Liquid Interior Patents (Class 473/354)
  • Patent number: 11639030
    Abstract: To manufacture a shaped object more appropriately by adjusting weight and the like of the shaped object. A manufacturing method for a shaped object for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object by depositing a layer of shaping material, the manufacturing method includes: setting a weight of at least part of the shaped object to be a setting weight different from a filling weight that is weight in a case of forming the shaped object by filling deposition material used for deposition; and forming the shaped object to which the setting weight is set to be matched with the setting weight by forming at least part of the shaped object in a state of including a clearance inside as a region that is not formed with the deposition material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kunio Hakkaku, Yoshikazu Furukawa
  • Patent number: 11518862
    Abstract: The rubber-plastic composite foamed material of the present invention is made by mixing and foaming a plurality of components including 100 parts by weight of rubber, 5-70 parts by weight of hollow glass microspheres, 2-25 parts by weight of carbon black, 10-40 parts by weight of softening oil, 10-30 parts by weight of sulfur ointment, 0.5-5 parts by weight of antioxidant, 0.5-10 parts by weight of crosslinking agent and 2-12 parts by weight of foaming agent. By including hollow glass microspheres into the composition, the rubber-plastic composite foamed material of the present invention exhibits better compression resistance and heat retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GIANT EAST TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Tzu Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 11325008
    Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane compound. Functionalized polydimethylsiloxane compounds also can be used to treat thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls with thermoplastic polyurethane covers have good physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Michael Michalewich, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 11305159
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising: (a) a core: (b) an outer cover layer; and (c) optionally, at least one intermediate layer, wherein at least the outer cover layer or the intermediate layer comprises a blend composition of: (i) a metallic coagent; and (ii)(a) at least one polyolefin or (ii)(b) at least one ionomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Hong G. Jeon
  • Patent number: 11224783
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory media are provided for smart sports equipment and integrated platforms. An example method can include receiving, by an integrated platform and from a client device, a request for content associated with a smart ball having a communications device configured to communicate an address for the content to one or more client devices, the request being based on the address from the smart ball; in response to the request, retrieving, by the integrated platform, the content associated with the smart ball; and providing, by the integrated platform, the content to the client device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: DRILLZBALL LLC
    Inventors: Jason Escalante Robles, Daniel Aguilar Marroquin, David Rudy Mireles, Jr., Jesse Courson Miller, Daniel Aguilar Marroquin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11118028
    Abstract: Embodiments of organic peroxide formulations provide longer scorch time protection and require fewer additives. The peroxide formulations may include, for example, at least one organic peroxide, at least one nitroxide-containing compound (e.g., 4-hydroxy-TEMPO), and at least one quinone-containing compound (e.g., mono-tert-butylhydroquinone).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Arkema Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard H. Palys, William P. Pavlek, Peter R. Dluzneski
  • Patent number: 10814178
    Abstract: A golf ball (20) approaching zero land area is disclosed herein with a plurality of indentations positioned on the lattices of a plurality of multi-faceted polygons. The golf ball (20) has an innersphere with a plurality of lattice members (40). Each of the plurality of lattice members (40) has an apex and the golf ball (20) of the present invention conforms with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA-approved golf balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Grady C. Crahan, Timothy B. Davis
  • Patent number: 10814181
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a plasticized polyamide are provided. In one preferred version, the polyamide composition consists essentially of a polyamide and plasticizer selected from the group consisting of polytrimethylene ether glycol and polytrimethylene ether glycol benzoate and monomers, oligomers, copolymers and blends thereof. Blends of plasticized polyamides and ethylene acid copolymer ionomers also can be prepared. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. The polyamide compositions have a good combination of properties including Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Michael J Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10729938
    Abstract: Golf balls having covers made of thermoplastic polyurethane compositions are provided. Multi-piece golf balls can be made. In one embodiment, the outer cover layer is formed from a composition comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane compound. Functionalized polydimethylsiloxane compounds also can be used to treat thermoplastic polyurethane golf ball covers. The cover composition and surface coatings can further include catalysts, ultraviolet (UV)-light stabilizers, and other additives. The coating methods have many benefits and the finished balls with thermoplastic polyurethane covers have good physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Michael Michalewich, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10590259
