US20040142766A1 - Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to findable golf balls - Google Patents

Abstract

Golf balls and a system for finding golf balls and methods for making golf balls and methods for using such balls. In the case of one exemplary golf ball, the ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased in the shell and a tag which is disposed within the core material and which has at least one perforation. The tag includes a diode and an antenna which are coupled together. Another exemplary golf ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased within the shell and a tag which is within the core material and which includes an electrical element which is coupled to an antenna; the tag is detectable over a range of at least 20 feet from a handheld device, and the golf ball has high durability and substantially complies with the golf ball specifications of the United States Golf Association.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• The inventions relate to sports, such as golf, and more particularly to golf balls, methods for making golf balls and systems for use with golf balls.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Golf balls are often lost when people play golf. The loss of the ball slows down the game as players search for a lost ball, and lost balls make the game more expensive to play (because of the cost of new balls). Furthermore, according to the rules of the U.S. Golf Association, a player is penalized for strokes in a round or game of golf if his/her golf ball is lost.[0002]
• There have been attempts in the past to make findable golf balls in order to avoid some of the problems caused by lost balls. One such attempt is described in German[0003]patent number G 87 09 503.3 (Helmut Mayer, 1988). In this German patent, a two piece golf ball is fitted with foil reflectors which are glued to the outer layer of the core. A shell surrounds the foil reflectors and the core. Each of the reflectors consist of a two part foil antenna with a diode connected on the inner ends. The diode causes a reflected signal to be double the frequency of a received signal. A 5 watt transmitter, which is used to beam a signal toward the reflectors, is used to find the ball. The ball is found when a reflected signal is generated by the foil antenna and diode and reflected back toward a receiver. The arrangement of the reflectors and diodes on the ball in this German patent causes the ball to have poor durability and also makes the ball difficult and expensive to manufacture. The impact of a club head hitting such a ball will rapidly cause the ball to rupture due to the interruption of the shell/core interface by the foil reflectors. Furthermore, the presence of the reflectors at this interface will negatively affect the driving distance of such a ball.
• Another attempt in the art to make a findable golf ball is described in PCT patent application No. WO 0102060 A1 which describes a golf ball for use in a driving range. This golf ball includes an active Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) which identifies a particular ball. The RFID includes an active (e.g., contains transistors) ASIC chip which is energized from the received radio signal. The RFID device is mounted in a sealed capsule which is placed within the core of the ball. The RFID device is designed to be used only at short range (e.g., less than about 10 feet). The use of a sealed capsule to hold the RFID within the ball increases the expense of making this ball.[0004]
• Other examples of attempts in the prior art to make findable golf balls include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,531; 5,423,549; 5,662,534; and 5,820,484.[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION
• Apparatuses, methods and systems relating to findable golf balls are described herein.[0006]
• In one exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the invention, a golf ball includes a shell, a core material which is encased in the shell, and a tag which is disposed in the core material and which has at least one perforation. The tag includes a diode which is coupled to an antenna. In one particular embodiment, the at least one perforation is a void or opening within the outer perimeter of the tag.[0007]
• In one exemplary embodiment of another aspect of the invention, a golf ball includes a shell and a core material which is encased in the shell and a tag which is disposed within the core material and which is detectable with a handheld transmitting/receiving device over a range of at least about 20 feet (separating the tag and the handheld transmitting/receiving device). The golf ball has high durability (e.g., most such balls can normally survive at least 20 cannon hits using standard testing methodology used by the golf industry) and substantially complies with golf ball specifications of the U.S. Golf Association or the golf ball specifications of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.[0008]
• A system, according to an exemplary embodiment of another aspect of the invention, includes a golf ball, having a tag which includes an antenna and a diode, and a handheld transmitting/receiving device which is capable of detecting the tag over a range of at least 20 feet and which complies with regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.[0009]
• A method of making a golf ball, according to an exemplary embodiment of another aspect of the invention, includes forming a core precursor member having a first portion and a second portion; placing a tag between the first portion and the second portion, the tag having at least one perforation; placing the first and second portions, with the tag between the portions, into a mold structure; molding the portions, containing the tag, wherein the molding causes material from one of the first and second portions to extrude into the at least one perforation to contact the other of the first and second portions. A core member, formed either directly from the molding process or through processes after the molding, is then encased in a shell. The first and second portions may be created separately through a molding process which creates each portion individually, or they may be created through a molding process which creates a slug which is then sliced substantially in half to form both portions.[0010]
• Also described herein are several embodiments of handheld transmitter/receivers which may be used to find golf balls containing at least one tag. These handheld transmitter/receivers are, in certain embodiments, designed to find golf balls at a range of at lease about 20 feet and are designed to substantially comply with governmental regulations regarding radio equipment such as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. For example, these certain embodiments are designed to transmit less than, or equal to, about 1 watt maximum peak power or about 4 watts effective isotropic radiated power.[0011]
• Also described herein are several alternative embodiments of a tag which includes two diodes which are coupled in parallel between two antenna portions. This tag, in one embodiment, is placed within the core material of a golf ball. This double diode tag may be used as an alternative to the various tags shown herein by substituting the double diode arrangement for the single diode shown in the various tags herein.[0012]
• Also described herein are several embodiments of tags which have antenna portions in more than one plane. These tags may be considered to be three-dimensional tags, such as several different disclosed embodiments of spiral tags or tags which are initially a planar structure but are then bent or formed into a non-planar structure.[0013]
• Also described herein are several embodiments of methods for operating a golf course, such as an 18-hole golf course. These methods include giving discounts to golfers who would play with their findable balls and handheld units. Other such methods include searching for lost, findable balls after a golf course has been closed, and cutting the grass in the rough areas less often (such that this grass grows higher than on golf courses which do not use findable balls).[0014]
• Other embodiments of golf balls, handheld transmitter/receivers, ball and handheld systems, and methods of manufacturing balls and methods of using the balls are described. Other features and embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent from this description.[0015]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.[0016]
• FIG. 1A shows a system for finding a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention.[0017]
• FIG. 1B is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a handheld transmitter/receiver which may be used with embodiments of the present invention.[0018]
• FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a handheld transmitter/receiver of FIG. 1B.[0019]
• FIG. 2A is an electrical schematic which illustrates an embodiment of a circuit for a tag according to one aspect of the invention.[0020]
• FIG. 2B shows a structural representation of the circuit of FIG. 2A.[0021]
• FIGS. 2C and 2D are electrical schematics which show other exemplary embodiments of a circuit for a tag according to one aspect of the invention.[0022]
• FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a golf ball which is one embodiment of the present invention.[0023]
• FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the same golf ball shown in FIG. 3A, except at a different cross-sectional slice of the golf ball.[0024]
• FIG. 3C shows a magnified view of a portion of the golf ball shown in FIG. 3B.[0025]
• FIG. 3D shows another cross-sectional view of the golf ball of FIG. 3A; this view shows various dimensions for one particular embodiment.[0026]
• FIG. 3E shows a cross-sectional view, taken in a plane which is perpendicular to the plane of the tag shown in FIG. 3A.[0027]
• FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball with a tag according to the present invention.[0028]
• FIG. 4B shows the golf ball of FIG. 4A at a different cross-sectional view.[0029]
• FIG. 4C shows a magnified view of a portion of the golf ball shown in FIG. 4B.[0030]
• FIG. 4D shows the same cross-sectional view as FIG. 4A with specific measurements for a particular embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention.[0031]
• FIG. 5A shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0032]
• FIG. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0033]
• FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0034]
• FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0035]
• FIG. 5E shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0036]
• FIG. 5F shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0037]
• FIG. 5G shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0038]
• FIG. 5H shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0039]
• FIG. 5I shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0040]
• FIG. 5J shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0041]
• FIG. 5K shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0042]
• FIG. 5L shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0043]
• FIG. 5M shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a golf ball of the invention.[0044]
• FIG. 5N shows a plain view of a tag which may be used in a golf ball according to one embodiment of the invention.[0045]
• FIG. 5O shows a plain view of another tag which may be used in a golf ball according to one embodiment of the invention.[0046]
• FIG. 5P shows a plain view of another embodiment of a tag which may be used in a golf ball according to one embodiment of the present invention.[0047]
• FIGS. 6A, 6B,[0048]6C, and6D show diagrammatically one embodiment of a method for making a golf ball of the present invention.
• FIG. 6E shows another embodiment of a method of making a golf ball.[0049]
• FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of one exemplary process for making a golf ball of the present invention.[0050]
• FIG. 8A shows a block diagram schematic of a handheld transmitter/receiver of one embodiment of the present invention.[0051]
• FIG. 8B shows a block level schematic representation of an embodiment of a transmitter/receiver.[0052]
• FIG. 8C shows a block level schematic of an embodiment of a handheld transmitter/receiver of the present invention.[0053]
• FIG. 8D shows a block-level schematic of an embodiment of a handheld transmitter/receiver of the present invention.[0054]
• FIG. 9A shows an exemplary embodiment of a tag having a spiral antenna.[0055]
• FIG. 9B shows an exemplary embodiment of another tag having a spiral antenna.[0056]
• FIG. 9C is an electrical schematic showing the circuit formed by a tag having a spiral antenna.[0057]
• FIGS. 9D, 9E and[0058]9F show various examples of tags having spiral antennas which have been placed within a slug which is to be molded to form a golf ball core.
• FIG. 9G shows another exemplary embodiment of a tag having a spiral antenna.[0059]
• FIG. 9H shows another exemplary embodiment of a tag having a spiral antenna.[0060]
• FIG. 10A shows an example in a top view of a three-dimensional tag having, in this case, a shape which resembles the letter “S.”[0061]
• FIG. 10B shows an embodiment of a slug which has been cut or formed in order to receive the tag of FIG. 10A. A view of FIG. 10B is a top view showing the two portions of the slug.[0062]
• FIG. 10C shows another example of a three-dimensional tag. A view of FIG. 10C is a top view, which resembles a cross-sectional view.[0063]
• FIG. 10D shows an example of a slug which is cut or formed to receive the tag of FIG. 10C. A view of FIG. 10D is a top view of the two portions of the slug.[0064]
• FIG. 11A shows a motorized golf cart having a cradle and a recharging mechanism for a handheld unit.[0065]
• FIG. 11B shows an example of a pull cart having a cradle for a handheld unit of the present invention.[0066]
• FIG. 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of one method of operating a golf course utilizing findable balls and handheld units of various embodiments of this invention.[0067]
• FIG. 13 shows another exemplary method of making a golf ball having a tag.[0068]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Various embodiments and aspects of the invention will be described with reference to details set below, and the accompanying drawings will illustrate the invention. The following description and drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. Numerous specific details such as sizes and weights and frequencies are described to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail.[0069]
• FIG. 1A shows an example of the system which uses a handheld transmitter/receiver to find a findable golf ball. A[0070]person18 such as a golfer, may carry a handheld transmitter/receiver which is designed to locate afindable golf ball10 which includes atag12 embedded in the golf ball. The handheld transmitter/receiver14 may operate as a radar system which emits anelectromagnetic signal16 which then can be reflected by thetag12 back to the transmitter/receiver which can then receive the reflected signal in a receiver in thehandheld unit14. Various different types of tags, such astag12, are described further below for use in thegolf ball10. These tags typically include an antenna and a diode coupled to the antenna. The diode serves to double the frequency of the reflective signal (or to provide another harmonic of the received signal), which makes it easier for the receiver to detect and find a golf ball as opposed to another object which has reflected the emitted signal without modifying the frequency of the emitted signal. The tag within thegolf ball10 is typically positioned near the center of the ball and it is positioned such that the symmetry of the ball is maintained. For example, the center of gravity (and symmetry) of a ball with a tag is substantially the same as a ball without a tag. The tag in certain embodiments is of such a weight and size so that the resulting ball containing the tag has the same weight and size as a ball which complies with the United States Golf Association specifications or the specifications of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (“R&A”). Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a ball with a tag has the same performance characteristics (e.g. initial velocity) as balls which were approved for use by the United States Golf Association or the R&A. In certain embodiments, the tag may include a perforation or void or hole, often within the outer perimeter of the tag's antenna. This perforation or void or hole increases the durability of the ball, typically by allowing the two portions to mate through the perforation and/or by allowing the core rubber composition to flow through the perforation to give greater strength within the ball. Thus, the durability of the ball is significantly improved.
