10.0 microns or less, and the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments has an average aspect ratio of 10.0 or less. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the properties of the pigments may vary.

[0034] The first plurality of conductive metal pigments can include at least one of silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core-shell pigments.

[0035] The radar detectable material may further include a second plurality of conductive metal pigments formed from a material different than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive metal pigments may include pigments coated with a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer may include at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI). In another aspect, the second plurality of conductive metal pigments may be silver-coated copper, silver-coated iron, or silver-coated nickel.

[0036] In another aspect, the radar detectable material may further include a second plurality of conductive pigments formed from a material different than the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments. The second plurality of conductive pigments may include metallic pigments or non-metallic pigments that may be coated with a conductive material. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the coating and / or the pigments themselves may be conductive.

[0037] In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are magnetic pigments. In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are radiopaque pigments. The second plurality of conductive metallic pigments may comprise tungsten.

[0038] In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of 5.0 microns or less. In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of 7.5 microns or less. In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of 10.0 microns or less. In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of between 4.0 microns and 12.0 microns. In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of between 1.0 microns and 15.0 microns.

[0039] In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less. In one aspect, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average aspect ratio of 5.0 or less. In one aspect, the relationship between the average aspect ratio (AR) value and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined as 0.5≦(AR / PS)≦5.0. In one aspect, the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average particle size (in microns) is 8.0 or less. In one aspect, the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average particle size (in microns) is 3.0 or less. In one aspect, the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average particle size (in microns) is 1.0 or less.

[0040] In one aspect, the first plurality of pigments can be formed from a material other than metal and can be coated with a conductive material.

[0041] The at least one radar detectable mark may have a depth between 1.0 microns and 10.0 microns. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a width of 1.50 mm or less. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a width of 1.00 mm or less. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a width of 0.75 mm to 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark is a width of 0.75 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark is a width of 0.50 mm to 0.75 mm. The width of the mark, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., may vary.

[0042] The resin, in one aspect, may have a flexural modulus or flexural modulus of at least 2.0 MPa. The resin, in one aspect, may have a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 MPa. In one aspect, the flexural modulus may be tested according to ASTM D790. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other test standards may be used.

[0043] In one aspect, the sheet resistance value may refer to a value associated with the material forming the mark, and not necessarily the value exhibited by a golf ball including the mark. For example, when referring to the sheet resistance value of a radar-detectable mark, the value may refer to the sheet resistance value of the material forming the mark.

[0044] The radar detectable mark, or the material forming the mark, may have a sheet resistance of 0.01 ohms / sq / mil to 0.10 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the radar detectable mark, or the material forming the mark, may have a sheet resistance of 0.025 ohms / sq / mil to 0.075 ohms / sq / mil. The radar detectable mark, or the material forming the mark, may have a sheet resistance of 0.04 ohms / sq / mil to 0.06 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the radar detectable mark, or the material forming the mark, may have a conductivity of 800,000 Siemens / meter or less. In another aspect, the radar detectable mark, or the material forming the mark, may have a conductivity of 700,000 Siemens / meter to 900,000 Siemens / meter. In one aspect, the golf ball may further include an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable mark.

[0045] In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having at least one of copper, silver, conductive polymers, gold, platinum, conductive carbon, nickel, zinc, or aluminum.

[0046] In one aspect, the radar detectable material comprises gold. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises platinum and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises silver and zinc. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises a conductive polymer and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel and silver. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel and conductive polymer.

[0047] The golf ball may further include an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0048] The width of the at least one radar detectable marking may be 1.50 mm or less. In other aspects, the width of the at least one radar detectable marking is 1.00 mm or less. In other aspects, the width of the at least one radar detectable marking is between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. The width of the marking, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., may vary.

[0049] In one aspect, the conductive carbon is composed of at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckminsterfullerenes (hereinafter buckyballs).

[0050] In one aspect, the radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​may vary as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material including conductive materials including a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0052] The conductive material may comprise a mixture of silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and conductive carbon comprises a ratio of two parts silver to one part conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises silver coated glass. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises silver coated copper. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises a mixture of silver and a metal salt. In another aspect, the metal salt in the mixture of silver and a metal salt comprises silver chloride. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises a mixture of silver and a conductive resin.

[0053] In one aspect, the mixture of silver and metal salt comprises a ratio of 80 parts silver to 20 parts metal salt. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide comprises a ratio of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide.

[0054] In one aspect, the conductive resin comprises at least one of poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

[0055] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0056] In one aspect, the width of the radar-detectable mark is 1.50 mm or less. In another aspect, the width of the radar-detectable mark is 1.00 mm or less. In another aspect, the width of the radar-detectable mark is between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. The width of the mark, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., may vary.

[0057] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​can vary as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0058] In another example, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having a conductive polymer including at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

[0059] In one aspect, the radar detectable material can further comprise silver. In one aspect, the radar detectable material can further comprise conductive carbon. In one aspect, the conductive carbon can comprise at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0060] In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a conductive metal. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises bismuth telluride. In another aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises antimony telluride. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0061] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0062] In one aspect, the width of the radar detectable mark is 1.50 mm or less. In one aspect, the width of the radar detectable mark is 1.00 mm or less. In one aspect, the width of the radar detectable mark is between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. The width of the mark, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., may vary.

[0063] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​can vary as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0064] In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having a resin having a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 GPa and a conductive material.

[0065] The conductive material may comprise at least one of silver, conductive carbon, or aluminum pigment.

[0066] In one aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0067] In one aspect, the silver comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0068] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0069] In one aspect, the width of the radar-detectable mark is 1.50 mm or less. In another aspect, the width of the radar-detectable mark is 1.00 mm or less. In another aspect, the width of the radar-detectable mark is between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm.

[0070] In one aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 10.0 GPa to 16.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 3.0 GPa to 4.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 17.0 MPa to 20.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 2.0 MPa to 3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 1.5 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 5.0 GPa to 15.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 GPa to 10.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 100.0 MPa to 250.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 500.0 MPa to 1.0 GPa.

[0071] In one aspect, the sheet resistance of the radar detectable mark is between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​may vary as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0072] In one aspect, the resin includes at least a vinyl-based polymer, in another aspect, the resin includes at least a urethane-based polymer, and in another aspect, the resin includes at least an epoxy-based polymer.

[0073] In one aspect, the conductive material comprises at least silver. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises at least silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises at least conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises at least conductive carbon and aluminum pigment.

[0074] In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material including at least one of tin or an oxide of tin thereof.

[0075] The radar detectable material may further comprise at least one conductive polymer. The at least one conductive polymer may comprise at least one of poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI). The radar detectable material may further comprise conductive carbon. In one aspect, the radar detectable material may further comprise a conductive metal. In one aspect, the conductive metal comprises silver.

[0076] In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the silver comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0077] In one aspect, the tin oxide comprises indium tin oxide, hi another aspect, the tin oxide comprises antimony tin oxide.

[0078] In one aspect, the golf ball may further include an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable mark.

[0079] In one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In one embodiment, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. The width of the mark, as well as all other parameters, measurements, dimensions, etc., may vary.

[0080] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​can vary as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0081] In yet another example, disclosed herein is a golf ball having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and in one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material that includes a transition metal.

[0082] The transition metal may further comprise at least one of palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, or iridium. The transition metal may comprise tungsten. In another aspect, the transition metal may comprise iron. In one aspect, the transition metal may comprise molybdenum.

[0083] The transition metal may comprise at least one of copper, silver, a mixture of silver and a metal salt, gold, platinum, nickel, tin or its tin oxide, or zinc.

[0084] The transition metal, in one aspect, may include nickel. hi another aspect, the transition metal includes platinum. hi one aspect, the transition metal includes platinum and the radar detectable material further includes conductive carbon.

[0085] In one aspect, the transition metal comprises 10 parts platinum and 90 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0086] In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of a conductive polymer, conductive carbon, or aluminum. In one aspect, the conductive polymer comprises at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

[0087] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0088] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the width may vary.

[0089] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​can vary as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0090] In yet another example, disclosed herein is a golf ball having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark is formed from a radar-detectable material that includes a resin and a conductive material including silver and antimony.

[0091] In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a radiopaque material. The radiopaque material includes tungsten. The tungsten may be provided in an amount between 1% and 50% by weight of the total radar detectable material. The tungsten may be provided in an amount between 15% and 35% by weight of the total radar detectable material.

[0092] In one aspect, the sheet resistance of the at least one radar detectable mark is between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the sheet resistance of the at least one radar detectable mark is between 0.05 ohms / sq / mil and 5.0 ohms / sq / mil. Sheet resistance values ​​may vary, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0093] In one aspect, the antimony is antimony oxide, hi another aspect, the antimony is antimony tin oxide.

[0094] In one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width between 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm. In another aspect, the conductive material further comprises conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0095] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0096] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the width may vary.

[0097] In one aspect, the silver comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0098] In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, the at least one radar-detectable mark being formed from a radar-detectable material including a radar reflective ink and at least one screening additive, which may be formed from a variety of materials as disclosed herein.

[0099] The sorting additive may include at least one radiopaque additive. In one aspect, the at least one radiopaque additive may include at least one radiopaque pigment or at least one radiopaque dye. The at least one radiopaque pigment and / or radiopaque dye may include at least one of iodine, barium, barium sulfate, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, bismuth, bismuth oxide, bismuth trioxide, bismuth oxychloride, bismuth subcarbonate, zirconium, zirconium oxide, or gold. The at least one radiopaque dye may include iodine. The radar reflective ink may include at least one of silver or conductive carbon.

[0100] The sorting additive may comprise at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive. The at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive may comprise at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic pigment. The at least one magnetic pigment may comprise at least one of iron, nickel, cobalt, or neodymium. The at least one ferromagnetic pigment may comprise at least one of iron, cobalt, molybdenum, or nickel.

[0101] Further aspects and features of forming a golf ball with a projected pattern and radar-detectable marks are disclosed herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0102] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of and should be read in conjunction with the specification, like reference numerals are used to refer to like parts in the various views. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining the average width of an irregular shape according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for determining the average width of an irregular shape according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows top, front, side and back views of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows top, isometric, front, side and back views of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 shows plan, isometric, front, side and back views of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows top, isometric, front, side and back views of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 illustrates top, isometric, front, side and back views of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 illustrates top, isometric, front, side and back views of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a back view (FIG. 19A), a first side view (FIG. 19B), a front view (FIG. 19C), a second side view (FIG. 19D), and an isometric view (FIG. 19E) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a back view (FIG. 20A), a first side view (FIG. 20B), a front view (FIG. 20C), a second side view (FIG. 20D), and an isometric view (FIG. 20E) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a back view (FIG. 21A), a first side view (FIG. 21B), a front view (FIG. 21C), a second side view (FIG. 21D), and an isometric view (FIG. 21E) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a back view (FIG. 22A), a first side view (FIG. 22B), a front view (FIG. 22C), a second side view (FIG. 22D), and an isometric view (FIG. 22E) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows a back view (FIG. 23A), a first side view (FIG. 23B), a front view (FIG. 23C), and a second side view (FIG. 23D) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows a back view (FIG. 24A), a first side view (FIG. 24B), a front view (FIG. 24C), and a second side view (FIG. 24D) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25]FIG. 25 shows a back view (FIG. 25A), a first side view (FIG. 25B), a front view (FIG. 25C), and a second side view (FIG. 25D) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows a back view (FIG. 26A), a first side view (FIG. 26B), a front view (FIG. 26C), a second side view (FIG. 26D), and an isometric view (FIG. 26E) of a marking pattern according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows a back view, a first side view, a front view, and a second side view of the marking pattern of FIGS. 19A-19D, along with additional annotations. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows top, isometric, front, side and back views of a mark according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0103] The golf ball of the present invention includes one or more layers having 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, conductive inks that include a base resin and a conductive material. The ink may be either water-based or solvent-based. The ink may be a one-component or two-component ink. The ink may be cured with an isocyanate-based hardener, UV curing, and / or thermal curing. The ink and the mark formed therefrom may be transparent or opaque. In a specific 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 other specific embodiments, the 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 marks having a resistivity of 0.1 ohms or 0.5 ohms or 1 ohm or 5 ohms or 6 ohms or 7 ohms or 25 ohms or 2,500 ohms, or a range of resistivities having lower and upper limits selected from the values ​​listed above. Non-limiting examples of suitable commercially available inks are InkLab 303 silver conductive ink available from ITW TransTech; silver ink, conductive carbon ink, aluminum ink, silver / carbon blend ink, and aluminum / carbon blend ink available from CreativeMaterials Inc. In embodiments of the present invention in which the golf ball includes a single radar-detectable mark or multiple radar-detectable marks in a single layer, the radar-detectable material used to form one mark may be the same or different from the radar-detectable material used to form another mark.In embodiments of the present invention in which a golf ball includes at least two layers having one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on its surface, the radar-detectable material used to form the mark on one layer may be the same as or different from the radar-detectable material used to form another mark.

[0104] The radar detectable material is applied to the surface of the layer using any suitable technique. In a specific embodiment, the mark is formed by applying the radar detectable material to the surface of the golf ball layer by pad printing. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the pad printed mark has a thickness of at least 0.5 μm, or a thickness of no more than 5 μm, or a thickness within a range having lower and upper limits selected from 0.5 μm, 1 μm, 3 μm, 4 μm, and 5 μm.

[0105] In one aspect, the marking film thickness can be at least 0.1 μm and no more than 10.0 μm, while in another aspect, the marking film thickness can be at least 0.05 μm and no more than 15.0 μm.

[0106] In one aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material that includes a resin and a first plurality of conductive metallic pigments.

[0107] The first plurality of conductive metallic pigments has an average particle size of 10.0 microns or less, and the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments has an average aspect ratio of 10.0 or less. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the properties of the pigments may vary.

[0108] The first plurality of conductive metal pigments may include at least one of silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core-shell pigments. In one aspect, the coated core-shell pigments may include a glass core, a ceramic core, and / or an alloy or metal alloy core. They may include mixtures of pigments such as silver and nickel, aluminum and nickel, etc. The pigments may be combined with an intrinsically conductive coated polymer pigment. Other exemplary materials include silver coated copper, silver coated iron, and / or silver coated nickel. The pigments and / or coatings may be conductive. The pigments and / or coatings may be formed of metals. The pigments and / or coatings may be formed of non-metals.

[0109] The radar detectable material may further include a second plurality of conductive metal pigments formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive metal pigments may include conductive polymer coated pigments or pigments coated with other metals. The conductive polymer coating may include at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, and polyaniline (PANI). In one aspect, the conductive pigment may include silver coated copper, silver coated iron, or silver coated nickel.

