Colored golf ball

Abstract

A golf ball comprising colorants disposed on an outer surface of a cover layer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 751,720, filed on Jan. 30, 2025, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure concerns a golf ball comprising one or more colorants.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to golf balls including a colorant on the surface thereof. Such golf balls are useful in providing alignment and visibility benefits, among other benefits. The use of colorants on a surface of a golf ball can provide increased visibility to a golfer in a variety of lighting conditions. Such golf balls allow a golfer to align their golf ball in preparation of a golf shot (e.g., a putt or other strike with an iron, wedge, or driver). Such golf balls can also provide feedback to a golfer on how well they are striking the ball (e.g., if a putted golf ball has true roll, or if a golf ball struck with irons, drivers, or wedges is struck in the desired direction).

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf ball comprising: a core; a cover encasing the core; and a colorant disposed on an outer surface of the cover; wherein the colorant is disposed on the outer surface of the cover using no more than one coating layer, and wherein a film thickness of the one coating layer is from 5 micrometers (μm) to 16 μm.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf ball comprising: a core; a cover encasing the core, wherein an outer surface of the cover is divided into multiple components comprising: a first and second pole segment, wherein each of the first and second pole segments comprise at least a first color; a first outer stripe / area adjacent to the first pole segment and a second outer stripe / area adjacent to the second pole segment, and wherein each of the first and second outer stripes comprise at least a second color; and a circumferential stripe between the first and second outer stripes, wherein the circumferential stripe comprises a colorant providing at least a third color; and wherein the colorant comprises a reflectance value of greater than 100% when reflecting light in the visible light spectrum.

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf ball comprising: a core; a cover encasing the core, wherein an outer surface of the cover is divided into multiple components comprising: a first and second pole segment, wherein each of the first and second pole segments comprise at least a first color; a first outer stripe adjacent to the first pole segment and a second outer stripe adjacent to the second pole segment, and wherein each of the first and second outer stripes comprise at least a second color; and a circumferential stripe located between the first and second outer stripes, wherein the circumferential stripe comprises a colorant providing at least a third color, wherein the colorant is disposed on the outer surface of the cover using no more than one coating layer, and wherein a film thickness of the one coating layer is from 5 micrometers (μm) to 16 μm.

[0007] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a golf ball comprising: a core; a cover encasing the core; and a colorant disposed on the surface of the cover, wherein the colorant comprises a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a reflectance of 100% to 200% when reflecting light in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a reflectance of 100% to 140% when reflecting light in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a reflectance of 100% to 120% when reflecting light in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 500 to 550 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 470 to 550 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 600 to 650 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant peaks at 120% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 510 to 540 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant peaks at 130% to 160% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 490 to 520 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant peaks at 100% to 130% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 600 to 630 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, wherein the colorant comprises a CIELab L value of 80 to 100, a CIELab a value of −60 to −30, and a CIELab b value of 56 to 86. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a CIELab L value of 51 to 81, a CIELab a value of 40 to 70, and a CIELab b value of 0 to 30. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a white color of the golf ball of between 75 to 105. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a white color of the golf ball of between 50 to 80. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a black color of the golf ball of between 106 to 136. In some embodiments, the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a black color of the golf ball of between 66 to 96. In some embodiments, the colorant achieves the reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light in the visible light spectrum without using additives that mechanically improve the reflectance of the colorant. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 20% to 50% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the cover is divided into multiple segments comprising: (i) a first pole segment and a second pole segment, wherein each of the first pole segment and the second pole segments comprise at least a first color; (ii) a first outer stripe adjacent to the first pole segment and a second outer stripe adjacent to the second pole segment, and wherein each of the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe comprise at least a second color; and (iii) a circumferential stripe between the first and second outer stripes, wherein the circumferential stripe comprises at least the colorant. In some embodiments: (i) the first pole segment and the second pole segment each cover 15% to 40% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover; (ii) the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each have a height of 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 6 mm; and (iii) the circumferential stripe has a height of 10 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe, the first outer stripe, the second outer stripe, or any combination thereof have at least three regions of overlap.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0009] The novel features of the inventive concepts are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present inventive concepts will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the inventive concepts are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein), of which:

[0010] FIG. 1A illustrates a two-dimensional representation of a golf ball utilizing multiple cover segments, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1B illustrates a two-dimensional representation of a golf ball utilizing multiple cover segments, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1C illustrates a two-dimensional representation of a golf ball utilizing multiple cover segments, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a graph showing the reflectance of a colorant disposed on the surface of a golf obtained using a spectrophotometer, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2B is a graph showing the reflectance of a colorant disposed on the surface of a golf obtained using a spectrophotometer, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates a magnified view of a spot colored surface of a golf ball, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates a magnified view of a surface of a golf ball with CMYK printed color, in accordance with one or more standard printing methods discussed herein.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a graph showing the reflectance of a colorant disposed on the surface of a golf obtained using a spectrophotometer, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a graph showing the reflectance of a colorant disposed on the surface of a golf obtained using a spectrophotometer, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates markings which disposed on a surface of the golf ball, which may incorporate the colorants discussed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrates images disposed on a surface of the golf ball, which may incorporate the colorants discussed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Having briefly described the present disclosure, the above and further objects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value. All possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated herein are expressly included in this application. The following definitions are provided to aid the reader and are not intended to provide term definitions that would be narrower than would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art of golf ball composition and manufacture.Definitions

[0023] The term “bimodal polymer” refers to a polymer comprising two main fractions and more specifically to the form of the polymer's molecular weight distribution curve, i.e., the appearance of the graph of the polymer weight fraction as a function of its molecular weight. When the molecular weight distribution curves from these fractions are superimposed onto the molecular weight distribution curve for the total resulting polymer product, that curve will show two maxima or at least be distinctly broadened in comparison with the curves for the individual fractions. Such a polymer product is called bimodal. The chemical compositions of the two fractions may be different.

[0024] As used herein, the term “core” is intended to mean the elastic center of a golf ball, which may have a unitary construction. Alternatively, the core itself may have a layered construction, e.g., having a spherical “center” and additional “core layers,” with such layers being made of the same material as the core center.

[0025] The term “cover” is meant to include any layer of a golf ball that surrounds the core. Thus, a golf ball cover may include both the outermost layer and also any intermediate layers, which are disposed between the golf ball core and outer cover layer. “Cover” may be used interchangeably with the term “cover layer.”

[0026] As used herein the term “equator’ and “poles” of a golf ball are defined for a spherical golf ball as follows. In this application most drawings and descriptions consider the two-dimensional golf ball sphere. For definiteness we will take the unit sphere of unit radius in three-dimensional space with center the origin, O. This is the set of satisfying the equation: x2+y2+z2=1 where the xy-plane, is called the equatorial plane, which is the horizontal plane and the z-axis as vertical. Any plane passing through the origin cuts the sphere in a circle called a great circle, so the center of a great circle and the center of the sphere coincide. The equatorial plane meets the sphere of the golf ball in a great circle called the equator.

[0027] The line through the center of the golf ball sphere perpendicular to the plane of equator meets the outer surface of the golf ball sphere in two antipodal points called the poles of the golf ball. The poles of the equator are the upper or north pole N=(0,0,1) and the lower or south pole S=(0,0, −1).

[0028] The term “intermediate layer” may be used interchangeably with “mantle layer,”“inner cover layer” or “inner cover” and is intended to mean any layer(s) in a golf ball disposed between the core and the outer cover layer.

[0029] In the case of a ball with a core, two intermediate layers, and an outer cover layer the term “inner intermediate layer” may be used interchangeably herein with the terms “inner mantle” or “inner mantle layer” and is intended to mean the intermediate layer of the ball positioned nearest to the core, and the term “outer intermediate layer” may be used interchangeably herein with the terms “outer mantle” or “outer mantle layer” and is intended to mean the intermediate layer of the ball which is disposed nearest to the outer cover layer.

[0030] In the case of a ball with a core, three intermediate layers and an outer cover layer the term “inner intermediate layer” may be used interchangeably herein with the terms “inner mantle” or “inner mantle layer” and is intended to mean the intermediate layer of the ball positioned nearest to the core, the term “outer intermediate layer” may be used interchangeably herein with the terms “outer mantle” or “outer mantle layer” and is intended to mean the intermediate layer of the ball which is disposed nearest to the outer cover layer. The term “center intermediate layer” may be used interchangeably herein with the terms “center mantle” or “center mantle layer” and is intended to mean the intermediate layer of the ball positioned between the inner and outer intermediate layers

[0031] The term “outer cover layer” is intended to mean the outermost cover layer of the golf ball on which, for example, the dimple pattern, paint and any writing, symbol, etc. is placed. If, in addition to the core, a golf ball comprises two or more cover layers, only the outermost layer is designated the outer cover layer. The remaining layers may be designated intermediate layers. The term outer cover layer is interchangeable with the term “outer cover.”

[0032] If no intermediate layer is introduced between the core and outer cover layer, a so called “two-piece ball” results, if one additional intermediate layer is introduced between the core and outer cover layer, a so called “three-piece ball” results, if two additional intermediate layers are introduced between the unitary core and outer cover layer, a so called “four-piece ball” results, and if three intermediate layers are introduced between the core and outer cover layer, a so called “five-piece ball” results, and so on.

[0033] The term “(meth)acrylate” is intended to mean an ester of methacrylic acid and / or acrylic acid.

[0034] The term “(meth)acrylic acid copolymers” is intended to mean copolymers of methacrylic acid and / or acrylic acid.

[0035] The term “polyurea” as used herein refers to materials prepared by reaction of a diisocyanate with a polyamine.

[0036] The term “polyurethane” as used herein refers to materials prepared by reaction of a diisocyanate with a polyol.

[0037] The term “reduced equivalent depth dimple” as used herein refers to dimples which have a circular opening and which have a cross sectional profile which results in their exhibiting lower depth than the corresponding spherical single radius dimple of the same volume. Non-limiting examples of such dimple profiles include dual radius, multiple radius and cylindrical dimple profiles.

[0038] The term “seam” as used herein refers to a line formed on the ball by the coming together of the hemispherical mold halves during the molding process used to make a golf ball. In addition to the term “seam” this line is also referred to as the “parting line” of the golf ball as these terms may be used interchangeably herein. (Given that the mold halves are hemispherical the golf ball seam is often coincident with the golf ball equator).

[0039] In reference to the golf ball seam, the term “cross seam” as used herein refers to an orientation of the ball such that when placed on the teeing ground the seam is aligned in the horizontal direction and when launched, the ball would spin about the axis described by a line that would pass through the seam (equator) of the ball and that would lie in horizontal plane and be perpendicular to the direction of flight

[0040] Again, in reference to the golf ball seam, the term “in seam” as used herein refers to an orientation of the ball such that when placed on the teeing ground the seam is aligned in the vertical direction and when launched, the ball would spin about an axis described by a line that would pass through the poles of the ball and that would lie in horizontal plane and be perpendicular to the direction of flight.

[0041] The term “Smash Factor” (SF) as used herein relates to the amount of energy transferred from the club head to the golf ball and is calculated by dividing the ball speed by the clubhead speed. For example, if you swing a driver with a clubhead speed of 100 mph and generate a ball speed of 150 mph, the Smash Factor is 1.50. So, the higher the Smash Factor, the more ball speed you are getting for a given clubhead speed. The higher the smash factor the better the energy transfer. A golfer would hope to achieve a smash factor near 1.50 on driver shots. That means for a 100 mph club speed the ball speed would be 150 mph. The higher the loft of the club, the lower the smash factor is expected to be. A pitching wedge should have a smash factor near 1.25.

[0042] A “thermoplastic” is generally defined as a material that is capable of softening or melting when heated and of hardening again when cooled. Thermoplastic polymer chains often are not cross-linked or are lightly crosslinked using a chain extender, but the term “thermoplastic” as used herein may refer to materials that initially act as thermoplastics, such as during an initial extrusion process or injection molding process, but which also may be crosslinked, such as during a compression molding step to form a final structure.

[0043] A “thermoset” is generally defined as a material that crosslinks or cures via interaction with as crosslinking or curing agent. The crosslinking may be brought about by energy in the form of heat (generally above 200 degrees Celsius), through a chemical reaction (by reaction with a curing agent), or by irradiation. The resulting composition remains rigid when set and does not soften with heating. Thermosets have this property because the long-chain polymer molecules cross-link with each other to give a rigid structure. A thermoset material cannot be melted and re-molded after it is cured thus thermosets do not lend themselves to recycling unlike thermoplastics, which can be melted and re-molded.

[0044] The term “unimodal polymer” refers to a polymer comprising one main fraction and more specifically to the form of the polymer's molecular weight distribution curve, i.e., the molecular weight distribution curve for the total polymer product shows only a single maximum.

[0045] The term “visible light spectrum” refers to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths from about 380 nanometers (nm) up to about 700 nm.

