WO2022240872A1

WO2022240872A1 - System and method of ''tuning'' a golf ball for increased performance utilizing geodesic, lattice and other structures

Info

Publication number: WO2022240872A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/028589
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Spriegel
Original assignee: Sportzfizx, Llc
Priority date: 2021-05-10
Filing date: 2022-05-10
Publication date: 2022-11-17

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to create a golf ball design that utilizes at least one structure, that improves a golf ball's performance and properties, comprising ball flight, distance, ball flight distortion, control of ball frequency and improved golf ball "tuning" to a club head comprising: a core structure and/or one or more intermediate layers, wherein the core and/or the at least one or more layers may be manufactured with at least one structure to inhibit factors comprising ball vibration, ball distortion, negative environmental impacts, delamination, it's detrimental effects during impact and at the same time improve the balls performance.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF “TUNING” A GOLF BALL FOR INCREASED PERFORMANCE UTILIZING GEODESIC, LATTICE AND OTHER STRUCTURES

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 119 (e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/186,687 filed May 10, 2021.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to meet the United States Golf Association ("U.S.G.A.") specifications, a golf ball must be spherical in shape, have equal aerodynamic properties and equal moments of inertia about any axis through its center. The ball must have a minimum diameter of 1.68 inches (4.267 centimeters), a maximum weight of 1.620 ounces (45.926 grams), and a maximum initial ball velocity of 255 feet per second as measured on a Standard U.S.G.A. ball testing machine. The maximum CR allowed under USGA rules is 0.830.

When the golf ball is hit by a set club head speed on a USGA specified machine, the initial velocity of the ball must not exceed 250 ft/s with a 2% tolerance (that is 255 ft/s maximum). When the ball is struck with a USGA specified driver at a club head speed of 160 ft/s and a launch angle of 10 degrees (as tested by the USGA), the ball's overall distance cannot exceed 280 yards with a 6% tolerance (or a maximum of 296.8 yards). In addition, the ball must pass the USGA administered symmetry test, which requires the ball's flight to remain consistent in distance and trajectory no matter how the ball is placed on a tee. l Conventional golf balls have been designed to provide particular playing characteristics. These characteristics include initial velocity, compression, spin rate, distance, spin control, tour performance, flight dynamics, and other properties. For example, certain players prefer a ball that has a high spin rate in order to control the flight of the ball and to stop the ball on the green. This type of ball, however, does not typically provide maximum distance. Other players prefer a ball that has a low spin rate and high resiliency (ability to spring back) to maximize distance. The most critical factor in the game may be the golf ball, however there are numerous deficiencies with current golf ball design.

Very few sports items of such apparent simplicity have undergone more study and analysis than the golf ball. The impact between the clubhead and a golf ball is a violent event. The normal force acting on the golf ball during impact is large, with values reaching 10 kN, and the ball is significantly deformed, with compression along the direction of impact being of the order of 1 cm. In general, the greater the deformation of the golf ball the greater the energy loss and the lower the coefficient of restitution. In general, it is found from these normal force measurements that, at a given impact speed, the standard three-piece ball is in contact longer with the barrier than the standard two-piece ball. It would be advantageous to reduce deformation clubhead impact. The number of golf ball selections that a golf player can choose is limited.

Titleist makes several model balls, PRO Vlx, PRO VI, AVX, Tour Speed, Tour Soft, Velocity and TruFeel, in other words 7+ golf balls. Acushnet, the parent company of Titleist, tops $1.6 billion in annual revenue. Callaway had a record $1.71 billion in net sales in 2019, a year-over-year increase of 37%, and an operating income of $133 million.

Today, the golf ball market is worth around $550 million in annual sales, with over 850 million golf balls being manufactured and shipped every year. 500-750 million new golf balls are sold in average annually. Out of this number, 240 million new golf balls are sold only in the US., Source: golfbusinessmonitor, 2009. Imagine a company, like Titleist (Acushnet) that only offers a small selection of golf balls to 24.3 million golfers. There is not much customization available in that ball offering. About 1.2 billion

2 golf balls are produced every year. There are more than 80 different types of balls of varying construction materials and designs. Source: cen.acs.org.

The top 100 PGA Tour players use 9 different golf balls produced by 5 manufacturers. 69% play a Titleist Pro VI or Pro Vlx with Callaway's Chrome Soft X the next most popular. 7% play Srixon's Z-StarXV, 6% use TaylorMade's TP5x with only 2% each using the TP5 & Bridgestone's Tour BX and XS balls. Source: golfingfocus.com. Imagine 69% of major league baseball players having only two bat selections.

A driver or club face impacting a golf ball distort the ball significantly.

Compression is measured when a static load is applied to the ball and determining how much the ball is deformed under a standard load rating. The Titleist Pro VI ball has a compression of over 100, while the Titleist Pro Vlx has a compression of 108+. Those balls are designed for tour players with swing speeds typically in the range of 110-130 mph. A golf ball is greatly distorted well after leaving a club head, as can be seen in FIG. 2, that distortion impacts flight, spin rate, distance, etc. It is clear that this distortion would be an issue with someone shooting a basketball, for example, and in golf it has a negative impact on golf ball flight and golf ball properties, as well.