• The[0071]handheld unit14 shown in FIG. 1A may have the form shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. This form, shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, is one example of many possible forms for a handheld unit. This handheld device is typically a small device having a cylindrical handle which may be 4-5 inches long, and may have a diameter of approximately 1.5 inches. The cylindrical handle, such ashandle21, is attached to a six-sided solid which includes an antenna, such as theantenna casing22 shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. FIG. 1B is a side view of a handheld transmitter/receiver which may be used in certain embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a handheld unit shown in FIG. 1B. The handheld unit is preferably compliant with all regulations of the Federal Communications Commission and is battery powered. The batteries may be housed in thehandle21, and they may be conventional AA batteries which may be placed into the handle by a user or they may be rechargeable batteries which can be recharged either through the use of an AC wall/house socket or a portable rechargeable unit (e.g. in a golf cart). In order to comply with regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or other applicable governmental regulations regarding radio equipment, the handheld may emit pulsed (or non-pulsed) radar with a power that is equal to or less than 1 watt. In certain embodiments, the handheld unit may emit through its transmitter pulsed radar signals up to 1 watt maximum peak power and up to 4 watts effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP). Thus, the handheld unit for locating golf balls may be sold to and used by the general public in the United States. Several embodiments of handheld transmitters/receivers are described further below. At least some of these embodiments may be sold to and used by the general public in countries other than the United States because the embodiments meet regulatory requirements of those countries. For example, a handheld unit for use and sale in the European Union will normally be designed and manufactured to meet the CE marking requirements and the National Spectrum Authority requirements per the R&TTE (Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment) Directive.
• FIG. 2A shows an electrical schematic of a tag according to one embodiment. The circuit of the[0072]tag50 includes an antenna having twoportions52 and54. Theportion52 is coupled to one end of thediode56, and theportion54 is coupled to the other end of thediode56. Atransmission line58 which includes an inductor is coupled in parallel across thediode56 as shown in FIG. 2A. Thediode56 is designed to double the received frequency so that the reflected signal from the tag is twice (or some harmonic) of the received signal. It will be appreciated that the double harmonic described herein is one particular embodiment, and alternative embodiments may use different harmonics or multiples of the received signal. FIG. 2B shows a structural representation of the circuit of FIG. 2A. In particular, FIG. 2B shows theantenna portions52 and54 coupled to their respective ends of thediode56 which is in turn coupled in parallel to atransmission line58. In one embodiment of thecircuit70, thediode56 may be a diode from Metelics Corporation, part number SMND-840, which is available in a package referred to as an SOD323 package. The circuits shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B may be implemented in structures that have various different shapes and configurations as will be apparent from the following description.
• FIGS. 2C and 2D show two exemplary embodiments of a tag which uses two diodes which are coupled in parallel between the two antenna portions. Any of the various tags (e.g. shown in FIGS.[0073]3A-5P or9A-9H or10A or10C) shown or described herein may use either of the circuits of FIG. 2C or2D rather than the single diode implementation of FIG. 2A. In the one case of tag72, there is no inductor, and in the case of thetag80, there is an inductor which may be used to match the impedance of the diodes to the impedance of the antennas (antenna portions).
• The tag[0074]72 shown in FIG. 2C includesdiodes73 and74 which are coupled together in parallel betweenantenna portions75 and76. The two diodes are in a parallel connection but with reversed cathode-anode (N-P) orientation. This configuration will produce a stronger second harmonic response from the tag because of the resulting full wave implementation of the frequency doubling process. Thus, the tag (and hence the ball containing the tag) will be findable at a greater range. This double diode may be formed in a single integrated circuit at substantially the same cost as thesingle diode56 shown in FIG. 2A. It will be appreciated that in such an integrated circuit, the P portion of thediode73 is coupled to the N portion of thediode74, and the P portion of thediode74 is coupled the N portion of thediode73.
• The[0075]tag80 shown in FIG. 2D is similar to the tag72 except that aninductor87 is included in this tag's circuit. Theinductor87 is coupled in parallel with the twodiodes83 and84, which are coupled in reverse cathode-anode orientation as in the case shown in FIG. 2C. The two diodes and the inductor are coupled in series between theantenna portions85 and86 as shown in FIG. 2D. Theinductor87 is an optional feature which may be used to match the impedance of the diodes to the impedance of theantenna portions85 and86.
• FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view taken through the center of a golf ball of one embodiment of the invention. The cross-sectional view is in the plane of the tag which in this embodiment is a planar structure formed primarily by two[0076]antenna portions106A and106B. An end view of the tag in FIG. 3B clearly shows the substantially planar structure of the tag. The cross-section of FIG. 3B is taken along the line3B-3B as shown FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C shows a magnified view of a portion of the tag within thebubble120 shown in FIG. 3D. It will be appreciated that thebubble120 is not a structural feature of the tag or theball100, but rather, is merely shown for purposes of illustration so that the portion being magnified can be easily recognized. FIG. 3D shows the same view of agolf ball100 as FIG. 3A except that FIG. 3D includes various exemplary dimensions for the tag and ball shown in FIG. 3D.
• The[0077]golf ball100 shown in FIG. 3A includes ashell102 and a core which is formed fromcore material104. Theshell102 is sometimes referred to as an outer cover shell. The tag includes anantenna106, havingantenna portions106A and106B, and adiode110, and atransmission line112. Theouter perimeter103 of the tag substantially conforms with the outer diameter of the core formed from thecore material104. Theantenna106 which includesantenna portions106A and106B is electrically coupled to thediode110 through aconductive adhesive114A and114B (shown in FIG. 3C). In one embodiment the conductive adhesive is solder. In an alternative embodiment, the conductive adhesive is a resilient conductive epoxy which includes metallic powder which is conductive and which is mixed with the epoxy. Examples of such resilient conductive adhesives include conductive adhesives from Tecknit (see www.tecknit.com) and an adhesive such as adhesive2111 from Bondline Electronic Adhesives, Inc. The use of a compressible, and resilient conductive adhesive will improve the chances of the connection between the diode and the antenna surviving many shocks due to the golf club head hitting the golf ball. Thetransmission line110 is coupled between the twoantenna portions106A and106B as shown in FIG. 3A. Referring back to FIG. 2B, thetransmission line112 corresponds to thetransmission line58 of FIG. 2B, and theantenna portion106A corresponds to theantenna portion52, and the antenna portion106B corresponds to theantenna portion54, while thediode56 of FIG. 2B corresponds to thediode110 of FIG. 3A. The tag in theball100 of FIG. 3A includes several perforations or openings which exist from one side of the tag through and to the other side of the tag. These perforations include the void orperforation108 which is within the central portion of the tag, and theperforations109A and109B and109C which are on theantenna portions106A and106B as shown in FIG. 3A. Other perforations, not labeled with numerals are also shown on theantenna portions106A and106B. These perforations may be regularly spaced or irregularly spaced on the antenna portions. All the perforations shown in FIG. 3A are within theouter perimeter103 of the tag. These perforations allow thecore material104 to extrude through the perforations during the manufacturing process such that a unitary core material is formed through the perforations, thereby providing for greater durability of the golf ball. This can be seen from FIG. 3E which shows a cross-sectional view of theball100 taken around the region of theperforation109A, where the cross-sectional view is perpendicular to the plane of theantenna portion106A. As shown in FIG. 3E, theantenna portion106A includesperforation109A. As a result of the molding process described below, thecore material104 is extruded through theperforation109A forming a unitary structure on both sides of the perforation and through the perforation as shown in FIG. 3E. A similar effect occurs at all of the other perforations, such as theperforation108 which is centrally located within theouter perimeter103 of the tag.
• FIG. 3D shows various exemplary dimensions for a tag and ball, such as the[0078]golf ball100. The exterior or outside ball diameter is about 1.68 inches. The inside diameter of theshell102, which coincides with the outside diameter of the core is about 1.5 inches. The approximate diameter of theouter perimeter103 of the tag is about 1.36 inches. The approximate diameter of the centrally locatedperforation108 is approximately 0.76 inches. The approximate diameter of each of the eight perforations on theantenna portions106A and106B is approximately 0.125 inches in diameter. These eight perforations in the twoantenna portions106A and106B are located substantially on a circle which has a diameter of 1.06 inches. The angular separation between these eight perforations is approximately 33°, while the angular separation between the end perforations and thecenterline100A is about₄₀°. The distance from the centerline100B, which horizontally intersects the center of theball100, to the top of the antenna shown in FIG. 3D, is about 0.533 inches. Thus, the typical top to bottom length of theantenna106 in the view shown in FIG. 3D is about 1.066 inches. The following dimensions are with respect to the “U” shapedtransmission line112 which is centrally located within theperforation108 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D. This “U” shaped transmission line is formed from the same copper material as theantenna portions106A and106B. Typically, theantenna106 and thetransmission line112 are formed from a unitary piece of copper which is etched to have the shape shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D, and then thediode110 is attached through a conductive adhesive as shown in FIG. 3C. The width of thetransmission line112 is about 0.06 inches. Including this width, the “U” shapedtransmission line112 extends from the centerline100B up towards the top of the ball shown in FIG. 3D by approximately 0.136 inches. There is a perforation or void between the inside edges of the “U” shaped transmission line. The size of this void from one side of the inside edge of the “U” shaped transmission line to the other side of the inside edge of the transmission line is approximately 0.06 inches. The gap from thecenterline100A to an inside edge of the “U” shaped transmission line is about 0.03 inches.
• It is often desirable to mount an antenna in a tag, such as[0079]antenna106, on an insulating substrate. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3E, the tag is mounted on a dielectric (insulating) substrate, which in this case is a layer of an insulator known as Kapton, which is approximately 0.005 inches thick. The Kapton layers118 and119 shown in FIG. 3C leave open the void created by the “U” shaped transmission line. In effect, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A through 3E, where there is no copper (e.g., antenna), there is no Kapton such that the Kapton does not exist in theperforation108, and does not exist in the perforations in the antenna portions, such as perforations109A,109B, and109C. In this manner, the perforations exist from one side of the tag to the other side of the tag thereby allowing thecore material104 to extrude through the perforations to form a unitary structure of core material from one side of the tag through and to the other side of the tag. It will be appreciated that the Kapton may be allowed to exist in certain places where there is no copper (antenna), such as in the void of the copper of the “U” shaped transmission line. In this case, there is no perforation in the Kapton and no perforation in the tag which allows for the extrusion of core material through the perforation in the molding process.
• The[0080]ball100 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and3D may be constructed in a manner such that complies with the specifications for a golf ball of the U.S. Golf Association or the R&A. For example, the weight of the golf ball without the tag will be approximately 45.50 grams but not exceeding 45.927 grams (total ball and tag weight), and the weight of the tag (all components) may be about 0.359 grams, which results from the combination of the weight of the Kapton dielectric, the copper antenna, the diode, and the conductive adhesive, each of which respectively are 0.157 grams, 0.182 grams, 0.004 grams, and 0.0156 grams. The size and shape of the golf ball as shown in FIG. 3A is within the specifications for a golf ball of the U.S.G.A. (United States Golf Association) or the R&A and thus, the weight and size of such a golf ball complies with the specifications of the U.S.G.A. or the R&A. Furthermore, it has been determined that a golf ball with a tag such as that shown in FIG. 3A has sufficiently high durability to comply with the durability characteristics of golf balls normally approved by the U.S.G.A. or the R&A for tournament play. For example, a golf ball of the form shown in FIG. 3A will normally survive many cannon hits, which is the conventional way of testing the durability of golf balls. Most golf balls designed according to the embodiment of FIG. 3A survive at least 20 cannon hits and many such golf balls survive nearly 40 cannon hits, which is considered to be a desired goal for durability of golf balls. Furthermore, it has been found that the flight characteristics (e.g. initial velocity) of a golf ball such asgolf ball100 shown in FIG. 3A, substantially complies with the flight characteristics of golf balls specified by the U.S. Golf Association or the R&A. Thus, the overall distance the ball travels with normal hits, and its initial velocity and other parameters normally specified in the requirements of the U.S.G.A. or the R&A under their standard testing procedure, are satisfied by the golf ball fabricated as described in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A.
