RFID embedded within inner core of a multi-core golf ball

• US 9,498,682 B2
• Filed: 10/19/2012
• Issued: 11/22/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 08/18/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Edge Technologies, Inc
• Original Assignee: Edge Technologies, Inc
• Inventors: Luciano, Robert A. Jr., White, Warren, Grieshaber, David
• Primary Examiner(s): HUNTER, ALVIN A
• Application Number:
  US13/655,853
• Publication Number:
  US 20130196787A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,495 Days
• Field of Search: 473324-350, 473351-378
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0037 on a target surface or at impact on the ground
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/004 Multiple detectors or sensors each defining a different zone
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/025 on rollers or wheels
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/10 Positions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/54 Transponders, e.g. RFID
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0003 Golf balls
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0075 Three piece balls, i.e. cover, intermediate layer and core
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 37/0076 Multi-piece balls, i.e. having two or more intermediate layers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/00 Balls with special arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 43/004 electrically conductive, e.g. for automatic arbitration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 45/00 Apparatus or methods for manufacturing balls working of plastics or substances in a plastic state B29
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 63/00 Targets or goals for ball games golf cups A63B57/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3694 for driving only

Abstract

A multi-core golf ball with an RFID tag embedded thereon is described herein. The multi-core golf ball includes a spherical inner core, an RFID tag, an outer core, and a dimpled cover. The RFID tag is positioned to interface with the spherical inner core. The outer core is configured to encapsulate the spherical inner core and the RFID tag. The dimpled cover is further configured to encase the spherical inner core, the RFID tag and the outer core.

Claims

1. A multi-core golf ball, comprising:

a spherical inner core;

an RFID tag configured for insertion into the spherical inner core, the RFID tag including;

a plurality of contact pads;

a first plurality of conductive stranded wires electrically coupled to the contact pads;

a second plurality of conductive wires electrically coupled to the first plurality of conductive stranded wires, each wire in the second plurality of conductive wires having a thickness that is greater than each wire in the first plurality of conductive stranded wires;

an outer core configured to encapsulate the spherical inner core and the RFID tag; and

a dimpled cover configured to encase the spherical inner core, the RFID tag and the outer core.

2. The multi-core golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical inner core includes a molded surface configured to receive the RFID tag.

3. The multi-core golf ball of claim 1, wherein the spherical inner core has a cavity configured to receive the RFID tag.

4. The multi-core golf ball of claim 3, wherein the RFID tag is shaped to conform to the cavity.

5. The multi-core golf ball of claim 3 wherein the cavity has a shape and the RFID tag is formed to fit into the cavity shape.

6. The multi-core golf ball of claim 1, further comprising a filling material sealing empty space within the cavity between the RFID tag and the cavity.

7. A multi-core golf ball, comprising:

a spherical inner core including a cavity;

an RFID tag configured for insertion into the cavity of the spherical inner core;

the RFID tag further including;

a plurality of contact pads;

a first plurality of conductive stranded wires electrically coupled to the contact pads;

a second plurality of conductive wires electrically coupled to the first plurality of conductive stranded wires, each wire in the second plurality of conductive wires having a thickness that is greater than each wire in the first plurality of conductive stranded wires;

an outer core configured to encapsulate the spherical inner core and the RFID tag; and

a dimpled cover configured to encase the spherical inner core, the RFID tag and the outer core.

8. The multi-core golf ball of claim 7, wherein the plurality of stranded wires are wrapped around an exterior surface of the spherical inner core.

9. The multi-core golf ball of claim 7 wherein the RFID tag further comprises an antenna portion disposed on a substrate, wherein the substrate is configured to fit into the cavity.

10. The multi-core golf ball of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is curled to fit into the cavity.

11. The multi-core golf ball of claim 7, wherein the RFID tag is folded to fit into the cavity.

12. The multi-core golf ball of claim 7, further comprising a filling material configured to seal the cavity containing the RFID tag.

13. A method for embedding an RFID tag in an inner core of a multi-core golf ball, comprising:

placing a slug into a mold, the mold including a pattern forming a spherical inner core configured to receive the RFID tag, the RFID tag including;

a plurality of contact pads;

a first plurality of conductive stranded wires electrically coupled to the contact pads;

a second plurality of conductive wires electrically coupled to the first plurality of conductive stranded wires, each wire in the second plurality of conductive wires having a thickness that is greater than each wire in the first plurality of conductive stranded wires;

melting the slug within the mold into the spherical inner core, wherein the spherical inner core has a cavity configured to receive the RFID tag;

rolling the RFID tag; and

placing the rolled RFID tag within the cavity.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the spherical inner core includes a molded surface configured to receive the RFID tag.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the mold forms the cavity.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of forming the cavity with a drilling device.

17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of filling the cavity with a core material.