According to Michael Mahoney, vice president of marketing at Titleist. "The ball is the most important piece of equipment in the golfer's bag," It's the only piece of equipment that golfers use on every single shot." The applicant agrees with this assessment and that, golfers are "fitted for clubs" but not "fitted for golf balls." A golfer can own the best golf clubs, have the perfect stance and a rock-solid swing, but if a golf ball isn't reacting properly to a player's swing, some of that energy is being wasted. "The golf ball," concludes Mahoney, Titleist VP, "is a really important equipment decision that makes a huge difference for golfers at all skill levels." Perhaps the most important of all.

As mentioned supra, golf balls may experience significant deformations during impact, and these deformation deficiencies can lead to energy loss by being transferred to frequency modes that are not recovered after impact, delamination, vibrations, etc. Energy is also lost due to heat and non-elastic deformations of the golf ball.

3 Golf balls have deficiencies in terms of manufacturing and design. Callaway Chrome Soft golf balls, for example, at one time, had serious deficiencies in terms of core location, material consistency and other design factors. MyGolfSpy exposed the quality issues with Callaway balls ranging from inconsistent mixing of core and layer materials, to grossly off-center cores. MyGolfSpy is an independent and unbiased company that tests and evaluates golf equipment. Calaway invested $50 million to improve quality control in their ball making process.

Golf balls, in general, must exhibit or possess some degree of some manufacturing inconsistency. Most golf balls are constructed from two, three or four separate pieces, called layers, that may include the core, mantle (casing) and cover. The two-piece, or multi-piece, golf ball typically includes the core that is not exactly and perfectly centered, the cover layer that does not have a uniform thickness or composition, or the intermediate layer that does not have a uniform thickness or composition. These manufacturing inconsistencies can negatively affect the performance of the ball.

The durability of a golf ball reflects both the manner in which it is manufactured and the reagents with which it is made. It has been noted that golf ball failures frequently are the result of the formation of cracks formed within the core. US Patent 6,120,390, Acushnet Company (Titleist).

A golf ball's core is the most impactful element of your ball, and is responsible for maybe one thing: power. The golf ball core is the ball's "engine", which is in the center, solid and usually made of rubber or resin. Core construction is a key factor in the ball's distance and spin characteristics. The golf ball core drives compression, which refers to overall density of the ball. Higher compression balls are generally for more experienced golfers with faster swing speeds. Golf balls transform shape at impact and continue to do so after impact, therefore the core needs to support this energy transfer. Golfers with slower swing speeds looking to gain distance tend to lean toward lower compression golf balls that maximize the spring-like effect created through impact, wherein larger deformation (squeezing) of the golf ball occurs at impact. When the energy at impact goes toward deforming the core of the golf ball, the amount of spin imparted on the ball

4 and the cores energy utilized is reduced. As a result, for many golfers, lower spin means straighter ball flight (less curvature), and less curvature means more distance. Ball manufactures have experimented with numerous core designs.

Oncore Golf launched a hollow metal-core MA 1.0, golf ball (US 6,976,925 B2) and was declared conforming as part of the USGA's Rules of Golf. The MA 1.0 allows some of the weight to be redistributed toward the perimeter/outside of the ball. Though the rules require equipment to have a "traditional and customary form and make," the USGA said the rigid center of the On Core MA Series 1 ($40 a dozen, available in January) is an exception to Appendix III of the Rules. The metallic core shifts weight to the perimeter, which OnCore says will "reduce slices by 30 percent." After testing and fine-tuning, OnCore settled on a .9-inch hollow-core center. The USGA said it was only the second time in history, since the liquid core ball in 1921, that they made an exception or allowance for a golf ball. The MA-1.0 created a loud sound when struck, had other issues and was discontinued for those issues.

Once again, the Coefficient of Restitution (CR) is a measurement of the clubface's ability to rebound the ball. It is expressed as a percentage that is determined by a ball's speed off the clubhead divided by the speed at which it struck by the clubhead. The term came into the popular lexicon as ultra-thin-faced drivers began to proliferate. An effect of the thin faces is known as the "spring-like effect" or "trampoline effect." The face of the driver depresses as the ball is struck, then rebounds - providing a little extra energy to the shot. A driver that exhibits this property will have a very high CR. The maximum CR allowed under USGA rules is 0.830.

Coefficient of restitution (CR) is generally defined as the speed ratio of an object before and after a collision. A CR value of one (1 ) is a fully elastic collision, with no energy loss, and a CR value in a fully inelastic collision is where all energy is dissipated during the collision. In other words, for a CR of unity (1 ), a collision is perfectly elastic and no kinetic energy is lost. A CR of zero (0) represents a fully plastic collision where the colliding objects stick together after their impact, the maximum loss of kinetic energy occurs. Both momentum and kinetic energy are conserved in elastic collisions. In the real-world collisions are never elastic.