• FIGS. 4A, 4B,[0081]4C, and4D show an alternative embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention. Thegolf ball130 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B,4C, and4D is very similar to thegolf ball100 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B,3C,3D, and3E. Thegolf ball130 has substantially the same specifications as thegolf ball100, as shown by the measurements of FIG. 4D and the measurements of FIG. 3D. Moreover, the tag of the golf ball30 includes adiode110 and anantenna132 which is similarly shaped to theantenna106 of FIG. 3A. Moreover, atransmission line134 is similarly shaped totransmission line112 of FIG. 3A. Furthermore, ashell102 having an outside diameter of about 1.68 inches surrounds thecore material104 which has an outside diameter (corresponding to the inside diameter of the shell102) of about 1.5 inches. A tag having anantenna132 formed byantenna portions132A and132B, is coupled to thediode110 and to thetransmission line134. Aperforation136 is located within the outer perimeter of theantenna132 and serves a similar purpose as theperforation108 of FIG. 3A. However, theantenna portions132A and132B do not include perforations (unlike theantenna portions106A and106B of FIG. 3A which do include perforations, such asperforations109A and109B). This can be seen in the view of FIG. 4A which is a cross-sectional view of the plane of the tag; this view shows that there are no perforations in theantenna portions132A and132B, unlike the perforations in theantenna portions106A and106B of FIG. 3A. The view shown in FIG. 4B is similar to the view shown in FIG. 3B. This view may be considered to be an end view which is parallel with the plane of the tag and which shows how a diametric axis which passes through the center of the golf ball is substantially aligned with a diametric axis of the tag formed primarily by theantenna132. Thebubble142 is shown for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 4B and 4C, and is understood to be not required to be a part of the physical structure of the golf ball, but is used rather for purposes of illustration. FIG. 4C shows a magnified view of a portion within thebubble142. This magnified view shows that thediode110 is coupled by aconductive adhesive138A and138B to theirrespective antenna portions132A and132B. Theconductive adhesive138A and138B may be similar to theconductive adhesive114A described above. Theantenna portions132A and132B may be a copper conductor which has a thickness of approximately 0.0014 inches thick. A substrate which is an insulator, such as Kapton, may be applied below the copper antenna. The Kapton does not exist in theperforation area136, and thus this perforation area allows for the two portions of a core precursor which is placed within a mold to bind through theperforation136 to perform a unitary structure, such as the structure shown in FIG. 3E, wherein the structure extends through the perforation as shown in FIG. 3E. Theperforation136 is contained within theouter perimeter133 which substantially conforms with the outer diameter of the core member as shown in FIG. 4D.
• FIGS. 5A through 5P show various golf ball components which include tags having various shapes and configurations which are alternative embodiments of the present invention. At least some of these embodiments share certain characteristics which will now be described before describing each of these particular embodiments in FIGS. 5A through 5P. In certain of the embodiments, the tag structure is substantially planar and symmetrical about a diametric axis which passes through the center of a golf ball. The tag structure is substantially in one plane which intersects (substantially) the center of the golf ball and has an outer perimeter which conforms to the inner contour (diameter) of the shell, which itself conforms to the outer diameter of the core in the case of the two-piece golf ball. The diode in certain embodiments is typically coupled to the antenna along the diametric axis. There is an internal void or perforation around a transmission line within certain embodiments of the tag. As can be seen from the various embodiments, the diode will be positioned either substantially at the center of the golf ball or substantially off-center. The diode in some embodiments is substantially near the center of the ball (e.g. FIGS. 5C and 5E) and in other embodiments it is not (e.g. FIGS. 3A and 4A). At least two types of transmission lines are shown having two distinct shapes; one case involves a “U” shaped portion which is bisected by the diametric axis of the golf ball, and another type of transmission line includes the “T” shaped transmission line which is also bisected by the diametric axis of the golf ball. Due to the perforations which exist in the tag, the surface area of the plane of the tag is less than the surface area of a cross-section through the center of the ball. Many of the embodiments described herein include an antenna which has a first wing and a second wing which is bisected by the diametric axis through the center of the golf ball. The first wing and the second wing are symmetrical and have at least one perforation which separates the first and second wings. A transmission line which is coupled to the first and second wings is substantially bisected by the diametric axis. At least a portion of the outer perimeter of the first and second wings substantially conforms to the outer diameter of the core material of the golf ball.[0082]
• Various alternative embodiments of tags which may be used in golf balls will now be described while referring to FIGS. 5A through 5P. The[0083]golf ball component200 shown in FIG. 5A shows a tag within acore204 which then can be encased in the shell to form a golf ball. The tag includes adiode201 which is contained within the core material206. The tag is wholly contained within the outer perimeter of thecore204. The tag includes, in addition to thediode201, a transmission line210, and an antenna havingantenna portions208 and209, which are coupled to thediode201, and which are coupled to the transmission line210 as shown in FIG. 5A. A central perforation, which is within theouter perimeter203 of the tag, is surrounded by theantenna portions208 and209. Various exemplary dimensions are shown in FIG. 5A. While the tag of FIG. 5A has a transmission line of the same width as the transmission line of FIG. 3A, and while the diameter of the outer perimeter of the antenna of FIG. 5A is similar to the diameter of the outer perimeter of the antenna of FIG. 3A, the antenna is longer from top to bottom in FIG. 5A's embodiment than the embodiment of FIG. 3A.
• FIG. 5B is another embodiment of a tag in a golf ball or golf ball core. The tag and[0084]core combination220 includes an antenna havingantenna portions228 and229 and adiode221 which is coupled to theantenna portions228 and229. Aperforation222 centrally located within theouter perimeter223 of the tag is also part of the tag's structure. Theouter perimeter224 of the core material completely surrounds theouter perimeter223 of the tag. It can be seen that theouter perimeter223 substantially conforms to theouter perimeter224 of the core material. The embodiment shown in FIG. 5B does not include a transmission line. The view shown in FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken at a plane which intersects the center of the core, wherein the plane which shows the view is parallel with the plane of the antenna havingantenna portions228 and229. Thus, the position of the tag shown in FIG. 5B is similar to the position of the tag shown in FIG. 3A.
• FIG. 5C shows another embodiment of a tag in a golf ball core. The core and[0085]tag combination240 includes adiode241 andantenna portions248 and249 which are connected to thediode241. Aperforation242 extends along the diametric vertical axis as shown in FIG. 5C. This perforation is also within theouter perimeter243 of the tag. There are also “V” shaped perforations between the spokes of theantenna portions248 and249. FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the tag within the core, and thus the view of FIG. 5C is the same as the view shown in FIG. 3A.
• FIG. 5D shows another embodiment of the tag and core combination[0086]260 which includes adiode261 which is coupled to theantenna portions268 and269. These antenna portions surround theperforation262, which is similar to theperforation108 shown in FIG. 3A. The perforation allows for thecore material266 to extend through the perforation during the molding process described below. Theouter perimeter264 of the core material completely surrounds the tag shown in FIG. 5D.
• FIG. 5E shows another embodiment of a[0087]golf ball280 which includes a tag. The golf ball shown in FIG. 5E is a two-piece ball having ashell285 which surrounds theouter perimeter284 of thecore material286. The tag includes adiode281 which is coupled between the twoantenna portions288 and289. Atransmission line290 is also coupled between the twoantenna portions288 and289. The tag includes at least oneperforation282 which is contained within theouter perimeter283 of the tag. The view of FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view wherein the plane of the view is parallel with the plane of the tag such that the view of FIG. 5E is similar to the view in FIG. 3A. The tag as shown in FIG. 5E is symmetrical about the centerline which coincides with a diametric axis of the golf ball which diametric axis intersects with the center of the golf ball. It can be seen from FIG. 5E that most of theouter perimeter283 of the tag conforms substantially to theouter perimeter284 of thecore material286. The tag shown in FIG. 5E is substantially planar and symmetric about the diametric axis which intersects the center of the golf ball. The “T” shapedtransmission line290 is bisected by this diametric axis. It can also be seen from FIG. 5E that the surface area of the plane of the tag is less than the cross-sectional area of a plane through the center of the ball. Theperforation282 allows for thecore material286 to be extruded through the perforations as a result of the molding process to produce a result which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3E.
• FIG. 5F shows another embodiment of a[0088]golf ball300 which is a two-piece golf ball including ashell305 which surrounds theouter perimeter304 of thecore material306. A tag is contained within thecore material306, and this tag includes adiode301 which is coupled betweenantenna portions308 and309. Theantenna portions308 and309 are coupled to atransmission line310. The view of FIG. 5F is similar to the view shown in FIG. 3A, and is a cross-sectional view taken through the center of the golf ball. Aperforation302 exists between the two antenna portions and within theouter perimeter303. Additionally, there are “V” shaped perforations between the spokes of the antenna portions. The dimensions shown in FIG. 5F, as well as all the other figures are in inches (except for of course the angular dimensions which are in degrees).
• FIG. 5G shows another embodiment of a tag in a golf ball according to the present invention. The[0089]golf ball320 is a two-piece golf ball which includes ashell325 which surrounds theouter perimeter324 of thecore material326. This golf ball may be formed in accordance with the method described below and shown in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 6A through 6D. The tag includes adiode321 which is coupled betweenantenna portions328 and329. These antenna portions are coupled to atransmission line330, and these antenna portions surround aperforation322 which is similar to theperforation136 shown in FIG. 4A and theperforation108 shown in FIG. 3A. Theperforation322 is within theouter perimeter323 of the tag. The view of FIG. 5G is a cross-sectional view taken through the center of thegolf ball320, and thus it is similar to cross-sectional view of FIG. 3A. The tag of FIG. 5G is substantially a planar tag which is symmetrical about the diametric axis which intersects the center of thegolf ball320. Theouter perimeter323 of the tag substantially conforms to the inner surface of theshell325 and conforms to the outer surface of thecore material326. The “T” shapedtransmission line330 is bisected by the diametric axis, and thediode321 is located near the center of the golf ball. As can be seen from FIG. 5G, theantenna portions328 and329 resemble first and second wings which are bisected by the diametric axis and which are symmetrical about this diametric axis. Theperforation322 separates the first and second wings. As in the case of the example shown in FIG. 3A, theperforation322 allows for thecore material326 to be extruded through the perforation during the molding process described below to yield a result which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3E.
• Another exemplary embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5H, which is a cross-sectional view taken through the center of the golf ball[0090]340 shown in FIG. 5H. The golf ball340 is a two-piece golf ball which includes ashell345 which surrounds theouter perimeter344 of thecore material346. This golf ball340 may be fabricated according to the process described below relative to FIGS. 6A through 6D and FIG. 7. The golf ball340 includes a tag having adiode341 which is coupled betweenantenna portions348 and349. Atransmission line350 is coupled betweenantenna portions348 and349. Theperforation342 is contained within theouter perimeter343 of the tag, and additional perforations which are “V” shaped exist between the spokes of theantenna portions348 and349. The various linear dimensions shown in FIG. 5H indicate the sizes of the various components shown in FIG. 5H and are in inches. It can be seen that the tag structure of FIG. 5H is symmetrical about the diametric axis which intersects the center of the golf ball. Thediode341 is substantially near the center of the golf ball340, and the tag structure is substantially planar. The ends of the spokes of the antenna portions form anouter perimeter343 which substantially conforms to theouter surface344 of thecore material346. The “T” shapedtransmission line350 is substantially bisected by the diametric axis which intersects the center of the golf ball340.
• Another exemplary embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5I. FIG. 5I is a cross-sectional view where the plane of the cross-section is taken through the center of a[0091]golf ball360. Thegolf ball360 is a two-piece golf ball having ashell365 which surrounds the outer surface orperimeter364 of thecore material366. Contained within thecore material366 is a tag which includes adiode361 which is coupled betweenantenna portions368 and369. Anelongated transmission line370 is coupled between theantenna portions368 and369. Aperforation362 exists between theantenna portions368 and369, an there are additional perforations which are “V” shaped between the spokes of the antenna portions. The perforations are within the boundary established by theouter perimeter363 which is formed effectively by the ends of the spokes of the antenna portions.
• Another exemplary embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5J, which is a cross-sectional view, where the plane of the cross-section is taken through the center of the[0092]golf ball380. Thegolf ball380 is a two-piece ball having ashell385 which surrounds anouter perimeter384 of thecore material386. Wholly contained within thecore material386 is a tag which hasantenna portions388 and389. The tag also includes adiode381 which is coupled between theantenna portions388 and389, and further includes atransmission line370 which is also coupled between theantenna portions388 and389. Theperforation382 exists between the twoantenna portions388 and389, and this perforation is within theouter perimeter383 of the tag as shown in FIG. 5J. Thisouter perimeter383 substantially conforms to theouter perimeter384 of thecore material386. Thegolf ball380 may be fabricated according to the method described below relative to FIGS. 6A through 6D and FIG. 7.
• FIG. 5K shows another exemplary embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention. The[0093]golf ball400 shown in FIG. 5K is a two-piece golf ball which includes ashell405 which surrounds theouter perimeter404 of thecore material406. Wholly contained within thecore material406 is a tag which includes anantenna portion408 and anantenna portion409. The tag also includes adiode401 which is coupled between the twoantenna portions408 and409. Atransmission line410 is also coupled between the twoantenna portions408 and409. Aperforation402 exists between the twoantenna portions408 and409 and is contained within theouter perimeter403 of the tag. Thegolf ball400 will be fabricated according to one of the methods described below such that thecore material406 is extruded through theperforation402 to produce a result which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3E. It can be seen from FIG. 5K that the tag is substantially symmetrical about a diametric axis which intersects the center of thegolf ball400. The tag is substantially planar and includes a “T” shaped transmission line which is also bisected by the diametric axis. In this embodiment, thediode401 is located substantially at the center of thegolf ball400.
