Abstract: A game ball comprising an ionomeric cover which includes a combination of ionomeric crosslinks and radiation induced covalent crosslinks. The game ball cover may include non-ionomeric materials. The game ball cover is superior in at least one of cut resistance and scuff resistance to a conventional cover that does not have the covalent crosslinks but is otherwise substantially identical in composition. The game ball cover of the invention is particularly useful for improving the durability of golf balls to be struck with sharp-grooved clubs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a low acid ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: A golf ball is described having a core with a multi-layer cover with a thickness of at least 3.6 mm (0.142 inches) and a Shore D hardness of at least 60. The combination of a core, preferably soft core, with a thick, relatively hard multi-layer cover results in a ball having better distance than conventional golf balls having a comparable coefficient of restitution.

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 at least 75% of a soft copolymer formed from a polyolefin, an unsaturated carboxylic acid, and a monomer of the acrylate ester class. 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component. The dual core comprises an interior center component formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The dual core also comprises a core layer disposed about the center component, formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The present invention golf ball may further comprise an outer core layer that surrounds the dual core. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known golf balls. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention golf ball includes a dual core having a center component of a thermoset material and a core layer of a thermoplastic material and a cover layer disposed about the core.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a low acid ionomer blend which may or may not include a filler such as zinc-stearate. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, non-ionomeric thermoplastic or thermosetting elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: A spherical ball and a method of making the spherical ball wherein the ball has a plurality of elongated dimples substantially covering the outer surface of the ball without any dimple overlap. The elongated dimples are of at least two types including a first plurality of dimples having a minor axis and a major axis which together form the long axis of the first plurality of dimples. The minor axis being less than the major axis. A second plurality of dimples has a minor axis equal to that of the first plurality of dimples and a major axis less than the major axis of the first plurality of dimples but greater than the minor axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball comprising a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The inner cover layer is comprised of a high acid ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus ionomer or ionomer blend, or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyesteramide. The present invention golf ball further comprises at least one interior layer and/or a core comprising a silicone material. The resulting multi-layered golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced distance without sacrificing playability or durability when compared to known multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: A medallion ball comprising a bladder fabricated of an air impervious elastomeric material in a spherical configuration; a carcass coupled to the exterior surface of the bladder with a recess formed in the carcass; and a medallion positionable in a central region of the recess with the medallion having an exterior surface with indicia.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved cover compositions for golf ball construction and the resulting low modulus golf balls produced utilizing the improved cover compositions. The novel golf ball cover compositions of the invention comprise a blend of a relatively low amount of at least one hard ionomeric resins and a relatively large amount (i.e. from about 75 to about 85-90 percent) of at least one soft ionomer resin. When the cover compositions of the invention are utilized to manufacture golf balls, the golf balls produced thereby, exhibit properties of improved playability at low swing speeds without substantial sacrifices in durability and/or distance characteristics when compared to known hard-soft ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting molded golf ball having a reduced spin rate. The golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers and a cellular or liquid core component. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf ball of the present invention may also utilize an enlarged diameter which serves to further reduce spin rate. The resulting golf ball exhibits properties of reduced spin without sacrificing durability, playability and resilience.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball, such as a golf ball, having an indicia formed from a UV curable ink containing aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) filler. The ATH improves pad transfer of the ink. An ink composition suitable for pad printing, and a method for applying an indicia to a game ball also are disclosed. The UV curable ink has excellent pad transfer properties, and good durability.

Abstract: A catcher's helmet is provided with a front portion including a top extent and a pair of side extents. The front extent forms a face opening there between. Also included is a rear portion. At least one strap is mounted between the front portion and rear portion. A transparent shield is positioned over the face opening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of gel material in a golf ball. In one aspect of the invention discrete gel particles form an integral structural and functional role in the hard-cover, mantle or core elements of a golf ball to provide an additional ways of varying the playability properties of a golf ball. In one embodiment the invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a mantle dispersed with discrete voids filled with gel to provide a heterogeneous mixture of at least one gel material and at least one non-gel material. In another embodiment of the invention 10 parts of ground down silica gel material, 50 parts Iotek® 1002, 50 parts Iotek® 1003, and 0.025 parts UM Blue to provide a composite mantle. In this embodiment the degree of measured compression (and good guide to deformability and initial spin rate when struck by a golf club) is increased with a commitment decrease in Shore C/D hardness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a game ball, such as a golf ball, having an indicia formed from a UV curable ink containing aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) filler. The ATH improves pad transfer of the ink. An ink composition suitable for pad printing, and a method for applying an indicia to a game ball also are disclosed. The UV curable ink has excellent pad transfer properties, and good durability.

Abstract: A three-piece thread wound golf ball including a central solid core portion composed mainly of polybutadiene having a Shore D hardness of 55-75 and increased diameter (34.3-38.1 mm) and reduced specific gravity (1.20-1.25) compared to traditional three-piece wound golf balls. The solid core portion is wound with an elastomeric thread material to achieve a core and winding layer diameter of 39.1-40.6 mm. A dimpled cover portion formed of a thermoplastic material overlies the winding layer. The three-piece thread wound golf ball construction provides desirable increased moment of inertia and spin characteristics for the ball. The resulting golf ball characteristics are such that when hit with a driver, other woods or the longer iron clubs it performs like a distance two-piece golf ball; when hit with mid-iron clubs it performs like a two-piece Hi-spin or a soft covered multi layered golf ball; and when hit with short iron clubs it performs much like a Balata wound golf ball.