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a spherical core, and a cover covering the spherical core. The spherical core is formed from a rubber composition including a base rubber, a co-cross-linking agent, a cross-linking initiator, and an unsaturated fatty acid and/or a metal salt thereof, the co-cross-linking agent includes ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof, the unsaturated fatty acid and/or metal salt thereof excludes an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and a metal salt thereof, an unsaturated aliphatic carboxylic acid that forms the unsaturated fatty acid and/or metal salt thereof has a functional group other than a carboxy group and a carbon-carbon unsaturated bond, and the rubber composition further includes a metal compound when the co-cross-linking agent is only an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Chiemi Mikura, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Hikaru Nagakura, Ryota Sakamine
  • Patent number: 10583330
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core made of a foamed composition and a cover are provided. Preferably, the core is dual-layered having has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition containing mineral filler particulate, for example, nanoclay particles, is used to form the foam center. The concentration of clay particulate is preferably in a range of 0.1 to 60% by weight. The surrounding outer core layer may be made from non-foamed or foamed compositions. For example, polybutadiene rubber or highly neutralized olefin acid copolymers may be used in the outer core layer. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 10500445
    Abstract: A golf ball with a mantle layer comprising an ionomer material and a graphene material in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 weight percent of the mantle layer is disclosed herein. The golf ball may multiple layers. A preferred embodiment of a golf ball comprises a core, a mantle layer and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Vijay Chavan, David Bartels
  • Patent number: 10471312
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a golf club head. The golf club head includes a front body having a front body front portion with a front body front surface and having a front body rear portion, and includes a rear body having a rear body front portion, a rear body rear portion, and multiple protrusions. The golf club head is configured such that (i) when the front body front surface strikes a golf ball with a first amount of force, the front body deflects toward the rear body with a first amount of deflection, and (ii) when the front body front surface strikes the golf ball with a second amount of force less than the first amount of force, the front body deflects toward the rear body with a second amount of deflection greater than the first amount of deflection. Other embodiments of related club heads and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Travis D Milleman, Martin R Jertson
  • Patent number: 10406402
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf balls having at least one layer made of a polyamide composition containing a plasticized polyamide are provided. In one preferred version, the polyamide composition consists essentially of a polyamide and plasticizer selected from the group consisting of polytrimethylene ether glycol and polytrimethylene ether glycol benzoate and monomers, oligomers, copolymers and blends thereof. Blends of plasticized polyamides and ethylene acid copolymer ionomers also can be prepared. The golf ball includes a core having at least one layer and a cover having at least one layer. The polyamide composition may be used to form any core, cover, or other layer in the golf ball. The polyamide compositions have a good combination of properties including Coefficient of Restitution (COR) and compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: David A. Bulpett, Robert Blink, Michael J Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10376746
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls having a solid core made of a foamed composition and a cover are provided. Preferably, the core is dual-layered having has a foam inner core (center) and surrounding thermoset or thermoplastic outer core layer. Preferably, a polyurethane foam composition containing mineral filler particulate, for example, nanoclay particles, is used to form the foam center. The concentration of clay particulate is preferably in a range of 0.1 to 60% by weight. The surrounding outer core layer may be made from non-foamed or foamed compositions. For example, polybutadiene rubber or highly neutralized olefin acid copolymers may be used in the outer core layer. The core layers have different hardness gradients and specific gravity values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Patent number: 10376742
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball having an excellent flight performance on driver shots. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a spherical core and at least one cover covering the spherical core, wherein the spherical core is formed from a rubber composition containing (a) a base rubber, (b) an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof as a co-crosslinking agent, (c) a crosslinking initiator, and (d) an unsaturated fatty acid and/or a metal salt thereof excluding an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms and/or a metal salt thereof, and provided that the rubber composition further contains (f) a metal compound if only an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms is present as (b) the co-crosslinking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hikaru Nagakura, Kazuyoshi Shiga, Chiemi Mikura, Takahiro Shigemitsu, Ryota Sakamine
  • Patent number: 10344142
    Abstract: Embodiments of organic peroxide formulations provide longer scorch time protection and require fewer additives. The peroxide formulations may include, for example, at least one organic peroxide, at least one nitroxide-containing compound (e.g., 4-hydroxy-TEMPO), and at least one quinone-containing compound (e.g., mono-tert-butylhydroquinone). Embodiments of the present invention relate to organic peroxide compositions comprising scorch retarders. Embodiments of the invention also relate to crosslinkable elastomer compositions, processes for curing the elastomers, and products made by such processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ARKEMA INC.
