Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball having at least one layer formed from a moisture resistant, highly neutralized acid polymer composition. Highly neutralized acid polymers of the present invention are produced with a cation source selected from ions and compounds of lithium, ions and compounds of zinc, and combinations thereof. Golf balls of the present invention include one-piece, two-piece, multi-layer, and wound golf balls. The composition may be present in any one or more of a core layer, a cover layer, or an intermediate layer.

Abstract: This invention provides a golf ball manufacturing method to be administered subsequent treatment at a specific site on the surface of a ball molded from a golf ball-forming material. The method includes the steps of forming on the surface of the ball an identifying mark having a given positional relationship with the specific surface site; removing each ball in turn from a plurality of lined-up balls on each of which the specific surface site is located in a random position; photographing the identifying mark formed on the surface of the ball with an image processing camera; and, based on information provided by the photographed identifying mark, correcting the orientation of the ball so that the specific surface site lies at the position where the subsequent treatment will be administered. This method of manufacture enables the ball to be reliably and smoothly positioned, thus making it possible to reliably and smoothly carry out subsequent treatment such as seam line processing and marking.

Abstract: A one-piece golf ball has a golf ball body made of a rubber composition, and the rubber composition contains 0.5 to 10 parts by mass of a titanium oxide relative to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component. The titanium oxide is surface-treated with a treating agent containing a zirconium component. The one-piece golf ball is superior in weatherability, with less or no discoloration or degradation with time.

Abstract: An environment-friendly golf ball includes a core body, a bonding material, and a cover for enclosing the core body. The core body is made of a dissoluble material, which is mixed with the bonding material at a predetermined ratio, so as to make the dissoluble material become an aggregation of specific shape. The shaped structure is steamed and solidified, so as to eliminate the water in the structure. The cover is molded from a dissoluble molding and covering material. The whole structure is water dissoluble and becomes the food of marine life and would not cause pollution to environmental ecology when the golf ball falls into water and could not be collected.

Abstract: A clear paint for golf balls includes essentially a base polymer including a polyurethane resin, and a graft polymer including a comb polymer having a backbone portion formed of an acrylic resin and a branch portion formed of polyorganosiloxane. The backbone portion of the comb polymer has at least one hydroxyl group.

Abstract: A golf ball having, as a constituent element, an article molded under heat from a rubber composition which includes: (a) a base rubber containing polybutadiene having a stress relaxation time (T80), defined as the time in seconds from the moment when rotor rotation is stopped immediately after measurement of the ML1+4 (100° C.) value (the Mooney viscosity measured at 100° C. in accordance with ASTM D-1646-96) that is required for the ML1+4 value to decrease 80%, of at most 3.5, (b) an unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (c) an organic peroxide. The golf ball has an excellent rebound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to golf ball components and golf balls comprising high levels of pre-vulcanized or pre-crosslinked materials, as well as methods of making same. The pre-vulcanized or pre-crosslinked materials are typically thermoset materials that are fragmented or ground into a powder, exposed to high pressure, high temperature sintering (“HPHTS”) and molded into the desired shape.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a polymer and an effective amount of odorant associated with the polymer wherein the odorant distinguishes the golf ball from an otherwise identical second golf ball substantially free of said odorant.

Abstract: A golf ball stamper which securely holds a golf ball while the golf ball is stamped. The golf ball stamper comprises a handle, a stamping element coupled to the handle, and a golf ball receptacle sized to hold a golf ball. When the handle is pushed, the stamping element applies a stamp to the golf ball. The golf ball receptacle stabilizes and holds the golf ball while it is stamped to ensure a legible stamp is applied.

Abstract: A coating composition for a golf ball is comprised of a slippery, transparent or white, non-sticky lubricant film, and a method for applying same to a golf ball comprises the steps of applying the lubricant to an external surface of the golf ball prior to striking the ball with a golf club, and applying the coating uniformly to the external surface of the golf ball and to a sufficient degree as to reduce the friction between said external surface and the atmosphere or ground when propelled through the atmosphere or along the ground, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball composed at least in part of a material molded under heat from a rubber composition containing (a) a diene base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or a metal salt thereof, and (c) an organic peroxide which includes an aliphatic peroxyester. The golf ball has an excellent rebound.