[0046] The above term descriptions are provided solely to aid the reader and should not be construed to have a scope less than that understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art or as limiting the scope of the appended claims.

[0047] The singular terms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. The word “comprises” indicates “includes.” It is further to be understood that all molecular weight or molecular mass values given for compounds are approximate and are provided for description. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Unless otherwise indicated, description of components in chemical nomenclature refers to the components at the time of addition to any combination specified in the description, but does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among the components of a mixture once mixed.

[0048] Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable is from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc., are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values, which have less than one unit difference, one unit is considered to be 0.1, 0.01, 0.001, or 0.0001 as appropriate. Thus, all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated herein are said to be expressly stated in this application.

[0049] The present disclosure can be used to form golf balls of any desired size. “The Rules of Golf” by the USGA dictate that the size of a competition golf ball must be at least 1.680 inches in diameter; however, golf balls of any size can be used for leisure golf play. The preferred diameter of the golf balls is from 1.670 inches to 1.800 inches. Oversize golf balls with diameters above 1.760 inches to as big as 2.75 inches also are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0050] Shore D hardness can be measured in accordance with ASTM D2240. Hardness of a layer can be measured on the ball, perpendicular to a land area between the dimples (referred to as “on-the-ball” hardness). The Shore D hardness of a material prior to fabrication into a ball layer can also be measured (referred to as “material” hardness). Unless otherwise specified the Shore D measurements quoted for the layers of the golf balls of the present disclosure are measured on the ball.

[0051] Core or ball diameter may be determined using standard linear calipers or a standard size gauge.

[0052] Compression may be measured by applying a spring-loaded force to the sphere to be examined, with a manual instrument (an “Atti gauge”) manufactured by the Atti Engineering Company of Union City, N.J. This machine, equipped with a Federal Dial Gauge, Model D81-C, employs a calibrated spring under a known load. The sphere to be tested is forced a distance of 0.2 inch (5 mm) against this spring. If the spring, in turn, compresses 0.2 inch, the compression is rated at 100; if the spring compresses 0.1 inch, the compression value is rated as 0. Thus, more compressible, softer materials will have lower Atti gauge values than harder, less compressible materials. The value is taken shortly after applying the force and within at least 5 sees if possible. Compression measured with this instrument is also referred to as PGA compression. The approximate relationship that exists between Atti or PGA compression and Riehle compression can be expressed as: (Atti or PGA compression)=(160-Riehle Compression). Thus, a Riehle compression of 100 would be the same as an Atti compression of 60.Colored Golf Balls

[0053] Disclosed herein, in some embodiments, are golf balls comprising one or more colorants. In some aspects, the colorants are disposed on one or more layers of the golf ball. In aspects disclosed herein, the colorants may be disposed on a surface of any layer of a golf ball. In some embodiments, the colorant may be disposed on a surface of an outer cover layer. In some embodiments, the colorant may be disposed on a core layer or a mantle layer. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on an outer most surface of a golf ball such that no other golf ball layers are on top of the colorant. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of an inner layer of a golf ball (e.g., a core or mantle layer) such that there is at least one or more additional layers on top of the colorant. In such cases, the one or more additional layers may be transparent such that the colorant may still be seen even after the addition of the one or more additional layers to the golf ball.

[0054] The colorant can be chosen to provide one or more colors to the golf ball (e.g., the surface of an outer cover layer of a golf ball). In some embodiments, the color may be chosen from yellow, orange, blue, pink, navy, mint, red, black, white, green, gold, silver, bronze, violet, indigo, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the color is multiple colors. In some embodiments, the outer cover layer includes any number of different colors. In some embodiments, the color is yellow. In some embodiments, the color is orange. In some embodiments, the color is blue. In some embodiments, the color is pink. In some embodiments, the color is navy. In some embodiments, the color is mint.

[0055] The desired color can be achieved by providing a colorant made of one or more dyes, pigments, paints, inks, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the colorant is provided as a coating (e.g., a paint or ink) layer on top of an outer surface (e.g., a surface visible to a golfer or observer when looking at the golf ball) of a golf ball. In some embodiments, the colorant may be incorporated into any one of the layers of the golf ball. For example, the colorant may be incorporated into a core, mantle, or cover layer such that the core, mantle, or cover layer provides the desired color without the need for any additional coatings applied to an outer surface of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the colorant is not incorporated into any of the golf ball layers (e.g., core, mantle, or cover layers), and is only provided to an outer surface of the golf ball as a coating layer applied to the outer surface of the golf ball.

[0056] In some embodiments, the colorant is a paint or ink. In some embodiments, the colorant is an ink. In some embodiments, the colorant is a digital ink. In some embodiments, the digital ink is a pre-mixed spot color ink to achieve a desired color before printing. In some embodiments, the ink (e.g. digital ink) may comprise a plurality of droplets having a droplet size of 3 to 84 picoliters. In some embodiments, the ink (e.g. digital ink) may comprise a plurality of droplets having a droplet size of 18 to 42 picoliters. In some embodiments, the ink (e.g. digital ink) may comprise a plurality of droplets having a droplet size of at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 or more picoliters. In some embodiments, the ink (e.g. digital ink) may comprise a plurality of droplets having a droplet size of at most 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 picoliters. In some embodiments, the ink (e.g. digital ink) may comprise a plurality of droplets having a droplet size of 3 to 90, 3 to 80, 3 to 70, 3 to 60, 3 to 50, 3 to 40, 3 to 30, 10 to 90, 10 to 80, 10 to 70, 10 to 60, 10 to 50, 10 to 40, 10 to 30, 15 to 90, 15 to 80, 15 to 70, 15 to 60, 15 to 50, 15 to 40, 15 to 30, 20 to 90, 20 to 80, 20 to 70, 20 to 60, 20 to 50, 20 to 40, 20 to 30, 30 to 90, 30 to 80, 30 to 70, 30 to 60, 30 to 50, or 30 to 40 picoliters.

[0057] In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 4 to 14 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 5 to 10 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 6 to 12 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 8 to 10 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more μm. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of at most 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 μm. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 2 to 20, 2 to 19, 2 to 18, 2 to 17, 2 to 16, 2 to 15, 2 to 14, 2 to 13, 2 to 12, 2 to 11, 2 to 10, 3 to 20, 3 to 19, 3 to 18, 3 to 17, 3 to 16, 3 to 15, 3 to 14, 3 to 13, 3 to 12, 3 to 11, 3 to 10, 4 to 20, 4 to 19, 4 to 18, 4 to 17, 4 to 16, 4 to 15, 4 to 14, 4 to 13, 4 to 12, 4 to 11, 4 to 10, 5 to 20, 5 to 19, 5 to 18, 5 to 17, 5 to 16, 5 to 15, 5 to 14, 5 to 13, 5 to 12, 5 to 11, 5 to 10, 6 to 20, 6 to 19, 6 to 18, 6 to 17, 6 to 16, 6 to 15, 6 to 14, 6 to 13, 6 to 12, 6 to 11, 6 to 10, 7 to 20, 7 to 19, 7 to 18, 7 to 17, 7 to 16, 7 to 15, 7 to 14, 7 to 13, 7 to 12, 7 to 11, 7 to 10, 8 to 20, 8 to 19, 8 to 18, 8 to 17, 8 to 16, 8 to 15, 8 to 14, 8 to 13, 8 to 12, 8 to 11, or 8 to 10 μm.

[0058] In some embodiments, the colorants disclosed herein may comprise one or more additives. In some embodiments, the one or more additives can be chosen to reflect light to provide a desired gloss to the golf ball. In certain aspects, the additives can comprise one or more metallic or pearlescent pigment particles to produce a metallic or iridescent appearance such as, but not limited to, metal flakes, iriodin, or any other additives for generating a suitable reflectance of the colorant. In some embodiments, the colorants disclosed herein need not include any additional additives to achieve a desired reflectance or aesthetic performance.

[0059] In some embodiments, the additives (e.g., metal flakes) may be chosen specifically to mechanically or physically reflect light to provide high reflectance. In some embodiments, an orientation, size, quantity, or application technique of the additive may be tailored to improve reflectivity.

[0060] In some aspects, the colorants disclosed herein can achieve the desired reflectance or aesthetic performance discussed herein without using additional additives that mechanically or physically improve reflectivity. For example, the colorants disclosed herein can use chemical methods of improving reflectivity. One such example is chemical fluorescence, wherein light of a specific wavelength excites the colorant, the colorant absorbs energy and transitions to an excited state. The excited colorant can then return to its ground state, emitting light at a longer wavelength than what it was absorbed at (i.e., fluorescence). The emitted light at the higher wavelength can yield measured reflectance values exceeding 100% at the emission wavelength for the colorants disclosed herein. Any suitable chemical additive can be incorporated into the colorants disclosed herein to achieve the desired reflectance. In some aspects, the colorants can comprise polymer encapsulated dyes to generate a more desirable reflectance.

[0061] In some embodiments, the polymer encapsulated dyes can comprise one or more fluorescent compounds. In some embodiments, the polymer encapsulated dye can include, but are not limited to, organic fluorescent compounds. In certain aspects, the organic fluorescent compounds can comprise a xanthene, coumarin, perylene imide, acridine, quinoline, thiazole, aminoketone, naphthalimide, or bis-styrylamine. In some embodiments, xanthanes such as, but not limited to, Rhodamine B, Rhodamine 6G, and fluorescein derivatives generate a pink, orange, and green color. In some embodiments, organic fluorescent compounds comprising coumarin generate a blue to yellow-green color. In particular embodiments, organic fluorescent compounds comprising aminonaphthalimides generate a green-yellow color. In some embodiments, organic fluorescent compounds comprising acridine and / or thiazole generate a yellow-orange color.

[0062] In some embodiments, the polymer encapsulated dye can comprise an inorganic fluorescent compound. Inorganic fluorescent compounds can include, but are not limited to, rare-earth complexes and other phosphors (fluorescent and luminescent materials). For example, rare-earth complexes and other phosphors such as, but not limited to, europium (Eu3+) or terbium (Tb3+) chelates, strontium aluminate phosphors activated by europium and dysprosium (SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+), yttrium vanadate doped with europium (YVO4:Eu3+), or zinc sulfide activated by copper (ZnS:Cu2+).

[0063] In aspects disclosed herein, the polymer encapsulated dyes entrap the dye within a continuous, transparent or translucent polymer phase such that the resulting particle behaves as an insoluble pigment while retaining the chromatic and fluorescent intensity of the dye. Polymer-encapsulated particles include, but are not limited to, discrete beads, microcapsules, nanospheres, or irregular granules and may be prepared by any suitable process.

[0064] For example, encapsulation can protect fluorescent dyes from environmental quenching and aggregation, leading to increased brightness and enhanced photostability. In inkjet and digital printing applications, such as the applications discussed herein, the encapsulated dyes provide improved thermal stability and high encapsulation efficiency which leads to higher print quality. As an example, see the uniform color quality of FIG. 3A, showing digitally printed colorants as disclosed herein as compared to a CMYK print in FIG. 3B, where multiple dots of different colors remain on the surface of the golf ball after printing. In some embodiments, the polymer encapsulated dyes can include one or more fluorescent compounds to achieve a more desirable reflectance.

[0065] In some embodiments, the digital ink comprising the colorant provides a more desirable golf ball. In some embodiments, the colorant (e.g., digital ink) improves process efficiency related to the method of applying the colorant to the surface of the golf ball. Application methods of colorants to a surface of a golf ball are discussed in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 18 / 513,183, 18 / 360,475, and 18 / 905,791, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0066] In some embodiments, the colorant (e.g., digital ink) can enable color performance that is more desirable on the surface of the golf ball. In some aspects, the digital ink comprising a colorant can be pre-mixed to achieve a desired color before printing, referred to as a spot color, which is more suitable when compared to known printing methods, such as pad printing and Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black (CMYK) printing.

[0067] In some aspects, such as, but not limited to, pad printing applications for golf balls, colorants may be mixed before printing, but the film thickness of the colorant on a golf ball surface is generally at least dozens of micrometers (μm). In addition, a single pad print is not likely to accomplish the print of a stripe or image that extends around an entire circumference of a golf ball. To accomplish such a print, multiple pad prints are applied in multiple sections to accomplish a continuous stripe or image around the circumference of the golf ball. When doing so, it is common to have overlap between the multiple sections, leading to sections of the stripe or image receiving two or more pad prints. Thus, some areas on the surface of the golf ball receive two or more layers of ink, leading to even high film thicknesses. In the space of golf, much research time and effort are spent in designing golf balls that provide the best aerodynamic performance to a golfer possible. In such scenarios, a thicker film thickness can lead to undesirable aerodynamic performance. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the colorant can include a digital ink, which can be digitally printed on a surface of the golf ball at a film thickness lower than a film thickness using a pad printing method. In some aspects, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of greater than 0 to 20 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 4 to 14 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 5 to 13 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 5 to 16 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 5 to 10 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 6 to 12 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 6 to 15 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 6 to 14 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 6 to 13 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 7 to 15 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 7 to 14 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 7 to 13 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of 8 to 10 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more μm. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at a film thickness of at most 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 μm.