5 When the ball's energy at impact, is converted back into kinetic energy, the ball flies off the club. Well known in physics, energy cannot be created; nor can it be destroyed Source: Albert Einstein). Steve Quintavalla (Equipment Standards, USGA): Golf balls tend to lose energy in the process of impact. In general, they lose about forty percent (40%) of the energy that you put into them. Therefore, it is desirable to have a golf ball that does not lose as much energy, as they do presently.

Today's golf ball construction is a combination of computer simulations, aerodynamic research, testing, thermodynamics, polymer manufacturing, etc., which makes it possible for a golf ball to fly the distance of over 3 football fields, for low handicap or professional golfers. A golf ball consists of three main components: a core, a mantle, and a cover. A golf ball is central to the game of golf. In fact, golf is in large part all about the ball. It comes down to getting a little round ball into the hole in the ground. All the focus surrounding the correct posture, swing technique, proper grip, etc. is actually all about hitting the ball at the right angle, sending it the right distance and last but not least to control its direction, speed and rotation. Most golfers are aware of and educated about golf clubs and their performance, but only a few understand how the selection of the ball affects the game, or about the structure of golf balls in general. Golfers frequently use a golf ball their friends recommend or they saw the golf ball on TV.

A negative environmental situation occurs when making golf balls, using conventional treatment methods, to reduce delamination and obtain specific properties, typically requires additional steps in the manufacturing process and often are costly. These additional steps are time-consuming and reduce process efficiency. Treatment typically includes chemical and/or mechanical process. The result is the cover, layers and core having reduced delamination, upon repeated impact, due to improved bonding therebetween that inhibits degradation and inhibits delamination. Micro surface roughness can also be selectively applied to predetermined areas of the golf ball according to several methods, such as, spraying on a likely toxic coating onto the golf ball cover layer.

6 Manufacturers add zinc oxide, zinc acrylate and benzoyl peroxide to the solid core for flexibility and durability. These substances are also acutely toxic to marine and animal life. Each ball is the equivalent mass of seven plastic grocery bags or three plastic water bottles (Source: Reuters). Golf ball manufacturers also add zinc oxide, zinc acrylate and benzoyl peroxide to the solid core for flexibility and durability. Other heavy metals used in golf ball production include tungsten, cobalt and lead. It is desirable to reduce the number of toxic substances in the manufacture of golf balls.

To improve adhesion between layers manufacturers, use castable reactive liquid. As used herein, the term "thermoset" material refers to a crosslinked polymer that is a reaction product of two or more precursor materials, e.g., polyurethane. Polyurethane is a petrochemical resin that contains isocyanates, a known respiratory toxin. Urethane, is used in golf balls, which is an artificial crystalline compound that's also used in pesticides. Titleist uses a urethane elastomer for the cover on the ProVIx. Urethane is a combustible, toxic, and colorless solvent.

Zinc PCTP can also be used as a peptizer in rubber manufacturing and as an ingredient in the rubber core of golf balls to enhance certain performance characteristics, such as spin, rebound, and distance. The EPA believes that some or all of the zinc PCTP could contain PCTP. PCTP scored high for hazard (based on toxicity for acute and chronic exposures), such as worker exposure at a golf ball plant.

One of the most significant energy losses during a collision occurs due to the compression and recovery of shape of the ball. The fraction of the strain energy in the ball that is lost is minimized by reducing the maximum force experienced by the ball during impact. The impact force is lower if the compliance of the striking object is increased. Source: Materials in Sports, Gary M. Michal and Mark D. Novak, Dept of Materials Science & Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. Michal notes the impact compression can have a large impact on golf ball performance in general.

7 "As a broad rule, if you have two golf balls that are identical with the exception of one being lower compression, the higher compression ball will have more speed and more spin across the entire range of shots. The lower compression ball will have lower speed and lower spin," he adds, noting exceptions. "The relationship is not universally true. You can certainly have examples of higher compression golf balls with lower speed and spin because of other components in their design."

The spin rate of the golf ball is measured in two main ways, because different types of spin have different effects on the golf ball's flight. The spin of the golf ball as opposed to the direction of flight is known as the "back spin." Any spin on a golf ball, with an angle of orientation relative to the direction of flight, is a "side spin". Backspin affects the distance of the golf ball. Side spin affects the direction of the golf ball's flight path.

The spin of the golf ball not only affects the shape of the golf ball's flight path and/or trajectory, but can also affect the run of the golf ball, i.e. , the distance the golf ball rolls after it hits the ground. Golf balls with a higher spin rate stop faster than golf balls being hit to have a lower spin rate. In other words, the run of a golf ball is smaller for a golf ball with a higher spin rate than for a golf ball with a smaller spin rate. Thus, for shots where control is more important than distance, such as approach shots, high spin is generally preferred. While a golfers' clubs and skills play a large role in imparting spin to the golf ball, the golf ball itself has a characteristic that affects the spin rate of the golf ball. Golf balls with soft cover material such as lonomer, will achieve higher levels of backspin than golf balls with hard covers, like Urethane. However, golf balls with soft cover materials are generally more expensive, less durable, and more difficult to handle than golf balls with hard covers. Golf balls with hard cover materials such as Surlyn® are cheaper, but the average golfer can see that the spin on such golf balls is difficult to maximize or difficult to control.

