Patents Examined by Alvin A. Hunter, Jr.
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Patent number: 6632147Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer and a cover, wherein the intermediate layer has a moisture vapor transmission rate that is lower than that of the cover and, additionally, a primary ingredient of the intermediate layer is made from a material including polybutadiene, natural rubber, butyl-based rubber, acrylics, trans-polyisoprene, neoprene, chlorinated polyethylene, balata, multi-layer thermoplastic films, blends of ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and polyamides, and dispersions of acid salts of polyetheramines.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Christopher Cavallaro, Roman D. Halko, Matthew F. Hogge, Mitchell E. Lutz, William E. Morgan, Megan Morgan
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Patent number: 6632149Abstract: The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having improved flight performance, controllability and good shot feel at the time of hitting. The multi-piece solid gold ball has a core having at least one layer, an intermediate layer formed on the core, and a cover covering the intermediate layer. When thickness of the intermediate layer is represented as X (mm) and JIS-C hardness of the intermediate layer is represented as Y, then X is 0.3 to 1.5 mm, X and Y have a correlation represented 10X+55≦Y≦10X+75, and the JIS-C hardness of the cover is 70 to 93.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Kazunari Yoshida
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Patent number: 6629898Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a golf ball which comprises a core, a cover and at least one improved intermediate layer disposed between core and the cover. The intermediate layer a composite of at least two dissimilar materials that is radially oriented and transversely isotropic so that the layer provides unique performance properties when the ball is struck with different clubs.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Nicholas Nardacci
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Patent number: 6626771Abstract: A golf ball satisfies the following conditions (1) to (6): (1) the number of dimples is 360 to 492; (2) total volume enclosed by the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the volume of the golf ball, VR, is 0.715% to 0.825%; (3) the total surface area of the dimples as expressed as a percentage of the surface area of the golf ball, SR, is not less than 70%; (4) the cover has a Shore D hardness of 53 to 63; (5) the difference obtained through subtraction of JIS C hardness of the surface portion of the core from JIS C hardness of the cover is 0 to 20; and (6) initial velocity is in excess of 77.7 m/s (255 ft/s).Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Watanabe
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Patent number: 6620060Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball having a core, a cover and a lattice structure aerodynamic pattern. The core has a diameter of 1.53 inches to 1.55 inches, and a PGA compression of 60 to 75 points. The cover has a thickness of 0.060 inch to 0.090 inch. The cover has a Shore D hardness less than 58 as measured on the golf ball. The golf ball has a COR that is greater than 0.782 points at 143 feet per second.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Steven S. Ogg, Michael S. Yagley, David M. Bartels, Pijush K. Dewanjee, Geoffrey P. M. Goodman
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Patent number: 6616552Abstract: In a golf ball including a core and a cover of at least one layer, the cover layer is formed of a heated mixture of an ionomer resin and a metal salt such as magnesium stearate. The heated mixture exhibits such a crystal melting behavior that when measured by DSC, the difference between first and second peak temperature is up to 30° C. The ball is improved in resilience.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Rinya Takesue, Yasushi Ichikawa, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Nobuhiko Sato
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Patent number: 6612937Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus includes a base that has a top surface in which is defined a slot. A cover is movably mounted on the base and includes a top surface upon which is defined a second slot. The second slot of the cover is vertically aligned with the first slot of the base when the cover is mounted on the base. A light source is positioned in the base and transmits light through the first and second slots toward the eyes of a user. A number of color strips are positioned within the first slot such that the color of light witnessed by the user will vary depending upon the lateral position of the user's head relative to the center line of the second slot.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventor: Michael Whelan
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Patent number: 6609982Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core having a treated surface and a cover layer having a plurality of dimples, wherein the cover layer is disposed concentrically about the core and bonded to the core preferably without an adhesive. The multilayer golf balls may alternatively or additionally be formed such that at least one layer of the core has a treated surface and is bonded, preferably without an adhesive, to an adjacent layer. The golf balls may be prepared by forming a first portion of a golf ball, wherein the first portion has a surface, treating the surface of the first portion to increase the adhesion thereof, and bonding at least a portion of a second portion concentrically about the surface of the portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventors: Edmund A. Hebert, Mitchell E. Lutz, Thomas Mydlack
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Patent number: 6599206Abstract: A lineman trainer includes a base on which are mounted three receiving brackets. Pads are mounted over these brackets. Each of the brackets is mounted on a mechanism that allows the brackets to move. An actuator mechanism may be manipulated by a coach or other operator to activate the brackets independently of one another. When the actuator is reciprocated in one direction or another, it releases one or the other of the side brackets so that a spring can pivot the brackets toward the lineman. When the actuator is rotated so that its handle travels downwardly, the central bracket is released and springs push it directly outwardly toward the lineman. When a lineman hits a released bracket, it is moved back to the locked position ready for another movement when actuated by the coach or other operator.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventors: Charles P. Forrest, Sr., Charles P. Forrest, Jr.