[0110] In another aspect, the radar detectable material may further include a second plurality of conductive pigments formed from a material different than the first plurality of conductive metal pigments. The second plurality of conductive pigments may include pigments coated with a conductive polymer. The conductive polymer coating may comprise at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, and polyaniline (PANI). The second plurality of conductive pigments may include a conductive coating applied to at least one base material, which may be metallic or non-metallic.

[0111] In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are magnetic pigments. In one aspect, the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are radiopaque pigments. The second plurality of conductive metallic pigments may comprise tungsten.

[0112] In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is 5.0 microns or less. In one aspect, the average particle size of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is 2.0 microns or less. In one aspect, the average aspect ratio of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments is 5.0 or less. In one aspect, the relationship between the average aspect ratio (AR) value and the average particle size (PS) in microns is defined by 0.5≦(AR / PS)≦5.0. In one aspect, the relationship between the average aspect ratio (AR) value and the average particle size (PS) in microns is defined by 0.1≦(AR / PS)≦10.0. In one aspect, the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average particle size in microns is 8.0 or less. In one aspect, the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average particle size in microns is 3.0 or less. In one aspect, the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average particle size in microns is 1.0 or less.

[0113] The at least one radar detectable mark may have a depth between 1.0 microns and 10.0 microns. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a width less than or equal to 1.50 mm. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a width less than or equal to 1.00 mm. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a width between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the marks may vary.

[0114] The resin may, in one aspect, have a flexural modulus of at least 2.0 MPa. The resin may, in one aspect, have a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 MPa. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of resins and resin systems may be used in combination with the radar reflective material.

[0115] The at least one radar detectable mark may have a sheet resistance between 0.01 ohms / sq / mil and 0.10 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark may have a sheet resistance between 0.025 ohms / sq / mil and 0.075 ohms / sq / mil. The at least one radar detectable mark may have a sheet resistance between 0.04 ohms / sq / mil and 0.06 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark may have a conductivity of up to 800,000 Siemens / meter. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark may have a conductivity between 700,000 Siemens / meter and 900,000 Siemens / meter. In other aspects, the at least one radar detectable mark may have a conductivity between 600,000 Siemens / meter and 1,000,000 Siemens / meter. In other aspects, the at least one radar detectable mark may have a conductivity less than 1,000,000 Siemens / meter. In other aspects, the at least one radar detectable mark may have a conductivity greater than 500,000 Siemens / meter. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sheet resistance, conductivity, resistance, and the like may vary depending on the specific requirements of a particular golf ball.

[0116] In one aspect, the golf ball may further include an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking, with additional details regarding adhesion promoter materials, location, etc. described herein.

[0117] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides improved signal durability (i.e., radar return signal strength) based on a combination of the pigment's relatively small average particle size and relatively small aspect ratio.

[0118] In one aspect, the markings may be pad printed. In one aspect, the printed etch depth may be at least 10.0 microns, or at least 15.0 microns, or at least 20.0 microns. In one aspect, the printed etch depth may be at least 40.0 microns, or no more than 50.0 microns. In one embodiment, the printed etch depth is about 47.0 microns. In one embodiment, the printed etch depth is about 35.0 microns. In one embodiment, the printed etch depth is about 55.0 microns. In one embodiment, the printed etch depth is about 42.0 microns. In one embodiment, the printed etch depth is about 38.0 microns. In one embodiment, the printed etch depth is about 58.0 microns.

[0119] In one aspect, the film thickness of the at least one marking is at least 0.5 microns, or at least 1.0 microns, or at least 2.0 microns, or at least 5.0 microns. In one aspect, the film thickness of the at least one marking is no more than 20.0 microns, or no more than 10.0 microns, or no more than 8.0 microns, or no more than 6.0 microns.

[0120] In one aspect, durability of at least one mark can be improved based on an aspect ratio that is 5 to 10 times lower than conventional milled / ground pigments.

[0121] In one aspect, the aspect ratio is less than 10.0, and may be less than 5.0, less than 2.5, or less than 1.0. In one aspect, the average grain size is less than 10.0 microns, less than 5.0 microns, less than 2.5 microns, or less than 2.0 microns. In one aspect, the sheet resistance is between 0.015 ohms / mil squared and 20.0 ohms / mil squared.

[0122] In other aspects, the pigments may be combined with other different pigments, such as nanopigments (i.e., nanosilver). In other aspects, at least three types of pigments may be provided in the radar reflective material. The various types of pigments may have different characteristics, such as material selection, shape, composition, saturation, aspect ratio, particle size, etc.

[0123] In one example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a radar reflective pigment having an average particle size of 5.0 microns or less, an aspect ratio of 10.0 or less, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 ohms / square mil to 20.0 ohms / square mil.

[0124] In one example, the conductive ink includes a resin and any metallic pigment with an average particle size between 1.0 microns and 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio between 2.0 and 20.0, and a sheet resistance between 0.015 ohms / square mil and 0.100 ohms / square mil.

[0125] In one example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a radar reflective pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 ohms / square mil to 0.100 ohms / square mil.

[0126] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a silver pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, or between 1.0 microns and 5.0 microns, or between 2.0 microns and 10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less, or 10.0 or less, and a sheet resistance of 0.015 ohms / sq / mil to 0.100 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0127] In one specific example, the conductive ink comprises a resin and a conductive carbon pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns, or between 1.0 microns and 5.0 microns, or between 2.0 microns and 10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of less than 5.0 or 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0128] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and an aluminum pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 to 10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less, or 10.0 or less, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0129] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a graphene pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less, or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 ohms / sq / mil. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0130] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and nanotube pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0131] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and nanometal pigments having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0132] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a gold pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015-0.100 ohms / sq / mil, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, and may vary in value of particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance.

[0133] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a tin pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 to 0.100 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0134] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and an antimony pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 to 0.100 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0135] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a conductive polymer pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less than 5.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or less than 10.0, and a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 to 0.100 ohms / sq / mil. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the particle size, aspect ratio, and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0136] In one specific example, the conductive ink includes a resin and a silver pigment having an average particle size of 2.0 to 5.0 microns, or up to 10.0 microns, an aspect ratio of 5.0 or up to 10.0, and a conductivity of 500,000 to 1,000,000 Siemens / meter.

[0137] In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having at least one of copper, silver, conductive polymers, gold, platinum, conductive carbon, nickel, zinc, or aluminum.

[0138] In one aspect, the radar detectable material comprises gold. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises platinum and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises silver and zinc. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises a conductive polymer and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel and silver. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the radar detectable material comprises nickel and conductive polymer.

[0139] The golf ball may further include an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0140] The at least one radar detectable marking may have a width of 1.50 mm or less. In other aspects, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In other aspects, the at least one radar detectable marking has a width of between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the marks may vary.

[0141] In one aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0142] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0143] In one aspect, the radar reflective material may include silver, silver (in combination with a metal salt such as silver chloride), conductive polymer, gold, platinum, conductive carbon, nickel, zinc, and / or aluminum. These materials may be used in combination, such as platinum and conductive carbon, silver and zinc, or conductive polymer and conductive carbon.

[0144] In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having a conductive material having a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other ceramics may be used.

[0145] The electrically conductive material may comprise a mixture of silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and conductive carbon comprises a ratio of two parts silver to one part conductive carbon. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises silver coated glass. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises silver coated copper. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises a mixture of silver and a metal salt. In another aspect, the metal salt in the mixture of silver and a metal salt comprises silver chloride. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic. In another aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises a mixture of silver and a conductive resin.

[0146] In one aspect, the mixture of silver and metal salt comprises a ratio of 80 parts silver to 20 parts metal salt. In another aspect, the mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide comprises a ratio of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide.

[0147] In one aspect, the conductive resin comprises at least one of poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

[0148] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0149] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In another aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the dimensions of the marks may vary.

[0150] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / sq / mil and 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0151] In one specific aspect, the radar reflective material may include one or more of silver, silver in combination with silver chloride, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, silver in combination with tin and its oxides, silver in combination with conductive resins (e.g., PEDOT, PEDOT composites, and / or PANI), and silver in combination with conductive carbon (and variants / derivatives thereof, e.g., graphene, fibers, nanotubes, buckyballs). These particular materials and combinations of materials may be further combined at any level, ratio, or amount. In one aspect, the radar reflective material may comprise, for example, silver with silver glass, conductive carbon, and PEDOT. For material formulations that include silver used in combination with a metal salt (i.e., silver chloride), an exemplary ratio may include 80 parts silver to 20 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, the ratio may include 75 parts silver to 25 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, the ratio may include 90 parts silver to 10 parts silver chloride. In another aspect, the ratio may include 85 parts silver to 15 parts silver chloride. In other aspects, the ratio may include 65 parts silver to 35 parts silver chloride. In other aspects, the ratio may include 75 parts silver to 20 parts silver chloride to 5 parts third material. In other aspects, the ratio may include 70 parts silver to 20 parts silver chloride to 10 parts third material. In other aspects, the ratio may include 80 parts silver to 10 parts silver chloride to 10 parts silver chloride to 10 parts third material. For material formulations that include silver used in combination with tin, an exemplary ratio may include 70 parts silver to 20 parts tin. In other aspects, the ratio may include 65 parts silver to 35 parts tin. In other aspects, the ratio may include 75 parts silver to 25 parts tin. In other aspects, the ratio may include 80 parts silver to 20 parts tin. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any of these ratios may vary. In one aspect, silver may be included in the radar reflective material at a concentration of 10% by weight. In one aspect, silver may be included in the radar reflective material in a concentration of 20% by weight. In one aspect, silver may be included in the radar reflective material in a concentration of 30% by weight. In one aspect, silver may be included in the radar reflective material in a concentration of 40% by weight.In one aspect, silver may be included in the radar reflective material in a concentration of 5%-50% by weight.

[0152] In another example, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having a conductive polymer including at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

[0153] In one aspect, the radar detectable material may further comprise silver. In one aspect, the radar detectable material may further comprise conductive carbon. In one aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0154] In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a conductive metal. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises bismuth telluride. In another aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises antimony telluride. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0155] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0156] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 0.75 mm to 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 ohms / mil square to 20.0 ohms / mil square. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the dimensions and sheet resistance values ​​of the marks may vary.

[0157] Those skilled in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that various conductive polymers can be used as radar reflectors for golf balls. Exemplary conductive materials include PEDOT, PEDOT composites, and / or PANI, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other conductive polymers can be used. The conductive polymers can be used in combination with other materials, such as various forms of silver, or any other material configured to further improve conductivity (i.e., reduce resistivity). The various conductive polymers can be used in combination with other materials, such as conductive carbon, which can be provided in various forms, including, but not limited to, graphene, fibers, buckyballs, and the like. As those skilled in the art will appreciate based on this disclosure, various conductive polymers can be used in combination with various conductive metals. Various conductive polymers can be used in combination with various other conductive materials. In one aspect, antimony and bismuth tellurides can be used in combination with conductive polymers. Some exemplary radar reflective materials / material combinations include PEDOT; PEDOT and conductive carbon; PANI; PANI and conductive carbon; bismuth telluride and PANI; and antimony telluride and PANI; bismuth telluride and PEDOT; and antimony telluride and PEDOT.

[0158] In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having a resin having a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 GPa and a conductive material.

[0159] The conductive material may comprise at least one of silver, conductive carbon, or aluminum pigments. In one aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0160] In one aspect, the silver comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0161] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0162] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. The dimensions of the marks may vary.

[0163] In one aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 10.0 GPa to 16.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 3.0 GPa to 4.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 17.0 MPa to 20.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 2.0 MPa to 3.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 1.5 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 5.0 GPa to 15.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 GPa to 10.0 GPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 100.0 MPa to 250.0 MPa. In another aspect, the resin has a flexural modulus of 500.0 MPa to 1.0 GPa. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the flexural modulus of the resin may vary depending on a number of factors, such as the desired performance characteristics.

[0164] In one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / mil square and 20.0 ohms / mil square.

[0165] In one aspect, the resin comprises a vinyl-based polymer. In another aspect, the resin comprises a urethane-based polymer. In another aspect, the resin comprises an epoxy-based polymer. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the resin may be formed from a variety of base compositions.

[0166] In one aspect, the conductive material comprises silver. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises silver and conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive material comprises conductive carbon and aluminum pigment.

[0167] In one aspect, a secondary functionality may be added to the ink (ie, radiopacity), which may be used for non-tracking purposes, such as sorting or other purposes.

[0168] Various configurations of golf balls may be provided. In one aspect, a solid or dual core may be surrounded by an ionomeric casing layer to form a subassembly. A conductive marking may be printed on the casing layer of the subassembly. An adhesion promoter may be applied over the marking, followed by a golf ball cover and appropriate coatings and indicia. The location of the conductive marking may vary with the adhesion promoter layer and may include subassembly / marking / adhesion promoter / cover, or subassembly / adhesion promoter / marking / cover, or subassembly / adhesion promoter / marking / adhesion promoter / cover, or any of these variations. The adhesion promoter may be included in various locations and in various concentrations and / or thicknesses. In one aspect, the adhesion promoter may form a sandwich configuration with the marking disposed therebetween. In another aspect, the adhesion promoter is disposed radially outward and / or radially inward of the marking. In another aspect, the adhesion promoter encapsulates or at least partially encapsulates the marking.

[0169] In one aspect, the width of each of the markings is at least 1.0 mm. Examples of conductive ink materials may include silver, silver and conductive carbon, conductive carbon, conductive carbon and aluminum pigment, other materials / combinations of materials, etc. Some examples include vinyl-based polymers, and / or urethane- or epoxy-based polymers.

[0170] In yet another example, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material having at least one of tin or at least one oxide of tin thereof.

[0171] The radar detectable material may further comprise at least one conductive polymer. The at least one conductive polymer may comprise at least one of poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI). The radar detectable material may further comprise conductive carbon. In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a conductive metal. In one aspect, the conductive metal comprises silver.

[0172] In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of 70 parts silver to 30 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of 80 parts silver to 20 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of 90 parts silver to 10 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of 75 parts silver to 25 parts tin or tin oxide. In one aspect, the radar detectable material is comprised of 60-80 parts silver to 20-40 parts tin or tin oxide.

[0173] In one aspect, the silver comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0174] In one aspect, the tin oxide comprises indium tin oxide, hi another aspect, the tin oxide comprises antimony tin oxide.

[0175] In one aspect, the golf ball may further include an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable mark.

[0176] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 0.75 mm to 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 ohms / mil squared to 20.0 ohms / mil squared. Dimensions and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0177] In one aspect, tin may be combined with conductive carbon, which may comprise at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs. In some examples, tin may be combined with silver and other conductive metals. Specific combinations of silver and tin may be configured to provide a particular desired reflectivity / conductivity. Any of the above materials may be used in combination with any one or more of tin, silver, and conductive carbon. Specific formulations of radar reflective materials for golf balls may include tin, indium tin oxide, antimony tin oxide, combinations of silver and tin, and any combination thereof.