[0068] In some aspects, the film thickness discussed herein has an average film thickness of the colorant disposed on a surface of the golf ball. In certain aspects, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of greater than 0 to 20 micrometers (μm).

[0069] In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 6 to 15 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 6 to 14 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 6 to 13 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 7 to 15 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 7 to 14 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 7 to 13 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 8 to 10 micrometers (μm). In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of at least 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 or more μm. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of at most 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 μm. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on a surface of a golf ball layer at an average film thickness of 2 to 20, 2 to 19, 2 to 18, 2 to 17, 2 to 16, 2 to 15, 2 to 14, 2 to 13, 2 to 12, 2 to 11, 2 to 10, 3 to 20, 3 to 19, 3 to 18, 3 to 17, 3 to 16, 3 to 15, 3 to 14, 3 to 13, 3 to 12, 3 to 11, 3 to 10, 4 to 20, 4 to 19, 4 to 18, 4 to 17, 4 to 16, 4 to 15, 4 to 14, 4 to 13, 4 to 12, 4 to 11, 4 to 10, 5 to 20, 5 to 19, 5 to 18, 5 to 17, 5 to 16, 5 to 15, 5 to 14, 5 to 13, 5 to 12, 5 to 11, 5 to 10, 6 to 20, 6 to 19, 6 to 18, 6 to 17, 6 to 16, 6 to 15, 6 to 14, 6 to 13, 6 to 12, 6 to 11, 6 to 10, 7 to 20, 7 to 19, 7 to 18, 7 to 17, 7 to 16, 7 to 15, 7 to 14, 7 to 13, 7 to 12, 7 to 11, 7 to 10, 8 to 20, 8 to 19, 8 to 18, 8 to 17, 8 to 16, 8 to 15, 8 to 14, 8 to 13, 8 to 12, 8 to 11, or 8 to 10 μm.

[0070] In aspects disclosed herein, the pre-mixing of the colorant can be more desirable compared to known CMYK printing methods. In CMYK printing methods, the cyan, magenta, yellow, and black colors are combined in varying ratios in the printing process to provide a desired color. When using CMYK printing methods on a surface of a golf ball, the finished color may not be as pure as desired. For example, looking to FIG. 3B, the surface of a golf ball with colors printed with CMYK printing methods is shown. As can be seen, there are multiple dots of different colors on the surface of the golf ball. On the other hand, FIG. 3A shows a surface of a golf ball, at the same magnification, when digitally printed using the pre-mixed colorants disclosed herein. As can be seen, the color is more pure and the finished result is provided with substantially one color on the surface, instead of a mixture of individual colors that try to mimic the same result. Further, CMYK printing can also lead to variations across different factories or machines due to the fact that each machine prints slightly different, which can affect the ratio of colors and therefore the final printed color. In addition to the multi-color aesthetic of CMYK printing, this also leads to multiple layers of ink needing to be disposed on the surface of the golf ball to achieve the desired result (e.g., one layer for cyan, one layer for magenta, etc.). As discussed above for pad printing, the multiple layers of colorant can lead to high film thickness, which can affect aerodynamic performance. Therefore, CMYK printing not only provides impure color, but also requires multiple layers of colorant. The pre-mixing of the colorants disclosed herein allows a printing method to achieve the desired color in just one layer. Thus, as has been discussed in this and the preceding paragraph, the colorants disclosed herein can provide purer colors at a much lower film thickness, and can be accomplished in just one layer of colorant, as compared to known colorants using known pad printing and CMYK printing methods.

[0071] The colorants disclosed herein can still be used in CMYK and pad print application. In some embodiments, the colorants are used in pad printing applications to apply the colorant to an outer surface of a golf ball. As discussed above, in some instances, to achieve certain images on a golf ball, multiple pad prints are required in multiple areas, which can lead to multiple overlap regions. For example, in the case where a stripe is applied continuously around a circumference of a golf ball, two or more pad prints may be required to accomplish the continuous stripe. In some embodiments, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more pad prints may be required. In some embodiments, there are 4 or more pad prints. As discussed, multiple pad prints lead to multiple regions of overlap. FIG. 1A illustrates two regions of overlap 110 on a golf ball where a continuous stripe 106 is applied to the outer surface of a golf ball. While, FIG. 1A illustrates 2 regions of overlap, there may be any number of regions of overlaps on the outer surface of the golf ball. In some embodiments, there may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more regions of overlap on the outer surface of the golf ball. In some embodiments, there are 4 or more regions of overlap. A width of the regions of overlap can be minimized as much as possible. In some embodiments, the overlap width is no more than 10.0, 9.5, 9.0, 8.5, 8.0, 7.5, 7.0, 6.5, 6.0, 5.5, 5.0, 4.5, 4.0, 3.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, 0.4 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.1 to 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.5 to 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 1.0 to 10.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.5 to 2.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.5 to 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 1.0 to 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.1 to 5.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.1 to 3.0 mm. In some embodiments, the overlap width is 0.5 to 10.0 mm, 0.5 to 9.0 mm, 0.5 to 8.0 mm, 0.5 to 7.0 mm, 0.5 to 6.0 mm, 0.5 to 5.0 mm, 0.5 to 4.0 mm, 0.5 to 3.0 mm, 0.5 to 2.5 mm, or 0.5 to 2.0 mm. The regions of overlap may exist in the circumferential stripe 106, the first and second outer stripes 104, or any combination thereof. The regions of overlap may exist on any image applied to the surface of the golf ball via pad printing.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1A, the regions of overlap 110 may look like vertical rectangles on a finished ball with colorant applied. These overlap regions may include a higher concentration of colorant as compared to the rest of the surface of the golf ball where no overlap occurs. As will be discussed herein, the colorants of the present disclosure provide high reflectivity. In some embodiments, the regions of overlap may have a higher reflectivity than the rest of the golf ball surface where no overlap occurs. In some embodiments, the regions of overlap may have a lower reflectivity than the rest of the golf ball surface where no overlap occurs.

[0073] In addition to providing purer colors at lower film thicknesses, the colorants of the present disclosure can also provide improved visibility benefits. For example, in some embodiments, the colorants discussed herein can provide a high degree of reflectance to a surface of a golf ball. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B and 4A and 4B, the colorants of the present disclosure can provide reflectance values of above 100%. The reflectance (e.g., absolute reflectance) can be determined as light reflecting off the surface of the golf ball measured as a percentage of a known light shining on the surface of the golf ball from a light source. The known light can be a known illuminant. The known illuminant can be Standard Illuminant D65 (e.g., Average daylight (including ultraviolet wavelength region) with a correlated color temperature of 6504K), Standard Illuminant C (Average daylight (not including ultraviolet wavelength region) with a correlated color temperature of 6774K), Standard Illuminant A (Incandescent light with a correlated color temperature of 2856K), Standard Illuminant F2 (cool white), Standard Illuminant F7 (daylight), or Standard Illuminant F11 (three narrow band cool white). The reflectance can be measured using a spectrophotometer. In some embodiments, the reflectance data is gathered using a Konica Minolta CM-5 spectrophotometer using the known Standard Illuminant D-65, which is the setup providing the results of FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A-4B.

[0074] In some embodiments, a reflectance is achieved when the golf ball reflects light at certain wavelengths in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 100% when reflecting light at any wavelength in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 470 to 550 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 600 to 650 nanometers (nm). In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 105% when reflecting light at any wavelength in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 105% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 480 to 530 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 105% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 620 to 640 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 110% when reflecting light at any wavelength in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 110% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 490 to 520 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 110% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 620 to 630 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 115% when reflecting light at any wavelength in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 115% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 500 to 515 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 120% when reflecting light at any wavelength in the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant is at least 120% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 500 to 510 nm.

[0075] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any color on the visible light spectrum. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100%. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200%. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200%. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150%.

[0076] In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant peaks (e.g., has a maximum reflectance value) at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 620 to 750 nanometers (nm), 590 to 620 nm, 570 to 590 nm, 495 to 570 nm, 450 to 495 nm, 420 to 450 nm, or 390 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 700 to 750 nm, 650 to 700 nm, 600 to 650 nm, 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 450 to 500 nm, 400 to 450 nm, or 380 to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 720 to 750 nm, 690 to 720 nm, 660 to 690 nm, 630 to 660 nm, 600 to 630 nm, 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 480 to 510 nm, 450 to 480 nm, 420 to 450 nm, or 380 to 420 nm.

[0077] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of red, or include any combination of any other colorant with a red colorant (e.g., red and white colorant combination, or any other combination, providing a pink color). In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 500 to 750 nanometers (nm), 550 to 750 nm, 550 to 700 nm, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, 575 to 750 nm, 600 to 750 nm, or 620 to 750 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 500 to 750 nm, 550 to 750 nm, 550 to 700 nm, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, 575 to 750 nm, 600 to 750 nm, or 620 to 750 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 500 to 750 nm, 550 to 750 nm, 550 to 700 nm, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, 575 to 750 nm, 600 to 750 nm, or 620 to 750 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 500 to 750, 550 to 750 nm, 550 to 700 nm, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, 575 to 750 nm, 600 to 750 nm, or 620 to 750 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 500 to 750 nm, 550 to 750 nm, 550 to 700 nm, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, 575 to 750 nm, 600 to 750 nm, or 620 to 750 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 700 to 750 nm, 650 to 700 nm, 600 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, 550 to 600 nm, or 500 to 550 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 720 to 750 nm, 690 to 720 nm, 660 to 690 nm, 630 to 660 nm, 600 to 630 nm, 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, or 500 to 540 nm.

[0078] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of orange, or include any combination of any other colorant with an orange colorant. In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 450 to 700, 500 to 680, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, or 590 to 620 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 450 to 700, 500 to 680, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, or 590 to 620 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 450 to 700, 500 to 680, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, or 590 to 620 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 450 to 700, 500 to 680, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, or 590 to 620 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 450 to 700, 500 to 680, 550 to 650 nm, 580 to 640 nm, or 590 to 620 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 700 to 750 nm, 650 to 700 nm, 600 to 650 nm, 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, or 450 to 500 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 720 to 750 nm, 690 to 720 nm, 660 to 690 nm, 630 to 660 nm, 600 to 630 nm, 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 480 to 510 nm, or 450 to 480 nm.

[0079] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of yellow, or include any combination of any other colorant with a yellow colorant. In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 420 to 680, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, 480 to 660, 480 to 580 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 550 to 650 nm, or 570 to 590 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 420 to 680, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, 480 to 660, 480 to 580 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 550 to 650 nm, or 570 to 590 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 420 to 680, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, 480 to 660, 480 to 580 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 550 to 650 nm, or 570 to 590 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 420 to 680, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, 480 to 660, 480 to 580 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 550 to 650 nm, or 570 to 590 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 420 to 680, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, 480 to 660, 480 to 580 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 550 to 650 nm, or 570 to 590 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 650 to 680 nm, 600 to 650 nm, 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 450 to 500 nm, or 420 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 660 to 680 nm, 630 to 660 nm, 600 to 630 nm, 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 490 to 520 nm, 480 to 510 nm, 450 to 480 nm, or 420 to 450 nm.

[0080] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of green, or include any combination of any other colorant with a green colorant. In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 380 to 670 nm, 400 nm to 650 nm, 420 to 630 nm, 430 nm to 620 nm, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, or 495 to 570 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 380 to 670 nm, 400 nm to 650 nm, 420 to 630 nm, 430 nm to 620 nm, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, or 495 to 570 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 670 nm, 400 nm to 650 nm, 420 to 630 nm, 430 nm to 620 nm, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, or 495 to 570 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 670 nm, 400 nm to 650 nm, 420 to 630 nm, 430 nm to 620 nm, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, or 495 to 570 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 380 to 670 nm, 400 nm to 650 nm, 420 to 630 nm, 430 nm to 620 nm, 450 nm to 570 nm, 470 to 550 nm, or 495 to 570 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 650 to 670 nm, 600 to 650 nm, 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 450 to 500 nm, 400 to 450 nm, or 380 to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 660 to 670 nm, 630 to 660 nm, 600 to 630 nm, 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 480 to 510 nm, 450 to 480 nm, 420 to 450 nm, or 380 to 420 nm.

[0081] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of blue, or include any combination of any other colorant with a blue colorant. In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 380 to 640 nm, 380 nm to 620 nm, 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 400 to 600 nm, 400 to 550 nm, or 450 to 495 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 380 to 640 nm, 380 nm to 620 nm, 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 400 to 600 nm, 400 to 550 nm, or 450 to 495 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 640 nm, 380 nm to 620 nm, 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 400 to 600 nm, 400 to 550 nm, or 450 to 495 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 640 nm, 380 nm to 620 nm, 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 400 to 600 nm, 400 to 550 nm, or 450 to 495 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 380 to 640 nm, 380 nm to 620 nm, 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 400 to 600 nm, 400 to 550 nm, or 450 to 495 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 600 to 640 nm, 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 450 to 500 nm, 400 to 450 nm, or 380 to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 630 to 640 nm, 600 to 630 nm, 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 480 to 510 nm, 450 to 480 nm, 420 to 450 nm, or 380 to 420 nm.