    Inventors: Leonard H. Palys, William P. Pavlek, Peter R. Dluzneski
  • Patent number: 10150009
    Abstract: Golf ball incorporating at least one very thin moisture barrier film (monolayer film, bi-layer film or multi-layer film) comprising ethylene-based cycloolefin copolymer(s) and having a thickness of up to 0.009 inches as well as a normalized moisture vapor transmission rate (nMVTR) of less than about 5.0 g/(m2·day). The ethylene-based cycloolefin copolymer-containing moisture barrier film is disposed about and adjacent to an outer surface of a subassembly and is surrounded by at least one outer layer having an nMVTR that is greater than that of the moisture barrier film. In particular embodiments, the nMVTR of the subassembly is also greater than that of the moisture barrier film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Matthew F. Hogge, Peter L. Serdahl, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 10150008
    Abstract: Golf ball incorporating mixtures of thermoplastic polymers and polymethyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers. The thermoplastic polymer and MMA copolymers may be included in weight ratios of from 98:2 to 50:50. The mixture may have different hardness than that of the thermoplastic polymer, a glass transition temperature Tg-m greater than a glass transition temperature Tg-tp of the thermoplastic polymer, and a modulus, tensile strength and ultimate elongation greater than that of the thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich
  • Patent number: 10016657
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core composed of a fully neutralized polymer material is disclosed herein. The golf ball also preferably has multiple mantle layers and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Steve Ogg, David Bartels
  • Patent number: 9717956
    Abstract: A golf ball is provided that has a spherical core exhibiting a stiffness from 400 MPa to 200 GPa. The stiffness of the core may be controlled by adjusting the materials of construction and the ratio of the materials. This results in a golf ball that is legal for play and capable of drive distances essentially equivalent to those of currently-available high performance golf balls, but also provides a golf ball that has less hook and slice during play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: OnCore Golf Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas P. DuFaux, Keith A. Blakely
  • Patent number: 9669263
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a single core having an outer surface and a geometric center. The core is formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition. An inner cover layer is disposed about the core, the inner cover including a high-acid ionomer and having a material hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D. The high-acid ionomer has an acid content of about 16% or greater. An outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, the outer cover including a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 Shore D to about 56 Shore D. The core surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 15 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Scott Cooper, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 9597548
    Abstract: A golf ball having an inner core layer, an outer core layer enclosing the inner core layer, and a cover layer enclosing the outer core layer. The inner core layer includes a blend of a first highly neutralized acid polymer having a first Vicat softening temperature and a first specific gravity, a second highly neutralized acid polymer having a second Vicat softening temperature and a second specific gravity, and an ionomer-based masterbatch comprising an additive and an ionomer resin having a third Vicat softening temperature and a third specific gravity. The absolute values of the differences among the Vicat softening temperatures is no more than about 15° C. and the absolute value of the difference between the specific gravities is no more than about 0.015. The cover layer may include an inner cover layer enclosing the outer core layer and an outer layer enclosing the inner cover layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Yasushi Ichikawa, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu, Arthur Parker Molinari
  • Patent number: 9590463
    Abstract: A holder is used while attached to a chassis of a vibration generator that moves a vibrator to generate a vibration. The holder includes a vibrator retention unit retaining the vibrator, a fixed unit fixed to the chassis, and an arm. The arm connects the fixed unit and the vibrator retention unit, and the arm supports the vibrator retention unit while the vibrator retention unit can be displaced with respect to the fixed unit. The fixed unit, the arm, and the vibrator retention unit are integrally formed using resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MINEBEA CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Kuroda, Makoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9573023