• FIG. 5L shows another exemplary embodiment of a golf ball of the present invention. The[0094]golf ball420 shown in FIG. 5L is a two-part golf ball including ashell425 which surrounds anouter perimeter424 of acore material426. Thecore material426 wholly contains a tag which includes adiode421 and twoantenna portions248 and249 and thetransmission line430. Thediode421 is coupled between the twoantenna portions428 and429, and thetransmission line430 is coupled between the twoantenna portions428 and429. Theperforation422 between the antenna portions separate the antenna portions and is similar to theperforation108 of FIG. 3A. In addition, thetransmission line430 includes a perforation. These perforations are within theouter perimeter423 defined by the ends of the antenna portions. Thegolf ball420 may be fabricated according to one of the embodiments described below for a method of fabricating a golf ball. Thus, the extrusion of thecore material426 through the perforations will result in a structure which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3E. The tag of FIG. 5L is a substantially planar tag which is symmetrical about the diametric axis of the golf ball, which diametric axis intersects the center of thegolf ball420. The T-shapedtransmission line430 is bisected by the diametric axis, and the tag structure is symmetrical about this diametric axis which coincides with the vertical center line shown in FIG. 5L. FIG. 5L is a cross-sectional view where the plane of the cross-section is taken through the center of thegolf ball420 and thus it resembles the view shown in FIG. 3A.
• FIG. 5M shows another exemplary embodiment of a golf ball according to the present invention. The[0095]golf ball440 is a two-piece golf ball which includes ashell445 which surrounds anouter perimeter444 of thecore material446. In the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5M, it can be seen that the tag includes adiode441 andantenna portions448 and449 as well as atransmission line450. Thediode441 is coupled between the twoantenna portions448 and449, and thetransmission line450 is coupled between these two antenna portions. At least oneperforation442 exists within theouter perimeter443 of the tag, where theouter perimeter443 is defined by the outer edge or perimeter of the antenna portions. The cross-sectional view of FIG. 5M is in a plane which intersects the center of the golf ball, and the tag structure is substantially planar and symmetrical about a diametric axis of the golf ball which intersects the center of the golf ball. Thegolf ball440 shown in FIG. 5M may be fabricated according to the methods described below such that thecore material446 is extruded through theperforations442 during the molding process to yield a structure which is similar to that shown in FIG. 3E.
• FIG. 5N shows an exemplary embodiment of a tag of the present invention. The[0096]tag460 includesantenna portions468 and469 and adiode461 which is coupled between these antenna portions. Atransmission line470 is coupled to theantenna portions468 and469, and thistransmission line470 surrounds theperforation462, which perforation separates the transmission line from theantenna portions468 and469. There is also a separation between the antenna portions which may also be a perforation. The tag of FIG. 5N may be made small enough in its rectangular shape so that it fits completely within the core material of a two-piece golf ball. Alternatively, portions of theantenna portions468 and469 may be trimmed away to allow this tag to fit within a golf ball core or within a one-piece golf ball. The tag shown in FIG. 5N is a substantially planar tag which may be placed in a plane in the golf ball core which intersects with the center of the golf ball. In this position, the substantially planar tag of FIG. 5N will be symmetrical about the diametric axis of the golf ball, which diametric axis intersects the center of the golf ball. The tag of FIG. 5N may be introduced into a core material to fabricate a golf ball according to one of the methods described below relative to FIGS.6A-6D and FIG. 7.
• FIG. 5O shows another exemplary embodiment of a tag which may be used in golf balls of the present invention.[0097]Tag480 is similar to thetag460 except it includes additional perforations in theantenna portions488 and489. Thetag480 includes adiode481 which is coupled between theantenna portions488 and489 and includes atransmission line490 which is coupled between the antenna portions, in which, together with the antenna portions, defines theperforation482. In addition to theperforation482, nine circular perforations on each of the antenna portions provide additional openings for the core material to be extruded through the perforations, such as perforations482A,482B,482C, and482D.
• FIG. 5P shows another exemplary embodiment of a tag which may be used in golf balls of the present invention. The[0098]tag500 is a substantially circular tag which is also substantially planar. The tag includes adiode501 coupled betweenantenna portions508 and509. Theouter perimeter503 of thetag500 is substantially circular and includes aperforation502 within theouter perimeter503. Atransmission line510 is coupled between theantenna portions508 and509. In addition to theperforation502, perforations of different sizes are included on theantenna portions508 and509. In particular,smaller perforations502C and502 are on theantenna portion508, while larger perforations such asperforations502A and502B are on theantenna portion509. Thetag500 may be included in a golf ball core and fabricated according to the techniques described below. The perforations in this tag will allow for the core material to be extruded through the perforations to create a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 3E.
• FIGS. 6A through 6D and FIG. 7 will now be referred to while describing various embodiments of methods of fabricating golf balls of the present invention. The following discussion assumes a two-piece ball having a core material which is surrounded by a relatively thin shell, such as the golf ball shown in FIG. 3A. It will be appreciated, however, that the following discussion will also apply to one-piece golf balls and to golf balls having more than two pieces. The one exemplary method shown in FIGS.[0099]6A-6D begins with a cylindrical-shapedslug600 which, in one embodiment, is about 1.375 inches high and has a diameter of 1.125 inches. The cylindrical-shaped slug is typically a rubber composition which has not been vulcanized. Examples of such compositions are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,508,350 and 4,955,613. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, theslug600 is sliced in half to createslug portions602 and604. In certain embodiments, the material of theslug600 is an unvulcanized rubber which is extruded to form the shape of theslug600. It will be appreciated that this is one method of forming the two portions as shown inoperation702 of FIG. 7. In an alternative embodiment, these two portions may be formed separately as two separately extruded pieces or in some other manner to create the two separate portions separately rather than from a single slug such asslug600. These two portions may be considered golf ball precursor portions. After the two portions are created, such asportions602 and604, a tag such astag606 is placed between the two portions. Thetag606 typically will includeantenna portions609 and610 between which are coupled adiode608. Thetag606 may also include a transmission line610A which is disposed in the central perforation607. Thetag606 may be similar to the tag shown in FIG. 4A. Once thetag606 is placed between the twoportions602 and604, these portions are brought together to create the combinedstructure620 as shown in FIG. 6C. The combinedstructure620 includes theseam615 which separates the twoportions602 and604. Thetag606 is sandwiched between the two portions, preferably in the middle of these two portions, so that the tag will end up being substantially centered in the final core. Theseam615 may not be sealed or glued together; that is, the twoportions602 and604 may not be held together by glue in the configuration shown in FIG. 6C. Typically, the extruded, unvulcanized rubber (which may be used in certain embodiments) of the two portions has enough tackiness to hold together the tag and twoportions602 and604. After the structure shown in FIG. 6C is obtained, the combinedstructure620 is placed in amold622 as shown in FIG. 6D and as described inoperation706 of FIG. 7. The mold is of a proper size to form a resulting core size of about 1.5 inches in diameter. The core will typically weigh in the range of about 34.75 to 35.25 grams. After the combinedstructure620 is placed within themold622, the slug is molded, typically in a high temperature and high pressure operation. This molding operation, due to the high temperature and high pressure, vulcanizes and cures the rubber composition from the two slug portions into one unit and also causes this composition to flow through the perforations in the tags to create a unitary structure, such as the structure shown in FIG. 3E. In one exemplary embodiment, the core rubber composition is vulcanized/cured for eight minutes at a temperature of 325° Fahrenheit under a high pressure clamping of about 2 tons per square inch. After the molding process of operation708, the core is allowed to cool overnight at room temperature and then the surface is cleaned prior to injection molding of the cover material, such asshell102 of FIG. 3A, over the core. Examples of suitable cover material are known in the art, including materials which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,794. After encasing the molded core into a shell as inoperation710 of FIG. 7, the ball may be processed in finishing operations which involve ball trimming, surface cleaning, stamping/logo application and painting. As noted elsewhere, embodiments of the invention may be used in golf balls constructed as one-piece balls or more than 2 piece balls (e.g. balls having more than one core).
• While several of the examples described herein show the slicing or forming of two slug portions (e.g.[0100]602 and604 in FIG. 6B or1202 and1204 in FIG. 10B), it will be recognized that more than two slug portions may be combined together with one or more tags to form a golf ball. For example, a cylindrically shaped slug (such as theslug600 in FIG. 6A) may be sliced into four pieces which are then combined with a tag or two tags or four tags to create an assembly which is similar to structure620 and which can then be molded into a golf ball or golf ball core. The four pieces may each be half cylinders which have equal sizes. These four pieces may alternatively be separately formed by an extruder to create the four pieces rather than slicing a larger cylindrical slug. These four pieces may receive four tags between the inner faces of the pieces. FIG. 6E shows, in an exploded top view, an example of fourslug portions631,632,633 and634 receiving fourtags637,638,639 and640; this assembly is, after the tags are inserted, placed into a molding chamber to form the golf ball (in the case of a one-piece golf ball construction) or a core of a golf ball (in the case of a more than one piece golf ball construction).
• A description of various embodiments of a handheld transmitter/receiver which may be used as the[0101]handheld unit14 of FIG. 1A will now be provided in conjunction with FIGS. 8A, 8B, and8C. In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 8A, 8B and8C, the handheld unit consists of a battery powered transmitter and antenna radiating the radio frequency signal in the 902-928 MHz band, and an antenna and a receiver operating over the 1804-1856 MHz band, and an audio and visual interface to the user of the handheld unit. The audio interface may optionally be an earphone rather than a speaker, and as an option, the handheld unit may utilize a vibrating transducer to alert the user to the presence of a ball. A visual display such as a meter or a string of LEDs may also provide a proximity measure to the user so that the user can tell whether or not the user is getting closer to the ball or further from the ball as the user walks around searching for the ball.
• The[0102]handheld unit800 shown in FIG. 8A includes a battery powered transmitter and battery powered receiver and an audio and visual interface. The implementation shown in FIG. 8A uses a frequency-hopping transmitted signal that complies with the Federal Communications Commission Rules Part 15.247 for intentional radiators. The radio frequency transmitted signal originates in thesynthesizer804 which is an oscillator at twice the transmitted frequency which receives a frequency sweeping sawtooth modulation from asweep driver806. Thesynthesizer804 also receives a control from the hopping-implementingsynthesizer driver802 which causes the synthesizer to hop from frequency to frequency within the band 1804-1856 MHz. The output from thesynthesizer804 is amplified by thebuffer amplifier808 and directed to a divide-by-twodivider810, the output of which is directed to a filter812. The output from the filter812 is directed to atransmitter amplifier chain814 which provides an output to afilter816 which in turn provides an output to thetransmitter antenna818, thereby transmitting the radio frequency signal in the range of 902-928 MHz. The transmitter antenna is moderately directive and produces the radiated signal which can be reflected by a tag in a lost golf ball. The diode in the tag causes the reflected signal to have double of the frequency of the received signal, which received signal was emitted by the transmitter antenna. The proximity of the handheld unit to the golf ball will in large part determine the magnitude/intensity of the reflected signal which can then be indicated by one of the user interfaces such as the speaker or earphones or visual display or the vibrating transducer in the handheld unit.
• The receiver of the[0103]handheld unit800 includes a moderatelydirective receiver antenna830 which receives the reflected second harmonic signal produced by the diode in the lost golf ball. This received signal is filtered infilter828 which provides the filtered output to areceiver amplifier chain826 which amplifies the filtered signal, which is then outputted to a further filter,filter824, the output of which is directed to amixer822. Themixer822 also receives the filtered output of theamplifier808 through thefilter820. The output of themixer822 is an audio frequency difference product of the second harmonic of the frequency swept transmitter signal, and the signal received from the frequency-doubling tag within the ball. The audio frequency difference product has a pitch that is determined by the sweeping of the transmitter frequency and the time delay between the transmitted and received signals. Thus, the pitch of the audio frequency difference product provides an indication of the distance between the handheld unit and the lost golf ball. The audio frequency difference product from the mixer is provided through aDC block831 which provides the output (filtered for DC level) to an amplitude equalizer and filter832 which provides an output to an audio amplifier andconditioner834 which drives thespeaker836. Avisual display838 is also coupled to the amplifier andconditioner834 to provide a visual display of the proximity of the golf ball and then optionalhandheld vibrating transducer840 may provide a vibrating output, the intensity of the vibration increasing as the ball approaches the handheld unit. It will be appreciated that any particular handheld unit may have one or more of these indicators. For example, it may have only a speaker or a headphone output or it may have only a visual display or only a vibrating display or it may have two or more of these outputs.
