Abstract: In a golf ball having a plurality of dimples (12) formed in its surface, each dimple prior to paint coating consists of a major concave surface portion (20) circumscribed by a peripheral convex surface portion (22). The peripheral convex surface portion connects to the major concave surface portion at a point of inflection (30) which is located at a distance of 10-50% of the dimple depth (d) from the edge (26) of the peripheral convex surface portion.

Abstract: A Golf ball retaining high coefficient of restitution inherent in solid golf balls and having excellent shot feeling is disclosed. A multi-piece golf ball comprising: an inner core which is positioned in a central part of the golf ball, and has a JIS-C hardness of 75 or smaller; an outer core which encloses the inner core; an outer cover which is positioned in a surface part of the golf ball; and an inner cover which is placed on the inside of the outer cover, and has a JIS-C hardness of 80 or larger, wherein a JIS-C hardness of the outer core is smaller than that of the other components, and a JIS-C hardness of the outer cover is larger than that of the other components.

Abstract: In a golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate layer of one or more layers around the core, and a cover formed mainly of a thermoplastic resin around the intermediate layer, the core is formed mainly of a rubber base and has a deflection of 3-8 mm under a load of 100 kg, and at least one layer of the intermediate layer and the cover contains 100 parts by weight of a resin component and 5-40 parts by weight of an inorganic filler. Alternatively, in a golf ball comprising a core, an optional intermediate layer, and a cover of two or more layers, the outermost layer of the cover contains 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin base component and 10-40 parts by weight of an inorganic filler.

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 approaching zero land area is disclosed herein. The golf ball has an innersphere with a plurality of tubular projections. Each of the plurality of projections has an apex that extends to a height to conform with the 1.68 inches requirement for USGA approved golf balls. The tubular lattice pattern on the inner sphere of the golf ball of the present invention has interconnected projections that form a plurality of hexagons and pentagons in the preferred embodiment. The preferred embodiment has a parting line that alternates upward and downward along adjacent rows of hexagons.

Abstract: A golf ball utilizing a high density core component, which is preferably part of a multicomponent core assembly is disclosed. The high density core component is preferably in the form of a metal sphere. The golf balls exhibit a unique combination of a relatively high coefficient of restitution, a controlled moment of inertia, and a relatively high spin rate during short distance shots. It is preferred that the high density core component be utilized in conjunction with a multi-layer cover assembly.

Abstract: A multi-piece solid golf ball featuring an increased flight distance, superior control, good feeling, and improved durability is provided. A multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core and a cover of two inner and outer layers surrounding the core is characterized in that the solid core has a distortion of at least 2.4 mm under an applied load of 100 kg, the inner cover layer is formed mainly of an ionomer resin to a Shore D hardness of 28-58, and the outer cover layer is formed mainly of a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer to a Shore D hardness of 30-55.

Abstract: A golfing aid for maintaining a true arc in a golf swing. Attached to the shaft of the club is a guide member which projects from the club and has on it a tip, which during the initial part of the downswing and the final part of the follow-through contacts the radial side of the leading forearm. The contact provides a positive tactile feedback to avert wrist cocking and encourages radial deviation of the wrist instead thereby encouraging the maintenance of a true arc in the downswing and follow through.

Abstract: A unique golf ball and related methods of manufacturing are disclosed in which the golf ball comprises one or more metal mantle layers and a cellular or liquid core component. The metal in the mantle layer may be formed from steel, titanium, chromium, nickel, and alloys thereof. The cellular core may utilize at least one material selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene/ZDA mixtures, polyurethanes, polyolefins, ionomers, metallocenes, polycarbonates, nylons, polyesters, and polystyrenes. The golf ball may also comprise an optional polymeric spherical substrate inwardly disposed relative to the one or more metal mantle layers. The golf balls according to the present invention exhibit is improved spin, feel, and acoustic properties. Furthermore, the one or more interior metal layers prevent, or at least significantly minimize, coefficient of restitution loss from the golf ball, and significantly increases the moment of inertia of the golf ball.

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: A dimple pattern for a golf ball with a thermoset polyurethane cover is disclosed herein. The dimple pattern has multiple sets of dimples, each set of dimples having a different diameter. A preferred set of dimples is seven different dimples. The dimples may cover as much as eighty-six percent of the surface of the golf ball. The unique dimple pattern allows a golf ball with a thermoset polyurethane cover to have shallow dimples with steeper entry angles. The unique dimple pattern also allows a golf ball with a thermoset polyurethane cover to have greater low speed lift with a lower high speed drag.