Abstract: A novel method of manufacturing a golf ball. A golf ball made with this invention exhibits the characteristic feel and playability of a balata cover with superior durability characteristics (cut and shear resistance) which exceed those of a balata or ionomer cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rubber composition for obtaining golf ball having good processability, excellent rebound characteristics and excellent durability. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for golf ball comprising a base rubber, a co-crosslinking agent, an organic peroxide, a filler and a processing aid, wherein the base rubber comprises a polybutadiene (a) containing a cis-1,4 bond of not less than 80% and synthesized using lanthanide-containing catalyst, the organic peroxide comprises an organic peroxide having 10 hours half-life period temperature of 80 to 100° C., and the processing aid is fatty acid ester, fatty acid salt or the mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method of playing golf including the steps of: obtaining a golf ball having a first state wherein the golf ball has a first performance characteristic and a second state resulting from immersion of the golf ball in water for a time period greater than two days and less than one hundred eighty days in which the golf ball has a second performance characteristic that is different than the first performance characteristic; striking the golf ball into an accumulation of water using a golf club; and allowing the golf ball to remain immersed in the accumulation of water for more than two days so that the golf ball is caused by the water to be changed from the first state into the second state in a time period less than one hundred eighty days.

Abstract: A rubber composition for a one-piece golf ball or the solid core of a multilayer structure solid golf ball having a solid core enclosed with a cover directly or via an intermediate layer is provided comprising a base rubber, a dry preblend of an unsaturated carboxylic acid metal salt with a solid rubber having a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4, 100° C.) of 5–150, and an organic peroxide.

Abstract: A rubber compound for solid golf balls which includes (A) a base rubber, (B) a filler, (C) an organic peroxide, and (D) a co-crosslinking agent coated with a coating rubber in which the ratio of the co-crosslinking agent to the coating rubber is from 100/1 to 100/20 by weight. A solid golf ball with good flight performance and uniform quality which is formed from the rubber compound. The rubber compound contains a co-crosslinking agent (a metal salt of unsaturated carboxylic acid) finely dispersed therein and also permits processing with good workability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a thermochromic compound. The thermochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states with temperature. The thermochromic golf ball may be white when it is warmed to higher than a thermochromic temperature point, but shows a characteristic color when it is cooled to lower than the point. In a two-piece or three-piece ball, the thermochromic compound is present in either the outer cover or a transparent coat applied to the cover. The thermochromic pigment changes color when a critical point temperature is reached, thereby alerting the golfer that the current temperature of the golf ball may have power performance characteristics.

Abstract: A novel composition useful for golf ball covers that comprises a blend of a dilsocyanate/polyol polyurethane prepolymer with a curing agent comprising a blend of slow-reacting diamine with a fast-reacting diamine such as dimethylthio 2,4-toluenediamine and diethyl 2,4-toluenediamine, respectively. A golf ball cover made with this composition exhibits the characteristic feel and playability of a balata cover with superior durability characteristics (cut and shear resistance) which exceed those of a balata or ionomer cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-strength golf ball comprising a core having a main core and optionally a sub-core comprising one or more layers, and a cover having one or more layers; and to a high-strength golf ball comprising a core having a main core and optionally a sub-core comprising one or more layers, an interlayer having one or more layers, and a cover having one or more layers; wherein at least one of the portions contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of carbon nanotubes and fullerenes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to golf equipment packages using a coating that gives a color traveling effect. The color traveling coating can be applied to golf equipments such as golf balls, golf gloves and golf clubs, and to golf equipment display. In addition, because the coating reflects ultraviolet light, it can be coated on golf balls and golf clubs to prevent discoloration under ultraviolet light.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photochromic golf ball with a one- or multi-piece structure, which comprises a photochromic compound. The photochromic golf ball reversibly changes between two different color states according to exposure to U.V. radiation associated with direct sunlight. The photochromic golf ball is white when it is shielded from direct sunlight, but changes in color when it is directly exposed to direct sunlight. In a golf ball structure having a core, an outer cover, and a transparent coating, the photochromic compound is present either in the outer cover or the transparent coating.

Abstract: In a golf ball having a plurality of dimples, a groove having a certain width and depth is formed on a surface of the golf ball, the depth of the groove extending below the surface. A belt having a certain width and height may be formed on a surface of the golf ball, the height of the belt extending above the surface. It is possible to implement an efficient putting practice where a groove or belt is formed on a surface of a golf ball to affect the rolling and movement of the golf ball. The width of the groove or belt may be changed, so that a user selects a certain golf ball based on his practice level. A certain number or symbol may be formed on the groove or belt, so that a user can select a golf ball for practice based on his ability level.