    Abstract: A multi-layer golf ball includes a core, and intermediate layer, and a cover. The core has an outer surface that includes a plurality of depressions extending from a spherical land portion. Each depression has a maximum depth relative to the spherical land portion of between 0.15 mm and 2.0 mm. The intermediate layer surrounds the core and has a radially inward surface that is flush with the outer surface of the core. The cover layer surrounds the intermediate layer and defines an outermost portion of ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ishii, Nicholas Yontz, Jun Ichinose, Chien-Hsin Chou, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Patent number: 9517385
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball providing a great distance. Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball striking a balance between a flight distance on a driver shot and an approach performance on an approach shot while providing an excellent shot feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: DUNLOP SPORTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoko Okabe, Keiji Ohama, Takahiro Shigemitsu
  • Patent number: 9511265
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core composed of a fully neutralized polymer material is disclosed herein. The golf ball also preferably has multiple mantle layers and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Steve Ogg, David Bartels
  • Patent number: 9505025
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising: a core; a casing layer surrounding the core; and a cover layer surrounding the casing layer and being formed from a cover composition that is produced by a reaction of a prepolymer and a chain extender, wherein the prepolymer is formed from the reaction product of: (i) an isocyanate comprising an allophanate (“ICA”) and having an average NCO functionality in the range of 1.9 to 2.8 and (ii) a polyol-containing component or an amine-containing component or a blend thereof; and wherein the chain-extender is selected from the group consisting of amine-terminated chain-extenders, hydroxyl-terminated chain-extenders, and mixtures thereof. The ICA may comprise a reaction product of hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), at least one monoalcohol, and a bismuth-containing catalyst. The ICA may have an average equivalent weight of from about 200 to about 350; and the prepolymer may have an average equivalent weight of from about 420 to about 840. The cover has a thickness of at least about 0.010 in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9433831
    Abstract: Process for making golf ball having multi-layered cover having a very thin outermost cover layer comprising: providing first and second substantially hemispherical half shells comprising a thermoplastic composition; dispensing uncured liquid thermoset composition into a hemispherical cavity of first half shell; inserting first half of a core subassembly into hemispherical cavity and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer; dispensing the uncured liquid thermoset composition into hemispherical cavity of second half shell; inserting second half of core subassembly into hemispherical cavity of second half shell and displacing an amount of the uncured liquid thermoset composition such that the uncured liquid thermoset composition forms an inner cover layer and thereby mating the first and second half shells; curing thermoset inner cover layer; and forming dimples in the outer surfaces of mated first and second h
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau
  • Patent number: 9333396
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, a casing layer surrounding the core, a cover layer disposed about the casing layer, and three coating layers CL1, CL2, and CL3 disposed about the cover layer, wherein the respective compositions and color appearances of the cover, casing, CL1, CL2, and CL3 each contribute a color appearance to an overall golf ball color appearance CAOA having a color stability difference ?Ecmc as measured in the CIELAB color space in a QUV after 24 hrs of less than 1.5 units, or less than 1.2 units, or less than 1.15 units or up to 1.0 units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Matthew F. Hogge, Manjari Kuntimaddi, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl
  • Patent number: 9320944
    Abstract: A golf ball having an inner core layer having an outer surface and a geometric center and being formed from a rubber composition. An outer core layer surrounds the inner core to form a dual core. An inner cover layer surrounds the dual core, and includes a high-acid ionomer having a hardness of about 66 to 75 Shore D and an acid content of 16 wt. % or greater. An outer cover layer surrounds the inner cover layer, and includes a polyurethane and having a material hardness of about 38 to 56 Shore D. The inner core layer surface hardness is from 0 Shore C to 10 Shore C lower than the geometric center hardness to define a negative hardness gradient and the outer core layer has a surface hardness at least 10 Shore C greater than the geometric center hardness to define a dual core positive hardness gradient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, Scott Cooper, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd
  • Patent number: 9272188