[0178] In yet another example, disclosed herein is a golf ball having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto the exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and in one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark may be formed from a radar-detectable material including a transition metal.

[0179] The transition metal may further comprise at least one of palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, or iridium. The transition metal may comprise tungsten. In another aspect, the transition metal may comprise iron. In one aspect, the transition metal may comprise molybdenum.

[0180] The transition metal may comprise at least one of copper, silver, a mixture of silver and a metal salt, gold, platinum, nickel, tin or its tin oxide, or zinc.

[0181] The transition metal, in one aspect, may include nickel. hi another aspect, the transition metal includes platinum. hi one aspect, the transition metal includes platinum and the radar detectable material further includes conductive carbon.

[0182] In one aspect, the transition metal is composed of 10 parts platinum and 90 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the transition metal is composed of 20 parts platinum and 80 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the transition metal is composed of 30 parts platinum and 70 parts conductive carbon. In one aspect, the transition metal is composed of 1 to 35 parts platinum and 65 to 99 parts conductive carbon.

[0183] In one aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0184] In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises at least one of a conductive polymer, conductive carbon, or aluminum. In one aspect, the conductive polymer comprises at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

[0185] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0186] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a width between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance between 0.015 ohms / mil squared and 20.0 ohms / mil squared. Dimensions and sheet resistance values ​​may vary.

[0187] Various materials may be used in conjunction with one or more of the other materials disclosed herein to form a radar reflective composition suitable for use in a golf ball. Some exemplary materials may include palladium, iron, tungsten, molybdenum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, and iridium. In one aspect, a transition metal may be used to form a radar reflective material. In another aspect, a transition metal may be combined with any one or more of copper, silver, silver in combination with a metal salt (i.e., silver chloride), conductive polymers, gold, platinum, conductive carbon, nickel, zinc, aluminum, and the like. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various metals, such as precious metals, semi-precious metals, transition metals, and other types of metals, may be used to form radar reflective materials for use in golf ball layers. Various metals, such as transition metals, may be used in combination with other metals, conductive polymers, conductive carbon, tin and its oxides, and the like. One specific example is a golf ball that includes a radar reflective material that includes tungsten. In another example, the radar reflective material includes iron. In another example, the radar reflective material includes molybdenum. In other examples, the radar reflective material includes nickel, or platinum, or platinum and conductive carbon.

[0188] In yet another example, disclosed herein is a golf ball having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an outer surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark is formed from a radar-detectable material having a resin and a conductive material including silver and antimony.

[0189] In one aspect, the radar detectable material further comprises a radiopaque material. The radiopaque material may include tungsten. The tungsten may be provided in an amount between 1% and 50% by weight of the total radar detectable material. The tungsten may be provided in an amount between 15% and 35% by weight of the total radar detectable material.

[0190] In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.015 ohms / sq / mil to 20.0 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.05 ohms / sq / mil to 5.0 ohms / sq / mil.

[0191] In one aspect, the antimony is antimony oxide, hi another aspect, the antimony is antimony tin oxide.

[0192] In one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width between 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm. In another aspect, the conductive material further comprises conductive carbon. In another aspect, the conductive carbon comprises at least one of graphene, fibers, nanotubes, or buckyballs.

[0193] In one aspect, the golf ball further comprises an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent to the at least one radar-detectable marking.

[0194] In one aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of 1.50 mm or less. In another aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less. In another aspect, the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm.

[0195] In one aspect, the silver comprises at least one of a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, silver coated copper, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, or a mixture of silver and an iron-based ceramic.

[0196] In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.005 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.015 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.025 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.075 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 20.0 ohms / sq / mil or less. In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 30.0 ohms / sq / mil or less. In one aspect, at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of at least 0.05 ohms / sq / mil. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 0.50 ohms / sq / mil or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 5.0 ohms / sq / mil or less. In one aspect, the at least one radar detectable mark has a sheet resistance of 15.0 ohms / sq / mil or less.

[0197] In another aspect, a golf ball is disclosed having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark present on any layer of the golf ball is radially projected onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, and wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark is formed from a radar-reflective ink and a radar-detectable material having at least one selected additive.

[0198] The sorting additive may include at least one radiopaque additive. In one aspect, the at least one radiopaque additive may include at least one radiopaque pigment or at least one radiopaque dye. The at least one radiopaque pigment and / or radiopaque dye may include at least one of iodine, barium, barium sulfate, tantalum, tungsten, titanium, bismuth, bismuth oxide, bismuth trioxide, bismuth oxychloride, bismuth subcarbonate, zirconium, zirconium oxide, or gold. In a specific example, the at least one radiopaque dye may include iodine. The radar reflective ink may include at least one of silver or conductive carbon. One skilled in the art will appreciate that any one or more of the materials described herein may be used for the radar reflective material.

[0199] The sorting additive may comprise at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive. The at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic additive may comprise at least one magnetic or ferromagnetic pigment. The at least one magnetic pigment may comprise at least one of iron, nickel, cobalt, or neodymium. The at least one ferromagnetic pigment may comprise at least one of iron, cobalt, molybdenum, or nickel.

[0200] The inclusion of a sorting additive in the marking can enhance sorting or detection of golf balls with radar reflective features. Although radiopaque and magnetic or ferromagnetic features have been described herein, one skilled in the art will appreciate that various types of materials can be used to aid in sorting golf balls.

[0201] As disclosed herein, the present disclosure provides a golf ball having at least one conductive mark or marking, or other radar-detectable feature. The pattern associated with the radar-detectable feature can be varied by one of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the concentration, density, saturation, or other volumetric characteristics of the radar-detectable feature can be varied. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these characteristics can be varied in a given aspect based on the performance and detectability profile desired for a particular golf ball.

[0202] One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that at least one pattern of markings can comprise any one or more patterns or pattern characteristics as disclosed herein. Exemplary patterns are disclosed throughout the figures, such as the patterns shown in Figures 1-11 and 13-28. One or more of the radar reflective materials can be used in the markings shown in any one or more of the illustrated patterns, combinations of patterns, etc. In one specific aspect, one or more of the markings and / or patterns shown in the figures can be formed from any one or more of a solvent, resin, conductive resin, conductive pigment, metal salt, glass, ceramic, one or more chlorides, silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, antimony tin oxide, antimony telluride, bismuth telluride, tungsten, iron, copper, copper oxide, molybdenum, rhodium, platinum, zinc, palladium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated The conductive material may comprise any one or more of the following: coated iron, silver coated nickel, mixtures of silver and metal salts, silver coated glass, mixtures of silver and tin or tin oxide, mixtures of silver and conductive resins, mixtures of silver and conductive carbon, mixtures of silver and iron based ceramics, coated core-shell pigments, transition metals, non-metals, conductive carbon, conductive polymers, poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, polyaniline (PANI), adhesion promoters, and / or combinations of one or more of all of the materials disclosed herein.

[0203] In one aspect, applying a marking to a golf ball surface may include providing a suitable surface for marking to a suitable pad printing device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of printing or material depositing devices may be used. Ink or radar reflective material may be applied to the surface, such as by pad printing. The printed material may then be dried, such as by forced air, and / or exposure to ambient temperatures above 60° F., and / or radiation from a heating source, and / or forced air that is a by-product of cooling a UV curing light source. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a redirection mechanism may be utilized to provide sufficient drying.

[0204] In one aspect, the surface may be treated with a suitable adhesion promoting treatment, such as application of an adhesion promoter coating / layer. In one aspect, the marking is printed onto the cased core, which includes an adhesion promoter. Additional coatings may be applied to improve adhesion of additional golf ball layers / covers, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one aspect, the printed cased core is surrounded by a cover, such as a thermoset urethane cover, and may be further finished, i.e., printed, painted, etc. In another aspect, the marking may be formed on the core or the cover. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the marking may be formed on any layer of the golf ball. Additionally, the cover and cased core may be formed of any material.

[0205] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the markings disclosed herein may be applied to any or all layers of any type of golf ball. Exemplary golf balls include Titleist® Pro V1® and Titleist® Pro V1x®. In another aspect, the golf ball including the radar reflective markings may be a Titleist® AVX, Tour Speed, Tour Soft, Velocity, TruFeel, or other commercially available golf ball. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the radar reflective markings may be applied to other suitable golf balls.

[0206] Any one or more of the materials, combinations of materials, compositions, elements, etc. disclosed herein can be implemented as radar reflective properties in a composition. More specifically, any one or more of the materials disclosed herein can be implemented as radar reflective properties in a composition in the form of a pigment. The pigment properties can be configured to improve signal durability. For example, particle size, aspect ratio, particle shape, concentration, particle size distribution, etc. can be varied to provide specific reflective properties of the golf ball. In one example, the aspect ratio and / or particle size can be measured by scanning electron microscopy. Other analytical methods include known techniques such as image analysis, x-ray diffraction, diffractometry, spectroscopy, profilometry, and the like.

[0207] Adhesion promoters may be used throughout the construction of the golf balls disclosed herein. In a specific aspect, an adhesion promoter may be used or disposed adjacent to a radar reflective marking. In one example, the adhesion promoter may include passivated titanium dioxide particles and / or a silane-containing adhesion promoter. Some adhesion promoters may include silane compositions, organosilanes and / or organosiloxanes. Exemplary adhesion promoters are further disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,713,748 and 10,814,183, each of which is fully incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

[0208] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present disclosure provides a variety of golf ball structures incorporating various materials and combinations of materials that can be used for radar detection of the golf ball. Radar-detectable markings can be applied in various concentrations and at various locations on a layer or layers of the golf ball. Radar-reflective materials may include inks, resins, pigments, solvents, conductive polymers, metals, conductive carbon, and other compositions. The radar reflective material may include one or more of a solvent, a resin, a conductive resin, a conductive pigment, a metal salt, a glass, a ceramic, one or more chlorides, silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, antimony tin oxide, antimony telluride, bismuth telluride, tungsten, iron, copper, copper oxide, molybdenum, rhodium, platinum, zinc, palladium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, a mixture of silver and a metal salt, silver coated glass, a mixture of silver and tin or tin oxide, a mixture of silver and a conductive resin, a mixture of silver and a conductive carbon, a mixture of silver and an iron based ceramic, a coated core shell pigment, a transition metal, a nonmetal, a conductive carbon, a conductive polymer, poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, polyaniline (PANI), an adhesion promoter, and / or any one or more combinations of all of the materials disclosed herein. Any one or more of the materials disclosed herein can, in some aspects, be provided in the form of a pigment and / or as a coating.

[0209] The surface on which the one or more radar-detectable marks are disposed may be any surface of any layer of a golf ball having any number of layers. Although the invention is not intended to be limited to disposing one or more marks on the surface of a particular layer, the golf ball of the present invention is designed to allow the radar-detectable marks to be disposed on any surface other than the outer surface of the ball, since it is beneficial for some golfers to be able to obtain reliable launch condition data using a golf ball that has the same appearance as a conventional golf ball. Thus, in a specific embodiment, the one or more radar-detectable marks are disposed on any surface of any layer of the golf ball other than the outermost surface.

[0210] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball is a solid, one-piece golf ball and has one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on the outer surface of the ball.

[0211] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball is a two-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core layer and an outer cover layer, the one or more radar-detectable marks being disposed thereon. the outer surface of the outer cover layer and / or the inner surface of the outer cover layer and / or -The outer surface of the inner core layer.

[0212] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball is a three-piece golf ball comprising an inner core layer, an outer cover layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the inner core layer and the outer cover layer, and the one or more radar-detectable marks are disposed below: the outer surface of the outer cover layer and / or the inner surface of the outer cover layer and / or the outer surface of the inner core layer and / or the outer surface of the interlayer, and / or -The inner surface of the middle layer.

[0213] In another specific 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, with one or more radar-detectable marks disposed thereon. the outer surface of the outer cover layer and / or the inner surface of the outer cover layer and / or the outer surface of the inner core layer and / or the outer surface of the first intermediate layer and / or the inner surface of the first intermediate layer and / or the outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and / or -The inner surface of the second intermediate layer.

[0214] In other specific embodiments, the golf ball is a five or more piece golf ball including an inner core layer, a first intermediate layer, a second intermediate layer, a third intermediate layer, any additional intermediate layers, and an outer cover layer, and the one or more radar-detectable marks are disposed at the following locations: the outer surface of the outer cover layer and / or the inner surface of the outer cover layer and / or the outer surface of the inner core layer and / or the outer surface of the first intermediate layer and / or the inner surface of the first intermediate layer and / or the outer surface of the second intermediate layer, and / or the inner surface of the second intermediate layer, and / or the outer surface of the third intermediate layer, and / or the inner surface of the third intermediate layer, and / or Optional additional interlayer on inner or outer surface.

[0215] For purposes of this disclosure, the number of pieces / layers of a golf ball does not include optional coatings such as paint coatings, finish coatings, adhesive coatings, etc., even if the coatings cover the entire surface of a golf ball layer. Such coatings have a thickness substantially less than that of conventional golf ball layers and are generally not considered "golf ball layers" by those in the art when performed on one-piece / single-layer golf balls, two-piece / two-layer golf balls, three-piece / three-layer golf balls, etc., but may also be referred to as adhesive layers, paint layers, topcoat layers, etc. For example, a two-piece golf ball consisting of an inner core layer and an outer cover layer may further include one or more coatings.

[0216] Also, for purposes of this 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 the surface of a layer and then a mark is made over the adhesive coating, even though the adhesive coating is present in between. Similarly, if a coating is present between two layers of a ball, the layers are still considered to be adjacent to one another even though a coating may be present between them.

[0217] In a specific embodiment, a golf ball of the present invention includes an adhesive coating applied to the layer in which at least one radar-detectable mark is disposed, either before and / or after application of the mark to the layer. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, the at least one mark is disposed on a surface of the golf ball layer, and an adhesive coating is applied to the layer and on top of the mark. In another aspect of this embodiment, an adhesive coating is applied to the surface of the golf ball layer, and the at least one mark is disposed in a layer above the adhesive coating. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, a first adhesive coating is applied to the surface of the golf ball layer, the at least one mark is disposed in a layer above the adhesive coating, and a second adhesive coating is applied to the layer over the mark.

