Patents by Inventor Derek Ladd

Derek Ladd 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).

  • MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20160074712
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • GOLF BALL CORES HAVING FOAM CENTER AND THEMOPLASTIC OUTER LAYERS
    Publication number: 20160074711
    Abstract: Golf ball multi-layered core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes a foam inner core (center); and intermediate and outer core layers. Foamed polyurethane is preferably used to make the inner core. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably made from non-foamed thermoplastic compositions such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. In an alternative version, the intermediate core layer may be made of a thermoset rubber such as polybutadiene. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • Golf balls with oxygen and moisture blocking protective paint layer
    Patent number: 9283438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for golf equipment that can be applied as a thin paint layer to block oxygen and moisture from underlying structural layers. The compositions include a polymer component present in a resin system, a stabilizing component, and porous particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Derek A. Ladd, Nicholas M. Nardacci, Edmund A. Hebert
  • MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20160067555
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably greater than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • Multi-layer core golf ball having opposing hardness gradient with steep gradient outer core layer
    Patent number: 9259621
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising an inner core formed from a substantially homogenous composition such that the geometric center hardness is 56-80 Shore C and the outer surface hardness is 50-75 Shore C. An outer core layer has an outer surface having hardness of 85-98 Shore C and an inner surface hardness of 68-78 Shore C and being formed from a second homogenous rubber composition. A cover layer is disposed about the outer core layer. The hardness of the second outer surface is greater than the hardness of the inner surface to define a positive hardness gradient of +7 to +30 Shore C, and the hardness of the first outer surface is lower than the hardness of the geometric center to define a negative hardness gradient of ?1 to ?15 Shore C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau
  • MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20160023057
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably less than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • HIGHLY-NEUTRALIZED THERMOPLASTIC COPOLYMER CENTER FOR IMPROVED MULTI-LAYER CORE GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20160023054
    Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls comprising a center, intermediate layer, and cover are disclosed. The center is formed from a highly-neutralized acid copolymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • GOLF BALLS HAVING FOAM INNER CORE AND THEMOPLASTIC OUTER CORE
    Publication number: 20150375060
    Abstract: Multi-piece golf balls containing a dual-core structure are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The outer core layer is preferably formed from a non-foamed thermoplastic composition such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. Preferably, the specific gravity (density) of the foam inner core is less than the density of the outer core layer. The ball further includes a cover of at least one layer and may include at least one casing layer. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MARKING THE SURFACE OF A SPHERICAL OBJECT WHILE ROTATING THE SPHERICAL OBJECT IN ANY DIRECTION ABOUT ITS CENTER
    Publication number: 20150367184
    Abstract: A device and method for marking a spherical golf ball component, comprising: at least one rotation support; at least one spherical golf ball component having a center and an outer surface; wherein each spherical golf ball component is mountable on the rotation support such that the spherical golf ball component is rotatable in any direction about its center; and at least one marking arm that marks the outer surface while the spherical golf ball component is rotating. At least one marking arm may be motionless while marking the spherical golf ball component, or the marking arm may be motionless at least temporarily while marking the spherical golf ball component, or the marking arm may be movable to mark the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd, Nicholas M. Nardacci
  • Blends of linear and branched neodymium-catalyzed rubber formulations for use in golf balls
    Patent number: 9205307
    Abstract: The invention relates to golf ball formulations formed from blends of linear and branched polybutadienes catalyzed with neodymium that have improved properties and processing characteristics. Golf ball components may be formed from the blends to provide high coefficient of restitution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian Comeau, David A. Bulpett, Derek A. Ladd
  • MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20150343272
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls including a layer formed from a composition comprising a relatively soft or low modulus HNP, a layer formed from a composition comprising a relatively hard or high modulus HNP, an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition, and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: ACUSHNET COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones
  • Multi-layer core golf ball
    Patent number: 9199131
    Abstract: A golf ball comprising: an inner core having a compression of less than about 60, wherein the inner core comprises a highly neutralized thermoplastic ionomer; at least one intermediate layer surrounding the inner core, having a hardness of at least about 55 Shore D, a specific gravity and a flexural modulus such that each of the hardness, specific gravity and flexural modulus of the intermediate layer is greater than a hardness, a specific gravity, and a flexural modulus of the inner core; and a cover surrounding the at least one intermediate layer, having a flexural modulus and a Shore D hardness that are greater than a flexural modulus and a hardness of the inner core, and a Shore D hardness of the cover is at least 60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert
  • MULTI-LAYER GOLF BALL
    Publication number: 20150335959
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to multi-layer golf balls including a layer formed from a relatively soft or low modulus HNP composition and a layer formed from a relatively hard or high modulus HNP composition. Optionally, the soft (or low modulus) HNP composition and/or the hard (or high modulus) HNP composition is plasticized or is replaced with a different plasticized acid copolymer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Edmund A. Hebert, Douglas E. Jones
  • Multi-layer core golf ball
    Patent number: 9192819
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a layer formed from a highly neutralized polymer composition, a layer formed from an additional thermoplastic composition, and an outermost layer formed from a thermoset rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Brian Comeau, Douglas S. Goguen
  • Golf ball cores having foam center and thermoplastic outer layers
    Patent number: 9192820
    Abstract: Golf ball multi-layered core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes a foam inner core (center); and intermediate and outer core layers. Foamed polyurethane is preferably used to make the inner core. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably made from non-foamed thermoplastic compositions such as ethylene acid copolymer ionomer. In an alternative version, the intermediate core layer may be made of a thermoset rubber such as polybutadiene. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci
  • MULTI-PIECE GOLF BALL COMPRISING LOW HARDNESS GRADIENT CORE
    Publication number: 20150306464
    Abstract: A golf ball includes a single core formed from a substantially homogenous rubber composition, an inner cover disposed about the core, and an outer cover. The inner cover includes an ionomeric material and has a hardness of about 60 Shore D or greater. The outer cover layer is disposed about the inner cover layer, is formed from a castable polyurea or polyurethane, and has a material hardness of about 60 Shore D or less. The outer surface of the core has a trans content of about 12% or less and a hardness of about 71 to 88 Shore C, the geometric center of the core has a trans content of about 10% or less and a hardness of about 70 to 80 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than the geometric center hardness by about 1 to 10 Shore C to define a shallow positive hardness gradient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Brian Comeau, Michael J. Sullivan, Douglas E. Jones, Derek A. Ladd
  • Multi-layer core golf ball
    Patent number: 9155940
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably greater than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • Highly-neutralized thermoplastic copolymer center for improved multi-layer core golf ball
    Patent number: 9149688
    Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls comprising a center, intermediate layer, and cover are disclosed. The center is formed from a highly-neutralized acid copolymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • Multi-layer core golf ball
    Patent number: 9149691
    Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The Shore C hardness of the outer surface of the center is preferably less than the Shore C hardness of the geometric center of the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd
  • MULTI-LAYERED CORES HAVING FOAM INNER CORE FOR GOLF BALLS
    Publication number: 20150265879
    Abstract: Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate core layer is preferably formed from a thermoplastic composition such as an ethylene acid copolymer ionomer resin; and the outer core layer is preferably formed from a thermoset composition such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. In one preferred embodiment, the inner core has a positive hardness gradient, the intermediate core has a positive hardness gradient, and the outer core has a zero or negative hardness gradient. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Michael J. Sullivan, Derek A. Ladd, Mark L. Binette, Brian Comeau, Michael Michalewich, Shawn Ricci