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a golf ball and a method for manufacturing a golf ball including a bladder core. In at least one embodiment, the bladder core includes an ethyl vinyl alcohol copolymer layer combined with multiple layers of thermoplastic polyurethane or other material to prevent leakage. In addition, it is contemplated that the bladder core may include a one-way valve for adjusting the pressure of a fluid within the bladder core to produce different performance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur P. Molinari
  • Patent number: 9220948
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core assembly preferably has a positive hardness gradient extending across the entire assembly. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Patent number: 9199129
    Abstract: A method of making a ball, comprising: forming an inner core having a diameter of about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Herbert C. Boehm, Michael McNamara, Diomar Correia, Donald A. Serino
  • Patent number: 8926452
    Abstract: A method of making a ball, comprising: forming an inner core having a diameter of about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Hebert C. Boehm, Michael McNamara, Diomar Correia, Donald A. Serino
  • Patent number: 8915799
    Abstract: A golf ball having a core that includes an aqueous solution contained by a boundary layer with a solid center suspended in the solution to modify the moment of inertia of the golf ball. The aqueous solution can be thixotropic, or rheopectic, or dilatant, or pseudoplastic in nature and the center formulated to simulate the specific gravity of the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Jeffrey L. Dalton
  • Patent number: 8795570
    Abstract: A durable, injection moldable, thermoplastic elastomer that has the favorable resilience, feel, spin, barrier, and UV stability performance attributes is disclosed herein. An OBC grafted with silane provides a good cover shear durability (cut/tear/abrasion resistance). This invention combines the benefits of OBCs and silane crosslinking technology to yield a golf ball cover with a desirable combination of properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Shane Parnell, Carl A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20140051530
    Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball includes molding a golf ball core through at least one of injection molding and compression molding, and subsequently volumetrically contracting the core. Once the core is contracted, an intermediate layer is formed about the core, and the core is subsequently allowed to expand to an intermediate state such that the core applies a contact pressure against an inner surface of the intermediate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Bender, Arthur Molinari, Derek A. Fitchett, John Chen, Chen-Tai Liu
  • Publication number: 20140011608
    Abstract: A method of making a ball, comprising: forming an inner core having a diameter of about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Hebert C. Boehm, Michael McNamara, Diomar Correia, Donald A. Serino
  • Publication number: 20130281232
    Abstract: A method of making a ball, comprising: forming an inner core having a diameter of about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: William E. Morgan, Herbert C. Boehm, Michael McNamara, Diomar Correia, Donald A. Serino
  • Patent number: 8535169
    Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity therebetween. A fluid, such as a viscous damping fluid, is placed in the cavity. When the ball is struck, the inner and outer layers rotate independently of one another. Indicia are provided on the inner and outer layers. An examination of the relative position of the indicia before the ball is struck and after the ball is struck can yield data that indicate the shear force of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur Molinari
  • Patent number: 8529373
    Abstract: A golf ball with aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle, resulting in improved flight performance, such as increased carry and flight consistency regardless of ball orientation. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball having increased flight distance as defined by a set of aerodynamic requirements, at particular spin ratios and Reynolds Numbers. The invention is also directed toward golf balls having high spin decay rates during the first second of flight that yields improved flight performance and longer ball flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Laurent Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20130090187
    Abstract: A golf ball having a core that includes an aqueous solution contained by a boundary layer with a solid center suspended in the solution to modify the moment of inertia of the golf ball. The aqueous solution can be thixotropic, or rheopectic, or dilatant, or pseudoplastic in nature and the center formulated to simulate the specific gravity of the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Edmund A. Hebert, Derek A. Ladd, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Jeffrey L. Dalton
  • Publication number: 20130040759