[0082] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of violet, or include any combination of any other colorant with a violet colorant. In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 450 to 500 nm, 400 to 450 nm, or 380 to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 480 to 510 nm, 450 to 480 nm, 420 to 450 nm, or 380 to 420 nm.

[0083] In some embodiments, the colorant may be any hue or shade of indigo, or include any combination of any other colorant with a indigo colorant. In some embodiments, such a colorant may include a reflectance wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 100% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is at least 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the such a colorant is at most 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, 125%, 130%, 135%, 140%, 150%, 155%, 160%, 165%, 170%, 175%, 180%, 185%, 190%, 195%, or 200% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant is 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% at a wavelength of 380 to 600 nm, 380 nm to 580 nm, 380 nm to 560 nm, 380 to 540 nm, 380 to 500 nm, or 380 to 450 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 550 to 600 nm, 500 to 550 nm, 450 to 500 nm, 400 to 450 nm, or 380 to 400 nm. In some embodiments, the reflectance of such a colorant peaks at 100% to 200%, 100% to 190%, 100% to 180%, 100% to 170%, 100% to 160%, 100% to 150%, 100% to 140%, 100% to 130%, 100% to 120%, 100 to 110%, 110% to 200%, 110% to 190%, 110% to 180%, 110% to 170%, 110% to 160%, 110% to 150%, 110% to 140%, 110% to 130%, 110% to 120%, 120% to 200%, 120% to 190%, 120% to 180%, 120% to 170%, 120% to 160%, 120% to 150%, 120% to 140%, 120% to 130%, 103% to 200%, 103% to 190%, 103% to 180%, 130% to 170%, 130% to 160%, 130% to 150%, 130% to 140%, 140% to 200%, 140% to 190%, 140% to 180%, 140% to 170%, 140% to 160%, or 140% to 150% when reflecting light at a wavelength of 570 to 600 nm, 540 to 570 nm, 510 to 540 nm, 480 to 510 nm, 450 to 480 nm, 420 to 450 nm, or 380 to 420 nm.

[0084] It may be desirable to adjust a coverage percentage of the colorant on an outer surface of the golf ball. For example, in some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 20% to 50% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. For example, in some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 15% to 40% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 5% to 30% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 5% to 20% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 5% to 15% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 30% to 70% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 10% to 40% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 10% to 30% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 20% to 30% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 20% to 40% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 40% to 90% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on 50% to 100% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% or more of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the colorant is disposed on no more than 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90% of the outer surface of the cover.

[0085] In some cases, the golf ball includes a plurality of images or objects disposed on the outer surface of the cover. In such cases, at least one image of the plurality of images incorporates the colorant therein. U.S. Pat. No. 11,013,961 to Michael Fox discusses images that can be disposed on the outer surface of a golf ball cover, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The colorants discussed herein can be incorporated into any of the images discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,013,961 to Michael Fox. For example, the colorants discussed herein can be incorporated into any feature of images such as those shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. For example, the colorants disclosed herein can be incorporated into, or completely make up any marking on a golf ball, such as the markings 602, 604, and 606 shown in FIG. 6B. Such markings can occupy any percentage of cover surface area as has been disclosed herein.

[0086] U.S. Design Pat. No. D1069950 to Christian Maurer; and U.S. Design patent application No. 28 / 921,611 to Christian Maurer; Ser. No. 29 / 858,913 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 858,918 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 858,915 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 787,966 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 787,964 to Michael Fox; and Ser. No. 29 / 787,963 to Michael Fox disclose images and / or designs for the cover of a golf ball, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein. The colorants discussed herein can be incorporated into the images and / or designs disclosed in any one of U.S. Design Pat. No. D1069950 to Christian Maurer; and U.S. Design patent application No. 29 / 921,611 to Christian Maurer; Ser. No. 29 / 858,913 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 858,918 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 858,915 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 787,966 to Michael Fox; Ser. No. 29 / 787,964 to Michael Fox; and Ser. No. 29 / 787,963 to Michael Fox, or any combination thereof. For example, the colorants discussed herein can be incorporated into any features of images and / or designs, such as those disclosed in FIG. 5. For example, the colorants disclosed herein can be incorporated into, or completely make up any marking on a golf ball, such as the markings 502 shown in FIG. 5. Such markings can occupy any percentage of cover surface area as has been disclosed herein. For example, such markings can occupy at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the cover surface area. Such markings can occupy at most 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the cover surface area. Such markings can occupy 10% to 60%, 20% to 60%, 30%, to 60% or 40% to 60% of the cover surface area. Such markings, as shown in FIG. 5, can overlap with each other.

[0087] As has been discussed herein, a golf ball may include a plurality of coatings disposed on an outer surface of the cover. For example, it is common for golf balls to include any combination of: priming coatings; paint coatings; paint or ink for providing a name, logo, or stamp on the golf ball; and clear coats. As has been discussed herein, it may be desirable to limit the number of coatings and to also limit film thickness of the coatings to improve aerodynamic performance. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the golf ball may include two coatings disposed on an outer surface of the cover. In some cases, a first coating may include the colorant to provide a color to the surface of the golf ball (e.g., in images, lines, or other geometrical shapes) and a second coating may include a clear coat used for protecting the golf ball cover and / or improving an appearance thereof. In such cases, any white color on the surface of such a golf ball can be incorporated into and provided by the cover material itself, and the golf ball need not include any white paint or other coatings in order to achieve that white color. In some cases, the golf ball may include three coatings disposed on an outer surface of the cover. In some cases, a first coating may include the colorant to provide a color to the surface of the golf ball (e.g., in images, lines, or other geometrical shapes), a second coating may include an additional colorant (e.g., black ink) for providing a logo / stamp on the golf ball cover, and a third coating may include a clear coat used for protecting the golf ball cover and / or improving an appearance thereof. In some embodiments, a first coating can comprise the colorant disposed at multiple different locations on the cover surface all disposed of a substantially equal film thickness to make up a first coating. In such cases, two or more colorants can be used to provide multiple colors at the different locations. In some embodiments, a first coating can include a first colorant of a first color, and a second coating can include a second colorant of a second color covering at least a portion of the first coating. In some embodiments, the colorant can be under an outer clear coat, as has been discussed herein. In some embodiments, the color is disposed outside of a clear coat. In such a case, the colorant may be the outermost layer / coating on the golf ball.

[0088] In some cases, a golf ball can include multiple colors on a cover surface thereof. In some cases, only one color is made of the colorants discussed herein. In such cases, the other colors can be provided by: the color of the cover material itself or other paints or inks. In some cases, only two, three, four, or five colors are made up of the colorants discussed herein. In some cases, all colors are made up of the colorants discussed herein.

[0089] In some embodiments, the golf ball cover comprises a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., black), and a third color (e.g., a non-white and non-black color produced by the colorant). In some embodiments, the first color is provided by the color of the cover material itself. In some embodiments, the second color (e.g., black) can also be made up of the colorants disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the golf ball can have a plurality of non-white and non-black colors. The relationship of these non-white and non-black colors (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) to the first (e.g., white) and second (e.g., black) colors, as well as to each other, are described herein using CIELab and ΔE*ab values.

[0090] Color examples are described, for convenience, with respect to CIELab color spaced using L*a*b* color values or L*C*h color values, but other color descriptions can be used. As used herein, L* is referred to as lightness, a* and b* are referred to as chromaticity coordinates, C* is referred to as chroma, and h is referred to as hue. In the CIELab color space, +a* is a red direction, −a* is a green direction, +b* is a yellow direction, and −b* is the blue direction. L* has a value of 100 for a perfect white diffuser. Chroma and hue are polar coordinates associated with a* and b*, wherein chroma (C*) is a distance from the axis along which a*=b*=0 and hue is an angle measured counterclockwise from the +a* axis. The following description is generally based on values associated with standard illuminant D65 at 10 degrees. This illuminant is similar to outside daylight lighting, but other illuminants can be used as well, if desired, and tabulated data provided herein generally includes values for illuminant A at 10 degrees and illuminant F2 at 10 degree. These illuminants are noted in tabulated data simply as D, A, and F for convenience. The terms brightness are used in the following description to refer to CIELab coordinate L*.

[0091] The difference in colors on the golf ball can also be described using ΔE*ab values. The value of ΔE*ab is calculated according the below equation in Eq. 1:Δ⁢E*ab=√((Δ⁢L)2+(Δ⁢a)2+(Δ⁢b)2)Eq. 1Where ΔL is the lightness difference between the target specimen and the specimen having the color being evaluated; and Δa, Δb are differences of the CIE 1976 a*and b*co-ordinates, respectively.In some embodiments, the first color (e.g., white) comprises an L value of 75 to 100 (e.g., 85.5 to 95.5), an a value of −18 to 12 (e.g., −8 to 2), and a b value of −22.5 to 8.5 (e.g., −12.5 to −2.5). In some embodiments, the second color (e.g., black) comprises an L value of 0 to 23 (e.g., 2.95 to 12.95), an a value of −15 to 15 (e.g., −4.62 to 5.38), and a b value of −14 to 17 (e.g., −3.21 to 6.79).

[0093] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an L value of 25 to 100, an a value of −50 to 60, and a b value of −40 to 75. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an L value of 80 to 100 (e.g., 91.82 to 100), an a value of −60 to −30 (e.g., −49.5 to −39.5 or −45 to −35), and a b value of 56 to 86 (e.g., 66.83 to 76.83). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an L value of 51 to 81 (e.g., 61.67 to 71.67), an a value of 40 to 70 (e.g., 50 to 60), and a b value of 0 to 30 (e.g., 9.18 to 19.18). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an L value of 45 to 75 (e.g., 55.1 to 65.1), an a value of −50 to −20 (e.g., −40.5 to −30.5), and a b value of −55 to −23 (e.g., −43.5 to −33.5). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an L value of 14 to 44 (e.g., 24.8 to 34.8), an a value of −17 to 15 (e.g., −6.6 to 3.4), and a b value of −43 to −12 (e.g., −32.8 to −22.8). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an L value of 45 to 76 (e.g., 56.1 to 66.1), an a value of 32 to 62 (e.g., 42.6 to 52.6), and a b value of 31 to 61 (e.g., 41.5 to 51.5). In some embodiments, the golf ball may include any number of the non-white and non-black colors with the Lab values disclosed herein on the surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the cover surface includes one non-white and non-black color with the Lab values disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cover surface includes at least two non-white and non-black colors with the Lab values disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cover surface includes at least three non-white and non-black colors with the Lab values disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cover surface includes at least four non-white and non-black colors with the Lab values disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cover surface includes at least five non-white and non-black colors with the Lab values disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the cover surface includes at least six non-white and non-black colors with the Lab values disclosed herein. The non-white and non-black colors on the surface of the golf ball can be organized in any way as discussed herein. The non-white and non-black colors on the surface of the golf ball can be included in any image or tessellated pattern as has been discussed herein.

[0094] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 45 to 100. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 75 to 105 (e.g., 84.75 to 94.75). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 50 to 80 (e.g., 61.36 to 71.36). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 40 to 70 (e.g., 49.23 to 59.23). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 50 to 80 (e.g., 59.02 to 69.02). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 64 to 94 (e.g., 74.63 to 84.63).

[0095] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 30 to 130. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 106 to 136 (e.g., 116.72 to 126.72). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 66 to 96 (e.g., 76.15 to 86.15). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 60 to 90 (e.g., 70.04 to 80.04). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 21 to 51 (e.g., 31.84 to 41.84). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 68 to 98 (e.g., 78.99 to 88.99).

[0096] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 1 and 66. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 0 to 22 (e.g., 1.32 and 11.32). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 8 to 38 (e.g., 18.83 and 28.83). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 15 to 45 (e.g., 25.4 and 35.4). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 45 to 75 (e.g., 55.7 and 65.7). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 15 to 45 (e.g., 24.9 and 34.9).

[0097] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 1 and 65. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 26 to 56 (e.g., 36.49 and 46.49). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 43 and 73 (e.g., 53.01 and 63.01). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 17 to 47 (e.g., 27.5 and 37.5). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 0 and 20 (e.g., 1 and 7). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 35 and 65 (e.g., 45.6 and 55.6).

[0098] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 15 and 85. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 64 to 94 (e.g., 74.33 and 84.33). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 6 to 36 (e.g., 16.68 and 26.68). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 16 to 46 (e.g., 26 and 36). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 5 and 35 (e.g., 15.3 and 25.3). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the first color (e.g., a white color) of between 39 and 69 (e.g., 49 and 59).

