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: The present invention relates to a bat with improved playing characteristics. Although the present invention will be described generally, the present invention can be employed with softball, baseball and other types of game bats. Specifically, the present invention relates to a bat with a moment of inertia to weight ratio that is higher then conventional bats. This improved ratio is achieved by producing a bat that is lighter than conventional bats without altering the bat's moment of inertia. The higher ratio of the present invention allows for faster swing speeds with no loss in power. These improved playing characteristics can be achieved in either an aluminum or a composite bat.

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 combination dimple pattern on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by both non-circular and non-circular compound dimples. The compound dimples include a first non-circular dimple portion and a second non-circular dimple portion arranged in a bottom surface of the first portion, with the second dimple portion having a depth greater than the depth of the first circular portion. The combination of compound and circular dimples on the surface of the ball improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the ball for more control of lift and drag of a spinning golf ball during flight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a golf ball with an interior layer having a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions. A plurality of protrusion depressions are machined or otherwise formed on an inner surface of a mold. A center assembly is molded within the mold cavity. The center assembly may be a core comprising a plurality of protrusions on its outer surface or an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of protrusions disposed about a spherical core. A single or multi-layered cover is disposed about the center assembly having the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball having a core and a cover comprising a blend of ionomer and plastomers. The golf ball has an impact resistance and cut resistance comparable to a ball having a non-plastomer cover and containing higher quantities of ionomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved polybutadiene compositions suitable for use in molded golf ball core construction. The improved polybutadiene compositions are composed of at least two certain types of polybutadiene, which has the effect of increasing the resiliency of the resulting molded cores and greatly facilitates processing of the compositions and forming the cores. Also disclosed are improved golf ball cores, and balls utilizing such cores, formed from particular ultra high Mooney viscosity polybutadiene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a core and a cover, wherein the cover comprises a blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins. Each high acid ionomer resin utilized in the blend of the cover composition comprises generally of greater than 16% by weight acid, preferably from about 17 to about 25% by weight acid and more preferably from about 18.5% to about 21.5% by weight acid. The acid groups of the high acid ionomers utilized in the cover compositions of the invention are partially (i.e. generally 10-75 percent, preferably 30-70 percent) neutralized by metal ions such as by sodium, zinc and magnesium ions. When the blend of two or more high acid ionomer resins is utilized to manufacture a golf ball, the golf ball produced thereby, exhibits properties of improved distance without sacrificing characteristics such as playability and/or durability when compared to low acid ionomer and/or low acid/high acid ionomer blends.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a dual core component, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The dual core comprises an interior spherical 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 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 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 multi-layer golf balls.

Abstract: An inflatable sport ball, such as a basketball, a football, a soccer ball, a volley ball or a playground ball, is provided with a self-contained inflation mechanism for inflating or more likely adding pressure to the ball. The mechanism is a pump which is inside of the ball and which is operable from outside of the ball to pump ambient air into the ball.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball having a scuff-resistant, soft cover formed from more than 90 wt. % of one or more acrylate ester-containing ionomeric resins. The acrylate ester-containing ionomeric resins preferably are terpolymers. The golf ball has good durability and a high spin rate. A method of making the golf ball also is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a sport ball includes providing a fluid impervious bladder, providing apparatus for penetrating the bladder and including apparatus for receiving an object in sealing engagement, providing a plug dimensioned and configured to engage in sealing relationship the apparatus for receiving in sealing engagement, inserting the plug into the apparatus for receiving, inflating the bladder, and forming additional layers of material on the bladder that is part of a complete sport ball. Thereafter, the method includes providing a self-contained inflation mechanism dimensioned and configured to be disposed within the envelope of the sport ball and dimensioned and configured to engage the apparatus for receiving, removing the plug from the apparatus for receiving, and placing the inflation mechanism into the apparatus for receiving.

Abstract: An improved vent pin for a golf ball injection mold is characterized by a non-circular configuration so that a non-circular dimple can be formed at one or both poles of the golf ball. The vent pin is coaxially arranged within a passage in the injection mold which is aligned with a radius of the ball which passes through one of the poles thereof. The pin is operable between a normal position where the end of the pin closes the passage lower end and a retracted position where the pin end is withdrawn into the passage so that air from a cavity of the mold where the cover layer of the ball is formed can be vented during delivery of thermoplastic material to the cavity to form the golf ball cover.

Abstract: A new configuration for dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by at least a portion of the bottom surface of the dimple having a raised contour which is still below the surface of the ball. The contoured portion may comprise many shapes including a crescent or a sinusoidal configuration. Moreover, the contoured portion may have different portions having different depths. The contours within at least some of the dimples on the surface of the ball alter the air flow across the golf ball surface to reduce drag and increase the distance the ball will travel.

Abstract: A lottery system or game and method of running a lottery system are disclosed. The lottery system combines merchandise prizes with cash to provide a “turnkey” lottery system for a lottery operator wherein cash prizes are paid by the lottery operator and merchandise prizes are distributed by the merchandise supplier or manufacturer. The lottery operator has reduced costs because the merchandise supplier pays a sponsorship allowance, and the merchandise supplier receives an advertising benefit. The merchandise prizes may include sporting goods, and the prize may be a single item to a full system, such as a round of golf with golf clubs and 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 defined by an oblong depression having a longitudinal axis and a length measured along the axis greater than a width measured perpendicular to the axis. The depression has a V-shaped configuration when viewed in a section taken through the longitudinal 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: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a solid core component that includes a relatively hard central portion and a relatively soft skin portion surrounding the central portion. Various preferred embodiment golf balls are disclosed utilizing this core configuration. A golf ball comprising the noted core component having a wound layer disposed about the core skin portion is described. Another preferred embodiment relates to the use of the noted core component having a multi-layer cover assembly surrounding the core. Various methods for producing such golf ball core components are disclosed.

Abstract: A new configuration for dimples on the surface of a golf ball is characterized by a plurality of grooves in the concave surface of the dimple. The grooves are concentrically arranged relative to the geometric configuration defined at the intersection with the spherical surface. The depth of the grooves increases from an outermost groove to an innermost groove. The grooves within at least some of the dimples on the surface of the ball improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the dimples to reduce drag and increase the distance the ball will travel.

Abstract: A game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. Various types of game balls are described, including golf balls and softballs. By selective exposure to radiation, the thermoplastic polyurethane cover is crosslinked and its hardness is increased. Typically, increases in hardness values of at least 2 units on the Shore D scale are realized upon exposure to 3.5 Mrads of gamma radiation.