Golf ball having at least one radar detectable mark

Abstract

To provide golf balls with improved quality of golf ball launch condition data collected by radar-tracking systems, and enhanced experience for end users of these radar-tracking systems.SOLUTION: Golf balls including one or more layers having at least one radar-detectable mark disposed on a surface thereof are provided. Each radar-detectable mark has a shape selected from a variety of suitable shapes, including regular shapes and irregular shapes.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 applied to the exterior 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: (a) The mark is non-circular. (b) 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. (b) The resistivity of the mark is between 0.1 ohms and 2,500 ohms. (c) 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; and; (d) 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, and 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 having a width of 0.025 inches 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 in 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 among 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%. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] 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. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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 below. a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer; and / or b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer; and / or c) The outer surface of the inner core layer.

[0020] 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: a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer; and / or b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer; and / or c) the outer surface of the inner core layer; and / or d) the outer surface of the intermediate layer; and / or e) The inner surface of the middle layer.

[0021] 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 the one or more radar-detectable marks disposed thereon. a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer; and / or b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer; and / or c) the outer surface of the inner core layer; and / or d) the outer surface of the first intermediate layer; and / or e) the inner surface of the first intermediate layer; and / or f) the outer surface of the second intermediate layer; and / or g) The inner surface of the second intermediate layer.

[0022] 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: a) the outer surface of the outer cover layer; and / or b) the inner surface of the outer cover layer; and / or c) the outer surface of the inner core layer; and / or d) the outer surface of the first intermediate layer; and / or e) the inner surface of the first intermediate layer; and / or f) the outer surface of the second intermediate layer; and / or g) the inner surface of the second intermediate layer; and / or h) the outer surface of the third intermediate layer; and / or i) the inner surface of the third intermediate layer; and / or j) On the inner or outer surface of an optional additional intermediate layer.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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 exterior surface of the ball, intersect at one or more locations on the exterior surface of the ball, regardless of whether one or more stripes continue beyond the intersection point.

[0027] 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: (a) A series of intersecting stripes consists of three rectangular stripes, or a series of intersecting stripes consists of four rectangular stripes, or a series of intersecting stripes consists of at least five rectangular stripes. (b) the series of intersecting stripes includes a first stripe and a second stripe, the first and second stripes being substantially equal in length; (i) 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; (ii) the widths of the first and second stripes are substantially equal; and (iii) the length of the first and second stripes is 1.8, 2.6, or 3.0 inches, or within a range having lower and upper limits selected therefrom; and (iv) 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. (c) Each stripe in a series of intersecting stripes is less than or equal to 0.20 inches in width, or greater than or equal to 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. (d) 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 limits selected therefrom, and the third stripe having a length of 0.12 inches to 0.50 inches; and (e) 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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: a) the number of marks is a prime number arbitrarily selected from 11, 13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31, and 37; b) 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; c) 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; d) all radar-detectable marks on the ball are located in a single layer of the golf ball; and e) The radar-detectable mark is located between two or more layers of the golf ball.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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, through any layer of the ball, are radially projected onto the outer surface of the ball.

[0032] 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: a) the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length; b) the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; c) 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; d) 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; e) 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 f) 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 and second stripes, and a length of between 0.12 inches and 0.50 inches.

[0033] 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: a) the first and second stripes are substantially equal in length; b) the first and second stripes are substantially equal in width; c) 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; d) 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. e) 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 f) 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 and second stripes, and a length of between 0.12 inches and 0.50 inches.

[0034] 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 specific embodiments, the 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.

[0035] Non-limiting examples of shapes that are particularly suitable for a single radar-detectable mark or multiple radar-detectable marks are shown in FIGS.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a mark consisting of one stripe according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at two locations according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 shows a mark consisting of two stripes intersecting at one location according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] 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.

[0040] FIG. 5 shows a mark consisting of a single curvilinear stripe creating a closed loop according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 7 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 shows a mark consisting of four intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] FIG. 14 shows a mark consisting of three intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 15 shows a mark consisting of two intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 16 shows a mark consisting of two non-intersecting stripes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 golf ball, or every mathematically possible great circle, will intersect at least one of the marks on the outer surface of the ball.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Particularly suitable materials include, but are not limited to: a) Thermoset polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane-polyurea hybrids. b) Thermoplastic polyurethanes, polyureas, and hybrids of polyurethanes and polyureas, including, for example, Estane® TPU available from The Lubrizol Corporation. c) 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.; d) polyisoprene; e) polyoctenamers, such as Vestenamer® polyoctenamers available from Evonik Industries; f) polyethylene, including, for example, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene; polypropylene; g) rubber-toughened olefin polymers; non-ionomeric acid copolymers, such as (meth)acrylic acid, which do not become part of the ionomeric copolymer; h) plastomer; i) flexomer; j) styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymers; k) styrene / ethylene-butylene / styrene block copolymer; l) polybutadiene; m) styrene butadiene rubber; n) ethylene propylene rubber; o) ethylene propylene diene rubber; p) dynamically vulcanized elastomers; q) ethylene vinyl acetate; r) ethylene (meth)acrylate; s) polyvinyl chloride resin; t) polyamides, amide ester elastomers, and copolymers of ionomers and polyamides; including, for example, Pebax® thermoplastic polyether and polyester amides available from Arkema Inc; u) crosslinked trans-polyisoprene; v) 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; w) polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers such as Elastollan® polyurethanes available from BASF; x) Synthetic or natural vulcanized rubber; y) and combinations thereof.