[0099] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 15 and 95. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 73 and 100 (e.g., 83.87 and 93.87). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 43 and 73 (e.g., 53.72 and 63.72). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 37 to 67 (e.g., 47.15 and 57.15). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 6 and 36 (e.g., 16.85 and 26.85). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab L value (|ΔL|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 38 and 68 (e.g., 48.15 and 58.15).

[0100] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 1 and 60. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 29 to 59 (e.g., 39.87 and 49.87). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 39 to 69 (e.g., 49.63 and 59.63). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 20 to 50 (e.g., 30.88 and 40.88). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 0 and 20 (e.g., 1 and 7). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab a value (|Δa|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 32 and 62 (e.g., 42.22 and 52.22).

[0101] In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 6 and 75. In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 55 and 85 (e.g., 65.04 and 75.04). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 1 and 28 (e.g., 7.39 and 17.39). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 25 and 55 (e.g., 35.29 and 45.29). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 15 to 45 (e.g., 24.59 and 34.59). In some embodiments, the third color (e.g., a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth or more non-white and non-black color) comprises an absolute value difference in CIELab b value (|Δb|), relative to the second color (e.g., a black color) of between 30 to 60 (e.g., 39.71 and 49.71).

[0102] In some embodiments, the golf ball includes at least two colors provided by two colorants on the cover surface providing non-white and non-black colors. In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 108 to 128 (e.g., 113 to 123). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 106 to 126 (e.g., 111 to 121). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 117 to 137 (e.g., 122 to 132). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 91 to 111 (e.g., 96 to 106). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 94 to 114 (e.g., 99 to 109). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 69 to 89 (e.g., 74 to 84). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 23 to 43 (e.g., 28 to 38). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 36 to 56 (e.g., 41 to 51). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 106 to 126 (e.g., 111 to 121). In some embodiments, the first colorant has a ΔE*ab value relative to the second color of between 84 to 104 (e.g., 89 to 99). The ΔE*ab values provided in this paragraph can apply to a first and second color in an embodiment when only two non-white and non-black colors are used. The ΔE*ab values provided in this paragraph can also apply to a first and second color in an embodiment when more than two non-white and non-black colors are used. For example, the ΔE*ab values provided in this paragraph can be the ΔE*ab values of any possible two-color combination chosen from the number of non-white and non-black colors on the surface of the golf ball.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, a golf ball as disclosed herein may have pole segments (e.g., a first and second pole segment) 102, outer stripes (e.g., a first and second outer stripe) 104, and a circumferential stripe 106 between the outer stripes 104. In some embodiments, the pole segments 102 may be made up of a first color (e.g., white), the outer stripes 104 may be made up of a second color (e.g., black) and the circumferential stripe can be made up of a third color made up of a colorant disclosed herein.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first pole segment and the second pole segment each comprise substantially the same amount of surface area coverage on the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the first pole segment and the second pole segment each cover 30% to 60%, 30% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 40% to 50%, 20% to 50%, 20% to 40%, 15% to 40%, 15% to 35%, 15% to 40%, 15% to 30%, 10% to 40%, or 10% to 30% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the first pole segment and the second pole segment each have a height H of 4 to 15 millimeters (mm), 6 mm to 15 mm, 8 mm to 12 mm, 8 mm to 10 mm, 8 mm to 15 mm, 7 mm to 20 mm, 15 mm to 20 mm, 15 mm to 25 mm, 10 mm to 25 mm, 10 mm to 20 mm, or 9 mm to 12 mm.

[0105] In some embodiments, the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each comprise substantially the same amount of surface area coverage on the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each cover 5% to 20% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each cover 1% to 10%, 1% to 8%, 1% to 5%, 3% to 9%, 5% to 10%, 5% to 15%, 7% to 12%, 6% to 12%, 4% to 10%, or 5% to 8% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each have a height H of 2 to 10 millimeters (mm), 1.5 mm to 4 mm, 2 mm to 4 mm, 2 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 6 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 4 mm to 6 mm, 2.5 mm to 5.5 mm, 0.5 mm to 10 mm, 0.5 mm to 6 mm, 0.5 mm to 5 mm, 0.5 mm to 3 mm, or 0.8 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the outer stripes may include text, images, or numbers. In some embodiments, the outer stripes may be a solid line of one or more colors. In some embodiments, there may be one or more breaks in the outer stripes leading to one or more segments of stripes. In some embodiments, the outers tripes may include a tessellated image or pattern. For example, the tessellated pattern may include a repeating pattern of circular dots that make up the first and / or second outer stripe. In such cases, there may be some color (e.g., white or any of the colors discussed herein) of the base color of the cover of the golf ball showing in between the circular dots (e.g., black or any color disclosed herein dots). In some embodiments, the tessellated image includes any shape in a repeating pattern. For example, the tessellated image can include circles, squares, triangles, hexagons, pentagons, trapezoid, rhombus, parallelogram, sphere, prism, or any other polygon of any number of sides, or any and all combinations thereof. The shapes may be made up of the same or differing colors. The shapes may include any combination of colorants disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the tessellated image / repeating pattern can be used in other areas of the golf ball in any of the images or designed discussed herein, and need not be limited to the first or second outer stripes.

[0106] In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe covers 20% to 60%, 5% to 15%, 5% to 10%, 8% to 12%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 40%, 35% to 45%, 35% to 40%, 35% to 60%, or 40% to 70% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe has a height H of 15 to 25 millimeters (mm), 10 mm to 20 mm, 14 to 16 mm, 2 to 5 mm, 1 to 6 mm, 12 to 16 mm, or 13 to 17 mm. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe is continuous around an entire surface of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe is broken up into one or more sections. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe may include text, images, or numbers. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe may be a solid line of one or more colors. In some embodiments, there may be one or more breaks in the circumferential stripe leading to one or more segments of stripes. In some embodiments, the color in between the segments of the circumferential stripe can be the base color of the golf ball cover. In some embodiments, the circumferential stripe may include a tessellated image / repeating pattern as has been discussed herein above.

[0107] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1B-1C, the outer surface of the cover further comprises an equatorial stripe 108 on an equator of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe 108, can lie on a seam of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe need not lie on a seam of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe 108 comprises the second color (e.g., a black color). In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe 108 comprises the first color. In some cases, the equatorial stripe is white and is printed onto the surface of the golf ball. In some cases, the equatorial stripe is white and the white color is achieved by the color of the cover layer material itself (e.g., it is not printed onto the surface of the golf ball, and instead color is printed around the stripe). In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe 108 comprises any number of non-white and non-black colors. In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe 108 extends around an entire circumference of the outer surface of the cover, as shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe comprises two or more sections with the colorant of the third color disposed between the sections, as shown in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, at least one section comprises text or numbers. In some embodiments, the equatorial stripe can include a tessellated image / repeating pattern as has been discussed herein above.EXAMPLES

[0108] The following examples are included for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts.Example 1: Yellow Reflectance and Pink Reflectance

[0109] Reflectance data gathered using a Konica Minolta CM-5 spectrophotometer using the known Standard Illuminant D-65 is provided in FIGS. 2A-2B. FIG. 2A illustrates reflectance for a golf ball with a yellow colorant. FIG. 2B illustrates reflectance for a golf ball with a pink colorant. As shown, each of these golf balls provide a reflectance of greater than 100%. The yellow colorant has a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 470 to 550 nanometers (nm). The yellow colorant peaks (e.g., has a maximum reflectance value) at 123.65% reflectance at 500 nm. The pink colorant has a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 600 to 650 nanometers (nm). The pink colorant peaks (e.g., has a maximum reflectance value) at 111.47% reflectance at 620 nm.Example 2: Yellow Reflectance

[0110] Reflectance data gathered using a Konica Minolta CM-5 spectrophotometer using the known Standard Illuminant D-65 is provided in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4A illustrates reflectance for a golf ball with a yellow colorant. As shown, the yellow colorant provides a reflectance of greater than 100%. The yellow colorant has a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 500 to 550 nanometers (nm). The yellow colorant peaks (e.g., has a maximum reflectance value) at 135% reflectance at 520 nm.Example 3: Yellow Reflectance

[0111] Reflectance data gathered using a Konica Minolta CM-5 spectrophotometer using the known Standard Illuminant D-65 is provided in FIG. 4B. FIG. 4B illustrates reflectance for a golf ball with a yellow colorant. As shown, the yellow colorant provides a reflectance of greater than 100%. The yellow colorant has a reflectance of greater than 100% when reflecting light at a wavelength of from 470 to 550 nanometers (nm). The yellow colorant peaks (e.g., has a maximum reflectance value) at 141% reflectance at 510 nm.Golf Ball Materials and Methods of Construction

[0112] Golf balls are typically produced by pressing together two hemispherical mold halves that form a dimple pattern in a suitable material, such as a synthetic resin or other material, contained in the mold. In conventional approaches, the resulting golf ball may have a line formed on the ball called a parting line or seam which is the line formed by the coming together of the hemispherical mold halves during the molding process. In some cases, the dimples are separated slightly to make room for the parting line, which results in a perceptible parting line between the halves of the ball, which is coincident with the golf ball equator. In other cases, the mold halves are manufactured such the mating surfaces interlock to varying degrees when coming together such that the parting line or seam is more closely associated with the curvature of the dimples in close proximity the parting line and thus the parting line may in some cases straddle the equator of the golf ball at various points. This renders the parting line or seam less noticeable and thus are often referred to as “seamless” dimple patterns as compared the more convention patterns with a more noticeable seam. Attempts to configure the parting line to minimize visibility and its effect on the dimple pattern are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,511,524 to R. Stefan having an issue date of Dec. 6, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0113] The golf balls of the present disclosure are not limited to the type of parting line configuration selected and include both the conventional type of seam as well any of the so-called seamless dimple parting lines.

[0114] However, the generation of the dimple pattern as occurs during the molding process of the outer cover layer of the golf balls of the present disclosure provides another constraint on how shallow a dimple may be used. The golf ball seam is formed when the two halves of a golf ball mold come together in the molding process at the mold parting line, some seepage or flash of the molten polymer used for the outer cover in the vicinity of the golf ball parting occurs. On cooling and removal of the golf ball from the mold this polymer seepage or flash tends to stay with the ball and must be removed by an abrasive buffing procedure. Great care is required during the buffing process to avoid damaging the dimple edges.

[0115] Buffing problems for the so called “seamless” balls are more acute as the ball may have a parting line in a sinusoidal or saw tooth pattern or a combination of these and the like. The golf ball is then formed from a first hemispherical portion and a second hemispherical portion that are joined together at the mold parting line. This parting line may allow for the interdigitation of dimples across the equator. A more severe buffing problem for such “seamless” dimple patterns arises because of the dimples which are located so close to the parting line. Attempts to alleviate this problem may include the use of additional stock in the parting line vicinity and or chamfering the parting line to minimize the contact area.

[0116] The golf balls of the present disclosure may comprise from 0 to at least 5 intermediate layer(s), preferably from 0 to 3 intermediate layer(s), more preferably from 1 to 3 intermediate layer(s), and most preferably 1 to 2 intermediate layer(s).

[0117] Given the ubiquity of synthetic polymers and their wide range of properties it is not surprising that a large number of polymers along with their attendant stabilizing additive and filler packages are generally considered useful for making the components of the golf balls of the present disclosure including their core, intermediate layer(s) and outer cover layer. These include, without limitation the materials and attendant manufacturing methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,047,933, col 7 line 14 to column 22, line 6, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0118] More specific examples of particular polymeric materials useful for making golf ball cores, optional intermediate layer(s) and outer covers, again without limitation, are provided below.

[0119] A most preferred polymeric material for the outer cover layer of the golf ball of the present disclosure is a polyurea or polyurethane, prepared by combining a diisocyanate with either a polyamine or polyol respectively, and one or more chain extenders (in the case of a thermoplastic polyurea or polyurethane) or curing agents (in the case of a thermoset polyurea or polyurethane) The final composition may advantageously be employed as an intermediate layer in a golf ball and even more advantageously as an outer cover layer.

[0120] The diisocyante and polyol or polyamine components may be previously combined to form a prepolymer prior to reaction with the chain extender or curing agent. Any such prepolymer combination is suitable for use in the present disclosure. Commercially available prepolymers include LFH580, LFH120, LFH710, LFH1570, LF930A, LF950A, LF601D, LF751D, LFG963A, LFG640D.

[0121] In the case of a thermoset polyurethane or polyurea, most preferred prepolymers are the polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated toluene diisocyanate prepolymers including those available from Uniroyal Chemical Company of Middlebury, Conn., under the trade name ADIPRENE® LF930A, LF950A, LF601D, and LF751D.

