Patents by Inventor Akira Kawata

Akira Kawata has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7244195
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball is provided which is improved in spin, feeling, and durability, prevents it trajectory from rising or dropping, and offers an increased flight distance. The multi-piece solid golf ball includes a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core. The outer cover layer has a surface formed with a plurality of dimples. A product of the Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer multiplied by the Shore D hardness of the outer cover layer and a portion VR (%) of the total of the volumes of dimple spaces each defined below a plane circumscribed by the dimple edge to the overall volume of a phantom sphere given on the assumption that the golf ball surface is free of dimples fall within predetermined ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 7201672
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core. The outer cover layer has a surface formed with a plurality of three types of dimples such that a product of the Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer multiplied by the Shore D hardness of the outer cover layer and a proportion VR (%) of the total of the volumes of dimple spaces satisfy one of: (1) 1,500 to less than 2,000 VR: 0.8 to 1.1% (2) 2,000 to less than 2,500 VR: 0.75 to 1.05% (3) 2,500 to less than 3,000 VR: 0.7 to 1% (4) 3,000 to less than 3,500 VR: 0.65 to 0.95% (5) 3,500 to 4,000 VR: 0.6 to 0.9%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 7175544
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core. The outer cover layer has a surface formed with a plurality of dimples such that the product of the Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer and the outer cover layer, a proportion VR (%) of the total of the volumes of dimple, and the distortion of the core have a predetermined relationship. The dimples include at least three types of dimples which are different in at least one of a diameter, a depth, and a value V0 which is the volume of one dimple space defined below a plane circumscribed by the dimple edge divided by the volume of a cylinder whose bottom is the plane and whose height is the maximum depth of the dimple from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 7048649
    Abstract: In a solid multi-piece golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle, and a cover, the ratio of the compression of the mantle to the compression of the solid core is at least 0.98, and the difference in JIS-C hardness between the surface and the center of the solid core is at least 5. This construction and combination of features provide the ball with a good feel when hit with various types of golf clubs and improved distance when struck with a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Yasumasa Shimizu, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6855072
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core. The outer cover layer has a surface formed with a plurality of three types of dimples such that a product of the Shore D hardness of the inner cover layer multiplied by the Shore D hardness of the outer cover layer and a proportion VR (%) of the total of the volumes of dimple spaces satisfy one of: (1) 1,500 to less than 2,000 VR: 0.8 to 1.1% (2) 2,000 to less than 2,500 VR: 0.75 to 1.05% (3) 2,500 to less than 3,000 VR: 0.7 to 1% (4) 3,000 to less than 3,500 VR: 0.65 to 0.95% (5) 3,500 to 4,000 VR: 0.6 to 0.9%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6780125
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprises a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core. The outer cover layer has a surface formed with a plurality of dimples is characterized in that a product of the Shore D hardnesses of the inner cover layer multiplied by the Shore D hardnesses of the outer cover layer and a proportion VR (%) of the total of the volumes of dimple spaces each defined below a plane circumscribed by the dimple edge to the overall volume of a phantom sphere given on the assumption that the golf ball surface is free of dimples satisfy any one of the following combinations (1) to (5): (1) 1,500 to less than 2,000 VR: 0.8 .to 1.1% (2) 2,000 to less than 2,500 VR: 0.75 to 1.05% (3) 2,500 to less than 3,000 VR: 0.7 to 1% (4) 3,000 to less than 3,500 VR: 0.65 to 0.95% (5) 3,500 to 4,000 VR: 0.6 to 0.9%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6761646
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, a cover inner layer and a cover outer layer, the solid core undergoes a deflection of 3-7 mm under a load of 100 kg, the cover inner layer has a Shore D hardness of 25-58 and a thickness of 0.5-1.4 mm, the cover outer layer has a Shore D hardness of 30-62 and a thickness of 1.2-2.3 mm, and the ratio of the thickness of the cover outer layer to the thickness of the cover inner layer is from 1.1 to 4.6. The ball is improved in playability, feel and durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6592471
    Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle, and a cover, the mantle is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore D hardness of 30-52, the cover is formed of a thermoplastic resin loaded with a particulate inorganic filler, the solid core has a surface JIS C hardness 10-22 units greater than a center JIS C hardness, and the golf ball has an inertia moment of 82.5-85.5 kg·cm2. The ball is improved in durability and feel when hit with clubs of different types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Yasumasa Shimizu, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6561925
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball includes a solid core, at least one intermediate layer, and a cover having at least one cover layer. The solid core has a compression deflection of 3.0 mm or more, the intermediate layer is mainly made from a thermoplastic resin and has a Shore D hardness of 45 to 55 and a specific gravity of 1.2 or less, and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 60 or more and a thickness of 1.6 to 2.3 mm. The golf ball further comprises a ratio of the compression deflection of a sphere composed of the solid core covered with the intermediate layer to the compression deflection of the solid core is more than 0.900 and less than 0.970; and a difference in JIS-C hardness between the surface and the center of the solid core is equal to or less than 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Yasumasa Shimizu, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6299551