[0218] Each radar-detectable mark has a shape selected from a variety of suitable shapes, including regular and irregular shapes. Suitable examples of regular shapes include, but are not limited to, circles, rings, crescents, squares, triangles, rectangles (also referred to herein as rectangular stripes), chevrons, and other regular polygons, irregular polygons, and basic non-polygonal shapes. Suitable examples of irregular shapes include, but are not limited to, chevrons (considered a regular shape even though made up of two intersecting stripes), as well as a series of intersecting stripes, where the length and width of each stripe in the series of intersecting stripes is different or the same as other stripes in the series. For purposes of this disclosure, stripes have substantially the same length and / or width if their respective lengths and / or widths differ by no more than 10%. For purposes of this disclosure, a "stripe" may refer to a rectangular stripe (i.e., where each of the four boundaries defining the stripe are straight and adjacent sides meet at a right angle) or a non-rectangular stripe (i.e., where at least one of the four boundaries defining the stripe is not straight and / or adjacent sides meet at an angle other than a right angle). Because radar-detectable marks exist on the surface of a spherical golf ball layer, the "straight" boundaries of a mark having the shape of, for example, a rectangular stripe, should be understood to be formed by drawing a straight line on a sphere and therefore, in a purely mathematical sense, exists on the golf ball layer as a circular arc. Moreover, for purposes of this disclosure, stripes on a single layer are considered to intersect if they intersect at one or more locations on the layer, regardless of whether one or more of the stripes continue beyond the intersection point. Similarly, for purposes of this disclosure, stripes disposed between two or more layers are considered to intersect if the stripes, when projected onto the outer surface of the ball, intersect at one or more locations on the outer surface of the ball, regardless of whether one or more stripes continue beyond the intersection point.

[0219] In a specific embodiment, the golf ball includes at least one radar-detectable mark having an irregular shape formed by a series of intersecting rectangular stripes. In specific aspects of this embodiment, the mark having an irregular shape further has one or more of the following characteristics: The series of intersecting stripes consists of three rectangular stripes, or the series of intersecting stripes consists of four rectangular stripes, or the series of intersecting stripes consists of at least five rectangular stripes. The series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe and a second stripe, the first and second stripes being substantially equal in length. a plane that bisects the first stripe and a plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60° or 85° or 95° or 120°, or an angle within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values; The widths of the first and second stripes are substantially equal; and the first and second stripes have a length of 1.8, 2.6, or 3.0 inches, or within a range selected therefrom, and The series of intersecting stripes further includes a third stripe and a fourth stripe, wherein the plane bisecting the third stripe and the plane bisecting the fourth stripe are separated by an angle of 60°, or 85°, or 95°, or 120°, or within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values. Each stripe in the series of intersecting stripes is equal to or less than 0.20 inches in width, or equal to or greater than 0.03 inches in width, or between 0.03 inches and 0.20 inches in width, and optionally, all stripes in the series have approximately the same width. The series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe, each of the first and second stripes having a length of 1.8, 2.6, or 3.0 inches, or lower and upper ranges selected therefrom, and the third stripe having a length of 0.12 inches to 0.50 inches; and The series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe, a second stripe, a third stripe, and a fourth stripe, the fourth stripe having a length shorter than the first and second stripes and longer than the third stripe.

[0220] In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the golf ball includes at least one additional radar-detectable mark, each of the additional radar-detectable marks having a shape independently selected from an irregular shape and a basic regular shape. 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 non-polygons. In yet another aspect of this specific embodiment, the shape of at least one of the additional radar-detectable marks is optionally a rectangular stripe having a length between 0.15 inches and 0.75 inches, and optionally having a width substantially the same as the average width of the radar-detectable mark having an irregular shape formed by a series of intersecting rectangular stripes. For purposes of this disclosure, the average width of the mark having an irregular shape defined by a series of intersecting rectangular stripes is determined as follows: the average width is the average width of all portions of the mark. To the extent that a shape deviates from its typical shape, as will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the "width" of the portion is determined relative to the appropriate aspect ratio. For example, in Figure 12A, the mark is wider in the central 50% of the mark, so half the mark's width is W1 and half the mark's width is W2, so the average width is calculated as (W1+W2) / 2. However, in Figure 12B, the mark has a design such that different dimensions are used to measure the width, and both separate portions of the mark have a width of W1, so the average width is also W1.

[0221] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball includes at least eleven radar-detectable marks. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, each of the at least eleven radar-detectable marks comprises a non-circular shape independently selected from a ring, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, a chevron, a crescent, and a stripe. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the radar-detectable marks are equally spaced apart. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the radar-detectable marks further comprise one or more of the following characteristics: · The number of marks is a prime number chosen arbitrarily from 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, and 37; the marks consist of one or more marks in the form of stripes and one or more marks in the form of chevrons, optionally with the difference between the number of marks in the form of stripes and the number of marks in the form of chevrons being 1; · the mark has a total surface coverage of 5% or 10% or 15% or 20% or 25%, or within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values; All radar detectable marks on the ball are located in a single layer on the golf ball; and The radar detectable mark is placed between two or more layers of the golf ball.

[0222] In another specific aspect of this embodiment, a center of gravity of each of the radar-detectable marks is located at an apex of a plurality of spherical triangles created from a plurality of great circular arcs, where: 2V-4=T 3T / 2=E T-E+V=2 where E is the total number of great circular arcs, T is the total number of spherical triangles, and V is the total number of vertices. The total surface area A of the spherical triangles is 4πr 2 The position of the center of gravity of the radar-detectable marks is determined by projecting all marks present on the surface of any layer of the golf ball radially onto the outer surface of the ball.

[0223] For purposes of this disclosure, marks on a layer are "equally spaced" when, when the distance between the center of gravity of each mark and the center of gravity of an adjacent mark is calculated, the maximum difference between any two of these distances is 0.040 inches or less. In embodiments of the invention in which radar-detectable marks are located between two or more layers of a golf ball, to determine whether all radar-detectable marks present on the ball are equally spaced, all radar-detectable marks present on the ball, in every layer of the ball, are projected radially onto the outer surface of the ball.

[0224] In another specific embodiment, a golf ball includes radar-detectable marks having a continuous non-circular shape and a surface coverage of 0.1% to 4.0%, or 0.1% to 3.0%. The marks can be located on a single surface of a single layer of the ball, or the marks can be located between two or more surfaces of the ball (i.e., the inner and outer surfaces of a single layer, or any surfaces of two or more layers) such that, when all radar-detectable marks present on any surface of any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the result is a projected mark having an overall continuous non-circular shape and a surface coverage of 0.1% to 4.0%. In this specific aspect, the non-circular shapes are independently selected from a ring, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, a crescent, a stripe, two intersecting stripes (including chevron and non-chevron shapes), and three or more intersecting stripes. In another aspect of this embodiment, the mark (or projected mark) is a continuous shape including two or more intersecting stripes including a first stripe and a second stripe, and optionally has one or more of the following characteristics: · the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length; · the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; the plane that bisects the first stripe and the plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60°, 85°, 95°, 120°, or an angle within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values; the first and second stripes each have a length of 1.0 inch or less, or a length of between 0.6 inch and 1.0 inch; the first and second stripes each have a width of 0.20 inches or less, or a width of between 0.03 inches and 0.20 inches; and The mark includes a third stripe, the third stripe optionally having one or more of the following characteristics: a width of 0.20 inches or less, substantially the same width as the first stripe and the second stripe, and a length of 0.12 inches to 0.50 inches.

[0225] In other specific embodiments, the golf ball includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks, and a total surface coverage of the radar-detectable marks is between 0.1% and 4.0%, or between 0.1% and 3.0%. In specific aspects of this embodiment, each of the radar-detectable marks comprises a non-circular shape, and optionally each non-circular shape is independently selected from a ring, an ellipse, a polygon, a square, a crescent, a chevron, and a stripe. In other specific aspects of this embodiment, the plurality of radar-detectable marks has two or more non-intersecting stripes, including a first stripe and a second stripe, and optionally comprises one or more of the following characteristics: · the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length; · the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; the plane that bisects the first stripe and the plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle of 60°, 85°, 95°, 120°, or an angle within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values; The first and second stripes each have a length of 1.0 inch or less, or a length of between 0.6 inches and 1.0 inches. the first and second stripes each have a width of 0.20 inches or less, or a width of between 0.03 inches and 0.20 inches; and The mark includes a third stripe, the third stripe optionally having one of the following characteristics: a width of 0.20 inches or less, substantially the same width as the first stripe and the second stripe, and a length of between 0.12 inches and 0.50 inches.

[0226] In another specific embodiment, a golf ball includes a plurality of radar detection marks, and when all of the radar detection marks present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, the overall pattern of projected radar detection marks includes at least one series of three or more radar detection marks located in a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the golf ball. For purposes of this disclosure, a series of three or more radar detection marks within the overall pattern of projected radar detection marks located in a 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball is referred to herein as a "great circle series" mark. For purposes of this disclosure, the presence and number of great circle series within the overall pattern of projected radar detection marks is determined as follows: First, all of the radar detection marks present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, as described above. Next, the geometric center of each radially projected radar detectable mark is determined using calculation methods well known to those skilled in the art. If the geometric centers of at least three radially projected radar-detectable marks are located in the same 1.5 mm wide great circle band on the outer surface of the ball, then a great circle series is defined, and each radially projected radar-detectable mark having a geometric center located in that 1.5 mm wide great circle band is part of that great circle series. It is noted that as long as the geometric center of a given radially projected radar-detectable mark is located in a 1.5 mm wide great circle band, the mark will be part of that great circle series, regardless of whether any portion of the mark is outside of the 1.5 mm wide great circle band that defines the series. It is also noted that for purposes of this disclosure, a single radar-detectable mark may be part of multiple great circle series. In specific aspects of this embodiment, the multiple radar-detectable marks further comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

[0227] · The number of marks in the great circle series is 4 or more; each pair of adjacent marks in the great circle series is separated by substantially the same distance (i.e., within 10%) as every other pair of adjacent marks in the great circle series, taking into account manufacturing tolerances, the separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circular arc that can be drawn on the surface containing the marks (or, in embodiments where the marks are present on more than one surface, the spherical length of the shortest great circular arc that can be drawn on the surface containing the marks) connecting any point on one mark of the adjacent pair of marks to any point on the other mark of the adjacent pair of marks; ·The multiple radar detectable marks essentially consist of one great circle series of marks; · the plurality of radar detectable marks includes at least one great circle series mark and one or more additional radar detectable marks that are not part of the great circle series; the plurality of radar detection marks are arranged such that all of the radar detection marks present in any layer of the ball, when projected radially onto the outer surface of the ball, divide the ball into two hemispheres, each of the two hemispheres including at least a portion of the radar detection mark on its outer surface; and The portion of the great circle band in which the marks of a given great circle series are located has a length not greater than half the circumference of the ball, and optionally has a length of at least 40%, or at least 42%, or at least 45% of the circumference of the ball.

[0228] For purposes of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the length of the portion of the great circle band in which the marks of a given great circle series are located is calculated as the length of the smallest rectangular boundary that can be drawn on the outer surface of the ball such that no portion of any mark of that great circle series is located outside of that boundary (i.e., the arc length of the longest side of the rectangular boundary), as determined based on the radial projection of the marks onto the outer surface of the ball.

[0229] In another specific embodiment, the golf ball includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks, and when all of the radar-detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are projected radially onto the outer surface of the ball, the overall pattern of the projected radar-detectable marks includes at least two great circle series of marks. In a specific aspect of this embodiment, each of the plurality of radar-detectable marks is part of at least one great circle series. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, the plurality of radar-detectable marks includes at least one mark that is not part of a great circle series. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, for at least one great circle series, a length of a portion of the great circle band in which the marks of that great circle series are located is less than or equal to one-half of the circumference of the ball, and optionally, the length is at least 40%, or at least 42%, or at least 45% of the circumference of the ball. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, a length of a portion of the great circle band in which the marks of that great circle series are located is greater than one-half of the circumference of the ball. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, a plane that bisects one of the at least two great circle series and a plane that bisects another of the at least two great circle series are separated by an angle of 30°, 60°, 80°, 90°, or an angle within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values, determined based on a radial projection of the marks onto the outer surface of the ball. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, when all of the radar-detectable marks present in any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, all of the great circles on the outer surface of the ball divide the ball into two hemispheres, each of the two hemispheres including at least a portion of the radar-detectable marks on its outer surface. In another specific aspect of this embodiment, each great circle series of marks independently has one or more of the following additional characteristics: · the number of marks in the great circle series is between 3 and 10, or the number of marks in the great circle series is 4 or more, or the number of marks in the great circle series is between 4 and 10; ·The actual length (i.e. measured on the printed mark itself, not the radial projection of the mark) of each mark in a great circle series is 25mm or less, or 10mm or less; · each mark in the great circle series has substantially the same projected length (i.e., each projected length is within 10% of the difference based on the radial projection of the mark onto the outer surface of the ball); ·The actual width (measured on the printed mark itself, not on the radial projection of the mark) of each mark in a great circle series is 3mm or less, or 2mm or less in width; Each mark in the great circle series has substantially the same projected width (i.e., based on the radial projection of the mark on the outer surface of the ball, the respective widths differ by no more than 10%); Each pair of adjacent marks in a great circle series is separated by a distance of not less than 0.5 mm; and / or · are separated by a distance substantially equal to (i.e., within 10%) the length of at least one mark in that great circle series; and / or · is separated by substantially the same distance (i.e., within 10%) as all other adjacent pairs of marks in that great circle series, taking into account manufacturing tolerances; The separation distance is calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circular arc that can be drawn on the surface containing the marks (or, in embodiments where marks are present on multiple surfaces, the spherical length of the shortest great circular arc that can be drawn on the surface containing the radial projections of the marks) that connects any point on one mark of a pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark of the pair of adjacent marks; and The series includes angles greater than 160°, 165°, 170°, 175°, 180°, 185°, or a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values.

[0230] For purposes of this disclosure, the angular length of a great circle mark series is determined based on radially projecting the marks onto the outer surface of the ball as follows: Using the geometric center of each projected mark in the great circle series, a bisecting plane of the series is determined. A first line and a last line are drawn, each connecting the center of the ball to a point on the ball surface within the bisecting plane, resulting in the smallest angle that can be drawn between the first and last lines such that no portion of any mark in the great circle series is outside the angle. The "angular length of a great circle series" is the angle between the first and last lines. For example, FIG. 17 shows a great circle series consisting of marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, where the angular length of the great circle series is approximately 166°.

[0231] In embodiments of the invention where a golf ball includes two or more radar-detectable marks 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 invention where a golf ball includes at least two layers having one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on its surface, the shape and / or size of the mark on one layer may be the same as or different from the shape and / or size of the mark on the other layer. In embodiments of the invention where a golf ball includes radar-detectable marks that are part of a great circle series, the shape and / or size of one mark in the series may be the same as or different from the shape and / or size of another mark in the series. In specific embodiments, a golf ball includes at least one radar-detectable mark having a non-circular shape disposed on the surface of that layer. In specific aspects of this embodiment, the non-circular shape is an irregular shape.