Manufacturers of golf balls are constantly looking for different materials and ball constructions for improving the playing performance and other properties of the ball. For example, hard and durable materials having a relatively high flexure modulus can be used to make a relatively hard core. The resulting golf ball tends to travel a long

8 distance because of the high velocity imparted by the hard core. However, one disadvantage with these harder balls is they tend to provide the golfer with a rougher and harder "feel." Thus, the player may experience a more uncomfortable and unnatural sensation as the club face makes impact with the ball. Moreover, the player tends to have less control when hitting relatively hard balls. It generally is more difficult to hit hard balls with the proper touch and spin.

Golf balls designed to achieve desired hard features suffer from at least several difficulties. In general, the construction of golf balls is known to require a wide range of design variables, such as the configuration of the layers, the materials and the chemicals, used for each layer, and the layer thicknesses that are balanced with each other. Changes to any of these variables, for example, will therefore only improve the desired hardness at the expense of other ball characteristics. A need exists for a golf ball that provides a controllable level of spin. Wherein the golf ball is provided with a composite layer that contributes to controlling the spin of the golf ball. The composite layer includes a substrate and particles suspended in the substrate. The particles have an irregular shape and size such that the orientation of the particles within the substrate can be varied. The particles may be of any type or shape known in the art, but at least some of the particles extend out of the substrate and extend into adjacent layers of material surrounding the composite layer. US 6,632,078 B2, Callaway Golf Company.

Golf ball manufacturers continuously experiment with golf ball constructions and material formulations to get sufficient adhesion between golf ball layers in order to achieve adequate impact durability. Without a satisfactory amount of adhesion between these layers, both the impact durability as well as the shear resistance of the cover can suffer. Poor interlayer bond or adhesive strength can result in layer separation or "delamination" when the golf ball is struck by a club. Accordingly, golf ball manufacturers look for cost effective compounds and methods for addressing this problem in order to preserve brand recognition and reputation. Polymer scientists and chemists play with new formulations to alter ball performance every day.

9 Currently, several different types of adhesion promoting pre-treatment processes exist for addressing cut and sheer issues caused by lack of adhesion between layers. Examples of pretreatment included surface roughening; surface energy modification such as corona, plasma, and flame treatments; adhesives; adhesion promoters and combinations thereof. Adhesives are typically applied via spray or dip and usually require a drying and post cure step. Adhesion promotors are likewise usually applied in a dip a spray, followed by rinsing and drying steps. The more layers used, the more potential for separation of the layers impacting the ball’s performance and flight.

One of the difficulties in calculating or measuring the time history of the spin of an impacting golf ball is that the golf ball is greatly deformed during the collision and spin cannot be calculated. The spin of the golf ball during collision is, therefore not clearly defined. Again, it would be advantageous to reduce deformation during spin rates. The Physics of Golf, Physics, Raymond Penner, Department, Malaspina University - College, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will become or will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features and advantages are intended to be included, within the above description, and fall within the scope of the present invention and protected by the following claims. The present invention can be better understood by reference to the drawings and description below. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, but instead are place so as to be emphasized when describing the principles of the invention. Also, like reference numerals in the drawings indicate corresponding parts throughout the different drawings.

10 SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to all layers of a golf ball comprising, a herein all layer outer surface and inner surface are smooth, wherein all layers comprise an outer surface mesh (N/A) and an inner surface mesh (N/A), wherein the all layers comprise an outer surface mesh (N/A) and a smooth inner surface (N/A), wherein comprise a smooth outer surface and a meshed inner surface (N/A); and wherein the all layers comprise an outer surface mesh and an inner surface cavity; and wherein the all layers comprise an outer layer comprises an outer surface cavity and an inner surface mesh; and wherein the layers outer surface cavity and an inner smooth surface smooth; wherein the all layers comprise a smooth outer surface and an inner surface; and wherein the all layers comprise one or more outside layer; domes, half or partial spherical biomimicry structures, half or partial spherical structures, half or partial 3D spheres, non-symmetric half or partial spheres, half or partial symmetric structures and Buckminsterfullerene type half or partial domes; wherein or combinations thereof.

One object of the invention is to have a new, cost-effective, efficient method that can produce golf balls with desirable physical and playing performance properties.

Another object of the invention is to have a golf ball wherein a structure or structures reduce or eliminate delamination.

A further object of the invention is to reduce the number toxic chemicals and materials comprising lead and urethane used in the manufacturer of golf balls.

Yet another object of the invention is to reduce the amount of deformation in a core and/or layers of a golf ball.

11 One object of the invention is to have a new golf ball design that does not produce an distinctive and annoying sound.

