Abstract: A golf ball is provided with a substantially clear cover so that the core of the ball is visible through the cover. The core is preferably formed from a blend of ionomer resins which have different metal cations but substantially the same acid content. The core may be printed with indicia such as a logo or stripes which are visible through the clear cover. The core may also be colored by pigment which is included in the core or by a coat of pigmented paint. One or more clear top coats can be applied to the cover. A used ball can be recycled without stripping the top coat by abrading the outer surface of the ball and applying a fresh top coat. Extended range ball use is possible because the logo stays intact indefinitely.

Abstract: A golf ball includes a core and a cover which is formed from two separate inner and outer layers. The inner layer is molded over the core and is formed from ionomer resin. The outer layer is molded over the inner layer and is formed from a blend of natural or synthetic balata and a crosslinkable elastomer such as polybutadiene. The elastomer is thermally crosslinked with a metallic salt of an unsaturated fatty acid, such as zinc diacrylate, and a crosslinking initiator such as organic peroxide.

Abstract: A golf ball cover includes a blend of natural or synthetic balata and a crosslinkable elastomer such as polybutadiene. The elastomer is thermally crosslinked with a metallic salt of an unsaturated fatty acid, such as zinc diacrylate, and a crosslinking initiator such as organic peroxide.

Abstract: A golf ball consists of a core and a cover. A transparent primer coat is applied over the cover, and a transparent outermost clear coat is applied over the primer coat. The primer coat contains an optical brightener in the amount of about 0.45 to 2.7% by weight of the solids content of the primer coat.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a composite article including an inflatable center adapted to retain a predetermined shape covered with a covering of molded material and preferably an inflatable composite article such as a game ball with a covering of more uniform thickness. Surfaces of complementary elements of a mold are adapted to define, when the mold is closed, a molding cavity corresponding to the outer surface of a desired composite article. Said surfaces are electrostatically sprayed with a molding material to form a layer of molding material over said surfaces. Preferably, electrostatic spraying is performed while heating the mold preferably to a temperature above 135.degree.C. and most desirably between 150.degree. and 190.degree.C. An inflatable center is then inserted into the mold and the mold is closed to define the molding cavity with the inflatable center therein.