[0232] In one example, disclosed herein is a golf ball having at least one layer having a mark or marks disposed thereon. In one aspect, the golf ball includes at least one radar-detectable mark, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is radially projected onto the outer surface of the golf ball. The mark(s) or marking(s) can be radially projected to form a pattern on the surface of the golf ball. The pattern can include an overall profile or shape. In one example, the projected pattern includes a periodic profile. For example, the projected pattern can include at least one apex and at least one base, and be centered or aligned with a path, such as a great circle or a spherical arc, around the golf ball. The path can be defined as a great circle or a circular arc in some examples. The path can be defined by a straight line or a plane in some examples.

[0233] The projection pattern includes a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The phrase "mapped along the path" may mean that the projection pattern is generally oriented or centered relative to the path. In one example, the function defining the wave profile is generally positioned around or formed relative to the path. In one example, a first half of the projection pattern is above the path and a second half of the projection pattern is below the path. However, the distribution of the projection pattern above and below the path may vary. For example, the projection pattern may have a non-integer period and therefore may start and stop at different locations along the wave profile, resulting in an uneven distribution of the projection pattern above or below the path.

[0234] The projected pattern includes at least one first apex and at least one first base. The first spherical arc can be defined along a first great circle on the outer surface of the golf ball. The term wave can refer to a periodic function or profile in one example. In another example, the term wave can refer to a non-periodic function or profile. FIGS. 19A-26E show example profiles having a repeating or wavy profile. In some examples, one marking is provided on the outer surface of the golf ball, and in other examples, at least two markings are provided on the outer surface of the golf ball. In examples having two markings, the two markings can be stacked on top of one another and have a parallel arrangement or orientation.

[0235] The projection pattern may have a first end and a second end spaced circumferentially apart from one another to define an angular range of the waves (as further exemplarily defined with reference to FIG. 27). In one example, the ends may be spaced at least 45 degrees apart from one another. In one example, the first end and the second end may be spaced circumferentially apart by 240 degrees to 300 degrees. In one example, the first end and the second end may be spaced circumferentially apart by 270 degrees. In one example, the first end and the second end may be spaced circumferentially apart by 180 degrees. In one example, the first end and the second end may be spaced circumferentially apart by 330 degrees. In one example, the projection pattern does not have ends, but instead may be continuous. The angular range of the waves is at least 45 degrees, preferably between 240 degrees to 300 degrees, and most preferably 270 degrees.

[0236] In one example, the projection pattern can extend over at least 1.0 period, in one example, the projection pattern can extend over less than 5.0 periods, in one example, the projection pattern can extend over more than 5.0 periods, in one example, the projection pattern can extend over 0.5 to 10.0 periods.

[0237] The amplitude (A) of the first wave profile may have a relationship to the diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball casing core, and / or golf ball subassembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is less than 40% of the diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball casing core, or golf ball subassembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is less than 20% of the diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball casing core, or golf ball subassembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is less than 80% of the diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball casing core, or golf ball subassembly. In one example, the amplitude (A) is at least 5% of the diameter (D) of the golf ball, golf ball casing core, or golf ball subassembly.

[0238] In one example, the diameter (D) may be measured as the diameter of the casing core of the golf ball. In another example, the diameter (D) may be measured as the diameter of the completed golf ball (i.e., the casing core and cover). In another example, the diameter (D) may be measured as the diameter of the golf ball subassembly. The diameter (D) of the casing core of the golf ball or the golf ball subassembly may be between 1.50 inches and 1.70 inches in one example. In another example, the diameter (D) of the casing core of the golf ball or the golf ball subassembly may be between 1.600 inches and 1.660 inches. In another example, the diameter (D) of the casing core of the golf ball or the golf ball subassembly may be 1.630 inches.

[0239] The first waveform profile may be formed according to various waveform profiles. For example, the waveform profile may be any of a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangular wave, or a square wave. In one example, multiple waveforms may be combined. In one example, the waveform profile may be defined by at least one function. In one example, the waveform profile may be defined by any Fourier series. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the waveform profile may be conveyed or defined as an infinite sum of trigonometric functions based on a Fourier series. Furthermore, the waveform profile may be defined by a Fourier transform of a non-periodic profile or function. In other examples, the waveform profile may be defined by a decaying waveform profile (i.e., a decaying sinusoidal profile) or any other decaying oscillation, profile, or function.

[0240] In one example, the at least one radar-detectable mark can be disposed on a single layer, while in other examples, the at least one radar-detectable mark can comprise multiple radar-detectable marks disposed among multiple layers.

[0241] The projection pattern may be formed as a continuous, uninterrupted strip in one example, or may be formed as a number of separate strips spaced apart and aligned with one another, the separate strips collectively forming a wave profile.

[0242] Various parameters of the waveform profile and the radar detectable marks, such as size, profile, shape, etc., can be varied. In one example, the width of the at least one radar detectable mark is between 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm. In one example, the amplitude of the first waveform profile is between 7.0 mm and 15.0 mm. In one example, the width of the radar detectable mark is less than 20% of the amplitude of the waveform profile. In another example, the width of the radar detectable mark is between 10% and 40% of the amplitude of the waveform profile. In another example, the width of the radar detectable mark is between 5% and 25% of the amplitude of the waveform profile.

[0243] The projection pattern may further include a second wave profile having at least one second crest and at least one second bottom. The first wave profile may include a plurality of first points, and the second wave profile may include a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each nearest adjacent second point along the second wave profile may be equidistant to one another such that a uniform normal distance (dN) is defined along the entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance (dN) may be between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm. In one aspect, the term "uniform normal distance" as used in this context may take into account relatively small manufacturing tolerances, variations, or deviations. For example, the phrase "uniform normal distance" may mean that all normal distances measured along each pair of adjacent points along the entirety of the wave profile are within 5% of one another. In another example, uniform normal distance can mean that all normal distances measured along each pair of adjacent points along the entire corrugated profile are within 10% of each other. In another example, uniform normal distance can mean that all normal distances measured along each pair of adjacent points along the entire corrugated profile are within 1.0 mm of each other. In yet another example, uniform normal distance can mean that all normal distances measured along each pair of adjacent points along the entire corrugated profile are within 0.5 mm of each other.

[0244] The first and second corrugated profiles may each have the same predetermined amplitude, with the uniform normal distance being at least half the predetermined amplitude, and the uniform normal distance being less than or equal to twice the predetermined amplitude. In other examples, the normal distance between the two corrugated profiles may vary.

[0245] The uniform normal distance (dN) can be at least 50% of the amplitude (A) of the corrugated profile and can be less than 200% of the amplitude (A) of the corrugated profile. In one example, the uniform normal distance and the amplitude (A) of both the first and second corrugated profiles can be 0.5×A≦dN≦2×A.

[0246] The second wave profile can be mapped along a path defined by a second spherical arc spaced apart from the first spherical arc, and the spacing between the first and second spherical arcs can correspond to a uniform normal distance (dN).

[0247] In one aspect, a relationship can be established between the number of waves and the number of periods defined by the waves. For example, a projected pattern defined by a single wave can extend over a single period. A projected pattern defined by two waves can extend over two periods. A projected pattern defined by "n" waves can extend over "n" periods. In one aspect, increasing the amount of wave profile can further optimize radar reflectivity, modify signal strength, and / or create a phase shift in the signal backscatter.

[0248] In one example, the at least one radar detectable mark has a total length between 4.0 inches and 10.0 inches. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark has a total length between 6.0 inches and 8.0 inches. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark has a total length of at least 2.0 inches. In another example, the at least one radar detectable mark has a total length of 12.0 inches or less.

[0249] The markings may have a total surface coverage of at least 3.0%, and in some instances no more than 15.0%. In this context, total surface coverage may refer to the surface on which the markings are printed or applied. Total surface coverage may refer to the exterior surface of the golf ball, the exterior surface of a casing core of the golf ball, or the exterior surface of a golf ball subassembly.

[0250] Other examples of golf balls are disclosed herein. The golf ball may include at least one radar detectable mark, and a projection pattern is formed when the at least one radar detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface of the golf ball. The projection pattern may include a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function may be selected from a sine wave, a sawtooth wave, a triangular wave, or a square wave. The periodic function may repeat for at least 1.0 period. The projection pattern may further include a second wave profile having at least one second crest and at least one second trough. A uniform normal distance may be defined along the entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The first wave profile may have a first amplitude and the second wave profile may have a second amplitude. The uniform normal distance may be less than half of the first amplitude. The uniform normal distance may be less than half of the second amplitude. The first amplitude is less than or equal to 40% of the diameter of the golf ball.

[0251] In one example, a golf ball having an ionomer casing core with a diameter of 1.63 inches is printed with a sine wave pattern with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a wave profile amplitude of 15.0 mm. The wave angle range spans at least 270 degrees. The wave pattern may be formed on the casing core of the golf ball. In one example, the wave pattern may be formed on any layer of the golf ball subassembly.

[0252] In another example, a golf ball with a 1.63 inch diameter ionomer casing core may be printed with a pair of sine wave patterns with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a wave profile amplitude of 7.0 mm. Each wave may have a wave angle range of at least 270 degrees. The waves may be separated by a constant or uniform normal distance of 5.0 mm.

[0253] In another example, a golf ball with a 1.63 inch diameter ionomer casing core may include a pair of printed step function patterns with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a step function amplitude of 7.0 mm. Each wave may have a wave angle range spanning at least 270 degrees. The patterns may be separated by a constant or uniform normal distance of 5.0 mm.

[0254] In another example, a golf ball with a 1.63 inch diameter ionomer casing core may be printed with a pair of triangular wave patterns with a marking width of 2.0 mm and a wave profile amplitude of 7.0 mm. The wave angle range of each wave may span at least 270 degrees. The patterns may be separated by a constant or uniform normal distance of 5.0 mm.

[0255] In any of the above examples, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the size of the golf ball can vary, the width of the markings can vary, the amplitude can vary, and the like.

[0256] As used in this context, the term amplitude may refer to the peak amplitude, i.e., the maximum distance from the zero position or axis of the pattern profile.

[0257] Other examples of golf balls are also disclosed herein. The golf ball includes at least one radar-detectable marking, and when the at least one radar-detectable marking is projected radially onto the outer surface of the golf ball, a projected pattern is formed. The projected pattern can have a first wave profile defined by a periodic function and mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the golf ball. The periodic function can be a sine wave, and the periodic function can repeat at least 1.0 cycle.

[0258] Non-limiting examples of shapes that are particularly suitable for a single radar-detectable mark or multiple radar-detectable marks are shown in Figures 1-11 and 13-28.

[0259] FIG. 1 shows a mark consisting of one stripe according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0260] FIG. 2 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at two locations according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0261] FIG. 3 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at one location according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0262] FIG. 4 shows a mark consisting of four stripes forming a closed loop in the form of a spherical rectangle, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0263] FIG. 5 shows a mark consisting of a single curvilinear stripe creating a closed loop according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] 6 shows a plurality of marks made of stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern, the stripes having substantially the same length and width, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Alternatively, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the stripes are arranged in an icosahedral pattern and adjacent to form a continuous mark.

[0265] FIG. 7 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0266] FIG. 8 shows a mark consisting of four intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0267] FIG. 9 shows two marks including a first mark consisting of three intersecting stripes and a second mark consisting of a single stripe according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0268] FIG. 10 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 one embodiment of the present invention.

[0269] FIG. 11 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 one embodiment of the present invention.

[0270] FIG. 13 shows a pattern of marks consisting of a number of marks having a rectangular shape and a number of marks having the shape of two intersecting rectangular stripes.

[0271] FIG. 14 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0272] FIG. 15 shows a mark consisting of two intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0273] FIG. 16 shows a mark consisting of two non-intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0274] FIG. 17 shows a mark pattern having two large circle release marks, each of which is made up of a plurality of marks having a stripe shape.

[0275] FIG. 18 shows a pattern of marks consisting of two great circle series of marks and an additional mark that is not part of the great circle series, where each mark in the two great circle series and the additional mark are in the shape of a stripe.

[0276] 19A-19E show patterns consisting of marks extending circumferentially along spherical arcs having a wavy profile (ie, sinusoidal).

[0277] 20A-20E show a pattern consisting of two marks extending circumferentially along respective spherical arcs each having a waveform (ie, sinusoidal).

[0278] 21A-21E show patterns of marks extending circumferentially along spherical arcs having waveforms (ie, sinusoidal) with amplitudes different from those shown in FIGS. 19A-19E.

[0279] 22A-22E show a pattern consisting of two marks extending circumferentially along respective spherical arcs having a waveform (ie, a sine wave) with a different amplitude than that shown in FIGS. 20A-20E.

[0280] 23A-23D show a pattern consisting of marks extending circumferentially along a spherical arc having a wave-like profile (ie, a triangular wave).

[0281] 24A-24D show patterns consisting of marks extending circumferentially along spherical arcs having a wavy profile (ie, sawtooth).

[0282] 25A-25D show patterns consisting of marks extending circumferentially along spherical arcs having a wavy profile (ie, a square wave).

[0283] 26A-26E show a pattern of a plurality of marks spaced apart and aligned with one another to form an overall wavy pattern.

[0284] FIG. 28 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0285] In a specific embodiment, the surface of at least one layer of a golf ball includes a radar-detectable mark disposed thereon, the mark designed to have dimensions (i.e., size and shape) such that every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path, every mathematically possible 0.015 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.005 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible great circle, intersects the mark on the surface of the golf ball layer on which the mark is disposed. For purposes of this 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.

[0286] In another specific embodiment, the surface of at least one layer of a golf ball includes a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed thereon, the marks designed such that every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path, every mathematically possible 0.015 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.005 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible great circle, intersects with at least one of the marks on the surface of the golf ball layer on which the marks are disposed.

[0287] In another specific embodiment, a golf ball includes two or more layers, at least two of the two or more layers having one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, the marks being designed such that when all radar-detectable marks present on any layer of the ball are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.015 inch wide great circle path, or every mathematically possible 0.005 inch wide great circle path on the outer surface of the entire golf ball, or every mathematically possible great circle, will intersect at least one of the marks on the outer surface of the suburban ball.

[0288] In other specific embodiments, the radar detectable marks have a total surface coverage of 1%, or 2%, or 5%, or 8%, or 9%, or 10%, or 12%, or 15%, or 20%, or 25%, or within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values. Alternatively, in other specific embodiments, the radar detectable marks have a total surface coverage of 0.1%, or 3%, or 4%, or within a range having lower and upper limits selected from these values. For purposes of this disclosure, the total surface area of ​​the marks is calculated as the sum of the surface area of ​​each radar detectable mark present on any layer, as the area of ​​the golf ball radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball, measured with all marks present on the surface of any layer, divided by the total surface area of ​​the outer surface of the ball.

[0289] The invention is not meant to be limited by the materials used to form each layer of the golf ball. Specific suitable materials include, but are not limited to, thermoset materials such as polybutadiene, styrene butadiene, isoprene, polyisoprene, and transisoprene; thermoplastics such as ionomer resins, polyamides, polyesters; and thermoplastic and thermoset polyurethanes and polyureas.