Another object of the invention is to improve a ball's distance and spin characteristics.

A further object of the invention is to reduce compression and deformation of the golf ball.

Yet another object of the invention to have a golf ball that is spherical in shape; wherein it has equal aerodynamic properties and equal moments of inertia about any axis through its center, a minimum diameter of 1.68 inches (4.267 centimeters), a maximum weight of 1.620 ounces (45.926 grams), and a maximum initial ball velocity of 255 feet per second as measured on a Standard U.S.G.A. ball testing machine. The maximum CR allowed under USGA rules is 0.830.

One object of the invention is to have a golf ball that when hit by a set club head speed on a USGA specified machine, the initial velocity of the ball must not exceed 250 ft/s with a 2% tolerance (that is 255 ft/s maximum); wherein when the ball is struck with a USGA specified driver at a club head speed of 160 ft/s and a launch angle of 10 degrees (as tested by the USGA), the ball's overall distance cannot exceed 280 yards with a 6% tolerance (or a maximum of 296.8 yards) and in addition, the ball must pass the USGA administered symmetry test, which requires the ball's flight to remain consistent in distance and trajectory no matter how the ball is placed on a tee.

Another object of the invention for a core and one or to layers can be modified to tune the ball to a club frequency.

A further object of the invention is when the golf ball is hit by a set club head speed on a USGA specified machine, the initial velocity of the ball must not exceed 250 ft/s with a 2% tolerance (that is 255 ft/s maximum), wherein the ball is struck with a USGA specified driver at a club head speed of 160 ft/s and a launch angle of 10 degrees (as

12 tested by the USGA), the ball's overall distance cannot exceed 280 yards with a 6% tolerance (or a maximum of 296.8 yards). In addition, the ball must pass the USGA administered symmetry test, which requires the ball's flight to remain consistent in distance and trajectory no matter how the ball is placed on a tee.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide more golf balls that are better than the Titleist ProV1 and/or Titleist ProVIx.

One object of the invention is to provide a golf ball with a compression of 108+.

Another object of the invention is to provide a golf ball with less detrimental factors comprising, distortion impacting flight, spin rate and distance.

A further object of the invention which improves factors comprising core location, material consistency and other design factors.

Yet another object of the invention comprises reducing toxic adhesives, toxic coatings and toxic materials from the golf ball.

A further object of the invention to inhibit delamination comprising a core and 1 or more layers throughout a golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a Titleist driver face in motion hitting a Titleist PRO VI golf ball causing deformation in the ball;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a distorted golf ball’s flight after impact with a driver face, wherein an undistorted golf ball is shown in FIG. 2A;

13 FIG. 3 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer golf ball and FIG.4 illustrates a cross-section of a core;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a lattice liked fused-ring core structure, which is integral or separate from the core;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a lattice structure that is formed into the core’s outer surface;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a lattice and/or Buckminsterfullerene like structure 3D that can be molded or placed in sections on one or layers and/or a golf ball core

FIG. 8 illustrates a multiple cross-section of a golf ball, where a spherical mesh covers a core, according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a 3D printer head depositing material on a golf ball core.

FIG. 10 is a side view of golf ball core with a lattice or Buckminster like "indentation structure" formed into the core.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a lattice or Buckminsterfullerene like structure 3D printed or molded onto a golf ball core.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a 2 v geodesic dome like structure that may be used as part of a golf ball.

14 FIG. 13 is an illustration of a 3v geodesic dome like structure that may be used as part of a golf ball.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a 4v geodesic dome like structure that may be used in a golf ball.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a geodesic spherical dome like structure that may be used in a golf ball.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for an embodiment of a method for a golfer's golf ball fitting based on golf ball performance for a golfer's measured performance; and

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for purchasing the golf balls based on a golf ball fitter's prescription.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a Titleist golf driver 102 face 106 hitting a Titleist golf ball 104, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, which illustrates a golf ball deformation that occurs during impact with a club experiencing significant deformations during impact, and these deformation deficiencies can lead to energy loss by being transferred to frequency modes that are not recovered after impact, delamination, vibrations, heat loss, etc.

When a ball’s elastic energy at impact, is converted back into kinetic energy, the ball flies off the club. Well known in physics, energy cannot be created; nor can it be destroyed. Steve Quintavalle (Equipment Standards, USGA): “Golf balls tend to lose

15 energy in the process. In general, they lose about forty percent (40%) of the energy that you put into them.”

FIG. 2 illustrates a distorted golf ball 204 after separating from a club face 206 of a driver head 202.