Abstract: The invention is a training device to enable a golfer to develop a smooth and consistent swing. It comprises a harness with a chest encircling band and shoulder straps, somewhat similar to a brassiere. A rigid bar is attached transversely and retained in the rear portion of the shoulder straps. The bar is of a sufficient length and positioned so that in use it is essentially horizontal across the shoulders and not visible to a golfer addressing a ball. However, one end becomes visible directly in front of the golfer at the peak of a correct back swing and the other end becomes visible in front of the golfer at the end of a proper follow through. Golf professionals will find the device useful as a teaching aid.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a solid core which includes a blend of polybutadiene and polyurethane rubber. The rubber component of the core consists of 70 to 95% by weight of a high cis content polybutadiene rubber and 5 to 30% by weight of polyurethane rubber. The core also includes an acrylate of a zinc salt and an organic peroxide initiator.

Abstract: A golf ball is molded in a mold comprising a pair of removably joined mold sections. The golf ball has a plurality of dimples, the dimples being arranged in a polyhedral arrangement. The golf ball is free of a great circle which does not intersect with the dimples. The dimples (D2) lying across the parting line (P) between the mold sections, except for the dimples (D1) whose center lies on the parting line, are shifted upward or downward from the parting line or reduced in diameter so that these dimples are located outside the parting line (P). The dimple surface coverage is at least 71%. A golf ball having high symmetry and excellent flight performance can be prepared using a simple mold.

Abstract: A golf ball including an improved mantle composition which results in improved performance characteristics. The composition includes a soft, flexible resin, such as an elastomer, and a quantity of at least one hardness-enhancing material, such as a quantity of fibers or fiber segments, such as glass, carbon, aramid, and/or metallic fibers, and, optionally, at least one ionomer. The hardness-enhancing material can constitute about 1 to about 30 wt % of the intermediate layer. The composition of the intermediate layer enables the golf ball to maintain initial speed and distance of known golf balls, while improving upon spin rate and playability. Alternatively, spin rate and playability can be maintained, while improving upon the initial speed and distance.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer comprising an ionomer and a filler and having Shore D hardness of about 65 or less, and an outer cover layer comprising an ionomer and having a Shore D hardness of at least 60. The outer cover layer is harder than the inner cover layer. The sum of the thickness of the inner cover layer and the thickness of the outer cover layer is greater than 0.090 inches. A method of making the golf ball also is disclosed.

Abstract: A golf training system that includes a stance platform having four adjustable height legs to allow the user to simulate swinging at different angles. The stance platform includes multiple ball connecting apertures so that the user can practice at several angles without the need for adjusting the adjustable height legs. The golf stance platform is foldable into a suit case configuration and carriable by a handle.

Abstract: A method of producing a hollow golf ball having excellent durability, which comprises a hollow portion with perfect spherical shape. The method of making a hollow golf ball having a hollow core composed of a hollow center having a hollow portion and optionally one or more intermediate core layers formed on the hollow center, and a cover formed on the hollow core, includes the steps of (a) preparing a rubber composition for the hollow center, (b) molding the rubber composition for the hollow center into a vulcanized semi-spherical half-shell, and (c) bonding the two vulcanized semi-spherical half-shells by placing an unvulcanized adhesive rubber composition between bonding surfaces of the two vulcanized semi-spherical half-shells, and vulcanizing it in a mold to form the hollow center, wherein the unvulcanized rubber composition has a t.sub.90 time of 5 to 20 minutes, the t.sub.

Abstract: A golf ball having an outside diameter of at least 1.70 inches which includes a core, an inner cover, or mantle, and an outside cover. The mantle and the outer cover have a different Shore D hardness. Dimples cover at least seventy percent of the outer surface area of the ball. In one embodiment, the mantle has a Shore D hardness between 50 and 60 and the cover has a Shore D hardness of 65 or less with the mantle hardness being greater than the cover hardness. In another embodiment, the mantle has a Shore D hardness of 65 or less and the cover has a Shore D hardness between 50 and 60, with the cover hardness being greater than the mantle hardness.

Abstract: A lottery game includes two or more different denominational levels for game tickets, i.e., two or more groups of tickets with tickets in each group being priced differently from tickets in the other groups. All tickets in any one group are priced identically to one another. Wagers received from each ticket group are placed in a corresponding jackpot pool according to the denominational level or amount of the tickets sold for that pool. All wagers for each denomination are processed by a single central controlling authority, with wagers being distributed to each separate pool according to the corresponding wager denomination. Thus, the present game may provide a series of different and separate jackpot pools corresponding to each ticket price or denominational level. Jackpots or prizes are awarded from each pool to the winning bettor holding a ticket corresponding to that denominational level and jackpot.