Abstract: A golf ball with favorable rebound and flight performances without impairing durability, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. There are provided a golf ball having a solid core and a cover surrounding the solid core, characterized in that the solid core is composed of a vulcanizate of a rubber composition containing a microcapsule having sulfur coated with a thermoplastic resin, and a method of manufacturing the same. A blended amount of the sulfur in the microcapsule form is preferably 0.01–10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of a rubber component.

Abstract: Golf ball 1 has the diameter D of 43.0 mm or greater and 50.0 mm or less. This golf ball 1 includes a core 2 and a cover 3. The core 2 is formed by crosslinking of a rubber composition. The cover 3 is composed of a resin composition. Dimples 4 are formed on the surface of the cover 3. The specific gravity of the cover 3 is 1.05 or greater and 1.50 or less. The moment of inertia of this golf ball 1 is equal to or greater than 85.0 gcm2, and particularly equal to or greater than 88.0 gcm2. The moment of inertia is equal to or greater than the value Y calculated by the following mathematical formula (I): Y=3.57·D?68.6. ??(I) The weight of the golf ball 1 is 45.00 g or greater and 45.93 g or less.

Abstract: An illuminated golf ball comprised of an outer translucent layer and cover, and a spherical inner core of translucent plastic, filled with chemiluminescent liquid, such as Cyalume.TM. The two components of the chemiluminescent liquid are held separate by a membrane or partition within the inner core. The chemiluminescent liquids are activated by being mixed with each other by the pulling of a cord, or the pulling or pushing of metal pin, or by impact from a golf club, which breaks or tears the membrane or partition. In a preferred form the golf ball will be made to comply with USGA guidelines. Thus, the golf ball will provide improved visibility in low light conditions and be of near equal weight distribution to provide performance and flight characteristics similar to standard, non-luminescent, golf balls.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having a paint film which is excellent in the adhesion, the durability and the coloring-resistance. The golf ball of the present invention comprises a paint film formed on the surface of a golf ball body, wherein the paint film contains 0.05 to 5 parts by mass of a phosphorus stabilizer with respect to 100 parts by mass of a resin component.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having soft, good shot feel, excellent flight performance, high rebound characteristics and high launch angle, when hit by golfers who swing a golf club at high or low head speed using all golf clubs, namely, a driver to an iron club, a putter. The multi-piece solid golf ball has a core having an inner core and an outer core covering the inner core, and at least one layer covering the core; the inner core has a diameter of 30 to 40.4 mm and surface hardness of 60 to 85 JIS-C, and center JIS-C hardness of the inner core lower than the surface hardness by 5 to 30; the outer core has a thickness of 0.2 to 1.3 mm, and a surface JIS-C hardness of the outer core lower than the surface hardness of the inner core by 2 to 30.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a coating composition used for a golf ball, which is superior in not only abrasion resistance and impact resistance but also weather resistance to a conventional coating used for a golf ball. According to the present invention, there is provided a coating composition used for a golf ball, which comprises (A) a polyester- and/or polyether-containing acrylic polyol having a hydroxyl value of from 30 to 180 mg KOH/g(solid) and (B) a polyisocyanate, wherein the component (A) is composed of a main chain comprising an acrylic polymer and a side chain comprising a polyester and/or a polyether, and a molar ratio of an isocyanate group in the component (B) to a hydroxyl group in the component (A), [NCO]/[OH], is from 0.5 to 1.5.

Abstract: A golf ball having an identification device (10) embedded in it comprises an aerial (14) and a coded chip (12), which are associated with a resilient member (16) arranged to dampen shock form impact. The resilient members is in the form of a diaphragm (16), to which the chip (12) and aerial (14) are separately connected. The above components, mounted on an insulating plate (11), are moulded in a capsule (20) which is then placed at the center of a golf ball core.

Abstract: A golf ball achieving both excellent hit feeling and good restitution performance by using a rubber composition having moderate hardness and sufficient restitution performance is provided. The golf ball includes a rubber composition obtained by blending 10 to 50 parts by mass of a co-crosslinking agent and 0.1 to 6 parts by mass of a crosslinking initiator with 100 parts by mass of a rubber component. The rubber component contains at least 80 mass percent of hydrogenated polybutadiene having a double bond residual rate of 80 to 99% or preferably 85 to 99%, and cis-1,4-structure content rate of not smaller than 90% or preferably not smaller than 95%. Polybutadiene is obtained by hydrogenating a part of its double bonds.