FIG. 2A illustrates an undistorted golf ball 200A, according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of a conventional golf ball 300, with a core 302, surrounded by a layer 304, wherein the layer is surrounded a mantle 306 which in turn is surrounded by a cover 308.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section of a conventional core 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section of a golf ball 500 with a solid spherical mesh core 502, wherein the spherical mesh core 502 comprises a core 502 and an integral spherical mesh 504, wherein a first layer 504, a first layer inner surface 514 and a first layer outer surface 512, wherein the outer surface 512 has a mantle covering 506 and a golf ball cover 416.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a golf ball 600, where a spherical mesh core cavity 604 is embedded into a a core 602, according to an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a representation of a lattice comprising Buckminsterfullerene molecule 600, according to the present invention. The Buckminsterfullerene type structure is stable, capable of withstanding high temperatures and high pressures. Attributes critical for a golf ball, wherein it may help the golf ball to resist compression during impact. This structure may be added to the golf ball’s core and/or one of more layers. An example of biomimicry, which is the design and production of materials, structure and systems that are modeled on biological or natural entities and processes.

As seen in FIG. 8, a cross-section of a golf ball 800 comprising, a mesh 810 that is part of the integral mesh core structure 802. The mesh 816 inhibits expansion and distortion of the ball 800, thereby, increasing the elastic kinetic energy held within the

16 ball 800. In this embodiment, the mesh is molded into the core 802 and can be incorporated through an existing manufacturing process. Unlike, the Oncore hollow metal core golf ball, US patent 9,827,466, the present invention allows the core 802 to be constrained, while at the same time allowing elasticity. In addition, the present invention may not have the distinctive, often annoying, metal ting, that occurs when hitting the Oncore CALIBER ball with the 0.9-inch hollow metal core; wherein, as of this application, the Oncore ball has been discontinued. The layer 806 illustrated in FIG. 8 shows a layer cavity structure 808 formed into the outside surface 812.

FIG. 9 illustrates a 3D printer head assembly 900 that is printing a polymer 704 on top of a core 902 wherein the 3D printer head 908 is moving left to right. 3D printing can be done on the outside surface of the core and/or on an inside or outside surface of five or more golf ball layers.

FIG. 10 illustrates a golf ball core 902, wherein there is an outer surface cavity 104, according to the present invention, wherein a cavity can be formed on the outside surface of the core and/or on an inside or outside surface of five or more golf ball layers.

FIG. 11 illustrates a golf ball’s core 1112 and/or one or more layers; with a mesh 1102 that is molded into the core 1112 and/or one or more layers (not shown). The pattern may be a portion of the structure molded into the core and/or one or more layer. When one of the layers is molded over the nested structure, they may be non-fixedly attached to each other, when one of the layers outer surface fills in the relief pattern; the embodiment may prevent shearing or delaminating of the one and/or more of the layers outer surface and/or the core with the nested surface and may reduce or eliminate the need for surface treatments or adhesives. The structures may decrease golf ball deformation through containment and yet allow a portion of the elastomeric material to move, increasing the golf ball performance; wherein the core may be “tuned” for a golfer; wherein the tuning can be done based on selected structures and structural materials used; wherein the structure may comprise; Kiewit Domes, Dyson Domes, Cube-based, 4-Cuboctahedron-based, 5-Truncated Octahedron-based and 5- Rhombicuboctahedron-based , fullerene, geodesic domes, corannulene molecule, fullerene, heptagonal, Fullerene C60, spherical biomimicry structures, non-symmetric

17 structures, symmetric structures, Buckminsterfullerene type structures or combinations thereof, wherein the materials comprise ; metal silicone, ionomer resin, rubber, thermoplastic resin, urethane, polymers, plastic, polybutadiene, HPF 1000, synthetic rubber, zinc, Balata and resin; wherein the geodesic type structure comprises, wherein the structure materials; comprising, metal silicone, ionomer resin, rubber, thermoplastic resin, urethane, polymers, plastic, polybutadiene, HPF 1000, synthetic rubber, zinc, Balata and resin.

Geodesic domes are illustrated in FIGS. 12-15, 1200-1500, which are hemispherical thin-shell lattice structure based on a geodesic polyhedron. The triangular elements of the domes are structurally rigid, distribute the structural stress throughout the structure, and are extremely strong for their weight, making geodesic domes able to withstand very heavy loads for their size. Thus, making two domes ideal for surrounding a core and/or one or more layers of the golf ball. The geodesic domes are well known by those of skill in the art, for example, a 2V geodesic dome is comprised of only two different sized triangles and therefore has a relatively simple construction pattern. It has fewer overall triangles the 3V and 4V geodesic domes. The 3V geodesic dome is comprised of three triangle sizes and is more complex in its pattern than 1 V or 2V domes. The 3V domes also have a greater number of triangles than the simpler geodesic domes. The 4V geodesic dome (made up of 6 triangle sizes and has a complex construction pattern. As a result, the 3V dome offers yet greater structural support than 1 V, 2V, and 3V domes. All geodesic dome structures may be combined to form geodesic spheres.

Geodesic domes are based on regular polyhedrons, or shapes like triangles or pentagons, and are made into a dome from multiples of that base shape. Almost all Geodesic domes are based on the Icosahedron, Dodecahedron, Octahedron and Tetrahedron. The Icosahedron dome is based off the basic pentagon shape and is the most rounded version of the geodesic dome. The Icosahedron dome resembles a bubble. It is the most common version of the geodesic domes used in building or other projects. Because of its numerous sides the icosahedron structure is used for the largest domes.