• The[0104]handheld unit850 of FIG. 8B is similar in structure and operation to thehandheld unit800 except that thefrequency synthesizer856 operates in the band902-928 MHz rather than double that frequency as in the case ofsynthesizer804. Accordingly, there is no divide-by-two divider in thehandheld unit850 but rather there is a2×frequency multiplier868 in thehandheld unit850. Thehandheld unit850 is an implementation that uses a frequency-hopping transmitted signal that complies with the FCC Rules Part 15.247 for intentional radiators. The radio frequency transmitted signal originates in thefrequency synthesizer856 which is an oscillator at the transmitted frequency which receives a frequency sweeping sawtooth modulation from asweep driver854. Thesynthesizer856 is controlled by afrequency hop driver852. The oscillator output fromsynthesizer856 is amplified by thebuffer amplifier858 which provides an output to thefilter860 and an output to thefrequency doubler868. The output from theamplifier858 is filtered infilter860 and amplified in the transmitter amplifier chain862 and then filtered infilter864 to produce a transmitted signal which is transmitted from the moderatelydirective transmitter antenna866 in the band of 902-928 MHz. This transmitted signal may be reflected by a tag, causing a reflected signal at a double harmonic (twice the frequency) of the received signal from the transmitter antenna. The receivingantenna880 picks up this reflected second harmonic and provides this received signal to thefilter878 which provides an output to areceiver amplifier chain876 which provides an output to afilter874. Thus the received signal is filtered and amplified and provided as an RF input to themixer872 which also receives a filtered input from the 2×frequency multiplier868. Themixer872 produces at its output an audio frequency difference product of the second harmonic of the frequency swept transmitter signal and the signal received from the frequency-doubling tag within the ball. The audio frequency difference product has a pitch that is determined by the sweeping of the transmitter frequency and the time delay between the transmitted and received signals. This audio frequency difference product is output through aDC block881 to an amplitude equalizer and filter882 which in turn outputs a signal to the audio amplifier andconditioner884 which drives thespeaker886. In addition, the amplifier andconditioner884 provides an output to a visual display and the vibratingtransducer888.
• FIG. 8C shows another embodiment for a handheld unit which consists of a battery powered transmitter and an antenna radiating at about 915 MHz, and an antenna and receiver operating at about 1829 MHz. The implementation of FIG. 8C uses a direct sequence spread spectrum radar system which includes the transmitter and a receiver and a control unit, which in this case is a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The basic clock signal for the[0105]FPGA902 is obtained from thelocal oscillator922 which provides inputs to theamplifiers920 and924 which in turn drive theFPGA902 and a phase-lockedloop synthesizer926. During a power-on operation, theFPGA902 programs the phase-lockedloop synthesizer926 to the correct frequency of operation. This occurs through the control lines from theFPGA902 to the phase-lockedloop synthesizer926. The phase-lockedloop synthesizer926 is used to generate a local oscillator (LO) signal for the receiver. A receiver LO frequency is 1818.30 MHz. Afrequency divider930 is used to generate a 909.15 MHz local oscillator for the transmitter which is filtered by a band pass filter931 (centered at 909.15 MHz (“FC”)). Deriving the transmit local oscillator from the receiver's local oscillator not only eliminates the requirement for a second phase-locked loop synthesizer, but virtually eliminates any frequency error (e.g. frequency drift) between the transmitter and the receiver. The transmit local oscillator is modulated using a Quadrature Modulator circuit. This Quadrature Modulator enables a single circuit to perform all of the following features: (1) it performs a basic On-Off Keyed (OOK) modulation used in radar systems. Operating with OOK modulation not only provides an audio tone for the system but also minimizes the heat generated by the amplifiers and the transmitter, such asamplifiers912 and914; (2) the Quadrature Modulator produces a Binary Phase-Shift Keying (BPSK) modulation of the local oscillator signal and performs what is called a Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum signaling. This allows the handheld unit to operate in the 915 MHz industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) and as a license-free device operated under FCC Part 15.247; (3) theQuadrature Modulator904 provides a Single-Sideband translation of the local oscillator input signal to a transmit output frequency of 914.50 MHz. That is, the local oscillator signal is shifted up in frequency by 5.35 MHz. This frequency translation results in a received signal that is offset from the receiver's local oscillator frequency by 10.7 MHz. Having the received frequency that is offset from the receiver's local oscillator reduces the magnitude of unwanted local oscillator leakage into the receiver's high gain amplifier chain, which may includeamplifiers942 and944 and948 as shown in FIG. 8C. The output of theQuadrature Modulator904, which includesmultipliers906 and908 as well as themixer910, is a Direct-Sequence, Spread Spectrum signal containing OOK modulation at a frequency of 914.5 MHz. This signal is filtered by two band pass filters905 and913 and amplified by twoamplifiers912 and914 to approximately 1 watt and is sent to a transmitantenna916. The transmit antenna also has aharmonic trap916A, which is used to further reduce any second harmonic distortion, which if radiated, would interfere with the received signal from the tag in a lost golf ball. TheQuadrature Modulator904 is controlled by theFPGA902 which provides and generates a Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence used for the Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum signal. TheFPGA902 also provides and produces the OOK control signals to themodulator904 and generates and provides the In-Phase and Quadrature-Phase signals applied to theQuadrature Modulator904.
• An alternative embodiment for the handheld unit shown in FIG. 8C is to change feature (1) of the Quadrature Modulator to implement 90-degree phase shift keying at the audio tone frequency, instead of On-Off keying. Features (2), Direct-Sequence Spectrum Spreading, and (3), Single-Sideband translation remain the same. The[0106]FPGA902 produces the 90-degree phase shift keying signal applied to theQuadrature Modulator904. When the tag in the golf ball doubles the transmitted frequency from 914.5 MHz to 1829 MHz, the tag also doubles the amount of phase shift keying modulation to 180-degree keying. The re-radiated signal is active 100% of the time, instead of nominally half-time for On-Off keying, and the receiver has twice as much signal energy to process in the FPGA, A/D converter, and Post Demodulation processing. Thus the maximum useable range for finding the tag-equipped golf ball is increased, with a related increase in power drain on the battery.
• The receiver of the[0107]handheld unit900 operates on the principle that the tag in the golf ball will produce a harmonic reflected signal, which in one embodiment, doubles the transmitted frequency of 914.5 MHz to a reflected signal of 1829 MHz which re-radiates this doubled signal back to the receiver of the handheld unit. When a BPSK signal is squared, the modulation is removed and the energy in the modulated sidebands is collapsed back into a single spur at a frequency twice the carrier frequency. Thus the target (e.g. a tag in a lost golf ball) not only performs frequency doubling (or generating some other harmonic), but in the process, despreads the signal for free, eliminating the requirement for despreading circuitry in the receiver of the handheld unit. Therefore, what is re-radiated from the tag in the golf ball is an OOK modulated signal at 1829 MHz. The receiver receives this re-radiated (reflected) signal at the receiveantenna940 and filters and amplifies this 1829 MHz signal through theamplifiers942 and944 and the band pass filters941 and943. Thus, the received signal fromantenna940 is filtered inband pass filter941 which outputs its filtered signal to theamplifier942 which outputs its filtered signal to theamplifier942 which outputs an amplified signal to theband pass filter943 which outputs a filtered signal to theamplifier944 which outputs a signal to themixer946. The other input to themixer946 is the received local oscillator signal at a frequency of 1818.3 MHz which is received from theband pass filter932. Themixer946 performs a down-conversion to a 10.7 MHz intermediate frequency (IF) by multiplying the amplified 928 MHz signal received fromamplifier944 by the local oscillator signal of 1818.3 MHz received from theband pass filter932. This multiplication (also called mixing) produces two signals, one at the sum frequency of 1347.3 MHz and the other at the difference frequency of 10.7 MHz. The sum frequency is filtered out by the 10.7 MHzintermediate frequency filter947 which provides an output to theamplifier948. Thisintermediate frequency filter947 has a very small bandwidth (15 kHz) that also eliminates most of the received noise and adjacent RF (Radio Frequency) interference. What remains out of the intermediate frequency is a 10.7 MHz, OOK modulated signal that is amplified byamplifier948 and further amplified by anamplifier950 which includes agenerator circuit950 that generates a Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). This RSSI generator is not unlike an amplitude modulation (AM) detector, but with a logarithmic amplitude response. This RSSI function removes the 10.7 MHz carrier, resulting in just the audio tone that was applied to the signal in the transmitter. An 8-bit analog-to-digital (A/D)converter952 converts the RSSI signal to a sampled digital signal. This digitized signal then undergoes post-demodulation signal processing in theFPGA902 to further enhance the signal by reducing the noise by as much as 20 dB. This post-demodulation signal processing is performed by a Synchronous Video Generator (SVI) which performs an Exponential Ensemble Average across multiple OOK radar bursts. TheFPGA902 is programmed to include the SVI which is used for the post-demodulation signal processing. TheFPGA902 converts the output of the SVI circuit back to audio, which is amplified by anamplifier958 which drives a speaker orheadphones960. The digital-to-analog converter962 may be used in conjunction with theFPGA902 to convert the digital audio output to an analog output for purposes of driving thespeaker960 or headphones. Optionally, a series of LEDs or a meter driven by the digital-to-analog converter956 may also provide a visual indication of the proximity of the golf ball to the user of thehandheld unit900.
• FIG. 8D shows another embodiment for a handheld unit which consists of a battery powered transmitter and an antenna radiating at about 915 MHz and an antenna and a receiver operating at about 1829 MHz. The[0108]handheld unit1000 of FIG. 8D is similar in some ways tohandheld unit900 of FIG. 8C. Thehandheld unit1000 includesband pass filters1005 and1013 andamplifiers1012 and1014 in the transmitter portion ofunit1000. In addition, this transmitter portion includes a transmitantenna1016 which receives the amplified signal produced byamplifiers1012 and1014 through aharmonic trap1016A. The transmitted signal originates from acrystal oscillator1022 and phase lockedloop synthesizer1026 which produce a signal at a reference frequency of about twice the transmitted signal. A divide-by-twofrequency divider1030 and a band pass filter (BPF)1031 provide the transmitter local oscillator signal to signalgenerator1004 which is controlled by the PLD (Programmed Logic Device)1002. The output of thesignal generator1004 drives theamplifiers1012 and1014, and theamplifier1014 is controlled by OOK control fromPLD1002. This OOK control pulses the transmitter on and off, in one embodiment, with an On duty cycle of 50% or less. This will save battery life and minimize heat generated in the transmitter. The transmitter may also include an adaptive power control which could extend battery life (and simplify the handheld's user interface). When no signal is detected and when the receive signal strength is more than adequate for detection, the unit could scale back the transmit power automatically, thus conserving battery power and freeing the user from having to adjust a power transmit control knob. The receiver portion of the handheld unit includesreceiver antenna1040 which is coupled toBPF1041 which in turn is coupled toamplifier1042. The output ofamp1042 drivesamp1044 throughBPF1043. Themixer1046, which receives the output ofamp1044, down converts this output to a 10.7 MHz intermediate frequency signal which is amplified (in amp1048) and filtered (in BPF1049) and then processed by amplifier1050 (which may be an Analog Devices AD607 amplifier which generates an RSSI signal). The amplitude of the received signal may be measured by a Cordic transform inmicrocontroller1001. The RSSI signal is converted by an Analog to Digital converter in themicrocontroller1001 which in turn drives a D/A converter and an amplifier and speaker1060 (or some other appropriate output device).
• Several three-dimensional tags having a substantial surface area in more than one plane will now be described by referring to FIGS. 9A through 9H and[0109]10A and10C. It will be appreciated that these are some of many possible examples of three-dimensional tags, and it will be appreciated that the previously described planar tags may be formed to have a substantially non-planar shape in the manner described below.
• FIG. 9A shows an example of a[0110]spiral tag1100 having a firstspiral antenna portion1101 and a second spiral antenna portion1102 which are coupled together through thediode1103. The spiral antenna portion1102 includes anend1107, and thespiral antenna portion1101 includes anend1106. In the case of thetag1100, the winding direction through both antenna portions is maintained, as can be seen by beginning at theend1107 and following the direction of the winding of the antenna portion1102 through and into theantenna portion1101, and ultimately arriving at theend1106 while maintaining the same winding direction through both of these spiral antenna portions.
• The example of the[0111]spiral antenna1120 shown in FIG. 2B is a case where the first and second antenna portions are mirror images or complements of each other; thus the winding direction is reversed between the twoantenna portions1121 and1122. These antenna portions are coupled together by thediode1123 as shown in FIG. 9B. The complement or mirror image nature of the two spiral antenna portions can be seen by beginning at theend1127 and winding in a winding direction of thespiral antenna portion1122, which is an opposite winding direction relative to thespiral antenna portion1121, where the winding begins at theend1126. An electrical schematic of thespiral tags1100 and1120, as well as the other spiral tags shown in FIGS. 9D through 9H, is shown in FIG. 9C. Thetag1130 of FIG. 9C includes adiode1133 which is coupled betweenantenna portions1131 and1132. An inherent inductor, as shown in FIG. 9C, is coupled in parallel across thediode1133. Thetag1130 works in a manner which is similar to the tag shown in FIG. 2A, except that such a tag has substantial surface area in more than one plane. The multiplanar or three-dimensional tag described herein has improved findability relative to a tag which is substantially in one plane (e.g. such as the tag shown in FIG. 3A) due to the fact that single-plane tags have dead spots. An example of a dead spot is when the tag lands in an orientation in which the plane of the tag is perpendicular to the waves which are transmitted from the handheld unit (see thesignal16 which is represented as waves originating from the handheld transmitter).
• The spiral tags described herein, such as[0112]spiral tags1100 and1120, allow for the diode to be located near the center of the ball, which is desirable for protection from shock and for meeting golf ball flight and balance requirements. The structure of these tags provides greater cross-sectional areas in all planes, and this provides better performance than a single-planar tag which might land in an orientation where very little of the transmitted power is received by such a single-planar tag. The structures of the spiral antenna portions naturally form an ideal shape for shock absorption. It will be appreciated that control of the winding radius and pitch may be used to create a structure which is resonant of both the transmit (e.g. 915 MHz) and receive (e.g. 1830 MHz) frequencies.
• FIGS. 9D, 9E and[0113]9F show examples of spiral tags which are contained within slugs which are used to form golf ball cores. These slugs are similar to the slug shown in FIG. 6C which includes thetag606. The slugs shown in FIGS. 9D, 9E and9F may be formed by extruding the ball material around the spiral tag or by inserting the spiral tag into a void or cutout in each half-portion of a slug. After the spiral tag has been placed within the slug, then the combination may be molded in a high pressure and high temperature vulcanization process which is similar to that described relative to FIG. 6D above. This vulcanization process or molding process creates the spherical golf ball core which can then be encased in a shell as described above.