Abstract: A golf ball having a body with a spherical outer surface having a first shape, first diameter, and first hardness which cooperatively cause the golf ball to have a first performance characteristic. At least a portion of the spherical outer surface is made from a material that changes from at least one of the first shape, first diameter, and first hardness upon being immersed in water continuously for a time period less than one hundred eighty days so that the golf ball has a second performance characteristic that is different than the first performance characteristic.

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.

Abstract: Golf balls having a portion or layer formed from a polymeric composite that preferably includes at least two polymers with distinct microstructures. In particular, the balls can include a polybutadiene having at least about 80 percent cis-isomer polybutadiene blended with a polybutadiene having at least about 50 percent trans-isomer polybutadiene. Methods of preparing such golf balls are also recited.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover and a core, and optionally at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover and the core, wherein the cover or the intermediate layer or both are formed from a blend comprising a thermoplastic silicone-urethane copolymer. The silicone content of the silicone-urethane copolymer is between 1 and 20 percent by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and preparative process of partially or fully neutralized mixtures of carboxylate functionalized ethylene high copolymers or terpolymers (Mw between 80,000 and 500,000) with carboxylate functionalized ethylene low copolymers (Mw between 2,000 and 30,000) and organic acid salts and injection or compression molded applications such as golf ball components thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball marking method of marking the surface of a golf ball with a character, pattern or the like by a direct or indirect printing technique, comprising applying a marking layer onto the ball surface for marking, the marking layer being of a two-layer structure consisting of a lower layer of a composition containing a color pigment in a lower layer ink medium and an upper layer which is formed on the lower layer from a composition containing a metal powder in an upper layer ink medium and which is transparent or translucent and has brilliance, and adjusting the content of the metal powder and the thickness of the upper layer such that the relation of the content (wt %) of the metal powder relative to the upper layer ink medium solids to the thickness (?m) of the upper layer may satisfy the inequality: 1?[metal powder content (wt %)]×[upper layer thickness (?m)]?10.

Abstract: The present invention provides a golf ball having a marking that can be directly printed on the surface of golf ball body without undercoating treatment when printing the marking and has good appearance and excellent durability after repeated hitting. The present invention relates to a golf ball having a marking printed with an ink composition on the surface thereof, wherein the ink composition comprises epoxy resin having a terminal OH group, polyisocyanate curing agent and a coloring agent as essential components, and the curing agent comprises 25 to 35% by weight of isocyanurate polyisocyanate derived from hexamethylene diisocyanate, 25 to 35% by weight of biuret polyisocyanate derived from hexamethylene diisocyanate and 35 to 50% by weight of isocyanurate polyisocyanate derived from isophorone diisocyanate.

Abstract: A new configuration for at least some of the dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by undercut portions in the concave surface thereof. The undercut dimples have a first diameter at the surface of the golf ball and a second diameter beneath the surface which is greater than the first diameter. Thus, a portion of the ball surface overhangs an annular portion of the dimple at the periphery thereof. The undercut portions create additional turbulence at the surface of the golf ball as it flies through the air to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the dimples, thereby reducing drag and increasing the distance the ball will travel when struck.

Abstract: Golf equipment having improved cut and shear resistance that includes a polyurea composition, preferably saturated and/or water resistant, formed of a polyurea prepolymer and a curing agent, wherein the polyurea prepolymer includes an isocyanate and an amine-terminated compound, and wherein the curing agent includes a hydroxy-terminated curing agent, amine-terminated curing agent, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A long distance, low initial spin golf ball is disclosed. The golf ball includes a high moment of inertia core assembly, which may comprise a low specific gravity core and an optional intermediate layer. This sub-assembly is encased within a high specific gravity cover with Shore D hardness in the range of about 40 to about 80. The core is preferably made from a highly neutralized thermoplastic polymer with its specific gravity reduced, and the cover preferably has high specific gravity fillers dispersed therein. The cover is preferably made from thermoset polyurethane or polyurea.

Abstract: A method for forming indicia on a three-dimensional surface, in particular golf ball components, such as dimpled covers, cores, intermediate layers, and half shells, using dye sublimation, wherein the indicia is offered an improved level of protection from degradation during normal ball use due to diffusion of the sublimating ink into the surface of the component. The indicia can be applied to painted, unpainted, or coated surfaces.

Abstract: A golf ball with at least one moisture vapor barrier layer is disclosed. The moisture vapor barrier layer comprises an elastomer, and has a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than about 0.6 grams·mm/m2·day.