    Abstract: This self correcting smart ball, typically a golf ball, overcomes certain sudden and unanticipated conditions or disturbance during play such as wind gust, drags, bump, debris, divides etc. during flight or roll on the surface (green), as faced by players, essentially taking the expertise out of the game and making the game more on a chance basis. This is achieved by separating the inner core, which absorbs the energy, momentum, direction and spins during the impact of ball and the club, and outer shell by a layer of fluid of certain viscosity, which act as an element to transfer energy, to and from the outer shell to the inner core, as needed, in order to perform what it is supposed to perform. This separation of the shell and core essentially immunes the ball from unanticipated disturbances thereby taking the uncertainty and chance out of the game.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: ATAUL HAQ
  • Publication number: 20120264540
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing smoke to emit from a golf ball. In one embodiment, when a partition is removed and a threshold pressure has been met, a chemical reaction may occur between solid compositions. In another embodiment, when a threshold pressure is met to allow a liquid composition to be released from a check valve, a reaction may occur between the liquid composition and a separate solid or liquid composition. In either case, the chemical reaction may result in smoke being emitted from the golf ball, thereby helping a golfer find the ball. The golf ball may be capable of multiple emissions of smoke intermittently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun-Te Hung, Chen-Tai Liu, Cheng-Hao Liao
  • Publication number: 20120088601
    Abstract: A golf ball with aerodynamic coefficient magnitude and aerodynamic force angle, resulting in improved flight performance, such as increased carry and flight consistency regardless of ball orientation. In particular, the present invention is directed to a golf ball having increased flight distance as defined by a set of aerodynamic requirements, at particular spin ratios and Reynolds Numbers. The invention is also directed toward golf balls having high spin decay rates during the first second of flight that yields improved flight performance and longer ball flight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas M. Nardacci, Laurent Bissonnette
  • Publication number: 20120083364
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a soft outer cover. The golf ball has an inner cover layer with a Shore D hardness of 60 or more, and an outer cover with a Shore D hardness of 55 or less, and more preferably 50 or less. In a particularly preferred form of the invention, the outer cover comprises one or more polyurethane materials. The golf ball of the invention has exceptionally soft feel and high spin rates on short shots of 80 yards or less, and particularly, 40 yards or less, while maintaining good distance and average spin on full shots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: THOMAS J. KENNEDY, III, MICHAEL J. TZIVANIS, VIKTOR KELLER, WILLIAM M. RISEN, JR., MARK L. BINETTE, JOHN L. NEALON
  • Publication number: 20110224015
    Abstract: A golf ball includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a cavity therebetween. A fluid, such as a viscous damping fluid, is placed in the cavity. When the ball is struck, the inner and outer layers rotate independently of one another. Indicia are provided on the inner and outer layers. An examination of the relative position of the indicia before the ball is struck and after the ball is struck can yield data that indicate the shear force of the stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, INC.
    Inventor: ARTHUR MOLINARI
  • Patent number: 7976407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart golf ball comprised of one or more mantle layers juxtaposed between an inner core and outer cover, where the core, the mantle layer(s), and/or the cover are further comprised of a ferrofluid, a magnetorheological fluid, an inverse magnetorheological fluid, and/or a magnetorheological elastomer, in any of its construction. These nano-engineered materials make possible a golf ball with heretofore-unprecedented levels of adaptive play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Jay VanDelden
  • Patent number: 7946932
    Abstract: The present invention encompasses a golf ball having a diameter and being comprised of a core and a cover, wherein the core is further comprised of a fluid mass at the center of the ball, and a first, solid, non-wound mantle layer surrounding the fluid mass, wherein the first mantle layer comprises a copolymer or terpolymer of ethylene and an ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, the acid being neutralized at least 80% by a salt of an organic acid, a cation source, or a suitable base of the organic acid, and wherein the cover comprises polyurethane, polyurea, or a polyurea/polyurethane hybrid. Preferably, the rate of spin decay is at least 10% of an initial spin rate of the golf ball over the entire ball flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Herbert C. Boehm