• The[0114]slug assembly1140 includes a spiral tag having adiode1143 which is coupled betweenspiral antenna portions1141 and1142. This spiral tag is similar to the spiral tags shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B and9C. The spiral tag is included or encased within the slug material1135 in an extrusion operation described above or by inserting the spiral tag into a void between two half-portions of theslug material1145. In the case of FIG. 9E, the spiral tag has the spiral antenna portions or windings inverted as shown in FIG.9E, with thediode1153 coupled between theseantenna portions1151 and1152. The spiral tag is encased within theslug material1155 to form theslug assembly1150 shown in FIG. 9E. The spiral tag of FIG. 9E is electrically similar to the circuit shown in FIG. 9C. The spiral tag in theslug assembly1160 of FIG. 9F is the same as the spiral tag shown in FIG. 9E except that the spiral antenna portions are formed from flat wire (see, for example, FIG. 9G) relative to the cylindrical wire used in FIG. 9E (see, for example, FIG. 9H). Theslug assembly1160 has a spiral tag which includes thediode1163 which is coupled betweenspiral antenna portions1162 and1161 which are formed out of flatter wire than thespiral antenna portions1151 and1152. The spiral tag of FIG. 9F is included withinslug material1165 to form thisslug assembly1160. It will be recognized that these spiral tags have perforations within their outer perimeters which allow a material to flow through the tag (e.g. in a molding operation).
• The difference between the types of wires which may be used for the spiral antenna portions is shown in FIGS. 9G and 9H. In the spiral tag of FIG. 9G, the[0115]diode1173 couples together flatwire antenna portions1172 and1171, which have been formed into spiral antenna portions. Thistag1170 is electrically similar to the tag shown in FIG. 9C. Thetag1180 shown in FIG. 9H includes adiode1183 coupled betweenspiral antenna portions1181 and1182. Thistag1180 is electrically similar to the tag shown in FIG. 9C. Thetag1180 uses wire which has a cylindrical cross-section rather than the flat wire shown in thetag1170 of FIG. 9G.
• FIG. 13 shows an[0116]exemplary method1301 for constructing a golf ball, which in the case of this method, has a spiral tag; this method may also be used with the various other tags described herein, such as the multiplanar tags of FIGS. 10A and 10C or the planar tags of FIGS. 3A and 4A. This method may be used to construct one-piece or two-piece or more than two piece golf balls. Theextruder1303 extrudesprecursor portions1309 and1311 fromextrusion openings1307 and1305 respectively; theextruder1303 pushes, in one embodiment, unvulcanized rubber material which is used to form the core of a golf ball (and hence it may be considered a core precursor material). The extruder pushes the material through the openings which have been designed to produce properly sized precursor portions. A knife or blade may be used to create a beginning/front edge and a back edge on the portions. Theportions1309 and1311 are then respectively transported (e.g. by a conveyor belt) to holders orfixtures1319 and1317 as indicated byarrows1315 and1313. These holders serve to hold the portions in place while astamper1323, having amold1321, robotically stamps an imprint of themold1321 into the flat face of theportions1309 and1311. The mold is designed to have a similar (e.g. substantially the same) shape and size as the tag (e.g. tag1330) which is to be placed within the slug portions. Theslug portions1309 and1311 are soft enough, and themold1321 hard enough, that a void, having a shape and size which is designed to receive at least a portion of the tag, is created in the face of the portions by the mold. It will be appreciated that the void, on one of the portions, is designed to normally hold about one-half of the tag (and the other half is held in the void in the face of the other portion). After stamping the voids in the faces of theportions1309 and1311, two stampedportions1327 and1325 are created. These two stampedportions1327 and1325 are then combined with atag1330 through arobotic arm1333 which places thetag1330 into at least one of thevoids1328 and1329, in theportions1327 and1325. In one embodiment of this method, after thetag1330 is positioned within at least one void, therobotic arm1333 releases thetag1330, and this allows the twohalf portions1327 and1325 to be joined together with thetag1330, in thevoids1328 and1329, sandwiched between the two portions. Thisassembly1337 oftag1330 andportions1327 and1325 may then be processed further by placing theassembly1337 into a molding chamber to mold the ball or ball core (in a manner which is similar to the operation shown in FIG. 6D). A camera and a motion/position control system may be used to properly position thetag1330 into at least one of thevoids1328 and1329. Alternatively, after thestamper1323 is removed from the slug portion it imprinted, and before the portion is removed from its holder, another robotic arm may place a tag into the just imprinted void while the slug portion is fixed within the holder. As another alternative, the tag may be manually (e.g. by a human) placed within a void of a first slug portion and then the other slug portion is joined manually to the first slug portion to create theassembly1337. Further, the stamping operation may also be performed manually.
• All of the single-plane tags described above may be formed in a manner to create a three-dimensional or multiplanar tag by twisting or bending or otherwise forming such tags so that they have a three-dimensional shape. FIG. 10A shows an example, in a top view, of an “S” shaped[0117]tag1200. This tag may be any of the tags shown in FIGS. 3A through 5P, and it may be formed by twisting or bending the antenna portions, prior to attaching the diode or after attaching the diode. After thetag1200 is formed, it will be placed within a slug material which has been cut or otherwise formed to have a conforming shape to receive the “S” shapedtag1200. An example of such slug portions is shown in FIG. 10B which includesslug portions1202 and1204 having been cut (or formed) into a shape to receive the “S” shaped tag. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6C, after thetag1200 is placed within theslug portions1202 and1204, the slug assembly may then be placed in a molding chamber, similar to the chamber shown in FIG. 6D, to mold the tag within the slug material to create a golf ball core having the tag. As noted above, the tag may include multiple perforations or at least one perforation, allowing the core material to flow through the perforations in the multiplanar tag to provide a unitary structure such as that shown in FIG. 3E in the case of a multiplanar tag.
• FIG. 10C shows another example of a multiplanar tag formed from a single-plane tag such as any one of the tags discussed relative to FIGS. 3A through 5P. In the case of FIG. 10C, the tag may be bent or twisted or otherwise formed into the shape shown in FIG. 10C. FIG. 10C is a top view of the[0118]tag1210. FIG. 10D shows twoslug portions1212 and1214 which have been cut or otherwise formed to receive thetag1210. The cut in the slug creates a void into which thetag1210 is placed. FIG. 10D is a top view of these slug portions and shows how the slug portions can receive thetag1210. After receiving this tag, the slug portions may be brought together and placed within a molding chamber to mold the slug with thetag1210 into a golf ball core, similar to the operation shown in FIG. 6D above.
• Examples of the use of carts with handheld units of the present invention will now be described relative to FIGS. 11A and 11B. In the case of FIG. 11A, a[0119]golf cart1250 which is motorized (e.g. an electric cart or gasoline powered cart) is shown having acradle1251 which is designed to receive and hold a handheld unit, such as thehandheld unit14 of FIG. 1A. Abattery recharger system1252 is coupled to thecradle1251 to recharge the batteries (which may be rechargeable batteries) in the handheld unit which is placed within the cradle. Thus, when the handheld unit is not being used and is stored or stowed within thecradle1251, it is charged by arecharging system1252 which may draw its power from the batteries of the golf cart (or some other existing electrical system of the golf cart). FIG. 11B shows an example of a pull cart which may be used in golf. Thepull cart1255 includes acradle1256 which is designed to receive a handheld unit, such as thehandheld unit14 of FIG. 1A. The pull cart is shown without a recharging unit, but it will be appreciated that optionally it may include a recharging unit (which includes a battery) to recharge the battery in the handheld unit while it is stored or stowed in thecradle1256 of thepull cart1255. Golf bags, such as “shoulder bags,” may also include a cradle or holster for holding a handheld unit. These bags, such as Belding bags, are typically slung over the golfer's shoulder and carried in this manner. These bags may optionally include a rechargeable battery to recharge the batteries in the handheld.
• Various embodiments of the invention provide for methods of operating golf courses and methods of using findable balls with handhelds. The use of findable balls and handhelds will enable golfers to complete an 18-hole round of golf at a golf course in less time because the time spent looking for lost balls is substantially reduced. A golfer with a handicap in excess of 15 (more than 80% of worldwide golf players) will hit ten or more shots per round that do not land in the fairway. These off-fairway shots are typically not lost but can be found within a search time frame of about 10 seconds to 5 minutes. With a system as described herein, such as a findable ball and a handheld unit, this search time frame is minimized and the pace of play is not adversely impacted. In fact, a typical golfer equipped with a handheld unit and findable balls as described herein should experience an 8-12 minute acceleration in the time it takes him/her to complete an 18-hole round of golf. An 8-minute acceleration represents a 3% throughput improvement for golf course operators who expect an 18-hole round to take about 270 minutes. Golf course operators go to great lengths to communicate and enforce rapid pace of play. Score cards, golf cart signage, on-course signage and roving marshals all have a priority emphasis on speeding up play. Much like a restaurant needs to move tables, the golf course operator needs to get as many players as possible through the course in a given day. Thus, the findable balls and handhelds described herein may be provided by golf course operators to the players so that the golf course operators may achieve this accelerated throughput which will increase the profitability of the golf course operator by increasing revenue to the golf course operator. There are numerous ways in which golf course operators may utilize aspects described herein. For example, a golf course operator may give a discount, such as a discount on the green fee, to a golfer who will use a findable ball and handheld but not give such a discount to a golfer who does not use a findable ball and handheld. The golf course may rent or provide for free findable balls and handheld units to those golfers who do not have their own or may require all golfers to use findable balls and handheld units. A golf course may, after the course closes, cause its employees to search for findable balls containing tags which remain on the course after the course has closed in order to retrieve such balls. By doing so, the course will have fewer such balls and thus there will be fewer false positives (e.g. finding someone else's lost ball from a prior round of golf). The golf course may also employ other methods if findable balls and handheld units are used. For example, the golf course may decide to cut the grass less often in rough areas, allowing this grass to grow higher than is normally done in golf courses which do not use findable balls and handheld units to find the balls. This will tend to decrease expenses for the golf course. The golf course may charge for the use of a golf course (an 18-hole round of golf) based on the amount of time used if the golfer does not use a findable ball and handheld unit, but if the golfer does use a findable ball and a handheld unit, then the charge is a fixed amount or a fixed amount up to a certain amount of time to play the round of golf.[0120]
• FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of one particular method of using findable balls and a handheld. This method may be performed largely by the golf course. The[0121]method1260 shown in FIG. 12 is one example, and it will be appreciated that there are numerous other examples in which different operations are performed in different sequences or are not present or additional operations are present. Upon registering with the golf course, the golf course determines whether a golfer has findable balls and handhelds (operation1261). If the golfer does have findable balls and handhelds and will use them, then a green fee discount (or some other discount) or some other legal consideration is given to the golfer who will use the findable balls and handheld (operation1263). If the golfer does not use findable balls and a handheld, then inoperation1265 the golf course may rent or provide for free findable balls and handhelds for use by the golfer, but the golfer will not, in this example, receive a green fee discount. Thus, whether or not the golfer has brought findable balls and a handheld unit for use with the findable balls, all golfers afteroperations1263 and1265 will be using handhelds and findable golf balls (operation1267). If a ball gets lost, then a golfer may find the lost ball with the handheld inoperation1269. After the golf course has closed for play (or after a round of golf has concluded), golf course employees may search for findable balls (using a handheld unit) which remain on the course. These balls are found and then removed from the course so that fewer false positives will occur for the next rounds of golf which are played. It will be appreciated that this is an optional operation (operation1271) which may not be performed by some golf courses. Theoperation1271 may be performed at some predetermined time (after the course closes) or otherwise (e.g. when it is decided that too many golfers are finding too many false positives). The operation may be performed after each round of golf or every other day after the course closes or once a week (e.g. Sunday night after the course closes) or at some other interval. Inoperation1273, the golf course decides to cut the grass in the rough areas less often, thereby allowing it to grow higher. It will also be appreciated that thisoperation1273 is also optional. As noted above, these operations may be performed in a different sequence or with more or fewer operations than shown in FIG. 12 which is one example of a method of operating a golf course. It will be appreciated that a typical golf course is not the same as a driving range, but golf courses may include a driving range. It will also be appreciated that the foregoing description applies to clubs which include golf courses.
• It will be appreciated that numerous modifications of the various embodiments described herein may be made. For example, each golf ball could be printed with a unique identification number such as a serial number in order to allow a user to identify from a group of lost balls which lost ball is his/her lost ball. Alternatively, a quasi-unique identifier, such as a manufacturing date when the ball is manufactured, may be printed on the outside of the ball so that it can be read by a user to verify that a user's ball has been found within a group of lost balls which have been uncovered by the handheld unit. As noted above, the embodiments of the present invention may be used with one piece or three-piece golf balls in addition to two-piece golf balls described above. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the impedance of the diode may be matched to the impedance of the antenna. It will be appreciated also that the tags discussed above are passive tags having no active components such as semiconductor memory circuits, and the antenna does not need to energize such active components such as semiconductor memory components.[0122]
• In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.[0123]