[0058] 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: (a) compositions comprising "high acid ionomers" (i.e., having an acid content of greater than 16 wt%), such as Surlyn® 8150; (b) Compositions comprising high acid ionomers and maleic anhydride grafted non-ionomeric polymers (e.g., Fusabond® functionalized polymers). A particularly preferred blend of high acid ionomers and maleic anhydride grafted polymers is an 84 wt% / 16 wt% blend of Surlyn® 8150 and Fusabond®. Blends of high acid ionomers and maleic anhydride grafted polymers 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; (c) 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; (d) 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; (e) a composition comprising a 50 / 50 blend of Surlyn® 8940 / Surlyn® 9650, preferably having a material hardness of about 86 Shore C; (f) a composition comprising a blend of Surlyn® 7940 / Surlyn® 8940, optionally containing a melt flow modifier; (g) 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; (h) 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 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).

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Suitable polyurethanes, polyureas, and polyurethane / polyurea blends and hybrids are described, for example, in 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, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 200,323,711. No. 9 / 0011868, U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 401,047, U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 590,317, filed October 1, 2019, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007 / 0117923, and U.S. Patent Nos. 8,865,052, 6,734,273, and 8,034,873, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The dimensions, ie, thickness / diameter, of each golf ball layer may vary depending on the desired characteristics.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] In each of the following Examples 1-11, 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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%.

[0075] 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%.

[0076] 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 0.12 inches wide. The total surface coverage of these marks is approximately 8%.

[0077] 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%.

[0078] 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%.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Example 12 In this example, a plurality of marks were pad printed on the exterior 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.

[0081] The marks have a total surface coverage of about 9.5%.

[0082] 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.

[0083] Example 13 In this example, a plurality of marks was pad printed using conductive ink on the exterior 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.

[0084] The marks have a total surface coverage of about 5.8%.

[0085] 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.

[0086] Example 14 In this example, a plurality of markings was pad printed using conductive ink on the exterior surface of a golf ball core having a diameter of approximately 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 approximately 0.30 inches and an inner diameter of approximately 0.15 inches. Each of the 19 rings had a printed line thickness of approximately 0.075 inches.

[0087] The marks have a total surface coverage of about 12.0%.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Example 15 In this example, the mark was pad printed using conductive ink onto the exterior surface of a golf ball case 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.

[0090] 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%.

[0091] Example 16 In this example, the mark was pad printed using a conductive ink onto the exterior surface of a golf ball case core having a diameter of about 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.

[0092] 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%.

[0093] Example 17 In this example, a conductive ink was used to pad print a plurality of marks on the exterior surface of a golf ball case core having a diameter of approximately 1.630 inches. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16, the plurality of marks consists of two non-intersecting stripes, including a first stripe and a second stripe.

[0094] 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%.

[0095] When numerical lower limits and numerical upper limits are listed herein, it is contemplated that any combination of these values ​​may be used.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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. A golf ball having a layer having radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface thereof, the radar-detectable mark comprises a continuous non-circular shape and has a surface coverage of 0.1% to 4.0%; the total surface coverage of all radar-detectable marks present is between 0.1% and 4.0%; the radar-detectable mark comprises a shape having three intersecting stripes including a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe, each of the first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe having a free end; a first stripe having a first length, a second stripe having a second length, and a third stripe having a third length, the third length being shorter than the first length and the third length being shorter than the second length.

2. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein a plane passing through a center of the golf ball and a line extending the length of the first stripe bisecting the first stripe and a plane passing through a center of the golf ball and a line extending the length of the second stripe bisecting the second stripe are separated by an angle of 85° to 95°, the first stripe and the second stripe each have a length of 0.6 inches to 1.0 inches, and the first stripe and the second stripe each have a width of 0.03 inches to 0.20 inches.

3. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the first stripes have a length of 0.6 inches to 1.0 inches, the second stripes have a length of 0.6 inches to 1.0 inches, and the third stripes have a length of 0.12 inches to 0.50 inches.

4. 2. The golf ball of claim 1, comprising 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 radar-detectable mark is located being an outer surface of an intermediate layer positioned adjacent to the outer cover layer.

5. A golf ball having a plurality of radar-detectable marks disposed between two or more surfaces, wherein when all of the radar-detectable marks present on any surface of any layer of the ball are radially projected onto an exterior surface of the ball, the plurality of radar-detectable marks have a generally continuous non-circular shape and have a surface coverage of 0.1% to 4.0%; the radar-detectable mark comprises a shape having three intersecting stripes including a first stripe, a second stripe, and a third stripe, each of the first stripe, the second stripe, and the third stripe having a free end; a first stripe having a first length, a second stripe having a second length, and a third stripe having a third length, the third length being shorter than the first length and the third length being shorter than the second length.

6. 1. A golf ball comprising one or more radar-detectable marks disposed on a surface of at least one layer of the golf ball, each of the radar-detectable marks having a non-circular shape, The total number of radar detectable marks present is 2 or more, the radar-detectable mark having a total surface coverage of 0.1% to 4.0%; the radar-detectable mark having two or more non-intersecting stripes, each of the two or more non-intersecting stripes having two free ends; a fourth stripe and a fifth stripe, the two or more non-intersecting stripes including a fourth stripe and a fifth stripe, the fourth stripe being separated by an angle of 85° to 95° from a plane passing through a center of the golf ball, a line extending in the length direction of the fourth stripe and bisecting the fourth stripe, and a plane passing through a center of the golf ball, a line extending in the length direction of the fifth stripe and bisecting the fifth stripe.

7. 7. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein 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, and the radar-detectable mark is disposed on any single layer or between multiple layers other than the outer cover layer.

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