[0122] Preferably the curative may comprise a slow-reacting diamine or a fast-reacting diamine or any and all mixtures thereof. Such diamines include dimethylthio-2,4-toluenediamine sold under the trade name Ethacure® 300 and diethyl-2,4-toluenediamine sold under the trade name Ethacure® 100 both by Albermarle Corporation, Other curatives or additional additives may be added to control the cure rate of the thermoset mixture including diols polyols and polymeric diols and polyols. On such diol is butane 1,4-diol.

[0123] Because the polyureas or polyurethanes used to make the covers of such golf balls generally contain an aromatic component, e.g., aromatic diisocyanate, polyol, or polyamine, they are susceptible to discoloration upon exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light. To slow down the discoloration, light and UV stabilizers, e.g., TINUVIN® 770, 765, 571 and 328, are added to these aromatic polymeric materials. In addition, non-aromatic components may be used to minimize this discoloration, one example of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,879,968, filed on May 31, 2007, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0124] The formulations and methods of making the thermoset polyurethane and polyurea used to form the outer cover layers of the golf balls of the present disclosure are more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,864 issuing on Sep. 21, 2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0125] The outer cover and / or one or intermediate layers of the golf ball may also comprise one or more ionomer resins. One family of such resins was developed in the mid-1960's, by E.I. DuPont de Nemours and Co., and sold under the trademark SURLYN®. Preparation of such ionomers is well known, for example see U.S. Pat. No. 3,264,272. Generally speaking, most commercial ionomers are unimodal and consist of a polymer of a mono-olefin, e.g., an alkene, with an unsaturated mono- or dicarboxylic acids having 3 to 12 carbon atoms. An additional monomer in the form of a mono- or dicarboxylic acid ester may also be incorporated in the formulation as a so-called “softening comonomer.” The incorporated carboxylic acid groups are then neutralized by a basic metal ion salt, to form the ionomer. The metal cations of the basic metal ion salt used for neutralization include Li+, Na+, K+, Zn2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, and Mg2+, with the Li+, Na+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Mg2+ being preferred. The basic metal ion salts include those of for example formic acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, and carbonic acid, hydrogen carbonate salts, oxides, hydroxides, and alkoxides.

[0126] The first commercially available ionomer resins contained up to 16 weight percent acrylic or methacrylic acid, although it was also well known at that time that, as a general rule, the hardness of these cover materials could be increased with increasing acid content. Hence, in Research Disclosure 29703, published in January 1989, DuPont disclosed ionomers based on ethylene / acrylic acid or ethylene / methacrylic acid containing acid contents of greater than 15 weight percent. In this same disclosure, DuPont also taught that such so called “high acid ionomers” had significantly improved stiffness and hardness and thus could be advantageously used in golf ball construction, when used either singly or in a blend with other ionomers.

[0127] More recently, high acid ionomers can be ionomer resins with acrylic or methacrylic acid units present from 16 wt. % to 35 wt. % in the polymer. Generally, such a high acid ionomer will have a flexural modulus from 50,000 psi to 125,000 psi.

[0128] Ionomer resins further comprising a softening comonomer, present from 10 wt. % to 50 wt. % in the polymer, have a flexural modulus from 2,000 psi to 10,000 psi, and are sometimes referred to as “soft” or “very low modulus” ionomers. Typical softening comonomers include n-butyl acrylate, iso-butyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate.

[0129] Today, there are a wide variety of commercially available ionomer resins based both on copolymers of ethylene and (meth)acrylic acid or terpolymers of ethylene and (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylate, all of which many of which are be used as a golf ball component. The properties of these ionomer resins can vary widely due to variations in acid content, softening comonomer content, the degree of neutralization, and the type of metal ion used in the neutralization. The full range commercially available typically includes ionomers of polymers of general formula, E / X / Y polymer, wherein E is ethylene, X is a C3 to C8 α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as acrylic or methacrylic acid, and is present in an amount from 2 to 30 weight % of the E / X / Y copolymer, and Y is a softening comonomer selected from the group consisting of alkyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylate, such as methyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate, and wherein the alkyl groups have from 1-8 carbon atoms, Y is in the range of 0 to 50 weight % of the E / X / Y copolymer, and wherein the acid groups present in said ionomeric polymer are partially neutralized with a metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and combinations thereof.

[0130] The ionomer may also be a so-called bimodal ionomer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,562,906 (the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference). These ionomers are bimodal as they are prepared from blends comprising polymers of different molecular weights. Specifically they include bimodal polymer blend compositions comprising: a) a high molecular weight component having molecular weight of 80,000 to 500,000 and comprising one or more ethylene / α,β-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers and / or one or more ethylene, alkyl(meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid terpolymers; said high molecular weight component being partially neutralized with metal ions selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and a mixture of any these; and b) a low molecular weight component having a molecular weight of from 2,000 to 30,000 and comprising one or more ethylene / α,β-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers and / or one or more ethylene, alkyl(meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid terpolymers; said low molecular weight component being partially neutralized with metal ions selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and a mixture of any these.

[0131] In addition to the unimodal and bimodal ionomers, also included are the so-called “modified ionomers” examples of which are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,100,321, 6,329,458 and 6,616,552, the entire contents of all of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0132] The modified unimodal ionomers may be prepared by mixing: a) an ionomeric polymer comprising ethylene, from 5 to 25 weight percent (meth)acrylic acid, and from 0 to 40 weight percent of a (meth)acrylate monomer, said ionomeric polymer neutralized with metal ions selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and any and all mixtures thereof; and b) from 5 to 40 weight percent (based on the total weight of said modified ionomeric polymer) of one or more fatty acids or metal salts of said fatty acid, the metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and any and all mixtures thereof; and the fatty acid preferably being stearic acid.

[0133] The modified bimodal ionomers, which are ionomers derived from the earlier described bimodal ethylene / carboxylic acid polymers (as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,562,906, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference), are prepared by mixing; a) a high molecular weight component having molecular weight of 80,000 to 500,000 and comprising one or more ethylene / α,β-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers and / or one or more ethylene, alkyl (meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid terpolymers; said high molecular weight component being partially neutralized with metal ions selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and any and all mixtures thereof; and b) a low molecular weight component having a molecular weight of from 2,000 to 30,000 and comprising one or more ethylene / α,β-ethylenically unsaturated C3-8 carboxylic acid copolymers and / or one or more ethylene, alkyl(meth)acrylate, (meth)acrylic acid terpolymers; said low molecular weight component being partially neutralized with metal ions selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and any and all mixtures thereof; and c) from 5 to 40 weight percent (based on the total weight of said modified ionomeric polymer) of one or more fatty acids or metal salts of said fatty acid, the metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, barium, lead, tin, zinc or aluminum, and any and all mixtures thereof; and the fatty acid preferably being stearic acid.

[0134] More specifically, the fatty or waxy acid salts utilized in the various modified ionomers are composed of a chain of alkyl groups containing from 4 to 75 carbon atoms (usually even numbered) and characterized by a —COOH terminal group. The generic formula for all fatty and waxy acids above acetic acid is CH3(CH2)xCOOH, wherein the carbon atom count includes the carboxyl group (i.e. x=2-73). The fatty or waxy acids utilized to produce the fatty or waxy acid salts modifiers may be saturated or unsaturated, and they may be present in solid, semi-solid or liquid form.

[0135] Examples of suitable saturated fatty acids, i.e., fatty acids in which the carbon atoms of the alkyl chain are connected by single bonds, include but are not limited to stearic acid (CH3(CH2)16COOH), palmitic acid (CH3(CH2)14COOH), pelargonic acid (CH3(CH2)7COOH) and lauric acid (CH3(CH2)10COOH). Examples of suitable unsaturated fatty acids, i.e., a fatty acid in which there are one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, include but are not limited to oleic acid (CH3(CH2)7CH:CH(CH2)7COOH).

[0136] The source of the metal ions used to produce the metal salts of the fatty or waxy acid salts used in the various modified ionomers are generally various metal salts which provide the metal ions capable of neutralizing, to various extents, the carboxylic acid groups of the fatty acids. These include the sulfate, carbonate, acetate and hydroxylate salts of zinc, barium, calcium and magnesium.

[0137] Since the fatty acid salts modifiers comprise various combinations of fatty acids neutralized with a large number of different metal ions, several different types of fatty acid salts may be utilized in the disclosure, including metal stearates, laureates, oleates, and palmitates, with calcium, zinc, sodium, lithium, potassium and magnesium stearate being preferred, and calcium and sodium stearate being most preferred.

[0138] The fatty or waxy acid or metal salt of said fatty or waxy acid is present in the modified ionomeric polymers in an amount of from 5 to 40, preferably from 7 to 35, more preferably from 8 to 20 weight percent (based on the total weight of said modified ionomeric polymer).

[0139] As a result of the addition of the one or more metal salts of a fatty or waxy acid, from 40 to 100, preferably from 50 to 100, more preferably from 70 to 100 percent of the acidic groups in the final modified ionomeric polymer composition are neutralized by a metal ion. Suitable modified ionomer polymers contemplated for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the ENTIRA® family of polymers including ENTIRA 8218 commercially available from Dow Chemical and Dupont® HPF 1000, Dupont® HPF 1035, Dupont® HPF AD 1072, Dupont® HPF 2000, Dupont® HPC AD 1043, and Dupont® HPC AD 1022, all commercially available from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.

[0140] A preferred ionomer composition may be prepared by blending one or more of the unimodal ionomers, bimodal ionomers, or modified unimodal or bimodal ionomeric polymers as described herein, and further blended with a zinc neutralized ionomer of a polymer of general formula E / X / Y where E is ethylene, X is a softening comonomer such as acrylate or methacrylate and is present in an amount of from 0 to 50, preferably 0 to 25, most preferably 0, and Y is acrylic or methacrylic acid and is present in an amount from 5 wt. % to 25, preferably from 10 to 25, and most preferably 10 to 20 wt % of the total composition.

[0141] Golf balls materials within the scope of the present disclosure also can include, in suitable amounts, one or more additional ingredients generally employed in plastics formulation or the preparation of golf ball compositions. Conventional additives such as plasticizers, pigments, antioxidants, U.V. absorbers, optical brighteners, or any other additives may generally employed. Agents provided to achieve specific functions, such as additives and stabilizers, can be present. Exemplary suitable ingredients include colorants, antioxidants, colorants, dispersants, mold releasing agents, processing aids, fillers, and any and all combinations thereof. Although not required, UV stabilizers, or photo stabilizers such as substituted hydroxphenyl benzotriazoles may be utilized in the present disclosure to enhance the UV stability of the final compositions. An example of a commercially available UV stabilizer is the stabilizer sold by Ciba Geigy Corporation under the tradename TINUVIN®.

[0142] Typically, the various golf ball intermediate layer and / or cover formulations compositions are made by mixing together the various components and other additives with or without melting them. Dry blending equipment, such as a tumble mixer, V-blender, ribbon blender, or two-roll mill, can be used to mix the compositions. The golf ball compositions can also be mixed using a mill, internal mixer such as a Banbury or Farrel continuous mixer, extruder or combinations of these, with or without application of thermal energy to produce melting.

[0143] The cores of the golf balls of the present disclosure may include the traditional rubber components used in golf ball applications including, both natural and synthetic rubbers, such as cis-1,4-polybutadiene, trans-1,4-polybutadiene, 1,2-polybutadiene, cis-polyisoprene, trans-polyisoprene, polyalkenamers, polychloroprene, polybutylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer and partially and fully hydrogenated equivalents, styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer and partially and fully hydrogenated equivalents, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, and polyurethane, as well as mixtures of these. Polybutadiene rubbers, especially 1,4-polybutadiene rubbers containing at least 40 mol %, and more preferably 80 to 100 mol % of cis-1,4 bonds, are preferred because of their high rebound resilience, moldability, and high strength after vulcanization. The polybutadiene component may be synthesized by using rare earth-based catalysts, nickel-based catalysts, or cobalt-based catalysts, conventionally used in this field. Polybutadiene obtained by using lanthanum rare earth-based catalysts usually employ a combination of a lanthanum rare earth (atomic number of 57 to 71)-compound, but particularly preferred is a neodymium compound.

[0144] When synthetic rubbers such as the aforementioned polybutadienes and / or its blends are used in the golf balls of the present disclosure they may contain further materials typically often used in rubber formulations including crosslinking agents, co-crosslinking agents, peptizers and accelerators.

[0145] Suitable cross-linking agents for use in the golf balls of the present disclosure include peroxides, sulfur compounds, or other known chemical cross-linking agents, as well as mixtures of these. Non-limiting examples of suitable cross-linking agents include primary, secondary, or tertiary aliphatic or aromatic organic peroxides such as Trigonox® 145-45B, marketed by Akrochem Corp. of Akron, Ohio; 1,1-bis(t-butylperoxy)-3,3,5 tri-methylcyclohexane, such as Varox® 231-XL, marketed by R. T. Vanderbilt Co., Inc. of Norwalk, Conn.; and di-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)peroxide.