Claims (92)

What is claimed is:

1. A golf ball comprising:

a shell;

a core material which is encased within said shell; and

a tag having a diode coupled to an antenna, said tag being disposed within said core material, said tag having at least one perforation.

2. A golf ball as inclaim 1, wherein said tag is designed to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal of a first frequency and to re-radiate a return RF signal of a second frequency.

3. A golf ball as inclaim 2, wherein said second frequency is a harmonic of said first frequency.

4. A golf ball as inclaim 2, wherein said radio frequency signal is emitted from a handheld device and wherein said golf ball satisfies the specifications of the United States Golf Association, and wherein said core material extends from one side of said tag to another side of said tag through said at least one perforation.

5. A golf ball as inclaim 4, wherein said golf ball is findable by said handheld device up to a range of about 60 feet separating said golf ball and said handheld device and wherein said tag further includes a dielectric layer attached to said antenna and having said at least one perforation.

6. A golf ball as inclaim 4, wherein said tag has a perimeter which is rounded along most of said perimeter and has an effective diameter which is slightly less than an inner diameter of said shell.

7. A golf ball as inclaim 4, wherein said diode is coupled to said antenna by a compressible conductor.

8. A golf ball as inclaim 1, wherein said core material extends from a first side of said tag, through said at least one perforation, to a second side of said tag.

9. A golf ball as inclaim 1, wherein said tag is passive and said antenna does not serve to provide power to any memory elements.

10. A golf ball as inclaim 8, wherein said tag is a substantially planar structure which is substantially symmetrical about an axis which coincides with a diametric axis of said golf ball.

11. A golf ball as inclaim 10, wherein said diode is positioned near said diametric axis.

12. A golf ball as inclaim 11, wherein said diode is coupled to said antenna near the center of said golf ball along said diametric axis.

13. A golf ball as inclaim 11, wherein at least a portion of an outer perimeter of said tag conforms to an inner contour of said shell.

14. A golf ball as inclaim 13, wherein said tag comprises an approximately “U” shaped portion which comprises a transmission line which is coupled to said antenna.

15. A golf ball as inclaim 14, wherein a mid-line, which represents an approximate bisection of said approximately “U” shaped portion, is substantially aligned with said diametric axis.