[0290] Specific suitable thermosetting materials include, but are not limited to, thermoset rubber compositions that include a base polymer, an initiator, a coagent and / or a curing agent, and optionally one or more metal oxides, metal fatty acids or fatty acids, antioxidants, soft and fast agents, 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, styrene block copolymer rubber (e.g., SI, SIS, SB, SBS, SIBS, etc., 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 rubbers, chlorinated isoprene rubber, acrylonitrile chlorinated isoprene rubber, polyalkenamers, and combinations of two or more thereof. Suitable initiators include organic peroxides, high energy radiation sources capable of generating free radicals, CC initiators, and combinations thereof. Suitable coagents include, but are not limited to, metal salts of unsaturated carboxylic acids; unsaturated vinyl compounds and polyfunctional monomers (eg, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate); phenylene bismaleimide; and combinations thereof.Suitable curing agents include, but are not limited to, sulfur; N-oxydiethylene 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide; N,N-di-ortho-tolyl guanidine; bismuth dimethyl dithiocarbamate; N-cyclohexyl 2-benzothiazole sulfenamide; N,N-diphenyl guanidine; 4-morpholinyl-2-benzothiazole disulfide; dipentamethylene thiuram hexasulfide; thiuram disulfide; mercaptobenzothiazole; sulfenamides; dithiocarbamates; thiuram sulfides; guanidines; thioureas; xanthates; dithiophosphates; aldehyde-amines; dibenzothiacyl disulfides; tetraethyl thiuram disulfide; tetrabutyl thiuram disulfide; and combinations thereof. Suitable types and amounts of base polymers, initiators, coagents, fillers, and additives are more fully described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,566,483, 6,695,718, 6,939,907, 7,041,721, and 7,138,460, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Particularly suitable diene rubber compositions are further disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0093318, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0291] Particularly suitable materials include, but are not limited to: Thermoset polyurethanes, polyureas and polyurethane-polyurea hybrids. Thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethanes and polyureas, including, for example, Estane® TPU available from The Lubrizol Corporation. E / X and E / X / Y type ionomers, where E is an olefin (e.g., ethylene), X is a carboxylic acid (e.g., acrylic, methacrylic, crotonic, maleic, fumaric, or itaconic acid), and Y is a softening comonomer (e.g., vinyl esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids where the acid has 2-10 carbons, alkyl ethers where the alkyl group has 1-10 carbons, and alkyl acrylates such as alkyl methacrylates where the alkyl group has 1-10 carbons), such as Surlyn® ionomer resins and HPF1000 and HPF2000 available from Dow Chemical Company, Iotek® ionomers available from ExxonMobil Chemical Company, Amplify® IO ionomers, ethylene acrylic acid copolymers available from The Dow Chemical Company, and Clarix® ionomer resins available from A. Schulman Inc.; · Polyisoprene; · Polyoctenamers, such as Vestenamer® polyoctenamers available from Evonik Industries; Polyethylene, including, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene; polypropylene; · rubber-toughened olefin polymers; non-ionomeric acid copolymers, e.g. (meth)acrylic acid, which do not become part of the ionomeric copolymer; ·Plastomers; · Flexomer; ·Styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymers; ·Styrene / ethylene-butylene / styrene block copolymer; · Polybutadiene; Styrene butadiene rubber; · Ethylene propylene rubber; · Ethylene propylene diene rubber; Dynamically vulcanized elastomers; · Ethylene vinyl acetate; ·Ethylene (meth)acrylate; · Polyvinyl chloride resin; Polyamides, amide ester elastomers, and copolymers of ionomers and polyamides, including, for example, Pebax® thermoplastic polyether and polyester amides available from Arkema Inc; · Crosslinked trans-polyisoprene; · polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers such as Hytrel® polyester elastomers available from EI du Pont de Nemours and Company, and Riteflex® polyester elastomers available from Ticona; · Polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, such as Elastollan® polyurethanes commercially available from BASF; · Synthetic or natural vulcanized rubber; · and combinations thereof.

[0292] Compositions comprising ionomers or blends of two or more E / X and E / X / Y type ionomers are particularly suitable intermediate layer and cover layer materials. Preferred E / X and E / X / Y type ionomer cover compositions include the following: · Compositions including "high acid ionomers" (i.e., having an acid content of greater than 16 wt%), such as Surlyn® 8150; Compositions comprising a high acid ionomer and a maleic anhydride grafted non-ionomeric polymer (e.g., a Fusabond® functionalized polymer). A particularly preferred blend of high acid ionomer and maleic anhydride grafted polymer is an 84 wt% / 16 wt% blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Fusabond®. Blends of high acid ionomer and maleic anhydride grafted polymer are further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,992,135 and 6,677,401, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties; A composition comprising a 50 / 45 / 5 blend of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650 / Nucrel® 960, preferably having a material hardness of 80-85 Shore C; A composition comprising a 50 / 25 / 25 blend of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650 / Surlyn® 9910, preferably having a material hardness of about 90 Shore C; A composition comprising a 50 / 50 blend of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650, preferably having a material hardness of about 86 Shore C; A composition comprising a blend of Surlyn® 7940 / Surlyn® 8940, optionally including a melt flow modifier; · a composition comprising a blend of a first high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, the first high acid ionomer being neutralized with a different cation than the second high acid ionomer (e.g., a 50 / 50 blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Surlyn® 9120), optionally including one or more melt flow modifiers, such as ionomers, ethylene acid copolymers or ester terpolymers; A composition comprising a blend of a first high acid ionomer and a second high acid ionomer, where the first high acid ionomer is neutralized with a different cation than the second high acid ionomer, and 0-10 wt% ethylene ethylene / acid / ester ionomer is neutralized with the same cation as either the first high acid ionomer or the second high acid ionomer, or with a different cation than the first and second high acid ionomers (e.g., a blend of 40-50 wt% Surlyn® 8140 or 8150, 40-50 wt% Surlyn® 9120, and 0-10 wt% Surlyn® 6320).

[0293] Surlyn 8150, Surlyn 8940, and Surlyn 8140 are different grades of E / MAA copolymers in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with sodium ions. Surlyn 9650, Surlyn 9910, and Surlyn 9120 are different grades of E / MAA copolymers in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with zinc ions. Surlyn 7940 is an E / MAA copolymer in which the acid groups are partially neutralized with lithium ions. Surlyn 6320 is a very low modulus magnesium ionomer with medium acid content. Nucrel 960 is an E / MAA copolymer resin made with nominally 15 wt% methacrylic acid. Surlyn ionomers, Fusabond polymers, and Nucrel copolymers are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company.

[0294] Suitable E / X and E / X / Y type ionomer cover materials are further disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,653,382, 6,756,436, 6,894,098, 6,919,393, and 6,953,820, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0295] Suitable polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane / polyurea blends and hybrids are further disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,334,673, 5,384,870, 6,506,851, 6,756,436, 6,835,794, 6,867,279, 6,960,630, and 7,105,623, as well as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0011868, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0093929, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0117923, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,865,052, 6,734,273, and 8,034,873, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0296] Suitable UV absorbers, optionally included in the cover layer composition, are further disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,156,405 (Kitaoh), U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,788 (Lutz), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,722,483 (Morgan), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0297] The dimensions, ie, thickness / diameter, of each golf ball layer may vary depending on the desired characteristics.

[0298] United States Golf Association specifications limit the minimum size of a competition golf ball to 1.680 inches. There is no maximum diameter, and golf balls of any size may be used for recreational play. Golf balls of the present invention may have an overall diameter of any size, typically between 1.680 inches and 1.780 inches.

[0299] The golf ball of the present invention has a plurality of dimples on its outer surface, and typically has a total dimple surface coverage of 60% or more, 65% or more, 75% or more, or 80% or more.

[0300] example It should be understood that the following examples are merely illustrative of specific embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims.

[0301] In each of the following Examples 1-30, a golf ball subassembly was provided having a diameter of about 1.630 inches and consisting of a solid rubber core and an ionomer casing layer. A mark or marks were pad printed on the outer surface of each subassembly using a conductive ink to produce a marked subassembly, as described below.

[0302] In any one or more of Examples 1-30 below, the marking may be formed from a composition or material having at least one or more of the following materials, including but not limited to a solvent, a resin, a conductive resin, a conductive pigment, a metal salt, a glass, a ceramic, one or more of chlorides, silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, antimony tin oxide, antimony telluride, bismuth telluride, tungsten, iron, copper, copper oxide, molybdenum, rhodium, platinum, zinc, palladium, ruthenium, rhenium, osmium, iridium, and tungsten. The conductive materials may be coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, mixtures of silver and metal salts, silver coated glass, mixtures of silver and tin or tin oxide, mixtures of silver and conductive resins, mixtures of silver and conductive carbon, mixtures of silver and iron based ceramics, coated core-shell pigments, transition metals, non-metals, conductive carbon, conductive polymers, poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT composites, polyaniline (PANI), adhesion promoters, and / or combinations of one or more of all of the materials disclosed herein.

[0303] In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material may have a sheet resistance of between 0.015 ohms / mil square and 20.0 ohms / mil square.

[0304] In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material may have a thickness between 0.5 μm and 5.0 μm.

[0305] In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material may include a resin having a flexural modulus of elasticity of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 GPa.

[0306] In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the radar reflective material may include radar reflective pigments having an average particle size of 10.0 microns or less and / or an average aspect ratio of 10.0 or less.

[0307] In any one or more of Examples 1-30, the dimensions of the marks or stripes formed from the radar reflective material may vary. For example, each of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 may have a width of 1.50 mm or less. The width of the marks or stripes of Examples 1-30 may be 1.00 mm or less. The width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 may be between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 may be between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 may be between 0.50 mm and 0.75 mm. In one aspect, the width of the stripes or marks of Examples 1-30 may be less than 0.50 mm.

[0308] Example 1 In this example, the mark consists of a single stripe, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 1. The stripe is approximately 0.120 inches wide and approximately 2.750 inches long. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

[0309] Example 2 In this example, the mark consists of two stripes that intersect at two locations according to the embodiment shown in Figure 2. The stripes are substantially equal in size, with each stripe having a width of approximately 0.120 inches and a length of approximately 2.750 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

[0310] Example 3 In this example, the mark consists of two stripes that intersect at one location according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. The stripes are substantially equal in size, with each stripe being approximately 0.120 inches wide and 2.750 inches long. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

[0311] Example 4 In this example, the mark consists of four stripes forming a closed loop in the shape of a spherical rectangle according to the embodiment shown in Figure 4. The stripes are substantially equal in width, with each stripe having a width of approximately 0.120 inches. Each of the two stripes forming the long sides of the spherical rectangle has a length of approximately 2.670 inches, and each of the two stripes forming the short sides of the spherical rectangle has a length of approximately 0.380 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

[0312] Example 5 In this example, the mark consists of a single curvilinear stripe that creates a closed loop according to the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The width of the stripe is approximately 0.120 inches. The length of the closed loop is approximately 8.390 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects the mark.

[0313] Example 6 In this example, the plurality of marks consists of 60 stripes arranged in an icosahedral pattern according to the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The stripes are substantially the same size, with each stripe having a width of about 0.120 inches and a length of about 0.350 inches. Every mathematically possible 0.025 inch wide great circle path on the spherical outer surface of the casing intersects with a mark.

[0314] Example 7 In this example, the mark consists of three intersecting stripes according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. The first and second stripes have substantially the same length, with each of the first and second stripes having a length of about 2.60 inches. The length of the third stripe is about 0.25 inches. The first, second, and third stripes have substantially the same width, with each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The average width of the mark is about 0.12 inches. As shown in the front and back views of FIG. 7, the plane bisecting the first stripe and the plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°. The total surface coverage of the mark is about 8%.

[0315] In another aspect of Fig. 7, the width of the stripe in Fig. 7 may be 1.50 mm or less. The width of the stripe in Fig. 7 may be 1.00 mm or less. The width of the stripe in Fig. 7 may be between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the width of the stripe in Fig. 7 may be 0.75 mm or less. In one aspect, the width of the stripe in Fig. 7 may be between 0.50 mm and 0.75 mm.

[0316] Example 8 In this example, the mark consists of four intersecting stripes according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. The first and second stripes have substantially the same length, with each of the first and second stripes having a length of about 2.60 inches. The third stripe has a length of about 0.25 inches. The fourth stripe has a length of about 0.75 inches. The first, second, third, and fourth stripes have substantially the same width, with each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The average width of the mark is about 0.12 inches. As shown in the front and back views of FIG. 8, the plane bisecting the first stripe and the plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°. The total surface coverage of the mark is about 9%.

[0317] Example 9 In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark and a second mark according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The first mark is comprised 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, and each of the first stripe and the second stripe has a length of about 2.60 inches. The length of the third stripe of the first mark is about 0.25 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe of the first mark have substantially the same width, and each stripe of the first mark has a width of about 0.12 inches. The average width of the first mark is about 0.12 inches. As shown in the front and rear views of FIG. 9, the plane bisecting the first stripe and the plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°. The second mark consists of a single stripe approximately 0.40 inches long and approximately 0.12 inches wide. The total surface coverage of these marks is approximately 8%.

[0318] Example 10 In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The first mark is comprised 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, and each of the first stripe and the second stripe has a length of about 2.15 inches. The third stripe and the fourth stripe of the first mark connect the ends of the first and second stripes. The third stripe and the fourth stripe of the first mark have substantially the same length, and each of the third stripe and the fourth stripe has a length of about 0.30 inches. The length of the fifth stripe of the first mark is about 0.40 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, the third stripe, the fourth stripe, and the fifth stripe of the first mark have substantially the same width, and each stripe of the first mark has a width of about 0.12 inches. The average width of the first mark is about 0.12 inches. As shown in the front and rear views of FIG. 10, the plane bisecting the first stripe and the plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of approximately 90°. The second mark consists of a single stripe approximately 0.40 inches long and approximately 0.12 inches wide. The third mark consists of a single stripe approximately 0.40 inches long and approximately 0.12 inches wide. The total surface coverage of these marks is approximately 9%.

[0319] Example 11 In this example, the plurality of marks consists of a first mark, a second mark, and a third mark, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. The first mark is comprised 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, and each of the first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe have a length of about 2.50 inches. The length of the fourth stripe of the first mark is about 0.25 inches. The first stripe, the second stripe, the third stripe, and the fourth stripe of the first mark have substantially the same width, and each stripe of the first mark has a width of about 0.12 inches. The average width of the first mark is about 0.12 inches. As shown in the front and rear views of FIG. 11, the plane bisecting the first stripe and the plane bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 60 degrees. As shown in the front and rear views of FIG. 11, the plane bisecting the second stripe and the plane bisecting the third stripe are separated by an angle of approximately 60°. The second mark consists of a single stripe approximately 0.40 inches long and 0.12 inches wide. The third mark consists of a single stripe approximately 0.40 inches long and 0.12 inches wide. The total surface coverage of the multiple marks is approximately 12%.

