Abstract: A game ball having a highly durable cover exterior formed of a urethane gum rubber compound. The urethane material of the cover exterior is a cross-linked molded rubber material which provides superior abrasion resistance compared to ball covers made from a molded natural rubber.

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 one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. 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 game ball having a cover formed from a crosslinkable thermoplastic polyurethane is disclosed. 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.

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.

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 one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. 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 solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered. For a multi-layered cover, the inner cover layer is comprised of a hard, high modulus material and the outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus material and/or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyetheramide. Separately, the inner and/or outer cover layers are very thin in construction. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced playability characteristics (i.e.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed that includes a core assembly comprising a center core component and at least one core layer and a cover comprising at least one layer. The center core component preferably is formed from a sulfur-cured polybutadiene. The core layer component preferably is formed from a peroxide-cured polybutadiene and a metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid such as zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides enhanced playability characteristics (i.e., spin and feel) without sacrificing distance or durability properties. The sulfur-cured center core component exhibits a remarkable combination of properties—a high resiliency coupled with being very soft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf ball comprising a soft core and a hard cover to produce a resulting golf ball having a reduced spin rate. In this regard, a core is provided and metal particles, or other heavy weight filler materials, are included in the cover compositions. This results in a golf ball exhibiting enhanced perimeter weighting. Preferably, the particles are included in a relatively thick inner cover layer (or mantle) of a solid, three-piece multi-layered golf ball. In another preferred version, one or more patterns of weighting material are incorporated in the ball, and most preferably along the outer periphery of the ball so that the pattern is visible along the ball's exterior. The size and weight of the core is reduced in order to produce an overall golf ball which meets, or is less than, the 1.62 ounce maximum weight limitation specified by the United States Golf Association.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided having a controlled variable moment of inertia. The golf ball includes a core defining at least one hollow channel. At least one movable weight is located within each hollow channel. The end of the hollow channel at the outer edge of the core is enclosed with a plug. The movable weight and plug may each further include a magnet or the hollow channel may include a placement member such as a spring to control the movement of the weight. When the present golf ball is struck, the spin rate forces the weights to move from the interior of the core outwardly towards the outer edge of the core, thereby varying the moment of inertia of the golf ball. A method of manufacturing the present golf ball is also provided. The golf ball also significantly reduces hooks and slices due to the gyroscopic effect of the moving weight(s) to the outer edge of the core.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided having a controlled weight distribution about a designated spin axis. The golf ball includes a core defining one or more high density regions interiorly disposed along a common plane and centered about the horizontal spin axis of the ball. As a result of the controlled weight distribution, the resulting ball significantly reduces hooks and slices. A method of manufacturing and/or utilizing the present golf ball is also provided.

Abstract: A golf ball is described that includes a spherical core, an inner cover or mantle layer, and an outer cover layer. A wide array of ionomeric materials are noted for use in the various cover layers. The mantle and the outer cover layers exhibit different Shore D hardness values and at least one of the layers includes a heavy weight filler material to enhance the interior perimeter weight of the ball. In several particular versions of the golf balls, the filler material is present in an amount of at least 10% by weight based upon the weight of the layer or layers within which the filler material is incorporated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material selecting from the group consisting of a polybutadiene, a polyisoprene, or combinations thereof; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material selected from the group consisting of a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or combinations thereof. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered.

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 one or more polyurethane layers are preferably formed via a reaction injection molding (RIM) technique. The inner cover layer is relatively soft and preferably comprises an ionomer or ionomer blend. The outer cover layer is relatively hard and comprises a hard polyurethane. 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 solid, non-wound, golf ball comprising two or more core components, and a cover component. The core components comprise i) a small, inner, high density, spherical center component comprising a blend of powdered metal and a first matrix material; and, ii) an outer core layer disposed about the spherical center component, formed from a second matrix material. The golf ball may further comprise a second or additional outer core layer(s) that surround the first outer core layer. The cover may be single or multi-layered. For a multi-layered cover, the inner cover layer is comprised of a hard, high modulus material and the outer cover layer is comprised of a soft, very low modulus material and/or a non-ionomeric thermoplastic elastomer such as polyurethane, polyester or polyetheramide. Separately, the inner and/or outer cover layers are very thin in construction. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides for enhanced playability characteristics (i.e.

Abstract: An improved process for producing polybutadiene golf ball cores is disclosed. The golf ball cores are from polybutadiene rubber compositions having a high Mooney viscosity and/or a high molecular weight and a low dispersity is disclosed. The apparatus includes an internal mixer that compounds a batch of golf ball core stock. A sheeter forms sheets of golf ball core stock and has a sheeter inlet proximate the mixer outlet and a sheeter outlet. A preform shaper forms golf ball core preforms from the sheets of golf ball core stock.

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: A golf ball is provided having a controlled weight distribution about a designated spin axis. The golf ball includes a core and mantle assembly defining one or more high density regions interiorly disposed along a common plane and centered about the horizontal spin axis of the ball. As a result of the controlled weight distribution, the resulting ball significantly reduces hooks and slices. A method of manufacturing and/or utilizing the present golf ball is also provided.

Abstract: A golf ball is provided having a controlled weight distribution about a designated spin axis. The golf ball includes a core defining one or more high density regions interiorly disposed along a common plane and centered about the horizontal spin axis of the ball. As a result of the controlled weight distribution, the resulting ball significantly reduces hooks and slices. A method of manufacturing and/or utilizing the present golf ball is also provided.

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.

Abstract: A golf ball is disclosed that includes a core assembly comprising a center core component and at least one core layer and a cover comprising at least one layer. The center core component preferably is formed from a sulfur-cured polybutadiene. The core layer component preferably is formed from a peroxide-cured polybutadiene and a metal salt of an unsaturated fatty acid such as zinc diacrylate or zinc dimethacrylate. The resulting golf ball of the present invention provides enhanced playability characteristics (i.e., spin and feel) without sacrificing distance or durability properties. The sulfur-cured center core component exhibits a remarkable combination of properties—a high resiliency coupled with being very soft.