Patents by Inventor David M. Melanson
David M. Melanson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 6935970Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
-
Patent number: 6932931Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
-
Patent number: 6905427Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
-
Patent number: 6896629Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer. The core defines at least one depression along its outer surface. The cover layer provides at least one aperture that extends through the cover layer to the core. The aperture of the cover is aligned with the depression of the core. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The aperture(s) may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the aperture that extends to the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the aperture.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon
-
Patent number: 6872154Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples having two or more different radii is disclosed. The deep dimples(s) extend(s) through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. The deep dual dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
-
Patent number: 6855077Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball with deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides deep dimples that extend through the cover layer and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. At least one percent (1%), preferably about five percent (5%), of the dimples of the ball comprise deep dimples. The cover may be a single layer or include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to or into the core. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
-
Patent number: 6855076Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
-
Publication number: 20040239000Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2004Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
-
Publication number: 20040224042Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball having one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding. The outwardly extending protrusion has a height greater than or equal to the thickness of the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy
-
Publication number: 20040209710Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
-
Patent number: 6793593Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-layer golf ball having a core, an inner cover layer comprising an ionomer 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 core preferably comprises a high molecular weight polybutadiene that exhibits an ultra high Mooney viscosity. 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
-
Patent number: 6790149Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath is disclosed. The cover may be a single layer or it may include multiple layers. If the cover is a multi-layer cover, the dimples extend to or into at least the first inner cover layer, and may extend to and/or into two or more inner cover layers. If the cover is a single layer, the dimples extend to and/or into the core. The cover layer(s) may be formed from any material suitable for use as a cover, including, but not limited to, ionomers, non-ionomers and blends of ionomers and non-ionomers. The dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple. Optionally, a moisture barrier layer may be present between the core and/or the cover layer(s).Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Viktor Keller, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis
-
Publication number: 20040166185Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball with one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The golf ball comprises a core and a cover layer, wherein the cover layer provides one or more deep dimples that extend through the cover layer to and/or into a layer or component underneath are disclosed. Preferably, the deep dimples are at least twice the depth of conventional dimples, more preferably, three or four times the depth of the conventional dimples. The deep dimples may be spherical or non-spherical, and the portion of the dimple that extends to or into the next inner layer may be the same or different shape as the outer portion of the dimple.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
-
Patent number: 6776731Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for forming multi-layer golf balls, and more particularly to processes and equipment for forming multi-layer golf balls having one or more deep dimples that extend through the outer cover layer and into one or more matching depressions in the layers or components thereunder.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas A. Veilleux, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, David M. Melanson, Michael J. Tzivanis, John L. Nealon
-
Patent number: 6769900Abstract: Molding equipment and related techniques for forming a golf ball are disclosed. The molding equipment includes the use of a mandrel with a spherical portion sized to fit within a molding chamber. The molding equipment and related processes are particularly useful when forming the various layers by reaction injection molding.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Daniel Murphy, Vincent J. Simonds, Kevin J. Shannon, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson
-
Patent number: 6755634Abstract: An apparatus and related techniques for making a golf ball having one or more deep dimples are disclosed. The apparatus is a molding assembly for making a golf ball which includes a mold body that defines a molding cavity. The molding cavity is adapted to accommodate and preferably retain a golf ball core during a molding operation of one or more layers about the core. The molding assembly includes at least one material flow inlet, at least one material flow channel extending between and providing fluid communication with the material flow inlet and the molding cavity. The molding cavity includes at least one outwardly extending protrusion that forms a deep dimple that extends through the cover of the golf ball to and/or into the underlying component of the golf ball upon molding. The outwardly extending protrusion has a height greater than or equal to the thickness of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Callaway Golf CompanyInventors: Michael J. Tzivanis, David M. Melanson, Vincent J. Simonds, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
-
Publication number: 20040092337Abstract: Disclosed is a process to increase adhesion between two adjacent layers. The process comprises roughening the surface of one layer followed by chlorination of the roughened surface and joining of the layers, or treating the surface of one layer with a silicone-based adhesion promoter and joining the layers. In one preferred embodiment the process comprises roughening the surface of one layer, followed by chlorination of the roughened surface, joining of the layers and post-treatment of the molded layers at an elevated temperature for a predetermined time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: The Top-Flite Golf CompanyInventors: Michael John Tzivanis, William M. Risen, Robert A. Weiss, Thomas J. Kennedy, David M. Melanson
-
Publication number: 20040077434Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
-
Publication number: 20040077435Abstract: A golf ball component, such as a golf ball cover layer, formed from a high or increased melt index thermoplastic polyurethane, polyurea or polyurethane/polyurea is disclosed. The cover layer may be relatively thin (i.e., 0.075 or less, preferably 0.050 inches or less, more preferably less than 0.040 inches, even more preferably less than 0.030 inches). In addition, an operation in which the outer cover is exposed to an isocyanate solution is described to improve certain physical properties of the resulting golf ball.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventors: Gary Matroni, Thomas J. Kennedy, Michael J. Tzivanis, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson
-
Publication number: 20040053706Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golf ball with a cover or mantle, or both, formed from an isophthalic acid polyamide composition and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the golf ball has a cover which contains a combination of an isophthalic acid polyamide component and an ionomeric component or a non-ionomeric terpolymer component. The cover composition has excellent durability and resistance to cracking, even at cold temperatures. The nylon-ionomer blend is a useful substitute for an ionomer golf ball cover, particularly when a low spin golf ball is desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Applicant: Spalding Sports Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Kennedy, John T. Neill, Mark L. Binette, David M. Melanson