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the intermediate layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic resin and has a Shore D hardness of 8-35, and the cover is formed of a cover stock comprising a thermoplastic resin and an optional inorganic filler. The Shore D hardness of the cover is at least 25 units higher than that of the intermediate layer. The ball has a very soft pleasant feel upon approach shots and putting and an increased flight distance upon full shots with a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Akira Kawata
  • Publication number: 20010016522
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball includes a solid core, at least one intermediate layer for covering the solid core, and a cover having at least one cover layer for covering the intermediate layer. The solid core has a compression deflection of 3.0 mm or more, the intermediate layer is mainly made from a thermoplastic resin and has a Shore D hardness of 45 to 55 and a specific gravity of 1.2 or less, and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 60 or more and a thickness of 1.6 to 2.3 mm. The golf ball is further specified such that a ratio of the compression deflection of a sphere composed of the solid core covered with the intermediate layer to the compression deflection of the solid core is more than 0.900 and less than 0.970; and a difference in JIS-C hardness (specified under JIS K6301-1996) between the surface and the center of the solid core is equal to or less than 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Yasumasa Shimizu, Akira Kawata
  • Publication number: 20010014630
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball is provided which is improved in spin, feeling, and durability, prevents its trajectory from rising or dropping, and offers an increased flight distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6267694
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball featuring an increased flight distance, superior control, good feeling, and improved durability is provided. A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core is characterized in that the solid core has a distortion of at least 2.4 mm under an applied load of 100 kg, the inner cover layer is formed mainly of an ionomer resin to a Shore D hardness of 28-58, and the outer cover layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer to a Shore D hardness of 30-55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Yasushi Ichikawa, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6267692
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball featuring an increased flight distance, superior control, good feeling, and improved durability is provided. A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core is characterized in that the solid core has a distortion of at least 2.7 mm under an applied load of 100 kg, the inner cover layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, the outer cover layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, one or more ionomer resins having a Shore D hardness of at least 55 are mixed with either one or both of the thermoplastic polyester elastomer of the inner cover layer and the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer of the outer cover layer, the inner cover layer has a Shore D hardness of 28-58, and the outer cover layer has a Shore D hardness of 30-55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Yasushi Ichikawa, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Publication number: 20010008857
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball is provided which is improved in spin, feeling, and durability, prevents its trajectory from rising or dropping, and offers an increased flight distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6248028
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball featuring an increased flight distance, superior control, good feeling, and improved durability is provided. A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core is characterized in that the solid core has a distortion of at least 2.7 mm under an applied load of 100 kg, the inner cover layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic polyester elastomer to a Shore D hardness of 28-58, and the outer cover layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer to a Shore D hardness of 30-55.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Yasushi Ichikawa, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6244978
    Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover, the intermediate layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic resin and has a Shore D hardness of 8-35, and the cover is formed of a cover stock comprising a thermoplastic resin and an optional inorganic filler. The cover has a Shore D hardness of 40 to less than 57. The Shore D hardness of the cover is at least 15 units higher than that of the intermediate layer. The ball has a very soft pleasant feel upon approach shots and putting, ease of control upon iron shots, and improved flight performance upon full shots with a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Akira Kawata
  • Publication number: 20010002373
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball is provided which is improved in spin, feeling, and durability, prevents its trajectory from rising or dropping, and offers an increased flight distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Hiroshi Higuchi, Junji Hayashi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6213896
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, an intermediate layer, and a cover is provided. When the solid core has a deflection A (mm) under a load of 100 kg and a spherical body consisting of the core and the intermediate layer has a deflection B (mm) under a load of 100 kg, B/A is between 1.0 and 1.5. The ball has a very soft pleasant feel upon approach shots and putting, ease of control upon iron shots, and improved flight performance upon full shots with a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Akira Kawata
  • Patent number: 6210292
    Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball including a relatively soft core, a very soft intermediate layer, and a thermoplastic resin-based cover harder than the intermediate layer by at least 20 Shore D units. The product (AxB) of the Shore D hardnesses of the cover and the intermediate layer and a dimple volume ratio VR (%) satisfy a specific relationship, and at least three types of dimples which are different in at least one of diameter, depth, and V0 are formed on the ball surface. The ball has a very soft pleasant feel upon approach shots and putting, ease of control upon iron shots, and a satisfactory trajectory and improved flight performance upon full shots with a driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Higuchi, Hisashi Yamagishi, Junji Hayashi, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Akira Kawata