Patents by Inventor Kevin J. Shannon

Kevin J. Shannon 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: 7534384
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Patent number: 7473196
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
  • Patent number: 7384350
    Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a non-planar parting line (25), a first false non-planar parting line (26a) and a second false non-planar parting line (26b). A first group 32 of parting dimples defines the non-planar parting line (25). A second group (33) of parting dimples defines the first false non-planar parting line (26a). A third group (34) of parting dimples defines the second false non-planar parting line (26b). A plurality of hexispheres (70) are defined by the non-planar parting line (25) the first false non-planar parting line (26a) and the second false non-planar parting line (26b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7338393
    Abstract: A golf ball with a dimple pattern designed to maximize flight characteristics employs dimples which are created by joining two or more intersecting surfaces. The invention provides for single radius or dual radius dimples, preferably including smaller radius cylinders tangentially arranged along the side of the larger cylinders. The intersection of the cylinders forms tri-cylinders, tri-semicylinders, bi-cylinders, quad-semicylinders, penta-semicylinders, or more generally n-cylinders depending upon the number of intersecting cylinders. The golf ball includes a plurality of single or dual radius dimples created by intersecting n-cylinders to create maximum turbulence on the ball during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7329375
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 7320650
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
  • Patent number: 7179178
    Abstract: A golf ball (20) having a non-planar parting line (25), a first false non-planar parting line (26a) and a second false non-planar parting line (26b). A first group 32 of parting dimples defines the non-planar parting line (25). A second group (33) of parting dimples defines the first false non-planar parting line (26a). A third group (34) of parting dimples defines the second false non-planar parting line (26b). A plurality of hexispheres (70) are defined by the non-planar parting line (25) the first false non-planar parting line (26a) and the second false non-planar parting line (26b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7160211
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a solid core having a PGA compression of 55 or less and an outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60, the ball having a PGA compression of 80 or less. In another embodiment of the invention, the ball has a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in a frequency range of 3100 Hz or less after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. A further embodiment of the invention is a golf ball having a core, and a cover with a Shore D hardness of at least 58, the ball having a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in the frequency range of 2600 Hz after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. The balls of the invention have good distance while providing a soft sound and feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Thomas J. Kennedy, John L. Nealon, Kevin J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7134974
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, III
  • Patent number: 7118497
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a solid core having a PGA compression of 55 or less and an outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60, the ball having a PGA compression of 80 or less. In another embodiment of the invention, the ball has a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in a frequency range of 3100 Hz or less after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. A further embodiment of the invention is a golf ball having a core, and a cover with a Shore D hardness of at least 58, the ball having a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in the frequency range of 2600 Hz after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. The balls of the invention have good distance while providing a soft sound and feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Thomas J. Kennedy, John L. Nealon, Kevin J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 7033157
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Patent number: 6991562
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a solid core having a PGA compression of 55 or less and an outer cover layer having a Shore D hardness of at least 60, the ball having a PGA compression of 80 or less. In another embodiment of the invention, the ball has a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in a frequency range of 3100 Hz or less after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. A further embodiment of the invention is a golf ball having a core, and a cover with a Shore D hardness of at least 58, the ball having a mechanical impedance with a primary minimum value in the frequency range of 2600 Hz after the ball has been maintained at 21.1° C., 1 atm. and about 50% relative humidity for at least 15 hours. The balls of the invention have good distance while providing a soft sound and feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Thomas J. Kennedy, John L. Nealon, Kevin J. Shannon
  • Patent number: 6932931
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 6896629
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer. The core defines at least one depression along its outer surface. The cover layer provides at least one aperture that extends through the cover layer to the core. The aperture of the cover is aligned with the depression of the core. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The aperture(s) may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the aperture that extends to the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon
  • Patent number: 6872154
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
  • Patent number: 6855077
    Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Publication number: 20040239000
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
  • Patent number: 6817853
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The molding equipment provides one or more selectively positionable knock-out pins along the surface of the molding chamber. These pins are specially tailored such that after their retraction subsequent to molding, the resulting voids are deep dimples. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux
  • Patent number: 6776731
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for forming multi-layer golf balls, and more particularly to processes and equipment for forming multi-layer golf balls having one or more deep dimples that extend through the outer cover layer and into one or more matching depressions in the layers or components thereunder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon
  • Patent number: 6769900
    Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson