Abstract: Various reaction injection molding (“RIM”) processes and molding equipment are disclosed. In particular, a multi-stage molding process and molding assembly is disclosed for the production of layers or cores on golf balls. The process utilizes a collection of molds, including shuttle molds and/or molding assist members, that readily enables reaction injection molding of layer(s) on golf ball cores or intermediate golf ball assemblies.

Abstract: Various reaction injection molding (“RIM”) processes and molding equipment are disclosed. In particular, a multi-stage molding process and molding assembly is disclosed for the production of layers or cores on golf balls. The process utilizes a collection of molds, including shuttle molds and/or molding assist members, that readily enables reaction injection molding of layer(s) on golf ball cores or intermediate golf ball assemblies.

Abstract: An improved golf ball injection mold is characterized by upper and lower support plates each containing corresponding hemispherical cavities which define spherical mold cavities when the plates are brought together. A plurality of retractable core pins are arranged in each cavity for supporting a core of a golf ball. Fluid thermoplastic material is supplied to each cavity to form the cover layer on the golf ball core. A valve pin is arranged in a gate in the upper plate in the center of the upper hemispherical cavity adjacent to a pole of the golf ball being formed in the cavity. The valve pin is operable between extended and retracted positions relative to the gate to deliver the thermoplastic material to the cavity and a closed position intermediate of the extended and retracted positions to stop the flow of thermoplastic material during curing of the cover layer.

Abstract: An improved golf ball injection mold is characterized by upper and lower support plates each containing corresponding hemispherical cavities which define spherical mold cavities when the plates are brought together. A plurality of retractable core pins are arranged in each cavity for supporting a core of a golf ball. Fluid thermoplastic material is supplied to each cavity to form the cover layer on the golf ball core. A valve pin is arranged in a gate in the upper plate in the center of the upper hemispherical cavity adjacent to a pole of the golf ball being formed in the cavity. The valve pin is operable between extended and retracted positions relative to the gate to deliver the thermoplastic material to the cavity and a closed position intermediate of the extended and retracted positions to stop the flow of thermoplastic material during curing of the cover layer.

Abstract: An improved golf ball injection mold is characterized by upper and lower support plates each containing corresponding hemispherical cavities which define spherical mold cavities when the plates are brought together. A plurality of retractable core pins are arranged in each cavity for supporting a core of a golf ball. A runner within the plates delivers fluid thermoplastic material to each cavity to form a cover on the golf ball core supported therein, and a cooling channel is provided adjacent to each cavity to provide even cooling of the thermoplastic material. Independently operated ejection assemblies are provided for the golf ball and for the residual thermoplastic material in the runner. With the improved ejection mold, the size and roundness of the golf ball and the surface configuration of the golf ball cover are more consistent and the molding time is reduced.

Abstract: A golf ball having two hemispheres separated by an equator. Each hemisphere has an identical dimple pattern comprising a dimple-free area adjacent the equator, a plurality of substantially identical sections extending between the pole and the equator with each dimple pattern comprising a plurality of elongated dimples, each dimple having an axis extending at an angle relative to the equator between 0.degree. and 90.degree. in either direction. The majority of the dimples overlap at least one adjacent dimple.

Abstract: An injection mold for producing a two-piece golf ball includes first and second cavities having mating hemispherical inner surfaces with retractable pins for supporting a solid core within the cavities spaced from the inner hemispherical surface. A runner system is provided in the mold for distributing flowable plastic material. A plurality of tunnel gates substantially equally spaced about the perimeter in one of the sections interconnect the inner hemispherical surfaces to the runner system with the tunnel gates being vertically offset from the parting line surface of the two sections. The pins support the solid core in its premolding condition such that the center of the core is slightly offset from the centerline of the mold in the direction of the inner hemispherical surface of the cavity containing the tunnel gates.