[0146] Besides the use of chemical cross-linking agents, exposure of the composition to radiation also can serve as a cross-linking agent. Radiation can be applied to the unsaturated polymer mixture by any known method, including using microwave or gamma radiation, or an electron beam device. Additives may also be used to improve radiation curing of the diene polymer.

[0147] The rubber and cross-linking agent may be blended with a co-cross-linking agent, which may be a metal salt of an unsaturated carboxylic acid. Examples of these include zinc and magnesium salts of unsaturated fatty acids having 3 to 8 carbon atoms, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, and fumaric acid, palmitic acid with the zinc salts of acrylic and methacrylic acid being most preferred. The core compositions used in the present disclosure may also incorporate one or more of the so-called “peptizers”.

[0148] The peptizer preferably comprises an organic sulfur compound and / or its metal or non-metal salt. Examples of such organic sulfur compounds include thiophenols, such as pentachlorothiophenol, 4-butyl-o-thiocresol, 4 t-butyl-p-thiocresol, and 2-benzamidothiophenol; thiocarboxylic acids, such as thiobenzoic acid; 4,4′ dithio dimorpholine; and, sulfides, such as dixylyl disulfide, dibenzoyl disulfide; dibenzothiazyl disulfide; di(pentachlorophenyl)disulfide; dibenzamido diphenyldisulfide (DBDD), and alkylated phenol sulfides, such as VULTAC® marketed by Atofina Chemicals, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pa. Preferred organic sulfur compounds include pentachlorothiophenol, and dibenzamido diphenyldisulfide.

[0149] Examples of the metal salt of an organic sulfur compound include sodium, potassium, lithium, magnesium calcium, barium, cesium and zinc salts of the above-mentioned thiophenols and thiocarboxylic acids, with the zinc salt of pentachlorothiophenol being most preferred.

[0150] Examples of the non-metal salt of an organic sulfur compound include ammonium salts of the above-mentioned thiophenols and thiocarboxylic acids wherein the ammonium cation has the general formula [NR1R2R3R4]+ where R1 R2 R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, a C1-C20 aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic moiety, and any and all combinations thereof, with the most preferred being the NH4+-salt of pentachlorothiophenol.

[0151] Additional peptizers include aromatic or conjugated peptizers comprising one or more heteroatoms, such as nitrogen, oxygen and / or sulfur. More typically, such peptizers are heteroaryl or heterocyclic compounds having at least one heteroatom, and potentially plural heteroatoms, where the plural heteroatoms may be the same or different. Such peptizers include peptizers such as an indole peptizer, a quinoline peptizer, an isoquinoline peptizer, a pyridine peptizer, purine peptizer, a pyrimidine peptizer, a diazine peptizer, a pyrazine peptizer, a triazine peptizer, a carbazole peptizer, or combinations of such peptizers. A most preferred such peptizer is a tetrachloro-pyridinethiol and most preferably 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-4-pyridinethiol.

[0152] Such peptizers are more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,912,286 issuing on Dec. 16, 2014, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0153] The core component polymer(s), crosslinking agent(s), filler(s) and the like can be mixed together with or without melting them. In one method of manufacture the cross-linking agents and other components can be added to the unsaturated polymer as part of a concentrate using dry blending, roll milling, or melt mixing. The various core components can be mixed together with the cross-linking agents, or each additive can be added in an appropriate sequence to the milled unsaturated polymer. The resulting mixture can be subjected to, for example, a compression or injection molding process, to obtain solid spheres for the core. The polymer mixture is subjected to a molding cycle in which heat, and pressure are applied while the mixture is confined within a mold. The cavity shape depends on the portion of the golf ball being formed. The compression and heat liberate free radicals by decomposing one or more peroxides, which initiate cross-linking. The temperature and duration of the molding cycle are selected based upon the type of peroxide and peptizer selected. The molding cycle may have a single step of molding the mixture at a single temperature for fixed time duration.

[0154] After core formation, the golf ball cover and any mantle layers are typically positioned over the core using one of three methods: casting, injection molding, or compression molding.

[0155] Injection molding generally involves using a mold having one or more sets of two hemispherical mold sections that mate to form a spherical cavity during the molding process. The pairs of mold sections are configured to define a spherical cavity in their interior when mated. When used to mold an outer cover layer for a golf ball, the mold sections can be configured so that the inner surfaces that mate to form the spherical cavity include protrusions configured to form dimples on the outer surface of the molded cover layer. When used to mold an intermediate layer(s) onto an existing structure, such as a ball core, the mold includes a number of support pins disposed throughout the mold sections. The support pins are configured to be retractable, moving into and out of the cavity perpendicular to the spherical cavity surface. The support pins maintain the position of the core while the molten material flows through the gates into the cavity between the core and the mold sections. The mold itself may be a cold mold or a heated mold.

[0156] Compression molding of a ball outer cover or intermediate layer(s) may also utilize the initial step of making half shells by injection molding the layer material into an injection mold. The half shells then are positioned in a compression mold around a ball core, whereupon heat and pressure are used to mold the half shells into a complete layer over the core, with or without a chemical reaction such as crosslinking Compression molding also can be used as a curing step after injection molding. In such a process, an outer layer of thermally curable material is injection molded around a core in a cold mold. After the material solidifies, the ball is removed and placed into a mold, in which heat, and pressure are applied to the ball to induce curing in the outer layer.

[0157] Covers may also be formed around the cores using compression molding. Cover materials for compression molding may also be extruded or blended resins or castable resins.

[0158] In the case of outer cover layers made from a thermoset polyurethane or polyurea composition for golf balls of the present disclosure a most preferred method is that of casting. Casting (also called “cast-molding”) is performed in a ball cavity formed by bringing together two mold halves that define respective hemispherical cavities. Casting is especially suitable when forming the outer cover layer of a thermoset material, including the thermoset polyurethane or polyurea formulations used in the golf balls of the present disclosure. In the casting process, a precise amount of liquid thermoset resin is introduced into a first mold cavity of a given pair of mold half shells and allowed to partially cure (“gel”). The core or preformed core with any intermediate layers is placed in the hemispherical cavity of one mold half and supported by the partially cured resin. Once the castable composition is at least partially cured (e.g., to a point where the core will not substantially move), additional castable composition is introduced into a second mold cavity of each pair, and the mold is closed. As the mold halves are brought together, the resin flows around the core and forms the cover. The closed mold is then subjected to heat and pressure to cure the composition, thereby forming the outer layer the core. The mold is then cooled for removal of the ball from the mold body. The mold cavities include a negative of the dimple pattern of the present disclosure to impart the dimples onto the outer cover layer. A more complete description of cast molding a thermoset polyurethane or polyurea outer cover on a preformed golf ball core having one or more intermediate layers is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,172 issuing on Mar. 23, 1999, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0159] More generally, the intermediate layers of the golf balls of the present disclosure have a thickness of 0.01 to 0.50, preferably from 0.02 to 0.30 or more preferably from 0.03 to 0.20 or most preferably from 0.02 to 0.10 in.

[0160] More generally, the intermediate layers of the golf balls of the present disclosure also have a hardness greater than 25 and less than 85, preferably greater than 30 and less than 80, more preferably greater than 35 and less than 75, and most preferably greater than 35 and less than 70 Shore D units as measured on the ball.

[0161] More generally, the intermediate layers of the golf balls of the present disclosure also have a flexural modulus from 5 to 500, preferably from 15 to 400, more preferably from 20 to 300, still more preferably from 25 to 200, and most preferably from 30 to 150 kpsi.

[0162] More generally, one or more of the intermediate layers of the golf balls of the present disclosure also have a COR125 from 0.700 to 0.860, preferably from 0.710 to 0.850, more preferably from 0.720 to 0.840 and may also be greater than 0.810.

[0163] More specifically in the case of a ball with one or more intermediate layers, the innermost intermediate layer (i.e. the one directly adjacent to the core) will have a COR125 from 0.700 to 0.820, preferably from 0.720 to 0.810, the outermost intermediate layer (i.e. the one directly adjacent to the outer cover layer) will have a COR125 from 0.730 to 0.860, preferably from 0.780 to 0.850, and any intermediate layers between the innermost and outermost intermediate layers will have a COR125 from 0.710 to 0.830, preferably from 0.730 to 0.820

[0164] More generally, the outer cover layer of the golf balls of the present disclosure have a thickness of 0.010 to 0.08, preferably from 0.015 to 0.06, and more preferably from 0.020 to 0.040 in.

[0165] More generally, the outer cover layer of the golf balls of the present disclosure also has a hardness from 40 to 70, preferably from 45 to 70 or 50 to 70, more preferably from 47 to 68 or 45 to 70, and most preferably from 50 to 65 Shore D as measured on the ball.

[0166] The PGA compression of the golf balls of the present disclosure is less than or equal to 114 PGA, more preferably less than or equal to 80 PGA even more preferably less than or equal to 65 PGA. More specifically the PGA compression of the golf balls of the present disclosure is from −10 to 114, more preferably from 20 to 70 PGA.

[0167] The PGA compression of the cores of the golf balls of the present disclosure is less than or equal 80 PGA preferably less than or equal to 65 PGA more preferably less than or equal to 50 PGA and even more preferably less than or equal to 35 PGA. More specifically the PGA compression of the cores of the golf balls of the present disclosure is from −20 to 60, more preferably from −10 to 40 PGA.

[0168] The cores of the golf balls of the present disclosure have a COR125 from 0.700 to 0.860, preferably from 0.710 to 0.850, more preferably from 0.720 to 0.840 and may also be greater than 0.810.

[0169] More generally, the core of the golf balls of the present disclosure is a unitary core with little or no difference between the hardness of the core measured at its center and the hardness as measured at its outer surface i.e. no such appreciable core hardness gradient.

[0170] However, the core of the golf balls of the present disclosure may also comprise a center and one or more core layers disposed around the center. These core layers comprise the same rubber as used in the center portion. The various core layers (including the center) may each exhibit a different hardness. The difference between the center hardness and that of the next adjacent layer, as well as the difference in hardness between the various core layers is greater than 2, preferably greater than 5, most preferably greater than 10 units of Shore D.

[0171] In one preferred embodiment, the hardness of the center and each sequential layer increases progressively outwards from the center to outer core layer.

[0172] In another preferred embodiment, the hardness of the center and each sequential layer decreases progressively inwards from the outer core layer to the center.

[0173] More specifically, the intermediate layer of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.20 inch, preferably from 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.10 inch and most preferably from 0.03 to 0.07 inches.

[0174] The intermediate layer of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure also has a hardness of from 25 to 80, more preferably of from 30 to 70, even more preferably of from 40 to 60 Shore D

[0175] The outer cover layer of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.20 inch, preferably from 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.10 inch and most preferably from 0.03 to 0.07 inches.

[0176] The outer cover layer of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure also has a hardness of from 25 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, even more preferably from 40 to 60 Shore D.

[0177] The core of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a diameter of from 0.5 to 1.62, preferably from 0.7 to 1.60, more preferably from 1 to 1.58 inches.

[0178] The core of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a PGA compression of from 10 to 100, preferably from 35 to 90, more preferably from 40 to 80.

[0179] The PGA compression of the cores of the three piece golf balls of the present disclosure is less than or equal 80 PGA preferably less than or equal to 65 PGA more preferably less than or equal to 50PGA and even more preferably less than or equal to 35 PGA.

[0180] The three-piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a PGA ball compression greater than 30 and less than or equal to 114 PGA, preferably greater than 40, more preferably greater than 50 less than or equal to 80 PGA, and most preferably greater than 60 less than or equal to 65 PGA.

[0181] In some embodiments, the golf ball can be a 5-piece golf ball comprising a core, an inner intermediate layer, a center intermediate layer, an outer intermediate layer and an outer cover layer. In some aspects the golf ball also typically includes plural dimples formed in the outer cover layer and arranged in various desired patterns.

[0182] More specifically, the inner intermediate layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.20 inch, preferably from 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.10 inch and most preferably from 0.03 to 0.07 inches.

[0183] The inner intermediate layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a hardness of from 25 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, even more preferably from 35 to 60 Shore D.

[0184] The center intermediate layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.20 inch, preferably from 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.10 inch and most preferably from 0.03 to 0.07 inches.

[0185] The center intermediate layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure also has a hardness of from 25 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, even more preferably from 40 to 60 Shore D.

[0186] The outer intermediate layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.20 inch, preferably from 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.03 to 0.10 inch and most preferably from 0.03 to 0.07 inches.

[0187] The outer intermediate layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure also has a hardness of from 25 to 85, more preferably from 30 to 80, even more preferably from 40 to 75 Shore D.

[0188] The outer cover layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a thickness of from 0.01 to 0.20 inch, preferably from 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from 0.015 to 0.10 inch and most preferably from 0.02 to 0.07 inches.