[0320] In each of the preceding Examples 1-11, a completed golf ball was formed by molding a cover layer around the marked subassembly. The completed golf ball was repeatedly fired through an air cannon into a mass plate to simulate the impact velocity of a golf ball driver exceeding 175 miles per hour. After repeated testing, the ball was tested using a mechanical robot swinging a driver. The average launch conditions of the ball were 175 mph, 9.5 degrees, and 2600 rpm, as measured using a photogrammetry system. The radar tracking system was able to accurately measure spin with a capture rate of over 96% utilizing a 16-foot ball flight. The radar tracking system used for testing was a commercially available Trackman golf radar from Trackman Golf, with the Trackman set to indoor mode.

[0321] Example 12 In this example, a plurality of marks were pad printed on the outer surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of approximately 1.630 inches using a conductive ink according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13. The plurality of marks consist of 17 equally spaced markings, including eight markings having a rectangular stripe shape and nine markings having a chevron shape. Each of the eight rectangular stripes has a length of approximately 0.48 inches and a width of approximately 0.08 inches. Each of the nine chevron shaped markings has a width of approximately 0.08 inches and each stripe has a length of approximately 0.38 inches.

[0322] The marks have a total surface coverage of about 9.5%.

[0323] The centre of gravity of each mark is located at the vertex of one of 30 spherical triangles that cover the entire surface of the core layer.

[0324] Example 13 In this example, a plurality of marks was pad printed using conductive ink onto the outer surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of approximately 1.630 inches. The plurality of marks consisted of 13 evenly spaced markings, each marking having the shape of a stripe. Each of the 13 stripes had a length of approximately 0.30 inches and a width of approximately 0.125 inches.

[0325] The marks have a total surface coverage of about 5.8%.

[0326] The centre of gravity of each mark is located at the vertex of one of 22 spherical triangles that cover the entire surface of the core layer.

[0327] Example 14 In this example, a plurality of markings was pad printed using conductive ink on the outer surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of about 1.630 inches. The plurality of markings consisted of 19 equally spaced markings, each marking having an annular shape. Each of the 19 rings had an outer diameter of about 0.30 inches and an inner diameter of about 0.15 inches. Each of the 19 rings had a printed line thickness of about 0.075 inches.

[0328] The marks have a total surface coverage of about 12.0%.

[0329] The center of gravity of each mark is positioned at the vertex of one of 34 spherical triangles that cover the entire surface of the core layer.

[0330] Example 15 In this example, the mark was pad printed using conductive ink onto the outer surface of a golf ball casing core having a diameter of approximately 1.630 inches. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the mark is a continuous mark consisting of a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe.

[0331] The first and second stripes have substantially the same length, with each of the first and second stripes having a length of about 0.90 inches. The length of the third stripe is about 0.38 inches. The first, second, and third stripes have substantially the same width, with each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The plane that bisects the first stripe and the plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°, as shown in the front and back views of FIG. 14. The total surface coverage of the mark is about 2.9%.

[0332] Example 16 In this example, the mark was pad printed using conductive ink onto the outer surface of a golf ball casing core having a diameter of approximately 1.630 inches. According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the mark is a continuous mark consisting of a first stripe and a second stripe.

[0333] The first and second stripes have substantially the same length, with each of the first and second stripes having a length of about 0.90 inches. The first and second stripes have substantially the same width, with each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The plane that bisects the first stripe and the plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°, as shown in the front and back views of FIG. 15. The total surface coverage of the mark is about 2.4%.

[0334] Example 17 In this example, a plurality of marks were pad printed using conductive ink on the outer surface of a golf ball casing core having a diameter of about 1.630 inches. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the plurality of marks consist of two non-intersecting stripes, including a first stripe and a second stripe.

[0335] The first and second stripes have substantially the same length, with each of the first and second stripes having a length of about 0.88 inches. The first and second stripes have substantially the same width, with each stripe having a width of about 0.12 inches. The plane that bisects the first stripe and the plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle of about 90°, as shown in the front and rear views of FIG. 16. The total surface coverage of the mark is about 2.5%.

[0336] Example 18 In this example, four radar-detectable marks were pad printed using conductive ink onto the spherical outer surface of a golf ball casing core having a circumference of approximately 130 mm. Each of the four marks is a rectangular stripe having a length, calculated as the arc length of its longest side, of approximately 7.0 mm and a width, calculated as the arc length of its shortest side, of approximately 1.5 mm. The geometric centers of each of the four marks are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the casing core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of approximately 1.5 mm, with the great circle vertically bisecting each of the four marks. The arc length between the geometric centers of each pair of adjacent marks on the outer surface of the casing core is approximately 16.6 mm. The length of the smallest rectangular stripe enclosing the boundary of each of the four marks is approximately 56.8 mm.

[0337] Example 19 In this example, eight radar-detectable marks were pad printed using conductive ink on the spherical outer surface of a golf ball casing core having a circumference of approximately 130 mm. Each of the eight marks is a rectangular stripe having a length, calculated as the arc length of its longest side, of approximately 3.5 mm and a width, calculated as the arc length of its shortest side, of approximately 1.5 mm. The geometric centers of each of the eight marks are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the casing core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of approximately 1.5 mm, and the great circle bisects each of the eight marks longitudinally. The arc length between the geometric centers of each pair of adjacent marks on the outer surface of the casing core is approximately 8.3 mm. The length of the smallest rectangular stripe enclosing the boundary of each of the eight marks is approximately 61.6 mm.

[0338] Example 20 In this example, ten radar-detectable marks were pad printed using electronically conductive ink onto the spherical outer surface 10 of a golf ball casing core having a circumference of approximately 130 mm, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 17. Each of the ten marks 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 is in the shape of a rectangular stripe.

[0339] The geometric centers of marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the casing core with a manufacturing tolerance of approximately 1.5 mm. The geometric centers of marks 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are located on the same great circle on the outer surface of the casing core with a manufacturing tolerance of approximately 1.5 mm. Thus, marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are part of a first great circle series of marks, and marks 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are part of a second great circle series of marks.

[0340] With respect to the first great circle series, the length of each of the marks 12, 13, 14, 15 is about 6.6 mm, and the length of the mark 16 is about 8.1 mm, the length being calculated as the arc length of the longest side of the mark. The width of each of the marks 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 is about 1.0 mm, the width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest side of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the first great circle series is about 6.6 mm, the separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the arc of the shortest great circle that can be drawn on the surface of the casing core connecting any point on one mark of the adjacent pair of marks to any point on the other mark of the adjacent pair of marks. The length of the smallest rectangular stripe that encloses the boundary of each mark in the first great circle series is about 60.9 mm. Thus, the length of the great circle portion on which the marks of the first great circle series are located is about 47% of the circumference of the casing core. The angular length of the first great circle series is about 166°.

[0341] With respect to the second great circle series, the length of each of the marks 22, 23, 24, 25 is about 6.6 mm, and the length of the mark 26 is about 8.1 mm, the length being calculated as the arc length of the longest side of the mark. The width of each of the marks 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 is about 1.0 mm, the width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest side of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the second great circle series is about 6.6 mm, the separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the casing core connecting any point on one mark of the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark of the pair of adjacent marks. The length of the smallest rectangular stripe that encircles the boundary of each mark in the second great circle series is about 60.9 mm. Thus, the length of the portion of the great circle on which the marks of the second great circle series are located is about 47% of the circumference of the casing core. The angular length of the second great circle series is about 166°.

[0342] Bisection surface 11 is a surface that bisects the first row of great circles. Bisection surface 21 is a surface that bisects the second row of great circles. Bisection surface 11 and bisection surface 21 are separated by an angle of about 90° as shown in the front and rear views of Figure 17. The total surface coverage of the ten radar detection marks is about 1.3%.

[0343] Example 21 In this example, eleven radar-detectable marks were pad printed using electronically conductive ink onto the spherical outer surface 10 of a golf ball casing core having a circumference of approximately 130 mm, according to the embodiment shown in Figure 18. The eleven marks 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 32 are each in the shape of a rectangular stripe.

[0344] The geometric centers of marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are on the same great circle of the outer surface of the casing core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm. The geometric centers of marks 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are on the same great circle of the outer surface of the casing core, allowing for a manufacturing tolerance of about 1.5 mm. Thus, marks 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are part of a first great circle series of marks, and marks 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 are part of a second great circle series of marks. The geometric center of mark 32 is not on the same great circle as either the first or second great circle series, and is therefore not part of these great circle series.

[0345] With respect to the first great circle series, the length of each of the marks 12, 13, 14, 15 is about 6.6 mm, and the length of the mark 16 is about 8.1 mm, the length being calculated as the arc length of the longest side of the mark. The width of each of the marks 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 is about 1.0 mm, the width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest side of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the first great circle series is about 6.6 mm, the separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the casing core connecting any point on one mark of the adjacent pair of marks to any point on the other mark of the adjacent pair of marks. The length of the smallest rectangular stripe that encloses the boundary of each mark in the first great circle series is about 60.9 mm. Thus, the length of the great circle portion on which the marks of the first great circle series are located is about 47% of the circumference of the casing core. The angular length of the first great circle series is about 166°.

[0346] With respect to the second great circle series, the length of each of the marks 22, 23, 24, 25 is about 6.6 mm, and the length of the mark 26 is about 8.1 mm, the length being calculated as the arc length of the longest side of the mark. The width of each of the marks 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 is about 1.0 mm, the width being calculated as the arc length of the shortest side of the mark. The separation distance between each pair of adjacent marks in the second great circle series is about 6.6 mm, the separation distance being calculated as the spherical length of the shortest great circle arc that can be drawn on the surface of the casing core connecting any point on one mark of the pair of adjacent marks to any point on the other mark of the pair of adjacent marks. The length of the smallest rectangular stripe that encloses the boundary of each mark in the second great circle series is about 60.9 mm. Thus, the great circle portion on which the marks of the second great circle series are located is about 47% of the length of the circumference of the casing core. The angular length of the second great circle series is about 166° according to the calculation method disclosed below.

[0347] The length of mark 32 is about 6.6 mm and the width is about 1.0 mm, the length and width being calculated as the arc lengths of the longest and shortest sides of the mark, respectively.

[0348] Bisecting surface 11 is a surface that bisects the first great circle series. Bisecting surface 21 is a surface that bisects the second great circle series. Bisecting surface 11 and bisecting surface 21 are separated by an angle of about 90° as shown in the front and rear views of Figure 18. The total surface coverage of the ten radar detection marks is about 1.4%.

[0349] Example 22 19A-19E show one example of a pattern that may be disposed or printed on the outer surface 110 of the casing core of the golf ball. At least one radar-detectable mark 115 is provided, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface 110 of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern may include a first wave profile mapped along a path (P1) defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface 110 of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern of FIGS. 19A-19E shows a sinusoidal profile or wave.

[0350] The projection pattern may include at least one first crest 115a1, 115a2 and at least one first bottom 115b1, 115b2. In one example, there are two crests and two bottoms. In another example, there may be more crests than bottoms. In another example, there may be more bottoms than crests. In another example, there are more than two crests and two bottoms. The ends 115c, 115d of the projection pattern are spaced apart from each other. The angular range of the waves (i.e., the angular distance between the ends) is at least 45 degrees. Preferably, the angular range of the waves is 90 degrees to 270 degrees. In another example, the angular range of the waves is 180 degrees to 330 degrees. In one example, the angular range of the waves is 270 degrees. The angular extent of the waves may be defined as the angular extent measured between planes R1 and R2, as shown in Figure 27, which reproduces the back, first side, front, and second side views of the projection patterns disclosed in Figures 19A-19E. Plane R1 is defined perpendicular to end 115c, and plane R2 is defined perpendicular to end 115d.

[0351] The amplitude (A1) of the projected pattern is shown in FIG. 19C. The amplitude (A1) is shown as a peak amplitude and indicates the height or peak of the projected pattern relative to the path (P1). In one example, the amplitude (A1) may be between 5.0 mm and 20.0 mm. In one example, the amplitude (A1) is at least 7.0 mm. In another example, the amplitude (A1) is 15.0 mm or less. The diameter (D) of the casing core of the golf ball is related to the amplitude (A1). For example, the amplitude (A1) may be 40% or less of the diameter (D) of the casing core of the golf ball. In another example, the amplitude (A1) may be 40% or less of the diameter (D) of the casing core of the golf ball.

[0352] The width or weight of the mark 115 may be 1.0 mm to 5.0 mm in one example, and the width or weight of the mark 115 may be 2.0 mm in one example.

[0353] As shown in Figures 19A-19E, mark 115 preferably has a total length of 4.0 inches to 6.0 inches, and more preferably a total length of 4.77 inches. The total surface coverage of mark 115 in Figures 19A-19E is preferably 4.0% to 6.0%, and more preferably 4.5%.

[0354] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various parameters of the patterns shown in Figures 19A-19E may be varied.

[0355] Example 23 20A-20E show other examples of patterns that may be disposed or printed on the outer surface 210 of the casing core of a golf ball. At least one first radar-detectable mark 215 is provided such that a first projected pattern is formed when the at least one first radar-detectable mark 215 is radially projected onto the outer surface 210 of the casing core of a golf ball.

[0356] At least one second radar-detectable mark 315 is provided to define a second projected pattern when radially projected onto the golf ball casing core outer surface 210. The projected pattern may have a first wave profile defined by the first radar-detectable mark 215 mapped along a first path (P2) defined by a first spherical arc on the golf ball casing core outer surface 210, and a second wave profile defined by the second radar-detectable mark 315 mapped along a second path (P3) defined by a second spherical arc on the golf ball casing core outer surface 210. The projected patterns of Figures 20A-20E show sinusoidal profiles or waves.

[0357] The first wave profile may include a plurality of first points, and the second wave profile may include a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each nearest adjacent second point along the second wave profile may be equidistant from one another such that a uniform normal distance (dN) is defined along the entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance (dN) may be preselected or predefined. The value of the uniform normal distance (dN) may be selected based on the particular design, size, profile, etc. of the wavelet (i.e., portion of the wave profile) and the diameter of the golf ball, golf ball casing core, or golf ball subassembly. Other parameters may be used to optimize the uniform normal distance (dN). In one aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm. In another aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is 5.0 mm. In one aspect, the first pass (P2) is spaced a uniform normal distance (dN) from the second pass (P3), which may be defined from a midpoint or center of each of the first and second markings or projection patterns.

[0358] The first and second waveform profiles may each have the same predetermined amplitude (A2, A3), such that the uniform normal distance (dN) is at least half of the predetermined amplitude (A2, A3) and the uniform normal distance (dN) is less than or equal to twice the predetermined amplitude (A2, A3).