16. A golf ball as inclaim 15, wherein said diode is coupled to said antenna near a top portion of said approximately “U” shaped portion.

17. A golf ball as inclaim 16, wherein said diode is positioned substantially off center relative to the center of said golf ball.

18. A golf ball as inclaim 17, wherein said at least one perforation comprises an opening which surrounds said approximately “U” shaped portion.

19. A golf ball as inclaim 13, wherein said tag comprises an approximately “T” shaped portion which comprises a transmission line which is coupled to said antenna.

20. A golf ball comprising:

a shell;

a core material which is encased within said shell;

a tag having an electrical element coupled to an antenna, said tag being disposed within said core material, said tag being detectable with a handheld transmitting/receiving device over a range of at least about 20 feet separating said handheld transmitting/receiving device and said tag, and wherein said golf ball has high durability and substantially complies with golf ball specifications of the United States Golf Association.

21. A golf ball as inclaim 20, wherein said electrical element comprises a diode and wherein said tag is designed to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal of a first frequency and to re-radiate a return RF signal of a second frequency.

22. A golf ball as inclaim 21, wherein said second frequency is a harmonic of said first frequency.

23. A golf ball as inclaim 21, wherein said high durability includes being able to withstand at least 20 cannon test hits.

24. A golf ball as inclaim 23, wherein said golf ball specifications comprise size, weight and flight characteristics.

25. A golf ball as inclaim 23, wherein said handheld transmitting/receiving device complies, when transmitting, with regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

26. A golf ball as inclaim 23, wherein said handheld transmitting/receiving device, when transmitting, emits less than, or equal to, about 1 watt maximum peak power.

27. A golf ball as inclaim 23, wherein said handheld transmitting/receiving device, when transmitting, emits less than, or equal to, about 4 watts effective isotropic radiated power.

28. A golf ball as inclaim 21, wherein said tag comprises at least one perforation and said core material extends from a first side of said tag, through said at least one perforation, to a second side of said tag.

29. A golf ball as inclaim 28, wherein said tag is a substantially planar structure which is substantially symmetrical about an axis which coincides with a diametric axis of said golf ball.

30. A golf ball as inclaim 29, wherein said diode is positioned near said diametric axis.

31. A golf ball as inclaim 30, wherein said antenna comprises a first wing and a second wing which are symmetrically disposed about said diametric axis, and wherein at least a portion of said at least one perforation separates at least a portion of each of said first wing and said second wing, and wherein each of said first wing and said second wing has at least a portion of an outer perimeter which substantially conforms to the outer diameter of said core material.

32. A golf ball as inclaim 31, wherein said tag further comprises a transmission line which is coupled to said antenna and to said diode.

33. A golf ball as inclaim 32, wherein said transmission line has an approximately “U” shaped portion.

34. A golf ball as inclaim 32, wherein said transmission line has an approximately “T” shaped portion.

35. A golf ball as inclaim 33, wherein said approximately “U” shaped portion is substantially bisected by said diametric axis.

36. A golf ball as inclaim 34, wherein said approximately “T” shaped portion is substantially bisected by said diametric axis.

37. A golf ball as inclaim 25, wherein said tag is a substantially planar structure which is substantially symmetrical about an axis which coincides with a diametric axis of said golf ball, and wherein said antenna comprises a first wing and a second wing which are symmetrically disposed about said diametric axis, and wherein each of said first wing and said second wing has at least a portion of an outer perimeter which substantially conforms to the outer diameter of said core material.

38. A golf ball as inclaim 37, wherein said tag further comprises a transmission line which is coupled to said antenna and to said diode.

39. A golf ball as inclaim 38, wherein said transmission line has a shaped portion which is substantially bisected by said diametric axis.

40. A system for finding a golf ball, said system comprising:

a golf ball which comprises a tag which has a diode coupled to an antenna;

a handheld transmitting/receiving device which is capable of detecting said tag over a range of at least 20 feet separating said handheld transmitting/receiving device and said tag, wherein said handheld transmitting/receiving device complies, when transmitting, with regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

41. A system as inclaim 40, wherein said handheld transmitting/receiving device, when transmitting, emits less than, or equal to, about 1 watt maximum peak power.

42. A system as inclaim 40, wherein said handheld transmitting/receiving device, when transmitting, emits less than, or equal to, about 4 watts effective isotropic radiated power.

43. A system as inclaim 40, wherein said golf ball complies with golf ball specifications of the United States Golf Association and wherein said golf ball has a construction which is at least a one-piece construction.

44. A system as inclaim 40, wherein said tag is a substantially planar structure which is substantially symmetrical about an axis which coincides with a diametric axis of said golf ball.

45. A system as inclaim 44, wherein said antenna comprises a first wing and a second wing which are symmetrically disposed about said diametric axis, and wherein each of said first wing and said second wing has at least a portion of an outer perimeter which substantially conforms to the outer diameter of said golf ball.

46. A system as inclaim 45, wherein said tag further comprises a transmission line which is coupled to said antenna and to said diode.

47. A system as inclaim 46, wherein said transmission line has a shaped portion which is substantially bisected by said diametric axis.

48. A system as inclaim 47, wherein said diode is positioned near said diametric axis.

49. A method of making a golf ball, said method comprising:

forming a core precursor member having a first portion and a second portion;

placing a tag between said first portion and said second portion thereby creating a combined member, said tag having at least one perforation;

placing said combined member into a mold structure;

molding said combined member in the mold structure, said molding causing material from one of said first portion and said second portion to flow into said at least one perforation to contact the other of said first portion and said second portion;

enclosing a core member, obtained through said molding, in a shell.

50. A method as inclaim 49, wherein said forming comprises splitting said core precursor member to create said first portion and said second portion.

51. A method as inclaim 49, wherein said tag is completely enclosed within said first portion and said second portion.

52. A method as inclaim 49, wherein said molding comprises exposing said combined member to a molding temperature and a molding pressure for a predetermined period of time.

53. A method as inclaim 52, wherein said molding temperature is in a range from about 200° F. to about 350° F. and said molding pressure is in a range from about 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi) to about 5,000 psi and said predetermined period of time is in a range from about 1 minute to about 15 minutes.

54. A method as inclaim 53 further comprising:

cooling said core member prior to said enclosing.

55. A method as inclaim 54, wherein said core member is cleaned prior to said enclosing.

56. A method as inclaim 53, wherein said molding cures a core material in said first and said second portions.

57. A method as inclaim 53, wherein said tag is a substantially planar structure which is substantially symmetrical about an axis which coincides with a diametric axis of said golf ball.

58. A method as inclaim 57 wherein said tag comprises a diode coupled to an antenna, said antenna comprising a first wing and a second wing which are symmetrically disposed about said diametric axis, and wherein at least a portion of said at least one perforation separates at least a portion of each of said first wing and said second wing, and wherein each of said first wing and said second wing has at least a portion of an outer perimeter which substantially conforms to the outer diameter of said core member.

59. A method as inclaim 58, wherein said tag further comprises a transmission line which is coupled to said antenna and to said diode.

60. A method as inclaim 59, wherein said transmission line has a shaped portion which is substantially bisected by said diametric axis.

61. A method as inclaim 49, wherein said forming comprises molding said first portion and said second portion separately.

62. A golf ball comprising:

a ball material;

a tag disposed in the ball material, the tag having a first diode and a second diode which are both coupled to an antenna, said first diode and said second diode being coupled in parallel.

63. A golf ball as inclaim 62, wherein said first diode has a first N region and a first P region and said second diode has a second N region and a second P region and wherein said first N region is coupled to said second P region and said first P region is coupled to said second N region.

64. A golf ball as inclaim 63 further comprising an inductor coupled in parallel with said first diode and said second diode.

65. A golf ball as inclaim 63 wherein said first diode and said second diode are formed in a monolithic integrated circuit which is surrounded by a package.

66. A golf ball as inclaim 63 wherein said antenna comprises a first antenna portion and a second antenna portion and wherein said first N region is coupled to said first antenna portion and said first P region is coupled to said second antenna portion.

67. A golf ball as inclaim 66 wherein said tag is substantially symmetrical about a diametric axis of said golf ball.

68. A golf ball as inclaim 63 wherein said tag is designed to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal of a first frequency and to re-radiate a return RF signal of a second frequency and wherein said radio frequency signal is emitted from a handheld device and wherein said golf ball satisfies the specifications of the United States Golf Association.

69. A golf ball as inclaim 68 wherein said tag comprises at least one perforation.

70. A golf ball as inclaim 69 wherein said ball material extends from one side of the tag to another side of the tag through the at least one perforation.

71. A golf ball as inclaim 63 wherein the tag has a substantially planar structure.

72. A golf ball as inclaim 63 wherein the tag has substantial surface area in more than one plane.

73. A golf ball as inclaim 63 wherein the tag has a spiral shape.

74. A golf ball comprising:

a ball material;

a harmonic tag disposed in the ball material, the tag having substantial surface area in more than one plane.

75. A method for operating a golf course, the method comprising:

determining whether a golfer will use a system to find a golf ball;

providing a legal consideration to the golfer if the golfer will use the system when playing on the golf course.

76. A method as inclaim 75 further comprising:

requiring at least a group of golfers to use the system, which is a handheld system.

77. A method as inclaim 75 further comprising:

searching, by golf course personnel, for lost golf balls from rounds of golf which have ended.

78. A method as inclaim 75, wherein the legal consideration is at least one of (a) a green fee discount; (b) a credit toward a future playing of golf; (c) a monetary payment or credit; or (d) a promise to perform an obligation.

79. A method for operating a golf course, the method comprising:

allowing a golfer to play on the golf course;

searching, by golf course personnel, for lost golf balls from rounds of golf which have ended.

80. A method for operating a golf course, the method comprising:

providing a handheld system for finding a golf ball;

requiring a golfer, as a condition of using the golf course, to use the handheld system while playing on the golf course.

81. A method as inclaim 80 wherein the providing is one of (a) allowing the golfer to use a handheld system which is owned by the golfer; or (b) allowing the golfer to use a handheld system which is not owned by the golfer.

82. A slug assembly for use in making a golf ball, the slug assembly comprising:

a first slug portion;

a second slug portion;

a tag disposed between the first slug portion and the second slug portion, one of the first slug portion and the second slug portion having a void on its face for receiving the tag.

83. A golf ball comprising:

a ball material;

a tag disposed in the ball material, the tag having a diode coupled to an antenna, said tag having at least one perforation.

84. A golf ball as inclaim 83 wherein said ball material is a core material and wherein said at least one perforation is within an outer perimeter of the tag.

85. A method for making a golf ball, the method comprising:

forming a first precursor portion;

forming a second precursor portion;

combining into an assembly the first precursor portion and the second precursor portion with a tag.

86. A method as inclaim 85 wherein said forming the first precursor portion comprises extruding a material through a first opening and said forming the second precursor portion comprises extruding said material through a second opening.

87. A method as inclaim 86 further comprising:

molding said assembly into a golf ball core.

88. A method for making a golf ball, the method comprising:

forming a precursor portion;

forming a void in said precursor portion;

inserting at least a portion of a tag into said void.

89. A method as inclaim 88 wherein said forming said first precursor portion comprises extruding said first precursor portion and wherein a second precursor portion is also extruded and wherein said void is a first void in said first precursor portion and wherein a second void is formed in said second precursor portion.

90. A method as inclaim 89 wherein said first void and said second void are formed by stamping.

91. A method as inclaim 90 further comprising:

molding said first precursor portion and said second precursor portion and said tag.

92. A method as inclaim 91 wherein said first and said second voids are robotically stamped and wherein said tag is inserted robotically.

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