[0189] The outer cover layer of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure also has a hardness of from 25 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, even more preferably from 40 to 60 Shore D.

[0190] The core of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a diameter of from 0.5 to 1.62, preferably from 0.7 to 1.60, more preferably from 1 to 1.58 inches.

[0191] The core of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a PGA compression of from 10 to 100, preferably from 20 to 90, more preferably from 30 to 80.

[0192] The PGA compression of the cores of the five piece golf balls of the present disclosure is less than or equal 80 PGA preferably less than or equal to 65 PGA more preferably less than or equal to 50 PGA and even more preferably less than or equal to 35 PGA.

[0193] The five piece golf balls of the present disclosure has a PGA ball compression greater than 30 and less than or equal to 114 PGA, preferably greater than 40, more preferably greater than 50 less than or equal to 80 PGA, and most preferably greater than 60 less than or equal to 65 PGA.

[0194] The five-piece golf balls of the present disclosure have a PGA ball compression greater than 30, preferably greater than 40, more preferably greater than 50, most preferably greater than 65.

[0195] A material hardness may be the hardness of a material when measured in isolation (e.g., the material hardness of an outer mantle layer is the hardness of the material used for the outer mantle measured in isolation, and not when disposed over the existing layers of the golf ball). A layer hardness may be the hardness of the golf ball with the existing layers transposed over each other (e.g., a layer hardness of an outer mantle layer is the hardness of a ball with a core, inner mantle, intermediate mantle, and outer mantle layer. In some embodiments, the golf balls disclosed herein may have a core. In some embodiments, the core may have a diameter of 1.10 to 1.50, 1.20 to 1.40, 1.30 to 1.40, or 1.36 to 1.40 inches. In some embodiments, the core may have a size of 1.30 to 1.60, 1.40 to 1.50, or 1.46 to 1.50 inches. In some embodiments, the core may have a volume of 18.0 to 24.0, 18.5 to 23.7, 18.5 to 20.0, 20.0 to 26.0, or 22.5 to 23.6 centimeters cubed (cm3). In some embodiments, the core may have a specific gravity of 1.10 to 1.40, 1.10 to 1.30, 1.19 to 1.21, 1.24 to 1.31, or 1.25 to 1.30 grams (g). In some embodiments, the core may have a COR (125) of 0.650 to 0.900, 0.700 to 0.850, 0.720 to 0.790, 0.750 to 0.790, or 0.780 to 0.820. In some embodiments, the core may have a Shore D material hardness of 30 to 80, 35 to 75, 40 to 70, 40 to 65, 40 to 60, 42 to 47, 40 to 55, or 46 to 54. In some embodiments, the core may have a material flex modulus of 1 to 10, 2 to 9, 2 to 8, 3 to 7, or 4 to 6 kpsi.

[0196] In some embodiments, the golf balls disclosed herein may have one or more mantle layers. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have one mantle layer. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have two mantle layers. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have three mantle layers. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have four mantle layers. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have five or more mantle layers.

[0197] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a specific gravity of 0.9 to 1.5, 0.9 to 1.4, 0.9 to 1.3, 0.93 to 1.2, 0.95 to 1.1, 0.96 to 1.0, or 0.97 to 0.99. In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a diameter (measured when disposed over the core and any other already applied mantle layers) of 1.300 to 1.500, 1.350 to 1.450, or 1.400 to 1.450, or 1.400 to 1.430 inches. In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a diameter (measured when disposed over the core and any other already applied mantle layers) of 1.450 to 1.600, 1.450 to 1.550, 1.480 to 1.520, 1.500 to 1.600, 1.400 to 1.600, or 1.480 to 1.500 inches.

[0198] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a diameter (measured when disposed over the core and any other already applied mantle layers) of 1.580 to 1.650, 1.590 to 1.640, or 1.600 to 1.630.

[0199] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a thickness of 0.035 to 0.070 inches. In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a thickness of 0.040 to 0.060 inches. In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a thickness of 0.035 to 0.055, 0.035 to 0.045, 0.045 to 0.055, 0.050 to 0.055, 0.030 to 0.040, 0.033 to 0.037, 0.055 to 0.065, or 0.040 to 0.045 inches.

[0200] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a weight (measured when disposed over the core and any other already applied mantle layers) of 25.0 to 35.0, 27.0 to 33.0, 28.0 to 32.0, 35.0 to 41.0, or 29.0 to 31.0 grams. In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a weight (measured when disposed over the core and any other already applied mantle layers) of 30.0 to 40.0, 32.0 to 38.0, 33.0 to 36.0, or 34.0 to 36.0 grams. In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a weight (measured when disposed over the core and any other already applied mantle layers) of 40.0 to 45.0, 41.0 to 44.0, or 42.0 to 44.0 grams.

[0201] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a compression (ADC) of 30 to 60, 35 to 40, 30 to 35, 40 to 60, 40 to 50, 40 to 45, 35 to 50, 35 to 45, or 45 to 50.

[0202] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a COR(143) of 0.650 to 0.850, 0.650 to 0.700, 0.700 to 0.800, 0.750 to 0.850, 0.740 to 0.780, 0.780 to 0.830, or 0.0760 to 0.820.

[0203] In some embodiments, the mantle layer(s) may have a Shore D material hardness of 30.0 to 65.0, 30.0 to 60.0, 35.0 to 45.0, 50.0 to 60.0, 52.0 to 57.0, 60.0 to 70.0, 60.0 to 65.0, 40.0 to 45.0, or 50.0 to 55.0. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have a Shore D hardness when the one or more mantle layers are disposed over the core of the golf ball (e.g., layer hardness) of 35.0 to 45.0, 40.0 to 50.0, 40.0 to 60.0, 42.0 to 47.0, 45.0 to 50.0, 40.0 to 43.0, 50.0 to 55.0 or 47.0 to 49.0. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have a Shore D hardness when the one or more mantle layers are disposed over the core of the golf ball of 50.0 to 65.0, 50.0 to 60.0, 52.0 to 57.0, 52.0 to 56.0, 53.0 to 56.0, or 55.0 to 65.0. In some embodiments, the golf ball may have a Shore D hardness when the one or more mantle layers are disposed over the core of the golf ball of 65.0 to 85.0, 70.0 to 80.0, 72.0 to 76.0, 70.0 to 75.0, or 75.0 to 80.0.

[0204] In some embodiments, the one or more mantle layer(s) may have a material flex modulus (kpsi) of 5.0 to 10.0, 10.0 to 15.0, 7.0 to 9.0, or 5.0 to 15.0. In some embodiments, the one or more mantle layer(s) may have a material flex modulus (kpsi) of 15.0 to 35.0, 20.0 to 40.0, 25.0 to 40.0, 25.0 to 35.0, 30.0 to 40.0, or 35.0 to 45.0. In some embodiments, the one or more mantle layer(s) may have a material flex modulus (kpsi) of 80.0 to 110.0, 75.0 to 100.0, 80.0 to 100.0, 80.0 to 90.0, or 95.0 to 105.0.

[0205] In some embodiments, the golf balls disclosed herein may comprise one or more cover layers. In some embodiments, the cover may have a material flex modulus (kpsi) of 5.0 to 9.0, 5.0 to 10.0, 5.0 to 15.0, or 6.0 to 9.0. In some embodiments, the cover may have a materials Shore D hardness of 15.0 to 55.0, 20.0 to 50.0, 20.0 to 45.0, 30.0 to 60.0, or 50.0 to 60.0. In some embodiments, the cover may have a specific gravity of 1.0 to 1.5. In some embodiments, the cover may have a thickness of 0.025 to 0.055, 0.030 to 0.035, 0.030 to 0.040, 0.035 to 0.050, or 0.045 to 0.055 inches.

[0206] In some embodiments, a molded golf ball disclosed herein may have a diameter of 1.600 to 1.650 or 1.681 to 1.684 inches. In some embodiments, a molded golf ball disclosed herein may have a weight of 44.0 to 46.0 or 45.0 to 45.5. In some embodiments, a molded golf ball disclosed herein may have a volume of 2.0 to 3.0, 2.2 to 2.8, or 2.2 to 2.5 inches cubed.

[0207] In some embodiments, a finished golf ball (e.g., a golf ball with all layers and all paints and coatings applied thereto) may have a diameter of 1.600 to 1.700 or 1.682 to 1.685 inches. In some embodiments, a finished golf ball (e.g., a golf ball with all layers and all paints and coatings applied thereto) may have a weight of 44.0 to 47.0, 45.0 to 46.0, or 45.3 to 45.8 grams. In some embodiments, a finished golf ball (e.g., a golf ball with all layers and all paints and coatings applied thereto) may have a Shore D hardness (e.g., layer hardness) of 40.0 to 60.0, 45.0 to 60.0, 50.0 to 60.0, 50.0 to 65.0, 60.0 to 70.0, 54.0 to 58.0, or 60.0 to 65.0. In some embodiments, a finished golf ball (e.g., a golf ball with all layers and all paints and coatings applied thereto) may have a PGA compression of 40.0 to 70.0, 70.0 to 95.0, 70.0 to 80.0, or 76.0 to 86.0. In some embodiments, a finished golf ball (e.g., a golf ball with all layers and all paints and coatings applied thereto) may have a COR(143) of 0.700 to 0.900, 0.730 to 0.850, or 0.740 to 0.780.

[0208] Unless defined otherwise, all terms of art, notations and other technical and scientific terms or terminology used herein are intended to have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter pertains. In some cases, terms with commonly understood meanings are defined herein for clarity and / or for ready reference, and the inclusion of such definitions herein should not necessarily be construed to represent a substantial difference over what is generally understood in the art.

[0209] In view of the many possible aspects to which the principles of the present disclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustrated aspects are only preferred examples of the present disclosure and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the following claims. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims.

Claims

1. A golf ball comprising:a core;a cover encasing the core; anda colorant disposed on a surface of the cover, wherein the colorant comprises a measured reflectance of greater than 100% at wavelengths in a visible light spectrum; andwherein the surface of the cover comprises an outer surface that is divided into:a first pole segment and a second pole segment, wherein the first pole segment and the second pole segment each comprise at least one first color; anda circumferential stripe positioned between the first pole segment and the second pole segment, wherein the circumferential stripe comprises the colorant.

2. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is 100% to 200% at wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.

3. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is 100% to 140% at wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.

4. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is 100% to 120% at wavelengths in the visible light spectrum.

5. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is greater than 100% at wavelengths of 500 to 550 nanometers (nm).

6. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is greater than 100% at wavelengths of 470 to 550 nanometers (nm).

7. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is greater than 100% at wavelengths of 600 to 650 nanometers (nm).

8. The golf ball of claim 5, wherein the colorant comprises a measured reflectance peak of 120% to 150% at wavelengths of 510 to 540 nanometers (nm).

9. The golf ball of claim 6, wherein the colorant comprises a measured reflectance peak of 130% to 160% at wavelengths of 490 to 520 nanometers (nm).

10. The golf ball of claim 7, wherein the colorant comprises a measured reflectance peak of 100% to 130% at wavelengths of 600 to 630 nanometers (nm).

11. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the colorant comprises a CIELab L value of 80 to 100, a CIELab a value of −60 to −30, and a CIELab b value of 56 to 86.

12. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the colorant comprises a CIELab L value of 51 to 81, a CIELab a value of 40 to 70, and a CIELab b value of 0 to 30.

13. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a white color of the golf ball of between 75 to 105.

14. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a white color of the golf ball of between 50 to 80.

15. The golf ball of claim 11, wherein the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a black color of the golf ball of between 106 to 136.

16. The golf ball of claim 12, wherein the colorant comprises a ΔE*ab value relative to a black color of the golf ball of between 66 to 96.

17. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the colorant comprises one or more fluorescent compounds.

18. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the colorant is disposed on 20% to 50% of a total surface area of an outer surface of the cover.

19. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the outer surface further comprises:a first outer stripe adjacent to the first pole segment and a second outer stripe adjacent to the second pole segment, wherein the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each comprise at least one second color; andwherein the circumferential stripe is positioned between the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe.

20. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein:(i) the first pole segment and the second pole segment each cover 15% to 40% of a total surface area of the outer surface of the cover;(ii) the first outer stripe and the second outer stripe each have a height of 0.5 millimeters (mm) to 6 mm; and(iii) the circumferential stripe has a height of 10 mm to 20 mm.

21. The golf ball of claim 19, wherein the circumferential stripe, the first outer stripe, the second outer stripe, or any combination thereof have at least three regions of overlap.

22. The golf ball of claim 17, wherein the one or more fluorescent compounds comprises a polymer encapsulated dye.

23. The golf ball of claim 17, wherein the measured reflectance of greater than 100% at wavelengths in the visible light spectrum is provided by chemical fluorescence of the one or more fluorescent compounds.

24. The golf ball of claim 1, wherein the measured reflectance is measured using a spectrophotometer and an illuminant.

Images