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Patent number: 6595872Abstract: The present invention is a golf ball that has a coefficient of restitution at 143 feet per second that is greater than 0.8015, and an USGA initial velocity less than 255.0 feet per second. The golf ball is preferably a solid three-piece golf ball with a thermosetting polyurethane cover, an ionomer blend intermediate layer and a polybutadiene core.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael S. Yagley, Steven S. Ogg, Pijush K. Dewanjee, David M. Bartels
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Patent number: 6595866Abstract: A golf aid having a horizontally elongated body with a top surface, bottom surface, front surface, back surface and two opposing end surfaces. A plurality of lines are disposed upon the front, top and back surfaces. Two holes located adjacent to each end are defined between the top and bottom surfaces. The vertical element of a stabilizer having a vertical element and a horizontal element is inserted into each hole. The stabilizers are capable of rotating between a support position and a storage position.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventors: Joseph M. McDaniel, William Dawahare
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Patent number: 6592471Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a solid core, a mantle, and a cover, the mantle is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer having a Shore D hardness of 30-52, the cover is formed of a thermoplastic resin loaded with a particulate inorganic filler, the solid core has a surface JIS C hardness 10-22 units greater than a center JIS C hardness, and the golf ball has an inertia moment of 82.5-85.5 kg·cm2. The ball is improved in durability and feel when hit with clubs of different types.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Watanabe, Yasumasa Shimizu, Akira Kawata
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Patent number: 6585604Abstract: This invention is for someone who wants to exercise, self-teach or teach the golf swing. The object is to make contact with the “sweet spot” portion center of the club head. Using this will tone the rhythm of his or her body to a consistent swing posture. The results will lead to straighter, longer drives. This unit can be used as a warm up prior to the golf course or driving range. What helps make this a reality is the ball will project a material that will leave a mark on the club head, indicating the area of impact. This will be wiped away before each swing. The user can adjust standing spot or hands or what they feel was the reason for not making contact in the sweet spot. Once you show a person how to hold the club, they can swing at this flowable ball and your lesson to them has begun. When they can become somewhat consistent at making contact, going to the driving range is there next step. After someone takes a lesson, they may want this invention to use at home to practice.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventor: Rudolph Domnic Morrone
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Patent number: 6582325Abstract: A solid golf ball has a solid core and a cover formed of a resin composition comprising the reaction product of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer with dicyclohexylmethane-4, 4″-diisocyanate. The ball is efficiently moldable and meets such requirements as a pleasant feel, ease of control, high resilience, and minimized scuffs by iron shots.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasushi Ichikawa, Shunichi Kashiwagi, Rinya Takesue, Nobuhiko Matsumura, Kunitoshi Ishihara
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Patent number: 6582326Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball having a cover, intermediate layers and/or a core comprising in whole or in part of water resistant polyurethane elastomers. The polyurethane elastomers may be blended with conventional materials employed to form golf balls, covers and intermediate layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Shenshen Wu, David A. Bulpett, Kevin M. Harris, Mitchell E. Lutz, Murali Rajagopalan
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Patent number: 6582318Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synchronization, the training device provides feedback to the user. The training aid device basically comprises a strap that secure a sheet to the rearward leg of the user. A trapezoid shaped panel is mounted to the sheet, which provides the user with a reference as to the proper positioning of a user's hands and the shaft of the golf club during address, and which provides a tactile feedback signal to the user, if the user's backswing is improper or if the user's hip rotation and movement of the user's hands are out of synchronization, by making contact with at least one of the user's hands.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventor: Ronald C Halfacre
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Patent number: 6575850Abstract: A golf ball which produces high spin rate and accordingly readily stops even when being shot from a rough or in the rain is provided. Such a golf ball is constituted of a core and a cover and the cover has a loss tangent of 0.15 to 0.70 at −10° C. in a temperature distribution curve for dynamic viscoelasticity measured in a tensile mode under conditions of temperature increasing rate of 4° C./min, frequency of 10 Hz and initial strain of 1.0 mm.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Iwami, Hidenori Hiraoka, Akira Kato, Masatoshi Yokota
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Patent number: 6575847Abstract: A golf ball includes at least a core, an inner cover, and an outer cover. The inner and outer covers are of different colors. A portion of the inner cover penetrates the outer cover and is exposed to the outside on the surface of the golf ball. The exposed portion constitutes a mark portion on the surface of the golf ball. Further, an auxiliary layer is provided in contact with the inner cover. The auxiliary layer has a color different from those of the inner and outer covers and has an end surface which is exposed to the outside on the surface of the golf ball within the mark portion. Either the inner cover or the auxiliary layer completely covers the core.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Yamagishi, Takashi Maruko, Yutaka Masutani, Michio Inoue
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Patent number: 6572494Abstract: The golf ball comprises all known cores provided with a cover produced by a polymer blend that combines the durability of a conventional cover with the feel of a traditional balata cover having a plurality of dimples in a modified dodecahedron pattern. The dodecahedron consists of twelve pentagons, which are subdivided into a total of sixty triangles. The triangles are then further subdivided into rows into which various diameter dimples are placed. The dimple pattern can be arranged to produce a pattern of ten great circles, which are free of dimples. The cover formulation is a blend of various ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymers wherein at least one copolymer has a high modulus and at least one copolymer has a moderate modulus forming a miscible blend having a PDI index that maximizes durability while still maintaining feel and playability.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Dunlop Slazenger ManufacturingInventors: Brent D. Emerson, George R. Wallace, Matthew B. Stanczak, Sanjay Kuttappa
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Patent number: 6569038Abstract: A golf ball includes an outer land surface and a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples comprise structures of its surface to energize or agitate the airflow over the dimpled surfaces to increase the aerodynamic performance of the golf ball. These structures may include sub-dimples arranged in various configurations on the dimple. The sub-dimples may have various sizes and shapes. The structures may also include radiating concave or convex arms emanating from the center or a location proximate the center of the dimple. The radiating arms may have various sizes and shapes and may protrude beyond the dimples. By improving the aerodynamic of the airflow over the dimpled surface of the golf ball, the outer land surface of the golf ball may remain robust to prevent premature wear and tear on the golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Michael J. Sullivan