[0359] As shown in Figures 20A-20E, the marks 215, 315 preferably have a total cumulative length of 8.0 inches to 12.0 inches, and more preferably have a total cumulative length of 9.47 inches. The total surface coverage of the marks 215, 315 in Figures 20A-20E is preferably 7.0% to 11.0%, and more preferably 9.0%.

[0360] Example 24 21A-21E show one example of a pattern that may be disposed or printed on the outer surface 410 of the casing core of the golf ball. At least one radar-detectable mark 415 is provided, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface 410 of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern may include a first wave profile mapped along a path (P4) defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface 410 of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern of FIGS. 21A-21E shows a sinusoidal profile or wave.

[0361] Similar to the configurations shown in Figures 19A-19E, the projection pattern may have at least one first apex and at least one first base. In one example, there may be two apexes and two bases. In another example, there may be more apexes than bases. In another example, there may be more bases than apexes. In another example, there may be more than two apexes and bases.

[0362] The angular range of the waves in the projection patterns of Figures 21A-21E may be at least 45 degrees. Preferably, the angular range of the waves may be 90 degrees to 270 degrees. In other examples, the angular range of the waves may be 180 degrees to 330 degrees. In other examples, the angular range of the waves may be 270 degrees.

[0363] The amplitude (A4) of the projection pattern is shown in FIG. 21B. The amplitude (A4) is shown as a peak amplitude and indicates the height or peak of the projection pattern for the path (P4). The amplitude (A4) may be 5.0 mm in one example. The width or thickness of the mark 415 may be 2.0 mm in one example.

[0364] As shown in Figures 21A-21E, marks 415 may preferably have an overall length of 3.5 inches to 5.5 inches, and more preferably have an overall length of 4.51 inches. The total surface coverage of marks 415 in Figures 21A-21E may preferably be 3.8% to 5.5%, and more preferably 4.3%.

[0365] Example 25 Figures 22A-22E show other examples of patterns that may be placed or printed on the outer surface 510 of a golf ball casing core. The configurations shown in Figures 22A-22E are similar to the configurations shown in Figures 20A-20E.

[0366] At least one first radar-detectable mark 515 is provided such that when projected radially onto the golf ball casing core outer surface 510 a first projected pattern is formed. At least one second radar-detectable mark 615 is provided such that when projected radially onto the golf ball casing core outer surface 510 a second projected pattern is formed. The projected pattern can have a first wave profile mapped along a first path (P5) defined by a first spherical arc on the golf ball casing core outer surface 510 and a second wave profile mapped along a second path (P6) defined by a second spherical arc on the golf ball casing core outer surface 510. The projected patterns of Figures 22A-22E show sinusoidal profiles or waves.

[0367] The first wave profile may include a plurality of first points, and the second wave profile may include a plurality of second points. Each first point along the first wave profile and each nearest adjacent second point along the second wave profile may be equidistant from one another such that a uniform normal distance (dN) is defined along the entirety of the first wave profile and the second wave profile. The uniform normal distance (dN) may be preselected or predefined. The value of the uniform normal distance (dN) may be selected based on the particular design, size, profile, etc. of the wavelet (i.e., portion of the wave profile), as well as the diameter of the golf ball, the diameter of the casing core of the golf ball, or the diameter of the golf ball subassembly. Other parameters may be used to optimize the uniform normal distance (dN). In one aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is between 4.0 mm and 6.0 mm. In another aspect, the uniform normal distance (dN) is 5.0 mm. In one aspect, the first path (P5) is spaced a uniform normal distance (dN) from the second path (P6).

[0368] The first wave profile and the second wave profile may each have the same predetermined amplitude, and the uniform normal distance (dN) may be at least half the predetermined amplitude, and the uniform normal distance (dN) may be less than or equal to twice the predetermined amplitude.

[0369] As shown in Figures 22A-22E, the marks 515, 615 may preferably have a total cumulative length of 7.5 inches to 11.5 inches, and more preferably have a total cumulative length of 8.94 inches. The total surface coverage of the marks 515, 615 in Figures 22A-22E may preferably be 7.5% to 10.5%, and more preferably be 8.5%.

[0370] Example 26 23A-23D show other exemplary patterns that can be placed or printed on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. At least one radar-detectable mark 715 is provided, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern can have a first wave profile that is mapped along a path defined by a spherical arc on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected patterns of FIGS. 23A-23D show a triangular wave profile or pattern.

[0371] The amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, and other characteristics of the marks 715 may be similar to parameters of other wave profiles or patterns described herein.

[0372] As shown in Figures 23A-23D, mark 715 may preferably have an overall length of 4.25 inches to 6.25 inches, and more preferably have an overall length of 5.1 inches. The total surface coverage of mark 715 in Figures 23A-23D may preferably be 6.0% to 8.5%, and more preferably 7.3%.

[0373] Example 27 24A-24D show another exemplary pattern that may be disposed or printed on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. At least one radar-detectable mark 815 is provided, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern may have a first wave profile that is mapped along a path defined by a spherical arc on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern of FIGS. 24A-24D shows a sawtooth wave profile or pattern.

[0374] The amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, and other characteristics of the marks 815 may be similar to parameters of other wave profiles or patterns described herein.

[0375] As shown in Figures 24A-24D, mark 815 may preferably have an overall length of 5.5 inches to 7.5 inches, and more preferably have an overall length of 6.57 inches. The total surface coverage of mark 815 in Figures 24A-24D may preferably be 8.0% to 10.5%, and more preferably 9.3%.

[0376] Example 28 25A-25D show other exemplary patterns that can be disposed or printed on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. At least one radar-detectable mark 915 is provided, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern can have a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a spherical arc on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected patterns of FIGS. 25A-25D show a square wave profile or pattern.

[0377] The amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, and other characteristics of the marks 915 may be similar to parameters of other wave profiles or patterns described herein.

[0378] As shown in Figures 25A-25D, mark 915 may preferably have an overall length of 8.0 inches to 9.5 inches, and more preferably an overall length of 8.6 inches. The total surface coverage of mark 915 in Figures 25A-25D may preferably be 10.5% to 14.5%, and more preferably 12.2%.

[0379] Example 29 26A-26E show an example of a pattern that may be disposed or printed on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. At least one radar-detectable mark 1015 is provided, and a projected pattern is formed when the at least one radar-detectable mark is projected radially onto the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern may have a first wave profile mapped along a path defined by a first spherical arc on the outer surface of the casing core of the golf ball. The projected pattern of FIGS. 26A-26E shows a sinusoidal profile or wave.

[0380] Similar to the configurations shown in Figures 21A-21E, the projection patterns of Figures 26A-26E may have at least one first apex and at least one first base. Other aspects of the projection patterns of Figures 26A-26E, such as the amplitude, mark width or weight, wave angular extent, circumferential extent, sinusoidal profile, etc., may be the same as the projection patterns of Figures 21A-21E.

[0381] 26A-26E may be formed as a plurality of separate strips spaced apart and aligned with one another such that the separate strips collectively or collectively define a wavy profile. The spacing between the strips may be predetermined and, in one aspect, may be less than the width or thickness of the marking. The spacing may vary depending on the desired signal detection characteristics.

[0382] As shown in Figures 26A-26E, the individual strips forming mark 1015 may preferably have an overall length of 3.5 inches to 5.5 inches, more preferably an overall length of 4.17 inches. The overall surface coverage of the individual strips forming mark 1015 in Figures 26A-26E may preferably be 3.0% to 5.5%, more preferably 3.9%.

[0383] Example 30 In this example, the mark 1115 is comprised of three intersecting stripes, in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 28. The first and second stripes may be substantially the same length. In one example, the length of each of the first and second stripes is about 2.60 inches, about 2.50 inches, or about 2.40 inches. In other aspects, the length of each of the first and second stripes is about 1.0 inches, or 1.5 inches, or 2.0 inches, or 2.5 inches.

[0384] The length of the third stripe may be about 0.25 inches or 0.35 inches. In other aspects, the length of the third stripe may be about 0.10 inches, or 0.20 inches, or 0.30 inches, or 0.40 inches, or 0.50 inches or more.

[0385] As shown in the front and rear views of FIG. 28, a first plane that bisects the first stripe and a second plane that bisects the second stripe are spaced apart at an angle of about 90°. In one aspect, a third plane bisects the third stripe and is non-parallel to the first and second planes. The mark may have a total surface coverage of about 1.5% to 2.0%. In one aspect of FIG. 28, the average width of the stripes of FIG. 28 may be 1.50 mm or less. In another aspect, the average width of the stripes of FIG. 28 may be 1.00 mm or less. In another aspect, the average width of the stripes of FIG. 28 may be 0.75 mm to 1.00 mm. In one aspect, the average width of the stripes of FIG. 28 may be 0.75 mm or less. In one aspect, the average width of the stripes of FIG. 28 may be 0.50 mm to 0.75 mm.

[0386] In one aspect, the first stripe (S1) and the second stripe (S2) have terminal ends that contact each other at a first common intersection (C1) and a second common intersection (C2), respectively. The third stripe (S3) intersects the first stripe (S1) and the second stripe (S2) at the first common intersection (C1), and the third stripe (S3) includes a free end that extends away from the first common intersection (C1).

[0387] In one aspect, the primary mark 1115 may define an enclosed perimeter (EP), as shown in the legend of Figure 28. As shown in Figure 28, the enclosed perimeter (EP) is surrounded by a first stripe (S1) and a second stripe (S2).

[0388] When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listed herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values ​​may be used.

[0389] All patents, publications, test procedures, and other references cited herein, including priority documents, are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent such disclosure is not inconsistent with this invention and for all jurisdictions where such incorporation is permitted.

[0390] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been specifically described, it is understood that various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore not intended that the claims appended hereto be limited to the examples and illustrations set forth herein, but rather that the claims be construed to encompass all features of the invention, including those features that are patentably novel and that would be treated as equivalents by those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims

1. 1. A golf ball comprising at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers of the golf ball, the at least one radar-detectable mark on any layer of the golf ball projected radially onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, the at least one radar-detectable mark being radar reflective and configured to allow detection of launch condition data via a radar tracking system; the golf ball having at least an inner core layer and an outer cover layer, the at least one radar-detectable mark being disposed on an outer surface of a layer disposed adjacent to the outer cover layer; the at least one radar-detectable mark is a continuous shape having a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe; the first stripe has a first length, the second stripe has a second length, and the third stripe has a third length, the third length being shorter than the first length and the third length being shorter than the second length; a first plane that bisects the first stripe and a second plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle between 60° and 120°, and a third plane that bisects the third stripe is non-parallel to the first and second planes; the at least one radar-detectable marking is formed from a radar-detectable material having a resin and a first plurality of conductive metal pigments, the first plurality of conductive metal pigments having an average particle size of 10.0 microns or less, and an average aspect ratio of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments being 10.0 or less.

2. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments comprises at least one of silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or coated core shell pigments.

3. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radar-detectable material further comprises a second plurality of conductive metallic pigments formed from a different material than the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments.

4. 4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are coated with at least one conductive polymer.

5. 5. The golf ball of claim 4, wherein the conductive polymer comprises at least one of poly(3-4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a PEDOT composite, or polyaniline (PANI).

6. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radar-detectable material further comprises a second plurality of conductive pigments different from the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments.

7. 7. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein the second plurality of conductive pigments comprises at least one pigment coated with at least one conductive polymer.

8. 7. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein the second plurality of conductive pigments comprises at least a conductive carbon pigment.

9. 4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are magnetic pigments.

10. 4. The golf ball of claim 3, wherein the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments are radiopaque pigments.

11. 11. The golf ball of claim 10, wherein the second plurality of conductive metallic pigments comprises tungsten.

12. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments has an average particle size of 5.0 microns or less.

13. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments has an average particle size of 2.0 microns or less.

14. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of conductive metallic pigments have an average aspect ratio of 5.0 or less.

15. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the relationship between the average aspect ratio (AR) and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined as 0.5≦(AR / PS)≦5.

0.

16. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average grain size value (in microns) is 8.0 or less.

17. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average grain size value (in microns) is 3.0 or less.

18. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the difference between the average aspect ratio value and the average grain size value (in microns) is 1.0 or less.

19. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width of 1.00 mm or less.

20. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark has a width between 0.75 mm and 1.00 mm.

21. 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the resin has a flexural modulus of 2.0 MPa or more.

22. 2. The golf ball according to claim 1, wherein the resin has a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 MPa.

23. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the radar-detectable material has a sheet resistance between 0.01 ohms / sq / mil and 0.10 ohms / sq / mil.

24. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the sheet resistance of the radar-detectable material is between 0.04 ohms / sq. / mil and 0.06 ohms / sq. / mil.

25. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark has a conductivity of 800,000 Siemens / meter or less.

26. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one radar-detectable marking has a conductivity between 700,000 Siemens / meter and 900,000 Siemens / meter.

27. 10. The golf ball of claim 1, further comprising an adhesion promoter disposed adjacent the at least one radar-detectable mark.

28. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the at least one radar-detectable mark has a thickness of 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm.

29. 1. A golf ball comprising at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on any single layer or between two or more layers of the golf ball, the at least one radar-detectable mark on any layer of the golf ball projected radially onto an exterior surface of the golf ball to form an overall pattern, the at least one radar-detectable mark being radar reflective and configured to allow detection of launch condition data via a radar tracking system; the golf ball having at least an inner core layer and an outer cover layer, the at least one radar-detectable mark being disposed on an outer surface of a layer disposed adjacent to the outer cover layer; a width of the at least one radar-detectable mark is 1.0 mm or less, and a thickness of the at least one radar-detectable mark is 0.5 μm to 5.0 μm; the at least one radar-detectable mark is a continuous shape having a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe; the first stripe has a first length, the second stripe has a second length, and the third stripe has a third length, the third length being shorter than the first length and the third length being shorter than the second length; a first plane that bisects the first stripe and a second plane that bisects the second stripe are separated by an angle between 60° and 120°, and a third plane that bisects the third stripe is non-parallel to the first and second planes; The at least one radar-detectable mark is formed from a radar-detectable material, the radar-detectable material comprising: A resin having a flexural modulus of 1.0 MPa to 18.0 MPa; a first plurality of conductive metal pigments comprising at least one of silver, nickel, aluminum, titanium, gold, tin, tin oxide, antimony, antimony oxide, copper oxide, platinum, palladium, iridium coated platinum, silver coated copper, silver coated iron, silver coated nickel, or a coated core shell pigment; the first plurality of conductive metal pigments has an average particle size of 10.0 microns or less and an average aspect ratio of the first plurality of conductive metal pigments of 10.0 or less; A golf ball characterized in that the relationship between the average aspect ratio (AR) value and the average particle size (PS) (in microns) is defined as 0.5≦(AR / PS)≦5.0.

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