Abstract: A method for increasing adhesion between golf ball layers comprising the steps of providing a golf ball layer having a first surface; preparing the first surface for treatment; exposing the first layer to a silane; providing a second golf ball layer; and adhering the second layer to the first via the silane. Additionally, a golf ball including an inner component, a molecular monolayer, and at least one cover layer, wherein the inner component and the at least one cover layer have differing surface energies and the cover layer is adhered to inner component with the molecular monolayer.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a hot-molded product of a rubber composition comprising a base rubber composed of (a) 20-100 wt % of a polybutadiene having a high cis-1,4 content, a minimal 1,2 vinyl content, and a viscosity ? of up to 600 mPa·s at 25° C. as a 5 wt % toluene solution, and satisfying a certain relationship between Mooney viscosity and polydispersity index Mw/Mn, in combination with (b) 0-80 wt % of another diene rubber, (c) an unsaturated carboxylic acid, (d) an organosulfur compound, (e) an inorganic filler, (f) an organic peroxide, and optionally, (g) an antioxidant. The hot-molded product has a difference in JIS-C hardness between the center and surface thereof of up to 15 units. The composition and hardness characteristics of the hot-molded product provide the golf ball with a solid comfortable feel upon impact and an excellent rebound.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a one-piece golf ball formed by vulcanization from a rubber composition composed of 100 parts by weight of rubber base material, 10 to 40 parts by weight of unsaturated carboxylic acid, 10 to 60 parts by weight of metal oxide, and 0.9 to 5 parts by weight of organic peroxide, said rubber base material containing 60 to 100% by weight based on the weight of a polybutadiene which is synthesized with a catalyst of rare earth element, contains no less than 60% of cis-1,4-linkage, and has a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4(100° C.)) no less than 40. This golf ball has good shot feeling and high rebound resilience and is easy to produce by extrusion.

Abstract: A method of surface treating a golf ball by applying a thin coat of a lubricant having a hydrophilic/hydrophobic character, such as oleic acid. Prior to the stamping of indicia onto the surface of a ball having been prepped with a water-based primer coat, a lubricant is required to aid the ball in a spinning action which is necessary for properly orienting the equator of the ball in a holding mold. After the stamping of indicia, the ball is then painted with a solvent-based clear finishing coat. A thin chemical interface is created wherein the hydrophilic nature of the oleic acid attaches to the primer coat and the hydrophobic nature attaches to the solvent-based finishing topcoat, thereby avoiding compatibility issues between the water and solvent based paints.

Abstract: A solid golf ball includes a core formed from a rubber composition and a cover directly covering the core. The cover is formed from a cover material mainly containing a thermoplastic urethane resin by injection molding using a mold composed of upper and lower mold halves. The core has a hardness, expressed by a deflection measured under an applied load of 5 kg to 130 kg, in a range of 2.0 mm or more. The cover has a thickness in a range of 0.9 mm to 1.7 mm. Assuming that a parting plane of the upper and lower mold halves is taken as an equator, each of the upper and lower mold halves has air vent portions in a region within a radius of 10 mm, measured as that projected on the equator plane, from a pole of the mold half. The total length of gaps of the air vent portions formed in the upper and lower mold halves is in a range of 90 mm or more. The width of each of the gaps of the air vent portions is in a range of 0.01 to 0.08 mm.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a ball cover including a first and second hemispheric cups attached to each other to form a hollow spheroid and a solid ball core covered by the ball cover. Each of the first and second hemispheric cups has two semi-conical engagement edges fittingly engaged with two semi-conical connection edges of the other hemispheric cup so as to integrally unite the first hemispheric cup and the second hemispheric cup together to form the ball cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-recording golf ball having an inner core defined by an outer cover, said golf ball further comprising a microprocessor, a power source, a receive and transmit device, and a piezo sensor electrically connected to one another and housed within said inner core of said golf ball; wherein the microprocessor further is programmed to record data corresponding to strokes received by the ball and to transmit the data, via the receive and transmit device, to a second microprocessor.

Abstract: Golf balls and compositions for use in ball cores, covers and intermediate layers incorporate syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having crystallinity and other specified physical properties. Golf balls incorporating the compositions of the present invention provide flexibility in golf ball design to improve ball performance, such as hit feel and spin rate, without adversely affecting shear-cut resistance of the ball. Also, methods for making golf balls include preparing a composition comprising syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene having crystallinity, and then incorporating the composition into a golf ball. The methods can include injection molding only, or injection and compression molding. When the composition being molded incorporates crosslinking agents, co-crosslinking agents, or crosslinking accelerators, preferred methods include inducing partial or total crosslinking of the composition at preferred steps of making the golf balls.