Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition.

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.

Abstract: Methods for making multi-piece golf balls having an outer cover, intermediate, or other layer comprising a heterogeneous composition are provided. The heterogeneous composition comprises a mixture of Compounds A and B. For example, the compounds can be different polyurethanes, ethylene acid copolymer ionomers, polyesters, polyamides, or any other suitable materials for making golf ball layers. Compounds having different hardness levels can be used. For example, the composition can comprise a mixture of hard and soft materials. The invention also encompasses golf balls made from such methods. The golf balls have good resiliency and impact durability along with other optimum playing performance properties.

Abstract: Methods for making golf balls and golf ball components using three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing systems are provided. The golf ball includes at least one three-dimensional piece. Preferably, a continuous liquid interface printing method is used to make the three-dimensional structure. Ultraviolet (UV)-light polymerizable materials are used in the method. The method may be used to make single-piece or multi-piece balls. For example, the ball may include an inner core produced by the liquid interface printing method. An outer core layer may be disposed about the inner core, and a cover comprising inner and outer cover layers may encapsulate the core assembly to form the finished golf ball. The outer core and cover layers may be made using conventional molding technologies or methods of this invention.

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.

Abstract: Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises at least one intermediate core layer formed from a metallic, composite, or inorganic/organic hybrid composition.

Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.

Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.

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.

Abstract: Golf ball having at least three layers comprising an ionomeric and/or HNP composition, wherein for each two adjacent layers there is a relationship between a ratio of the volumes of the two adjacent layers and a ratio of the percent (%) neutralizations of those two layers such that the volumes and % neutralizations of all layers are interrelated and interdependent to produce unique and desirable playing characteristics. In one embodiment, a golf ball of the invention has T layers, wherein T?3 and each of the T layers has a different volume “V” and comprises an ionomeric and/or HNP composition having a different % neutralization “N”. Furthermore, each inner layer n of the T layers (n<T) has an adjacent surrounding layer n+1 such that a volume Vn and a % neutralization Nn of each inner layer and a volume V(n+1) and % neutralization N(n+1) of each adjacent surrounding layer n+1 satisfy the relationship (Vn?V(n+1))/Vn?(N(n+1)?Nn)/Nn.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball comprising at least one layer consisting of at least one of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition comprising the steps of: providing a subassembly having at least one of an innermost surface or an outermost surface; providing at least one polymeric mixture Pc comprising a plurality of particles having a softening, melting and/or reacting temperature Mp; heating a fluid with a heat source that does not contact Pc to a temperature Mph wherein Mp?Mph to form a heated fluid; softening, melting and/or reacting the plurality of particles by mixing each polymeric mixture Pc with at least one heated fluid and forming at least one heated mixture Pcs; and propelling each Pcs onto at least one of the innermost surface or the outermost surface to form a thermoset and/or thermoplastic layer Tmpl about the outermost surface which may be comprised of a heterogeneous composition. The thickness of Tmpl may be from about 3 mils to about 0.10 in.

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.

Abstract: A method of forming a golf ball comprising at least one layer consisting of at least one of a thermoset or thermoplastic composition comprising the steps of: providing a subassembly having at least one of an innermost surface or an outermost surface; providing at least one polymeric mixture Pc comprising a plurality of particles having a softening, melting and/or reacting temperature Mp; heating a fluid with a heat source that does not contact Pc to a temperature Mph wherein Mp?Mph to form a heated fluid; softening, melting and/or reacting the plurality of particles by mixing each polymeric mixture Pc with at least one heated fluid and forming at least one heated mixture Pcs; and propelling each Pcs onto at least one of the innermost surface or the outermost surface to form a thermoset and/or thermoplastic layer Tmpl about the outermost surface which may be comprised of a heterogeneous composition. The thickness of Tmpl may be from about 3 mils to about 0.10 in.

Abstract: Golf balls having an initial velocity greater than 255 ft/sec and/or an overall distance of greater than 320 yards are disclosed. The golf balls comprise one or more core layers, one or more cover layers, and optionally one or more intermediate layers disposed between the core and the cover. At least one layer is optionally formed from a composition comprising from 2 wt % to 50 wt % of a plasticizer, based on the total weight of the composition.

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.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed a golf ball comprising a core and a cover and an optional intermediate layer disposed between the core and cover, wherein at least one of the core and the intermediate layer comprises any Pantone Matching System color including blue, green, yellow, pink, or orange having an L* value of about 80 or less; and wherein the cover comprises a translucent thermoset polyurethane material and an amount of pigment or dye such that the cover has any Pantone Matching System color including blue, green, yellow, pink, or orange that has an L* value of about 80 or less. The thermoset polyurethane material may be formed from an aliphatic isocyanate-based composition.

Abstract: Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.

Abstract: Golf balls having multi-layered covers and single or multi-layered cores are provided. The cover includes an inner cover layer made of an aromatic polyurethane composition; and outer cover layer made of an aliphatic polyurethane composition. Ethylene acid copolymer ionomers can be used to make a second inner cover layer. Preferably, the total thickness of the multi-layered cover is preferably no greater than 0.110 inches. Thermoplastic and thermoset polyurethanes can be used to form the cover. The invention also includes casting methods for making such multi-layered covers. The resulting ball has good light-stability, cut/shear-resistance, and impact durability.

Abstract: Golf ball with a novel combination of spin rate, lift coefficient, drag coefficients, and optionally moment of inertia: a golf ball with a low spin rate, a high lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a high moment of inertia; and a golf ball with a high spin rate, a low lift coefficient, a low drag coefficient, and optionally a low moment of inertia.