18 The octahedron dome is based off the basic pyramid shape. The octahedron dome is the second most common dome shape and is rounded in appearance. It forms an almost circular shape. This dome shape is often seen with children’s jungle gyms in park settings. The tetrahedron dome is based off a triangle shape, and it si the least circular dome. It is the lest faceted version of the geodesic dome and has sharper angles that other geodesic dome shapes. Since it has fewer facets, it is also the weakest dome shape, and it can support the least amount of weight.

Another structure that can be utilized in the golf ball is a Hoberman sphere, an isokinetic structure that resembles a geodesic dome, but is capable of folding down to a fraction of it normal size by the scissor-like action of its joints.

The present invention involves creating a high performance spherical, golf ball design inspired by biomimicry to increase the golf ball’s performance. For example, a dandelion flower head sits atop a hollow stem, surrounded by a circle of modified leaves called an involucre. The involucre protects the flower throughout its blooming cycle, enclosing it at night or in bad weather and folding downwards to form a barricade against hungry insects when the flower is open. Other spherical structures are well known in the art.

Similarly, the backspin is small, but generally a hard cover is provided for golf balls that produce longer hold distances. An example of hard cover material is an ionomer such as Surlyn. Although hard cover golf balls are more durable than soft cover gold balls, they are difficult to form backspins, which can limit the number of game options at the golfer’s arsenal.

Efforts have been made to obtain intermediate cover golf balls that can produce the desired effect of soft cover golf balls and hard cover golf balls. Composites for use in the cover were reviewed. In the embodiments described herein, a composite layer containing particles directed in a particular direction is provided at various sites of the golf ball to impart desirable features to the golf ball.

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Claims

1. A golf ball; having elements, comprising a core, surrounded by a first layer, a mantle and a cover, wherein the core can further comprise: an integral core mesh structure on the outside core surface, an independent core mesh structure and a core cavity structure and combinations thereof; wherein the core materials, the integral core mesh structure materials, the independent core mesh structure materials comprise; LDPE, PVC, EVA, rubber, butadiene rubber, thermoplastics, ionomer resin, synthetic rubber, metal, acrylate and polybutadiene.

2. The golf ball of claim 1 ; wherein core tooling can be machined to create, the spherical core, the integral core mesh structure comprising, the core comprising a spherical core, the integral core mesh structure, the core cavity structure or combinations thereof.

3. The golf ball of claim 1 ; wherein the first layer inner surface is formed around the integral core mesh structure, the core cavity structure, the independent core mesh structure or combinations thereof.

4. The golf ball of claim 1 ; wherein the first layer outer surface is formed around the integral core mesh structure, the core cavity structure, the independent core mesh structure or combinations thereof.

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5. The golf ball of claim 1 ; wherein the integral core mesh structure and/or the independent core mesh structure or combinations thereof, comprise; struts, nodes struts with nodes, and flat plates; wherein the independent structural mesh materials comprise; LDPE, PVC, EVA, rubber, butadiene rubber, thermoplastics, metal, steel, copper, ionomer resin, synthetic rubber, acrylate and polybutadiene.

6. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein a 3D structure is printed on the core comprising printing on the core outer surface, the inside surface of one or more layers, the outside surface of the one or more layers, the outside surfaces of the one or more layers, an inside surface of the one or more layer and/or combinations thereof; wherein materials comprising: metal, silicone, ionomer resin, rubber, thermoplastic resin, urethane, polymers, steel, plastic, polybutadiene, HPF 1000, synthetic rubber, aluminum, zinc, Balata, carbon fiber, ABS, polylactic acid, gold, silver, stainless steel and titanium and resin; wherein a 3D printing technique comprising: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing Stereolithography (DLP- SLA), Masked SLA (MSLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Laser Melting (SLM), EBM, Material Jetting, and Binder Jetting.

7. The golf ball of claim 1 ; wherein the core and the one or more layer are surrounded by outer layer lattice domes comprising one or more; domes, half or partial spherical lattice structures, half or partial 3D spheres, non-symmetric half or partial spheres, half or partial symmetric structures or combinations thereof; wherein the golf ball frequency may be "tuned"; wherein "tuning" comprises; adjusting spin rates, adjusting ball distortion, modifying frequency, adjusting moment of inertia, adjusting coefficient of restitution, modifying angular momentum and energy lost;

21 wherein the one or more structures may reduce properties comprising delamination or shearing between the layers; wherein the structure may be spheres formed from one or more domes.

8. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the core comprises polybutadiene, pressurized rubber or synthetic rubber, metal, a liquid center and other materials known by those of skill in the art; where adhesives applied between the core and the one to five layers, comprising Loctite and hydrophobic thermoplastic polyurethane.

9. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein during a tooling and molding process, a portion of the one or more structures, may be formed from the outside or inside of the elements; wherein an external portion of the structure is formed on the outside of the core and the layers wherein and/or partially embedded into the outer surface of the elements.

10. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein during a tooling and molding process, a portion of the one or more structures, may be formed on the inside surface of the one or more layers; on the outside surface of the core or the one or more layers can be of an element.

11. The golf ball, wherein the one or more structures may be 3D printed outside or Inside the core, the one or more layers outer surface, the one or more layers inner surface, or combinations thereof using materials; comprising: metal, silicone, ionomer resin, rubber, thermoplastic resin, urethane, polymers, steel, plastic, polybutadiene,

HPF 1000, synthetic rubber, aluminum, zinc, Balata, carbon fiber, ABS, polylactic acid, gold, silver, stainless steel and titanium and resin; wherein a 3D printing technique comprising: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing Stereolithography (DLP-SLA), Masked SLA (MSLA), Digital Light

22 Processing (DLP), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Laser Melting (SLM), EBM, Material Jetting, and Binder Jetting.

12. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein a wire and/or plastic wrapper equipment can wrap the outer surface of the core and/or the one or more layers with materials comprising Kiewit Domes, Dyson Domes, Cube-based, 4-Cuboctahedron-based, 5-Truncated Octahedron-based and 5-Rhombicuboctahedron-based, fullerene, geodesic domes, corannulene molecule, fullerene, heptagonal, Fullerene C60, spherical biomimicry structures, non-symmetric structures, symmetric structures; the Buckminsterfullerene type structures; wherein the wire material comprises: copper, EV A, moldable plastics, TPE and aluminum ABS, polylactic acid, gold, silver, stainless steel, titanium and resin.

13. The golf ball of claim 1 , wherein the one or more structures, may be thermal pressed into the core or outer surface of the one or more layers using materials; comprising: metal, silicone, ionomer resin, rubber, thermoplastic resin, urethane, polymers, plastic, polybutadiene, HPF 1000, synthetic rubber, zinc, Balata and resin; wherein the structure is thermal embedded in multiple in covers; comprising a core and at least one enclosure layer; wherein the structure comprising Kiewit Domes,

Dyson Domes, Cube-based, 4-Cuboctahedron-based, 5-Truncated Octahedron-based and 5-hombicuboctahedron based, fullerene, geodesic domes, corannulene molecule, fullerene, heptagonal, Fullerene C60, spherical biomimicry structures, non-symmetric structures, symmetric structures and the Buckminsterfullerene type dome.

14. A method of fitting a golf ball for a golfer comprising the steps of;

(a) attending a "golf ball fitting center" by the golfer or other location known by one of skill in the art; where frequencies of golf clubs are measured and golf club frequencies are determined;

(b) hitting custom tuned golf balls that are selected using golfer's

23 clubs to gather golf ball performance data, wherein the golf ball performance data, comprising simulator data and manually collected data; wherein the golf club fitting comprises, selecting club length, loft, club speed, launch angle, spin rate, angle of strike, face angle, lie angle and grip size and other factors known by those of skill in the art.

(c) comparing the golf ball performance data for each of the custom tuned golf Balls tested, based on the golfer's and/or a subset of golfer's performance factors; Comprising swing speed and spin rate; to golf ball manufacturer's golf ball data known by one of skill in the art;

(d) measuring golfer's optimum golf ball performance data for various parameters, comprising flight pattern, distance and spin rate and comparing the golfers golf ball performance data to golf equipment company manufacturer's golf ball performance database;

(f) hitting a selected subset of the "custom tuned" golf balls with the golfer hitting them with various clubs, e.g., generating 2 sets of data for the golf equipment manufacturer's golf ball performance database;

(g) analyzing the golfer’s optimized golf performance data; wherein the fitter recommends one or more designs of the "custom tuned" golf balls and/or "off the shelf golf balls the golfer should purchase;

(h) purchasing one or more of the "custom tuned" and/or "off the shelf golf balls based on a golf ball "prescription" and/or a subset of golfer's "prescriptions"; comprising spin rate, ball distortion, frequency, moment of inertia, coefficient of restitution, angular momentum and energy lost.

(i) testing the golf balls under real life conditions wherein golfer playing golf on a course and, or hitting "custom fitted" golf balls at a location, comprising a "golf ball fitting center" and a golf ball diagnostic center; wherein analyzing golfer's golf ball performance using factors; comprising observation, a system comprising a phone app and a personal simulator;

24 (k) purchasing "custom tuned" golf balls and custom made for the golfer and/or a subset of golfers; through techniques comprising molding and 3D printing;

(k) analyzing golf ball factors based on varying conditions; comprising temperature, wind speed, barometric pressure, precipitation and hazards; wherein those conditions may further impact the golf ball selection;

(L) providing the golf ball "prescription" to the golfer recommending the specific ball to be purchased;

(m) end.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein golfer may purchase at the "center" and/or purchase balls comprising; mail golf and at a physical location, wherein the balls that most closely match the golf ball "prescription" for the golfer.

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